2. amps-preamps
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Life after Rotel RX 1052

I've had a Rotel RX-1052 receiver as my main amplifier for music for 10 years, driving entry-to-mid range (mostly B&W) speakers. 
Needless to say it has satisfied me for a long time, enough so that I never felt the need to replace it with a true integrated, or a pure stereo amp.
I'm looking for a stereo amp recommendation on what my next step up should be. I don't have a ton to spend (1500 - 2000 USD), but I'm willing to spend money on something that will be a clear upgrade in fidelity.
Some considerations:
- Music choice is varied. Quite a bit of electronic / electronic-infused music, balanced by jazz / funk. Some heavy rock.
- I have a second setup that is decidedly not modern, with a selection of 70's Technics, and Nikko amps driving Rectilinear Research III High Boys - I tend to listen to most acoustic music with vocals on that setup.
- I'll be soon using the amp with Sonus Faber Venere 2.5s.
- Maybe keeping the RX 1052 as my pre-amp could be an option?
- Source is split evenly between vinyl and digital streaming.

Expand my horizons!

absolutlahmi

Showing 1 response by soix

soix
10,009 posts
 
Maybe keeping the RX 1052 as my pre-amp could be an option?
No. Absolutely not. Do not make the huge mistake of underestimating the importance of a preamp in a stereo system. And let’s be clear here -- the preamp section in your receiver sucks. At your price level you’re best off with a good integrated stereo amp. The Hegel H160 is a great integrated that sonically pretty much shoots down the middle, has plenty of power for your speakers, and will trounce the performance of your Rotel on all levels. Here’s a nice one available here now in your price range...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ffb9-hegel-h160-stereo-integrated-amplifier-dac-d-a-converter-....

Here’s a review of the H160 where it held its own in a system approaching $300k. Just think what it could do in your system.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/hegel-h160-integrated-amplifier-1/

Best of luck in your search.
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