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My first external amp!
#389495 02/09/13 04:49 PM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 96
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Well, I picked up a Rotal RMB 1095 for a song. Considering where I live getting a heavy external amp costs a fortunte in shipping. So I was luckly to find a used one locally. It is a little rough around the edges but works great.

Anyway I was using a new Denon 4520 with great results in my main room and various zones. I love the free amp assign function so added the external amp to l/c/r/sbl/sbr then used the amps freed up to power 2 pairs of algonquins outside and my speakercraft Aim7 Five in-ceiling speakers in my kitchen.

Well I was impressed with the Rotel amp. Was it night and day? No but better. The 4520 is a great amp. However I can "feel" the music much more. There is just much more punch. I run 7.1 and had to double check that I was still listening in stereo and not multi channel stereo with the way the sound filled the room.

Fortunately I have 2 separate 20 amp services in my main listening area so the 4520 and amp are on separate breakers. I planned this in case I got that huge 7 channel 7900 Outlaw amp.

If I was buying a new amp at retail prices Rotel would likely not be my first choice. I've sat on the fence about many amps over the years and came within a whisker of buying the Emo XPR5 last holiday season. While I am currious on how it would sound I am happy with what I got for the price I got. I have loved my panny xr-55 class D receiver since the day I got it so I am very currious on Axiom's ADA. Again for the price of a couple of rounds of golf I will stick with this Rotel.

Brand of the amp aside the verdict is that there is a definate improvement. If you can find a decent amp at a good price point I recommend pulling the trigger.


Temp.setup - 2.1 - Denon 1713 AVR, Denon 1713 BRD, Paradigm Cinema 200, and Monitor Audio 360 Sub

Re: My first external amp!
mrspeeed #389499 02/09/13 06:23 PM
Joined: Jan 2013
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very nice!

I own a Rotel RMB 1095 as well smile

It's a great amp. Mine was pretty much given to me.

Though mine needs work. Some local repair guy bypassed some of the safety features/circuitry on the right channel. I keep having my right channel get quieter then the left channel over extended periods of use. It's the most odd thing I've ever encountered.

Eventually I plan on sending it Rotel for proper repair.


2 Axiom M80s v3-custom
1 Axiom VP160 v3-custom
2 Axiom QS10HP
2 Cerwin Vega CMX 12's
Pioneer SC-57
Re: My first external amp!
Mad_Chesser #389519 02/09/13 09:21 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
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Originally Posted By: Mad_Chesser

Eventually I plan on sending it Rotel for proper repair.


I would do this before hooking it up to any system, especially a new one, who knows what else was cut/bypassed, hate to damage your new speakers due to an inept attempt at a repair.


Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70
Re: My first external amp!
Mad_Chesser #389527 02/09/13 10:01 PM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 96
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Good to hear there is another Rotel user. It seems Emo, give its price point, and outlaw seem to come up the most often.

Sorry to hear of your right channel issues but it will give me something to keep an eye/ear on. I don't know how somebody could ding up an 80lbs amp but the case on mine certainly shows wear. However if even 2 channels worked it was still a bargin. Luckily all 5 did.


Temp.setup - 2.1 - Denon 1713 AVR, Denon 1713 BRD, Paradigm Cinema 200, and Monitor Audio 360 Sub

Re: My first external amp!
mrspeeed #389539 02/10/13 12:58 AM
Joined: May 2002
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I've been contemplating a Rotel receiver for the main floor for years. I just haven't pulled the trigger on one yet.
I've heard nothing but generally good things, although they are a bit more slow to insert newer tech and innovations into their gear than some companies which seem to have new models 'every' year.


"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
Re: My first external amp!
jakewash #389549 02/10/13 06:32 AM
Joined: Jan 2013
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Originally Posted By: jakewash
Originally Posted By: Mad_Chesser

Eventually I plan on sending it Rotel for proper repair.


I would do this before hooking it up to any system, especially a new one, who knows what else was cut/bypassed, hate to damage your new speakers due to an inept attempt at a repair.


Yeah very much agreed. I won't be hooking this up to my new system, until it's fixed properly at least


2 Axiom M80s v3-custom
1 Axiom VP160 v3-custom
2 Axiom QS10HP
2 Cerwin Vega CMX 12's
Pioneer SC-57
Re: My first external amp!
mrspeeed #389571 02/10/13 09:54 PM
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I've been using a Rotel RB1080 with my M80's for years now with great results.


Rick


"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud


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