Pre/Pro- Rotel, Outlaw 990

[RoMan]

Hi everybody,

I'm considering a pre-amp for my RB 1090 and RMB 1095. I am looking at Rotel RSP 1068 (used) or an Outlaw 990. I would say around 1100 bucks or under would suffice for the moment.

I considered the RSP 1069 but it is very expensive and has many issues that I hope can and will get worked out in the near future.

Can anyone share anything in regards to the RSP 1068? Does it upconvert from its component video outputs? Would it be worth it?

I know this is a Rotel forum but would the Outlaw 990 preamp be a good match for my Rotel amps?

With BD, would I be better off getting a receiver with pre-outs and the latest surround formats??

Any help would be appreciated so I can set a plan into motion. Thanks again all.

RoMan

[Mig17]

1068 does have many issues too

[cfrizz]

I would look elsewhere for a prepro. From what I read the Outlaw is a very good one (but it is HUGE!!!) so make sure you have room for it. I also think they will be issuing a replacement for it sometime this year so you might want to wait until then.

[RoMan]

1068 does have many issues too

What types of issues? Can you elaborate? As stated previously, I'm not willing to dish out 2200 bucks for a pre/pro at this time(RSP 1069- MRSP).

I am willing to go at the most 1500.00 if need be but a pre/pro that can sell for 1100.00 new or used at least 900 bucks I would definitely consider for sure.

Mig17- in your experience how does the 1068 compare to 990 pre/pro?

[RoMan]

I would look elsewhere for a prepro. From what I read the Outlaw is a very good one (but it is HUGE!!!) so make sure you have room for it. I also think they will be issuing a replacement for it sometime this year so you might want to wait until then.

I've read some excellent reviews for the Outlaw 990 that was why I was considering it and the size is not an issue to me. My Rotel amps are pretty big too. I'm quite aware of the size issue.

At this point, with all the information flying around about lossless audio, BR, PCM, HDMI etc it appears I may want to wait for a few years until this whole issue is settled down. I am running a Denon 3803 now as a pre/pro but feel I can move this into my bedroom and get a real pre/pro to do surround duties. I understand the Outlaw uses DVI for HDMI switching. If I were to get an LCD tv then I would need to get a DVI to HDMI cable for video correct? As for the audio, I dont mind sending the signals to the pre/pro separately as I am used of doing that task.

cfrizz- you know for certain that Outlaw is coming out with newer version? Anything you can add to that statement? It may explain why there is a sale on the pre/pros at Outlaw on their website. Do you have any other recommendations for a pre/pro?

Forum members- Please don't hesitate to add any info as I do appreciate all responses and your experiences you've had in this addicting hobby. Feel free to drop a line or PM me. It will certainly help as I start to make a plan to get this in motion.

RoMan. :T

[lvhung]

Please search at this forum
:evil:

What types of issues? Can you elaborate? As stated previously, I'm not willing to dish out 2200 bucks for a pre/pro at this time(RSP 1069- MRSP).

I am willing to go at the most 1500.00 if need be but a pre/pro that can sell for 1100.00 new or used at least 900 bucks I would definitely consider for sure.

Mig17- in your experience how does the 1068 compare to 990 pre/pro?

[riceaterslc]

i've had my 990 for nearly two years. i have never had a rotel system so i cannot compare between the two. however, i have to say i have been nothing BUT pleased with the 990. i have had only one (small) setting problem with it and customer support walked me through each step on the phone.

however, with all the new formats associated with HD, i would wait until outlaw comes out with a HDMI compliant unit. the word on the street is summer 08. the 990 only has one set of analog 7.1 inputs and i don't know if any HD players have decoded HD dolby or DTS analog outputs :T

[RoMan]

Please search at this forum
:evil:

;x(

I can do a search but my point is for members who have experience to share their experience with me and/or knowledge of this product is what I am looking for at this time as it is very helpful to read their opinions and knowledge to the subject of this thread.

Please, if anyone looking at this thread has nothing to contribute besides things I already know then move on to the next thread. I appreciate it very much. Those who wish to share their experience relating to the subject of this thread you are quite welcome. Sorry in advance if I offended anyone but I would do the same.

RoMan

[RoMan]

i've had my 990 for nearly two years. i have never had a rotel system so i cannot compare between the two. however, i have to say i have been nothing BUT pleased with the 990. i have had only one (small) setting problem with it and customer support walked me through each step on the phone.

however, with all the new formats associated with HD, i would wait until outlaw comes out with a HDMI compliant unit. the word on the street is summer 08. the 990 only has one set of analog 7.1 inputs and i don't know if any HD players have decoded HD dolby or DTS analog outputs :T

Thank you riceaterslc for your comments. Much appreciated. I looked on Outlaws saloon site and their was no mention of a new pre/pro on their annoucements section. Interesting to see how much they will upgrade with respect to HDMI. I guess they figure the new codecs will be a firm thing and they are ready to install HDMI to their pre/pros. Do you think this is the case?

RoMan

[eelco74]

[QUOTE=RoMan I am running a Denon 3803 now as a pre/pro but feel I can move this into my bedroom and get a real pre/pro to do surround duties. I understand the Outlaw uses DVI for HDMI switching. If I were to get an LCD tv then I would need to get a DVI to HDMI cable for video correct? As for the audio, I dont mind sending the signals to the pre/pro separately as I am used of doing that task.
RoMan. :T[/QUOTE]

Roman,

I have owned a 3801 and used it as a pre/pro as well. I tried the 3803 but it sounded as good (or bad) as the 3801.

Next I tried the RSp1068 and the performance was huge. The major problem of the Denon is its warm and muddy sound. Bass is not very tight and details get lost in the mid/high range. As far as Stereo performace the upgrade is well worth it. Also in DD/DTS the steering is better than the Denon.

Don't be fooled by ealier comments about the 1068 problems, they all got sorted out with software updates a long time ago. I have used my RSP1068 for several years, and only sold it because I upgraded to the 1098.

[Gummo]

eelco74, what are your impressions of the 1068 vs. 1098?

[RoMan]

Roman,

I have owned a 3801 and used it as a pre/pro as well. I tried the 3803 but it sounded as good (or bad) as the 3801.

Next I tried the RSp1068 and the performance was huge. The major problem of the Denon is its warm and muddy sound. Bass is not very tight and details get lost in the mid/high range. As far as Stereo performace the upgrade is well worth it. Also in DD/DTS the steering is better than the Denon.

Don't be fooled by ealier comments about the 1068 problems, they all got sorted out with software updates a long time ago. I have used my RSP1068 for several years, and only sold it because I upgraded to the 1098.

Hi eelco74. I read your review on the RSP 1068 on audioreview.com. You mentioned hiss when the volume was turned up. That is of concern to me as my Denon 3803 doesnt do that when I turn it up. What causes the hiss?
Is this a design flaw of these units? How do you cope with it?

RoMan

[RoMan]

GREAT NEWS!!

I found a used Rotel RSP 1068 on the website. I will be purchasing it in a day or two...woohoo..I'm really excited. Its a couple of years old. I think 900 CAD is a fair price for it. If I would have bought it across the border it would've cost at least 1000 CAD or more with shipping and taxes, brokerage etc. So thanks to all for the responses. I had to move on this one quickly and its in Black so it will mate well with my RB 1090 and RMB 1095.

Cheers all.

:T

[RoMan]

GREAT NEWS!!

I found a used Rotel RSP 1068 on the website. I will be purchasing it in a day or two...woohoo..I'm really excited. Its a couple of years old. I think 900 CAD is a fair price for it. If I would have bought it across the border it would've cost at least 1000 CAD or more with shipping and taxes, brokerage etc. So thanks to all for the responses. I had to move on this one quickly and its in Black so it will mate well with my RB 1090 and RMB 1095.

Cheers all.

:T

Hi everybody. Well my new RSP 1068 is all set up and so far I must say I am very impressed with this pre/pro. I thought my Denon 3803 was pretty good until I hooked up the 1068...dont get me wrong Denon still is a pretty good product but compared to this pre/pro it definitely is a step up in sound quality thats for darn sure.

So far, I've just listened to music on it and PCM 2 Channel is the one I am using now and it sounds amazing!! I was surprised analog bypass doesnt use the subwoofer but my DT BP7002's should still sound pretty awesome even in this mode. I've yet to try it.

I've noticed more openess, stellar mid range, airy sound, clear and crisp and the bass end is more controlled. I run 2 SVS subs and they are even more clearer than before. I can't even tell they are there.

This is just a short review as I have yet to try any movies but so far a concert dvd sounded like I was in the front row. Lots of depth on the soundstage I have noticed with the RSP 1068.

So far I am one happy camper and I am still tweaking at the moment but all I can say is WOW!! I dont regret spending a single penny for the elevation in sound quality and options.

:T

RoMan

[cfrizz]

Congrats RoMan.

I found the exact same thing when I changed over to a straight prepro as well. My Denon did a good job, but my Sunfire does a better one.

As is the case in most of this hobby, you just don't know until you do make the upgrade. Then trying to explain the difference to other people is practically impossible!

Enjoy.