Rotel 930AX vs Yamaha AX-490

[JustinR1]

Hi guys, sorry for making my first post a question!

I've gotten both amps from my dad after a cleanup under the stairs. I had 2 lovely amps up to 4 months ago, Audiolab 8000A and Arcam Diva A85, both stolen in a burglary
They thankfully (ha) left my speakers, pair of Monitor Audio BX2 and RS1, also seemingly didn't have time to get my HT setups which are Denon AVR1910 and 1911 with Q2020i surrounds 2000C centre and 2070S subs (live in a flat, have HT and stereo setups in bedroom and lounge).

My main listening is in my bedroom, so the better amp will be there, i use my BX2s mostly as i find them less bright than the RS1s, my turntable is a Thorens TD150 MKII, stock tone arm with Oforton VMS20 MKII cart, so a good preamp stage is a must. Not even audiophile gear but i make do! I also listen to alot of FLAC files etc.. have a dedicated laptop for that with Creative X-fi HD DAC, does a decent job and records LPs well too.

To me the Yamaha sounds better and warmer but i've always thought Rotel was a better higher end brand?Also i suppose the 85wpc plays some part in the overall picture vs the 30wpc of the Rotel. I just wonder if dynamically i'm missing anything not using the Rotel? I know they're both budget amps but can't afford to splurge on anything for a litttle while yet!

Thanks immensly for any replies!

 

[agarwalro]

The electrical load the speakers represent is more important that the absolute power number of the Yamaha or Rotel. That said, the Yamaha is more than double the Rotel power when measured 20-20000Hz THD approx. 0.03% for both. That is a reasonable bump for efficient speakers while insignificant for those that are not.

Unfortunately, the measurements for the Monitor Audio BX2 and RS1 seem non existent. Going by various write ups, both have a Sensitivity of 90 dB/w/m and nominal impedance of 8 Ohm. These would be considered easy speakers to drive, so you will be fine with either of the two amps.

I don't think you are missing anything.

PS. Yamaha makes high end gear too, like this $8000 integrated amp and $7000 SACD player .

 

[JustinR1]

Thanks for that, i decided to use the Yammie