Time for a change? What to do?

[Tom Caines]

My RTC-970 Preamp Tuner is acting very strange. We had an electrical storm and after that (in order of importance)

- When I set the OUT BAL (output balance) levels for 5.1 and receive an on screen indicator that the settings have been saved - they are not. They revert back to a mix of odd (apparently random) settings for each channel.

- The BAL CHK (balance check) button yields no responce. It shoud activate the on-board test tones and allow for setting the 5.1 outputs.

- Zone 2 The front panel indicator lights work but no output signal from any input selection.

- The Volume control which usually has a range of -65 to 0 now cuts out at -57. When adjusting volume the sounds dies at at -57.

I tried Rotels "reset" procedure that wiped the remotes memory clean. and set it to operate the RTC-970 and the problems listed above still exist.

What to do? Does this sound like something that might be fixed (out of warranty)?

Option 1: Purchase a RSX-1055 75Wx5ch receiver.
Sell my RDA-975 Dolby Digital processor (no pain there as it does not have DTS or any of the new surround processing).
Sell my RB-976 60Wx6 ch amplifier.

Option 2: Purchase a RSP-1066 7.1 Surround Sound Preamp/Processor
Sell my RDA-975 Dolby Digital processor (no pain there as it does not have DTS or any of the new surround processing).
Retain my RB-976 60Wx6 ch amplifier. Use ch-6 for the rear center.

Odd thing is the manufactures price for the RSX-1055 75Wx5ch receiver is $1300. While the RSP-1066 7.1 Surround Sound Preamp/Processor appears to be the same component without ampliers and is priced at $1500.
Less money gets you a 75Wx5ch amplifier :?:

What to do?
Thanks

Speakers: (very efficient)
Fronts: Vandersteen 1C
Rears: Vandersteen 1C
Center: Vandersteen VCC-1
Subwoofer: SVS 20-39 Plus

[sikoniko]

I recommend you to go the 1055 route. if you want seperates, go 1098. 1066 isnt worth the difference.

[Andrew Pratt]

The 1055's cheaper b/c Rotel sells more of them so its just an economics of scale issue.

I'd be tempted to do the 1055 or 1066 and keep the rotel power amps for second zone or 7.1 setups.

[Tom Caines]

sikoniko:
The 1098 is just out of my price range. It's an economics of economics issue

Andrew:
I have a whole house intercom which is feed by the HT system and DirecTV's audio channels. I must say a 3 sets of 60W speakers could enhance the workout room, garage (my car is another hobby) and still have another pair to find a home. Or sell off the amp and DD processor to help fund the RSX-1055. Its never ending - and I OK with that.




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Tom Caines
"The Answer Is Always Yes"
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[aud19]

I'd say if budget is a concern, which it appears to be, go for the 1055 and budget allowing, keep your existing amp for multi-zone, 7.1 and bi-amping possibilities. You might want to contact Rotel to see what costs might be involved to repair your old unit which could be used in a secondary system or sold to recoup some $. You have any sons/duaghters etc that could use a decent used preamp as a gift...? Christmas is coming

J.R.




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[Tom Caines]

aud19:

No children to hand down equipment to. Keeping the RB-976 is appealing to power the 7.1 potential of the 1055.

Anyone have an idea of the street price of a 1055? I see a used 1055 on the www.audiogon.com website for $900 (including shipping) purchased new in 3/03. Is that resonable.

Thanks




***********************
Tom Caines
"The Answer Is Always Yes"
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[Andrew Pratt]

Tom that's in the ballpark of what I sold my 1055 for a few months ago.