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This post is a bit lengthy, but I wanted to get all of my thoughts in. I recently purchased a Rotel 1077 amp. Below are my impressions after about 3 weeks. First, to give context to the 1077’s performance, I want to quickly review were I was and how I got to where I am now. I have B&W N804’s mains, HTM1 center and 705 surrounds and a 1068 pre.
My room is 12' x 15' with vaulted ceilings. These speakers were originally powered by a Rotel 1095. This was a very nice combination. Last year I purchased a 1080 stereo amp to power the mains (I used the extra channels on the 1095 to power some patio speakers(!)). On the N804’s, the 1080 had better bass response, wider soundstage and better clarity/openness than the 1095.
I have had issues with the channels of the 1080 going out (due to different problems each time). The right channel went out again recently and my dealer gave me full credit for the 1080. I also found a taker for my 1095 and, presto, I got a 1077 (and a 1066 to run the rears and patio). I passively bi-amped the N804’s and HTM1 with the 1077. I am bi-amping the 705 rears (why not, I had the channels to do it) with the Rotel 1066. Below are my impressions of the 1077.
BASS: Better on the N804’s. A little tighter and faster than the 1080. The center channel bass (previously on the 1095) is substantially more noticeable and tight. The cohesion of bass across the front three is noticeably better with the 1077.
SOUNDSTAGE: The soundstage is about as wide as the 1080. However, it is deeper than the 1080. I’m still getting used to this, but it is quite good.
DYNAMICS: Dynamics were excellent before and remain so. I haven’t noticed much change in this area.
LOW VOLUME: I’ve noticed that listening at lower volumes is a bit easier. Not a big change, but a welcome one nonetheless.
VENTILATION: It runs relatively cool. At first, I had less than 2” clearance above the amp. It ran warm, a bit warmer that I expected. However, it was still much cooler than the 1080. I now have more than 2” clearance. This has helped. The unit runs lukewarm now. I’ve attached a picture for reference.
TREBLE/MIDRANGE: On the N804’s, the treble is a bit more open with the 1077. So far, midrange is about the same as the 1080 (which was already quite good). For the HTM1, both midrange and treble are definitely more open and cleaner. The HTM1 has benefited the most from this upgrade, which is good from an HT perspective.
OTHER: The 1077 has handled anything I’ve thrown at it. The 1080/1095 amps are powerful and quick, but the 1077 seems quicker. It’s hard to put my finger on this exactly, but that is the impression I get. Finally, the 1077 has high WAF. We had the 1080 out in the open. The kids haven’t touched it, but that wouldn’t last forever. Now all amps are in on shelves and out of the way of curious fingers.
SUMMARY: To me, the 1077 is essentially a slightly better multi-channel version of a 1080, in a 3” package that runs pretty cool. To me, that’s quite an accomplishment. :T
EDIT: NOISE: This amp is VERY QUIET. Previously, with my 1095 and 1080, I have heard a small bit of noise, hiss, background noise, etc. With this amp, I simply don't hear much at all. I have to be right next to the speaker and then it's very, very faint. I'm quite impressed. I've worked to drive noise from my system. This amp goes along way to achieving that goal.
My room is 12' x 15' with vaulted ceilings. These speakers were originally powered by a Rotel 1095. This was a very nice combination. Last year I purchased a 1080 stereo amp to power the mains (I used the extra channels on the 1095 to power some patio speakers(!)). On the N804’s, the 1080 had better bass response, wider soundstage and better clarity/openness than the 1095.
I have had issues with the channels of the 1080 going out (due to different problems each time). The right channel went out again recently and my dealer gave me full credit for the 1080. I also found a taker for my 1095 and, presto, I got a 1077 (and a 1066 to run the rears and patio). I passively bi-amped the N804’s and HTM1 with the 1077. I am bi-amping the 705 rears (why not, I had the channels to do it) with the Rotel 1066. Below are my impressions of the 1077.
BASS: Better on the N804’s. A little tighter and faster than the 1080. The center channel bass (previously on the 1095) is substantially more noticeable and tight. The cohesion of bass across the front three is noticeably better with the 1077.
SOUNDSTAGE: The soundstage is about as wide as the 1080. However, it is deeper than the 1080. I’m still getting used to this, but it is quite good.
DYNAMICS: Dynamics were excellent before and remain so. I haven’t noticed much change in this area.
LOW VOLUME: I’ve noticed that listening at lower volumes is a bit easier. Not a big change, but a welcome one nonetheless.
VENTILATION: It runs relatively cool. At first, I had less than 2” clearance above the amp. It ran warm, a bit warmer that I expected. However, it was still much cooler than the 1080. I now have more than 2” clearance. This has helped. The unit runs lukewarm now. I’ve attached a picture for reference.
TREBLE/MIDRANGE: On the N804’s, the treble is a bit more open with the 1077. So far, midrange is about the same as the 1080 (which was already quite good). For the HTM1, both midrange and treble are definitely more open and cleaner. The HTM1 has benefited the most from this upgrade, which is good from an HT perspective.
OTHER: The 1077 has handled anything I’ve thrown at it. The 1080/1095 amps are powerful and quick, but the 1077 seems quicker. It’s hard to put my finger on this exactly, but that is the impression I get. Finally, the 1077 has high WAF. We had the 1080 out in the open. The kids haven’t touched it, but that wouldn’t last forever. Now all amps are in on shelves and out of the way of curious fingers.
SUMMARY: To me, the 1077 is essentially a slightly better multi-channel version of a 1080, in a 3” package that runs pretty cool. To me, that’s quite an accomplishment. :T
EDIT: NOISE: This amp is VERY QUIET. Previously, with my 1095 and 1080, I have heard a small bit of noise, hiss, background noise, etc. With this amp, I simply don't hear much at all. I have to be right next to the speaker and then it's very, very faint. I'm quite impressed. I've worked to drive noise from my system. This amp goes along way to achieving that goal.
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