I think Rotel , even Michi seem to be on the brighter side. I would sound demo a lot of videos if you can't listen in storehttps://youtu.be/xoMQK6MDm4o?feature=shared
B&W 805 D4: which 5 channel power amp should I go with (home theater): Parasound or Rotel
Hearing Hans Zimmer score play during scenes from The Dark Knight, Inception & Interstellar is life changing. The 805 D4 works great for l/r speaker for movies. Of course I need to add a center channel which would either be the HTM81 D4 or the HTM82 D4 but I’ll save that for another discussion.
Here are the power amps I’m looking at:
Parasound:
- Halo A 51
- Halo A 52+
Rotel:
- RMB-1585
- RMB-1585MKII
I’m not able to go into an audio store to test out power amps so I would like your expert opinion on which might work better with these speakers or if you have any recommendations for 5 channel power amp then I would gladly go take a look at those online.
Thank you for your time.
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- 35 posts total
Own Rotel RMB-1555 and loved the improvements made when added to my setup (wider, deeper soundstage, more oomph. You name it). It allowed my Anthem receiver, now used as a pre-amp, to really sing! However, Rotel warranty, at least in Canada, is definitely questionable. When I contacted Rotel Canada to mention a problem, I was literally laughed at. First, I was told warranty started when dealer unboxed unit as a demo (this is illegal in Quebec and also preposterous). When I mentioned this, I was then told the S/N indicated the unit was no longer under warranty. An answer I cannot contest as I have no knowledge of their serial numbering system. There are other good (better?) products on the market, sold and serviced by serious OEMs who really stand-by their products and respect their customers. My advice is to keep looking (Anthem, Emotiva, NAD, Bryston, etc.) and if Rotel remain your first choice buy knowingly! |
reflexively i would have voted for parasound, which i've always liked, but @woots makes a very valid point about rotel and b&w playing well together because they're from the same company--synergy is always critical--so i vote for rotel. |
I have B&W 804s. They have a thirst for power. I have an Anthem MCA 325 feeding them 225 wpc. The sing so sweetly, especially when they're played loud. I used to have a Rotel 1095 (200 wpc). I thought it was great. When I went to my local AV guy when it died after 20 years, he recommended an Anthem. So now I have the 325 for R/C/L, and the MRX 540 acting as a pre amp and sending 110 wpc to my rear speakers. Throw in ARC Genesis for room correction, and a REL S/510 sub and everything sounds fantastic. Music, TV, and movies. I listen to music mostly: sacds, cds, blu rays, and streaming. |
- 35 posts total