Bypassing RSP-1066 front channels for stereo improvement

[pbarata]

I'm interested in improving stereo performance for a Rotel Combo build with RCD-1070 CD Player, RSP-1066 Surround pre-amp and 5 channel RMB-1075 power amplifier.

I’m planning to use a passive amplifier and to bypass RSP-1066 for CD listening, using a device such CIAudio VPC-2 passive controller (http://www.ciaudio.com/vpc2.html) or CIAudio PCL-1 (http://www.ciaudio.com/plc1.html).

I expect to find much a lower noise floor, more openness, transparency, accuracy and detail, and a wider soundstage, without distortion or congestion. Are my expectations set to high? ;x(

I would like to hear any thoughts, experiences and advice about this idea?

Which other passive controllers should I also consider?

Thanks.

[soundhound]

pbarata,
I don't know what speakers you are driving, but if it were me I would also add a seperate 2 channel power amp to the mix. I believe the 1075 to be one of Rotels best buys, but, for multi channel detail, not 2 channel.
That passive pre looks like a pretty slick little unit.
Giving the output end of it all a little breathing room will net you some of what you are after.
This sounds like it could be the start of something........................

[JDH]

I'm using the Rotel RSP-1066 in conjunction with a Benchmark DAC 1 and a NuForce P8 2ch pre-amp with HT bypass and dedicated 2ch poweramp, prevously a Rotel RB-1080 and now the Australian made Elektra Audio power amp.

The NuForce P8 is an active 2ch pre-amp with minimal inputs but enough for my situation. In short the dedicated 2ch pre-amp sounds better and was worth upgrade to me with my HiFi/HT system. The rest of your setup will determine the level of improvement you will end up with.

JDH

I'm interested in improving stereo performance for a Rotel Combo build with RCD-1070 CD Player, RSP-1066 Surround pre-amp and 5 channel RMB-1075 power amplifier.

I’m planning to use a passive amplifier and to bypass RSP-1066 for CD listening, using a device such CIAudio VPC-2 passive controller (http://www.ciaudio.com/vpc2.html) or CIAudio PCL-1 (http://www.ciaudio.com/plc1.html).

I expect to find much a lower noise floor, more openness, transparency, accuracy and detail, and a wider soundstage, without distortion or congestion. Are my expectations set to high? ;x(

I would like to hear any thoughts, experiences and advice about this idea?

Which other passive controllers should I also consider?

Thanks.

[pbarata]

I’ve just give a try with CIAudio VPC-2 and the results where a big surprise. h:

Bypassing RSP-1066 with VPC-2, for CD listening, result in more openness, transparency, accuracy and detail, and a wide soundstage without any symptoms of distortion or congestion. I also felt that the noise floor suddenly become lower and the dynamics had increased, with good bass, really very good bass.

RMB-1075 is driving Monitor Audio Silver 8i in front channels and VPC-2 was able to drive them both easily and with good accuracy. :T