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Life after Rotel RX 1052

I've had a Rotel RX-1052 receiver as my main amplifier for music for 10 years, driving entry-to-mid range (mostly B&W) speakers. 
Needless to say it has satisfied me for a long time, enough so that I never felt the need to replace it with a true integrated, or a pure stereo amp.
I'm looking for a stereo amp recommendation on what my next step up should be. I don't have a ton to spend (1500 - 2000 USD), but I'm willing to spend money on something that will be a clear upgrade in fidelity.
Some considerations:
- Music choice is varied. Quite a bit of electronic / electronic-infused music, balanced by jazz / funk. Some heavy rock.
- I have a second setup that is decidedly not modern, with a selection of 70's Technics, and Nikko amps driving Rectilinear Research III High Boys - I tend to listen to most acoustic music with vocals on that setup.
- I'll be soon using the amp with Sonus Faber Venere 2.5s.
- Maybe keeping the RX 1052 as my pre-amp could be an option?
- Source is split evenly between vinyl and digital streaming.

Expand my horizons!

128x128absolutlahmi
mcreyn
293 posts
 
I used that receiver for about a year with a set of NHT SB3s. It worked well, but imho, was nothing special. I think it will be easy to improve on. I would not use the 1052 as a pre-amp. Either put it in your second system or sell it.

I am going to sound like a broken record. $299 for a closeout Schiit Saga or the new Schiit Saga + and $699 for a Schiit Vidar Amp. For $1,000, you will have a very nice sounding combo that comes with a 5 year warranty and you will have a hard, if not impossible time, beating for the same price used. Take the $1000 extra and use it on room treatments or put it in the bank.

In looking used, personally I would target newer Parasound equipment. Nice sounding, ability to drive moderately hard loads, and a good value. I say newer, because amps do age, and as their capacitors age, they change in sound. The only question is how much and how long it takes.
soix
8,851 posts
 
Maybe keeping the RX 1052 as my pre-amp could be an option?
No. Absolutely not. Do not make the huge mistake of underestimating the importance of a preamp in a stereo system. And let’s be clear here -- the preamp section in your receiver sucks. At your price level you’re best off with a good integrated stereo amp. The Hegel H160 is a great integrated that sonically pretty much shoots down the middle, has plenty of power for your speakers, and will trounce the performance of your Rotel on all levels. Here’s a nice one available here now in your price range...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ffb9-hegel-h160-stereo-integrated-amplifier-dac-d-a-converter-....

Here’s a review of the H160 where it held its own in a system approaching $300k. Just think what it could do in your system.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/hegel-h160-integrated-amplifier-1/

Best of luck in your search.
absolutlahmi's avatar
absolutlahmi OP
14 posts
 
Coming back to this a little (way) late, but know that it was because I took all the info / advice and went into a deep, dark tunnel for a while to make a decision. This was quite an education for me so thank you all for kickstarting that. 
During the search my budget had to be cut somewhat considerably. It looks like mcreyn's suggestion of a Schiit combo makes the most sense. (They earned another fanboy, for better or worse). 
The Hegel suggestion will stick down in my subconscious as my next move, but hopefully not soon. HOPEFULLY.
jafant
18,958 posts
 
absolutlahmi

Another +vote for an Integrated amp. There are plenty of options in the demo/used marketplace. Back in the 2000's I enjoyed Rotel electronics as well. Keep us posted on your purchase decision.

Happy Listening!
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