Basically I am deciding to go with a newer Rotel the 976 which has digital inputs, which I need. This is for a 2ch stereo system only conserned with sq. Or I am going to go with a Rotel 980 and get a Marantz DP870 which is there digital processor to use as a DAC into the 980. I am wondering which will sound better. My last option which is a little more expensive than both of these is to get the Rotel 985. I am conserned with 2ch music especially fed through a coaxial input (needed for from my computer). Also from other stereo sources. Any opinions would help. Thanks.
-
-
Welcome to the Forum!
Are you saying that you are going to us your computer for your music source?
If so, I’m not very familiar with this type of set-up. I assume you need a pre/pro to process the digital source. If this is the case, I would recommend the 976 at the very least and for $150-$200 more in the used market, maybe the RSP-1066. But all these units have multi channel video processing too.
If all your source material is on a hard drive, there are units like the Cambridge Audio 640H Music Server that do this. You may find similar units on the used market. If you are only concerned with 2-ch SQ, I think that might be the way to go.
Otherwise, burn your music, get a CDp with a decent DAC, and go with a used 2-ch pre-amp unit. Rotel, among others, are highly regarded for their 2-ch SQ.
The rest of the gang will have more/better advise, I’m sure. -
If your only digital source is your computer, you might consider a good quality soundcard for about $100-200, and spend your money on the best analog stereo pre you can afford... that's assuming you're talking strictly music / PCM.
Haven't gone there yet myself, but M-Audio is said to make good ones:
.
greg (gd to you)
.
Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring
production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.
Frank ZappaComment
-
What are some good 2ch pre-amp units? Let me know. Thanks a lot.Comment
-
Lots of choices in analog pre's.
Got a budget?... would you consider tubes?... what makes up most of your music listening?... must the pre include phono inputs? - MM? - MC?
Meanwhile, I'd be remiss not to suggest Rotel in the Rotel forum, and they do make seriously good pre's... I've used a 900-series Rotel integrated amp in my 2-ch for over 12 yrs, and it won't be going anywhere soon..
greg (gd to you)
.
Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring
production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.
Frank ZappaComment
-
k. I'll look into that. people that have used the computer as an output say the best way is to use a digital out and a DAC. I don't have the money to buy a nice DAC and a pre/pro then amp. I wanted to get a pre/pro with a pretty nice DAC. I have heard the 985's is better than the 976. I was leaning towards the 980 with marantz. This I can get for about 200 cheaper than the 985 rotel.Comment
-
looking into DAC's. Know anyhting about them.Comment
-
Before talking about DACs...
Is the computer your only digital music source?... lossy downloads or ripped CDs / FLACs at full resolution?... strictly 2-channel?
Outboard DACs are not widely used, so there are relatively few reviews... and not too many retailers to demo them... the best way to educate yourself on DACs is to get forum feedback... search DAC here and you'll find a lot on the Benchmark DAC1, a very popular unit @ $1K... more general DAC discussion can be found on Audio Asylum.
But ultimately you have to jump in, buy one, and determine for yourself if it sounds good... there is a little more ri$k with a DAC, as you're judging subjective SQ.
Current popular makes include Benchmark, Musical Fidelity, Perpetual Technology, Bel Canto, Ack! dAck!... you can spend anywhere from $400 to tens of thousands... I've bought older, used DACs (Audio Alchemy, EAD) from Audiogon with excellent results..
greg (gd to you)
.
Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring
production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.
Frank ZappaComment
-
LOL!!!!!Originally posted by gd
Is that the new insurance you can get for your DAC ????Comment
-
excetara2,
I use my computer to store and play my entire CD collection. Using a Soundblaster Audigy 2 sound card I connect both digital and analog cables to my reciever. Sound quality is surprisingly good. I ripped everything to .wav files. The Audigy 2 sound card is also capable of DVD-A. If you have any interest in DVD-A or SACD I would recomend the 976. If I'm not mistaken the 985 does not have 5.1 analog inputs. I own the 976 now and use it for a stereo preamp (the rear channels don't work with a digital input). So basically my 976 would be perfect for you too!Rotel RSP-1066, Rotel RB-981, Rotel RB-985, Denon DVD-1920, HTPC, Paradigm Studio 60 V.4, Paradigm Studio 20 V.4Comment
-
Maybe they shoulda named it Daffy dAck!... :lol:Originally posted by wkhanna.
greg (gd to you)
.
Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring
production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.
Frank ZappaComment
-
which processor is newer? how is the bass management on both? Which one has the multi channel input? Also is 400$ a fair price for the 976?
Thanks in advance from a new member. -
I have the opportunity to purchase a RSP-976 for $500. Or, I could purchase a new 1066 for approximately $1400. Given the situation described below, I'm tempted to get the 976, but only if the two-channel sound is not dramatically inferior to the two-channel sound of the 1066. If I get the 976, I can... -
Hello,
I have been using a bridged rb-976 3x150 for years to power my fronts + centre and a rb-980bx 2x120 to power my surrounds
Now I find that the 980bx has significantly less distortion and better signal-to-noise than my much newer 976
Stereo is still... -
Hello all!! I'm new to the forum and would really appreciate some advice. I recently sold an RSP-980, RDA-975 & RDA980. I was going to upgrade to the 1066. After reading through this forum, I was sure I was going to buy the RSP-1006 until I read about the Big Brother. My local dealer also advised... -
Howdy folks, I am new to this forum thanks to the gentleman I just purchased my RMB-1075 from. I was using a Carver TFM-35X to run my fronts- Klipsch RF-3's, as my primary concern has been 2 chnl audio. I use a Rotel RSP-980, RDA-980, and RDA-985. I also am running the full compliment of Klipsch Reference...
Comment