2. amps-preamps
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Power Amp recommendations

My Rotel RB-1080 power amp has been having problems losing the right channel- it's been fixed, but the guy told me he'd discovered it's a known problem with several models of Rotel.

I'm thinking about looking to replace the amp, though I've enjoyed it quite a lot, and am looking for suggestions. Over the past year or two, I've returned to listening to LPs almost exclusively, and have built a pretty nice selection of audiophile quality 180/200 gram LPs, including quite a few MOFI titles.

My present set-up is as follows:
Music Hall 5.1 se turntable
Denon DVD 3910
Marantz bd 5004
Marantz 7001 pre-amp
Rotel RB-1080 power amp
Revel F12 speakers

What should I be looking at to replace the Rotel? Is there a reasonably affordable way to get into tube amps, if I were so inclined, and should I even consider them?
rrichmo
vhiner
544 posts
 
Buying an amp is a greatly misunderstood process, even among some audiophiles. You'll get a lot of opinions on this thread, but the best suggestions will come from those who have actually owned your model of speakers. Many years of experimentation has taught me that suggestions by those without direct experience usually amount to just speculation and questionable theory. Some combinations "should" work, but do not.

Speaker/amplifier synergy is *critical.* For example, I have owned your Marantz receiver but have never heard the F12s. Consequently, any suggestion I make about a particular amp would be theoretical at best.

It would also help people if they knew your price range and what kinds of sounds you like and don't like. Your best leads in this particular audio conundrum will come from Focal owners who have gone before you. Good luck on your search.
celtic66
1,657 posts
 
Agree with a lot of what Vhiner says. Having said that, you are not marrying any of these and half the fun is owning and experimenting. For a SS amplifier you might consider the Rega Mira. Very solid performer and should easily beat the Rotel for authority.

VTL-85 is a terrific affordable tube amplifier. I would avoid most of the Chinese built cheaper tube amplifiers as most do not sound as good and have serious reliability problems in comparison. Hope this helps.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Buying an amp is a greatly misunderstood process, even among some audiophiles."

What's so hard about buying an amp? I walk into the store, pick one out, and pay for it. It couldn't be easier.
vhiner
544 posts
 
ZD542'

LOL. Should've said "buying the amp that'll float your boat." Good point.
minorl
1,016 posts
 
It is "fun" if you buy equipment that makes you enjoy the music and smile. It is definitely not "fun" buying equipment only to find that it doesn't work well at all in your system and you have to very shortly replace it with something else. I try not to be a member of the amp of the month club. this is why I will not buy without an in home audition of the equipment first. I realize that some of us are located very far away from dealers. But, it can't hurt to contact the manufacturer or dealer and request this type of consideration.

Also, forgive me, but if the Rotel has been fixed, then what is the problem? If it fails again, or sounds not quite right, then I would look for something else. But, if it is fixed, then it is fixed.

enjoy
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