Rotel RMB-1085

[snowboarder]

Just wanted to let you know that I received my Rotel 1085 last week.
It's their brand new 5-channel Class D amplifier using the latest and greatest
ICEPower modules. 100 watts per channel. Just started shipping
(they also introduced an identical 6-channel version - RMB-1076).
I hooked it up to my Denon 3808 and it sounds amazing.
Can't believe how small and light this thing is to create sound so refined.
Played some SACDs and a few movies, the thing is still warming up,
but so far I'm very happy.
Does anybody know if they are coming with a 2-channel ~200 watts per ch
amp based on the same new ICEPower modules too?
I'd like to possibly upgrade my system to 7.1 in the near future.
Didn't want to buy 1077 as it seems overpriced comparing to the newer
(and better) 1085 plus I want something slightly more powerful for
my fronts for 2-channel music listening.

Andrew

[hifiguymi]

I do know that Rotel is planing on doing 200 watt ICE Power amps at some time in the future, but they haven't announced anything yet.

As for the RMB-1077, it is a better amp than the RMB-1076 and RMB-1085. There are some differences in the output of the amp modules that do add to it's price and performance. The same goes for the RB-1072. It's the same design as the RMB-1077. I haven't heard the RMB-1085 yet, but I'd have to think it's very good and at the price looks like a great value.

Eric.

[snowboarder]

Thanks. I looked at RB-1072, but it's also 100 watts per ch.
Next step up is RB-1092 but I don't need 500 watts.
200 watts per ch would be great for me...

[FernandoF]

The same goes for the RB-1072. It's the same design as the RMB-1077.

Hi Eric,

So the RB-1072 is similar to the RB-1077 ??? I was under the impression that it was similar to the 1076 and 1085, i.e. the three of them had the new and simplified ICEPower modules, as opposed to the 1077...

Anyway, if that's confirmed, I suppose it's good news about the 1072 (from a sound quality perspective).

Regards,

Fernando

[Tha Freak]

I have a RSX-1055 and I'm looking for a 5 ch amp...(want to go the pre-pro/amps route when time to upgrade, so I want to take some advance)

the RSX is rated 75w/ch...is that 100w/ch class D make any difference or shoult I go with a 200w/ch on the SS route ?

[hifiguymi]

Hi Eric,

So the RB-1072 is similar to the RB-1077 ??? I was under the impression that it was similar to the 1076 and 1085, i.e. the three of them had the new and simplified ICEPower modules, as opposed to the 1077...

Anyway, if that's confirmed, I suppose it's good news about the 1072 (from a sound quality perspective).

Regards,

Fernando

Yes the RB-1072 is the same as the RMB-1077. The two ew multi-channel amps are where the minor changes were made.

Eric

[hifiguymi]

I have a RSX-1055 and I'm looking for a 5 ch amp...(want to go the pre-pro/amps route when time to upgrade, so I want to take some advance)

the RSX is rated 75w/ch...is that 100w/ch class D make any difference or shoult I go with a 200w/ch on the SS route ?

I depends on your speakers, your room, and your listening tastes. I haven't heard the RMB-1085 yet so I don't have an opinion on that amp, but the RMB-1095 would be a nice upgrade from the amps in the RSX-1055. I think the RMB-1077 would also be an upgrade but in a different way. The RMB-1077 has a little more sparkle on the top and a very open midrange. I like that amp quite a bit, but it's a different sound than the RMB-1095.

Eric

[FernandoF]

Thanks for the confirmation, Eric.

Fernando

[style]

rmb 10xx ICE POWER

@snowboarder,

do you drive the rmb1085 (5x100ICE power) with the Denon 3808 right?

I think you can buy a RB1092 in the future for the mains. Is a good combo.
what for speakers do you have?

I have a 803s with Rb1092, htm3s with RB1091 and or the rear another RB1092 with 805s. B&W750 sub . Pioneer plasma Full HD lx508d. is really good.
(Pre RSP1068. I don't why of buy the new 1069 or a Denon4308. But Rotel is sure better in sound quanlity .> no hdmi 1.3? Ok, but wenn all the source will be available with the 1.3 the hdmi is sure a forget input fo me)
in the passt I have the RMB1075 + RSP 1068 dann I have buyed the RB1092 for the front and dann RMb1075 out and eplaced whit another Rb1092 and RB1091. ICE power sound I find better as "normal" RMB1075-1095-1090..

don't excitate: go with a RB1092 for the front and don't make a combi
ICE power with example a RB1080 for front only for have a 200w for front!!!


Greeting from Switzerland
Omar

[Ted]

What is the retail for the 1085 (sorry if it is above and I missed it).

Do you suppose it would make a significant improvement over a 1057, using it as the Pre/Pro? I'd add a 1068/1069 later...

Thanks!

[snowboarder]

What is the retail for the 1085

$1200

[Tha Freak]

Do you suppose it would make a significant improvement over a 1057, using it as the Pre/Pro? I'd add a 1068/1069 later...
Thanks!

my plans also...when HDMI is more available and more a "standard"

[snowboarder]

my plans also...when HDMI is more available and more a "standard"

It's already a standard. Rotel doesn't support it it doesn't mean
it's not a standard. I have 4 devices plugged in to my Denon 3808CI -
all of them through HDMI with one cable each - Toshiba A35 HD DVD,
Panasonic BD30 Blu-ray, Oppo 980H for SACDs and my Moto HD TV cable box.
What else do you need to call HDMI a standard?

[Tha Freak]

that is why i put in between {" "}...

I was meaning a standard for Rotel...

And, I'm not sure it's quite a standard...since not all company has true HDMI routing...

And I don't want a receiver...I want to go the Pre-pro/Amps way...so in the meantime, I'm looking for a multi amp...

When times comes for a pre-pro, I will look for all the alternative...

[Blindamood]

The RMB-1085 is now posted on Rotel's web site:

RMB-1085 Description

And the manual:

RMB-1085 Manual

[Blindamood]

I couldn't resist...

Went out today and ordered my RMB-1085 (in black, of course, to match the rest of my Rotel gear). Should arrive in a couple of days...can't wait to try it out. Look for a(nother) black RMB-1075 coming soon to audiogon! :B

[rick c]

Whats the cost of the 1085?if i may ask.I have a rsx1056 would the 1085 be something that would improve or be useful in my setup being its 100x5 and my rec is 75x5 but 100x2.

[shadow 8]

The price of $1200 was listed earlier in this thread.

[TommyV]

I will be interested in hearing your impressions Brad. I am planning one doing the same thing as others have mentioned here. I own a 1057 and would like to pick one of these amps to use with it and get an idea how it compares to my internal amps. Then later down the line, upgrade to a pre/pro setup.

[sprout]

Didn't want to buy 1077 as it seems overpriced comparing to the newer
(and better) 1085 plus I want something slightly more powerful for
my fronts for 2-channel music listening.

Andrew

Andrew have you owned and compared the 1077 when you say the new 1085 sounds better?

Anyone else done any direct comparisons?

sprout

[TommyV]

I would also love to hear comparisons to the 1077 as well as the 1075.

[Blindamood]

Well, my dealer finally called and told me my new RMB-1085 is in. I'll be picking it up tonight, and hopefully getting some listening time in this weekend. It was a tough call, I gotta say, because the RMB-1075 that it is replacing is really a great, rock-solid amp. I'm kinda doing this on a whim, and I hope the 1085 lives up to its predecessor. The advantages of the Class D amps (smaller size, less heat, etc.) are compelling, but I just hope the all-important sound quality is still there!

[TommyV]

I look forward to your impressions. Do you still have your 1075 to A/B test or have you already sold it?

[Blindamood]

Still have the RMB-1075. Don't know how much time I'll have to A/B though. Will see what I can do this weekend.

First impressions of the RMB-1085 (not yet hooked up) are how amazingly small and light it is, and how ventilated the top of the box is, considering how little heat it is supposed to output. Will be hooking it up tomorrow, and will definitely take some pics.

[Poki]

When the 1077 first came out, I bought it but the dealer also loaned me a 1075 to do an A/B test at my house. I definitely liked the sound of 1077 but given the cost differences, I bought the 1075 instead. At that time, I was using B&W 704s. When I upgraded to the 804S, the 1075 was not powerful enough to give it a good kick. Long story short, I rounded up buying a 1091 and 1092 to drive a pair of 802D + HDM2D. I still use the 1075 to drive the rear speakers of 805S today. However, you can clearly hear the difference if I power the 805S using the 1092.

Long story short, if you like the Rotel digital amp sound, spend a bit more money now and get the 1077 instead of kicking yourself later. I often wonder that had I just bought the 1077 in the first place, I probably would have not bought the 1091+1092. I don't regret the decision but my wife may have a different opinion.

My 2 cents.

[shadow 8]

Well, since the 1077 and 1085 are digital amps rated at the same power, what sense does it make to spend twice as much for the 1077 unless you need seven channels?

[TommyV]

The 1085 uses a newer and lesser expensive amplifier technology.

[shadow 8]

Don't think the technology is any different,and technology always becomes less expensive as time goes by, but your response does not answer my question regarding why you should pay twice as much for the same performance.

[shep]

eager to hear a comparison of RMB-1085 to 1077

...and to rest of Rotel line.

I'm a former owner of the RB-1070 and RB-1090. I miss the 1090 dearly, but would like some idea where the 1085 fits in with the rest of the current and former range of Rotel amps. Many thanks

[Blindamood]

Okay, I will finally attempt to give some of you what you are looking for!

First, some info about my setup:

Processor: Rotel RSP-1068
Source: Onkyo DV-SP1000 Universal Player (via multi-channel analog outs)
Speakers: B&W 805S, HTM4S, SCMS, and ASW 850 Sub

The speakers are all crossed over at 80Hz. Amp is powered up via 12v trigger. (For additional system details, see my profile.)

Now on to the business at hand...

My goal: My intent in purchasing the RMB-1085 is (obviously) to replace the RMB-1075. BUT, I want to emphasize that this is for aesthetics and space issues only, not the result of any issues with the 1075. In fact, I LOVE this amp, so it will be hard to replace it. If anything, I just want the 1085 to be 'as good'. I'm really hoping the 1085 is as musical overall.

I have installed the RMB-1085 into my setup, and have done some initial listening tests. But before I removed the RMB-1075, I picked out a selection of high-rez audio songs that I am familiar with, and that represent a wide range of instruments and sounds. I listened to each using the RMB-1075, and took a few notes of areas to compare. While it would be nice to do some back-and-forth comparisons between the two amps, I just don't have the time (or desire) to disconnect and reconnect more than once. So, my 'memories' of the 1075 will have to suffice.

Audio Tracks (and focus of each track):
1. Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms" (SACD) - Track 4, "Your Latest Trick"
- Horns
2. Norah Jones "Come Away with Me" (SACD) - Track 1, "Don't Know Why"
- Female vocals, percussion (snare drum)
3. Steely Dan "Gaucho" (SACD) - Track 4, "Gaucho"
- Sax, female backing vocals, male vocals
4. Emerson, Lake, and Palmer "Brain Salad Surgery" (DVD-Audio) - Track 5, "Karn Evil 9"
- Organ, Moog synthesizers
5. Donald Fagen "Morph the Cat" (DVD-Audio) - Track 1, "Morph the Cat"
- Deep bass, Fagen's vocals

Now that I've completed my initial listening, I must just say that I am very impressed! Although the amp may open up over time, I am very happy with its sound straight out of the box. Some examples of notes I wrote down while listening include:
- Bass initially a bit heavy and slightly bloated
- Sax sounds (on "Your Latest Trick") are very sweet
- Norah Jones' voice is very detailed and mesmerizing...I just kept turning up the volume.
- I am hearing the slightest bit of sibilance in her voice (but this may mellow over time...?)
- Piano chords sound very natural and full
- I'm hearing very deep, powerful bass
- I just heard a word in "Gaucho" that I've never been able to make out before (listened to this song many, many times)
- The bass is excellent! My initial impression seems to be changing and I'm enjoying the improved bass more and more.

Wrap-up
First of all, I am very happy that I am not LOSING anything with the switch to the 1085. There absolutely no noise in my system before, and there still is none. My overall impressions after the limited listening described above is that the RMB-1085 is ever so slightly more detailed, open and airy when compared to the 1075. Additionally, the overall bass seems to be a bit more deep and powerful. How these will change over time, I don't know. But for now, I have no regrets whatsoever with my choice, and I really believe these Class D amps will continue to catch on.

I foresee Rotel putting out a receiver based on these amps in the near future, just because they are so practical in terms of power vs. space used.

Next up on my day's agenda is my first Blu-Ray experience with the 1085: "Resident Evil: Extinction"....

[Blindamood]

Pics

And knowing how you folks love the pictures, here are a few comparing the two amps.

[Blindamood]

And the rest of my setup (which needs to be rearranged...eventually).

[Ferres]

I see rotel has done some changes with the new 1085. The 1077 required a few days of break in to bring up the volume and bass.

[shadow 8]

At last, a real life review of the 1085! ;x( Great job with appreciated insights. Going to upgrade my amplification in the next few months and starting to think seriously about the Rotel digital amps Your review gave me some needed food for thought. Thanks!

[Blindamood]

You're welcome. Glad to give back a bit to the forum, as I've learned so much over the last few years.

As for the RMB-1085, I'm amazed at how similar it sounds to the 1075, which is a very good thing. Watched the blu-ray of "Resident Evil: Extinction" yesterday, and WOW, the Dolby TrueHD surround was amazing! The movie itself was a bit weak, but the picture and sound quality were stellar. The 1085 really did justice to the surround effects.

Also watched some tracks of the "Dave Matthews: Live from Radio City Music Hall" blu-ray, and the guitar performances were amazing. I am definitey impressed with the 1085.

[TommyV]

Don't think the technology is any different,and technology always becomes less expensive as time goes by, but your response does not answer my question regarding why you should pay twice as much for the same performance.

As has been mentioned numerous times in this short thread, the 1085 and 1076 use the new simpler design modules as opposed to the 1077 hence the lower cost. I also posed the same question a while back in the 1077 thread and here was Kevin's response.

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showpost.php4?p=362966&postcount=341

[TommyV]

You're welcome. Glad to give back a bit to the forum, as I've learned so much over the last few years.

As for the RMB-1085, I'm amazed at how similar it sounds to the 1075, which is a very good thing. Watched the blu-ray of "Resident Evil: Extinction" yesterday, and WOW, the Dolby TrueHD surround was amazing! The movie itself was a bit weak, but the picture and sound quality were stellar. The 1085 really did justice to the surround effects.

Also watched some tracks of the "Dave Matthews: Live from Radio City Music Hall" blu-ray, and the guitar performances were amazing. I am definitey impressed with the 1085.

Brad, I am glad to have read your report. I am now even more excited about this amp based on your experience owning the 1075. Keep us updated on your continued impressions as time goes by. Sweet setup by the way. You said you wanted more space by switching to the 1085. Are you planning on adding any other components in there?

[Blindamood]

Brad, I am glad to have read your report. I am now even more excited about this amp based on your experience owning the 1075. Keep us updated on your continued impressions as time goes by. Sweet setup by the way. You said you wanted more space by switching to the 1085. Are you planning on adding any other components in there?

Thanks. Not really adding any more components...just considering moving in the near future to a smaller space, in a warmer climate (e.g., Florida).

[Blindamood]

12v Trigger Operation

I am activating the RMB-1085 via 12v trigger from my processor. I noticed that a few moments after the processor shuts down, the RMB-1085's power light goes out and the Protection light comes on. Since this is different from the RMB-1075 (where the protection lights come on momentarily and then go off) I asked Rotel tech support whether this is normal. Rotel verified that this is indeed the way the 1085 should work, in order to indicate that the amp is in standby.

[Kevin D]

Yeah, I've learned to accept that as long as they come on for some amount of time either at turn on or turn off, it's working right.

My 1077 and 1092 both behave differently. And if I remember right, both are different then my old 1095!

Kevin D.

[shadow 8]

Am thinking of buying a 1085 to be driven by my 1056. Looking for more input on how it drives low impedence loads.

[shadow 8]

M

My 1085 Review

Well, I borrowed a 1085 for the weekend so I thought I would give my initial impressions. The amp is brand new out of the box and I have used it now for about 15 hours. My setup is as follows: Rotel 1056 receiver, Rotel RB 1070 amp, Denon 3910 dvd player, 5.1 channel Martin Logan speaker setup (Aeon i, Cinema, Frescos, Depth sub). Velodyne SMS-1 bass EQ. All speakers set to small with x-over at 80 hz. Room is 17 x 13 x 8 with sound treatments at first reflections points and bass traps in two available corners.
Initial impressions: I use an RB 1070 to drive the mains in my system so thats how I initially set this up with the same interconnects and power cord. The amp is dead quiet compared to my previous setup to the point that I was amazed. I never noticed any noise or hiss of any kind with the 1070 but this amp on analog two channel music was extraordinarily quiet, which made a great improvement in low level detail retrieval. The amp is just wonderful with two channel material with great bass and slightly soft highs compared to the 1070. There is kind of an easy "rightness" to the midrange that is hard to describe but which eludes the 1070. I tried two channel music through the digital input of my 1056, both in stereo and DPL II. It sounded very good but there was a noticable lack of the transparency I got with the analog input, which says a lot about the amp. I next moved on to hook up all five channels for SACD and DVD-A. Again, lack of noise/clarity was obviously better than previous setup. More than enough power on any listening level I could ever use. This was the best high def music I have heard in my room. I finally moved to dvd movies. Decided to try Transformers and set it far louder than I normally set it. Absolutely great sound quality with no sense of compression or the amp running out of power. Effects were accurately reproduced and quite easy to follow despite the high volume levels, with peaks of around 95 dbs :E As expected, the amp runs incredibly cool. It gets slightly warm in the rear/middle of the amp, and it never gets warmer in my experience no matter how long you play it. The size also creates a sense of cognitive dissonance. How can an amp that weighs less than my dvd player put out the kind of clean power the 1085 does?

Conclusion: This one is definitely a winner. I owned a 1095 and used a 1075 on a home trial, and this one sonically beats them both due to its transparency. The 1095 no doubt has more power, but I never taxed its output when I owned it and I have not reached the power limits of the 1085 either. At a price of $1200, its a steal. I think it will stay where it is.

[randyman]

rmb-1085

Thanks for the mini review there. I too am coming from a large Parasound amp that pumped out nearly 300 watts into my 4 ohm Dynaudio's. I am still somewhat scared about the loss of power in going with this amp. Did you honestly not notice much of a difference from when you were using your 1095? I don't usually listen at insane levels anyway so I'm guessing that if I cross my mains, center, and surrounds over at say 60-80hz, I should be fine with the wattage that this amp puts out.

[gianni]

Thanks Shadow 8. Nice review and very useful in that there are not many comparisons with the amps you used. I was very curious as to how the 1085 would compare to a 1070 for the mains. Not that I make my decisions on reviews but this gives me all the more reason to take a close look at the class d amps. The 1085 appears to be the bang for the buck sweet spot.


Another thought: I know that when evaluating an amp what you hear is always more important than what the spec sheet claims. Even knowing this, one thing I keep wondering about: why is the S/N ratio for the RB-1070 is 120db while the 100w class D amps are all in the 105 db range? The class D's are commonly described as having black backgrounds - something I think S/N ratio would have some bearing on. Granted, these are different technologies that may respond differently to various tests. Hmmmm.....somebody must know the answer to this. Maybe the noise is in the upper frequencies which should be above what is normally used but measurable in these tests?

Anybody care to enlighten me?

[shadow 8]

I was frankly very surprised with my findings. I did not expect any difference on two channel analog from my 1070. The power ratings are almost identical with a slight advantage to the 1070 and as noted the S/N specs favor the 1070, but for whatever reason, the 1085 just sounded like music was coming from a quieter/darker background. It should be noted that my Logans are very revealing in the midrange and treble to any problems with upstream components or software you are using which highlights what a great job the 1085 did in my setup. Poor CDs still sounded bad, but their deficiencies were not exaggerated by the amp, and one could hear through the defects to the music as a whole, which is very good for so many recordings of great music recorded with less than exemplary sound.
Randy, I always felt that the 1095 was a worthwhile improvement at higher playback levels to the 1056, but IMO it sounded sonically identical, only cleaner at higher playback levels. The 1085 sounds smoother than the 1056/70 in the upper midrange and treble with similar sound quality in bass. The Dynaudio is less efficient than my Logans so, depending on how much of that 300 wpc you are now using from your Parasound, you may find the output of the 1085 inadequate. I would recommend a home trial for anyone who is thinking of going from a quality five channel or stereo amp to the 1085. Thats the only way you can be assured of whether this amp is right for you.