Will RSX-1056 improve with a RB976 amp and does rsx1056 = rsp1066

[mike.g]

I have a RB976 6 channel amp

http://europe.rotel.com/support/pdfs/manuals/Rb976.pdf

It drives my M&K k17's and K4's all of which are rated at 4 ohm.

The amp's specs are rated at 4 ohm and it is very clear the amp should and can drive 4 ohm speakers on all channels.

I can get a s/h RSX-1056

Considering my RB976 is about 6 years old, would the internal amplification of the RSX-1056 match or better the RB976.

I am not worried about ultimate power figures, just nice sound quality.

I have concerns whether the RSX-1056 can drive 4 ohm speakers. The specs say not, but the FAQ of the RSX-1055 say YES it can drive 4 ohm.

The RSX-1056 is cheaper than a RSP-1066, which I originally planned. I assume used as a processor it should equal the 1066. Can anyone confirm this?

Ideally I'm hoping I can sell my RB976 and use the RSX-1056's inbuilt amp and save even more money over buying the RSP-1066.

[soundhound]

The RSX 1056 shares technology with the RSP-1068. I believe the RSX-1055 was the soul mate of the RSP-1066.
The 1056 is quite capable. I use one for ht and it drives some unpredictable speaker impedances that are quite low, and does it with finesse.

[mike.g]

thank you.

So would I get identical audio performance feeding an amp from an RSX-1056 used as a processor only compared to the true processor only RSP-1068?

Do all those amps wired up inside the RSX-1056 effect the sonic performance compared to the processor only RSP-1068?

[gianni]

In the more revealing sytems you may find the 1068 to be slightly better. That being said, many claim to hear litle or no difference with the 1056 used as a preamp. The amps on the 1056 are quite capable for a receiver. Sure separates have advantages but I doubt you'll hear any difference with the rb976.

Fortunately for you, since you already have the 976, you can make a direct comparison. Also, go for the 1056 instead of the older 1066 as the new features would be worth having.