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Speaker suggestions for old Rotel gear

post #1 of 6
3/22/11 at 3:01pm
Thread Starter 

All,

 

New to the forum, and I wouldn't really consider myself an audiophile, but would like suggestions and/or comments (no flaming please) on what speakers to get for a stack of Rotel components I bought several years ago:

 

RCD 975 CD player

RC 972 Pre amp

RB 991 Power amp

RLC 900 Line conditioner

 

I also am running Audioquest Indigo cable from the amp to the current speakers, which are Bose 901's (no flaming please).

 

So what would you guys suggest as a replacement for the 901's?  Looking to spend around $1000.

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post #2 of 6
3/23/11 at 12:49am
Flaming? I think Rotel makes good stuff. Also, the 901 is interesting. I've heard them briefly, but might pick up an old pair (eek.gif seriously) that needs refoaming for the heckuvit. I'd restore them and give them a listen - figure I could turn a profit on them at the least.

Anyhow, the speakers I'd go for would be a used pair of Magnepan 1.6s. One of the classics and they sound wonderful. Look around and you'll find plenty of strong reviews and happy owners.

You might be able to find a pair of Quad ESLs for under $1,000. I got my ESL-63s for less, but they need a bit of surgery. Quads are wonderful, but you also need to consider the maintenance factor. I'm usually practical and go for robust, low-maintenance products. But I'm willing to accept fussy, relatively high-maintenance Quads because they're special.

If you have a DIY bent, I built a pair of ProAc Response 2.5 clones. Not the last word in resolution, but they have groovy bass (remarkable from a 6.5" woofer) and terrific integration with the mids and highs. A terrific speaker and I spent about $1,000 for the parts. I found the Stereophile review applicable to the clone - worth reading.

Another worthy DIY project for under $1,000 is the Linkwitz Pluto. Check it out.
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post #3 of 6
3/23/11 at 12:20pm
Thread Starter 

Yeah, I like the Rotel gear, and from what I understand it has a good reputation for solid performance at a good price.  It was the 901's that I thought might attract some less than positive comments.  Back when I put this system togethere, I made the brilliant decision of buying the 901's first (got a pretty good deal on them) and buying the rest of the system second.  Multiple stores at the time said that Rotel worked well with the 901's, and I've always been very satisfied with it.  Aside from Bose's retail tactics, my research has led me to believe the 901's are a very polarizing speaker: people either love them or hate them with not many listeners in the middle.  They are sensitive to setup and placement, so don't know if that is something that everyone is aware of (I would imagine that most on this forum are).  Anyway, thanks for the comments.  Not much of a DIYer when it comes to audio gear; anything you would recommend that I can buy new?  Do I need a bigger budget?

 

 

 

 

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post #4 of 6
3/25/11 at 6:28pm

The Rotels will give you current. They will work well with the Maggies and I've used them with Martin Logans with good results. If you aren't interested in the exotics, a used Harbeth? What is your room size, etc.

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post #5 of 6
3/28/11 at 10:15am
Thread Starter 

The room they're in is pretty much 15 by 20 feet, and tiled.  Back when I was looking for gear, I remember seeing the Martin Logan electrostats for the first time.  Pretty heady stuff, and expensive too!

 

 

 

 

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post #6 of 6
3/28/11 at 10:28am

Your budget would get a pretty good pair of used speakers. Go on Audiogon and check pricing.

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