from a pre amp Rotel 1098 to what ?

[trebormints]

Hello

I have a rotel 1098 pre amp which I must admit I love mainly because of the TFT screen in it which is SO useful, but also as it accepts full 5 cahnnel anaglog for my SACDs but now with most of my components having HDMI outputs (sat. blueray) I am having thoughts about either adding a separate HDMI switch or changing the Rotel

I would be grateful for any ideas, what switch if any, or what pre amp to replace the Rotel 1098, I know that the Rotel in the States has / had a HDMI board add on, but here in France or England I don't think that this is possible)

I am now more home theatre than HiFi, I already have a HD projo and blue ray and soon a HD TV

many thanks for any suggestions

[bnieman]

I had to make the same decision with my RSP-1068... I auditioned a Marantz AV-8003 and sound quality was the same as my Rotel. It was definitely not worth $2,000+ to get HDMI integrated.

Also keep in mind preamp/processors lose their value faster than anything else.

I suggest keeping the RSP-1098 and getting an HDMI switcher. That's what I did, I started with a basic one and just recently upgraded to a 4x2 matrix switch that feeds all my components in the basement to my living room while simultaneously feeding the home theater in the basement. Monoprice.com makes great, inexpensive switches.

Just make sure your Blu-Ray can output the new lossless HD sound codecs via analog to your multi-inputs on your 1098. I use a Oppo BDP-83. It Plays Blu-Ray, SACD, and DVD-Audio.

Cheers!

[Azeke]

Hello,

I currently own the Rotel 1098 with the upgraded to the HDMI circuit board, however the HDMI is video only and is not compliant with the newer HDMI versions.

You may want considering upgrading, depending on your budget, and selling or trading the RSP 1098 to a good AV receiver, since you are more of an HT enthusiast. Just my quick thoughts.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[bnieman]

You will get more features with a new AV receiver, you will have better sound with separates. Depends on what is more important to you. Good luck!

[mjb]

I went from a 1098 to a 1570, but I dearly miss the TFT. As you say thats also important to you, my advise would be to wait and see what the 1580 is all about in Jan/Feb, or look to another manufacturer. In the mean time, you can use a cheap HDMI switch for video, and the 1098 for audio (but not HD formats).