Reciever Sounds Better Than My Amp?

phuz
phuz Posts: 2,372
edited February 2005 in Electronics
So I replaced the fuses in my Rotel amp today. Hooked it back up and started listening.

To me it seems that some of the differences that I thought came from the cable, were coming from the reciever. I notice maybe a little bit of a difference now with the ps audio cables. Not nearly enough to say there is a real difference. But last night, after I blew the fuses in my amp and plugged my LSi15s right into my RSX-1056 I was really impressed. I'm going to have to spend some time switching back and forth, which is going to be a pain since these PS audio cables are freakin beasts.

I wonder what the 1056 puts out in two channel mode. It's 75wpc with all 5 channels driven. The amp is 330wpc @ 4ohms, and would normaly be known to be the better power source.

Maybe newer technology in the 1056 sounds better? Maybe it's all in my head? Maybe it's my Monster Reference interconnects going to the amp? :) Or maybe, maybe there is a reason I got this used Rotel amp that once retailed for $1000... for $150.

Hrmmmm....
Post edited by phuz on
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Comments

  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited February 2005
    lol the last option must have you wondering....maybe you should pop the hood and try to find some pics on the net to compare with. maybe things in there arent what they are supposed to be....
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited February 2005
    Phuz,

    your 1056 spits out 100watts/channel in two channel mode.

    Continuous Amplifier Power
    (two channels driven) 100 watts/ch (1kHz, <1.0% THD, 8 ohms, DIN)

    can't find what it does at 4 ohms, though. It should be somewhere in the 150-200 wpc, I would venture to guess.

    Either way, I am glad that you are looking at the next performance level of your combo.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • pjdami
    pjdami Posts: 1,894
    edited February 2005
    phuz,

    I had a very similar experience that you did. Last year I had a RSX-1055 and then got a RB-1070 amp. I ran the mains (LSi 15s) off the amp for the longest and then one day I switched back to the receiver. I didn't feel like I lost much of anything at all except at the ridiculously loud levels which I never listen to that loud anyway.

    Same experience with the B&K receiver and the PT5 / ST125.2 separates.

    Some receivers just kick ****.
    Paul
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited February 2005
    Agreed,

    Both Rotel and B&K build there receivers to the same level as there seperates. It's so close it's hard to tell apart.

    Untill you get into B&K's reference line, the avr's are just as good as the st amps.

    Rotel is all about the sound quality no matter what they build. The rsx1056 is an excellent receiver and doesn't need external amps unless your room is extremely big and you crank the tell out of it.

    I'd say sell the amp and those interconnects and put that money to better use.

    The RB1080 will sound a bit better then the rsx1056 with better interconnects then what your using. Monster seems to lack on mid range tones. I'd suggest before you make up your mind to try a pair of Kimber Hero's inbetween the amp and the receiver and see if that helps . If you still think it's to close then get it out.
    Thats what I would do,

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • phuz
    phuz Posts: 2,372
    edited February 2005
    Ya know I think I am going to remove the amp from the mix, and maybe work on another two channel system with it. I think the 1056 will be fine with the LSi15s. I really needed the amp when I had my HK reciever, but I don't think it's necessary now.

    Gonna pick up an rdv-1050 today and rewire and re-arrange my system tonight.

    This hobby is never ending........
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited February 2005
    Nice piece. Good luck with it and snap a few pic's would yeah?

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • phuz
    phuz Posts: 2,372
    edited February 2005
    Originally posted by mantis
    Nice piece. Good luck with it and snap a few pic's would yeah?

    Dan

    Will do, once I get everything wired up. I paid for the rdv-1050 today, picking it up tomorrow.

    Still on the hunt for new cables. Interconnections and a dvd-audio set mostly. I'll keep monster for video I guess. Can't seem to find any local dealers in the higher end stuff. Found a place that has Bel, Vampire, and some other stuff. Straight wire at the home theater store, but I'm not to big on em.

    I'll post some stuff this week...
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited February 2005
    Just in my opnion Monster sounds better then Straightwire. In your system it maybe diferent.

    www.audiogon.com is a great place to buy what you want used.I would shop there fro new interconnects if you have nothing good local.

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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