Rotel in 2005 - what do we have to look forward to?

[EAmin]

Speaking of a "buzz"...what's the buzz on what we have to look forward to in 2005? Haven't really seen much on this topic.

I know we are looking for a uni DVD player with SACD compatibility. New firmware upgrades for the 1098. What else?

Just wonderin'. Thanks!

[Orange Peel]

I'm sure we'll find out at the CES show in Jan. I will be looking for them while I'm there

[Andrew Pratt]

Think digital amps...

[Aussie Geoff]

Andrew,

Do you know if they will also be releasing the 200W a channel version as well as the 100W x 7 channel one? I ave seen pictures of the 100W one (looked about 2 1/2 inches high!) but only heard rumours of the matching 200W x 7 Channel version...

An acquaintance who had heard the 100W one said that it sounded amazing but would be priced substantially higher than the RMB-1075 and (at least initially) would not be a direct replacement for it.

Regards

Geoff

[EAmin]

I did a search on the Club Rotel forum, and I do remember some postings on the topic of digital amps. I need to read more about this technology, and benefits over analog amps. Sounds exciting, but it is a little depressing for new Rotelians like me who bought new amps this year.

Any more details on these and other new products?

[mitch57]

I'm no expert, but my understanding is that digital amps produce more distortion then analog amps. Am I out to lunch on this one?

[Kevin D]

I believe these will be the newer style digital amp (the 'other than class D' I think), and will have pretty decent sound quality with little heat or size issues.. They will also cost more than their analog equivalents..

Kevin D.

[DrJRapp]

Sounds exciting, but it is a little depressing for new Rotelians like me who bought new amps this year.

Don't let that get you down. As somebody already mentioned they are going to be priced significantly higher and won't compete head on with then existing product line. If you are typical of the rest of us, you will be ready for an upgrade by the time these units become mainstream. Another uplifiting factor is that Rotel amps hold their value extremely well. So, by the time you get ready to pull the trigger on new technology, and sell off your existing equipment on Audiogon, you may find that you can get 80% of what you paid originally.

Additionally, the performance of these new amps still remains an unknown.

[Andrew Pratt]

I've heard rumours to that effect as well Geoff and no the new digital amp line won't replace the analog amps for the foresable future.

[boe]

Digital amps are an interesting idea although I'd have to see a digital preamp/processor that would make me want to spend several thousand dollars to replace my existing amps. I guess if they made some that let you use standard cables as well...

[dbart]

I hear that digital amps don't handle 4 ohm loads very well at all.

[DrJRapp]

I hear that digital amps don't handle 4 ohm loads very well at all.

I don't think that this is a general rule, but may vary amp to amp based on that particular amps design...just as it does with traditional analog amps.

[miket]

any word on 2005 DVD players? I suppose SACD is out but DVI/HDMI is in?
cheers .... mike

[Bing Fung]

I'll take a good old beast of an analog amp like a

Rotel 1090/1095


Bryston 4B SST


Krell FBP 600


Mark Levison ML 336



Even vintage 80's stuff of these brand names would be welcome in my home

Anyday :P Digital Shmidgital



I like big burly looking amps :T :rofl:


A Universal player :T

And some Hardware upgrades for the 1098 would be a nice surprize :yesnod:

[EAmin]

I like big burly looking amps
And some Hardware upgrades for the 1098 would be a nice surprize :yesnod:

Awesome pics --- especially, the Krell Master Reference. Whatta beast!

I'm with you on the analog amps. I love seeing these monsters in a rack.

I'm also keeping my fingers crossed on the h/w upgrades for the 1098. I wish we had some more information on this. I've seen this discussed in other posts, but no confirmations that they'll do this.

[mattburk]

Any new information on dvd players or processors/receivers?

[Andrew Pratt]

No but we will be getting an external HDMI scalar that will mate perfectly with the 1098 (and 1068 I think).

[DrJRapp]

No but we will be getting an external HDMI scalar that will mate perfectly with the 1098 (and 1068 I think).

Andrew, will that be a scaler or a switch?

[Andrew Pratt]

DrJRapp...its actually going to do both.

[EAmin]

Question: What if you don't have an HDMI/DVI compatible display? Any benefits to this device for people still using Component video connections? Thanks!

[Raphie]

I own a HDMI Plasma, RSP-1068 and HDMI DVD player, when is this HDMI device available? i would love to route both video AND audio through the processor (makes the input selection a lot easier for my wife )

Any pictures yet?

[DPA]

Yeah!!

No but we will be getting an external HDMI scalar that will mate perfectly with the 1098 (and 1068 I think).

Exactly what I want!!.... Thinking of the Iscan HD+ but mabye I should wait then...

Cheers and Merry Xmas mates!

Daniel