OK, I just got back from an afternoon auditioning AV receivers. From the top, I can say the Rotel 1055 outperformed the other receivers. ;x(
I started by doing an A/B comparing an HK 525 vs. a Denon 1082 (3802 equivalent). The HK was definitely the better at reproducing the midrange and highs. This was especially noticeable on the piano instrumental. It sounded more open. I did question the salesman about the fan noise on the HK, and could hear it even though we weren't pushing the HK especially hard. I came away thinking that I would have to do some work on the acoustics in my room if I were to get the HK. Maybe something behind the audio rack to deaden that area and avoid sound reflections. :?
The next stop was a Rotel 1055 vs a Denon 3803. After the previous audition, I expected to hear a big difference. I was surprised to find the 3803 doing better that expected. Both these receivers reproduced the material very well. The 1055 seemed "fuller", for lack of a better way to describe it. I could hear the strings of the guitar on both, the sticks hitting the cymbals, the piano reverberation. The 1055 just seemed to have more of it. 8)
I couldn't compare the HK vs Rotel directly, and I'm not sure drawing conclusions on those two is valid given the audition environment. I heard both on different speakers, with difference CD players, in room with different acoustics. The models of Denon were even different, so I don't know if I can validly compare the two.
I can say though that I feel the Rotel would be the better of the two. The Rotel has a much better warranty, implying more confidence in the build quality. Also, if you look at the market positioning of each, it is obvious that the HK is aimed at the mass merchandiser market. It is sold at Circuit city, ABC warehouse, etc. I'm not sure that I am comparing apples to apples with the HK and the Rotel. :yeah:
Now, I am arguing with myself. :roll: The Rotel is much more expensive than the HK. Do I really need that much amp? Can't I get by with spending less? Probably, but you can also make the argument that the Rotel will make everything sound better, and even on my beer budget, it would be a better choice.
I think I'll be sending Andrew an e-mail soon.
Mike
I started by doing an A/B comparing an HK 525 vs. a Denon 1082 (3802 equivalent). The HK was definitely the better at reproducing the midrange and highs. This was especially noticeable on the piano instrumental. It sounded more open. I did question the salesman about the fan noise on the HK, and could hear it even though we weren't pushing the HK especially hard. I came away thinking that I would have to do some work on the acoustics in my room if I were to get the HK. Maybe something behind the audio rack to deaden that area and avoid sound reflections. :?
The next stop was a Rotel 1055 vs a Denon 3803. After the previous audition, I expected to hear a big difference. I was surprised to find the 3803 doing better that expected. Both these receivers reproduced the material very well. The 1055 seemed "fuller", for lack of a better way to describe it. I could hear the strings of the guitar on both, the sticks hitting the cymbals, the piano reverberation. The 1055 just seemed to have more of it. 8)
I couldn't compare the HK vs Rotel directly, and I'm not sure drawing conclusions on those two is valid given the audition environment. I heard both on different speakers, with difference CD players, in room with different acoustics. The models of Denon were even different, so I don't know if I can validly compare the two.
I can say though that I feel the Rotel would be the better of the two. The Rotel has a much better warranty, implying more confidence in the build quality. Also, if you look at the market positioning of each, it is obvious that the HK is aimed at the mass merchandiser market. It is sold at Circuit city, ABC warehouse, etc. I'm not sure that I am comparing apples to apples with the HK and the Rotel. :yeah:
Now, I am arguing with myself. :roll: The Rotel is much more expensive than the HK. Do I really need that much amp? Can't I get by with spending less? Probably, but you can also make the argument that the Rotel will make everything sound better, and even on my beer budget, it would be a better choice.
I think I'll be sending Andrew an e-mail soon.
Mike
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