converge Posted December 19, 2012 Posted December 19, 2012 Hey guys, I'm looking for some opinions/recommendations on a new Amp. I recently sold my entire setup to start fresh as I felt like a bit of a change I just got some Dynaudio DM 2/7s from the classifieds and at the moment I'm thinking about either a Rotel RA-11, RA-12 or Rega Brio-R. My budget is about $800 and all of these are around this price range. I know the Rotel models I listed are pretty new so there's not too much information on them in regards to reviews but opinions on how Rotels generally pair with Dynaudios would be nice. Also, is it worth going for the extra 20W in the RA-12 over the RA-11 (40w vs 60w)? I've heard pretty good things about the Rega and I previously owned a Rega P1 turntable and was very happy with it. However, I much prefer the aesthetics of the Rotel. The Rotel also has an inbuilt DAC (how good is it? I'm not sure.) which would save on costs and it also has some pretty nice inbuilt features such as bluetooth streaming. Any other Amp recommendations in my price range would be welcomed too
kdoot Posted December 20, 2012 Posted December 20, 2012 I've had more musical joy courtesy of Rega than Rotel, but I haven't heard any of those three amps. Can you audition anywhere?
DAMO 1147 Posted December 21, 2012 Posted December 21, 2012 +1 on above - have not heard the rotel - the rega is well regarded. Magenta Audio has the Brio on a x-mas special $799.
Guest Hensa Posted December 21, 2012 Posted December 21, 2012 If you could stretch to $900, this Marantz is a super buy!
Phantom Posted December 21, 2012 Posted December 21, 2012 +1 on above - have not heard the rotel - the rega is well regarded. Magenta Audio has the Brio on a x-mas special $799. Damn good amp for that sort of coin.
koloss Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 I have a 2/7 - rotel set up. RA06SE - last years 70w/ch. It is quite good but still growing on me. You would be welcome to come and have a listen if you are a law abiding citizen.
zerodavos Posted January 19, 2013 Posted January 19, 2013 trevor lees would probably do an exposure 2010s for 800.
peeto Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 I just got a Brio R from Magenta Audio for $799 delivered. Addicted to sound have a good special too. Very good sound and wonderful musicality (NO HUM!). Sounds much more powerful than 50w. Haven't heard the Exposure tho.
bebop Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 I think it depends on the speakers. I have a Brio R and Rotel 1520. I prefer the 1520 with my B&W CM5 speakers. The 1520 soundstage is slightly better and seems slightly more energetic.
bhobba Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 (edited) Would go for the Rega personally - haven't had the pleasure of hearing it myself but guys whose ears I trust tell me in its price range simply unbeatable - stupid good value. Thanks Bill Edited January 21, 2013 by bhobba
mrdave Posted January 28, 2013 Posted January 28, 2013 Anyone have further thoughts on this topic / experience with the Rotels ? I'd have thought that a phono stage and a Wolfson DAC was also stupid good value for someone looking for a one box solution.
DAMO 1147 Posted January 29, 2013 Posted January 29, 2013 I think it depends on the speakers. I have a Brio R and Rotel 1520. I prefer the 1520 with my B&W CM5 speakers. The 1520 soundstage is slightly better and seems slightly more energetic. Agree, although the Brio R is a great amp it does have it's own sound sig. Best to trial and team them up if possible. The Rotel 1529 is a cleaner sound IMO.
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