Time for an Upgrade :)

[cruiseoveride]

It's been a long over due thing, and I think its time I get an upgrade. My poor Nakamichi is aging and I want some new speakers.

I went to the AudioShop today in town and listened to a Rotel pre+power with a pair of B&W 703s as well as with a Bryston pre+power c-series.

The Bryston is way out of my price range, the preprocessor alone was $4k. Luckily I didnt like it, which is a good thing, because i'm a little head strung and if I liked it i would have broken the bank for it. The Rotel setup had a much softer sound, which my ears found a lot more pleasing.

I'm pretty much sold on the B&W 703 floor standers. Now its just a search for a good pre+power amp.

I really liked the sound of the Rotel RMB-1095 poweramp, very clean. But the Rotel RMB-1069 (processor) didnt look very appealing. And at $2.3k i didnt think it was worth it.

This setup is mainly for music. I listen to a lot of music via my computer and have always envied the "Network Receiver" protocol on the Yamaha RX Receivers.

Looking for suggestions for a very modern Pre-Amp, to perhaps go with a Rotel RMB-1095 and B&W 703

 

[Adam]

Have you considered getting one of the Yamaha receivers that you like and use it as the pre-amp? I'm guessing that their "Network Receivers" are probably high enough up that they have pre-outs to feed to an amp.

Just a thought.

 

[cruiseoveride]

Yes i'd like something like that. Not sure about the technicalities involved though. Perhaps someone else will know better.

 

[Warpdrv]

Have you also considered buying used equipment off Audiogon.com or Videogon.com... You could get yourself something quite substantial for alot less money... I have bought many items there, and have scored some serious, expensive equipment for far cheaper, and IMO much closer to what its worth at sometimes up to 40 to 50% discounts from retail.

Much of my second (bedroom setup) system was purchased through Audiogon... Not sure I would buy new again... All my Paradigm Signature speakers came from there. http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44008

BTW... I have that Rotel 1095 amp (main system), I got that off Audiogon as well for $1200.00 Great Amp...

 

[mouettus]

Hey good to see a fellow from Ottawa! Whereabout do you live?

 

[cruiseoveride]

Have you also considered buying used equipment off Audiogon.com or Videogon.com... You could get yourself something quite substantial for alot less money... I have bought many items there, and have scored some serious, expensive equipment for far cheaper, and IMO much closer to what its worth at sometimes up to 40 to 50% discounts from retail.

Much of my second (bedroom setup) system was purchased through Audiogon... Not sure I would buy new again... All my Paradigm Signature speakers came from there. http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44008

BTW... I have that Rotel 1095 amp (main system), I got that off Audiogon as well for $1200.00 Great Amp...

Thats a fantastic price for that amp. I'd totally go for that, but shipping to Canada + Taxes does give it a major hit. And warranty becomes an issue.

Hey good to see a fellow from Ottawa! Whereabout do you live?

Right next to Carleton University, I'm a student there. Systems Engineering.