Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners 2ch receiver or amplifier

I have M80 for stereo only and am using Marantz SR 4320. I am trying to find out how much of an improvement in sound I can get by going to something like Rotel Rx-1052 or Ra-1062. What are other choices in the similar price range? My listening room is 12'(W) X 20'(L) X 20'(H).

Shoo, welcome. You haven't described anything that would give a good reason for expecting any improvement in sound whatever. Is there some specific problem that you're experiencing with the 4320? If it's still in good condition it should be driving your M80s with ease and providing transparent amplification which can't be improved upon.

JohnK, I think, in the interest of fairness, when you give advice like this, you should disclose that you hold the opinion that all solid state amplifiers sound the same. You might want to put it in your signature. Then folks can better evaluate the value of your advice.

John, although at normal listening levels you may be right, for those of us who like it LOUD, we do find pleasure and differences with higher powered separates. Nothing makes me grin more than the effortless dynamics of a large power amp that won't fall apart when pushed. At this level, (to me) there are huge differences in sound.

I went from a HK 7200 to a Rotel separate combo for my two channel system (1080/1070).

There was a difference. Not a startling slap in the face difference, but most definitely one that I could tell is there.

It’s very hard to describe what that difference was. In short, hard hitting bass and mid range just seamed to be sharper, more pronounced with definite start and stops, whereas before it sounded sorta ‘muddled’. Treble seams to have more detail as well. For example, with the HK, light cymbal taps were there, but with the Rotels, I can now visualize the drum stick hitting and sliding off the cymbals. Guitar pics can now be heard sliding off the strings right along with finger squeaks. Before I could hear them, but now I can ‘see’ them. Before, I could hear a very low ‘hiss’ between tracks and also during those quiet times during playback of tracks. Now the ‘hiss’ is gone, completly.

Was it the added current? Heck if I know. Was it the pre amp? Heck if I know. All I know is that there is a difference and I’m no audiophile. I’m just a dummy who likes to listen to music. And, there wasn’t that much of a price difference between the HK and Rotels, so I can’t even fool myself into thinking that the extra couple hundred is somehow making me think I made a good purchase.

There are several others here with the same combo as I, and they all love them.

I third and fourth that, I experienced a noticable improvement coming from a Rotel 2 channel receiver to Rotel separates (see below). Very similar in description with Mike's. Go for separates in stereo, you won't be dissapointed!

I agree with others about amping the 80s. I added Outlaw M200 across the front.

Suggestions on best place / way to purchase Rotel gear?

I also went with an amp and couldn't be happier. If you have no problem buying used your best bet would be Audiogon.

With Rotel you’re pretty much stuck with buying from a dealer. No on line dealers that I could find either. That’s why they are as inexpensive as they are. They force dealers to stick with MSRP, unlike numerous other brands that you can buy anywhere on line for half of MSRP. My set was about $1500 out the door. They come with a five year warrantee as well.

Oh no, you guys...now I'm experiencing upgraditis again! About a year ago, I wanted to get Rotel separates as well because I'm not *totally* happy listening to music with my Denon 3802. I got over the "sickness" because I figured it wasn't worth it. But now that you guys are describing the differences, I'm getting anxious and envious all over again! Well, I guess I had better keep looking at the balance in my bank account. That should cure me pretty quick!

LoL. I thought it was just us men with the upgraditis condition. Apparently women experience the same thing.

I wonder if there are any rotel dealers nearby that would be willing to let you borrow an amp, so you can do some comparisons...

I agree with the rest, if it is within the budget seperates are the way to go.

Oh, c'mon, I just got the speakers and I thought my 3802 sounded great. How long do I have before I'm not "totally" happy with it??.... (Why did I start this hobby?) (Oh yeah, cauz it sounds sooooo good!) Guy

If you read too much here, you'll be unhappy with it. Your best bet is to listen to your system as much as possible, and relax. Having a small bank account helps, too.

You are soo right! I'm being greedy and always wanting more! I need to remind myself that I've come a long way since my Panasonic boombox which I used to think sounded fantastic! Screw it...maybe I just need to get a Bose Wave Radio. That should solve all my listening problems (cough,cough!)

LOL! Yes, this hobby does seem to bring out the Oliver Twist in us all. "More? You want MORE"?

But I also already have the Bose radio. This could be tougher than I thought!

I've bought all of my Rotel gear used on www.audiogon.com. Never had a problem at all. I've bought the RSP-1066, RMB-1075 and a nice RA-1062. All in silver, all work flawlessly. Saved myself a bundle.

I bought my Aragon amp from Audiogon as well. Definite improvement even at lower volume levels for my M80's. More punch, less muddled, cleaner bass.

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dealers nearby that would be willing to let you borrow an amp

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Outlaw and AV123 have 30 day trials. I'm sure there are others.