Rotel RA-10 and Wharfedale 9.1 speakers

[ruskiru]

My NAD C316BEE seems to be failing, producing a distorted sound. I'm thinking of replacing it with a Rotel RA-10. Does anyone know if the Rotel is a good match for the Wharfedale 9.1s?

 

[matthewpiano]

Is your C316BEE not still under warranty? It might just be a simple repair.

Failing that, the RA-10 will work very well with the Wharfedales. I've heard the older RA-04SE with the 9.1s (and Rotel haven't changed much between models) and it was a very enjoyable combination. You will probably find it a bit cleaner sounding than the working NAD, particularly in the bass.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

My NAD C316BEE seems to be failing, producing a distorted sound. I'm thinking of replacing it with a Rotel RA-10. Does anyone know if the Rotel is a good match for the Wharfedale 9.1s?

Hi ruskiru

In the first instance try and get the fault rectified. As for a replacement amplifier at a budget of around £300 i'll recommend that you should also consider used/discontinued amplification route and look at a NAD C370 or Rotel's RA-1062.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[ruskiru]

Thanks for the reply!

Unforuntely it's a year out of warranty. It started producing a raspy, hard fuzzy presentation in the midrange around six months ago and has got progressively worse. I think the speakers are OK and that the amp is clipping.

Probably the cost of sending it to the nearest service centre and any repair would be similar to buying a new amp, so it's nice to know the Rotel is a good match. I just have to hope the amp hasn't damaged the speakers.

 

[ruskiru]

Thanks Rick, but I live in Russia so getting things serviced or buying on the second hand market are probably not as simple as in the UK Especially as the nearest NAD service centre is 400 miles away in Moscow.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi ruskiru

Fair enough

Btw, what makes have you got available to you?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[ruskiru]

More or less everything that's available in the UK. Although I'd be relunctant to choose NAD again, since the C316 barely lasted two years. Though it was switched on 12 hours a day, every day, so it was used well.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi ruskiru

Thanks for your reply.

I forgot to ask -

What source component/s are you using?

Are you looking for the new amplifier to have a similar tonal presentation as your NAD amplifier?

Any amplifiers available for you to audition before you buy?

Your maximum budget?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[ruskiru]

I have a KingRex UD-01 Pro DAC, so probably not many are familiar with how it sounds. But it has a big sound, and I've always felt that the NAD compresses it a bit. More breathing space is required.

The main problem is that the room is 25sq metres and the Wharfedale 9.1s small. While I enjoy the sound of the NAD, I think something with extra punch that gives more space around the instruments and air is needed. The Rotel would also give the option to add a power amp at a later stage.

I was also thinking about the possibility of upgrading to the Wharfedale 121s with the Rotel for a warmer presentation, but even while the 9.1s are a bit neutral for my tastes, they're so good in every other respect, I'm wary of giving them up. The reviews of the 121s seem very mixed.

Unfortuntely, there isn't much chance for auditioning. Although I do have the option to send back after two weeks if I don't like what I hear.

Max budget for the amp is £350.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi ruskiru

Thanks for your reply.

I think then it'll be also be worth trying amplifiers from Marantz, Yamaha and Cambridge Audio. I also feel that you should also consider NAD again. I say this because i've heard good things about their new D3020 amplifier.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[ruskiru]

Thanks Rick,

What would you say about the RA-10 vs. a NAD C326BEE?

Regards,

Russell.

 

[Tibor]

Nad 326 BEE is more musical than Rotel. Rotel has a bit clinical sound, but with a bit more clarity and detail than Nad. Both have their advantages.

For me the NAD 326 BEE is the best musical sounding budget amplifier. Rega amps and new Pioneer stereo amps are also musical

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi Russell

Your welcome.

The C326BEE is fluid and dynamic with depth, power and drive which i find comfortable to listen to.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Frank Harvey]

I find the RA10 to be more neutral than NAD amplification, so will work better with your speakers, in my opinion. I also find the Rotel amplification to exert better grip on the speakers, producing a tighter, more precise sound.

 

[ruskiru]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. It's really useful.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi Russell

Your welcome.

Like i said earlier and if possible also try the new NAD D3020

Btw, i just want to make it clear that we don't deal with NAD, Marantz and Cambridge Audio.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Frank Harvey]

Or Rotel...

 

[ruskiru]

Hi Tibor,

Are you comparing the NAD 326BEE with Rotel amps in general, or with the Rotel RA-10 in particular?

Regards,