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Which amp for B&W 805 D3 and HTM2 D3 speakers - Rotel RMB-1555?

I am setting up a system with L&R of 805D3 and Center of HTM2 D3. My understanding is that just the receiver (plan on getting Onkyo TX-RZ50) will not power these speakers well enough to get the most out of their potential. I am thus considering adding a Rotel RMB-1555 for the LCR. I would maybe consider bi-amping L&R since RMB-1555 is 5 channel. My question is whether the RMB-1555 (120W x 5) is sufficient or would there be a significant improvement in going to RMB-1585 (200W x 5). I do not listen to the music too loud. Just want clarity. Per B&W, the recommended amp for 805 D3 is 50W - 120W into 8Ω on unclipped program.

While you are advising me on RMB 1555 vs 1585 for this set-up, I am open to other options in the price range as well.

Thanks

someet

Showing 3 responses by soix

soix
10,184 posts
 

I am still thinking onkyo TX-RZ50 ($1400) to allow use of full range DIRAC Live 

I certainly get that, but think of me when your Onkyo’s HDMI board fails and you’re in a quandary as to how to get it fixed.  I’m sure the hedge fund owners will go out of their way to improve customer service.  Kinda like Eddie Lampert did with Sears.  Ehem.  Good luck with that!

soix
10,184 posts
 

No.  Just...no.  Yamaha better tan Denon.  Listen to me!!!

soix
10,184 posts
 

First, DON’T buy an Onkyo. Their reliability is atrocious, and worse, they’re now owned by a hedge fund or private equity firm that will only make it worse going forward. Next, and this will be a bit of a surprise because it sure was to me, I worked for Magnolia and demoed 804 D3s with a Yamaha RX-A2080 AVR and I gotta tellya, the sound was STELLAR. I’ve got a $30k stereo at home, and this pairing gave up very little to my home system when listening to my best reference music. I’m not a B&W fan nor an AVR fan, but I can tell you I could’ve easily lived with that pairing. My recommendation — buy a used 2080 or 3080 or, even better, one of their newer versions and see if you even need a separate amp. You might be very happy and will save you $$$. Plus, Yamaha’s reliability is top notch, and there was a synergy between the 2080 and the 804 D3s that was pretty special and utterly unexpected.  FWIW, and best of luck.

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