2. amps-preamps
  3. 1052134505

Options for Integrated amp?

I have heard that I should be able to use my integrated Rotel RA 972 as a preamp and maybe as a power amp. Now my question is if I would gain anything in sound quality by hooking up a power/pre amp to it and in that case what would I gain?

The following is what it says in the instructions:
"The RA-972 has a set of preamp outputs. The signal from the source selected with the Listening Selector is always available from these outputs. Typically these outputs are used to provide a signal to another integrated amplifier or a power amplifier, which is used to drive remote speakers."

As explained before I have B&W 601 S3, Arcam CD72.
cfmartind362

Showing 2 responses by rar1

rar1's avatar
rar1
1,811 posts
 
Is the Rotel lacking in some area that you are looking to improve? The Rotel is actually a good choice with B&W speakers, in general (check out the Rotel reviews in any of the British Magazines, like What Hi-Fi) and the Arcam CD72 is a nice unit as well. Your equipment is well matched for its price/performance ratio level. My guess is that if you look to seriously upgrade your amplifier, you will wind up having to upgrade your speakers, as well.

Regards, Rich
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,811 posts
 
cfmartin:

It can cut two ways ... a top flight amp can bring out the best in a speaker and a top flight speaker can make a passable amp seem better than it is. My experiences with the B&W 300 & 600 series speakers are that they emphasized the treble region a bit.

If what you are after is to tame the brightness and add some bass ... I would do the following in this order:

1. If my cables & interconnects are clearly cheap, I would upgrade them with good performing, moderate priced cables & interconnects. Look to AVCables; Parts Express; Signal Cable. Also, play around with speaker placement ... B&W's are more sensitive than most to room placement.
2. I would look to a speaker upgrade.

If you feel that the sound is not sufficiently alive and/or dull sounding ... I would do the following in this order:

1. Cable Replacements that I mentioned above.
2. I would look to an amplifier upgrade.

As for tube vs SS ... whatever sounds best. I am a SS fan, but that may be more because I grew up around 50's & 60's era tube gear.

Hope this helps.

Rich
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