NAD T762 vs ROTEL 1065

[Eastern]

I am considering between these 2 receivers, can anyone comment which is a better buy, better sound quality and reliability?

Also, are the ROTEL RSX 1066 using the same preamp stage as the 1055? If so, why does it cost more without the amplifiers (1066) than with the amplifiers (1055)?!

Cheers

[ken brydson]

Here's some Rotel, for sale by a forum member


http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11228

[mantis]

Personally I perfer Rotel over NAD.NAD makes really nice affordable gear.I feel there built quality is not up to my standards.Rotel in my opnion sounds much better.I like Rotels dynamic range.

The 1066 is a preamp and the 1055 is a receiver.They are suppost to be exactly the same.Why the preamp costs more??well if you look at it's asking price,it shouldn't be an issue.It's one of the nicest preamps on the market.For what you pay you get alot here.

The rsx1055 is a receiver,go that route if thats what fills your needs.It has 75 watts of built in power by 5.You still have to add an amp for the surround back channels.Rb1050.

Just listen to both and make a solid choice.You like,you buy.....simple.
Dan

[mantis]

The rsx1065 is a killer receiver.......listen and you'll see.

[Zero]

Depends on what you want

I love Rotels detail and dynamic range... but at times to me, it sounds forced, too transistory...

NAD to me has a cleaner sound, a fuller frequency range, but less personality..

A bit of give and take..

[goingganzo]

i am realey thinking of getting a 1066 for my pre. to go with my adcom amp. i like the look of the adcom but it dont have dd-ex and dts-es.


my goal was to scrape up enough to get one my the end of oct.

[RuSsMaN]

6 of one, half a dozen of the other, as far as performance.

Each have their own sound (in the preamp stage), try to get a demo (even if not of those exact recs), choose your bells and whistles, and decide what you like best.

Win-win either way.

Cheers,
Rooster

[robodell]

Eastern,

I am currently trying to make the *exact* same decision. In fact, I tried to go demo the Rotel 1065 today after work but the store was closed by the time I got there. I found a place that carries both NAD and Rotel - I am going there tomorrow.

What speakers do you have? I have the LSi-15, and will be picking up the LSiC and LSi7s once I get the receiver. The receiver place that I am going to doesn't carry Polk, so I'm not sure how to shop the two. The LSi's seem to be pretty laid back, so I'll probably go for the brighter of the two.

Also, the NAD 762 appears to cost about $700 less than the Rotel 1065... (hmmmm, that's alot of $). Are you also considering the Rotel 1055?

Robodell

[jmasterj]

Eastern,

What up though ? Back in the 80's I had a pair of NAD amps bridge connected to some Bose 901's. New Audio Dynamics is a company that gives value for the dollar. Plain face, the equipment has been the same color for years. They put the important stuff inside. They can handle the 4 ohm load. The sound it is accurate.
If the difference in price is in fact $700 or any where around there for that matter. Go NAD you will not go wrong... No Bells, hey they never shut down on me they never did not work...

[Eastern]

Yup I was leaning more towards NAD due to is price/performance ratio. However, I seem to hear more reliability issues with NAD than Rotel on the web.

I am running RTi70s for now ...

Anyhow, I recently bought the Rotel RSP1066 + RMB 1075 from Gshisme. Have yet to recieve it, but am pretty sure it will be great match to last me a long time. I intend to match that up with Odyssey Dual Monos in Christmas for stereo.

You guys should check out the Odyssey line of products, they are beyond words.

CHeck out the reviews on audioreview.com and audiocircle.com

You don't want to miss considering this amp if you are going the separates path. One crazy guy even hooked it up to his subs and apparently got pretty good result albeit it's lower rated power.

Cheers,

[robodell]

Well, I just got back from the store where I demod the Rotel 1065 and 1055 vs. NAD 752 (they didn't have a 762). They didn't have any Polks, so asked them to hook up the most laid back speaker that they had. They ran the entry level Vandersteen (?) - they weren't as accurate and clean as the LSi15s.

Eastern - good to hear that your opportunity is resolved... I'm still wrestling.

I liked the 752 slightly better than the 1055. I could definitely hear the difference between the 1055 and 1065. Overall, the NAD seemed a bit smoother, so I'm leaning toward the 762.

Does anyone want to try to talk me out of the 762 and go with the 1055 instead? They are both the same price. Comments/thoughts/experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[polkatese]

robodell, I can't offer any advice on the NAD since I don't have experience with it. But, I am curious on what differences did you notice between 1055 and 1065? want to hear if you could described the diff. FWIW, I have LSi15/C/Fx and have 1065 driving them at one point. Now it drives LSi9 for 2 channels. I really enjoy 1065 with LSi15 or LSi9.

[ezc]

My 2 cents! After all the advice from Polk Forum members I got the RSX 1065! Cant begin to tell you how pleased Im. Im sold on Rotel!

[dorokusai]

If you already know you enjoy the NAD, get the NAD, be different. As mentioned before, you just can't go wrong with these couple choices. Go with your gut.

[robodell]

The difference between the 1055 and 1065 wasn't that noticeable, but I could definitely tell the difference. The 1065 sounded better, a bit richer and fuller - it could be due to more power, it could be that I had it in my head that it had more power, or it could be that I was finally getting used to the speakers I was demoing on. They both sounded good.

When compared to the NAD, the NAD seemed a bit fuller in the midrange and smoother overall.

My primary concern (and the reason that I am asking for input from others) is that the NAD and the speakers that I was demo-ing on were a good match vs. the Rotels.

[pjdami]

Robodell,

I listened to both and own both Rotel receiver / amp and NAD amp. Close call. I agree that the Rotel has a better build quality to it.

Five year warranty with Rotel vs. two year for NAD. Something else to digest. The Rotel may have a slightly more detailed sound compared to NAD which may be a bit smoother but may lack some emotion especially when paired with the LSi. Rotel sonic signature and LSi I find go well together.

IMO, I would do Rotel / LSi / Transparent wire (as Mantis suggested for me) and you should be grinning ear to ear.

My Rotel / NAD dealer (he sells both) has been in business for over 20 years and for the same price 1055 vs 762 he recommended the Rotel in a heartbeat.

Can you get an in home demo with your speakers and return the receiver for the other if you don't like it? either way you are getting an exceptional receiver. I think the Rotel warranty was the icing on the cake for me.

Paul

[robodell]

OK, Rotel RSX-1065 it is! I picked one up yesterday in black. You guys were right - it sounds great with the LSi15s, that is, after I figured out that I needed to set the front LR to large and turn off the subwoofer (I don't have one yet). All is good now. Thanks for all the great (and persistent) advice, although I have seriously exceeded by original $750 receiver budget :).

Next I've got to go pick up an LSiC, LSi7s for surrounds, and some more speaker wire. I would love the LSi9s, but they won't fit.

Couple of questions:

1) I'm biwiring the LSi15s with MonsterXP. I'm attaching bare wire to the speaker lugs, and it doesn't hold that well. Which is better, lugs or banana plugs? (I will rarely disconnect.)

2) Should I biwire the LSi7s surrounds?

Thanks!

[mantis]

Really what you wanna do is take that wire and put it out to the trash.You need better wire to go along with your upgraded system.I suggest Transparent Musicwave bi wires or Musicwave singles with Transparent jumpers.Then for analog connections to your Rotel I suggest the Musiclinks.This will yield max performance for what you own.

My opnion and I'm sticking with it.;)

[pjdami]

Robodell,

Very nice choice dude. The 1065 is an awesome piece of machinery.

Bare wire is okay; I would rather use banana plugs and do.

I had Monster XP wire before hooked up to Rotel / LSi. Although the performance is okay you won't realize what you are missing until you hear your system with Transparent wire as Mantis has suggested.

Gshisme (Greg) has some Transparent Musiclinks Plus interconnects for sale at $120 / pair. This is a great deal. Ask Greg or me what the LSi / transparent / Rotel combo sounds like.. I'll say it SWEET!!

Check out Audiogon for great deals on Transparent wire too. Retail cost will make you faint. What you have for now is okay but long term you should budget for upgrading. I learned the hard way... you want to get into better gear .. you going to have to pay to get it to play to its full potential. Just some thoughts ...

Congrats on your new receiver. What firmware do you have? (hold down mute button until the version is displayed).

Don't forget to check out Club Rotel also for good advice. Let me know if you need the link.

Paul

[RuSsMaN]

Just fyi, the 'entry' level Vandy is the 1C.

Model 1C (http://www.vandersteen.com/pages/1clit.html)

Cheers
Rooster

[robodell]

Rooster - Vandy 1C - yep, that's it. The LSi15 kicks its butt.

Paul & Dave - Thanks for the direction on speaker wire and interconnects. I'll look into the speaker wire, but I interconnects are a bit further into the future ...I'm just not sure how much better the XBOX will sound :). (I've got some source shopping to do before I invest in interconnects.)

For the LSi7 surrounds, should I biwire?

Thanks,
Rob

[robodell]

Paul,

My firmware is 1.5.1_020702
The dealer said that I shouldn't have to upgrade... However, I noticed that 1.57 is out. Also, Is 2.x better than 1.5x? Should I take it back and demand that they put in the bigger EPROM? or is that only an issue for 1.3 and earlier?

Please do fwd the rotel club if you have a chance.

thanks!
Rob

[pjdami]

Rob,

The Club Rotel link can be found here:

http://www.htguide.com/CFBoards/index.cfm?fuseaction=Threads.listings&Forum=25&CFB=1

The 1065 you own has different firmware upgrades than the 1055 receiver that I have, so I am unfamiliar with the EPROM thing you mention. Sounds like you got an older unit that may have been on the shelf for awhile. The latest models firmware start with a "2".

Read the FAQ on the Club Rotel link to read about your firmware upgrades and the cool part is they are free but you have to buy or build your own cable. There are instructions how to make and install the firmware on the website.

Club Rotel is a very friendly forum much like this one. People are eager to help. Andrew is very good on there and he is the administrator of the forum. Hey usually responds within 24 hours if you have questions.

Paul

[robodell]

Thanks Paul! I just joined, searched, and posted.

Robodell

[ezc]

robodell,
My 1065 came with 1.55 & I upgraded to 1.56 There are 2 versions of software, make sure you get the right software version, You need the version for units with version starting at v 1.49 Did your 1065 come with the new remote & upgrade cable? I have the 1065 software release notes & version 1.56 software. e mail me & Ill send it to you.
rcdthezc@slider.net

[robodell]

ecz - mine came with a RR-969 remote - is this the "new" one?

I didn't see an upgrade cable...

Thanks,
Robodell

[Eastern]

that's the older one, RR1050 is the new one.

I have just received the RSP1066/RMB1075 and have it hooked up ... It is awesome, but I'll have to upgrade the firmware, I have the popping problem when switching sources. And even some clicking sound when turning up/down the treble bass...(maybe that's a feature :confused: )

There are a lot of connectors on this beast. Took me a few hours trying to set up...end up reading the manual and another hour to do it right. But in the end, it was well worth it, the sound is really worlds apart from my Panny.

[ezc]

robodell,
mine came with the 1050 remote. The 969 is a good remote also. Let me know if you want the rotel info & software! If you do send me a e-mail.

[pjdami]

ezc,

Way to go bud helping a fellow Rotel member with suggestions. I love it. Good that you 1065 users are hooking up.

Eastern,

To get rid of the "clicking" you need to toggle the music symbol button (pull remote front slide cover all the way down); its the middle button all the way at the bottom. It has a musical note symbol / clone. Make sure you are in audio mode when you do this. Congrats on your Rotel purchase by the way. Very nice choice.

The popping is one of the minor aggravations with the Rotel gear. I updated my firmware last weekend and it has reduced it significantly to almost nothing. Read up on the firmware upgrades and build yourself a cable from spare parts / Radio Shack parts. BTW I have the same remote 969. Its a little bulky at first but you get used to it after a while. Let me know if you have any questions. The 1066 / RSX 1055 firmware upgrades are identical.

Paul

[robodell]

Thanks ezc - By "info and software", do you mean the firmware? I downloaded 1.5.7 and installed it this morning. I wacked the serial connector off of an old (old!) Laplink cable and spliced it up with an old phone cord - worked like a charm. Did you say that you are running 1.5.6? fyi - 1.5.7 is available now - has a date suffix of 7/8/03.

Eastern - I'm glad to hear that you are happy with your Rotel components. I really like the sound of Rotel with the LSi's - the high end "detail" is great. The 1065 has a much higher damping factor that the NAD 762, and will deliver about twice the power into 4 ohms (198wpc @0.1%THD vs. NAD "Power Drive" 100wpc).

My main concern is making sure that I purchased a "current" version of the machine, since I just purchased it this week. I think that I am over the firmware hump - it appears that 1.5x is the most up to date (per counsel from Club Rotel).

RR969 is the "old remote"... What is the difference with the RR1050? I like the RR969, except for the Macro button not being on the fully exposed face of the remote...

Thanks!

[pjdami]

Rob,

I think that I am over the firmware hump - it appears that 1.5x is the most up to date (per counsel from Club Rotel).

Sorry, about misinforming you about the firmware for the 1065. For the 1055/1066 the numbers starting with a "1" are the older ones. Don't understand why this is different with the 1065 (going to a lower number). what I get for "assuming" again..

Great to hear you got your firmware upgrade done. It can be a little nerveracking but looks like you got it done.

If you are still having trouble with your Eprom question have you tried to contact Rotel tech support at:

techsupport@rotel.com

They have helped me as well on a few questions I had in the past.

Paul

[robodell]

PJ -

Are you sure? See this thread...

<<http://www.htguide.com/CFBoards/index.cfm?fuseaction=Threads.viewthread&Tid=77151&Forum=25&StartRow=1&CFB=1>>

The 2.x firmware seems to be a workaround/hack for the EPROM upgrade needed to support DTS-ES (and other fixes/features) for older units (shipped with 1.0-1.3). Rotel apparently simply continued the 1.x numbering on what they put in the "new" units. They are up to 1.5.7 for the more recent machines, and 2.24 for the upgrade hack. ...I think.

Thanks,
Rob

[pjdami]

Rob,

the firmware upgrades are totally different for the 1065 compared to my 1055. It's confusing the way Rotel numbered the firmware updates for the 1065.

It looks like you are fine based on the responses of Club Rotel members.

Cool.

PJ

[TonyPTX]

The reason why Rotel has a 1.X and a 2.x firmware version for the 10xx series of pre-amps and recievers is only because some units have different microprocessors inside (supply shortage of processors thus they had two different types to keep the demand in check) and thus, they need different firmware to operate. It is not because of features.

Now if you're REALLY concerned about old vs. new, you should really consider looking into if your unit supports the 200Mhz bandwidth for internal switching of HDTV signals. Most units that came w/the RR-969 remote do not have the upgrade. Since your unit is still fairly new, you may be able to get the upgrade for free, else, it'll cost you $100 and shipment of your unit back to Rotel.

Anthony

[robodell]

Anthony,

Thanks for the insight.

How do I tell if I have the 200MHz switching option?

Thanks,
Rob

[TonyPTX]

I've seem some posts on the ClubRotel forum, but to be sure, you'll have to shoot an email to Mike Sheehan (Rotel Tech Support) @ msheehan@equityaudio.com Be sure to give him your model and serial number. He should be able to help. You can also ask him for what the latest firmware is for your 1065 and he'll email it to you. Mike's a great guy.

Hope this helps.

Anthony

[robodell]

Originally posted by TonyPTX
Now if you're REALLY concerned about old vs. new, you should really consider looking into if your unit supports the 200Mhz bandwidth for internal switching of HDTV signals. Most units that came w/the RR-969 remote do not have the upgrade. Since your unit is still fairly new, you may be able to get the upgrade for free, else, it'll cost you $100 and shipment of your unit back to Rotel.

Anthony

Anthony,

I expressed a concern to my dealer about this. He talked to Rotel, and they told him that the 200MHz switching option is included with all units having firmware 1.5 or later. He implied that this option is enabled by the firmware (which doesn't quite makes sense to me - I could be wrong, but I don't believe that the receiver is actively processing HDTV signals. Instead it is directing the hardware to perform the switch, and therefore bandwidth performance is inherent in the switching hardware.).

Furthermore, the Rotel rep didn't know anything about a $100 upgrade for the HDTV switching. Could this perhaps be the cost for the hardware upgrade from a v1.3 or ealier firmware (which may include the HDTV switching hardware)? Additional insight would be greatly appreciated.

Also, he said the difference between the RR969 and RR1050 is minimal: the source select buttons are at the top, out from under the flap, and the RR1050 does away with a clock on the remote.

Thanks!
Rob

[TonyPTX]

Originally posted by robodell
...they told him that the 200MHz switching option is included with all units having firmware 1.5 or later. He implied that this option is enabled by the firmware (which doesn't quite makes sense to me - I could be wrong, but I don't believe that the receiver is actively processing HDTV signals. Instead it is directing the hardware to perform the switch, and therefore bandwidth performance is inherent in the switching hardware.).

It could be that Rotel upgraded the hardware in mid-production and if you received your unit w/ v1.5 from the factory then it could easily have the 200MHz bandwidth upgrade. I personally spoke to a Rotel tech support guy and he told me HARDWARE upgrade was a must. I'm hoping your Rotel dealer isn't turning a blind eye just to make a sale...

Furthermore, the Rotel rep didn't know anything about a $100 upgrade for the HDTV switching. Could this perhaps be the cost for the hardware upgrade from a v1.3 or ealier firmware (which may include the HDTV switching hardware)? Additional insight would be greatly appreciated.

Once again, I got my info from a Rotel tech support directly. It is possible that your Rotel rep isn't familiar with upgrade. They can't know everything! Hell, I recently bought a new truck and asked the sales guy about some FORD accessories for the vehicle. He didn't know they existed until I pulled out the brochure for the vehicle and showed them to him....

Also, he said the difference between the RR969 and RR1050 is minimal: the source select buttons are at the top, out from under the flap, and the RR1050 does away with a clock on the remote.

Personally, I find having to slide the flap down to get to the bottom buttons a pain in the a$$. It would have been much nicer to have the buttons along the top like any decent remote should have.

Rob, it really sounds like you need to get your info straight from the horse and completely bypass your Rotel rep. Send Mike Sheehan (msheehan@equityaudio.com) (Rotel Customer Support Specialist) an email w/ your Rotel serial number and he should definately tell you if you have the 200 MHz bandwidth capability. Feel free to ask him about anything else your Rotel rep hasn't been able to answer for you.

Anthony

[robodell]

Thanks Anthony. I have swapped emails with Mike Sheehan - he requested my serial #, I sent to him but haven't heard back. I'll follow up with him.

At the Rotel forum there are some FAQs on this topic - they say that "early / generation I" units had 10 MHz switching, but to contact Rotel w/serial # to be sure.

Yes - I like the 969, except that sliding panel. It would also be nice to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to Macro assignment. Also, burying the Macro button under the "way down" position of the panel is a pain.

-Rob