step up from rotel?

52tiger,

As previous posters said, more info about the rest of your system, what you are trying to improve, etc would be helpful.

Here's a thought, though: I had B&W CM4 with Rotel RB1080 + Rotel RC1070 pre and Roted CD player (my first system) and sounded good to me. Then I upgraded speakers to B&W 804S and started feeling the trebble was harsh (unlike what I heard at the dealer's). I ended up upgrading the amp to a McIntosh MC275, which is tubed. Believe it or not, the 275 outperforms the 1080 even on bass (at least when matched with the 804S), despite what specs might suggest. This combo is so much more enjoyable. Great match. And in my case tubes have been maintenance-free, and fun rolling them.

Maybe don't rule out tubes without auditioning them. In the case of McIntosh, a similarly priced SS amp is the MC252, but then you haven't given us any budget so I might be way off the chart.

I hope this helps.

If BAT find a vk 500 w/BAT pack.

If looking in that price range of vk 200 think about an Odyssey Stratos extreme.

An ATI 2000 2ch would be a step up IMO.

I'd think really hard about a Butler TDB amp too. Although a Hybrid amp, I feel it's a no brainer in the under $2K preowned mkt... it's SE only though, if that matters. With a TDB 5150 you could bi amp your speakers.

My budget is $1000 or so, my room isn't really a factor because I am renting and will be moving in April. If all goes well my new place will have a dedicated listening room, maybe 18x 12 just not sure but I am looking for a place with that in mind. I am really not a audiophile and more of a music lover. With that in mind how should my rotel be sounding, what should I hear? Maybe that's a silly question. Thanks for all the info.Scott

Could switch to Emotiva or Wyred for Sound -- both of which would be upgrades imho

What is a ice amp?