I've used the Rotel 1095 (1KW 5 ch.) and McIntosh mononblocks (MC501) with the HTM2d.
My Marantz reciever had more imaging and soundstage compared to the Rotel with some MK bookshelfs. That doesn't say much for the Rotel amp.
I now use the Rotel amp to drive my rear surrounds and have the monoblocks driving my fronts (sophia II's) and center (HTM2d).
I would try to find some used MC501 monoblocks. They had a fantastic Stereophile review (best review I've read from them) and I agree, they sound FANTASTIC!!
My Marantz reciever had more imaging and soundstage compared to the Rotel with some MK bookshelfs. That doesn't say much for the Rotel amp.
I now use the Rotel amp to drive my rear surrounds and have the monoblocks driving my fronts (sophia II's) and center (HTM2d).
I would try to find some used MC501 monoblocks. They had a fantastic Stereophile review (best review I've read from them) and I agree, they sound FANTASTIC!!