2. amps-preamps
  3. 168440-163947

Rotel RA-1592 MK II or something else to deliver around 200W to B&W towers around $3000?

So I just purchased a pair of B&W CDM-9NT and am now going deep down the rabbit hole trying to find an amp that’s going to let these speakers sing to their fullest. I keep coming back to Rotel as the consensus appears to be that these amps pair very well with B&Ws. I was trying to keep the budget to $1000...then $1500...now I’m looking at $3000 options...I’m not willing to go up to the McIntosh prices at the moment so I’m capping myself at $3k new or used.

I was thinking that going integrated was the best option when looking at the $1500ish options. Now maybe separates would make sense at $3000?

Goals in sound are excellent imaging and separation. Strong and tight bass is a must. Music selection is mainly very bass forward genres like hip hop & EDM. I also enjoy jazz, rock and sometimes classical as the mood strikes. A must have is digital connectivity for hi-res streaming. The room is 14x18 if that matters.

Any help is appreciated.
yukispier
Post removed 
yukispier OP
26 posts
 
“A better solution would be to build a system you can enjoy now but with the flexibility for future changes/upgrades.”

I thought that is the direction I am headed getting a proper amp with a midish level pre/dac combo.  I have everything else covered besides some decent speaker cables.  I think that the system will still be enjoyable to listen to without a $4000 preamp while I’m saving up for the upgrade.
murphyb
7 posts
 
My set-up: Simple 5.1 system.  B&W 805 D3's for the fronts, 700 series HTM71 S2 for a center, and a pair of 705 S2's for the rears.  Marantz SR6015 receiver.  I use a Rotel RMB-1585, a 5 x 200W multichannel amp to bi-amp the 805s and power the HTM71 center channel, with the Marantz powering the rear 705 S2's.  To answer your question, the Rotel amp is magic.  Rotel would power your speakers beautifully.  I don't recommend any Rotel processor however as I have had a lot of problems with an RAP-1580 in the past.  
headphonedreams
523 posts
 
+1 @kennyc 

I also think an integrated is the best bang for the buck in this price range. Either take one with a dac and buy a better dac later or buy a dac now.
petar3
61 posts
 
i had different B&W speakers paired with a Rotel integrated. Was very happy. Now, 805s with a Hegel. I discovered detail I did not hear before.
I recommend Hegel integrated. Worth every penny makes choices eaiser. You should be able to find H390 when this craziness with supply stops for under 4k. I know it is more than you want to pay but, hey, the price of happiness is a bit higher. Hegel also has a great resale value. Until that time, get a used Rotel and enjoy it. 
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