If someone could explain this preamp/amp thing please

[shotty53]

And when you star listening to the different B&W's make sure you listen to the CM7, my favorite B&W speaker after the 802D (and a lot cheaper too). Maybe you can get a good discount by buying the rotel/CM7 combo.

lol i was looking into the 802d also.. i'll be sure to check out the cm7..

 

[Davemcc]

I was just going to recommend the RC-1070 too until I saw I was too late. I'll be buying one tomorrow at the dealer's annual customer appreciation sale. Another amp to consider would be the Emotiva stereo amp. The Rotel pre-amp seems to be the best affordable option from a more than respected company, but the Emotiva amp is a little cheaper. On the other hand as they mentioned, there is the whole package deal thing...

The Emotiva RPA-1 is listed as out of stock, otherwise I would have given it a mention. The OP said he had a small room, so I think the 1070 will be a good choice.

 

[Tod]

The Emotiva RPA-1 is listed as out of stock, otherwise I would have given it a mention. The OP said he had a small room, so I think the 1070 will be a good choice.

Bummer - I hadn't checked in a while. But yeah, Rotel has a number of well-regarded amp options across a wide range of power.

Also I guess I'm surprised nobody brought up Behringer in here. A500 or EP2500. For the OP, the general consensus is maybe ugly but entirely adequate.

And just came home this evening with the RC-1070 for $400. I'm quite happy with it - I wasn't expecting a huge change in sound, although I think it is better. Mainly it was for the functionality - more hookups, power switch on the remote, switched plugs in the back for my oddly switchless headphone amp, etc. It is nice and I'm happy.

 

[shotty53]

Happy Me

Well i finally purchased everything, Rotel RB/RC 1070 and i got a pair of MA BR5's...
And a sweet deal, 1450 for everything

 

[Davemcc]

Sweet. I'm interested in reading your comments on the system once everything is set up.