Should I keep my Rotel RA-02?

[admin_exported]

Currently I'm using a Rotel RA-02 that amps a Rotel CD-02 and driving some B&W 602 s3. I'm using an old Yamaha DSP ax-620 for my AV amp which is connected to the RA-02 via the front pre-outs and is then directly connected to some B&W 600 s3 for the surrounds and a B&W LCR60 centre.

I want to upgrade the AV amp but am worried about losing good quality stereo so am unsure whether to take the plunge and buy something like an Onkyo TX SR580 which doesn't have pre-outs and then also sell the Rotel, or keep the Rotel and buy another amp with pre-outs again. In an ideal world one less amp to connect would be perfect.

Cost is an issue hence the Onkyo and I figure that if I upgrade I should get 3D compatible, so any advice greatfully recieved.

I'm also missing a sub so wondering whether to stick to B&W or go for something else? Will probably looking for a second hand unit from ebay.

 

[Frank Harvey]

The Onkyo won't match the RA02, so I'd keep it.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, that was my concern. Do you know of a similar AV amp that has pre-outs?

 

[Anonymous]

unless your considering using a ps3 for any future 3d gaming or 3d movies? i wouldnt worry about getting a 3d capable avr, if you go down the 3d road then you could buy a 3d player that will work with a non 3d capable avr, theres a few around already and its likely there will be more..

then you could get something like a yamaha rxv765, ive got one and find it very good, and its got pre-outs, you may still find one new at a reduced price (richer sounds were selling them off at £199 a few months back), or there's the option of buying 2nd hand, i reckon about £200 should get you a decent avr with pre-outs on ebay etc.

 

[Anonymous]

I was also thinking Denon AVR1910 but don't think it has pre-outs. Could this replace the rotel?

 

[Anonymous]

dgriffiths77:I was also thinking Denon AVR1910 but don't think it has pre-outs. Could this replace the rotel?
depends what level of quality you want for stereo music imo, i very much doubt if the denon would be as good as the rotel, few avr's, even very expensive ones, are able to compete with even budget stereo amps in this regard..

 

[Anonymous]

dgriffiths77:Thanks, that was my concern. Do you know of a similar AV amp that has pre-outs?

The new yamaha RXV667 can be had for £329 at richer sounds, that has pre-outs, might be worth a look!

 

[Ronald Archiebald]

FrankHarveyHiFi:The Onkyo won't match the RA02, so I'd keep it.

I agree. No question about it.

 

[Anonymous]

markjaspi:dgriffiths77:Thanks, that was my concern. Do you know of a similar AV amp that has pre-outs?

The new yamaha RXV667 can be had for £329 at richer sounds, that has pre-outs, might be worth a look!

Would the RXV667 be ok as i'm only running a 5.1 system so the pre-outs need to be 'front' pre-outs as these are also my stereo speakers? I thought the 667 pre-outs were for side speakers so would they be ok to take to my stereo amp? Maybe a silly question but i'm far from being knowledgable about this - I just know what good quality sounds like and what doesn't.

 

[Anonymous]

dgriffiths77:
markjaspi:dgriffiths77:Thanks, that was my concern. Do you know of a similar AV amp that has pre-outs?

The new yamaha RXV667 can be had for £329 at richer sounds, that has pre-outs, might be worth a look!

Would the RXV667 be ok as i'm only running a 5.1 system so the pre-outs need to be 'front' pre-outs as these are also my stereo speakers? I thought the 667 pre-outs were for side speakers so would they be ok to take to my stereo amp? Maybe a silly question but i'm far from being knowledgable about this - I just know what good quality sounds like and what doesn't.

The pre outs on the 667 are for front, surround and centres, see here:
http://uk.yamaha.com/en/download/?language=en&asset_id=45249&product_id=1048351&category_id=16446&locale=en_UK&1292443806&1292443963&mode=download

Hope this helps (page 30)