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Rotel RB 1070 from Elite Receiver Big Difference?

I'm planning on a new set of speakers (Posiibly Polk LSi9's) that will require 4 ohm amp. My Pioneer Elite receiver (43tx) only rated for 6ohm or higher. Although the Pioneer sounds good (very neutral--which is its job), I'm thinking of Rotel RB 1070 to drive fronts (then I can upgrade speakers). I hear Rotel sounds a touch warmer than Pioneer? If this is so...that would be perfect. Anyway, I'm hoping the Rotel amp would be an improvement or as good as the Elite amp. Opinions?
aberyclark
zieman
339 posts
 
The Rotel is miles better than the Pioneer. The Pioneer will also become miles better on any remaining channels by using the Rotel for front L&R. Nice upgrade.
Post removed 
magfan
1,583 posts
 
The ONLY hangup with the RB-1070 is no factory 4ohm rating.
8ohm, sure and 'bridged' also, but no 4ohm rating.
It is 130x2@8 and (can't recall) 330 or 360 bridged/mono.

That being said, unless the Polks are really awful loads, you should be OK. The Rotel drove my Magnepan MG-1.6s quite well, except when going for sheer loudness and never ran too warm... The Maggies, while being 'current hogs' also are not a bad load, NEVER going below 4ohms and with moderate phase angles.

The RB-1080 is 200x2@8 and HAS factory 4ohm rating.

Maybe it is worth the extra (aprox)40% new?
2 further points.
What is the mininum impedence of the Polks?
Do you want to take a chance on having to do this twice?
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