Robbie R

Adding a Seperate AMP ???

I have a few questions about adding a separate amp.

My current set-up is:

Rotel RSX-1065 Receiver (5X100)
B&W 603S3 Fronts
B&W LCR 700 Center
B&W 601S3 Rears.


I am considering these 2 options.
1) Buying a used Bryston 3B-ST (2X120)for the mains only.
2) Buying a New Rotel RMB-1066 (6X60) and bridging the amp to output 3 X 150.

If I buy the Bryston used they should cost roughly the same amount of money.

I really like the idea of the Bryston because it will sound great for stereo music, but I am worried about not having the same amplification up front for movies.

This is why I am considering the Rotel RMB1066 bridged to 3X150. BUT.... are their any drawbacks do using an amp bridged?? will it affect the sound??? Can I set it up myself or does the dealer do it when you buy it. I don't have a clue how it works. (any advice on this would be greatly appreciated)


What do you guys (and girls) think? Would you go with the Bryston or Rotel?? Or should I be looking at something else??

I have about $1000.00 CAN$ to spend. My usage is 75%Movies & Gaming, 25%Music.


Thanks Rob

Brad_Harper

The bridging of amplifier outputs normally raises the THD levels. Often though the increase is not audible. Bridging an amp is very simple, you just hook the positive of one channel to the negative of the other channel. Once you add the new amp just recal the channels affected with the receivers test tones and enjoy.
I would probably go with the bryston myself due to the warranty.

Sam A

"I really like the idea of the Bryston because it will sound great for stereo music, but I am worried about not having the same amplification up front for movies" if everything is calibrated right, the volume levels will be the same.

Travis

If you're not opposed to purchasing used I would check out Audiogon. On the pre owned market you could get a Rotel 1075 for the same price as the 1066, which would give you 125 x 5, enough to easily drive most speakers to insane HT levels. JMTC

mackie

Might be hard to do if you're set on buying used, but I strongly recommending trying the amp in your system before your purchase. You might just find that you can better use that money somewhere else in your system. Just my thoughts.

Robbie R

Thanks everyone.

Brad
I did not know using the amp bridged was that easy. I thought something had to be set inside the amp.

Travis
I am not opposed to buying used, (RMB-1075 is a great idea) but I only want to buy used equipment with a transferable warranty, just for my own protection. You don't have much recourse with a seller when you by used off the net. I am not sure if Rotels warranty is transferable? I will have to check my manual. I know Bryston has one of the best warranties available(20 years and fully transferable) Plus I live about 30 minutes from their factory.

Mackie
My brother has a Rotel RB-1070 (2X130), he is going to bring it to my house for an audition. If there is not a noticeable improvement, I might just lay off for now and wait until I can afford to step up to the next level. (5X200)But it is hard to compare apples to oranges when you don't have the equipment on hand, like a Bryston 3B-ST

Thanks Again

Rob

MikeDuke

Just so you know, Bryston is conservative in their ratings for power. The 3b-ST really puts out 150 watts per channel. I have the 5b-ST, basically a 3b-ST with another channel and a 4b-ST. The 4b-ST is rated at 250X2 but it put out 300 per side.

I know what I like when I hear it

Kevin. W

Robbie,

I've had and used a Rotel RMB-1066 in my setup and had no problems running it bridged. THD, S/N etc do not change when going to bridged mode. Info I got from Rotel tech support. If your interested in a Bryston 3B checkout this link to Canuckaudiomart. Its in your price range.

Bryston

Kevin

JohnSmith

Rotel and Bryston are in totally different camps. One is low end seperates, other is upper end.

You really don't want to bridge amps, it creates more problems than it solves. 120W will be plenty, far better than Rotel's 150W when bridged.

mackie

Keep us posted on what direction you choose.

Kevin. W

Thats some pretty strong words. Have you used either one? I've used a Rotel RMB-1095 in my setup and it certainly isn't built nor does it sound low end.

Kevin