Rotel RA-1520

Partnering query - could any of you kind folks give me an opinion please on matching this with Quad 22L2 floorstanders?

They're currently hooked to a Naim Nait5i integrated, which doesn't really have the oomph to drive them at mid volumes. I know the sensible choice would be to change the speakers, but I kind of love them (as furniture as well; I know I'm shallow). Deep, controlled bass is important to me along with a bit of top-end sparkle, e.g. for roots reggae, drum & bass, techno but a touch of volcal sweetness now and then.

Thanks - hope you can help!

For the 685 it is best partnered with the 04se.. But using it with 1520 is a whole lot better.

I have B&W 685 speakers and I'm looking for the right Rotel amp. I read that the Rotel RA-06se is the best match for the 685s. Will I do "wrong" if I buy the Rotel RA-1520 for these speakers, will it match as good as the RA-06se?

I've been running my Rotel RA-1520 for about two weeks now. I've got it paired with some B&W 684 speakers and use an Audiolabs M-DAC for digital source. I absolutely love it! I was worried I should have gone for the Roksan Kandy due to its huge power output but this amp has more than enough and when I auditioned them I preffered the control the Rotel had on the bass.  

Very pleased with mine, but never understand the comments from the reviewers at WHF. This one's a classic, given the 5 star rating they give this amp; "it's almost a match for anything else in this price bracket." So you think it's not quite as good as any other amp at this price, but you give it 5 stars?

Hi guys,

What do you think is there enough power for my B&W 683 ?

Thanks

Michael

I'll have to check with the test team Roberto.

Try ringing Rotel's customer helpline on 01903 221500 and they should be able to put you in touch with your nearest dealer.

can't find one in the  north west to audition.

Have tried several dealers (Practical hifi,Sevenoaks,Audio Counsel and Superfi etc ) and none have one to hear.

Thanks for your reply

I have recently upgraded from Rotel RA-05 to Rotel�s RA-1520 and I must report that I am utterly pleased with the sound quality of the RA-1520. I have partnered my RA-1520 with the B&W 684 and a Marantz CD6003 (a small hint I noticed during the recent review in What Hi-Fi). There is an amazing synergy between the equipment and the sound is rich and bold with a sweet tops and midrange sparkling with great detail,  I even started playing some of my older CDs and found a new admiration for them as they seem to have �come alive� again.

I love this amplifier and would recommend highly.

What speakers were used for the review?

There were very few user reviews of this amp but I decided to give it a try.  I was skeptical that it could outperform my Luxman integrated back from the late 80's.

I went to definitive audio in Washington and demo'd the unit.  It sounded horrible in the listening room but I decided to purchased it because I had a gut feeling that the it would sound 100% better at home.  It was a huge gamble that I would later find out the outcome.  I requested the black model.  It looks dead sexy compared to the silver model!  

Got home, unpacked it and was impressed by the care and effort chosen in materials to protect this unit during shipping.  The speaker connectors on the back of the unit look like the highest quality gold-plated connectors I've ever come across in my life.  The unit is heavy and built like a tank.

After hooking everything up to my NAD C545 Bee CD player and Monitor Audio RS6's, I played the usual music I listen to.  Things sounded a bit off.  I thought that the unit just needed to burn in.  The next few days, would be my happiest days ever.  The damn thing sounded exceptional.  I can't describe it but I'm just sitting at home on friday nights listening to the system because it's so addictive.  Music is rendered with perfection in this simple budget system.  Females voices in particular really shine.  Sometimes i'm in disbelieve when I hear what this amp can do.  Don't be fooled by the wattage.  60w is enough to bring down your walls and have the neighbors wondering what the hell you're up to.

My only complaint is the power button.  It shines bright blue and doesn't fade even though you put the unit on standby mode.  It's a little distracting.  I wish the light turned orange on standby just like my NAD cd player.

I know there are more expensive amps out there like mcintosh and that this is considered budget.  But I seriously can't imagine how much better music can sound.  You can probably spend $10,000 on a amp but the laws of diminishing returns come into affect and you won't notice a big difference.