I’m choosing among three amp or integrated amp options. I want to use both for music and to act as a home theater bypass. I primarily use Qobuz with some Tidal.
Here are my choices with relevant factors.
Rotel RA-1592 MK II (coming in May) - least expensive of the options; DAC will decode/render MQA; will be Roon Tested (but I am connecting it to my Nucleus so that may not matter in terms of Roon being able to control it. No built-in Spotify but I can use a little streamer box to feed in.
Parasound P6/A21+ combo - no MQA (not sure I care); not Roon Tested or Roon Ready (but I understand it will work fine with Roon when connected to my Nucleus). No built-in Spotify but I can use a little streamer box to feed in.
Hegel H390 - Soon to be Roon Ready (but should work via Nucleus/USB in the meantime); MQA DAC; Spotify Connect built-in.
I care most about sound quality and Roon compatibility (whether or not Ready or Tested). I’ve heard enthusiastic raves for Hegel and for Parasound. I had the Rotel 1592 MK I briefly and liked it, but since I just returned it, now’s my opportunity to bump up in SQ if these choices will get me there.
I am spending way too much time thinking about this, and would just like some opinions - thanks!
That’s why I bought a Meridian DSP SE system. Auditioned, liked, bought, and got on with my life. No tweaking required, no Hot Roding, no cable tweaks. It also sounds great with any music style and sounds great at any volume…
Thanks! Honestly, the Rotel sounded really great, but with this window of opportunity, now’s the time to do better if I can do better.
Unfortunately, I know just enough about this stuff (thanks to this community) to be aware of my options but without enough first-hand experience/knowledge to feel comfortable in my choosing skills!
As am I. I like the Peachtree Amps, I have the Nova 300. It has HTBypass.
But, even more of a headache, some amps pair better with some speakers. The Hegel for example, might be a great sounding amp, but, not necessarily the best fit for every speaker.
With that being said, what are your speakers? For me, I started with speakers and then began investigating what other people said sounded good with those speakers. I auditioned a NAD and a Parasound and both did not sound as good as the Peachtree with my speakers (which need a ton of power).
In the review at Hometheaterhifi.com , the reviewer claims it does, but it is not 100% clear to me.
I am not able to copy a direct link but a google search will guide you to the review if interested.
Dirk
Funnily a friend has your speakers with a pair of SVS SB-2000 subs and @Rugby’s Peachtree Nova 300 - sounds very nice! Uses with digital room correction.
Is Rotel getting the Michi range Roon Tested?
I saw the new integrated line up when announced last week and it threw a spanner in the works as it looks like the Michi and existing AV mkII range (launched late last year) are still not Roon Tested/Ready.
It doesn’t have a specific HT Bypass input, but You can configure a fixed level input, for that purpose. I’m currently doing that on the P5. Works flawless.
True, the ethernet is for updating/controlling only. But You can run a Nucleus, a Core or a Roon-ready streamer, via USB without any problems. And I would be surprised, if It will not be Roon-tested, in the near future, as the 1592 mk2 is.
