Rotel 1090 or Class A

[Saummisra]

Hi
Need your help on this. Iam getting a slightly used Rotel 1090 for about $750 from a friend (special deal I think they go for about a 1000). I was wondering if I should go for this or I should go for a Class A pair (such as a Monarchy SM70 pro pair). Is Class A really that much better? I've never heard it so would like to hear your views.
Thanks

[comfortablycurt]

I can't really compare the two types, but that is a killer deal for the 1090. I've been watching them lately and they typically go for around 1000-1200 dollars. They're fairly hard to come by too.

[organ]

Try to give them a listen first. There are good and bad examples of each. I doubt you won't be satisfied with the Rotel. You're getting a great deal and a killer amp.

[Zero]

It really depends on what speakers your driving, and how loud you plan on taking things. There is a huge (literally) difference between the Rotel and the Monarchy amps! In my opinion, the 1090 is one of the best amps Rotel has ever made, and as the others have said, you're friend is offering it to you at a great price - provided of course its fully functional and in good cosmetic condition.

On a subjective level, I feel that the Monarchy Audio SM-70 Pro sounds better than the big Rotel amp, but again, it all boils down to what you're connecting them to. Unless you will be locked into a situation where you agree to keep that 1090 and not resell it, I'd try that out first to see if it works well for you. If it does, fantastic! If not, just sell it and use that money to get a set of Monarchy's.

[Saummisra]

Thanks guys
I thought Monarchy would sound better but I have no idea what it sounds like ( i listen to rock mostly)..I can't drive the 1090 hard at all. The last time I pushed up my current Rotel RA 980 the guy from downstairs came up to introduce his dog.. but i could buy it and sell it later.. though I don't know if it is too much of a risk since I assume not many amps would be selling.

[Saummisra]

Also is Class A really that different?

[Saummisra]

Sorry I am connecting them to, believe it or not, B&W 602s tiny little speakers

[Zero]

Saummisra,

Assuming the Rotel 1090 is in great condition, you shouldn't lose a penny during resale (even with a slumping economy). That said, the B&W + Monarchy combo should sound much better. You'd be surprised with how powerful those little things really are.

As far as class A being different? The short answer is yes.

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

This is great thread! Whatever you decide keep in mind that Rotel, and B&W are famous for synergy. Depending on the rest of your system, and your philosophy of what you want to achieve overall within your setup think long and hard before spending one penny. If you are not setting your bookshelf speakers on good stands, seating yourself in the sweet spot at ear level, and looking right into the image I’m not for sure that an upgrade in an amplifier would, or could be your best choice.
Overall, you have received excellent advice from everyone within this thread, and I got this one on subscribe.:D

[leroyjr1]

I'd say give it a try. If your not satisfied with the 1090 in this case since your getting it so cheap you could sell it and make a profit .

[Music Joe]

You said "slightly used" and "from a friend". If said friend bought new you may have the balance of a 5 year warranty. B&W and Rotel are said to have good synergy.

[heiney9]

Class A all the way............the Monarchy's are outstanding and would be a better choice musically than the Rotel.

Here's a couple of great articles about class A (true single ended class A). Do yourself a favor and read them. The first one being the most informative

http://passlabs.com/pdf/articles/seclassa.pdf

http://passlabs.com/pdf/articles/leaving_class_a.pdf

[Saummisra]

It seems that class A would be better.. though I've heard that many well designed Class A/B amps (such as Rotel) will be better than ordinary Class A amps.. also wouldn't the Rotel probably operate in Class A fr say the first 30 watts or so?

[mantis]

Sorry I am connecting them to, believe it or not, B&W 602s tiny little speakers

The rb1090 is more power then they will ever need. You can use the rb 1090 to power any speaker in the 800 series including the mighty 801's with no problems. For that price it's a no brainer, I would jump at that deal.

Dan

[heiney9]

It seems that class A would be better.. though I've heard that many well designed Class A/B amps (such as Rotel) will be better than ordinary Class A amps.. also wouldn't the Rotel probably operate in Class A fr say the first 30 watts or so?

The Monarchy's are not ordinary class A; really there is no such thing as "ordinary" class A. Some older hi fi companies stretched the truth on class A operation and weren't true class A. They were all still push/pull type topologies.

No, the Rotel doesn't run in single ended class A. It runs in push/pull A/B and may be biased to run a couple watts in the class A range. Single ended class A is a completely different animal.

[phipiper10]

Class A all the way............the Monarchy's are outstanding and would be a better choice musically than the Rotel.

Here's a couple of great articles about class A (true single ended class A). Do yourself a favor and read them. The first one being the most informative

http://passlabs.com/pdf/articles/seclassa.pdf

http://passlabs.com/pdf/articles/leaving_class_a.pdf

Me read so many big words me still confused.

You have to have a decent foundation already to understand a lot of what is written. I get some of the concepts but I can't understand the "why" so much. The words aren't foreign but the meaning on each individually is a little lost with me.

The below are not words I throw around everyday.(Guess I'm still a noob)

Single ended
Pentodes/Triodes
Real Life Bias
Current/Amp (even current and amp)
FET/FET/FET - J/MOS/T
THD
Push/Pull
Bipolar power devices
Gain
transformer coupled single-ended triode