Overlooked Amp Combo? Thinking Rotels... (1 Viewer)

[Russ_K]

Ok, so I'm looking to put together a 7.1 system from scratch. My original thought was to buy a 1095 + 1080, giving me 200 watts all around. The MSRP of this option is roughly $3k. Now I ask myself, why do I need 200 watts per channel for my center and surrounds? My B&W CDM's are only rated at 120 wpc. Wouldn't it be smart to downgrade the 1095 to the 1075? I'm sacrificing 80 wpc, but will I notice? This option would run me $2k and I would still have the killer 1080 to feed my 802 Matrix III's.

Russ

 

[Tony Lai]

This is an entirely valid option.

A killer stereo amp (bought cheaply) + a more budget 5 channel would be a killer combo.

I'm a Parasound fan so that's why I would stick with.

I would take a HCA-3500 + HCA-1205 over a HCA-1500 + HCA-2205... both are seven channels in total.

T.

 

[Russ_K]

Tony,

Parasound is another good option. It may come down to which dealer gives me a better discount. If my Rotel rep isn't flexible...

Russ

 

[Mark C.]

I couldn't tell much difference between the 1095 and the 1075 considering the price differential, so I went with the 1075. IMO, the main benefit of the 1095 over the 1075 is more head room. I'm very pleased with the 1075.

 

[Russ_K]

Thanks Mark. That's the way I'm leaning. It just seems like $1000 is a pretty steep price to pay for more headroom. Now for my big boys, that's one thing, but for surounds rated at 120w, it's a different story.

That said, are there any 1095 owners out there who disagree?

I'm thinking an additional $1k to play with would be nice.

Russ