Calling RSX-965 connoisseurs...help needed

[Horacio]

Hi guys.

I want to set up a small home theater system from scratch (separate from my stereo system). I'm looking at spending little money first to test the waters: receiver + existing Toshiva DVD player + a set of speakers in a box.

For the receiver I'm between going for a used RSX-965 or a new receiver for about the same money ($400). What do you guys suggest? How do/did you guys like the 965?


All inputs welcome!

Horacio

[Tha Freak]

I'm pretty sure you will have a lot better sounding unit with the used Rotel than a 400$ receiver out of the box...

For surround modes, il seems to have PL instead of PLII...rest is quite nice DD5.1, DTS you are quite OK with that...

75w x 5 is quite nice too (that's what I have in my 1055)

the new 400$ unit will have more fancy features (often useless) and maybe 6.1 capability...but as of built quality...can't compare I think...

Take note that Rotel's wattage is conservative...some other tend to boost the numbers...

my 2¢ btw

[Horacio]

Thank you for the answer. I was assuming the 965 would have better sound and more power than any new $400 unit (I have a Rotel stereo system), but was wondering about the set of features, user friendliness, etc.

I'll look into what PL and PLII mean. Is good to know that features-wise the 965 looks good.

Thanks for the input!
Horacio

[Tha Freak]

get the user manual on Rotel's website...

PL abd PLII are ProLogic (original) and PLII is ProLogic 2 (newer and better version for digital signal...I think)

here's the manual for the RSX-965...


RSX-965 manual pdf

[Kevin D]

Pro-logic can be applied to stereo sources only. It's a 4 channel matrix, L, C, R, and S. So you get MONO surrounds with limited frequency response. It's also setup for movies/cable. So it really sucks at music (the center is too prominent). It's a basic conversion that works best with sources encoded with Pro-Logic (some tv shows and VCR movies).

Pro-Logic II is a true 5.1 channel matrix. It will create 5.1 channels from any stereo source. Much improved over Pro-Logic and has a music mode that works wonders (if you use the tweaks for center width and rear presence). PLIIx is a 7.1 channel matrix that can even be applied to digital sources to take DD and DTS to true 7.1 surround.

In a nutshell, if you like to listen to music in stereo only, PLII isn't worth it. If you are sticking with 5.1, PLIIx isn't worth it. For movies and TV, with DVD;s and DD on tv channels, PLII isn't worth it.

Kevin D.

[Horacio]

Thank you both!

Horacio