Calling all opinions! 1065 v. 1055/1070 combo

[dpmckenzie]

So, here's the deal.

Demo'd the 1065, NAD T672 and Pioneer Elites. Rotel won. Or else I wouldn't be here, right?

But then the dealer didn't have it in stock (holding out for the silver, but let's not get sidetracked on that because I'm even rethinking the color choice).

Since I am on hold, I started looking. So now the big question is would I be better off with the 1055 and an amp (maybe the 2 channel 1070)? How do they compare? And which amp would people suggest?

I want to keep the price as close as possible, so paying another $500-1000 isn't an option.

Also, if I go this route, how does the processing in the 1055 compare with the 1065? Anyone know if they have the same DACs, DSPs etc.?

Sorry for so many questions, but I'm new to Rotel and new to the Club.

So thanks in advance!

Oh, and if it matters, I'm running B&W 602s and 601s, CC6 center and SVS 20-39pc+ sub; Pioneer 47ai does the SACD/DVD-A work.

[pjdami]

I also auditioned the NAD T762 vs. the Rotel RSX 1055 and chose Rotel.

I opted for the 1055 / 1070 combo. I have Polk LSi 15s as mains and they are 4 ohm speakers. The Rotel RSX 1055 drove them very good but the 1070 gives them a little extra punch and slam. If you are into two channel music I would suggest the 1055 / 1070 combo over the 1065. The RB 1070 has a much higher damping factor than the amps in the 1055 / 1065. I am very pleased with my setup.

[dpmckenzie]

I just noticed the frequency respone on the 1065 is 10hz-20khz while the 1055 is 20-20. Has anyone experienced a noticeable effect between th etwo? Even though I'd be using the the 5.1 inputs for SACD and DVD-A, I'm not sure how this difference might factor in, if at all.

[Andrew Pratt]

I'd definatly get the 1055/1070 combo over the 1065 if space isn't an issue.

[Danbry39]

Me too. You'll have more flexibility and outboard amps sound superior, at least in most instances. I will say that the 1065 is no slouch and you'd save money on cables and the like, but, if it were my money, I'd definitely get the 1055 + amp.




Keith

[dpmckenzie]

Yeah, the combo is looking very interesting to me. I'm even looking at the 1066 and 1075 since prices may be good with the 1098 out. How would you evaluate the 1066 and 1075 v. the 1055/1070 and does anyone know where the prices are on these?

Here, I thought I was settled and now I'm just going crazy.

[Andrew Pratt]

Comparing the 1066/1075 combo to the 1055/1070 isn't really fair given the 1055/1070 will be quite a bit cheaper. Really you can virtually consider the 1055 and 1066 equal as far as sonics go. The 1066 has a slight advantage with its lower noise floor but its not really a real world difference. The 1055 has a tuner and is often $200 cheaper then the 1066 so each has something going for it. The 1075 is a very solid amp that will sound quite a bit better then the amps in the 1055 or 1065. That said the 1055's amps aren't bad at all and will do quite well for powering side and surround speakers so as I see it if budget allows I'd get one of the following

1st choice 1066 w/ 1075
2nd choice 1055 w/ 1075
3rd choice 1055 w/ 1070
4th choice 1065
5th choice 1055

There's very little sound qualty differences between first and second choice though so if you need a tuner or want to save $200 go with the 1055 otherwise go with the 1066....and as you say you might find a good deal on a 1066 now with the 1098 out.