Zsonic Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 All, Anyone out there using the Rotel RA-05SE? I auditioned it last week (it was driving a pair of 685's), and I was mightily impressed with the sound. The local hi-fi store is offering it new in the $549 price range (hopefully I will get them to knock that down a bit). Am keeping my eye on eBay bargains in the meantime but I would like to sort out the new amp before Christmas. I am taking back in my 686's this weekend to see if they will sound as good, and if they do will be very tempted to buy. Would be interested to hear from anyone who has had it for a while and what their impressions are. Ultimately, I will probably sell the 686s and upgrade them to a bigger speaker. So would also be interested to hear from people using the Rotel with a floorstander setup? I have a $750 (circa) budget (mentioned in a previous WTB post) for an Amp and CD player. But the CD player is less important now as I will use my MacBook as a music server (with HRT Streamer II DAC), and will prob spend the bulk of the budget on the amp. Any feedback is welcome. Cheers, Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batty Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 I had the remote less RA-04 for about a year when my copland was on the blink. It had no problems driving my Castle Howards or the less efficient Castle Richmonds. If I was looking for an amp in this price range it would deffo be on or close to the top of my must listen to list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilco Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 what about this baby? http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/46558-fs-rega-brio-amp/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zsonic Posted October 24, 2012 Author Share Posted October 24, 2012 (edited) Hi Wilco - which vintage Brio is it - from what year? And what does "Gone Active" mean...as in active speakers? ;-) Edited October 24, 2012 by Zsonic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bus_Boy Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 (edited) EDIT, should go back to bed Edited October 24, 2012 by Bus_Boy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 I can't speak for that model however I've just bought an older pre-power combo and love the sound. Came from Cambridge Audio and it's a more detailed sound. That Rega does look good though, I'd really consider if was in the market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remii Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 You'll get a new RA-05 for less than the price of that Rega if you go into a store and haggle. Guaranteed. I have spent a little time with the RA-05 and found it's build quality to be considerably nicer than my old NAD C326, which felt toy like and flimsy in comparison. I also hear that their gear shacks up with B&W speakers really well, being the same company and all. However, the Rega and Plinius in the FS section are both mighty tempting. The Rega has that whole 'brit-fi' thing going for it and the Plinius would have a **** ton of power. The only answer here is to buy all 3 and sell on your least favorites. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cafad Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 The only answer here is to buy all 3 and sell on your least favorites. If only there was a "really, really, extremely, massively Like" button! Now this is useful advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zsonic Posted October 25, 2012 Author Share Posted October 25, 2012 Thanks guys. Remii - were you referring to the Plessis when you mentioned Plinius? the latter is somewhat out of my budget? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remii Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 Thanks guys. Remii - were you referring to the Plessis when you mentioned Plinius? the latter is somewhat out of my budget? Whoops! Yeah I was. My bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cafad Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 I'll second the Plessis S1 as an excellent amplifier. Be sure to demo it though as it does have a significantly different sonic character to the Rotel amps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zsonic Posted October 27, 2012 Author Share Posted October 27, 2012 All - went to local Hi Fi store and came home with Rotel RA-04SE well within my budget. Will keep u posted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YCC Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 Hi Zsonic, does the RA04SE have phono input? I wonder if it will sit well with NAD 545 cdp and Monitor Audio BX2 speakers. Any comments, guys? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zsonic Posted October 28, 2012 Author Share Posted October 28, 2012 (edited) Hi novice...it does have an RCA input labelled Phono at the back. Edited October 28, 2012 by Zsonic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batty Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 Not a bad phono stage if I remember correctly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 You should be able to pick up a RA05SE for around $450 brand new. Try Trevor Lees... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quelch Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 All - went to local Hi Fi store and came home with Rotel RA-04SE well within my budget. Will keep u posted! I bought Rotel RA-04 about three years ago, the one without remote control, after an enormous amount of research mostly on English hi-fi forums Very pleased with it driving a pair of Mission Cyrus speakers, input from Squeezebox Touch and Dual turntable It takes a while to appreciate how good it is, I'm sure you will be similarly happy with your Rotel RA-04SE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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