Increasing power (headroom) to mains (1 Viewer)

[Bob-N]

Hey all,
Just wanted to get some suggestions on amps to increase power to my mains. I'm about 60/40 HT/music.
My current set up:
Rotel 1066 pre/pro
Rotel 985mk2 5ch 100w/ch amp
B&W CDM1NT mains
B&W CDMCNT center
B&W 600 S3 rears
SVS 20-39pc
Panny RV31K dvd player
My original thought is to go for the gusto and move up to Rotel's flagship amp, the 1095. Then I looked at my space constraints and pocket book. Tight squeeze either way. Also, I think for my movie listening habits, 100W for the center and surrounds are fine.
What piqued my interest was Outlaw's new m-blocks which are only 1.75" tall, 200W, two would be about 4" (they probably have feet) and would fit well in the space left in my entertainment center. At $498 plus shipping, plus an auto on feature, it looks good on paper.
Then I looked at Rotel's 1080 (200W stereo amp) at about 5.25" and it would probably fit. Figured about $600 used, $800-900 (street) new. Nice thing about the Rotel is that it will match my other amp as well as my current pre/pro. However, I'm sure I'll be upgrading my pre/pro eventually so that's not a huge factor for the future. I would probably classify it as short term WAF.
So overall, my limitations would be the space in my entertainment center (about 5") as well as budget at $500-600. Eventually, I'll be moving up to the power hungry Nautilus line and want to have the extra headroom for now and the future. Would like to move up to about 200W/channel. If I can get more power w/o sacrificing quality and my budget, I'm open to suggestions.
Thanks for the input.
Bob

 

[DanaA]

Outlaw has the new Model 200 coming out and are taking preorders now. It's rated at 200 watts/channel into 8 ohms and its price is set at $299. If you go to their site, it looks amazingly streamlined in size.

 

[Bob-N]

Right, that's what got me thinking about increasing my power to my mains. Not the typical monoblock format. I'm on the waiting list for two.

Bob

 

[Shane Martin]

I may be in the minority and opening this thread up for a threadfart from the nonbelievers but here goes:

I wouldn't suggest another manufacturer for amps because of my personal belief that they don't sound the same. This change in tonal quality will be noticable and I wouldn't advise it.

I would buy a 200wpc rotel since you like their sound already and be done with it.

 

[Bob-N]

Shane,

I'm not sure if amps are amps (*ducking head*) either, but that's definitely a consideration. I am planning to do a head to head comparision with 2 ch music when the Outlaw m-blocks. I'll home audition a 1080 during my 30 day trial period for the Outlaw units.

Thanks for the input.

Bob

 

[Shane Martin]

Then again you may prefer the outlaw sound and could sell your multichannel to replace it with another outlaw to match.

 

[EarleD]

Bob,
I have a Rotel 1055 which I'm using as a preamp along with a 985mkII also. Its a sweet combo. I have the 1055 powering the center backs.
Im in the same boat as you and am getting the 1070 amp for Christmas to power my mains. I have all Klipsch speakers(KG 5.2's, 4.2's, 2.2v, and KSB 3.1's). I was thinking about the 1080 but I really like the Klipsch sound and with their efficiency I don't need the the extra 70 watts of the 1080.
My local Rotel dealer can let me have the 1070 for $600, the 1080 is $900. Choice of black or silver.
I also happen to have SVS subs too, gotta luv em.
Let us know what you decide
Earle

 

[Bob-N]

Earle,

Rotel/SVS = best values in HT. Outlaw is pretty good also but I'm not as familiar with their amps. Their 950 is a $900 pre/pro to me, I don't like it's sound. Great features though if you like the sound.

I'll post my impressions once I can get a hold of the Outlaw units.

BTW, my leftover space in my entertainment center is only 4" and now I'm leaning towards the Outlaw unit....but we'll see.

I will post my impressions in a month or two.

Bob