My personal observation RC-1070 vs RC-1082

[miner]

For my secondary, analogue-only sytem I have a Rotel RC-1070 pre & RB-1070 amp. This combo was my first seperates. I then upgraded to a RC-1090 pre and RB-1092 amp. Yes, an upgrade. My dealer asked me if I was interested in trying an upgrade once I told him about my analogue-only system. He let me take home a RC-1082 nad RB-1080 - both shelf models, broken in. IMHO, I could not tell any sonic improvement at my listening levels - about 12 o'clock on the volume control. I was expecting some but was astonded when I heard nothing. To upgrade would have cost me $1500 plus trade-in. I can no way justify the difference for the improvement, or lack there of. I know there are many RC-1070 bashers on here but this comparison just blew me away - in my mind the RC-1070 pre is decent and can hold its own against a newer model. BTW, my source is a Rega P7 TT and Dynavector DV20X H cartridge - a decent source. My speakers with this system are Dynaudio Audience 52SE and Audience Sub20A. Should I get my hearing checked? Oh, I am not interested in spending $$$$ for a sonic improvement on paper. This hobby is so subjective.

[gianni]

miner,

Based on my own observations:

The biggest changes come from better speakers and setup/room treatment.

Next in line is upgrading from poor electronics to good ones.

Going from good electronics to great ones may sometimes yield a small improvement if all else is in order - ymmv. Here we have potential for lots of hocus pocus and voodoo.

All of the above really need good source material to sound their best.

Contrary to what some would like to hear, you ears likely are just fine.
I went through the same thing a couple of years back with equipment that was (on paper) better than the Rotels. I know how you feel.

[mjb]

IMO, speakers are the main component. Once the electronics are above a certain quality level, the improvements vs. price are exponentially minimal. Whether an 'upgrade' is worth the extra investment is a matter of opinion (and budget), so I'd be pleased with this discovery! You have a fine system, so enjoy it for what it is!

[miner]

Enjoying it, I am! My next purchase will be a CD Recorder to archive some vinyl LPs. I currently have an Aiwa XC-RW700 but I think I need one with a HD like a Yamaha HD1500.

[bleeding ears]

I can report similar findings with different setups.

No or very little difference.

I compared a older but once top of the line Rotel 990 2 channel preamp against my 1068 processor and found to my amazement that I preferred the 1068.

There were differences but not enough for me to ditch the 1068, in fact the advantages of being able to tailor the sound with the many settings on the 1068 made it the better option in my opinion.

My finding was somewhat dissapointing as what I looked forward to and thought was an upgrade path had turned out to be non existent or not worth considering.

I am sure others will argue this and swear I am deaf, but with my ears that is what I heard.

In my opinion there was no need for a pure 2 channel system and no need to go beyond what the 1068 offers.

Now if you had components worth a lot more money that could change things but I cannot justify that expense and am pretty happy with what I hear now.

Miner , it is good to hear (or not hear) that you, as I have found, are deaf or just not imagining differences in sound quality.

And before anyone asks, yes I did use the same other components in the same room, with the same recording and volume level etc etc.

Pete