ROTEL RMB-1075 Or EMO XPA-5?

[ShockWave]

I have narrowed the search for a amp to these two.

I am totally new to amps. If price was equal which amp would be better to own (power, sound, build etc.)? The Emo has more watts per channel but not sure how to look at it correctly.

Any thoughts, tips, ideas?

Thanks

[cembros]

i have the rotel 1095 and it is amazing, i feel like i put a v12 under the hood

[09camaro]

So far I am extremely pleased with my XPA-3. I have read some
good reviews of the 1075, also.

If you will be using it to power your B&W's the XPA-5 may be the
better choice, I've heard they can be pretty power hungry. Either
way I think you'll be happy.

[btf1980]

I have zero experience with Emotiva products, but I do have experience with Rotel. The 1075 is a damn fine amp that is a bargain IMO. I've used many more expensive amps, and the 1075 can hold its own.

Keep this in mind also, as upgrades are a natural progression with this hobby, despite what you might think about buying anything else later, you will - you simply don't know it yet. If you buy used, the 1075 will retain its value, and you might not even take a loss if you sell it down the line. The 1075 has been holding steady on the used market for around $550 to $700 for YEARS. The release of the new Rotel 15 series amps has not devalued the 10 series amps. That says a lot. This is not a reflection of the quality of Emotiva, I'm sure it's fine, but despite the fact that the Emotiva amp sells like hotcakes, it does not have the same resale value. Food for thought.

[ShockWave]

Does the watts make a huge difference between the two as far a performance? 125 vs 200.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by ShockWave

Does the watts make a huge difference between the two as far a performance? 125 vs 200.

The additional watts may give you a little more headroom, but that does not necessarily mean your speakers are going to sound better. Other factors such as the design, power supply, etc. play a role in sound quality.

[Opips2]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

The additional watts may give you a little more headroom, but that does not necessarily mean your speakers are going to sound better. Other factors such as the design, power supply, etc. play a role in sound quality.

The Lsi9s are rated by Polk for 20 – 200 watts into 4 ohms. Although they can handle more than 200, feeding them 500 sounds like too much. Some people swear by giving their speakers more than recommended to achieve better sound quality but this is very subjective and possibly even dangerous to the speaker. How loud can you turn it up when your 200w speakers are being fed 500w?

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by Opips2

The Lsi9s are rated by Polk for 20 – 200 watts into 4 ohms. Although they can handle more than 200, feeding them 500 sounds like too much. Some people swear by giving their speakers more than recommended to achieve better sound quality but this is very subjective and possibly even dangerous to the speaker. How loud can you turn it up when your 200w speakers are being fed 500w?

Who are you and what have you done with Opi?

I would think there was a thing such as "too much" headroom, where it's just wasted amps/money that will never be used.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by btf1980

I have zero experience with Emotiva products, but I do have experience with Rotel. The 1075 is a damn fine amp that is a bargain IMO. I've used many more expensive amps, and the 1075 can hold its own.

Keep this in mind also, as upgrades are a natural progression with this hobby, despite what you might think about buying anything else later, you will - you simply don't know it yet. If you buy used, the 1075 will retain its value, and you might not even take a loss if you sell it down the line. The 1075 has been holding steady on the used market for around $550 to $700 for YEARS. The release of the new Rotel 15 series amps has not devalued the 10 series amps. That says a lot. This is not a reflection of the quality of Emotiva, I'm sure it's fine, but despite the fact that the Emotiva amp sells like hotcakes, it does not have the same resale value. Food for thought.

Although I haven't personally investigated to check on the accuracy of this statement, if true, then this is also an important consideration to take into account.

John