wayden
Established Member
Hi everyone,
I could hardly find any information about this amp, so I decided to start a new thread.
First of all some background information.
For sometime, I have been thinking about going the separates route. I currently have the Denon AVR 4520 which can configured to behave like a pure pre-amp ( turn off the amplification and only use Pre-outs). I have also realized that in the world of high-end AV equipment, at times the Pre-amp price can be double the cost of the matching power amp. Quite strange really as it is the pre-amp that will be rendered obsolete quicker by the early updates being made by manufacturers.
The amps considered were:-
1. Emotiva XPA 5 - Has great reviews, however the retailer and support network in Europe is limited.
I found a dealer in Hungary (Hazimozi) but for some reason by bank transfers
were not going through. Price was 1111 Euros delivered to Germany. I must admit
however I was bit concerned when I learnt about the Nakamichi AVP1 amp. It
seems to be very similar to the XPA. I know that the current Emotiva amps are
made in China by Tonewinner but it made me question how much of the
engineering was done by Emotive not denying, however, that the XPA-5 amp has
a good reputation.
2. Marantz MM8077 - Having owned Marantz AV receivers, I am familiar with the quality of Marantz
products. It is rather expensive, the cheapest price received was 1750 Euros.
3. Rotel RMB 1555 - I am new to this brand. I have listened to their amps before both Class D and
Class A/B. Rotel seems to have a good reputation landing somewhere between a
Boutique shop brands and the top brands like Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, Pioneer
etc. Best price 1400 Euros.
4. ATI - Reputation for making well built amplifiers. However, the price was way out of my
range for the AT1805. 2400 Euros.
I decided for the Rotel because :-
1. Well known Brand in Europe and should get a better price on the used market than Emotiva here in
Germany. When asking around none of the hifi stores visited and many persons had no idea about
Emotiva. The same for ATI.
2. Mature Support network should I have an issue with the amp. It is worth the 300 Euros price
difference. The peace of mind.
I have had my new amp for the last 2 days, so I can give an initial opinion. Please note I am NOT an audiophile and I don't pretend to be. This is my opinion based on what I think sound good. So here goes.
- Comparison to my Denon AVR4520
Well, it does not sound worse. I cannot do a side by side testing as all my speakers are now connected to the Rotel so it is based on me having the Denon for the last 2 years. I have recalibrated with Audyssey and I think the Rotel seems to be bit more dynamic for lack of a better word but then again some reviewers of the 4520 have claimed that it sounds better in Pre-Aamp mode. I don't know. I listened to some music and also the opening scene of the Fellowship of the ring - No complaints whatsoever, the sound was awesome maybe a little better (Dynamic, better soundstage). It felt more engulfing. But I must admit I also enjoyed the sound with my Denon as well, I just think the Rotel gives a little bit extra.
Was the Rotel worth the money? I think so especially because it sounds good to ME.
Which at the end of the day is most important. It does not really matter whether you spend 4000 Euros on an amp or 400. As long as you are very pleased with the amp. This hobby of ours is a Journey and some of us (myself included) seem to go through a lot of gear in a short space of time often to the dismay of our other half. But it is fun that is why we do it.
The next will be to replace the 4520 with a dedicated pre-amp. I have been looking at the Marantz Av8802a and the Yamaha Cx-a5000/1. Current deals are available for the CX-a5000 but will need to re-tank by wallet before doing another purchase. Would it be better? I don't know but I am curious to find out.
If anyone is interested,as interconnects between the Rotel and the Denon, I am using Cordial cable. Not really end-user brand. They specialize in making cables for studios and the stage. I spent like 11 euros for a pair of 1.5 meter RCA cables. If it is good enough for musicians it is good enough for me. The cables work well. I will upload some photos shortly.
Special Shout-Out to DodgetheViper who has been a great help and resource.
Cheers,
Wayden
I could hardly find any information about this amp, so I decided to start a new thread.
First of all some background information.
For sometime, I have been thinking about going the separates route. I currently have the Denon AVR 4520 which can configured to behave like a pure pre-amp ( turn off the amplification and only use Pre-outs). I have also realized that in the world of high-end AV equipment, at times the Pre-amp price can be double the cost of the matching power amp. Quite strange really as it is the pre-amp that will be rendered obsolete quicker by the early updates being made by manufacturers.
The amps considered were:-
1. Emotiva XPA 5 - Has great reviews, however the retailer and support network in Europe is limited.
I found a dealer in Hungary (Hazimozi) but for some reason by bank transfers
were not going through. Price was 1111 Euros delivered to Germany. I must admit
however I was bit concerned when I learnt about the Nakamichi AVP1 amp. It
seems to be very similar to the XPA. I know that the current Emotiva amps are
made in China by Tonewinner but it made me question how much of the
engineering was done by Emotive not denying, however, that the XPA-5 amp has
a good reputation.
2. Marantz MM8077 - Having owned Marantz AV receivers, I am familiar with the quality of Marantz
products. It is rather expensive, the cheapest price received was 1750 Euros.
3. Rotel RMB 1555 - I am new to this brand. I have listened to their amps before both Class D and
Class A/B. Rotel seems to have a good reputation landing somewhere between a
Boutique shop brands and the top brands like Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, Pioneer
etc. Best price 1400 Euros.
4. ATI - Reputation for making well built amplifiers. However, the price was way out of my
range for the AT1805. 2400 Euros.
I decided for the Rotel because :-
1. Well known Brand in Europe and should get a better price on the used market than Emotiva here in
Germany. When asking around none of the hifi stores visited and many persons had no idea about
Emotiva. The same for ATI.
2. Mature Support network should I have an issue with the amp. It is worth the 300 Euros price
difference. The peace of mind.
I have had my new amp for the last 2 days, so I can give an initial opinion. Please note I am NOT an audiophile and I don't pretend to be. This is my opinion based on what I think sound good. So here goes.
- Comparison to my Denon AVR4520
Well, it does not sound worse. I cannot do a side by side testing as all my speakers are now connected to the Rotel so it is based on me having the Denon for the last 2 years. I have recalibrated with Audyssey and I think the Rotel seems to be bit more dynamic for lack of a better word but then again some reviewers of the 4520 have claimed that it sounds better in Pre-Aamp mode. I don't know. I listened to some music and also the opening scene of the Fellowship of the ring - No complaints whatsoever, the sound was awesome maybe a little better (Dynamic, better soundstage). It felt more engulfing. But I must admit I also enjoyed the sound with my Denon as well, I just think the Rotel gives a little bit extra.
Was the Rotel worth the money? I think so especially because it sounds good to ME.
Which at the end of the day is most important. It does not really matter whether you spend 4000 Euros on an amp or 400. As long as you are very pleased with the amp. This hobby of ours is a Journey and some of us (myself included) seem to go through a lot of gear in a short space of time often to the dismay of our other half. But it is fun that is why we do it.
The next will be to replace the 4520 with a dedicated pre-amp. I have been looking at the Marantz Av8802a and the Yamaha Cx-a5000/1. Current deals are available for the CX-a5000 but will need to re-tank by wallet before doing another purchase. Would it be better? I don't know but I am curious to find out.
If anyone is interested,as interconnects between the Rotel and the Denon, I am using Cordial cable. Not really end-user brand. They specialize in making cables for studios and the stage. I spent like 11 euros for a pair of 1.5 meter RCA cables. If it is good enough for musicians it is good enough for me. The cables work well. I will upload some photos shortly.
Special Shout-Out to DodgetheViper who has been a great help and resource.
Cheers,
Wayden