Where to from Rotel?

[Pimpin']

I currently own a Rotel set up, which is the RC1070 and the RB1080. I am happy with their performance but was wondering if i happened to win the lotto or ran into a reasonable size of money which would be the next best step. i am considering intergrated amps instead of separates. If I were spending say R50 000 on a solid state(i cant tell the difference between tube and solid state, so i'll stick to what i know) integrated amp which direction should i venture in. i have been told and read many times over that Rotel products are very midfi so i am looking for "high end". Yes I am happy where I am but I was just wondering what exists over the fences of Rotel land.

[Viagara]

Simphiwes, in that case I would glance over at Valve Audio based on how its praises are sung

[Vertigo]

Simphiwes, in that case I would glance over at Valve Audio based on how its praises are sung

I agree with alphabet. Have a look at Valve Audio`s new Predator integrated. You cannot go wrong in that direction. 

[Pimpin']

whats better on the VA that I am not getting with the rotel?

[Vertigo]

whats better on the VA that I am not getting with the rotel?

Well, for a start the product is in the high-end league and in a different class SQ wise.  It is also a hybrid design, using both tubes and solid state technology which gives best of both worlds I guess.  Build quality is much better imho. Contact Valve Audio for an audition and additional info. See VA`s website  - www.valveaudio.co.za.  There you will find an US publication Tone Audio`s review of the Predator for interesting reading. 

[DRNB]

I agree with looking at VA, but in the same breath I must wander why not also look at the very great Maestro pruducts? They are less known, because its not marketed really, therfore fewer people singing their praises, but its a GREAT product and should be on your shortlist IMHO. Don't pass on the opertunaty to evaluate this just because no one else says try it.

[Viagara]

Norval I also thought of Maestro, but Simphiwes stated that he was looking for a single-box solution and as far as I know Andre only manufacture seperates

[milesgopal]

im using the rc1070 and rb1080 as well
ive been quite happy with the pair and as you have, ive also wondered about possible future replacements
seeing the predator ad on gumtree definitely got me thinking along those lines too
im just not sure if i should go the integrated route or stick to separates

[Hi-Phibian]

im using the rc1070 and rb1080 as well
ive been quite happy with the pair and as you have, ive also wondered about possible future replacements
seeing the predator ad on gumtree definitely got me thinking along those lines too
im just not sure if i should go the integrated route or stick to separates

The difference is less in the separate boxes and more in the separate electronic implementation. you do not need two boxes for that.

[Pimpin']

i am looking for a one box solutuion, and anyway separeates are expensive when buying interconnects and some of you know how expensive interconcts can be. What do you guys think of Krell integrateds, I understand tha nothing can touch Krell when it comes to bass repro. Maestro is a long way from my affordability level, i may need to sell my house and car to afford a working component system. maybe one day when i win the lotto.

Do you guys suggest i upgrade my source as well, i mean if decide on the VA predator. I currently use the Cambridge Audio 640C V2.

[frikkie]

Cambridge Audio 640C V2.

I like that unit. Quite a bit...

[dotVIBE]

Methinks you are fine with the Cambridge cd unit, and personally I'd take the VA unit over the Krell.

[chipwelder]

Just a question, what is it exactly you are after with the upgrade, as I suspect that the difference between the Rotels and whatever else you could get, is in the details and realism - often more personality traits than anything else, not really in measurable - as in low frequency or high frequency extension. If the price of interconnects make you pale, you are over-invested in them - relative to the components you have.

Really I don't think unless you like the look of a integrated versus a separate system, you should avoid one or the other... just go with what sounds best. I don't think the one needs to sound different to the other, but some do and the one you like may just be a separate system.

Just my 2c a good amp can make a huge difference, as can a source, as will the speakers. You really have to think where you want to go with the sound before you plunge. And I must say you need to figure out what will make the biggest changes in your system.

[Pimpin']

Well said chip.

[Pimpin']

Just wondering, how often does one have to replace the Tubes in a Tube/Hybrid system?