Upgrade RSP-966 to RSP-1066..Questions

[patjoh]

I have a RSP-966 processor today. I had a RB-985 but changed it to a Marantz MM-9000 power amp some time ago, mostly to get a slightly "warmer" sound.

I have ELAC 208.2 speakers, which are very revealling and sensitive to "colder", "brighter" electronics (can sound a little harsh then).

I wonder if anyone can comment on an ev upgrade to a RSP-1066 processor? Is there an overall sound improvement that is substantial? I´m mostly interested in 2ch stereo performance! And the features in 1066 is not most important. Things like imaging, extension, 3D etc

Is there a difference in character between 966 and 1066? Like smoothness, warmth/cold etc.

Thanx if anyone has comments!

//Pat

[Mark_C.]

Are you saying you currently own the RSP-976 and want opinions on the RSP-1068, because I'm not aware of a 966 and the 1066 has not been sold new in three years.

[patjoh]

Yes, I´m talking about having RSP-966 now and considering RSP-1066. A used unit, 1066!

//Pat

[wkhanna]

I can find no reference to the RSP-966? Was this possibly a renamed unit for the non-North America market?


If you are only interested in two-channel, and have no plans to expand to HT or desire for synthesized multi-channel 5.1 of your Stereo recordings..... instead of paying for features that you don’t want/use, why not look for a nice stereo pre-amp?

An RC-1070 or used RC995, might be an option.

Otherwise the 1066 is going to be a definite improvement. You also get component video I/O with the 1066, which is a step up in video performance also.

[patjoh]

Maybe its not a common model. It was a pre-amp version of the RSX-965 reciever, and it looks nearly the same (but no tuner). Theres a link on NA homepage, so I guess it was sold in NA: http://www.rotel.com/support/pdfs/manuals/RSP966.pdf

So I guess RSP-976 was its "big brother" at the time. So a RSP-976 - RSP-1066 comparision would be nice too, because an RSP-976 was an even better version than RSP-966 at the time!

And I´m a HT guy, with only 5.1 setup today, so I will go for a 5-6-7.1 processor.

//Pat

[Mark_C.]

Gotcha! The 966 certainly is old school-practically ancient in today's consumer electronics world. I don't know anything about the 966 other than it's a Rotel, so it probably delivers quality sound for HT. The 1066, which I own, probably offers more features and user options. Whether it is an improvement in sound is hard to say. Many claim the 1068 improved in sound over the 1066, but I didn't notice a difference when I compared the two.
Hopefully, someone here has personal experience with the 966. Good Luck.