Rotel RB1090 to power mains with Denon AVR5803?

[chuck13]

I'm thinking of using a Rotel RB 1090 to power my mains. My AVR is a Denon 5803. Any Thoughts?

 

[AVRat]

More info?

What speakers?
What is their impedance?
What is their power handling capability?
Are you interested in biwiring or biamping? If so, what are the crossover points of the speakers?
What size space are you using them in?

If your speakers can handle it -- EXCELLENT!!!

 

[chuck13]

Fronts are Polk SRS SDA speakers. They are huge. Rated at 1000 watts. sensitivity is 91. Thay need more power. My surrounds are 4 Klipsch RF-7, RC-7. w energy st-12 sub. The Klipsch's have 103 sensitivity. with th same amp they over power the polks. The Polks have never ran well until I got the Denon AVR 5803 (170watts @ 7 channels. I'm thinking the Rotels 380 watts will open them up. My budget is flexible but I was hoping to stay in 2 to 3000.

My room is huge and I like very loud and very clear music and movies. Any ideas before i take another big plunge would be appreciated.

 

[jaxvon]

Some other choices would be a Parasound A21 and a Bryston 4BSST. The Bryston delivers 500w into 4 ohms and has a 20-year warranty too.

Brystons on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39783&item=5788540584&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39783&item=5788301602&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

 

[AVRat]

They are BIG!!

If you are looking to go with new equipment, for the money the Rotel is probably your best bet. Just to give you an idea of what else is available, a Sunfire 600 (600W) goes for about $4000.

I checked Polk's website, the speakers have an impedance of 8 ohms but no specifics on crossover point for bi-amplification. They are bi-wireable/ampable. For even better sound, you might look into bi-amping the speakers. Based on the output of the 5803/1090 combo (170W/380W), we are looking for a crossover point in the neighborhood of either 250Hz or 500Hz for proper power to frequency distribution.

This is based on the active bi-amping theory, which I'm not sure works for passive bi-amping but we'll assume it does. I may be way off base on this as I have never done it. What works in theory does not always work in reality. If there are any speaker designers out there, or experts on the subject, perhaps they could shed some light on this confusing subject.

 

[anamorphic96]

If they can be bi-wired why not bi-amp them. This will sure open the Polks up big time. Maybe add another Rotel RB-1090.

However the one Rotel should be just fine. If not fantastic. Thats all those Polks need is a top notch deadicated amp like the Rotel. It should sound real nice with the Denon as a pre-pro. The Denon can just deal with the Klipsch speakers. Which will be an absolute cake walk for it.

Good choice in amps by the way. I used its little brother the RB1080 and was very impressed.

Good Luck

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Those SDA/SRS speakers were very popular in the 80's. They were some of the best units you could buy back in the day. The big issue back then was their love of power. I remember a set running off two massive Soundcraftsman amps, and needing just about everything they had. It seemed you could plug those right into the wall socked and they wouldn't blow. Do yours have the passive radiator?

 

[chuck13]

Yes to the passive radiator, 15". You're right, they seem to want endless power. The denon 5803 made a huge difference over the 3803 I ran them with b4, but they still seem held back. So I'm looking for a big boost from the Rotel. The Sacramento Rotel dealer said they are no longer available The Reno dealer says he can order them still I guess tommorrow I'll find out who is right when I order one from Reno.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I'm thinking of using a Rotel RB 1090 to power my mains. My AVR is a Denon 5803. Any Thoughts?

Chuck, correct me if I'm wrong. The 1090 is a 5 channel amp. With a flagship Denon and 100+ SPL Klipsch speakers, wouldn't you be better served with a top "A" rated stereo amp all about the sound quality? I'm not knocking Rotel-it's beautiful, but it won't hold a candle to something like this if you're looking to power your two SDA's. 82lb two channel amp vs. 75lb five channel amp. The Klipsch are fine with your 170 watts to each channel. Just a curveball here. That Rotel is approaching $2000, while the Mac may be had for under $1000.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5788494152&category=71548&rd=1

 

[jaxvon]

Buckeye, you're wrong (God that feels awesome).

The RB-1090 is a stereo amp, putting out 380W into 8 ohms.

RB-1090

 

[chuck13]

The Rotel RB 1090 is 2 channel as jax says. with more than double Denons watts. See previous post on Rotel availability. If not available, how do we feel about Parasound Halo A21 instead of the Rotel? Less watts but good current....

 

[anamorphic96]

Why not try used and go bigger. At your price point you could get something stellar used.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Buckeye, you're wrong (God that feels awesome).

The RB-1090 is a stereo amp, putting out 380W into 8 ohms.

RB-1090

Jaxvon,

You are correct. I did a google search, and it pulled up this one.
https://www.hometheaterstore.com/store/product.php?productid=1310

Never checked the model number. I'm getting old, and don't have the brain cells left you younger dudes have. The RB1090 is a beast, and look at those specs! I guess that Mac has some hefty competition. Price is still the subject unless you are loaded and want new.

You'll find out I'm pretty humble and modest. I may seem like I know what I'm talking about 51% of the time, but if you've ever met my better half, that percentage would go waaaay down.

 

[jaxvon]

Rotel SHOULD be some serious competition, seeing how's it's B&W's partner for demoing their stuff. And we all know that B&W is no slouch when it comes to quality (...I like the curvy one...if that means anything to anybody...)

 

[AVRat]

More options

Anthem Statement P2 (325W)......$2500
Aragon 3002 (300W)..................$2500
Ati AT3002 (300W).....................$1995
Bryston 4B SST (300W)..............$3000

 

[AVRat]

Oops

I forgot one:

Sunfire 300 (300W)...........$2800

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

This should do it

Or this Mackie M2600 at $899.
1650W (18.2A) power consumption! The Denon 5805 is only 13A! It probably needs it's own circuit breaker
500x500 at 8 ohms; .025 thd; 20-20,000Hz
850x850 at 4 ohms; .050 thd; 20-20,000Hz
1300x1300 2 ohms; .1 thd; 20-20,000Hz

http://www.mackie.com/products/m2600/m2600_Specs.html

http://www.123dj.com/amps/mackie/m2600.html

 

[warnerwh]

YOu can get a used 1090 on Audiogon for about 1200 used. You shouldn't need more power.

 

[MacManNM]

Most all of the above units will work for your app. The Mackie, if you can put it in a place where the fan noise doesn't affect anything, is a great choice. I have measured the output of this amp and it is phenomonal. It will run all day long, and not add one bit of color to your sound. It is one of the best pieces of gear I have ever seen(*).

*if you can find a BOSE 1801 power amp used (in good condition) it will crush anything you can find under 2k.

I know, the Bose thing, but this one is different. The more I listen to this amp the more I love it.

 

[Spiffyfast]

YOu can get a used 1090 on Audiogon for about 1200 used. You shouldn't need more power.

Shouldn't need more power , I take it you have never seen the show Home Improvement with Tim Allen.....You always neeed more power...