|   5 channel HT amp - Anthem MCA5 Series II vs Rotel RMB1095 | Goi
Mar 23, 2001 7:02 AM | | I was almost set on the Anthem, until I read a few user reviews on the Rotel 1095, saying they prefer it over the MCA5. So, which one is better, price aside. Prices for both are around the same where I am(the Rotel might be slightly more expensive, but negligible). I've heard the original MCA5, and compared it to the Rotel RMB985MkII, I prefered the MCA5. Does the 1095 sound significantly better?
Thanks! |
| Never heard.... | agro1
Mar 23, 2001 8:12 AM | | the 1095 but allot of people say it sounds better at high volumes than the MCA-5. I do own the MCA-5 though and love it. It powers Studio 100's and Studio 40's - Some have said it sounds harsh when cranked, but I've never noticed any harshness and I listen to it loud. Also, the MCA's have a few nice features: auto on detection, xlr imputs (balanced), plus they never get too hot. I love mine, the only difference between the new Series II MCA's is that they are stable down to 2ohms - My speakers never drop below 4ohms so it's not a concern for me... |
| Just auditioned both......... | BK
Mar 24, 2001 3:18 AM | | and let me first start off by saying, the MCA-5 retails for almost 600 dollars less than the Rotel.
The Anthem is definitely for real, it has loads of power, though the 200 watt ratings are inflated when all 5 channels are running, but, for 1300 dollars retail, I don't believe anything can touch it.
Now the Rotel is another story. It is a monster! Imho, there really wasn't much of a contest, the Rotel is simply amazing. I auditioned it with the Lost In Space dvd, and could almost feel the dynamics of this amp! It had an explosiveness to it that literally floored me. I bought it on the spot! Money aside, the Rotel wins, hands down. Its got a very powerful sound, yet also has such a sweet, mellow tone as well. It covers all the bases.
I would suggest doing a side by side comparison for yourself, I did, and went with the Rotel, but you probably wouldn't be disappointed with the Anthem either, especially with an extra 500 or so in your pocket.
If you can get the Rotel at the same price, jump on it!
Best of luck........ |
| Just auditioned both......... | Goi
Mar 24, 2001 7:05 AM | | Thanks...my local Anthem dealer also has Rotels in stock, so I'll check them out some time. Rotels are relatively cheap over here, the Rotel RB-985 was only around US$620 when I auditioned it a couple months ago, don't know how much the 1095 would cost though, I'm assuming its around the same as the Anthem, which costs around the same here as in USA.
Did you test both amps with normal CDs/music material? Also, what other associated equipment were used in the audition? Thanks again! |
| Just auditioned both......... | BK
Mar 24, 2001 10:45 AM | | the test dvd was Lost in Space, the cd's were a Stevie Ray Vaughn, forget which one, and The Yes Album cd.
Other equip, Anthem pre, forget what the model # is, connected to Paradigm Monitor 11's using Transparent cable.
If they're even close in price, definitely grab that Rotel, well give it a listen first, then jump on it! ;)
I actually ordered it 2 weeks ago, and I'm still waiting (impatiently) for it to arrive at the shop. They assure me it'll be in by Wed. Wouldn't mind so much, but the headquarters where the Rotel is coming from is in Reading, Ma. about a 30 minute drive from my house, guess I should've offered to go pick it up......... |
| Just auditioned both......... | Goi
Mar 25, 2001 3:02 AM | | Thanks! I'll check them out. I originally demoed the Rotel 985 and the Anthem MCA5 using Adcom's flagship CD player(GCD-750 or 7500 IIRC) along with a Rotel RSP976/McCormack stereo preamp and Paradigm Monitor 9/JM Labs Cobalt 815 and I prefered the MCA5. Also liked the quasi monoblock system of the MCA5. I guess Rotel must've improved on the 1095. |
| I have to agree with BK... | jomammah
Mar 24, 2001 3:19 PM | | Owned the Anthem for 6 weeks; then got the Rotel, which I've had for 5 or 6 weeks now. I have 5 Paradigm LCR350s [monitor series] and a Paradigm PW2200. All my critical listening was done with CDs, in stereo. A lot of it was done very loud.
The Anthem was a major improvement over my receiver. It was very detailed, but did get harsh at high levels. I agree with all of BK's subjective comments. The Rotel IS a monster. It's strong, clean, and sweet; and, I think, a little more detailed.
-Everywhere you go, there you are- |
| Hey jomammah (that doesn't sound good does it?) got a question.. | BK
Mar 24, 2001 4:00 PM | | I notice we keep bumping into each other, I appreciate the backing.
Lucky you, already with this wonderful amp in your posession. Let me ask you, what are you using for a pre/pro? I've got the Denon AVR4800, which I will be using as my pre/pro, I know using a receiver as the pre is not ideally the way you'd like to go, but do you think I'll be doing this amp an injustice here?
Actually 1 other question as well, are you using the balanced, or unbalanced connections? I won't have much of a choice, but I've heard the unbalanced is the way to go with this unit, any thoughts?
Thanks in advance, any tips would be much obliged as well, thanks again. |
| Hey jomammah (that doesn't sound good does it?) got a question.. | rufus
Mar 31, 2001 1:50 PM | | let me jump in here to comment. jomammah and i have been trading back and forth a bit on this subject, as i'm looking to get the 1095 once space and finances for upgrades allow. i'd say go with the unbalanced, as everything i've read about this amp say it's not a true balanced input. i believe i even read somewhere that the unbalanced connection did even sound better.
i plan on using my 3300 as the pre-pro for the time being, as it has some features(direct mode, 5 channel stereo, etc) lacking in most of the pre-pros i could afford. plan on giving the new anthem a serious look though. |
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