RSP 976 or RSP 985?

[Z Head]

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.

[deke]

If I remember correctly, back in the day, their was about a $1K price difference between the two. In comparison to today's models, the 976 would be the 1068 and the 985 the 1098. I didn't compare the two, but would expect the difference to be in the same order as the difference between the 2 new ones.

[Kevin D]

I started out on a RSP-985. I 'upgraded' to the 1066 (which replaced the 976). While I got new features, sound quality took a good drop. So I would go for the 985, since it's basically the same features.

There's a thread here about firmware updates on the 985, if you get one check a make sure you have the latest.

Kevin D.

[Z Head]

anyone know if these two came out in the same year?

[Kevin D]

Out at the same time period, but the 985 came first:

RSP985 Pre/processor, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, DTS, THX 1999-2001 $1999
RSP976 Pre/processor, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, DTS, RS232 2001 $1199

If you go to Rotel's site and choose 'PRODUCTS-PRODUCT ARCHIVES' you can see years and prices for all their old prodcuts.

Kevin D.

[DSGCobra]

1098 replaeced my 985. the 985 was a solid unit, great HT sound, never used it for 2ch audio though.

[Z Head]

Out at the same time period, but the 985 came first:

RSP985 Pre/processor, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, DTS, THX 1999-2001 $1999
RSP976 Pre/processor, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, DTS, RS232 2001 $1199

If you go to Rotel's site and choose 'PRODUCTS-PRODUCT ARCHIVES' you can see years and prices for all their old prodcuts.

Kevin D.

i just did, thanks!