MUSICRAFT:plastic penguin:MUSICRAFT:plastic penguin:MUSICRAFT:
Phil Opian:Would the Arcam be any improvement over my Rotel to drive a pair of Monitor Audio RS1s? I have an RDac and Squeezebox Touch and listen to a wide range of music from classical to Jazz to Rock and Pop. Alternatively, how about the Arcam A85? What qualities should I expect? Looking for possible xmas present for myself on ebay.
Hi Phil Opian
If you want a real improvement then also look out for Rotel's RA-1062. I feel the RA-1062 betters the RA05, A18 and the A85. The RA-1062 is the finest amp Rotel have produced in last ten years. Another amp to also consider is the superb Marantz PM64. PM64's can be hard to come by however they are worth the wait as the PM64 is even better then the RA-1062.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Rick
Once again you're banging the 1062 drum, and sure, it's a fine amp.... not with Monitor Audio [older] Silver range. As a well thought of retailer you should know Rotel + MA Silvers mix as well as water and oil.
Hi plastic penguin
Firstly i am fully aware of both products, secondly if they did not work well i would not have recommended the amp and lastly i've also got clients (to whom i had sold RA-1062's) happily using the amp with various Monitor Audio Silver RS speakers.
Btw, i can understand why you would think i mention the RA-1062 however i feel credit where it is due.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Oooo, you could've phrased the last line better. Thought "credit" was a dirty word....
I've heard RA-02, 04 and 06 (not SE) with my MAs and TBH it's the worst combo I've ever heard - this is from a very big Rotel fan.
Hi plastic penguin
I stand to be corrected but i take it you've not actually heard the RA-1062 with Silver RS speakers?
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
TBH Rick, I've heard a whole raft of Rotel amps over the past 20 years, so I may of heard the 1062 or may not.... really couldn't say for sure. Out of the the more recent Rotel gear I can name, certainly have not inspired me to part with my old Arcs or, latterly, the Leema. Although I don't doubt for one moment the sonic talents of the 1062, the presentation should be the same as other Rotels. In which case, Rotel and MA is a definite "no no" for me. Or put another way, there are other amps (such as Arcam, Creek, Roksan...) that're better suited to the MAs.