None

When I first bought the RMB-1095, I was going to only use it for my front and center speaker . At that time I owned a Rotel RB-991 driving my B&W Nautilus 803 speakers. While this combo had many strenghts, I found the midrange to be too forward sometimes for my taste.

As I've been doing a lot of listening at my dealers place on the Rotel RMB-1090, which is 2x380wpc in a similar shaped housing, I wanted the same kind of perfomance :

- virtually no listening fatigue
- extremely powerfull even when driving low impedances
- a lot of dynamic capabilities and very fast

The 1090 was not an option as I also needed to amp my center as well. As the 1095 only costs marginally more, I decided to take this route as a got confirmation from many sources that the 1095 sounded just as the 1090, but had it power distributed over more channels. In my case this would mean a lot of flexibility :-)

At the time of this writing, my 1095 is connected directly to a Wadia 21 cd player using a QED Silver Spiral interconnect. This cable has al the virtues of a silver plated cable, without losing weight in the bass.

When we reviewed the Technics DVD-A10 at hifi-plaza.com my dealer suggested to keep the 5.1 interconnect (A Wireworld RCI : 6x cinch to DB25). I've been trying to use this 5.1 cable to get my system bi-amped with a silver cable instead of two pairs of QED4, but the bass lacks the necessary weight.

Note that the 1095 is capable of driving much more expensive speakers than the N803 at ease, e.g. the excellent Sonus Faber Guaneri, a high-end Italian standmounter which is more refined in the mids/high (but a bit forward sometimes), or the bigger Nautilus 802 which has more slam and bass weight. The 1095 didn't have any problem driving the N802 single amped at 105 dB output when we listened to the tunnel explosion in 'Daylight'. Impressive :-)

If you've been reading until here, you probably want to now my 1095 bi-amp trick.

*** The 1095 bi-amp trick ***

A final tip for those thinking about getting the 1095 to bi-amp the fronts as I did: don't directly buy two pairs of interconnects. You can easily duplicate a cinch input signal to another channel. All you need are two metal shielded db25 gender benders, which costs about 2$ a piece. As you will have two, at the end you will get the same interface as the original on the back panel.

Here you can bridge pin 1 and 5 and do the same between 3 and 6. The front left cinch input will be then duplicated with the rear left cinch input. The same applies for the right channel. For the best results, connect the interconnect to front inputs, not the surround inputs.

I recommend using the 3 front outputs for your center channel and treble wires (they share a 1.25kW transformers), and the rears which also have a separate 1.25kW transformer that can be used for the bass wire running to your front speakers.


Frederic Vanden Poel
hifi-plaza.com

Similar Products Used:

Rotel RMB-1090, Rotel RB-991

Soundstage; Sweet,Clean,Detailed,Smooth POWER; Rollers; Can be stood up; Shipping carton told me someone cares about their product

No remote on [I'm lazy]

I can't add much to the prior reviews. I will, over time, upgrade my speakers, and replace my receiver with a pre-amp, but I think this amp is the nucleus I'll build around.
It has such an awesome sound that I doubt I'll ever feel the need to replace it.

I'm a little puzzled by the guy who thought his was bright when new, as bright sound was a problem the Rotel helped me solve. Mine was sweet right out of the box.

It has sort of an Art-Deco, post industrial look that appeals to me. I did have to rearrange my whole shelf to accomodate its large size, but I got over it.

I did my critical listening in stereo, with CDs.

Similar Products Used:

Anthem MCA5

usual great parts inside,attn to build details. Authoritive sound,especially when run single-ended,not balanced

balanced not truly balanced...see text below,not as good sounding as in single-ended, the way most folks would use it anyway.

I have run the balanced mode and found the sound less palpable than running single ended. The open sound I expected was not as well done as in single ended...unbalanced. The 1095 like all Rotel amps offering "balanced" operation is not truly balanced at all. In fact it is "pseudo-balanced." Using an op-amp for the inverted leg, this saves costs in circuit design, but in my opinion negates the benefit of running balanced in the first place. Not recommended to run balanced out from a pre-amp though. Run only single-ended, unbalanced only to get the most out of the 1095, and save the extra green for some better cables. I used the Monster Balanced XLR 20' from my Mackie 1604-vlz with reasonably good results, but my Sony pre running single ended was the only logical choice to getting the most out of the 1095. Nice in a pinch to have this option, but not a strong reason to buy the 1095 for its' balanced operation. Stay single-ended and be happy, that is where the 1095 shines the most. Still gets the max as long as the single-ended is used, 4 stars for the balanced operation. V.C.

Similar Products Used:

NAD 2400

Total power, total control, total engagement

Big, black, boxy

Probably one of the best THX Ultra power amps out there. And for this kind of price the performance is hard to belive.

I am very happy, my hometheater is better than ever.

Value and performance,impressive build,thoughtful touches like balanced XLR and wheel barrel rollers,great packing,unmistakeable Rotel just bigger and cleaner

Big,and heavy, not great just for any shelf. Pricey,but just compare the performance with others and this is then a nit.No remote trigger for home theater applications. Didn't get this amp sooner.

The Rotel RB-1095 power amplifier eschews any of the nonsense of switching power supply this, or dual-multi rail that. What the Rotel does is use proven sonically accurate topologies. Its’ dual torodial power transformers and high current Toshiba output devices, and large BHC slit foil capacitors are evidence of this. At 75lbs., I would not recommend this amplifier be installed on a flimsy shelf to say the least. I have mine on a glass plate on the floor. Carpet actually.

I had initially the RB-985 mk.2 power amplifier. I wanted more dynamic headroom still, and as sweet sounding as the 985 was…(and I’ll miss it),you could sense its’ limit on some of great dynamic DTS DVD movies today. Saving Private Ryan is a prime example. The Omaha beach invasion is the point where the true mettle of an amplifier is shown. This powerhouse 1095 doesn’t even break a sweat. With “THX Ultra” certification, this amplifier is ready for all comers. Its’ black over 10 inches tall profile is definitely while not “Krell” intimidating, it would not by any means be mistaken for an “average” amplifier.

You have your usual connections on the back. Gold plated RCA and the DB25 input for 5.1 direct channel input. The plugs for switching the input for the DB25 is included.

A big plus to me is the balanced input…XLR connections for each of the 5 channels. I am going to have some fun with my Otari MX-5050b Mk.2 2 track open reel. It supports only the balanced XLR, and my curiosity is peaking on the sonics of the balanced mode.

I just upgraded today, so obviously this amplifier needs some settling and break in time. So far though, out of the box sonics are great. Like my 985 but with more body and full sound. The sense of ease this amplifier exudes is extraordinary. Amazing depth and richness in timbre. My Secret Garden recording, “White Stones” take on more drama, Fionnuala Sherry’s violin taking a set that my 985 just missed. But by just a little. I discovered Secret Garden on one of those PBS pledge program specials. I just got out of the shower and was dressing when I heard that magical violin. Still dripping wet I ran to living and threw in a blank Vhs and rolled tape. They have been one of my favorites since.

An amplifier with this much power is amazing in that it resolves the details and micro dynamics with ease. With the amps high damping factor, my speakers are at the Rotel’s beckon call. I now have the right amplifier that compliments my Sony ES TAE-9000es pre amplifier. My other new favorite entry into the almost high end. I think it is silly to spend too much to get sound that is pure, accurate, and most importantly emotionally satisfying.

You can get the specifications at the Rotel.com site in HTML, or a ACROBAT .pdf format. Rotel will always continue in my mind to build break the molds products that other manufacturers just can’t do for the price. Chalk one up for Rotel again. Even the box and packing material say, I am a special amplifier. Great care in the details down to the rolling back feet so you may move the 1095 wheel barrel style. Nice one Rotel. For now that is it except that I would like to thank the wonderfully helpful and cordial, and professional gents at “Sound Factor” of Pasadena. They are Thang,Duke,Rick,R.J. You guys are the best.
V.C.
sytem compliment:
Sony TAE-9000es preamplifier
Nad 502 cd player as transport only
Rotel RDV-985 DVD player
B & W series 2 603,and cc6 center channel
Kef C80 for the surround channels
HSu subwoofer passive ported 12"
Sony 27" TV

Similar Products Used:

Rotel RB-985 mk.2, Nad 2400.

The RMB-1095 just gets better with use. Break now complete,the amplifier now plays tuneful,and enjoyable music and conveys all the excitement that the movie sound engineers wanted us to hear.

Still pricey,but see the Sunfire, the B & K and the thier ilk and the RMB1095 is not out of line at all.

As time continues the 1095 continues to impress. I must admonish anyone looking into the 1095 to please break in the 1095 before any serious listening occurs. Once done,the 1095 gives you the excitement of its' 1090 brother but with 3 more channels. Female voices while still sounding a little foward, are allot better now than when the amp was new. Interconnects will be my next tuning excercise. Balanced XLR connections will soon see my Otari 2 track open reel and my soon to be new CD-R of professional ilk. The decision for the Tascam cdrw-5000,or the Otari CDR-800 still wains in my mind here. Anyone who owns the RMB-1095 or wishes to purchase it should read the review of the amplifier in Audio magazines Feb/March 2000 issue. The test data and impressions are shown for this amazing amplifier. Absolutely slaying all the "THX-ULTRA" specs without even breaking a sweat. There is sometimes no substitute for great design and power. Certainly one of the best buys of this century,and by its' build, maybe enjoyable to the next one. V.C.

Similar Products Used:

NAD 2400, Rotel BR-985 mk.2

Extremely wide soundstage, Lots of clean power

No remote turn on

I bought the 1095 to replace the amps in my DSPA-1, which I'm using as a prepro untill all this new technology shakes out. I thought the Yamaha's amps were good until I heard this baby. The soundstage is very large, and you can hear sounds in places I never heard with the Yamaha. My speakers (Atlantic Technology 450's) sounded like much better, more punch, more envelopment. It takes about three weeks for this amp to break in, at first it's a little brittle on the top end but this will go away. My only critisism is that there isn't a remote turn on for this amp. I do not like to leave equipment on all the time, so to get around this I bought a Rotel RLC900 line conditioner which plugs into the wall for power and into the switched outlet of the DSPA-1.
I heartily recommend this amp, it's performance is top notch at a price thats hard to beat

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha DSPA-1

Aside from the excellent sound quality the amp has a nifty set of rollers which are certainly quite helpful as far as placement is concern.

Aside from its extraordinary sound quality the amplifier's extraordinary weight can make the initial deployment somewhat onerous and tiring. Workable but not perfect quality control. See my comments below for more information.

After a reading a number of reviews on this amplifier I was so impressed that I went and bought one for myself. My initial excitement upon picking the amplifier evaporated after plugging it in and getting no response for the both main and surround right channels. However not one to give up I replaced the bare wire connections with bannana plugs and was rewarded with sound in both channels,after forcing the bannana plugs in and applying some downward pressure to the right channel connectors. Aside from this initial manufacturing snafu,which required an hour to diagnose and solve, the amplifier has performed flawlessly.
All of my soundtracks which sounded boring, dull and lifeless on the Denon AVR-5600 were reborn and become grand and spectacular. For example the blade runner pro logic sound track which sounded weak and anemic on my Denon came to life with a grace majesty that was both suprising and moving. Soundtracks which were impressive on the Denon became became even more forceful and powerful; during the bank gunbattle in the movie HEAT the police officiers 9mm handguns no longer sounded quiet and timid,as they did with the Denon, instead they were loud and forceful.
In fact the Rotel is so impressive that I have no plans to upgrade my system for quite some time, the highest complement that an audio nut can give to any product.

Similar Products Used:

Adcom GFA-7500
Denon AVR-5600

price,sound stage,power

none

basically bought this amp just by looks and may add i love it.i listen to everything from classical to rock,except rap.i have maggies all around and what a sound it is truely the combo to 2 channel or surround.i must tell you i also have the 985 rotel processor and i play 2496 recordings simply blow my mind like sara k o cover or matrix witch is better than a movie theatre.imaging only gets better as well as the sound.


my system:
rotel 985 processor
rotel 1095 amp
sony 5 discdvd carousel
hsu 500 watt sub,witch has a push pull set up (2 subs)
maggies all around
monster 4 stage powersurge protector(filters electric)
mit terminator 2 bi-wire
seperate 20 amp outlet with hospital grade recepticals
mit interconects

wish you could here what im hearing.

Similar Products Used:

didnt bother to look

Powerful, smooth, detailed, warm, embracing, effortless... In a word - its stunning !

Big and intimidating

I was looking for an upgrade from the excellent Rotel RMB985 MkII for my AV-processor TagMcLaren AVR32, and I have found it ! This is one remarkable poweramp indeed, it just performs totally flawlessly, and is very much a good match with the excellent Tag-processor.

When writing this review, I have only used it over the weekend, but it does´nt seem to need all that much break-in. The sound is robust, powerful, highly detailed with a warm and very engaging sound. It leaves me breathless...

The sense of depth and huge soundstadge produced by the RMB1095, in my setup, is astounding ! I did´nt expect such a difference from the former RMB985 MkII. And don´t get me wrong, that amplifier is great, but the RMB1095 really is twise as good (at twise the price, ofcourse!).

2-channel stereo, listening to "The Corrs" or "Red Hot Chilipepers", is just as impressive as its 5-channel digital reproduction of "Saving Private Ryan" or "Tarzan". It simply works with every type of soundtrack I throw at it.

Just make sure you use good quality connectors and cables to and from your processor and speakers. This can really make a huge difference. And I was not totally sold on the importance of quality cables until I heard the ones I have now. Anyway, the RMB1095 deserves it, and will only perform better.

I think I have found the perfect match to my processor, speakers and sound-crazy mind ! This poweramplifier is almost as passionate about music and movies as I am...

My current setup:
TagMclaren AV32 (THX,DD,DTS,MPEG,processor)
Rotel RMB1095 (THX,5x200W,poweramplifier)
NHT VT-2 System (2 fullrange floorspeakers, 3 satellites)
Harmonic Technology
Truth-Link Silver (RCA-cable between processor & amp)
Harmonic Technology
Melody Line (Speaker cable woth gold banana´s)
Harmonic Technology
Cyber-Link Platinum (Digital Coaxial cable)
Pioneer DVD-717 (DVD and CD transport)

Am going to invest in a good powered subwoofer soon. Probably the Sunfire Junior or True MKII.

PS! Among all this technology - dont forget to ENJOY the tunes !

Similar Products Used:

Rotel RMB985 MkII