system match ROTEL + speakers

[admin_exported]

Hello,

I'm quite new to the Hi-Fi-world(Belgium). I recently bought an Audiolab 8200 CD-player and ROTEL 1580-1582 pre-amp power amp(200W)-combination with Chord Chameleon Plus interconnects.

Can anyone of you guys give me some advice what speakers would be a good match? (floorstander or stand mount)

I've read some fine reviews of B&W CM9 and 805D, several PMC-speakers, Monitor Audio, Sonus Faber, Spendor (SP2/3R2),...

Since I'm new to the world of system-matching (but understanding the critical impact of it), I could really use some advice.

From what I've read so far, B&W and Rotel should pair quite well, for instance.

My preference is a more forward, fairly detailed and transparant sound with quite some punch and drive (even at moderate volume levels).

Some suggestions or advice from you Hi-Fi-experts please?

 

[Audio_ELF]

Rotel amplifiers find a natural partner in B&W speakers, however I would say the CM9 were a more natural partner than the 805D which need more refinement than you will find in the Rotel amplifier.

The PMC will also be a good match.

At the end of the day, a lot of matching amplifier and speaker is about personal taste than an absolute A is better than B so you really need to get out and listen to the Rotel Duo with a few speakers.

Eloise

 

[Anonymous]

BW CM9 are great with that gear also Dynaudio Focus 140 gels well with Rotel in my opinion.

 

[Dougal1331]

Or for a cheaper option, try the Dynaudio DM2/7.

They have a huge sound with solid bass, and will lap up the power too... Check out WHF?'s review on this site.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hello,

I'm quite new to the Hi-Fi-world(Belgium). I recently bought an Audiolab 8200 CD-player and ROTEL 1580-1582 pre-amp power amp(200W)-combination with Chord Chameleon Plus interconnects.

Can anyone of you guys give me some advice what speakers would be a good match? (floorstander or stand mount)

I've read some fine reviews of B&W CM9 and 805D, several PMC-speakers, Monitor Audio, Sonus Faber, Spendor (SP2/3R2),...

Since I'm new to the world of system-matching (but understanding the critical impact of it), I could really use some advice.

From what I've read so far, B&W and Rotel should pair quite well, for instance.

My preference is a more forward, fairly detailed and transparant sound with quite some punch and drive (even at moderate volume levels).

Some suggestions or advice from you Hi-Fi-experts please?

Hi BBB

What do you geneally listen to?

Anyone else likely to use the system? If so, their listening preferences?

Did you listen to the electronics before purchasing them? If so, then what speakers were used?

What attracted you to these electronics?

The size of your listening room?

Room shape?

Ceiling height?

Positioning of speakers in the room?

Is your room heavily or lightly finished?

Listening distance?

Power requirement/your general listening level?

Your speaker cables?

Is there a television in the room? If so, will the sound also be fed in to the system?

Any plans to go down the home cinema route?

Any other electronics you are looking to add?

Your budget?

Fwiw, in the mean time ATC's SCM19 or SCM40 monitors, Dynaudio's Contour S 1.4 or Contour S 3.4 and Monitor Audio's PL100 speakers are also worth a look.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[jerry klinger]

Try the Revolver floorstanders which are less expensive than most of those mentioned and sound superb.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks you guys for these generous replies!!!

I've bought my system blindly, based on many reviews and magazines. Not the smartest thing to do maybe, but that's the way it went. The positive commentaries describing the power, punch, clarity and transparency of this system helped me deciding this was a fine start to build a mid-fi to hi-fi-system.

I own an extensive CD-collection of 3000CD's, and I listen to many genres of music, depending on my mood of the day: classic rock, mainstream pop, jazz, blues and classical music, no hiphop (alla 5Ocent, rihanna and others...).

My room is 5mx5mX2,5m, and quite heavily finished. I'm mainly interested in an audio-system, so there won't be any interactions with TV or home-cinema-system (which I do not have). Budget is not really an issue at the moment, but I do not intend to spend more than 5OOOeuro on speakers.

For the moment I'm burning my system in, and I'm listening to my music with my Grado SR325i, which I love, because of it's forward soundbalance, tremendous amount of detail , fantastic drive and punch in my music and a nice frequency balance.

Problem is I do not have the experience needed to know which speakers are able to give me that brilliant "Grado-sound".

For instance, I've read the other day that B&W CM9 have a fine overall balance, but a lot of reviewers state that they are missing that sparkle in the high frequencies in these speakers. I like a good bass differentiation, but not really an "oomph" kind of bass, if you know what I mean. I'd rather choose for excellent timing and punch in the lower frequencies.

I've read some excellent reviews on the Spendor A9 speakers, and the Spendor SP2/3R2-standmounts, and they seem to produce the sound I like. Sonus Faber, ATC and Neat speakers appear to have a wonderful sound, too. B&W speakers tend to have a laid-back-sound, from what I'm hearing (which is the last thing I'm looking for).

Problem is, England seems to be the nirvana of hi-fi with shops and stores on every corner in town, whereas in Belgium it's more of a rarity, and they frequently do not have speaker brands (which I referred to above) in store... My Audiolab and Rotel-components are bought blindly on the internet from a shop in Germany!🙂

I hope I've described my problem in a more detailed way now!🙂

Thanks again!

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Thanks you guys for these generous replies!!!

I've bought my system blindly, based on many reviews and magazines. Not the smartest thing to do maybe, but that's the way it went. The positive commentaries describing the power, punch, clarity and transparency of this system helped me deciding this was a fine start to build a mid-fi to hi-fi-system.

I own an extensive CD-collection of 3000CD's, and I listen to many genres of music, depending on my mood of the day: classic rock, mainstream pop, jazz, blues and classical music, no hiphop (alla 5Ocent, rihanna and others...).

My room is 5mx5mX2,5m, and quite heavily finished. I'm mainly interested in an audio-system, so there won't be any interactions with TV or home-cinema-system (which I do not have). Budget is not really an issue at the moment, but I do not intend to spend more than 5OOOeuro on speakers.

For the moment I'm burning my system in, and I'm listening to my music with my Grado SR325i, which I love, because of it's forward soundbalance, tremendous amount of detail , fantastic drive and punch in my music and a nice frequency balance.

Problem is I do not have the experience needed to know which speakers are able to give me that brilliant "Grado-sound".

For instance, I've read the other day that B&W CM9 have a fine overall balance, but a lot of reviewers state that they are missing that sparkle in the high frequencies in these speakers. I like a good bass differentiation, but not really an "oomph" kind of bass, if you know what I mean. I'd rather choose for excellent timing and punch in the lower frequencies.

I've read some excellent reviews on the Spendor A9 speakers, and the Spendor SP2/3R2-standmounts, and they seem to produce the sound I like. Sonus Faber, ATC and Neat speakers appear to have a wonderful sound, too. B&W speakers tend to have a laid-back-sound, from what I'm hearing (which is the last thing I'm looking for).

Problem is, England seems to be the nirvana of hi-fi with shops and stores on every corner in town, whereas in Belgium it's more of a rarity, and they frequently do not have speaker brands (which I referred to above) in store... My Audiolab and Rotel-components are bought blindly on the internet from a shop in Germany!🙂

I hope I've described my problem in a more detailed way now!🙂

Thanks again!

Hi BBB

Thanks for your reply and your welcome 🙂

I feel from what you've said ATC's SCM40 monitors should offer you the least compromise. In paricular i think you should enjoy the superb perfomance of the studio Soft Dome mid range unit :bigsmile: Please try and have a listen to the SCM40 monitors with your Rotel amplifiers and Audiolab cd player. L'EXCEPTION MUSICALE (+33 3 21 02 29 25) cover Belgium so it might also be worth contacting them.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[plastic penguin]

Hello,

I'm quite new to the Hi-Fi-world(Belgium). I recently bought an Audiolab 8200 CD-player and ROTEL 1580-1582 pre-amp power amp(200W)-combination with Chord Chameleon Plus interconnects.

Can anyone of you guys give me some advice what speakers would be a good match? (floorstander or stand mount)

I've read some fine reviews of B&W CM9 and 805D, several PMC-speakers, Monitor Audio, Sonus Faber, Spendor (SP2/3R2),...

Since I'm new to the world of system-matching (but understanding the critical impact of it), I could really use some advice.

From what I've read so far, B&W and Rotel should pair quite well, for instance.

My preference is a more forward, fairly detailed and transparant sound with quite some punch and drive (even at moderate volume levels).

Some suggestions or advice from you Hi-Fi-experts please?

I would go by known matches. With your Rotels and Audiolab, certainly look at B&W, PMCs (FB1s spring to mind)and perhaps Monitor Audio Platinum range, although these maybe out of your estimated budget.

 

[Anonymous]

Does my system have enough power to drive these ATC SCM40's?

From what I've been reading, they're extremely difficult to drive!!

Are there on-line possibilities to buy these speakers and deliver to Belgium?

Kind regards!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks you guys for these generous replies!!!

I've bought my system blindly, based on many reviews and magazines. Not the smartest thing to do maybe, but that's the way it went. The positive commentaries describing the power, punch, clarity and transparency of this system helped me deciding this was a fine start to build a mid-fi to hi-fi-system.

I own an extensive CD-collection of 3000CD's, and I listen to many genres of music, depending on my mood of the day: classic rock, mainstream pop, jazz, blues and classical music, no hiphop (alla 5Ocent, rihanna and others...).

My room is 5mx5mX2,5m, and quite heavily finished. I'm mainly interested in an audio-system, so there won't be any interactions with TV or home-cinema-system (which I do not have). Budget is not really an issue at the moment, but I do not intend to spend more than 5OOOeuro on speakers.

For the moment I'm burning my system in, and I'm listening to my music with my Grado SR325i, which I love, because of it's forward soundbalance, tremendous amount of detail , fantastic drive and punch in my music and a nice frequency balance.

Problem is I do not have the experience needed to know which speakers are able to give me that brilliant "Grado-sound".

For instance, I've read the other day that B&W CM9 have a fine overall balance, but a lot of reviewers state that they are missing that sparkle in the high frequencies in these speakers. I like a good bass differentiation, but not really an "oomph" kind of bass, if you know what I mean. I'd rather choose for excellent timing and punch in the lower frequencies.

I've read some excellent reviews on the Spendor A9 speakers, and the Spendor SP2/3R2-standmounts, and they seem to produce the sound I like. Sonus Faber, ATC and Neat speakers appear to have a wonderful sound, too. B&W speakers tend to have a laid-back-sound, from what I'm hearing (which is the last thing I'm looking for).

Problem is, England seems to be the nirvana of hi-fi with shops and stores on every corner in town, whereas in Belgium it's more of a rarity, and they frequently do not have speaker brands (which I referred to above) in store... My Audiolab and Rotel-components are bought blindly on the internet from a shop in Germany!🙂

I hope I've described my problem in a more detailed way now!🙂

Thanks again!

Hi BBB

Thanks for your reply and your welcome 🙂

I feel from what you've said ATC's SCM40 monitors should offer you the least compromise. In paricular i think you should enjoy the superb perfomance of the studio Soft Dome mid range unit :bigsmile: Please try and have a listen to the SCM40 monitors with your Rotel amplifiers and Audiolab cd player. L'EXCEPTION MUSICALE (+33 3 21 02 29 25) cover Belgium so it might also be worth contacting them.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Does my system have enough power to drive these ATC SCM40's?

From what I've been reading, they're extremely difficult to drive!!

Are there on-line possibilities to buy these speakers and deliver to Belgium?

Kind regards!

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Does my system have enough power to drive these ATC SCM40's?

From what I've been reading, they're extremely difficult to drive!!

Are there on-line possibilities to buy these speakers and deliver to Belgium?

Kind regards!

Hi BBB

SCM40 monitors are not extremely difficult to drive. This unfortunately relates to the low efficiency of most ATC passive monitors. The fact is the impedance of a speaker is far more important.

ATC's drive units are very constant thereby allowing an amplifier to give its full power all the time (prior to clipping). There are some very efficient speakers which have an impedance that can drop to low levels such as 2 ohms. At these levels many amplifiers will struggle and will not provide sufficient power or no power at all.

I've used a modestly priced 50w/ch amplifier in many of the dems which i done with SCM40's over the years to show my clients that an amplifier the size of a truck or expense is not necessarily needed. I've used this amplifier for fours years now and i've never got it to clip and nor has the amplifier ever broken down regardless of output level, frequency or duration of use.

As long as the amplifier has sufficient quality of power (eg. current) and quantity (this will depend on room size and general playback level) then using ATC passive monitors will be fine. Whilst you've not indicated your general listening level however in relation to your room size i think it is safe to say your power amplifier has these qualities to enable it to be used with SCM40 monitors :bigsmile: Thereafter if you want more from the SCM40's then simply get better quality of ampliication and source components. ATC's drive units will easily accomodate many future upgrades 🙂

BTW, regarding availability have you contacted L'EXCEPTION MUSICALE?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Frank Harvey]

From what I've read so far, B&W and Rotel should pair quite well, for instance. My preference is a more forward, fairly detailed and transparant sound with quite some punch and drive (even at moderate volume levels). Some suggestions or advice from you Hi-Fi-experts please?

I've always found B&W and Rotel go together extremely well, and from the description of the sort of sound you're after, I'd say they'll be ideal. Definitely take a look at the CM9's, which are a beautifully made speaker, extremely clear and solid sound.

See if you can get a listen to the outgoing Monitor Audio GS60's (if you have a large room), or GS20's (if you have a smaller room). Do also take a look at the new GX series which replaces them, which are due out in June. These are more nearer to the quality of the Platinums than they are to the Gold GS range. You could also look at their Platinum PL100 if you prefer a smaller standmount.

Another one to look out for would be the ProAc Response D18's, incorporating a pretty potent bass for a single bass driver speaker, with a nice, sweet top end - a popular choice at this price point. They're quite easy to place too as their reflex port fires downwards, so can be used closer to a wall than the previously mentioned floorstanders.

The SPendor A9's are very unassuming loudspeaker - they don't initially impress, but the longer you listen, the more the neutral sound grows on you. Bass isn't overpowering, neither is treble, but they do possess a very clear midrange, again, devoid of nasties. A great speaker if their sound 'clicks' with you.

 

[Anonymous]

From what I've read so far, B&W and Rotel should pair quite well, for instance. My preference is a more forward, fairly detailed and transparant sound with quite some punch and drive (even at moderate volume levels). Some suggestions or advice from you Hi-Fi-experts please?

I've always found B&W and Rotel go together extremely well, and from the description of the sort of sound you're after, I'd say they'll be ideal. Definitely take a look at the CM9's, which are a beautifully made speaker, extremely clear and solid sound. See if you can get a listen to the outgoing Monitor Audio GS60's (if you have a large room), or GS20's (if you have a smaller room). Do also take a look at the new GX series which replaces them, which are due out in June. These are more nearer to the quality of the Platinums than they are to the Gold GS range. You could also look at their Platinum PL100 if you prefer a smaller standmount. Another one to look out for would be the ProAc Response D18's, incorporating a pretty potent bass for a single bass driver speaker, with a nice, sweet top end - a popular choice at this price point. They're quite easy to place too as their reflex port fires downwards, so can be used closer to a wall than the previously mentioned floorstanders. The SPendor A9's are very unassuming loudspeaker - they don't initially impress, but the longer you listen, the more the neutral sound grows on you. Bass isn't overpowering, neither is treble, but they do possess a very clear midrange, again, devoid of nasties. A great speaker if their sound 'clicks' with you.

Thx for your reply! Could you tell me something more how B&W CM9 and Monitor Audio GX300 compare?

My Rotel equipment has a tendency to sound quite bright in some equipment (from what I've read in reviews), so I expect that Monitor Audio speakers could sound harsh, while the bright output is what B&W speakers need to sound their best?

Thx again!

 

[Frank Harvey]

Thx for your reply! Could you tell me something more how B&W CM9 and Monitor Audio GX300 compare? My Rotel equipment has a tendency to sound quite bright in some equipment (from what I've read in reviews), so I expect that Monitor Audio speakers could sound harsh, while the bright output is what B&W speakers need to sound their best?

Hard to say at the moment as the MA's GX range isn't released until some time next month. As soon as we get them in (whole range is on order), we can make some comparisons. I would guess that you may feel more at ease with the GX series as they'll sound a little smoother and sweeter due to their ribbon tweeters.

 

[Anonymous]

 

[Anonymous]

Thx for your reply! Could you tell me something more how B&W CM9 and Monitor Audio GX300 compare? My Rotel equipment has a tendency to sound quite bright in some equipment (from what I've read in reviews), so I expect that Monitor Audio speakers could sound harsh, while the bright output is what B&W speakers need to sound their best?

Hard to say at the moment as the MA's GX range isn't released until some time next month. As soon as we get them in (whole range is on order), we can make some comparisons. I would guess that you may feel more at ease with the GX series as they'll sound a little smoother and sweeter due to their ribbon tweeters.

 

[Anonymous]

Any more news about the Monitor Audio GX200 and GX300 speakers and how they compare to B&W speakers (CM9) in combination with my Rotel 1580/1582-combo (200W)? I've read some good reviews about ProAc-speakers too, in particular some standmounts (Response D Two).

I've got the correct measurements of my living room this time (6m x 4m), so I'm not sure if floorstanders are the right choice.

Any professional help??

(I like a more forward, fairly detailed and transparant sound with quite some punch and drive, even at low listening levels)

 

[Anonymous]

 

[Anonymous]

Thx for your reply! Could you tell me something more how B&W CM9 and Monitor Audio GX300 compare? My Rotel equipment has a tendency to sound quite bright in some equipment (from what I've read in reviews), so I expect that Monitor Audio speakers could sound harsh, while the bright output is what B&W speakers need to sound their best?

Hard to say at the moment as the MA's GX range isn't released until some time next month. As soon as we get them in (whole range is on order), we can make some comparisons. I would guess that you may feel more at ease with the GX series as they'll sound a little smoother and sweeter due to their ribbon tweeters.

 

[Anonymous]

Any more news about the Monitor Audio GX200 and GX300 speakers and how they compare to B&W speakers (CM9) in combination with my Rotel 1580/1582-combo (200W)? I've read some good reviews about ProAc-speakers too, in particular some standmounts (Response D Two).

I've got the correct measurements of my living room this time (6m x 4m), so I'm not sure if floorstanders are the right choice.

Any professional help??

(I like a more forward, fairly detailed and transparant sound with quite some punch and drive, even at low listening levels)

 

[aliahk]

Hey BBB,

Where are you living in Belgium?

I think you can better search a good dealer instead of buying blind from a online shop. Especially when you'r spending that amounts on hifi.

Usually I get 10% discount with my dealer(alpha high end Antwerpen) but if you can hussle you can maybe even get better discounts.

I think if you bargain 10% is a standard discount for electronics.

I found monitor audio also to gell very well with Rotel Electronics. Maybe you should demo the new Gx series!

Grtz