Bored! Want to try a different amp

I currently have a mint Rotel RC-995 pre amp (highly acclaimed) paired with 2 rotel RB971 Mk 1 powers.
as per the title, want to try a change at around £300 to £400 (roughly what i would get selling the above on ebay). Any thoughts?
I was thinking about trying the NAD S300 if i can get one.
Any other ideas welcome. I am also contemplating a valve amp.
I listen to classical/70s rock/modern rock/female vocalists. So quite a range.

My sources are a linn LP12/ittok LV11/Goldring Eroica. Played through a Clearaudio Basic Plus phono amp.
Rotel RCD 991
Denon TU260 Mk11.

Meadowlark Audio Kestrel Hot Rod speakers.

Advice and recommendations welcomed.
Thanks
John

 

Hi John,

The Rotel amps are excellent and unless you find them underpowered I don't think another SS amplifier in that price range is going to bring any benefit.

Valves are usually quite different and most valve amplifiers will change the sound you get from your loudspeakers, and this is mainly down to how the amplifier interfaces with the load. You might well like the effect and if buying used you can always flip it for something else.

As a very rough guide, SET amplifiers will alter response the most, modern push-pull next, and finally vintage PP from the big names such as Leak and Radford the least.

 

What about the Dared VP-20 power amps? There is a pair on ebay at the mo that look interesting.
There is also a quad 240. Nice looking dual mono amp.

 

Quad 240 is close internaly to the 306/606 and a very nice clean amp. However there is no reason why it should be audibly different to the Rotel. If the price is right and you fancy a change though, well why not.

 

try atoll,

 

Nando. i think Atoll are a bit out of my price bracket.

Would an RB-980 BX, RB-990 BX or RB-991 be much of an upgrade over 2x rb-971 amps?

There is also a lovely World KAT88 integrated on ebay at the mo. Looks interesting.

Thanks
John

 

I've heard lots of Rotel amps over the years and, to be blunt, none of them have impressed me.

I would give the World amp you mention a go - it will sound very different to what you have now.

 

Agreed re the WD amp. If you want a valve amplifier that's a good solid design.

 

the worl amp is very good,

 

Good match with the Meadowlark Kestrel hot rods?
There is also an anologue audio puccini se on ebay. Looks a well built amp. Any experiences with this?
John

 

if you like valves have a look at ARIANd audio

 

This might be a bit left field but what about
http://www.trendsaudio.com/

Bit different and should easily drive the Kestrels. I had a couple some time ago and loved them, more options available now as well.

 

For a single input option they look great, however I use cd, Tt and radio.
Thanks for the input though.
John