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Rotel RMB-985 or new Amp?

I have a Rotel RMB-985 pushing B&W Nautilus 805s (x3) in the front and B&W DSM6s in the rear. This is accompanied by a B&W ASW-3000 Sub. I'm about to pull the trigger on an Onkyo Pro 885 (same as Integra 9.8) to replace my fading Sony 9000ES pre/pro.

My question is about the 985. Its nearing 10 years old. Should I consider replacing it in the near future? Has amp technology gained ground like that of the pre/pros? Other than the additional two channels, would I gain much with a newer amp? At the end of the day, I guess what I would like is the amp that is well suited for my pre/pro and speakers.

As always, I appreciate your thoughts and feedback.

Dave
lodi

Showing 2 responses by knownothing

Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,535 posts
 
Depends on how much you want to spend. Spend more than the Rotel cost in the first place, and your B&W speakers will let you know. Go to tubes instead of solid state, get a different sound altogether.

If you are looking to spend about the same amount, I would suggest you look at these products because they will sound different - my guess is better bass with a little more air for around what you would have paid new for the Rotel. The Emotiva really has the potential to grab your B&W's and make them sing.

Rotel RMB 1565 - Class D 100 X 5 amplifier- will be "faster" than the 985 with tighter bass
http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=476

Outlaw Model 7125 - low distortion amp w/125 W per channel X 7.
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/7125_about.html

Super Good Deal Alert! - Emotiva XPA-5 - 200 W per channel into 8 Ohms X 5, 350 W per channel into 4 Ohms X 5, 70 lbs, $799. Read about here:
http://emotiva.com/xpa5review1.shtm
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,535 posts
 
I have heard the digital Rotels and liked them. i have not heard either the Outlaw or emotva products in question, but cannot help but be impressed by the specification to cost ratio. Early reviews on both products are strong. How can you go wrong in trying them except to hurt your back moving things around? Sell on here if you do not like it. or sell old rotel if you do.
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