Gotta make a tough decision

[karl_burns]

I'm mainly a HT guy, but listen to some 2 channel (Dianna Krall) every once in a while.

I've got a Rotel RSP985 that runs perfectly, and I've paired it with a RMB 1075 for movies / 5 channel. My speakers are Vienna Acoustics Mozarts/Haydn/Teatro with an SVS sub on a separate Samson amp.

So, my local dealer has a used RSP1066 to sell pretty cheap, and I'm thinking about upgrading. But I remember my old dealer in Boston saving me some money by instructing me to pick up a used RSP985 a couple of years ago based on its quality. His exact words were "Don;t get caught up in features; buy based on sound quality." Anyone know if the 1066 is a huge step-up in quality? The price to upgrade won't be too expensive, but Im wondering if the 1066 really is an upgrade in sound, or mostly appearance.

Thanks in advance.

Karl

[Dmantis]

First off nice speaker package. If the rsp985 doesn't do everything you need it to do, then yes go for the upgrade. It might be wiser to go straight for the rsp1068 or rsp1069. Depending on your needs.

Now if your upgrading to upgrade and there is no other reason for it, I'd tell you to sell your subwoofer and go with a Rel. All the SVS sub's I have heard where more geared toward movies. Not very musical woofers. Not really greatr movies woofers in my opnion. With the speakers you own, I'd say go for a killer used Storm III and hear your music like never before. Rel and Vienna go together very well. And with Rotel powering them, Yeah baby nice 2 channel and HT system you will have.

Hell If I where you I'd do both.

Dan

[Kevin D]

When I went from a RSP-985 to a RSP-1066, it was a downgrade in sound quality. But I needed 7.1 and Pro-Logic II.

New features aside, you would have to go to a 1068 to hear a difference.

Kevin D.

[karl_burns]

Thanks guys! That was exactly I wanted to know. I'm not going to move to 7.1, so it looks like I will abndon this upgrade option.
Thanks for the tips about REL. I've been pleased with the SVS for movies, but would love to have the flexibility to enjoy better music reporoduction.
Thanks again guys.
Karl

[bassmahn]

First of all, I would like to congrats you for owning those amazing VAs.

If you need sub for both worlds (music and movie) better get velodyne DD12 or DD15.

you wont regret it!

[karl_burns]

Man,
I thought I was doing well owning the SVS sub.
Now, I'm hearing my sub choice isn't as stellar as it could be. Aw man......

Thanks for all the compliments on my VAs. Truth be told, I picked up the Mozarts and Haydns when Tweeter discontinued the line. Got the speakers for 75% off. No joke. Had I not bumped into that deal, I'm not sure I would have gotten into HT at this level. Unfortunately I'm now used to such a high level of sound quality that I've spent so much money insuring the electronics are up to par as well.

[Nolan B]

Sonce you listen to diana krall and have the 1075 I would consider investing in a DVD A player and buying her discs. They sound fantastic!

[karl_burns]

Thanks Nolan. I've got Love Scenes is SACD format. Incredible.

[maddog]

Diana Krall has more albums on SACD (and vinyl for that matter) than DVD-A. Not to mention that there are far more SACD's than DVD-A's. Just something to consider if you are going to spring for a new player.

http://store.acousticsounds.com/search_results.cfm?id=0&searchtext=diana%2Ckrall&field=Artist&artist=diana%2Ckrall&OrderBy=Titles.Titlename

[lvhung]

I want to buy the old rotel 976

Any one of you have Rotel pre 976
Is it good as 1066

[PewterTA]

Do you use your sub for music? SVS, unlike some people here seem to think, are great subs for HT use. You can't find a better HT sub for the price from SVS.

Now for music, yes, most SVS won't perform like the Rel or others, it's a simple logic of sealed vs. open air design. Not a manufacturer flaw or anything like that.

You're SVS sub is fine...it's not worth changing unless you plan on using the sub while listening to a lot of music...which with your Mozarts... I don't think is dire...those go down to 32Hz, so you're getting a decent sound reproduction from them.

Save your money and go for something you really want more.

[Joey_V]

Man,
I thought I was doing well owning the SVS sub.
Now, I'm hearing my sub choice isn't as stellar as it could be. Aw man......

Thanks for all the compliments on my VAs. Truth be told, I picked up the Mozarts and Haydns when Tweeter discontinued the line. Got the speakers for 75% off. No joke. Had I not bumped into that deal, I'm not sure I would have gotten into HT at this level. Unfortunately I'm now used to such a high level of sound quality that I've spent so much money insuring the electronics are up to par as well.

That's how I am too... my speakers had always been too good for my electronics and I've spent the better part of 2 years trying to catch up. It's fun though.... sorta.

[Club1820]

That's how I am too... my speakers had always been too good for my electronics and I've spent the better part of 2 years trying to catch up. It's fun though.... sorta.

Joey V. Noticed you have a Squeezebox with an external DAC. Was there really an improvement with the DAC as everyone says over at the SB3 forums?