Better for Separates Newbie: Rotel or Adcom?

By the way, I live in NOVA (Arlington, VA), should anyone wish to sell something that has been mentioned here.

Hi, all!

Thanks for your responses thus far!

Elizabeth: thanks for letting me know your experience.

Unsound: I appreciate the nature of what you're saying, however, I have sold all of my equipment, so I'm experiencing a little "chicken and the egg" conundrum! This wasn't my first choice, but since someone was willing to pay top dollar for my kit, I had to sell in order to spend that amount plus a few extra dollars on new equipment.

Jsujo: Yes, I am only considering new products.

The_kid: I have heard what some tube enthusiast friends of mine consider some great kit: Synthesis (www.synthsis.co.it). I thought the integrated amp sounded okay, as it was powering speakers I was auditioning (Spendor 3/1). The problem is - for better or for worse - nearly every other speaker I've auditioned (B&W, Gallo, Paradigm, Faber, and Dynaudio) was attached to the stores' Rotel amplifiers/preamplifiers. So, when I heard the Spendors, I didn't know how much of the sound I was hearing was the tube integrated, and how much was the speakers! All I know is that this combination was the only one where at least some of the sound actually sounded colored or "warm". I audition with a tremendous amount of material, some of which is symphonic with solos I performed at the concerts.

In any case, I'm coming from home theater receivers. In my price range, it sounds like "average" to most people will be much better than what I've previously experienced!

Thanks, Rushton: I really appreciate your comments, especially with respect to my current funding allocations.

Hello, folks,

Again, thanks for so much discussion! I really appreciate it!

I have decided on the Rotel gear instead of the Adcom models, but I wonder if, also in a similar price range, I should consider the boutique "Channel Islands Audio". I've heard great things about them, but maily through reviews - little from owners.

Also, The_kid & Hbarrel: I really appreciate your thoughts. However, where I am able to shop the only true integrateds I've been able to listen to are the tube Synthesis (whose experience I previously shared) and a Bryston (the HSST 1100 or 100??) that was around $3000. I didn't care for the Synthesis, and the Bryston was very much beyond my price range. If I'd been able to listen to more integrated amplifiers, I would have considered increasing my budget - but I won't do that for options I haven't heard.

Otherwise, the Rotel pieces I will select are the RC-1070 (pre) & RB-1070 (power).

Thanks!

Hello, all...

I realize what you are saying - especially Mr. Schroeder.

Although I have sold tons of equipment to upgrade, I have never bought anything used. Most respectfully, I've known far too many folks who have purchased used equipment only to later lament "purchasing someone else's junk" (not my quote).

And while I would love to think that everyone on this forum would only offer for sale to me gear that is as described, that will not statistically be the case. I hate to say that I don't trust any one of you, because I do *very much* respect your opinions and suggestions: this thread is evidence thereto! Please do not think otherwise.

I have to admit (and *please* excuse this contrived situation): if I were able to see the equipment functioning, demo it, try it with some of my media, & etc., I would be much more likely to bend my own rule and consider what you kind folks are suggesting - to either purchase already depreciated Rotel (to make sure that I want to enter this hobby) or some of the other kit you've referenced further up the price line.

However, purchasing from an unknown person in an unknown location who might or might not have a piece of functioning equipment and who might or might not package it carefully, with or without what he or she said would be included, without warranty, or with a reduced warranty is too much of a case against buying something that someone wants of themself to rid.

I realize that some folks might purchase kit and do not enjoy it, box it back up, and could sell it to me such that I'd have saved 30-40% compared to a retail sale. But, without being able to see the equipment in its functional state, why should I trust them?

I might consider purchasing used: but only if I can demo something. After all, for those of you have purchased used vehicles or audio kit, I bet you didn't do so without driving or hearing it!

To suggest that I, someone who is just entering this hobby, purchase something sight unseen - and, more importantly, unheard - is incomprehensible.

Thanks for you comments. I do appreciate hearing from folks regarding equipment

Ellery911: You really believe that Rotel, Channel Islands, and Adcom are at the same level as Bose?

Do others concur? I've never before heard any of those brands so likened.

Additionally, Ellery, your intimation that if I don't purchase a Bryston I should just consider Bose is the kind of "you should do this because most folks do it" attitude that does not facilitate trust in the process *at all*.

Warnerwh: Your post was the kind of evidence for which I've searched. Several folks PM'd me with similar themese - but the greatest number of items anyone had purchased used was three components; two others had bought two items, and one bought one. Of those eight purchases 6 were satisfied with all aspects of the transaction, 1 was unhappy with his selection (but the product was fine), and 1 stated that the seller had misinformed him regarding the condition of a unit. Certainly these stats were not enough to really shed light on the situation. However, your nearly 30 purchases *does* make me feel much more comfortable: thank you VERY much for telling your side of the story!

Regardless of your opinions, I am very grateful to be able to read so many replies.

Bryanhod: Point well taken. Thanks for your comments.

And thanks to everyone for their comments! ;)