Audiophile Question. How Much Power ?

[Scooby Blu]

So I put down 500 bucks on the new Rotel RSP-1570 7.1 Home Theater Surround Processor/Preamplifier. I can't wait till this baby comes in sometime late October I hope !! Now the question I have is Rotel also has two new Class D amps. The RMB-1575 has 250 watts x 5 and the RMB-1565 has 100 watts x5. This is my first long awaited venture into the world of seperate components So how much power do I need ?? I hear talking about head-room. My speakers are the B&W 600 series. Also, some say Class D is not as "sweet" sounding as an A/B amplifier. Any thoughts ??

[sokrman14]

You don't need lots of power if your system is for TV and some movie watching. Music is more taxing on speakers, and require more power for those peaks of power requirement to hit certain notes without distorting. If your system is geared towards music, I would say get some decent power, if not, then most movie and TV watching is only using 20-25 watts at a time.

As far as the class D vs Class A/B, I prefer class A/B, as will most people who can afford one. class D has improved on sonics over the last few years, seems to require less energy, and puts out less heat, but most will prefer the sound of A/B

[Scooby Blu]

Originally Posted by sokrman14

You don't need lots of power if your system is for TV and some movie watching. Music is more taxing on speakers, and require more power for those peaks of power requirement to hit certain notes without distorting. If your system is geared towards music, I would say get some decent power, if not, then most movie and TV watching is only using 20-25 watts at a time.

As far as the class D vs Class A/B, I prefer class A/B, as will most people who can afford one. class D has improved on sonics over the last few years, seems to require less energy, and puts out less heat, but most will prefer the sound of A/B

I will be using it for both movies, concert BD's and two channel CD or SACD. The list price of the new RMB-1575 is 2,799 So I'm thinking after I listen to them both over a period of time I might be able to get a Class A/B amp that is quite good for that same price????

[RUR]

Originally Posted by Scooby Blu

I will be using it for both movies, concert BD's and two channel CD or SACD. The list price of the new RMB-1575 is 2,799 So I'm thinking after I listen to them both over a period of time I might be able to get a Class A/B amp that is quite good for that same price????

New, or used?

[Scooby Blu]

Originally Posted by RUR

New, or used?

Going to stick with new !

[mdabb]

Class A, A/B all the way!!! Class D may put out some power in a small box with low heat but with that comes distortion.

I have a Pass Labs X150.5 (class A/B) 300W x 2 into 4 ohms and love the darn amp. I have yet to push it into distortion and yeah it may put off some heat but as long as you give it some breathing room or if in cramped spaces a couple of 12 volt DC cooling fans will do the job.

My Dali Helicon 800s came alive when I connected the Pass X150.5. I use the the amp on the main L/R channels and an Onkyo TX-SR875 on the center and surround channels. Works fine when watching movies and now I'm blessed when I want to listen to music. (Also have a 2 channel tube pre)

As always class A/B amps can cost some $$$ but AGON can help with that if you don't mind. Since you are picking up a Rotel pre/processor cost shouldn't bother you too much. Should be able to find a great amp(s) for +/- 3K.

You will be glad you went class A/B!!!


Edit: New amps will cost some $$$ per watt.

[Scooby Blu]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Class A, A/B all the way!!! Class D may put out some power in a small box with low heat but with that comes distortion.

I have a Pass Labs X150.5 (class A/B) 300W x 2 into 4 ohms and love the darn amp. I have yet to push it into distortion and yeah it may put off some heat but as long as you give it some breathing room or if in cramped spaces a couple of 12 volt DC cooling fans will do the job.

My Dali Helicon 800s came alive when I connected the Pass X150.5. I use the the amp on the main L/R channels and an Onkyo TX-SR875 on the center and surround channels. Works fine when watching movies and now I'm blessed when I want to listen to music. (Also have a 2 channel tube pre)

As always class A/B amps can cost some $$$ but AGON can help with that if you don't mind. Since you are picking up a Rotel pre/processor cost shouldn't bother you too much. Should be able to find a great amp(s) for +/- 3K.

You will be glad you went class A/B!!!


Edit: New amps will cost some $$$ per watt.

Cost does not bother me "too" much. But sometimes the wife is a tad surprised to say the least ! You also have a 2 channel tube pre ??? Lucky you! That must be a very sweet set up !!!

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by Scooby Blu

Cost does not bother me "too" much. But sometimes the wife is a tad surprised to say the least ! You also have a 2 channel tube pre ??? Lucky you! That must be a very sweet set up !!!

Pre is a Modwright Instruments LS36.5 which has a home theater bypass circuit. Home theater and two channel in one setup I am happy to say the least!!!

Barely used really is fine. There very well may be a warranty from the manufacturer still. AGON will allow more amp for the price and sooner than later prices will go up because AGON has tacked on a 1.5% fee to the seller so that will most likely be added to the overall cost.

[zenmeister]

Originally Posted by Scooby Blu

So I put down 500 bucks on the new Rotel RSP-1570 7.1 Home Theater Surround Processor/Preamplifier. I can't wait till this baby comes in sometime late October I hope !! Now the question I have is Rotel also has two new Class D amps. The RMB-1575 has 250 watts x 5 and the RMB-1565 has 100 watts x5. This is my first long awaited venture into the world of seperate components So how much power do I need ?? I hear talking about head-room. My speakers are the B&W 600 series. Also, some say Class D is not as "sweet" sounding as an A/B amplifier. Any thoughts ??

Power needs depend on your priorities - ie audio or home theatre. I have B&W 700 series speakers and they don't come alive until there are fed at least 250 amps. Your spec should be ok with 250 for the fronts and lesser for the surrounds.
I listen to a lot of SACD and DVD-A and I need and have Bryston 250 amps for each of the 7 channels.