Unanswered Rotel questions - please advise

[Yogi69]

I have been lurking for months but now I am closer to fulfilling my HT dream I find that the more posts I read (and I have read hundreds) - the LESS I know. :cry:

Firstly, before I ask the questions, I must explain the rationale behind my thinking...
For what seems to be years Rotel have had the 1098 and 1068 (both 7.1 preamps) and providing two 5 channel power amps the 1095 and 1075. The solution to get the extra 2 channels was to purchase an additional amp the 1080. This I believe was fine for the 1095 but an overkill/compromise/fiddly for the 1075.

Why didn't they provide a 7 channel poweramp or a 2 channel 130 watt amp to match the 1075 if 7.1 is the Holy Grail we all seek?

Now, has anyone AFTER LIVING WITH a 1068 or 1098 & 1075/1095 (5.1 combo) added the 1080 LATER and can really see value for money? Having taken into account the cost of the 1080, the extra wiring, the extra speakers, the installation and ... the (wife factor notwithstanding)....

Is it a major upgrade worth doing? Or would it be better to have a 1098 and 1095 (5.1 setup) or a 1068 + 1075 + 1080 (7.1 setup)? I know if I had money to burn I would simply get the 1098 + 1095 + 1080 - ezpz... but I was considering only a AUS$2500 upgrade originally and I am already up to +AUS$6000

Finally, is there going to be an upgrade in the future for the 1068 to 4 component input - or will I have no choice but to go for the 1098?

Thanks for reading - any comments will be appreciated.

signed
Confused WannabeRotellier

[DJDREW]

Rotel does offer a 130 watt x2 amplifier. Look up the RB 1070. It sounds great, and would be a great match with the RMB1075. Also we can't forget about the RMB1048 low wattage but has a wonderful sound also at 40 watts x8 with linkable inputs. This amp was design for more of a distribution amp but you can use it for a small surround satellite system. Rotel has the Holy Grail you seek. Good Luck!!

[Spearmint]

Hi Yogi69

Welcome to the forum...

I was in the same boat as you recently on deciding if to get the 1068 or 1098, in the end decided on the 1098 purely because I didn't want buyer’s remorse. I realise this is not a good reason, but it makes me feel better.

If it were me in this situation of buying all the gear at once, I would opt of the better amps either 1080 & 1075 or go the whole hog and get the 1080 & 1095 which is the setup I currently have. If you use the 1080 with your mains the 1075 will do a fine job with your centre & surrounds IMO.

I for one tend to keep things like power amps & speakers for many years where as pre/pro’s I tend to change every couple of years as new formats or switching requirements become available, I would suggest this time go for the 1068 pre, this way it should be easier to sell due to its much cheaper price, remember the 1068 is around $1800~1900Aud and the 1098 is probably around $1800~2000Aud more street price.

[DrJRapp]

For what seems to be years Rotel have had the 1098 and 1068 (both 7.1 preamps) and providing two 5 channel power amps the 1095 and 1075. The solution to get the extra 2 channels was to purchase an additional amp

Why didn't they provide a 7 channel poweramp or a 2 channel 130 watt amp to match the 1075 if 7.1 is the Holy Grail we all seek?

Now, has anyone AFTER LIVING WITH a 1068 or 1098 & 1075/1095 (5.1 combo) added the 1080 LATER and can really see value for money? Having taken into account the cost of the 1080, the extra wiring, the extra speakers, the installation and ... the (wife factor notwithstanding)....

signed
Confused WannabeRotellier

It has taken most equipment manufactures longer to come up with 7 channel amps than it has to come up with 7.1 channel pre/pros for several good reasons. First is demand. I'm sure if we did a survey of all the surround setups out there (not just amongst enthusiasts here) we would see that a vast majority being sold up till a very short time ago are 5 channel setups. Second is technology; technological changes have effected processors more and with greater frequency than it has amps. It is still a good solution for any manufacturer to offer both 5 channel and 2 channel amps and let the consumer decide on the configuration of their own system.

I myself started in 5.1 just two years ago with an RSP 1066 and an RMB 1075. Then I added an RB 1050 for the back center channels. This was a fine setup until I decided I needed an amp to power Zone 2. Then I made a decision to add an RB 1080 for my mains freeing those two channels of my 1075 to power the rear centers.

Yes, there is more cost and complexity to having two amps vs one 7 channel amp, but there is also more flexibility, and I believe at this stage of the game more quality in the 5 & 2 channel amps currently available then there is in 7 channel amps.

[ekkoville]

I didn't even realize there was the 1070.....that would be a nice addition for a 7.1 in order to power the center back's. Much cheaper than going with a 1080 or 1090 to run the fronts. It seems most here seem to think 120 watts is sufficient for the backs, I would agree. I have a 1095 and thought of the 1080 or 1090 as the upgrade if I move to 7.1, but I may rethink that now that I know of the 1070.

Erik

[DJDREW]

I didn't even realize there was the 1070.....that would be a nice addition for a 7.1 in order to power the center back's. Much cheaper than going with a 1080 or 1090 to run the fronts. It seems most here seem to think 120 watts is sufficient for the backs, I would agree. I have a 1095 and thought of the 1080 or 1090 as the upgrade if I move to 7.1, but I may rethink that now that I know of the 1070.

Erik

It is also bridgable up to 330watts into 4 ohm .03% THD

[JDH]

My setup includes
1. RB-1080 for my floorstanding mains (bi-wired) approx. $1150 to $1250 AUS
2. RMB-1075 for the surrounds (centre, rears + 2 x centre rears) $1150 to $1250 AUS.
3. RB-1070 for zone 2 for background music, approx. $700 AUS.

I think if your going 7.1 and you don't have demanding surrounds the RMB-1075 is a better option cost wise than the RMB-1095. I guess you might want the RMB-1095 if you have a high quality centre speaker though. Or only ever see yourself having a 5.1 setup.

[PiDD]

... but is the $5000ish for the other 2 channels worth the money? Something I've been fighting with as well.

Do you guys think its worth it?

[Nick M]

People should also check out Rotel's website if they are interested in the various models Rotel sells...

http://www.rotel.com

[DOUGAL]

I have been lurking for months but now I am closer to fulfilling my HT dream I find that the more posts I read (and I have read hundreds) - the LESS I know. :cry:

Firstly, before I ask the questions, I must explain the rationale behind my thinking...
For what seems to be years Rotel have had the 1098 and 1068 (both 7.1 preamps) and providing two 5 channel power amps the 1095 and 1075. The solution to get the extra 2 channels was to purchase an additional amp the 1080. This I believe was fine for the 1095 but an overkill/compromise/fiddly for the 1075.

Why didn't they provide a 7 channel poweramp or a 2 channel 130 watt amp to match the 1075 if 7.1 is the Holy Grail we all seek?

Now, has anyone AFTER LIVING WITH a 1068 or 1098 & 1075/1095 (5.1 combo) added the 1080 LATER and can really see value for money? Having taken into account the cost of the 1080, the extra wiring, the extra speakers, the installation and ... the (wife factor notwithstanding)....

Is it a major upgrade worth doing? Or would it be better to have a 1098 and 1095 (5.1 setup) or a 1068 + 1075 + 1080 (7.1 setup)? I know if I had money to burn I would simply get the 1098 + 1095 + 1080 - ezpz... but I was considering only a AUS$2500 upgrade originally and I am already up to +AUS$6000

Finally, is there going to be an upgrade in the future for the 1068 to 4 component input - or will I have no choice but to go for the 1098?

Thanks for reading - any comments will be appreciated.

signed
Confused WannabeRotellier

Do you have a big enough HT room for 7.1 otherwise you are wasting your money. If your room is to small, you will not hear the benefit of the additional surrounds to that over a 5.1 set up.

cheers

[Leef DaLucky]

I'll add that Rotel should be adding the rmb-1077 to its webpage any day now.
As i recall it was due out in March/April.
7 channel, 100W Digital amp.
Only 6 cm high, too

I wanna test drive it badly, and see how it stacks up against my Panasonic digital amp.
I 0s0 love hyper detail and clarity.
New Amp discussion here.


cheers,
mikey

[Azeke]

Mike,

Welcome to Club Rotel. I have the RMB-1095 & RB-1080 with 7.1 channels and I am very happy with the setup, which includes the 1098 pre-pro.

From a budget standpoint I would have the following setup:

RMB-1075
RB-1080
RSP1068

This also depends on your speakers, but this will provide the best bang for the buck.

Just my quick thoughts and humble opinion.

Good luck,

Azeke

[rdram]

From a RotelGonnaBe, let me add my $.02. I would agree with Dougal, room size should be major factor in your decision. I have a smaller HT room, probably just over 1500 cu.ft., and with the layout, don't have space to take advantage of the back surrounds. Azeke's budget setup is the way I'm going. I just ordered the 1075 and will go with a 1068 later this year. After finally deciding on Rotel, the choice between 1075 or 1095 was my hangup. From a budget standpoint, you may want to consider the 1075. I had the opportunity to audition it at home for a couple days and was surprised at how "able" an amp it is. Most dealers have some kind of trade up policy, so if you decide after a few weeks you need more power, you can always trade up. Also, the choice of your subwoofer should enter into the equation. A high powered sub can relieve your main amp from the strain of those reference level peaks. If you decide to go 7.1, and you do alot of 2 channel stereo music, you may want the added power of the 1080 for your fronts. The 5 channel/2 channel does give you flexibility in your setup. I can offer no advice on the "wife factor"...mine just shakes her head. :roll: Oh well, we could have worse habits! Hmmm...wonder what she'll say when I bring home that 1095 in a few weeks.

Good luck.

Rich

[spiffnme]

I have the RSP-1066 and RMB-1075. Love it. Got the itch to try 7.1, and bought the RMB-1070, and added another pair of speaker to the rear. I've got to say, it wasn't worth the expense. After several months I took down the M2i's I was using in the rear and put them upstairs in our game room. I enjoy them MUCH more up there. I then sold the RB-1070, as I didn't need the seven channels of power.

If you ask me, put your money into the best 5.1 system you can buy.

Just my .02

[Yogi69]

Thanks guys for the thoughtful and informative responses.
I have re-read your replies quite a few times and it has made me bounce and search and research again!

I have decided to go 5.1 and UNLESS the 1068 is ugraded to 4 component outlets, I will have to go for the 1098 (shucks...)

Soooo I just have to decide on the 1075 or 1095. The price of the 1095 may be the determining factor (after purchasing the 1098)... I suppose it depends on what sort of deal I can get locally... but anyway I feel I may be happy with the 1075 because of the size of the room and show some respect for the neighbours?

With regard to keeping sound gear for a long time - I still have had my flagship Pioneer and HUGE Jamo speakers for about 20 years - and they still sound great - so I could not be called impetuous or one for making snap decisions. LOL

They will be retired to the garage for parties. You can't just turn your back on some old friends!

Soooo going to Rotel will be a huge step forward and one I am not taking too lightly.
Thanks guys and hopefully it won't be long until I can have my photos in the gallery above.

[Azeke]

I have the RSP-1066 and RMB-1075. Love it. Got the itch to try 7.1, and bought the RMB-1070, and added another pair of speaker to the rear. I've got to say, it wasn't worth the expense. After several months I took down the M2i's I was using in the rear and put them upstairs in our game room. I enjoy them MUCH more up there. I then sold the RB-1070, as I didn't need the seven channels of power.

If you ask me, put your money into the best 5.1 system you can buy.

Just my .02

Spiffnme,

Unfortunately, upgrading to 7.1 with the 1066 is probably not worth it, due to the older DACs and the lack of DoProIIx upgrade. It certainly made a big difference to me once I upgraded my firmware on the 1098. However without DoProIIx, the upgrade is minimal, probably due to lack of steering on the center back channels.

Therefore, I agree remaining in 5.1 mode or even 6.1 (great with the 1066 and DTS ES) is the way to go, with the 1066, but if you have the room and the 1068/1098, 7.1 channels is blissful.

Just my humble opinion and another point to consider.

Regards,

Azeke

[Radec]

If you ask me, put your money into the best 5.1 system you can buy.

Just my .02

Hmmm, I found the jump from 5.1 to 7.1 to be a very worthwhile. Given, I did go from a Yamaha 5.1 to a Rotel 1068 7.1, so much of the improvements might have been in the quality of the processing and not the added channels, but I still have a grin on my face thinking which movie I get to watch this weekend!!!

My guess it really has a few more variables than simply adding 2 channels. Power, room setup and accoustics, speaker type and placement play a large role IMHO.

[Slice]

I too have a fairly modest HT space, and opted for the 1068/1075 combo. I guess I was never truly tempted to get the 1095, plus $1k will buy a lot of transfers (or an RT-1080 plus still a lot of transfers ).

So far, the only DVD I've been able to withstand at reference volume is Le Mans (although Concert For George or DK Live in Paris might qualify too).

I have never regretted my decision either.

[Andrew Pratt]

5.1 vs 7.1 depends mostly on the room the speakers sit in. For me 7.1 makes a big difference but my room is long and narrow so it allows me to increase the depth of the surround a great deal vs just having two side speakers positioned on either side of my primary listening position. I've been in smaller rooms though were 5.1 was all that was needed. I also agree that PLIIx is a huge boon to those of us running 7.1 :T

The 1095 will give you all the power you could likely ever need so if you're the type that might upgrade your speakes then it might make sense from that stand point. For most of us though the 1075 provides all the power required for surround duty. I can easily justify a larger amp for the front two speakers if you buy large tower speakers that you want to run as large for stereo listening but that's an easy add on purchase to the 1075 should that need arise.