Rotel vs Outlaw

[SpOoNmAn]

Nick,

I assure you you won't be dissapointed in the sound...at least for a couple of months till our dreaded disease sets in.

he speaks/types the truth :rofl:

[Andrew Pratt]

Nick did you see this?

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10858

[markusp]

Dohhhhh. Sounds like a great deal.

[SpOoNmAn]

wow, good price indeed.

[Nick M]

It's actually about $330 cheaper than what I can get the combo for new.
I'm hoping that with the Outlaw 950 & RMB-1075, I'll only be dishing out $1650, then I can apply the savings towards a Denon DVD-2900 or Rotel RDV-1050/1060 (unsure of what differences even lie between the two rotels). I also don't have $2k to blow right now. I'll have 1k in a week and a half, and 2k towards the end of January. I pay my bills and flight tuition with my first two paychecks of the month, and then have the last 2 (or 3) to spend on whatever.

Thanks for the heads up though! :T

[Nick M]

Options...

How does the 1066 sound compared to the 1068?

I have heard the 1068, and would like to know everything that is different between the two from components to tonal differences.

Looking at a couple used 1066s with prices similar to a Outlaw 950.
Getting ready to make my first purchase in a week or so!
Then I can sit and stare at it! :B

[SpOoNmAn]

The 950 stacked up to the 1066 very well from what I remember. But from what members here have said, the 1068 kills the 1066 in all aspects. I have no reason Not to believe them.

If I had to decide between a new 950 and an used 1066, Id take the 950, even if it was just for the warranty alone. I can guarantee that if you got the 950 into your home for that insane price of 699.00 New, you'd be in heaven.

Thats until the bug hits :E

[Nick M]

From Outlaw Audio...

Before we leave the topic of new products, let us answer any speculation that might arise as the result of the price reduction for the Model 950. It is no secret that we are working on plans for a new preamp/processor; we’ve mentioned such a product before. However, it is way too early to discuss any specifics as to the feature set, and the introduction date has not been determined other than by saying that it will be at some point during 2005. Other than acknowledging that we will eventually have such a product, our only other comment is that the price is still a moving target subject to a final determination of the features, the rising cost of raw materials, particularly steel and copper, and the currency fluctuations that impact the value of the US dollar in the world market. We can say with certainty that the new processor’s price will be higher than that of the Model 950 when it was introduced, but you can rest assured that it will also deliver features and performance that will be as big a breakthrough when it ships as the Model 950 has been from the start – and as it continues to be with the newly reduced price.

OK, we can’t help ourselves. We’ll tempt you with one more hint that those of you who saw our new cable products and the prototype of our Model 790 power amplifier at the Home Entertainment Show in New York might have already figured out. The new processor/preamp will include balanced outputs, which is one of the reasons that the pricing will be substantially above that of the original Model 950 price.

I still plan on getting the Model 950 to try, as 5.1 DD & DTS is the only processing I need.

[Boone38]

Outlaw vs Rotel

I have enjoyed reading the posts on the big debate. I just sold my Denon 3805 to get back into seperates. I have had Rotel in the past with good luck. I then sold it to by Acurus. I am now looking to dive in again.

Have been doing all the research on the Outlaw 950/7100. Looks to be a great value for the money. I have also looked and heard the 1068/1075. Like others I have been going back and forth.

I currently have the B & W 602.3 for LCR the rears are B & W inwalls. Sub is a Velodyne HGS12x. TV is a Pioneer Elite 53". DVD is Denon 2200.

My big hang up is the looks and the volume knob of the 950. It looks cheaper then the rotel. ( Hence the cost difference and build quality) Someone said it best when they described the Rotel as sexy. At this point I am still undecided as I need very few features.

I may look to the used market. I have been watching Audiogon. Is there other used websites? Maybe with more to choose from? Thanks

[SpOoNmAn]

One that uses ratings and such? I only know of Video and Audiogon. Don't forget about this communities Pawn Shop forum, the more choices you have the better.

Speaking of, Ive gotten a few bites on my Halo amp but none were serious enough to stay in contact, it's going on ebay tomorrow.

I'm starting to put the pieces together for the basement system, I'll be placing an order with Outlaw in the coming days. I could run another zone but I want a full fledged little theatre down there, so people can see and hear the Halo gear in the main theatre, and the Outlaw gear in the basement one

I love toys!

[Nick M]

First piece of the puzzle...

Just ordered an Outlaw Audio Model 950 Pre/Pro.
I got a B-Stock for about $700 (had to pay tax).

I'm going to try it out at a friends house to see if I like it.
Still looking at Rotel RMB-1075 and Outlaw Model 755 for Amplifiers.
One of them will come to me towards the end of the month.

I'll take some detailed pictures of the 950 when I get it, along with a review after I test it at my friends.

TOYS!!! :twisted:

~Nick

[Boone38]

Rotel v Outlaw

I also took the plunge. I went the way of the Rotel. Found a great used 1068 and currently looking for the 1075.

Main reason I went the way of the Rotel is the upgrade feature. I was not able to hear them side by side. Heard them in seperate systems which is no test at all.

Would like to read about the test for your 950.

Good Luck

[spiffnme]

RMB-1075's show up on audiogon all the time. Usually no more than $800...sometimes less!

That's where I got mine.

[Boone38]

Thanks for the note. Just bought nice used 1075 for $700.00. Also picked up a mint Monster 5100. Not bad, a Rotel 1068 pre, 1075 amp and a Monster Cable 5100 for less then $2000.00. All are barely used and perfect. Got to love the upgrade bug sometimes.

Need good cables and wires.

Thanks again for the tip.

[Nick M]

Man am I bummed. Due to the snow we got, I won't get my Model 950 until Tuesday the 11th, and both my flight lessons this weekend were cancled :M ...

Package was on the FedEx truck Saturday for delivery, and Outlaw requires a signature, so I waited around all day rubbing my hands together like a little gremlin. What a waste of time :roll:

Listened to the Studio 20s again. I'm thinking of just going with the Paradigms over the Ascends even though they're more expensive. The more I listen to them, the more I like them. I'll just have to listen in two channel while I save for the center and surrounds. RMB-1075 (I'll be scanning audiogon again in a couple weeks Spiffnme) comes next on the purchase list this month followed by a Denon DVD-2900.

Oh well :T

[David Meek]

Man am I bummed. Due to the snow we got, I won't get my Model 950 until Tuesday the 11th, and both my flight lessons this weekend were cancled :M ...

Hey Nick, snow got you down? You could move to Texas. As long as you get south of Dallas it isn't going to be an issue. :B

Seriously though, sorry you're stuck in wait-ville. That can be a bummer.

[Nick M]

!!!

Image not available

Muahahahahaha! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
Too bad I can't listen to it yet... :rofl: :cry:

Going to test it out at a friend's later this week.
Can't wait until I get the RMB-1075!

[Nick M]

Photos & Initial Review

Haven't gotten a chance to try it a friends yet, but here are some photos and my initial impressions...

Images not available

One thing I noticed was that the Outlaw 950 isn't really gray as you see it advertised. It's actually almost black. I was pleased when I saw this. The remote is very nice, and can be illuminated indiglo style at the push of a button. Very simple button layout, with no sub-buttons beneath flip-up panels. The display is a big 2-line dot-matrix readout, blue-ish in color. Volume turns smoothly with a slight stop for each dB increase. Faceplate is nice and sturdy, which was a suprise, as I was expecting sheet-metal. Power-cord is nice and heavy, and detatchable. Instruction manual is actually very easy to read (and interpret). 5-Year Warranty.

[Nick M]

The Outlaw Audio 950 Test

Borrowed a local showroom at a Hi-Fi shop.

Hooked up the 950 to an arcam amp, an arcam DVD player with Paradigm Studio 100s, CC-570 Center, and a pair of Paradigm Studio 20s for surrounds. The sub was a crap Seismic 10. I can tell you that for 2ch sound the 950 is a keeper. Now I'm not someone that needs foam walls and gyroscopically controlled audiorack foundations (that sounds cool huh) to enjoy sound, but I do drive 50 miles or so out of my way to visit certain theaters for their superior audio. The 2-channel sound going through the 950 was completely transparent from what my ears can tell. There really isn't much more to say using fancy words and what not. The 950 did what it was supposed to, and didn't interject any changes into the music. I'm happy!

5.1 DD & DTS were equally impressive. I was suprised as to how open the soundtracks were. Compared to my current humble home system and most movie theaters I've been to, there was nothing harsh or cramped in the sound. All the sounds and effects were clear and seperate. Now while I have done some extensive auditioning with the Studio speakers, I will admit that the multi-thousand dollar Arcam equipment we were using probably played a role in this. But I can say that the 950 wasn't holding the setup back from producing sound I would be more than happy with at home.

The only thing I saw that I frowned upon, was that in the distance setup menu for your surrounds, you can only set one distance for your sides and rears. One distance for all four surround speakers could be a problem unless your designing your room around this processor. I happen to be lucky that my HT room is symmetrical, and I'm only using a 5.1 setup, so this will be a non-issue for me, as it was in the demo room.

Once again though, for someone looking for a simple, clean, cheap pre/pro for 2ch and 5.1, I can't imagine what more you could want. :T :T

[SpOoNmAn]

Knew ya'd like it

:T

[Nick M]

5 Monitors...

Heres the scoop. I'm a single guy, and 80% of the time its just me at home using my humble home theater. Of course I occassionally have people over on the weekends for a music/film fest, but during the week its me sitting in the prime spot after work relaxing to Muddy Waters, or room shaking pod races :B while I study for my upcoming flight examination. I'd like to get into DVD-A & SACD, and have heard that five identical speakers are ideal for these formats. If 80% of the time its just me sitting on axis with the center channel, do you guys think I'll lose much going with five identical monitors for DD & DTS 5.1? Or would this catastrophically affect the sound stage and imaging for movies? I also figured that going this route would also place all 3 front speakers at the same identical height. You couldn't ask much more for a match in timbre either, with each speaker being identical and each driver receiving the same power distribution from my future RMB-1075.

This isn't a budget issue, as the cost difference would be minimal, but I'm looking for the best all around setup for both movies and multichannel audio. My concern here would be the the effect of not going with a dual mid-range horizontally orientated center channel.

Still considering Paradigm Studio Series and Ascend Acoustics.

[Andrew Pratt]

If you can swing it there's no reason not to go that route. Actually MTM's centre speakers on their side can have all sorts of problems not usually found in typical upright speakers so don't feel that you're comprimising...it's actually a good thing to have it stand mounted etc.

[Nick M]

Andrew: Do you think I will experience any compression of the soundstage at the center channel using an upright monitor over a horizontal M-T-M type speaker? Will it still blend well with my front left and right channels?

Note: I just noticed we've had over 2000 views of my humble little thread :rofl:

[Aussie Geoff]

Nicholas,

The best HT setups generally se a dedicated centre which is identical to the left right speaker - you get the best soundstage that way!! :T

GO for it!

Geoff

[SpOoNmAn]

If you can swing it, go for it. Ill be doing this very soon myself. Its why I got a smaller screen. So I can fit the 7002 under it, where as with a 92" screen that wouldnt have fit. :T

[Andrew Pratt]

No I don't see that being a problem.

[Nick M]

Andrew, Spoonman, Geoff: Thanks for the info and reassurance. I'm definetly gonna go with five identical monitors. Another question though. My current HT setup has the surrounds mounted up on the wall about 3ft above the sweetspot. This is great for filling the room with ambient sound, but I hear that stand mounted surrounds are ideal for DVD-A and SACD. What do you guys think? Should I stand mount or wall mount my surrounds?

On another note, Ive had some eMails about the 950, and figured that I'd answer them here so others could get the same info...

Would you say that the color of the Outlaw equipment is definitely more towards BLACK than GREY?
Camera flashes seem to make the 950 look gray. I took the pictures above with my camera's flash turned off. You can see from the pics above that it is definetly more black than gray. I'm going to assume that Outlaw's other products are this way as well.
Do the control knobs and buttons seem solid on the unit
I really like the volume dial. It turns nice and stops at each decibel increase. The front panel of the 950 is also clean, and not overly cluttered. Personally I don't like the feeling of the Outlaw's or the Rotel's buttons though. Both seem kinda cheap compared to the buttons on my friends 70's era preamp.
I am mainly into movies and am wondering how pleased you have been with it since you purchased it when it comes to movies?
Well I'm still building my new HT setup, so the only experience I have with it is when I took over a demo room at a local hifi shop (my current HT setup is PC based with Klipsch speakers). From the testing I did do, DD & DTS 5.1 tracks were produced cleanly and had nice, spacious sound. I don't think this pre/pro would be the weak link in your HT if you were to develop one. If you want to get into 7.1 sound, I would go with something other than the 950 (for reasons in my above post).
How has the Outlaw support been?
I haven't had to contact them since receiving the 950, but I must have plastered them with 7 or 8 eMails before purchasing the 950. All my eMails were responded to with in-depth, prompt responses. I have full-confidence that if I do develop a problem Outlaw will be there for me. Their track-record seems to support this anyways.
Did you ever decided on an Amp? I am leaning towards the Outlaw 755 to get the extra power for my Paradigm speakers.
I'm going to go with the Rotel RMB-1075. There was a point where I was considering the Outlaw 755, but the Monitor sized Paradigm Studios and Ascends that I'm considering don't really need 200W. I demo'd the studio 20s a couple times using 100W from an Arcam amp, and found the speakers to play loud and clear without any distortion. I figure 120W from the 1075 will be more than enough. After tax, I'm looking at just over $900 for the Rotel 1075. While I considered the Outlaw 7100 7X100W amp, it's 2 more channels than I need, and 20W less per channel than the 1075. With tax and shipping it will cost me about the same as the 1075. So in this case the Rotel is going to win my cash.
Are there any things that you wish where different with the equipment?
The corny Outlaw company logo and giant green power button :B . A solid 1/2" thick polished aluminum chasis with fluid dampened billet buttons and a marquee-style array of blue LEDs around the perimeter of the faceplate. I'd also like it delivered in a McLaren F1 driven by Catherine Zeta Jones, but you can't have everything, especially for $700/delivered B-Stock (even less if you live outside of Massachusetts). It doesn't look as nice as the RSP-1068, but it performs close enough that I couldn't tell the difference in 5 channel DD and DTS. Will I give up the cool looks of the 1068 for $1000 extra bucks to spend on other components? Yup. For 5.1 and stereo sound, the value of the 950 is pretty tough to beat from my brief experience. I'll have more detailed reviews up late next month when I have evrything purchased and hooked up.

I'm ordering the Denon DVD-2900 next week. I'm getting nervous that I wont be able to get one new. 3 out of 4 of the websites I had bookmarked aren't selling them anymore.

[Andrew Pratt]

It shoulnd't make too much difference for multi channel if the surrounds are a little higher then ideal but you're right in a perfect world they should be at ear height and at the same distance away as the fronts so that all the speakers form a circle around the single sweet spot.

[Nick M]

Thanks Andrew. I think I'll be stand mounting all five of my monitors.

They'll form a half circle around my couch. :T

EDIT: Maybe after I get my HT equipment the way I like it, I'll ditch my couch and get a super-comfy recliner just for the sweet spot. Then I'll just get some bean-bags for the poor blokes who visit. Just out of curiosity, what is the feminine version of "Bloke". Isn't Andrew a former Brit? :P

[Nick M]

I'm thinking about trying out some Anthem Amps, specifically the PVA-5, or possibly an MCA-50 on the used market.

Looking at all the complaints about Rotel's service time, I'm not sure I want to invest in equipment that has little/no support.

Also considering just going with an amp from Outlaw (either the 7100 or 755).

I still plan on ordering a Denon DVD-2900 tomorrow (before I can't find them new).

[Andrew Pratt]

Nick the comments about Rotel's tech support aren't really what the majority of people find when they contact them and the 1075 that you are interested in is regarded as virtually bullit proof. Its the 1080 and 1095 that had issues. Anyway all the amps you've listed are quality products so you can't loose either way As for Bloke I can't think of a female equivalent off the top of my head. I even asked my parents and they couldn't think of a term that could be used as easily as bloke is.

[Danbry39]

Nick,

When I needed some work done on my old Rotel, they were extraordinary in their service. Best I've received that I can recall. Their turn around time was exemplary as well.

[Nick M]

Just ordered a Denon DVD-2900 new (went with black), with shipping and full Denon warranty for $599. I called the retailer up and they shipped it out today. Should arrive sometime next week. Just one more critical piece for my "rack" before I purchase interconnects, speakers, and stands...

The Amplifier.

Boy I'm all mixed up on this one. I hear so many mixed things now about the Rotel 1075, what I thought I was set on getting. It sounded nice to me at the store, but shady issues with customer service nag on me. I myself had problems receiving an answer from their customer service dept, and was eventually told to just visit a dealer. I understand their retail dept is the dealers, but I was still erked. Once I decommission my current HT, I will be relying on my new setup as my primary source. If by crap-luck I happen to lose a channel, I will go postal before I wait 7wks for a repair. And if my $1k amp comes back scratched up, you'll see me on the evening news.

I've read great reviews on Anthem amps, and I'm going to take a listen to their lower end line-up before making a decision. Check this one out. I'd be interested in the five-channel version, the PVA-5. Retails $200 more than the 1075, but I could swing it if I like it enough.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...7-12-2001.html

Until my piggy-bank is stocked again and ready to be emptied on gear...

[Andrew Pratt]

Nick Rotel's HQ is in your area so I highly doubt you'd see any long delays in having something fixed if that ever were to happen...which truthfully is very unlikely with the 1075.

[SpOoNmAn]

1075 is rock solid, more than I can say for others from them.

[HoboLoco]

Jake, I've moved this post to your post in The Pawn Shop. PM'ing him is the best way to start a direct contact. If you need help on how to PM someone, just let me know.

[SpOoNmAn]

PM it to him, or post it in the Pawn shop forum here, and direct him to it. This way the Mods cant scold you, IF youre breaking any guidelines that is.

Oops, n/m, you did post it there, lol.

Yes, Im an ass :B

[Nick M]

Denon DVD-2900 is on the way. Should get it this Wednesday, 2/2.

The Outlaw 770 is 2 more channels than I need, and Outlaw says you should have a 20A breaker. Its a little more amp than I really need.

Still haven't decided on an amp. RMB-1075 is still on the list, but I want to hear the Anthem amps with the Paradigm Studio 20s. The PVA-5 is awfully appealing, and the review for the 7ch version at "Secrets" sounds exactly like what I'm looking for (minus the extra 2 ch).

I'm still up in the air on whether to try the Ascends, or just get the Studio 20s. I guess we'll see after I pick up an amp. Should have everything up and running in February except for the SVS PC-Ultra.

[Nick M]

What do you guys recommend for stands? I'd also like to find a place where I can purchase them as singles because I want 5.

Not looking for anything flashy. Black and simple. I like the idea of being able to fill them with sand (or lead shot!). :T

[gd]

Here's a place to at least look at different options for speaker stands:

http://www.audioadvisor.com

AA doesn't do any discount pricing, but does deal in quality merchandise... I've seen an online resource or two that distribute discounted and/or lesser-build-quality stands, but I don't have their URLs... maybe another member can help with that info.

[Cracking Oboe]

The Amplifier.

Boy I'm all mixed up on this one. I hear so many mixed things now about the Rotel 1075, what I thought I was set on getting. It sounded nice to me at the store, but shady issues with customer service nag on me. I myself had problems receiving an answer from their customer service dept, and was eventually told to just visit a dealer. I understand their retail dept is the dealers, but I was still erked. Once I decommission my current HT, I will be relying on my new setup as my primary source. If by crap-luck I happen to lose a channel, I will go postal before I wait 7wks for a repair. And if my $1k amp comes back scratched up, you'll see me on the evening news.

Hi Nicholas,

I gotta say, you have me a little stressed about this one. I am guilty of posting to a thread mentioning a long delay for servicing. What was not made clear, was that I was offered a loaner in the meantime, and the unit was ultimately replaced. If you look in club Rotel today you will see a thread regarding a problem with a RSP 1068/RMB 1075 combo. It turned out there was problem with the 1068 and the unit was immediately replaced. Please do not sell Rotel (or yourself) short by ignoring their equipment. I'd say the service I have received from Rotel (through my Rotel dealer) was first rate.

Cracking!

[DrJRapp]

Hi Nicolas,

I'm the guy who posted about my Rotel amp taking 7 weeks to fix and coming back scratched. I'm certainly not going to show any remose for telling the truth. Neither am I going to candy coat the situation.

First let me tell you about Rotel gear and a bit about myself along the way. From an engineering standpoint it really is well designed and well built. (I'm an Engineering Phd not a medical doctor). Since retireing from the US Navy where I was a an Aerospace Engineering test pilot for 26 years I have been a builder of very high end Luxury homes. In that capacity I get to see and recommend a lot of audio/video gear from the most simplistic to the most esoteric. Rotel ranks only slightly below Denon in problems and service headaches as reported by my customers.

I chose Rotel gear for my own use at the recommendations of many people over on the Klipsch Forums as being an ideal match for my Reference 7 series speakers. I ignored several members comments about their quality control issues and the poor customer service they received from their dealers and Rotel, and went ahead and purchased a RSP 1066 pre/pro and RMB 1075 amp along with a RB1050 to power my back channels in my 7.1 setup. The dealer that I purchased from initially had a terrible attitude, but I managed to struggel through, completing the transaction with only a small amount of grief. As it turns out I was also "oversold" on the software upgradeable capabilities of the 1066 by this dealer. After this experience I vowed to never buy a piece of Rotel gear again.

Fortunatly, or unfortunatly, however one choses to look at it, I got hooked on the sound of Rotel and quickly forgot my vows. Rotel introduced the 1068 approximatly seven months after I purchased the 1066 and stopped supporting the 1066 with software upgrades. It turns out I had bought the perverbial "pig in the polk". So, what did I do? Yup, I got stupid, took a loss on the 1066 and invested my hard earned $$ on the top of the line RSP 1098. While I was at it I invested more money in a RB 1080 to power two channels, therefore freeing up my 1050 to power two outdoor speakers on zone 2.

In that decision process I ignored the many posts at Club Rotel about problems with the 1080 and told myself that the problems represented a small number of the total units sold and "couldn't happen to me". Well, history now proves otherwise. I am also experiencing a minor glitch with my 1098 that neither my dealer (a different one than before) nor Rotel seem to be very concerned about. However, it does concern me because I have to live with it. I have to add that my current dealer is a great guy, a friend and very concerned, and has offered a solution that I may ultimatly accept. He seems to be as distressed by Rotels high failure rates and slow service as I am.

Throught this all, no considerations or apologies, have ever been offered by Rotel. This quickly leads one to believe that inresspective of rhetoric to the contrary, Rotel really doesn't concern itself very much with individual customer satisfaction, only that of the masses. This runs very contrary to my own business philosophy.

I really can't avoid placing blame on myself. I ignored warnings given to me by people on the Klipsch forums the first time and the obvious signs of problems in my chosen pieces of equipment that were showing up at Club Rotel the second time. Am I stupid? Absolutely not. Rotel gear does have it's endearing, almost addicting qualities of superb sound. Is it worth the inconvienience of possible breakdown and difficulties in untimely repair? Only you can answer that for yourself.

My favorite automobiles (Jaguars) are finnickey. Most beautiful and intellegent women I have met in my lifetime have also been "high maintenance". I think it sort of comes with the territory.

P.S. the 1075 is nearly bullet proof and has had nothing but high marks in reliability from everyone I have encountered. My own has functioned flawlessly for nearly two years. It is the one piece that I can strongly recommend without reservation.

[mitch57]

Jerry,

Nice to see your Navy background present itself so openly. I too am retired from the Navy after 20 years of great service. I also believe in telling it like it is!

As an instructor and a 3M Inspector for the last 7 years of my career I always believed and still believe the best policy is to be right up front with any given situation. No candy or sugar coating required IMHO. Some may argue that this approach might be considered "Politically Incorrect". The COs of many ships didn't like it when I told them they had maintenance problems on their ships. But in the end they were better off knowing what those problems were so they could correct them.

Hopefully Rotel will listen and pay closer attention to the end user. I personally have had no problems with Rotel other then some inaccuracies on their web site and manuals which they say they will correct. It's been months and they still haven't made the correction. You can read my post here:

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10126&highlight=Rotel+1095

By the way... what are you going to purchase in place of your Rotel gear if you sell it?

[DrJRapp]

Mitch

I remember that thread, interesting debate. Also very interesting to find a Navy "shipmate" here on the board.

I believe that these forums must serve a higher purpose than just a bunch of enthusiats getting together to pat each other on the back for their good luck and good judgement for picking a particular brand or particular piece of gear. They must present not only the good, but the bad and the ugly side of the story also. Anything less, lacks integrity. Integrity is really as important as anything. One of the things I like most about Rotel is the Club here at HT guide forums. It presents a very open atmosphere to all who vist here to present their views.

My immediacy to switch gear to another brand has diminished since I got the 1080 amp back and was once again able to enjoy my theater, and the trademark Rotel sound that I am so fond of. Like everyone else in this hobby, I will eventually get the bug to upgrade, but will do so only after thoroughly investigating whatever brand of gear I then choose.

My Rotel stack is only the second time I have ventured into separates. The first time was many years ago and my gear was a HK Citation A preamp and Citation B amp. My input source was a Rotel turntable and a Sherwood (the old Sherwood) tuner. That, however, was many years ago. To answer your question, next time my system will probably be a mix of several brands. I have considered Aragon, Halo, Anthem, Bryston and Lexicon. Cost will no longer be one of my primary concerns behind sound quality and reliability. Integrity of the manufacturer and customer service track record will right up there at the top.

[Nick M]

Haven't gotten a chance to listen to the Anthem amp yet, but the Rotel RMB-1075 is still on my short list. I really enjoyed it with the Paradigm Studio 20s. Glad to hear that there haven't been many problems with the 1075, definetly reassuring. I should have enough money saved up in about 2 weeks to pick up an amp.

On another note, I just received the Denon DVD-2900.
Haven't played with it yet, but I love the simplicity of it.
Pictures and details tomorrow...