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Rotel RMB-985 or new Amp?

I have a Rotel RMB-985 pushing B&W Nautilus 805s (x3) in the front and B&W DSM6s in the rear. This is accompanied by a B&W ASW-3000 Sub. I'm about to pull the trigger on an Onkyo Pro 885 (same as Integra 9.8) to replace my fading Sony 9000ES pre/pro.

My question is about the 985. Its nearing 10 years old. Should I consider replacing it in the near future? Has amp technology gained ground like that of the pre/pros? Other than the additional two channels, would I gain much with a newer amp? At the end of the day, I guess what I would like is the amp that is well suited for my pre/pro and speakers.

As always, I appreciate your thoughts and feedback.

Dave
lodi
mmarvin19
157 posts
 
Hi Dave,

Unless you have a problem with the sound as is, I see no reason to change the amplification.

Mike
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knownothing
1,539 posts
 
Depends on how much you want to spend. Spend more than the Rotel cost in the first place, and your B&W speakers will let you know. Go to tubes instead of solid state, get a different sound altogether.

If you are looking to spend about the same amount, I would suggest you look at these products because they will sound different - my guess is better bass with a little more air for around what you would have paid new for the Rotel. The Emotiva really has the potential to grab your B&W's and make them sing.

Rotel RMB 1565 - Class D 100 X 5 amplifier- will be "faster" than the 985 with tighter bass
http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=476

Outlaw Model 7125 - low distortion amp w/125 W per channel X 7.
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/7125_about.html

Super Good Deal Alert! - Emotiva XPA-5 - 200 W per channel into 8 Ohms X 5, 350 W per channel into 4 Ohms X 5, 70 lbs, $799. Read about here:
http://emotiva.com/xpa5review1.shtm
lodi OP
15 posts
 
Thanks guys. I think you both are right... nothing wrong with the 985 but just was wondering about the next step in amps (without breaking the bank). Knownothing, interesting that you mention the Outlaw. I don't have any of their products but I've become a fan of sorts. I just like their practical approach. Sounds like emotiva is similar, though I didn't become familiar with them until just recently. So you think the emotiva is better? What do you think of their pre/pros. They have a new one coming out that is supposed to be pretty full featured for the $$.
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