I just purchased a 1098 processor along with the 1075 amp,
on the basis of quite a few stellar reviews.
So far, I must say I am disappointed by the performance of
these units. Perhaps I have a defective 1098, but let me describe the
problems I'm having, and perhaps someone more knowledgeable can
help me sort them out (before I decide to return the units to the
dealer).
1. Digital clicking noise: My 1098 produces clicking noises through
the speakers (these are NOT the relays clicking). It sounds like a loss
of digital synchronization. Sometimes, the clicking is more like a loud
thump through the speakers. Most annoying. The problem is sporadic,
and somewhat random, but definitely persistent. It could be electrical
disturbance, or powerline sensitivity, but I am using a dedicated 20
amp line (as well as a Monster HTS power center). My previous Marantz
receiver produced no such noises.
2. Compressed sound and limited volume control: The sound from the
1098-1075 is somewhat lifeless and lacking in dynamic range. Compared to my Marantz 880 receiver, the Rotel seems to compress dynamic range. Most annoying is that the volume control is poorly designed. Even at a relatively high setting of 50, the sound is barely audible, and I have to crank it up to 65-70 to really get decent dynamics. (Of course, then the 1098 loses sync sometimes, and blam, here comes the click or thump).
3. Sync delay loses information: In watching HDTV or DVD, each time there is a format change (e.g, from 2-channel to 5.1), the 1098 takes too long to synchronize and loses the first second or so of audio. This is really annoying. Once again, my previous receiver, the Marantz 880 was flawless in this regard.
On the positive side, the video switching is flawless, and very transparent (even on HDTV, I can't detect any loss of information). It is lack of component video switching that forced me to trade in my 880, but the audio problems with the 1098 are downright annoying, and not something I am prepared to "live with" in the long run.
Thanks for your help!
- Sridhar
on the basis of quite a few stellar reviews.
So far, I must say I am disappointed by the performance of
these units. Perhaps I have a defective 1098, but let me describe the
problems I'm having, and perhaps someone more knowledgeable can
help me sort them out (before I decide to return the units to the
dealer).
1. Digital clicking noise: My 1098 produces clicking noises through
the speakers (these are NOT the relays clicking). It sounds like a loss
of digital synchronization. Sometimes, the clicking is more like a loud
thump through the speakers. Most annoying. The problem is sporadic,
and somewhat random, but definitely persistent. It could be electrical
disturbance, or powerline sensitivity, but I am using a dedicated 20
amp line (as well as a Monster HTS power center). My previous Marantz
receiver produced no such noises.
2. Compressed sound and limited volume control: The sound from the
1098-1075 is somewhat lifeless and lacking in dynamic range. Compared to my Marantz 880 receiver, the Rotel seems to compress dynamic range. Most annoying is that the volume control is poorly designed. Even at a relatively high setting of 50, the sound is barely audible, and I have to crank it up to 65-70 to really get decent dynamics. (Of course, then the 1098 loses sync sometimes, and blam, here comes the click or thump).
3. Sync delay loses information: In watching HDTV or DVD, each time there is a format change (e.g, from 2-channel to 5.1), the 1098 takes too long to synchronize and loses the first second or so of audio. This is really annoying. Once again, my previous receiver, the Marantz 880 was flawless in this regard.
On the positive side, the video switching is flawless, and very transparent (even on HDTV, I can't detect any loss of information). It is lack of component video switching that forced me to trade in my 880, but the audio problems with the 1098 are downright annoying, and not something I am prepared to "live with" in the long run.
Thanks for your help!
- Sridhar
.
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