Upgrade from RSP-1066 to AVR for Processor?

[Lonewolf]

Hello all,

Had a interesting query for you, I came across a 2nd hand sale of Integra DTR 10.5 AVR. It has a whole host of features / connections. I currently have separates, The Rotel RSP-1066. I was actually thinking of maybe upgrading my Rotel RSP-1066 to the Integra DTR and using that as a Pre-amp. It seems to have the newer features plus has a lot more of the type of connections and upconversions i seem to require. But i wonder if the sound quality will be less? I know its an AVR and not a separate preamp but it is at a very high end of the AVR market so can its preamp section compare against my Rotel RSP-1066. Note that i am way more interested in HT than stereo and dont actually have much time to dedicate towards stereo at the moment but sound quality is sound quality.

Here is a link to information on the integra :-

http://www.ambertech.com.au/productinfo.php?articleID=301&sectionID=3&assID=33&catID=8

[Lonewolf]

I have been offered the NAD M15 processor, but for a bit more than the AVR (about 30% more). How does the NAD M15 compare up against the RSP 1066. Is it really worth me paying a decent amount of money for the upgrade?

[Dmantis]

Hello,
It's really how your system sounds. The preamp does make a huge difference. Rotels preamps sound great compared to most avr's as a preamp.

Pioneer Elite is a receiver company that I have found to work very well as a preamp. There sound quality is pretty neutral and dynamic. Denon on the other hand is not. they don't sound that great to me anyway. Now NAD makes fantastic stuff. They have a new receiver you may want to check out which has 1.3 HDMI switching and other things of todays market.

Integra gear to me kinda is to bright. I have a DTR5.3 which I use for a garage receiver for just listening while I work out there. I would never use there stuff in my theater room. Again personal preference as I feel they are not warm but very to extreme bright. Features they are pretty good and i feel they came along way over the years.

Best thing to do is try some stuff out. If any audio companies in your area will let you take a test drive in your home, then go for it and hear for yourself.

Good luck,

mantis

[JDH]

Personally I'd stick with an old AV pre-amp over a newer AVR as an AV pre-amp, if you do go the AVR path also check out the Yamaha RX-V1800/3800.

I upgraded my Rotel RSP-1066 to a used RSP-1068 at minimal cost, I will upgrade to something with HDMI switching and new HD surround standards when I realy have a need for it.

JDH.