new receiver

[avilladiego19]

Hello. I currently have a Denon AVR3300 and I want to upgrade to a newer, better receiver in the $2000 price range. I am considering the Rotel RSX1065 and the Denon AVR4802. What are your suggestions?

[wangotango68]

the flood gates have just opened.;)

scott:cool:

[Zero]

Avoid Denon - at all costs!

If you narrowed it down between the two - Rotel "all day".

And let me save mantis some trouble here, by suggesting a reciever by B&K.....

[RSTERN]

ATC,
Why avoid Denon? I was considering the 3803.

[dorokusai]

There is alot of Rotel support in the forum, and it is definetly a very nice receiver. That upper level of Denon is a nice choice. It really depends on what speakers you are driving. Let us know, and the decision is easier for people to comment on.

[brettw22]

Originally posted by ATCVenom
Avoid Denon - at all costs!

ATC, why don't you just put this in your Signiture field? Who knows.......could save ya some time. ;)

[Ceruleance]

Are you considering seperates at all? Do you want 7.1? Would you go used if you could get a better deal?

[avilladiego19]

Seperates cost too much and I like the simplicity of receivers. I dont need 7.1 channels because i mostly listen to music and 5.1 already amazes me. I dont really like used things because there might be something wrong with it or there might not be a warrenty on it.

[avilladiego19]

dorokusai,
the speakers i was thinking of getting are paradigm monitor series or b&w cm series speakers

[dorokusai]

Those speakers are very nice choices. I think you would be hard pressed to pick one of these receivers over the other.

I believe that the power output stage, internally(not per channel power) on the Rotel is more dynamic and robustly manufactured. The Denon has more features, and at that level is no slouch for power output either.

I would buy the Denon, IMO. It has all the things I like in receivers, alot of out of the box features. 6.1 ready, RF transmission capable, touchpad remote, etc. The Rotel is a little too sterile looking for me, but that is a Rotel trademark, clean design. And if the Denon was cheaper, all the better to me.

Denon - ALOT of features, decent power, great sound.
Rotel - Less concerned with bells and whistles, decent power, and probably better sound of the two.

Let us know how you fare.

[TonyPTX]

Hm...biased opinion here......if it were up to me, the options would be, from either the Denon, Rotel, or B&K line. The RSX-1065 is a serious receiver my friend. If you do decide to go that road, drop me a line first. I'll let you know what to be looking for. There have been lots of changes to the RSX-1065/1055 that you will want to be sure you have the latest model revision from Rotel.

As for the unit itself, I can't speak for the RSX-1065, however I have the little brother (RSX-1055) and can admit that it is quite a powerful unit. Like everyone says, the Rotel lacks all the bells and whistles of many modern AVR's (just features, not format compatibility), however it has the basic features that are sufficient enough to be properly configured for a broad range of music tastes. The key seller here to me was the fact that although the Rotel 1065/1055's may be a "home theater" receiver, it is specifically designed to handle 2 channel stereo as well. I'd put this receiver up to the batting plate in a shoot-out against a mid-fi seperate system. You'll be hard pressed to tell the difference. You can check out the review I did on the RSX-1055 here:

Rotel RSX-1055 Review: Part I (http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8930)
Rotel RSX-1055 Review: Part II (LONG) (http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8954)

Tony

[mantis]

Agreed.

[Zero]

Brett,

There was once a time when I came close to putting this warning label on my signature :lol:

Here is a quick, run down of my feelings on the recievers.

Denon

-It has power - and could probably drive the P'digms or the B&W's well.

-It has features, all that you could ever want

-Versitility. I must concede, it also usually has most the a/v in's and out's you will need.

-Dull, distorted, dry, sound. Every Denon I have heard sounds the same, and it friggen misses the same notes each time. It just dont do music well.


Rotel

-It has power - can drive the P'digms and B&W's well.

-It has features, albiet not as many

-Not as flexable of a unit.

-Much cleaner, fuller, accurate sound. Crushes Denon to pieces and then some. The Rotel can do music. Although I would not go so far to say it sounds like a pair of good seperates, I will say that it is about as close as it comes as far as recievers I have heard.

Seem's to be a bit of give and take. Just decide which unit you believe, suits you best.

[joe logston]

atc venom, i feel the same way, denon just dont turn me on, i tryed to like denon i spent a lot of time, more than most listening to denon. but denon is mission something, cant put my finger on it,mybe its in the vary high treble.or the lack of it.

[dthomps]

I would go for the Rotel rsx-1065 and the B&W CM series combo. That would be an awesome setup for sure.
Give it a demo, IMO it is one of the best blends- they even use eachothers gear for demonstrations and shows.
Mike

[TonyPTX]

Originally posted by dthomps
...Rotel rsx-1065 and the B&W CM series combo. they even use each others gear for demonstrations and shows.
Mike

That's not by chance...B&W and Rotel are owned by the same parent company.

[PETERNG]

Why the heck that we keep debate the same sh*t everytimes someone ask the same question? hey pal , use the search function before ask the question, save us sometimes to beat each other to death :-))

Life is good, learn form the past, live for today and hope for tomorrow...

[Shizelbs]

Hey now, we have to be nice to the newbies.

[polkatese]

One of the Ten commandments : "THOU SHALT ANSWER THE SAME QUESTIONS AGAIN. AND AGAIN."

[joe6pak]

avilladiego19 & RSTERN.

I would suggest you guys demo as many different brands as you can. As far as the advice " avoid Denon at all costs." I say that is bullshit advice. You should avoid that "advice" at all costs. I had a 3802 and I can say that I was pleased with its sound and performance. Believe it or not, the Denon would play music! I heard a Rotel with the Paradigm 100's, and was not pleased with the sound. I guess I could say avoid the Rotel at all cost. Maybe it was the speakers? Hmmm. Avoid Paradigm at all costs?

I ran a pair of highend Dynaudio Confidence 3's for over a week with the 3802. (I was waiting for some Krell seperates to come in.) The Denon made a good showing for itself. It did better than I expected. Of course the Krell is the better of the two. But, I am sure there are people who will say you should "avoid Krell at all costs."

joe

[mantis]

don't need 2 of the same here......edited.

[mantis]

Hey Joe,
whats up man........nice post.

Here's the bottom line of any product.It has to MATCH what you own.Just like you using the Denon to drive the Dynaudio's.I have done it with my Denon when I owned Denon.I ran a pair of contour 1.4s and the Denon struggled at high volumes....it actually clipped........that sucked because the sound sounded like a poorly tuned in radio station......

People have strong opnions towards alot of different products for many reasons.I for one Hate Onkyo and Integra Products for my reasons But to say aviod them I say learn for yourself what works.Yamaha is another company I used to love and now I hate.My personal list goes on and on with so many products I just don't like.But hey thats me......
Your statement about Krell.......well thats a longer shot then most stuff in mid end....Krell is the be all end all of ALL amps made in the world.They are #1 and rightfully earned the throne.But hey different strokes for different folks........what are you going to do....Opnions are like Buttholes,we all have em..

So Joe how have you been?I haven't heard from you in awhile.

[polkatese]

Originally posted by mantis
....Opnions are like Buttholes,we all have em..

Dan,
waaaaaaaaaa.......that's a classic!

[mantis]

sometimes classics need to be used....so there not forgoten.

I like that one 2.........

[joe6pak]

Mantis.

You asked, where have I been? I have been pretty busy managing my vast empire. Also reading some other forums, and listening to the Confidence 3s. They are Amazing!

joe

[tryrrthg]

For practically the same price as the Rotel RSX 1065 you can get the RSX 1055 and the 5 channel 1075 amp. I would get those two over the 1065 in a heartbeat!

[TonyPTX]

Originally posted by tryrrthg
For practically the same price as the Rotel RSX 1065 you can get the RSX 1055 and the 5 channel 1075 amp. I would get those two over the 1065 in a heartbeat!

The RSX-1055 is $1299 + the RMB-1075 is $999 for a total of $2298 (retail pricing) + the cost of decent interconnects at say $75 a pair @ 3 sets for an additional $225 for a grand total of $2523. No where near the cost of the RSX-1065 at $1999.

[tryrrthg]

TonyPTX, Sorry I usually think in terms of used prices. Also, most people seem to get discounts from dealers (I know mine said he would) so I was thinking a good dealer would give you a 10 to 15% discount. I've also read MANY people suggesting the 1055/1075 route over the 1065 at the HT forum...

In the world of $2000 receivers/electronics what's a couple hundred bucks anyway! :)

[TonyPTX]

Originally posted by tryrrthg
TonyPTX, Sorry I usually think in terms of used prices. Also, most people seem to get discounts from dealers (I know mine said he would) so I was thinking a good dealer would give you a 10 to 15% discount. I've also read MANY people suggesting the 1055/1075 route over the 1065 at the HT forum...

Dealer discount is true, however I didn't factor that into the equation because the discount rate would theoretically be the same between all the units thus they cancel each other out. As for why people select the 1055/1075 combo, it's pretty simple logic. The RSX-1055 is basically the same thing and the seperate RSP-1066 processor (only with the internal amps and tuner). The electronics, processor, firmware, pre-amp section, etc are all the same and at a cheaper price than the RSP-1066 (~$200). Granted the 1055 may cost more to build, Rotel can sell a lot more of them at a smaller profit margin than the RSP-1066. Many folks who have owned both systems RSX-1055 and the RSP-1066/RMB-1075 combo have claimed to hear no sonic difference between the two systems. By spec, there may be a difference of say 2-3 dB in S/N ratio but is that audible? Who knows...only your ears can tell.


In the world of $2000 receivers/electronics what's a couple hundred bucks anyway! :)

The difference between cheap interconnects and good ones for this type of setup....

[Zero]

Joe,

Clearly, you are entitled to your opinion. I consider the brandishing of my own statements representative of my experiences with Denon products, and feel no vice for stating them no matter how stern or foward they were layed out.

Now, I have listened to various models of Denon recievers paired up with Polk, Kef, NHT, and Phase Tech. Frankly, all combinations yeilded the same results.

Normally with most equipment, I would not be so strident in my contrary opinions. Needless to say, Denon fell short of my expectations.

This gentlemen wanted an opinion, and I gave it to him. When looking for a capable reciever in the price-range of the 3802, I cannot help but find myself compelled to direct someone towards what I deem to be better alternatives.

"Listening for yourself" is and of itself the purist and best way to gauge your thoughts on a certain piece of equipment. There are times however, when someone would like a second, a third, or even a fourth opinion before laying down that kind of money.

And if someone wishes to state "avoid Polk at all costs", I will not argue. So long as there is merit to their cause with experience to back up their statements, I find no harm or foul as it is their own opinion and belief.

Whether avilla chooses a Denon or Sony is really none of my concern. My gratification would be in knowing that he choose the gear that best suited his own tastes, and secure in knowing his hard earned cash was invested well.

Regards,

Sean

[mantis]

You know ATC I felt the need to rip into you after reading your reply there.But everyone has there feeling about this and that.I myself come off strong with certain products I don't think are worth anything........

Listening for yourself is what I have been saying forever.If ones not willing to listen for themselves,,then I really don't have any advice.I have a hard time respecting that.

Denon in my opnion makes fine products at there levels.Compared to others at there priceclass,they don't fall far behind in anything,sound quality is the only thing they can be beat.Rotel wipes the floor with them dollar for Dollar,but really no one else does.Thats my experience with Denon vs the world.
I also don't compare used vs new....new is new used is used...do what you want here.....your call.

[Zero]

Dan,

My apologies, but I will honestly state that I have grown tired walking a tight rope. Expressing my views on a product does not in any way prevent one from purchasing or enjoying it. There are many brands of electronics I find shoddy, and it should be my right to carry that view.

Further, I have crossed that line to where I no longer censor or suger-coat my views anymore than I feel necessary. Likewise, my expression of objections do not abridge people the right to express their opposed viewpoints.

While many do not condone in name bashing, I have never known any of it to be life-threatening. It's the degree of how sensetive one is that makes the distinction.

[ezc]

Anyone can give me some advice of what reciever to buy. I too am looking to upgrade soon. What I need is a reciever will be able to drive LSi15, LSiC, & LSiFX speakers 5.1. I was concidering the Denon 3802. After reading many posts regarding recievers it seems there are others thast may do a better job. I know the LSi series are 4ohm. I dont want seperates which I know will probably do a better job. Will the Rotel RSX 1055 have enough to power to drive the LSi's or would the RSX 1065 be better. Are there other companys that make a reciever that will dirve the LSi's just as well? Most reciver specs dont go as low as 4 ohm. Would the Denons , Onkyos, or others do as good or better than the Rotel? Want to spend around $1000 - $2000. Any advice?

[mantis]

ATCVenom,
I can respect that.I fel no one should walk a tight rope in here.Eff that.State your opnion as you feel.Bashing gear,hey I will be the first to rip apart a reciever or whatever I have a strong opnion.I don't agree with telling people to aviod it.I think Integra is the worse piece of shit made.The cost of there shit sucks as much as the product.But I don't tell people to aviod it.Only reason is that everyone hears differernt and has different opnions on whats good and whats not.Offer your opnion and the value will be understood.Saying stuff like avoid it I feel is alittle strong.But who am I to judge youyr opnion and the way you carry yourself.
Just expressing my opnion man.Respectfully.

ezc,
Why do you want LSI?Answer this question then start looking for a receiver.
I will however address your questions.
Will the Rotel RSX 1055 have enough to power to drive the LSi's or would the RSX 1065 be better?..........Yes and Yes.They both are fully LSI ready.I don't believe there are 2 better receivers at there price points.NONE that I know of.I have strong opnions about Rotel.

Are there other companys that make a reciever that will dirve the LSi's just as well? ..........Sure there is but will cost more.
Pioneer Eltie vsx27 and 49TX
B&K.......allday
Sunfire.......allday
Marantz......9200
Denon will have to be avr4802R and the avr5803
Yamaha RXZ1
NAD

Would the Denons , Onkyos, or others do as good or better than the Rotel? Want to spend around $1000 - $2000. Any advice?
NO simply put no.Again Rotel will be your finest choice running the Lsi for load reasons not sound quality reasons.You need to judge that yourself.

Get off the computer and get into some shops.Listen to some recievers and see what you like.I cannot make that choice for you.I can only tellyou what will work and what will not.

[ezc]

Thanks for the advice. I already have the Lsi's & are using a Onkyo txds595 to power them. Reason I ask for advice is here in Hawii there are no dealers where I can demo better equipment. Only ones we have where we can listen is Comp USA, Circuit City, & one delaer Video Life. None have what I want to listen to. also there are no Rotel delaers here too. I checked the rotel web site. There are custom dealers that say thay can get it on special order, but nothing to demo. I bought my LSi speakers that way too. Currently there are no retailers that have the LSi's for sale, only custom dealers who can order them. Only time I get to see & listen to demos are at CES. Most times the demos are not real good, They have a set up in a small booth / room. I guess living in Hi has its good & bads. Most of my friends have home theaters & when I get to see them its a 19" - 27" tv with a HTIB system. I do have a small group or id say a very samll group who is very into audio / video & we all buy equipment usually without a demo, not the best way but we have no other option. Id like to thank all the forum members I have learned alot & have had great advice on my purchases since I have been a member.