Powering PSB Image 6Ts... Rotel vs. NAD?

[CarterFan41]

I'm gonna be picking up some PSB Image 6T speakers, and I'm wondering how to power them. Which would be better, the Rotel RB-1070 or the NAD C-370? They've both been recomended to me. If you have any other suggestions, I'd like to hear those too. The budget is approximately $500 (used or new, I don't care).

Ryan Lundin

 

[CarterFan41]

Note: I already have an Onkyo reciever, so I don't necessarily need an integrated amp... as far as I know. Correct me if I'm wrong.

RL

 

[markl]

I had a 5-channel NAD amp (THX125 or something like that it was about 4 years ago) at one point that I used to power some Stratus Series PSBs. I hated it, not a good combo. No idea specifically about the C-370.

I can highly recommend the ATI amps with the PSBs. I used the ATI1505 for a long time with them and it was by far the best amp I auditioned. The 1502 is the two-channel version, it runs $795 new, but here's a used 1502 for $425 (can't vouch for seller). Build quality and value per dollar are insane on the ATI amps. http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.p...ran&1074879335

Mark

 

[tom hankins]

I've heard the 5T's with a parasound HCA 1500 amp and they really rocked. You can get one for around that price at audiogon used. 200 WPC. If your set on Rotel or NAD, I would get the Rotel.(I like parasound over either of them though)
Also the new Halo amps from parsound are getting good reviews and go for 800.00 new so they should be showing up used in your price range too. Merry Christmas!

 

[pbirkett]

The Rotel RB-1070 is a better amp than the C370. It is more expensive, and is a dedicated power amplifier. I personally rate Rotel over NAD simply because their sound is more musical to my ears, more vibrant and exciting, but thats just IMO.

 

[CarterFan41]

Here's what might be a more important question... I already have an Onkyo reciever. It came with a home theater system (receiver, 5 speakers, subwoofer) which totalled at about 500 dollars. The system is called the Onkyo HTS-650. I just checked the specs online for the reciever, and it says that it puts out 100 WPC into 8 ohms. Am I even gonna get any noticeable benefit from a stand-alone amp that's rated at 100 WPC, or even 130WPC (Rotel RB-1070)? Or am I just wasting 500-600 dollars?

Thanks,
RL

 

[hempcamp]

I think the coloration of NAD and PSB tends to match almost perfectly for most kinds of music. You can't go wrong with Rotel or NAD though for the price.

--Chris

 

[pbirkett]

Quote:

Originally posted by CarterFan41 Am I even gonna get any noticeable benefit from a stand-alone amp that's rated at 100 WPC, or even 130WPC (Rotel RB-1070)? Or am I just wasting 500-600 dollars? Thanks, RL

Its not that simple. For starters, as people here will tell you as well, its the quality of the power, not just quantity. Secondly Rotel has very good current delivery too, the Rotel is also underrated. It will kick out lots of amps of current, and will likely kick out more watts than it claims on paper. For example, my 40 watt Rotel integrated has been proven to kick out 60 watts continious power, giving it more ability than it looks. NAD is the same, they are typically modest with their ratings too.

 

[CarterFan41]

Thanks for the suggestions. So how is this gonna work? I already have the HT system. So do I simply connect the receiver to the amp, and then connect that to the left and right stereo speakers? Will this take a load off the receiver and divert all the power to the surround channels, center channel, and subwoofer?

Thanks,
RL

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

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[CarterFan41]

Why not use the Onkyo receiver as a pre-amp? What are the disadvantages? Also, no one has yet recommended to me a tube amp... from what i gather, the sound is too muddy, and I'd have to spend a lot more to get performance similar to a solid-state. Also, is the built in woofer amplification of the 7PTs worth the extra money over the 6PTs? With an adequate amp, shouldn't the sound be about the same?

I'm obviously not discounting your suggestions. I'm interested, and want you to explain more.

Thanks,
RL

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

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[Kieran Comito]

I'd say go with Rotel. Very underated power ratings and they give you good bang for your buck.

 

[CarterFan41]

If I were to go for the combo of a tube amp and the 7PTs, what would be a good tube amp to look at? Budget would still be about 500 used. Due to limited funds, the pre-amp will probably have to be the last upgrade that I make.

But the Onkyo will work, right? Will there be any problems sending an amplified signal from the Onkyo into another amplifier? Or will the Onkyo automatically not amplify the signal going into it? Will it still send amplified signals to the other speakers in the setup (all except the stereo speakers)?

Thanks,
RL

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

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