Amplifier Selection Help Please! Sansui AU-417 or Rotel RA-870bx with B&W DM302's ???
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Hello can anyone help me decide between a Rotel RA870bx and a Sansui AU417, I have heard they are both quite good and I am upgrading from a Marantz SR39 receiver/amp (late 90's) on a tight budget. I have B & W dm302 speakers and the music comes from a laptop (Jazz & Drum & Bass).
I am a newbie so would really appreciate some input.
Thanks
I'm a bit biased and I don't know the Sansui but have a few Rotel RB970 power amps kicking around which are a bit of a bottom rung power amp bargain. They can sound big and open and dynamic with fair detail. I used to have an old RA840 but it was paired with such a shoddy pair of Monitor Audio R252s that I couldn't comment on it's sound.
Given Rotel power supply solidity, conservative power rating and decent damping factor (all good for drum and bass), that the Rotel is a few years younger has decent speaker binding posts and pre out/power in sockets (if half your amp dies on you the other half might still be useable or if you come into some money you can upgrde the power amp or bi-amp with new speakers capable of biamping) and the B&W/Rotel synergy thing I'd be swayed by the Rotel. Besides I think the Rotel is prettier, like I said I'm biased.
For D&B you may want to consider some of the NAD amps they are renowned for their bass.
Thanks for your help guys. I have pretty much ruled out the Sansui due to age and repair costs. Might look at the NAD now too.
Hi again, I went for th Rotel. It sounds very clear and full of detail but at the expense of the bass that my marantz reciever produced (warm & full) is this normal?
I have checked the polarity and connections in general.





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