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August 23, 2015 - 8:53am
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B-amping using different wattage amplifiers
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You can certainly do that as long as you keep track of input sensitivity, gain and headroom.
Hello Kal, I have read and enjoyed your review of the Rotel RB-1080 stereo power amp back in 2002. I know this isn't related to the main topic. I apologize in advance. I ended up buying that Rotel RB-1080 power amp after reading your review back in 2002. I still have the amp today and am thinking to sell it and get the newer and replacement model the RB-1582 Mkll power amp. These two amps have exact same specs and power output abd damping factor etc. The topology designs of both amps are pretty identical with only slight improvement on the newer model according to the Rotel tech specialist. Anyways, I'm using this Rotel RB-1080 amp to drive a pair of B&W CM10 speakers. I have a Rotel RC-1570 stereo pre-amp (current model) to connect to the RB-1080. I'm wondering if I get the newer amp (RB-1582Mkll), would I get a better performance out of the newer model (RB-1582 Mkll)? Did you get a chance to hear the RB-1582 Mkll? I couldn't find your review on the RB-1582 Mkll but I did find your review on the Rotel RMB-1585 amp -
which is a five-channel amp. Do you think the newer model RB-1582 Mkll amp would sound or perform better than my RB-1080? Is it even worth getting a newer model amp or should I keep my RB-1080 amp for a little longer? I'm planning to upgrade my pre-amp next year. I'm planning to sell my Rotel RC-1570 pre-amp next year and get the Classe Sigma SSP pre-amp processor but I'm sticking with the Rotel power amp for a while until I get enough money saved up to buy the Classe Sigma Amp2 power amp. I'm only doing two-channel. Am I going to get a significantly better performance if I get the newer Rotel RB-1582 Mkll amp compared to my older Rotel RB-1080 amp? I got contradicting opinions and advises from different people. Some said I won't be getting a significant upgrade if at all by going from the Rotel RB-1080 amp to the newer Rotel RB-1582 Mkll amp. Your advise and input will be very appreciated. Thank you.
I have not heard the RB-1582 but I think it unlikely that updating the amp will get you any much audible improvement.
I think that the 50W amp will be fine for the mid-treble, but the bass will possibly need more power.
I suggest that you look at the Vincent Audio SP 331 amplifier, which is excellent and has plenty of power. It was chosen as product of the year a few years ago by The Absolute Sound editors. $1395.
What speakers are you going to be driving?