Stereo amplifier for monitor audio rs6

[da_grudge]

Hello all.

I am in a process to buy a new stereo amplifier to use with my Monitor Audio Rs6. I would like to spend around 250-300 pounds. Is the Marantz PM6003 a good choice? What about the Rotel RA-04SE?

Also, I will probably buy a blu ray, LG BD390. Is it a good transporter for cd's? I have a very nice DAC , a cambridge audio dacmagic MKII to use with it.

Thank you for your time.

 

[drummerman]

I don't think any amp at that (new) price will have the control necessary to reign in that warm, wayward bass, nor the clarity to improve on the tweeter.

Only amp I've heard that managed to make this speaker something approaching sounding good was a top Arcam integrated. From what I remember the Dacmagic has ok bass so at least you're on the right track there. As always my opinion only.

 

[da_grudge]

Well, I'm sure in this price tag I won't find the best for the MA.

I'm just trying to find the best possible amplifier in this range of price...the DAC does improve a lot at least in the system I have now.

Forgot to say that I'm willing to buy some vintage also. It can be some old Arcam or something.

What about the LG? Do you know if it will do a good transport as cd?

Tx

 

[drummerman]

... Actually, I'll add another one; That Musical Fidelity 'midi' system that came out 4 or so years ago. I think the amp was around 800 quid. Perhaps available now for substantially less s/h.

 

[da_grudge]

Maybe an Arcam Alpha 9? I can find it for less than 300 opunds...

 

[d_a_n1979]

I think warm/wayward bass is bit of an overstatement DM

The M/A RS6's are very good speakers but they may not be suited to YOUR tastes so I dont really think the above post was as helpful as it could be

I agree the treble can/could be bright but partnered with the right amp (i.e. NAD or Arcam) and that'll be calmed right down

I think amps of along the lines of the NAD C326BEE or even the NAD C355BEE (can be bought brand new from Richer Sounds at £299 currently) would be ideal.

If you're after 2nd hand then the Arcam Alpha 9 or 10 integrateds would be worth looking at as would a Creek Evo or possibly a NAD C352 integrated if you can find one

 

[drummerman]

d_a_n1979:I think warm/wayward bass is bit of an overstatement DM The M/A RS6's are very good speakers but they may not be suited to YOUR tastes so I dont really think the above post was as helpful as it could be

Oh, I thought that was one of my more helpful postings concerning this speaker ...

 

[d_a_n1979]

drummerman:
d_a_n1979:I think warm/wayward bass is bit of an overstatement DM The M/A RS6's are very good speakers but they may not be suited to YOUR tastes so I dont really think the above post was as helpful as it could be

Oh, I thought that was one of my more helpful postings concerning this speaker ...

Pah

 

[MUSICRAFT]

da_grudge:
Hello all.

I am in a process to buy a new stereo amplifier to use with my Monitor Audio Rs6. I would like to spend around 250-300 pounds. Is the Marantz PM6003 a good choice? What about the Rotel RA-04SE?

Also, I will probably buy a blu ray, LG BD390. Is it a good transporter for cd's? I have a very nice DAC , a cambridge audio dacmagic MKII to use with it.

Thank you for your time.

Hi da_grudge

A new amplifier such as the C326BEE at around £300 will work be better suited to the Monitor Audio RS6's.

Thanks

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[vinod_david]

+1 to above.

 

[d_a_n1979]

As I said in my post above; either the NAD C326BEE or the NAD C355BEE would be an ideal choice!

 

[plastic penguin]

d_a_n1979:I think warm/wayward bass is bit of an overstatement DM The M/A RS6's are very good speakers but they may not be suited to YOUR tastes so I dont really think the above post was as helpful as it could be

I agree the treble can/could be bright but partnered with the right amp (i.e. NAD or Arcam) and that'll be calmed right down

I think amps of along the lines of the NAD C326BEE or even the NAD C355BEE (can be bought brand new from Richer Sounds at £299 currently) would be ideal. If you're after 2nd hand then the Arcam Alpha 9 or 10 integrateds would be worth looking at as would a Creek Evo or possibly a NAD C352 integrated if you can find one

DIVA A85...perfect.

Regards DMs comments...

 

[the record spot]

For that money, forget new, if you'll pardon my blunt reply.

£300 will get you an A90 or a higher end Sansui like mine. Either will do the honours with ease. Save up and from the new gear, try an ex-dem Leema Pulse from the likes of The Home Cinema Centre, who have it for £899, or a new Harman Kardon HK990. Either of those would be well worth shortlisting.

 

[d_a_n1979]

Good call PP re the Arcam DiVa A85 (forgot that one...

)

Re the Arcam DiVA A90 as recommended by the record spot; I'd leave it alone TBH.

Very poor amp sound wise and wont do well with the M/A RS6's.

It's got bags of power but it's soundstage really lacks; bass is poor and dull and the midrange/treble clash too much.

The likes of the Arcam Alpha 9, 10 or the DiVA A85 would be the best Arcam amps to aim for currently on eBay and the likes

I still think either of the NAD's would be a great purchase new though!

 

[plastic penguin]

Recently seen a MKI version Creek Evo on ebay - they are going for around £300. That will sound cracking.

 

[da_grudge]

OK. So maybe I will go for the arcam diva a85. Iïm not sure if the NAD is the best choice...what do you think?

tx

 

[scene]

Arcam A85 gets my vote (I love mine). I've got mine paired with some MA Silver 8is and they sound great. If I had the cash, I'd get the RS6s to upgrade the S8is... One advantage of the A85, is that you can get a P85 power amp down the line to really tighten things up (I'm looking to get one, if I can save the pennies and find one on fleabay)

 

[d_a_n1979]

You could do to demo really.

The Arcam DiVA A85 is a superb amp but so is the NAD C355BEE and you can get that brand new for £300!

It all depends on whether you want a 2nd hand amp for £300 or a new one for £300 (warrenty etc...)

 

[da_grudge]

Well, for my it doesnït really matter as I can find both for same price I just the best one with the RS6 and the dac magic.

What are the main differences in sound between the a85 and the nad?

 

[d_a_n1979]

They both have a similar sound and will do very well with the M/A RS6's

TBH if you can, demo the NAD C355BEE with your speakers or some M/A RX6's

Their sound is very good indeed; deep, taut bass, smooth but detailed midrange and very good treble; neither will appear bright with the M/A RS6's. Arcam and NAD ideally tone the treble down which is what you need!

 

[da_grudge]

Still looking for the best option. Forgot to say that I also want to use the amp with my vinyl player. Maybe that will make some difference in my choice no?

tx

 

[da_grudge]

Rega mIra also an option?

 

[d_a_n1979]

I'd say you'd need to demo the Mira more than the above amps.

It is a good amp but not sure it'll match the RS6's very well.

I think the Rotel RA06SE would be worth having a nosey at and then look for one 2nd hand but for your budget; the Arcam and NAD amps are unbeatable IMO

 

[da_grudge]

well, the Rotel 04SE just had 5 stars and its 300 pounds. It sounds interesting to me....

 

[plastic penguin]

da_grudge:well, the Rotel 04SE just had 5 stars and its 300 pounds. It sounds interesting to me....

Personal experience says, Rotel and RS6s do not go well together. I've heard the RA-06 with my speakers and the Rotel demonstrates a fast sound, but somehow the two didn't knit together. Definite no no!

I've not heard Nad with my RS6s. All my experience of Nad was with my old Wharfedales, and if you like a bass-laden sound nad will fit the bill. For a more balanced sonic delivery Arcam, Kandy LIII, Creek Evo and Exposure will do a better job.