(potential) Rotel newbie with questions

[Slice]

Hi all.

It's been a long time since I upgraded my A/V system (NAD separates & Paradigm 3se's which I love + Mitsu 20" analog monitor - all very old but still kicking), so I'm long past due for a 'treat'. I would say that I use 50% movies & 50% audio.

Last week I pulled the trigger on a Sony KD-34XBR960 & matching stand, so now comes the audio/processing. I'm very close to getting the following (maybe even this week yet, but I still want to audition B&W's w/Rotel at a competing store):

RSP-1068 (edit for correct p/n)
RMB-1075
Denon 2910
Paradigm Studio 40v3 (fronts)
Paradigm Studio CC470v3 (center)
Paradigm Seismic 10 sub
Monster HTS2600 line conditioner
various interconnects
DVE calibration disc

This will be paired with my Sony SLV-940HF VHS & NAD 4220 tuner. I'll be using my Paradigm 3se's as the surrounds at least for now.

I realize that I could go the route of buying this piecemeal and also mixed-brands, but I feel that it comes down to how much I trust the salesperson & store. My guy couldn't possibly be more experienced, knowledgeable, cool or accommodating (he spent over 4 uninterrupted hours with me on the second store visit). The store is local, been in business for long time, and has a great audiophile reputation.

I also like a 'matched' appearance of this system, everything else being relatively equal. And I love the sound of my current Paradigms.

Questions:

1. Is there such a thing as 'street price' on Rotel? How much less than MSRP should I expect to pay?
1a. Initial settings? Is there a s/w upgrade I should download?

2. (Same as above but for the Paradigms)

3. Denon 2910 - is it worth it compared to the 1910? Any Denon DVD/CD feedback much appreciated. The salesperson felt that Rotel's lack of SACD/DVD-A + no HDMI, 5.1 or optical outputs were serious negatives. (2910 as low as $555 + ship at LCDTVs.com)

4. Would it be worth another $350 to spring for the Seismic 12" (17Hz) over the 10" (21Hz)?

5. What do you all think about the HTS2600? Should I consider another lesser or greater model? Maybe another brand altogether? (MSRP $350 but looks like a $250 + ship street price? Best source?)

6. Interconnects - other than Monster (which apparently are way over-priced) or a solid copper bar :W , what should I look for? Particular brands or models to either consider or avoid? Anything specific regarding the terminations? (any help here would be greatly appreciated)

7. Finally (whew!) Racks - what features should I look for? Recommendations on manufacturers / models? (for now, I'll make do with my old 3-shelf cart + the floor until my credit rating recovers)

I bow before the Collective... ;x( :amen:

Thank you for your time & patience!

[Andrew Pratt]

RSP-1066
RMB-1075
Denon 2910
Paradigm Studio 40v3 w/matching stands
Paradigm Studio CC470v3
Paradigm Seismic 10 sub
Monster HTS2600 line conditioner
various interconnects
DVE calibration disc

Not a bad list at all:T I few comments though if I may...
The 1066 is last years processor. It was replaced with the 1068 which offers some farily major improvements and IMO is easily worth the cost differences over an older 1066. DVE isn't the disc I'd recomend as its got a flawed subwoofer calibration track and although improved over the original VE disc its still not as user friendly as the Avia Guide to Home Theater which is the standard most people go by. Cost should be about the same I think between DVE and Avia.

Questions:

1. Is there such a thing as 'street price' on Rotel? How much less than MSRP should I expect to pay?

Most people seem to get around 10 percent of list. Some do better with long term relationships while others pay close to list.

1a. Initial settings? Is there a s/w upgrade I should download?

Depends on how new the model is. Press and hold the mute button until the firmware version is displayed on the screen and if its older then what's currently available have the dealer upgrade it (or else do it yourself as its very simple to do).

2. (Same as above but for the Paradigms)

see below

3. Denon 2910 - is it worth it compared to the 1910? Any Denon DVD/CD feedback much appreciated. The salesperson felt that Rotel's lack of SACD/DVD-A + no HDMI, 5.1 or optical outputs were serious negatives. (2910 as low as $555 + ship at LCDTVs.com)

The 2910 is a VERY good DVD player. Rotels players are good but aren't universal so they aren't as flexible in the formats they play as the Denon's.

4. Would it be worth another $350 to spring for the Seismic 12" (17Hz) over the 10" (21Hz)?

Paradigm makes some great speakers and typically their subwoofers are alright...that said I think you can do better then the Seismic 10 subwoofer for about the same cost or less. Take a look online at SVS or HSU for better subwoofers in the $500-$600 price point. If you really want to stay with Paradigm get the PW2200 sub instead of the Seismic 10.

5. What do you all think about the HTS2600? Should I consider another lesser or greater model? Maybe another brand altogether? (MSRP $350 but looks like a $250 + ship street price? Best source?)

Don't buy the Monster power conditioner just yet...its likely not needed and please read the Monster thread in the AV area before giving a penny to that company.

6. Interconnects - other than Monster (which apparently are way over-priced) or a solid copper bar , what should I look for? Particular brands or models to either consider or avoid? Anything specific regarding the terminations? (any help here would be greatly appreciated)

Same goes for interconnets from Monster. For much better interconnects take a look at our sponsor in www.catcables.com you likely won't want to outfit your whole system with CatCables so just concentrate on the important links like those between the processor and the amp and from a quality source like a CD player. You don't need expensive cables from a VCR for example.

7. Finally (whew!) Racks - what features should I look for? Recommendations on manufacturers / models? (for now, I'll make do with my old 3-shelf cart + the floor until my credit rating recovers)

A good rack should be stable, upgradeable, offer easy access to the gear and look good to you. There's a lot of options here to really recomend one over the other.

[Slice]

DOH! I meant 1068 – looking at 1066 note on the corner of the page instead. Not enough sleep will do that.

Andrew, thanks for the input. Your home-built setup looks pretty good.

As you might imagine, I'm trying to wrap my mind around a lot of new-to-me technology & concepts (not even including all the HDTV research I did). Not having a system to build on is making it tough, but that is my goal going forward.

[IntegrateMe]

Slice-

It sounds like your dealer has presented you with a very capable system and I just wanted to add to some of the key points that Andrew made.

As someone who is a dealer of all of the products you mentioned (except for Monster) I thought I'd add my 2 cents....

Paradigm Reference is almost the standard for well made speakers at a reasonable price point. Many people on this forum own some form of Paradigm speaker and it, along with B&W are probably the 2 most popular lines of loudspeaker made outside the United States. You typically have to spend more to get better quality than the Studio 40's; they are a great choice. Same for the 470. The 570 is great too, but it is massive.

I agree with Andrew in that Paradigm subs are not that great (Except for the Signature Servo), and that better can be had. I personally think the same about B&W subs, but that is an entirely different topic. If the internet brands don't interest you, eventhough SVS and HSU make nice subs, you can also look at James or Velodyne.

The Rotel equipment is great; great price point for the 1068. Next thing near it is the $3,000 Anthem AVM30. The 1075 for $1000 is a steal; I own one myself. 10% is about the normal discount for a non-custom dealer. If you are just picking it up and doing it all yourself, you may get another percent or two.

DVD. Denon makes great players. Rotel makes great players that may cost a little less but don't do SACD. The 2910 at $700 (price went up monday) has the connectivity that you will need for the foreseeable future. The 3910 went up to $1500, that puts it a little higher up the line. If you dont't care about one format or another, or if you are going to get a separate SACD player, the Rotel or the Denon 1910 may work for you.

Power Conditioners. No Monster. If you want tangible performance benefits in video (and to a much lesser degree audio) get a Richard Gray 400. If not, get a basic Panamax piece. $350 MSRP maximum...less preferrably. This can be discussed further if you wish.

Interconnects. CatCables are nice. So are other brands.

Racks. Bell'O and Studio Tech are nice.

Hope all goes well....which remote? Perhaps this?

http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=jump&type=residential&model=TPMC-10

[bimmer528]

I was actually at an audio dealer I have not been to in a long time and saw some SWEET panamax equipment. They offer everything that Monster does at around the same price.

http://www.panamax.com/products.cfm?group=1&sec=group_app

[Nick M]

Imho

I'm also in the process of building a HT, and have done a bunch of listening at a couple shops. Heres my take...

The 1068/1075 goes for $2700 MSRP, expect atleast 10% off that (from a couple offers I was given), but then add sales tax (if your state has it). I've demo'd this equipment with Studio 20's, 100's, CC-570, and ADPs. It sounded great. Personally I thought that with a sub, anything bigger than the 20's would be a waste of time for HT applications. I'm also considering gear from Outlaw Audio, and just ordered their pre/pro, the 950. It has similar reviews to the rotel equipment, only it was $700 not $1700. It is a dated unit though, and doesnt have alot of the new 7.1 processing features, or high-bandwidth video switching. But all I'm looking for is transparent, detailed 5.1 DD & DTS sound on a budget. I demo'd the Seismic 10, and thought it was terrible. I wouldn't pay $500 for it. Clarity was about as good as my PCs Sub. Best sub I've heard yet was a cylinder from SVS. Eventually I want to get the PC-Ultra (but it's last on my to-buy list). From what I've gathered, the Denon 2910 is the lesser model out there, and reviews have said the older 2900 model has better quality A/V than the new 3910. 2900's can be found clearenced/used for around $500. I plan to get one. The 3910 is the new version of the 2900. The 2910 is apparently farther down on the food chain. Personally I can't vouch for the Denon though.

Good Luck,
~Nick :T

[kirkj]

I just picked up an RSX-1056 for 25% off Canadian MSRP. I think the currency exchange rate is helping us up here. I've bought a decent amount of stuff off my dealer though, including a Denon 2910 that I bought in the first couple of days it came out.

I agree with Nick. The 2900 is probably better for you since you don't need DVI/HDMI on your 36" XBR. It should sound better and the price will be cheaper. Menus are faster too. Also keep in mind that HD-DVD/Blu-Ray will be out in a year or so.

- Kirk.

[Spookyslow]

As far as furntiture/shelf goes....

I've had great luck with BDI stuff, I own a couple of their pieces. You can check them out at

https://www.bdiusa.com

I also have a couple Bello pieces that are equally well made and good lookin'.

IMHO, you can't really go wrong with either of these. You can also check out Bellogetti or Salamander Designs--well made, except the pieces I saw weren't really my style.

[Slice]

Great inputs so far!

Re: subs, I've been reading about the Hsu VTF-3, but am concerned about ordering something that I haven't auditioned first, especially if I have to pay shipping each way if I don't like it (90lbs!). I've sent out emails to them & Paradigm so far.

IntegrateMe, I'm surprised to hear your sub comments, being that you're a Paradigm dealer. Do you have a favorite?
- Remotes? Isn't the one included with the 1068 comprehensive enough? Is there something I'm missing?
- Line conditioner/supressor, I suppose a good Tripplite box would handle surge clamping duties just as well as anything? I don't like the idea of hooking all this $$$$ to just a powerstrip suppressor, even for the time being.
- I guess I shouldn't assume that my house circuits have EMI/RFI sufficient to make a difference? Should I measure/test for this somehow before hooking everything up? I sure have a lot to learn...

kirkj - the KD-34XBR960 has an HDMI input. How is it that I "don't need it" in a player?

Spookyslow, BDI looks like well-made stuff, esp. since they show Rotel gear on the one unit! I'll take a look at the others as time permits.

Thanks one and all - keep the info coming!

[kirkj]

Oops, sorry, didn't know it had HDMI. ops:

I'm happy with my 2910. I'm running off the DVI to a DLP projector. One thing to consider is where the video D-to-A takes place. In my setup, I don't have a D-to-A because my projector is digital. That's why I went with a DVI player. Otherwise, I'd be going D-to-A, then A-to-D.

CRTs are eventually fed analog video. In your setup, either the 2910 will do the D-to-A, or the XBR will do the D-to-A. I don't know which one would be superior. Have you seen a demo? One magazine reviewed the 3910 vs the 2900 and criticized the 3910's audio capabilities. The 2910 is even worse than the 3910 for audio. So, if you can't see a difference, you'll probably hear one and might be able to save some money by going for a 2900 instead, especially with your proposed audio setup.

- Kirk.