I have the rotel-972 IA and it sounds tremendous with the
m-60's. I couldn't be happier. The Rorel is clean and precise, even at louder volumes. I think brightness, etc depends as much on your listening area as anything else.
The Rotel really puts out real power- I doubt there is anything it wont drive. Do you know the review of the Rotel RA-02 at goodsound? see http://www.goodsound.com/equipment.shtml

Either choice is great.

Chuck