Any Rotel love around here? Looking to power my Sonus Faber Olympica 3

@joey_v

I'm looking into new amplification for our system and I spent a couple hours with the Rotel RC1590/RB1590 paired  with the Rotel RCD1570, AudioQuest cabling and Bowers and Wilkins CM10 S2.

In a nutshell, it was fantastic. To elaborate a bit; great tone, detail and resolution, powerful, dynamic and so easy to listen to. There was such an ease and scale to the music. Whether played at background levels, cranked up or anywhere in between the music sounded excellent.

Part of me didn't want it to sound that good. It's at the top of our budget and I was hoping (just a little bit) that I wouldn't be impressed. Well, I didn't stand a chance. After about twenty minutes into the audition I knew it was going to be the set-up to beat.

I've listened to some great stuff under $5k and I'm going to check out a few more things this coming week but the Rotel RC1590/RB1590 is going to be very hard to beat. If you have the opportunity audition it

Cheers,

Scott
 

@joey_v

I spent a couple more more hours with the RC/RB1590 set. My impression hasn’t changed. They are outstaning. If budget wasn’t a concern for me I would have ordered a set and been done. Period. Thanks for starting this post.

I also spent about an hour listening to the Musical Fidelity M5si 150 watt integrated. Not exactly apples to apples comparison but it gave me a feel for the different presentations. The MF was a bit warmer and a touch softer. As you go up in watts with MF that may not be the case. If it wasn't for budget constraints I would investigate MF further.

@shadorne

Thanks for your comments on the NAD C165/C275BEE set. I have used an NAD 320BEE as well as 325BEE in systems for years. NAD makes great stuff. I’ve lived with an Arcam integrated (A19) for three years now and your Rotel/NAD comparison could apply to an Arcam/NAD comparison as well.

I’m trying my best to listen to the 165/275 but the nearest dealer that has them is three hours away. That fact and my budget constraints (which precludes me from going with the RC/RB1590s) leads me to the conclusion that I’m going to order the NADs from a source with a generous return policy and give them a go.

Cheers,

Scott

@joey_v 

That's great you have heard the MF 6. With the power that the 6 has I bet you have really good idea of the MF sound.I really enjoyed the 5. I can imagine that the 6 is excellent.

Yeah, you'll have to find a lot of real estate on the floor if that RB1590 won't go into the cabinet. I don't think my wife would be thrilled with that scenario either.😮

The RA-1592 looks to be a great amp. It's based on the 200 watt RB 1582 MKll; I haven't heard it but from what I've been told the RB 1590 really is head and shoulders above it.

Although I believe the RC1590/RB1590 would be outstanding and fits your needs, I'm  going to throw a couple of "wildcards" out there since you're going to use this as an a/v set-up; the Peachtree Nova300 and the Arcam SR250. Two amps that seem to have a lot of potential for a multi-use situation.

Cheers,

Scott

@joey_v

Your not stuck. Chances are you'll be very happy how well that RA1592 works with your SFs. Whats great is if it doesn't work out you'll be able to return it to Magnolias with no hassles.

So Magnolia still sells Rotel? It was a Design Center, correct? The reason I ask is because Rotel doesn't show up on Magnolias website.

I may still end up with the RC/RB1590 set if I can get a couple years interest free financing like I did for my B&Ws. I love Magnolias/BB for their no hassle returns and financing.:-)

Cheers,

Scott

@joey_v

Oh yeah, I know about your big rig. This isn't the only neighborhood I hang out in:-) I wish my main system was as sweet as your SF/Rotel system will be.

I'm betting that set-up will sound great and you and your wife will love it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers,

Scott