Rotel digital vs analog amps

[Pwrmx24]

Hey I 've posted several new threads in the last couple of days and I can't say thanks enough for the words back...

I read somewhere that Rotel shifted from analog to digital amplification.

Has that been a good or bad thing?

also anybody have a comaprison on the Rotel 1080 vs 1095?

[cfrizz]

It is neither good or bad just different. And Rotel still has analog amps. It is simply adding digital to the mix.

I wasn't at all impressed with their 7 channel 100wpc digital amp. But I did like their 500wpc mono & stereo amps.

Alas they continue to put out a new 5 channel 100wpc digital amp. Rather than putting out something in the middle say 250wpc.

[Sherardp]

If youre going Rotel Icepower stereo or Mono amps I highly suggest you check out D-sonic. Both amps use the same ASP monoblocks made by B&O. There are a few others that offer very nice products, Red Dragons, Bel Canto. Check them out here, I went with D-Sonic due to the appealing prices they offer. My RTi12s are very happy to say the least and they sound very good. When I get a sec, I'll open it up and take a few snap shots.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icepower

[Zero]

In short; the Rotel class D amps are t3h suxor. Stay clear. I rarely jump to such harsh conclusions about any piece of gear - but there is just no excuse for that rubbish they put out. It sounds like broken glass. Go with their regular class A/B amp's.

[Sherardp]

In short; the Rotel class D amps are t3h suxor. Stay clear. I rarely jump to such harsh conclusions about any piece of gear - but there is just no excuse for that rubbish they put out. It sounds like broken glass. Go with their regular class A/B amp's.

I wouldnt say they're that bad, Ive read some good reviews on the class D stuff from rotel. In general I read quite a few impressive reviews on class D amps.

http://6moons.com/industryfeatures/icepower/icepower.html

[mantis]

I did a A B comparsion and found the Analog amps to sound more natural. The Digital amps are nice and dymanic , there clear and clean but something wasn't right. I believe warmth something like a nice tube amp sound. there was no comfort in the tone. I didn't care for it.

I heard it on B&W cm7's and N804's

Dan

[Ferres]

I've had my 1077 for a year and I'm perfectly happy with it. They did require some break in time to get some dynamics out. It had very weak bass at first but it all got better after a week of heavy use. I prefer the added clarity and detail over extra warmth.

If warmth is a big factor for you, digital is not your path.

[Pwrmx24]

OK thanks.

Just a point of clarification. (since I'm new to seperates) What makes the amp analog? Is any amp w/ torodial transformers analog?

If so then the 1095 and 1080 are both analog.....right?

[miner]

The new Rotels using the ICEpower are not true digital amps. I replaced my RB-1070 with a RB-1092 amp and could not be happier. I also replaced my RC-1070 pre with a RC-1090 pre. The RB-1092 did require about 50 hrs of run in time. IMHO, for the price, these new amps are a knockout for Rotel. The $2200 I spent for 500w/ch is well worth it to me. My next step up will be to Classe and that equivalent jump will cost about $10000. I am using these Rotels to power my B&W N804 & ASW800 sub. A very nice match.

[Pwrmx24]

I am going to go listen to the 1095 and 1080 on saturday.

Stats are one thing but listening is another.

I noticed that the only difference in the stats is the 1080 has a damping factor is 1000 and the 1095 is 400.

Is that important?

Will I be able to tell any diff w/ my LSi-15's?

[disneyjoe7]

Will D class amp be the new amp designs? I don't think so, they have there place but I don't think it will replace A-B amp designs.

[cfrizz]

If you are powering your LSI's with a receiver or a lesser powered amp, than YES you will see a big improvement!

[GV#27]

The new Rotels using the ICEpower are not true digital amps. Actually the ICEpower modules are as digital (class D) as it gets.;)

[Pwrmx24]

Cfrizz,
The 1095 and 1080 are both 200wpc @ 8ohm only one is 2 ch and the other 5.

Thanks for the help. I guess my ? still is if you had to choose betweeen a damping factor of 1000 or 400 which would be better and am I really going to tell the difference w/ my LSi15's?

BTW one of my LSi15's arrived today.....

[Sherardp]

Actually the ICEpower modules are as digital (class D) as it gets.;)

I have to agree here, but they provide tremendous power and they do sound very good. I would suggest Icepower amps to anyone looking to buy an amp on the forum. They run cool, sound good and wont break the bank. I paid 1495 shipped and received a fine piece of gear, 525 watts @ 8 ohms, 1100 watts @ 4 ohms. Thats way more than enough for any speaker you throw at it. Im not an ICEpimp but B&O modules do the trick and perform very well.

you can find specs here:

http://www.icepower.bang-olufsen.com/files/solutions/icepower1000aspdata.pdf

[GV#27]

they provide tremendous power and they do sound very good. I would suggest Icepower amps to anyone looking to buy an amp on the forum. They run cool, sound good and wont break the bank. I paid 1495 shipped and received a fine piece of gear, 525 watts @ 8 ohms, 1100 watts @ 4 ohms. Thats way more than enough for any speaker you throw at it. Im not an ICEpimp but B&O modules do the trick and perform very well.
Yes they are powerful cosidering their compact size and being 90% efficient waste little of their power to heat.However like most audio products I have heard reports of some really liking them and others not so much.Its a system synergy and personal taste thing.I currently use an ICE ASP250 module for subwoofer duties and it performs that task nicely.

[Sherardp]

Yes they are powerful cosidering their compact size and being 90% efficient waste little of their power to heat.However like most audio products I have heard reports of some really liking them and others not so much.Its a system synergy and personal taste thing.I currently use an ICE ASP250 module for subwoofer duties and it performs that task nicely.

+1 I agree with you. We all have different tastes.

[cfrizz]

I know nothing about damping factors so I can't help you there.


Cfrizz,
The 1095 and 1080 are both 200wpc @ 8ohm only one is 2 ch and the other 5.

Thanks for the help. I guess my ? still is if you had to choose betweeen a damping factor of 1000 or 400 which would be better and am I really going to tell the difference w/ my LSi15's?

BTW one of my LSi15's arrived today.....

[Face]

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=711872&postcount=28

[disneyjoe7]

Damping Factor is the amp ability to stop a driver in motion. So let's state it like this when the amp says stop the woofer stops, the higher # here the better.

Another thing to look like is the Slew Factor again higher is better.

[Ferres]

Digital is the only way to go if you're thinking in green/environmental terms. They consume less power and raw materials compared to their big and heavy counterparts.;)

[Ricardo]

I know very little about specs and their translation to sound, but I learned recently that my Belles 350a has a damping factor > 2000. Well, if there's an amp that can control bass, this is it.

[Pwrmx24]

Well my CD's weren't stolen from my McMasion or my Jaguar........




They were in my truck and we were in the process of moving.
They were in the back of the truck in a box and secure....so I thought.


BTW....I don't own a McMansion or a Jag.......but I do have an old Ford.


My system:
2xLSi-15's (the second one came today!)
1x Onik TX-80 from 1989, 33wpc (sad, I Know)
2x Bose 301 (Series II) Boy am I looking forward to hooking the LSi-15's up to something.....anything...