RSX 1067 VS B&K Ref. 50

[ACap]

Hi all, I haven't posted in some time, but I am in store for some major a/v changes and in need of some solid advice.
I currently own a B&K Ref 50/7250 combo. My speakers are Paradigm 100's v2, CC-570, and SA-15R in ceilings (one pair), I use my PS3 for DVD/blu ray. My major issue is this:

I would like to consolidate to a receiver, and am considering a Rotel RSX 1067. I have always heard good things about Rotel gear, and I've been pretty impressed when ever I hear it. Do you think the 1067 will perform as well or better then my B&K seperates? I know that I'd be "downgrading" in amp output, and that concerns me considering the 100's sound fantastic when driven well.

I'd really like to go 7.1 in my new house (5 months out), and it would seem cleaner to go with the Rotel. My other option is to add a 2 channel amp to my current set up. This option will challenge my space issues, as I want to incorporate a multi zone system driven by the Rotel RMB 1048.

I'd like to hear what you guys think, you've been very helpfull in the past. Are there new Rotel receivers on the horizon? Thanks in advance

-Al

[Pez]

Even though the 1067 is an excellent receiver I would condsider it a "downgrade" from your current gear. Both will sound very good but if you like to crank it the 1067 will not be able to compete with the B&K combo, bigger Paradigms love power. If you are looking to minimize your grear have you considered getting the rotel 1077? For an amp so small it can really "bring it". Or, go with a lower model rotel receiver and get the 1077. Rotel does have some gear coming but I have no idea when (later this year???). I think one of the receivers has 4 zone capability, might be just what you are looking for.

Something else to consider is that the 1067 has been out for awhile and could use some updating (HDMI). If you want something to hold you over for a few years I would wait till the new stuff comes out.

Adding a 2 channel amp is a good idea as well but personally I like to have the front 3 speakers equal in every way possible (since my HT usage is mostly movies).

[hifiguymi]

I agree with pez that you might not be happy with ANY receiver with Studio 100's. Those are a tough speaker to run and the RSX-1067, or the B&K AVR507 for that matter, might run out of steam. The RMB-1077 is a possibility, but it might not have enough power for those speakers. You'd have to listen yourself and find out.

The RSX-1067 will be replaced later this year (approx September at CEDIA) and it will have HDMI switching and maybe even more multi room control than the RSX-1067. The RSX-1058, which is shipping next month and is a smaller receiver in terms of power, has four zone outputs so I would imagine that the replacement of the RSX-1067 would have something similar.

Eric