Finally Rotel wised up.

[mantis]

Whats up all,

I just want to slap people. All the high end companies always fall way behind in technology. It's like there to special to get up and make a move.

So Rotel is now FINALLY moving forward after releasing the POS rsp1069 junk trash waste of time boat anchor.

read the thead and follow the links. Hopefully the video processing isn't a flop like the goofy rsp1069 which I would like to buy on and drop it off the Empire state building then get a steam roller and run the remains over a few times then to top it off collect all the parts and put them in a bag and take it deep sea and let it go.

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=31085

[del44]

Well it's about time. I've been contemplating on wheather to go another route(non Rotel) for a new pre pro. My trusty RSP 1068 has served me well all these years without any issues. One reason I haven't upgraded. But, I seem to be adding alot of gear lately that outputs through HDMI. This looks promising.

[TouchOfEvil]

i'm sensing some anger towards the RSP 1069.

[phuz]

I'm still pissed that they no longer have a receiver for less than $2k.

I guess I'll keep my RSX-1057 till it dies.

[mantis]

I'm still pissed that they no longer have a receiver for less than $2k.

I guess I'll keep my RSX-1057 till it dies.

Why not it's a fantastic unit you got there.

[mantis]

i'm sensing some anger towards the RSP 1069.

I want to go back in time and remove it.

[TouchOfEvil]

I want to go back in time and remove it.

what are the problems that are bad with it? must be alot ?

[mantis]

what are the problems that are bad with it? must be alot ?

Ok lets see

1) It doesn't have any internal decoding for HD sources like DD HD or DTS HD.
2) When it was released it came with 1.1 HDMI switching so No internal processing for Sacd or DVD audio over HDMI
3) It has mad video problems, so many people had to send there unit back to have the internal scaler bypassed so they can use the preamp. You have to pay as well.

Releasing a 1.1 preamp when 1.3a has been out for over a year is a huge problem for me. Now they finally released a new preamp like in 1 year of the release of the rsp1069 which Rotel never does nor any higher end company. So they know they screwed up and now FINALLY have a preamp the at least processes the audio like any processor should do hince the name Processor.

I own a rsp1068 and have since they first came out. I got into HD DVD first then Blu Ray. I currently own a Ps3 for Blu which the rsp1069 could have passed the Pcm and converted it to analog for True HD audio but if I wanted another Blu ray player or have the ability to decode HD DVD audio I could not. I also want to upgrade my Sacd/ DVD audio player and pass it HDMI as I perfer a cleaner setup. I so tired of 100 wires in my system when HDMI can pass everything with one cable. Not to mention I have 3 now and 4 when I upgrade my Sacd player to HDMI so 4 Hdmi in and one out is also what I want.

I was going to buy a receiver (Pioneer Elite vsx94txh) to be my new preamp but that would hurt my 2 channel listening which I do with my current system. It pulls double duty(which is my own problem until I break down and buy a 2 channel system) and I don't want to give that up. If my system only did theater, I would already own the receiver as a pre and called it a day. But I have been holding out for someone to release a preamp with my needs.

So It started with Rotel sucking ass with the rsp1069. Then I looked into NAD which has 1.3 switching but failed to add processing, you have to get your preamp upgraded in the future, why??? Why not just effin do it now. Anthem also messes everything up and only there top end preamp has only 1.2 and no processing for HD, you can however do Sacd and Dvd audio. So I thought about getting one but in the future it would suck. So Integra releases a really nice preamp which covers all my needs except one, sound quality. I don't like Integra sound quality and it has been reported that the analog performance suffers on that unit. I don't like it for theater anyway so it doesn't fit me. Marantz releases a awesome preamp. I have yet to test it, I know it's sound quality should be close to the Pioneer Elites which for years they sounded almost exactly the same. Like they where build by the same company with minor tweaks here and there. But I noticed a few things it lacks and I felt the need to wait once again.

So after some time goes by , I have been waiting for B&K to release there new preamp in the ref 70. I owned B&K in the past and loved my receiver. I had the avr307 which I sold in here and I believe he still owns it today. I loved that receiver. I felt it was a good as any seperates around it's price class. It was a huge toss up between Rotel and B&K and I really think I went with Rotel due to my speakers. I liked the way they sounded with Rotel and I wanted something different. I always wanted to own Rotel gear so I did.
The B&K ref70 is another failure to me. They dropped THX which to me is Important. If you did as many setups as I have in so many different rooms, you will find THX processing useful. It's not nessary but I respect what it does and again it's very helpful in alot of different rooms. Now today with the auto mic setups, You can softa fix up a bad room. But I don't see any spec's on the B&K that they replaced THX with a cool mic setup. Ok fine B&K sounds so damn good I can work with that, they also have a notch filter for bass probelms which works extremely well. I don't see it in the spec's. they have 1.3 but once again no processing. I just want a tank and start bowing stuff up.

If you had the upgrade bug for lets say a YEAR , you would be pissed off like me when you want to move forward and can't due to your product doesn't exsist. So Rotel is releasing there new preamp. I have many questions. It has my minimum requirements in processing and 4 HDMI inputs. Thats cool, it's what I want and I already know I'll like the sound quality as Rotel in history I have liked them all. So I can rely on that not to mention I have a Rotel dealer close by.

So for ****s and giggles I'm gonna lay it on the line exaclty what I want out of a Preamp. If I find this one, I would be in heaven.

Mantis Reference Preamp

4 to 6 HDMI inputs
1 to 2 outputs HDMI
1 2nd zone HDMI output
zone 2 with full video abilities including HDMI.
Balanced and RCA preouts
Up to 4 rear preouts and 4 Surroundback preouts.
Up to 4 sub preouts
Full Processing of ALL audio
Upgradable card frame design for at least 1 future upgrade
Rs232 , Ir and Ip Controllable. Also Computer Pc and Mac Interface for on the
fly real time corrections and changes.
Complete Mcacc type Auto Calibration with up to 16 positions also with Computer Interface upgradeble software and Matching Mic.
Completely Discrete.
Full THX certified Ultra 2 standards.
Matching Optical and Digital coax for all inputs
removeable powercord
Rear breaker hard power switch
Rack mountable
Comes in Silver or black
Full 2 zone 2 Ipods control over t568a or b so you can locate the docks in 2 different rooms over cat 5.
Card frame for 2 Tuner cards of Am Fm Xm or Sirus.
Included a Powerful controller with Ip, Ir and RF abilites, your choice how you want it to work. Wireless and rechargable.

So I'm wondering why it's so hard. It's full list of needs alot of people could use and want. Any preamp company could built this. if you look around, alot have some of these features.

Dan

[Hawkeye]

I have a couple of hobbies that occupy my time. I've reached the frustration level you seem to be at on one of them. I put it down and leave it alone for awhile. When a hobby no longer brings enjoyment and only anger, to me it is no longer a hobby.

[TouchOfEvil]

Well i think that just about answered my question haha. So your gonna try out the new line on Rotel but which one?
I'm only asking questions because once i save some pennies i plan to get a new unit to replace the HK avr 237 i have in the bedroom and i was wanting to stick with Rotel as i already have rotel amps.

[mantis]

I have a couple of hobbies that occupy my time. I've reached the frustration level you seem to be at on one of them. I put it down and leave it alone for awhile. When a hobby no longer brings enjoyment and only anger, to me it is no longer a hobby.

I agree.

[mantis]

Well i think that just about answered my question haha. So your gonna try out the new line on Rotel but which one?
I'm only asking questions because once i save some pennies i plan to get a new unit to replace the HK avr 237 i have in the bedroom and i was wanting to stick with Rotel as i already have rotel amps.

This really depends on your needs. If you read my last post, you can see I have certain needs. I can live with a lot of them missing. I have to choose which ones I can.

[dave shepard]

Alittle steam off your chest buddy?... I feel the same way you do I would have loved to see NAD have more then just 1.3 switching it seems alittle useless if you can't do the new formats when the other Co.'s are, for the most part people are looking mostly to get into a new unit for the new formats. Not to mention that the Master series has nothing new. I'm glade to see Rotel finnaly getting off thier ass and getting something out their that will do something new mabey that will get the others to **** or get off the pot, especally Mac..
I will be looking into the Rotel but I'm not sure if I should drop the coin on one or wait for the other slow as molasses Co.'s.

Dave

[zx_toth]

I will be looking seriously at the new pre/pro from Rotel as well. Some seem to think that they will be announcing the successor for the 1098 in January ... Im a bit interested in that piece of 'vapourware' and will hold out for that announcement. I am anxious to complete my transition to seperates now that I have a couple of Rotel amps in my system linked to a Denon reciever.

Z

[mantis]

I will be looking seriously at the new pre/pro from Rotel as well. Some seem to think that they will be announcing the successor for the 1098 in January ... Im a bit interested in that piece of 'vapourware' and will hold out for that announcement. I am anxious to complete my transition to seperates now that I have a couple of Rotel amps in my system linked to a Denon reciever.

Z

Waiting is the hardest part. You know what you want and are willing to pay for it.

[zx_toth]

Waiting is the hardest part. You know what you want and are willing to pay for it.

Its easy to wait when you dont have a cent saved up for it :D You have no option but to wait :p

I just dumped $4.5 G on reshingling my roof this past weekend so their is a void to fill up before I can start saving. I cant complain to much thoght as I treated myself and dropped a bit of coin getting my Rotel 1085 and LSiC 6-7 weeks ago and a PS3 this past weekend so I can cool it for a while.

More often than not though my excitement grows faster than my bank account so I usually charge it to my credit card and pay my purchases down in a month or so ... this hobby is too addicting ... a bit of a reason why Im visiting this forum a bit less :o

Zsolt

[zx_toth]

I have a question about these models or really any model of pre/pro that does not seem to have a headphone jack ....

Though Ive never seen or looked into head phone amps, Im assuming that is the solution. Where does a head phone amp plug in? into regular pre-out section?

I think I going to pull the trigger on Sennheiser 650 HDs due to recent 'visitors' staying over at my house and being constantly being told ' Turn your music/movie/video games DOWN the GUESTS ARE TRYING TO SLEEP!' ........ nothing irritates me more than me trying to enjoy the only two days off I get a week and having guests over who go to sleep at 8:30-9:30 pm and I have to keep it down for them until I go to bed at 1-2 am .... missing 4.5-5.5 hours of good sound!

The head phone amp wont be a problem of mine for a while as Ill be stuck with my Denon 2807 for at least another year as I wait for the Rotel pre/pros to be released and give me a bit of time to save up.

Zsolt

[McLoki]

I have the Sennheiser HD590's and they are great even without the headphone amp. (One of the reasons I wanted them over the 650 which most seem to think you need an amp for)

Just wanted to through out another option for you. They sound fantastic and are super comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions.

Michael

[mantis]

It's been a long wait and I'm thinking the following.

1) Rotel New 15 preamp. It does not have any kind of room eq, just built in test tone like old school. Nothing wring with that as most of the time I can set up a system better SPL.

2) No Ipod connection. Again not a huge deal as I have a Airport extreme that I now steam all my Itunes to. I can stream any It unes Library in my house which is really cool. So Docking a Ipod isn't nessary for me.

3) No Built in radio of any kind. Ok that fine 2 as I can alway add external tuners like Xm am/fm etc. So not a huge deal.

So with all that in mind I still consider it to be my first choice as it has Built in decoding for everything.

B&K's new preamp is a waste of time.

Marantz is still very Intresting. I would love to compare it directly to the Rotel for sound quality then features. It also has a few features like Ip streaming which is cool. I wonder if it can be controled over IP. That would be a huge bonus.

Integra's preamp Has alot to offer for the money. I still look at it from time to time even though I'm not a fan of it's 2 channel quality. I would have to hear it mated with my amp and speakers to see how it would work. It does have alot to offer at a very good price.

I really can't wait until Rotel releases this preamp so I can make a move on one of the above listed. If NAD would have stepped up there game with Built in processing, I would already own one.

Dan

[TouchOfEvil]

All you have to do is get one then let me know how it sounds......

[olilugo]

Mantis, I notice you don't mentioned the new pioneer sc-05 and sc-07, do you think these could be compared to the new rotel pre and avr's?

[mantis]

Mantis, I notice you don't mentioned the new pioneer sc-05 and sc-07, do you think these could be compared to the new rotel pre and avr's?

We carry both and from my understanding they only support a 4 ohm load in the front 2 channels like the sc09tx does. They sound awesome driving 8 ohm load speakers. I have not tried one on 4 ohm load. I did however Install the Sc09tx with all RTS Polk inwall THX speakers in a 7.1 system. If you search , you will find my thead on that job.

Anyway I'm looking for a preamp , not a receiver. I could have already got the pioneer elite vsx94txh and used it as a preamp. My speakers are 4 ohm load so most receivers are not for me. If I did get a receiver, I would consider Rotels new 15 series 7 x100 flagship. It looks like a new version of the rsx1067. That can support a 4 ohm load well and sound awesome at doing so. Rotel receivers are killer. What gets me about Pioneer is they also now use Digital class D amps from B&O and they should support a 4 ohm load and run it just fine. I assume Pioneer must have used a smaller power supply in there receivers including the mighty 7k sc09tx. Which for that kind of money should be stable at 4 ohms all 7 channels not just the front 2.

So depending on your speakers, the new Pioneer receivers 05 and 07 will do a great job. They sound fantastic. It the sc09tx supported a full 4 ohm load I would already own it. It's a monster and I really like it. I wish Pioneer Elite would Issue a preamp , I would get it.

Dan

[zx_toth]

I have the Sennheiser HD590's and they are great even without the headphone amp. (One of the reasons I wanted them over the 650 which most seem to think you need an amp for)

Just wanted to through out another option for you. They sound fantastic and are super comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions.

Michael

Thanks McLoki,

I will look into the need for a headphone amp for the HD650, which may be a dealbreaker for me if I can go with the HD590 and be just as happy with my tin ears (which I am trying to refine :)).

Zsolt

[zx_toth]

McLoki: I am going to give you a double nod and thanks! after reading some information on Head-Fi.com I realized, like you mentioned, that I was about to embark on an audio adventure Im not willing to do .... that is get into the head phone, head phone amp, head phone cables race .... Im not interested in that at this point, as I need to get my current system in order to my satisfaction level (another $10-16 G away :() and only want the headphones when the wife or guests dont appreciate my levels of sound. I was so annoyed by people wanting me to turn my music down at 8:30 pm on a Friday night that I was about to call my Audio Specialty shop and order the HD650s not knowing they need a headphone amp ... yikes! so I will revise my plan to the HD580s-95s which ever does not require a headphone amp at this time.

But I will be prepared for future guests!

Sorry to hijack this thread ... Back to Rotel business folks :o

[zx_toth]

A nice brochure I copied from the AVS Forum thread dedicated to the new Rotel units. Has a small picture of the Black 1570 pre/pro.

http://www.nicollpr.com/ROTEL/Files/...s_Brochure.pdf

The last post in the thread on AVS suggested that the 1570 was the new flagship processor/preamp as the 1098 didnt sell well and that there was not going to be a 15 series equivalent ... therefore I may not wait for such a vapor ware piece and start saving my pennies for the 1570.

Zsolt

[mantis]

A nice brochure I copied from the AVS Forum thread dedicated to the new Rotel units. Has a small picture of the Black 1570 pre/pro.

http://www.nicollpr.com/ROTEL/Files/...s_Brochure.pdf

The last post in the thread on AVS suggested that the 1570 was the new flagship processor/preamp as the 1098 didnt sell well and that there was not going to be a 15 series equivalent ... therefore I may not wait for such a vapor ware piece and start saving my pennies for the 1570.

Zsolt

cool man thanks. I'm so looking forward to trying them all out. As soon as my dealer has them, I'm there to test. If all goes well I will own one. I'm thinking about getting the new amp as well as the pre. I like 500 watts into a 4 ohm load. thats bad ass. I'll probably pick up the 2 channel amp as well.
I really dig the new black. It's like Brushed black or something. I gotta see it in person.

Dan