RSP-1068 as two-channel processor?

[Blindamood]

Although this concept is probably nothing new, I'm wondering if anyone can comment on this scenario for me. I currently employ an RSP-1068 for my 5.1 setup, and am very happy with it. Lately, I'm wondering if it wouldn't also be an excellent solution for my two-channel setup in another room.

I've seen a couple of nice-looking used units lately on audiogon, with prices very close to (probably even less than) the new RC-1082. However, it seems to me that the RSP-1068 offers quite a bit more value at this price point. For example, I do run a tv, dvd/dvr, and (Olive) music server in my two-channel setup, and could use the digital inputs on the 1068 to provide more flexibility in decoding. Even though it would all still be two-channel, it would allow me to invoke DD/DTS processing in the 1068 rather than within the dvd/dvr unit. It would also be more flexible if I decide to add more speakers or a sub down the road.

I know that the RSP-1068 provides an excellent two-channel 'Direct' mode, which I would certainly use for the music server. It would be fun to compare the 1068's internal DACs to the Olive, though, to see if there's any improvement.

So, what do you think? If you currently run the 1068 in two-channel only, how is it working for you? Does the sound quality compare with a dedicated two-channel pre-pro? Thanks for any input or opinions you can provide.

[ou8thisSN]

I use our RSP 1068 in our family room for only 2 channel listening. I upgraded from an Onkyo reciever from 1996 that was essentially dying, heard good things about Rotel, so I decided to try upgrading to separates. Now I use the RSP1068 and the 1080 2 channel amp to power two Klipsch speakers, and a self powered SVS sub. The results, to me anyway, are superb.

We basically use it just to watch tv, and listen to music (from CDs/Tapes/my Ipod/etc.) and the Rotel just simply performs. Now I cannot say for sure how much better it is from a dedicated 2 channel pre-amp, but it was definitely nicer than the Onkyo I had (which, at the time, was the top of the line receiver).

I dont think you'll have any regrets going with the RSP 1068 in your 2 channel setup.

[hifiguymi]

I think the RSP-1068 is quite good as a two channel preamp. It's very similar to the RC-1070 (I have not heard the RC-1082) in two channel mode. The DSP engine is above average in the RSP-1068 as well. I had one in my system for a short time and it gave my Meridian processor a run for the money. I think you'd be happy with it.

Eric

[Blindamood]

Thanks for the responses guys. I wish I was able to hear the new RC-1082 to compare, but my dealer does not have one yet to try.

[calmac]

Thanks for the responses guys. I wish I was able to hear the new RC-1082 to compare, but my dealer does not have one yet to try.

Hi B, the 1068 is a great ht pre/pro and for those who have a combined ht music system it's a fairly decent stereo pre but I wouldn't use one in a stereo only sytem given a choice.I have a combined ht music system with good speakers and excellent cd player.I started of with an RC1070 and replaced it with an RSP1066 , there was no clear winner in the sound quality stakes with both units having their pluses and minuses but I have to say I don't think the RC1070 is a particularly great pre anyway, it's ok ,just nothing special.The RC1082 is supposed to be a step above the old RC1090 ,which I did like ,so my recommendation would be strongly for the RC1082 in a 2ch only system.
Gordon

[gd]

What calmac said.

If that bedroom setup will always be 2-ch, might as well optimize your component choices with a dedicated 2-ch pre/power/integrated, and let a flexible, newish DVD player – such as Oppo's new 980 – handle the decoding.

http://www.oppodigital.com/dv980h/

[Blindamood]

Well, I wasn't really looking for a new source, but it is pretty amazing what you can get for $169, huh?

[gd]

Yup... I only suggested the player if you felt your existing player might be shy on processing power... that way you could have a more robust source that could feed a strictly 2-ch integrated... my thought was that the 1068 might be overkill for the bedroom, and you might get more sound quality for the dollar with a dedicated audio-only 2-ch rig.

It's all good.

[bleeding ears]

Blindamood, as you knowThe 1068 has many more adjustments than a 2 ch pre, allowing you to tailor the sound to your taste.

Whilst a 2 channel pre may be more pure (no processing) I think the benefits of being able to make adjustments for your room and speakers may be a better way to go. In fact that is what I found in a comparison between an older 990bx 2 channel preamp (was top of range once) and the 1068.

The 990 pre had no controls, no tone, nothing.
When I switched back to the 1068 and was able to adjust speaker size/crossovers and tone etc etc, I liked it better.

Both were good in their own way, eg the 2 channel pre did have a larger soundstage, but as I said I prefered the 1068 in stereo mode with some adjustments.

Bottom line is I sold the 2 channel pre and kept the 1068.

Since you have a 1068 why not try it out and tell us what you find.
Makes some interesting discussion.

Pete

[NMG]

I've read that the RSP-1068 is very similar if not identical to the processor in the RSX-1056. I just picked up an RSX-1056 and if it's even close to the RSP-1068, I think it would be a very nice 2 channel pre.

I swapped out my RC-1070 for the RSX-1056 and I don't think I've lost anything significant. In fact, the RSX-1056 is even more flexible in some regards. I like that I can throw it into 2 channel bypass mode for "light" music and still have the option of adding the sub into the mix for hip hop and stuff like that. I also like the fact that I can adjust the sub volume on the fly, as depending on the recording, it is nice to be able to tweek that setting.

I suppose a high end 2 channel preamp will outperform the 1068, but for the money, I think it's very solid.

[Blindamood]

Well, as I've compared two-channel solutions, I'm seeing some things that suggest maybe the RSP-1068 isn't my best choice. Disregarding sound quality (for the moment), there are some features that would be missing, such as a headphone output and a phono input. While I don't currently use a turntable, I may consider adding one in the future. And I do use my headphones on occassion, to help maintain the peace at home while enjoying my music.

I am using a two-channel pre-amp at the moment (B&K Reference 5) that I do enjoy quite a bit, so maybe I'll just try to squelch my upgradeitis for the time being, as difficult as that can be. Maybe I'll start saving for an RB-1092, and reconsider the pre-amp then...

[bleeding ears]

I vaguely remember reading here somewhere, that there is a way to use headphones with the 1068 or other units.

I think it was possible to plug the headphones into an output at the back of the unit, with an adaptor plug or something, but not sure.

Perhaps someone else can tell us ?

I may start using my headphones if it works.

Pete

[hifiguymi]

You will need a headphone amp to do it. They take a line in, like a tape output from the preamp, and amplifiy it for the headphones. You can get a good, inexpensive one from headroom.

http://www.headphone.com/products/headphone-amps/the-mobile-line/

Eric