A taste of the new Rotel 15 Series

[artv4]

I just found this picture of the series.

awesome!@!!!!!!

[Mikael]

Here is some nice pics from CEDIA.http://www.engadgethd.com/photos/bow...-tour/1020732/ look at picture 12,the new series looks amazing in black.

[bzrk]

and the silver ones

[gianni]

I have a RSP-1069 and I proud of the old-style facing, as opposed to the futuristic shiny toaster :B. Honestly, the new 15s don't look that bad, but I'm pretty content with my RSP-1069. Plus it matches with my 10 series RMB.

Missed this one the first first time through....the shiny toaster thing made me chuckle.

[imbeaujp]

And what about a BluRay player for the 10 series ???

JP

[wz2p7j]

Design

I think the units would look really cool with black face plates and the little chrome end pieces intact - would that look cool in a rack or what? BTW - what about a Rotel BluRay player?

Chris

[TommyV]

I personally love the way these new units look and cannot wait to snag one. I do understand others being a little more resistant to the change though. If I was like Kevin with a rack full of 10 series gear, it might be a different story. I only have to replace my 1057 and I think the 1560 will look wonderful with the rest of my gear.

[watchnerd]

I also love the way the new units look and am planning some 15 series pieces to be my first Rotel gear.

I'm certainly going to pick up one of the 15 series Class D amps, although I don't know which one yet. By the way, does anyone know if these use the ICEpower modules, or are they based on a different technology?

I may or may not go for the RSP-1570; I'm comparing it to the upcoming Emotiva UMC-1. Some of the questions I have regarding the RSP-1570 are:

1. Will it support DSD over HDMI input? The Integra 9.8 does this, and it's nice to have for SACD.

2. Does it have Dolby Digital Volume as a feature? Not a deal breaker.

3. Does it have any kind of room calibration feature?

[Kyle]

I'm definitely looking at picking up a RSP-1570 to replace my RSP-1068. I had considered first buying a DVDO VP50, then the DVDO EDGE, but I think in the long run upgrading my Pre/Pro is a better bet.

I am interested in the room calibration features (or lack thereof). It's not a dealbreaker, but it would be nice.

I'd also like to know how the Faroudja upscaling does compared to the other popular chipsets. Does it support custom output resolutions, or does it work like the DVDO EDGE? The EDGE looks for your panel's output resolution in the EDID handshake and sets the output resolution. I'm not sure if any tvs don't handle that handshake properly, but I do know that there isn't a way to manually force a particular resolution.

Oh and I read on another forum that according to a Rotel rep, the RSP-1570 is their new flagship model -- from what the person speaking with the rep gathered, the RSP-1098 never sold that well and the screen was regarded by many as a gimmick, so Rotel decided not to confuse the matter and stick with a single Pre/Pro. Sucks for those who used balanced outputs, but good for the rest of us (or people who were on the fence waiting).

[TommyV]

I never did like that screen on the 1098. Reminds me of the people I see driving around with screens in the back of their headrests.

[bnieman]

The new series in black is really sharp although I've always been a fan of Rotel's red LEDs, the blue might take some getting used to.

Black components, rack mounted

I recently got a RMB-1085 Class D 5-channel amp, regarding performance I wonder how the new amps stack up.

I must say the new Classe look is very nice, I wish I could afford it!

[watchnerd]

I just talked to my local dealer and he said the 15 series should arrive within 60 days.

He also said that the RSP-1570 does support DSD over HDMI decoding.

[hifiguymi]

If you have an SACD player that does DSD to PCM conversion in it you can use the HDMI for SACD. I know Pioneer Elite's DVD players with HDMI out that play SACD convert DSD to PCM and they work fine (not just with Rotel, but anything that doesn't have DSD decoding). Do you have an SACD player with HDMI out? If so, which model do you have?

Eric

[watchnerd]

If you have an SACD player that does DSD to PCM conversion in it you can use the HDMI for SACD. I know Pioneer Elite's DVD players with HDMI out that play SACD convert DSD to PCM and they work fine (not just with Rotel, but anything that doesn't have DSD decoding). Do you have an SACD player with HDMI out? If so, which model do you have?

Eric

The Oppo DV-980H does DSD over HDMI without converting to PCM first.

There are a couple of Denons that do the same.

[hifiguymi]

The Oppo DV-980H does DSD over HDMI without converting to PCM first.

There are a couple of Denons that do the same.

There are no Denon players that do SACD over HDMI. They only do it over the Denon Link.

I know there is a $1500.00 Sony ES player that is coming soon that does DSD over HDMI. That is the only player outside of the Oppo that will do it.

Eric

[Kal Rubinson]

The Oppo DV-980H does DSD over HDMI without converting to PCM first.

There are a couple of Denons that do the same.

So will the Pioneer DV-48 and DV-58. PCM is an option.

Kal

[watchnerd]

Some additional information about the 15 series, based upon what my dealer told me:

The RB-1572 uses ICEpower modules. Didn't ask about the others, but it might be a reasonable guess that the pricier ones do, too.

The RSP-1570 process does not include Audyssey or other room correcting software, nor does it feature Dolby Volume.

[Mikael]

The RB 1562 is basically the same amp as the RB 1072, and it uses ICEpower.

[hifiguymi]

All of the Rotel class D amps use ICE Power modules. They don't all use the same module for a given output, but they are all ICE Power.

Eric

[GillianSeed]

Hmmm, no room correction by software. Only one (expensive) option left, Equalizer.
Maybe the 1098 replacement will offer this?
Otherwise, NAD Master Series is the way to go.

[watchnerd]

If I have a two channel system, in a modest-sized room, and no subwoofer, do I really even need / would benefit from, room correction?

[watchnerd]

Hmmm, no room correction by software. Only one (expensive) option left, Equalizer.
Maybe the 1098 replacement will offer this?
Otherwise, NAD Master Series is the way to go.

I thought the RSP-1570 is the 1098 replacement?

[Kevin D]

1570 is the 1069 replacement. Who know's if there will be a 1098 replacement (might come next year).

Room correction is a tough debate. Some would say you don't need it, some swear by it. The fact is unless everyone would be willing to pay a lot more per unit, you probably won't see it on a Rotel piece anytime soon.

Kevin D.

[watchnerd]

Just pre-ordered the RSP-1570 and RB-1572. Dealer said it should arrive by November 1.

[Nolan B]

1570 is the 1069 replacement. Who know's if there will be a 1098 replacement (might come next year).

Room correction is a tough debate. Some would say you don't need it, some swear by it. The fact is unless everyone would be willing to pay a lot more per unit, you probably won't see it on a Rotel piece anytime soon.

Kevin D.

Kevin,
Will you change all of your equipment to the equivalent/upgrade of the new series?

[artv4]

Just pre-ordered the RSP-1570 and RB-1572. Dealer said it should arrive by November 1.

I AM GOING TO MY AUDIO SHOP TODAY TO PRE-ORDER THE RSX-1550 :T

[Leef DaLucky]

Silly question guys, but does that Audesy stuff do more than level match?
I was always under the impression that all it did was SPL adjust my speakers to a central monitoring point (via microphone).
And THAT, i can do with my trusty Ratshack meter.
is there inherent software mechanisms in place for peaks and room nulls in this thing?
like, would it take into account a specific room dynamic, sonically measure it and start adjusting for certain frequencies to achieve a flat response?

[Kevin D]

It does levels, distance, eq, etc from 3 or more listening positions.

I typically find it better to use a tape measure, an spl meter, and treat the room or change speakers. Not a big fan of EQ outside of subwoofers.

Kevin D.

[Alpha231]

If I have a two channel system, in a modest-sized room, and no subwoofer, do I really even need / would benefit from, room correction?

Proper speaker placement is more critical in 2ch than any room correction done via auto EQ...

[watchnerd]

Thanks, good to know, as I'd rather not muck with it.

[GillianSeed]

I do have a perfect placement for my speakers, without the help of Audyssey.
And its realy noticable, iff Audyssey is active, or disabled.
What Audyssey realy does, can be seen here


This is offtopic, but to me its unfair to say, audyssey just tells you how far away your speakers are and brings nothing, if they stand already on the right place.

[shadow 8]

Really like your Dynaudio setup :T What models are they? Are they in maple finish? I don't think anyone is saying that Audessey only does speaker distance. It obviously does EQ as well, but not all of us are sold on the idea that the EQ function outweighs the sonic penalty of using it.

[watchnerd]

Really like your Dynaudio setup :T What models are they? Are they in maple finish? I don't think anyone is saying that Audessey only does speaker distance. It obviously does EQ as well, but not all of us are sold on the idea that the EQ function outweighs the sonic penalty of using it.

What sort of sonic penalty is involved?

[Mig17]

I do have a perfect placement for my speakers, without the help of Audyssey.
And its realy noticable, iff Audyssey is active, or disabled.
What Audyssey realy does, can be seen here


This is offtopic, but to me its unfair to say, audyssey just tells you how far away your speakers are and brings nothing, if they stand already on the right place.

Oh oh that is dynaudio contour 1.4 and center
I use the Adience 52 only

[Zoran]

Getting insight into the approaching Rotel gama, I must say a few words: I am immensely happy being a RC-1090/RB-1090 owner...

Goodby Rotel...

Until one beautiful day, likely many years ahead, when some Rotel krell-like fully balanced two-channel big amp will be unveiled...

AV processors, multiamps and ICEs are certainly not things that hold me in audio. So sad place became this one...

[Kevin D]

Getting insight into the approaching Rotel gama, I must say a few words: I am immensely happy being a RC-1090/RB-1090 owner...

Goodby Rotel...

Until one beautiful day, likely many years ahead, when some Rotel krell-like fully balanced two-channel big amp will be unveiled...

AV processors, multiamps and ICEs are certainly not things that hold me in audio. So sad place became this one...

The only thing shown at Cedia was the home theater pieces. The new two channel stuff isn't going to be shown until CES (January).

Kevin D.

[DrJRapp]

I think the amp will retain the characteristics of the Processor. Is it worth it? Dunno.

I have a Rotel 1085 for my surround and rear speakers hooked up to my SSP-800 and it blends well with my CA-3200 powering the front speakers.

Several years ago when I was running an RSP 1098 into a an RB1080 for my mains and an RMB 1075 for everything else, I went about an exploration of various manufacturers amp combinations with the Rotel processor. This exploration included the then ground breaking RMB 1077. What I discovered along the way was that the Rotel processor was far better than any of the Rotel amps, and when combined with high quality power from other manufacturers, the 1098 would really start to sing. The somewhat "rounded" high frequency voicing of the Rotel amps limited the sense of transparency in music. What I ultimatly wound up with was an Aragon 3005 for everything but my rear centers which I powered with the 1080. I've maintained this amp configuration to this date even though I've cycled through an Anthem Statement D2 and Integra DTC 9.8 processors.

[Blindamood]

Honestly, I like the look of the new Rotel line, though I have been quite happy with the 10-series products I've owned over the past few years.

However, what turns me off lately is the Rotel dealer network. When I moved to Florida, I had to find a new dealer. I drove the 15 miles or so to get there (no problem), but when I arrived and told the guy I wanted to buy an RSP-1069 (not just look, buy), all I got was a long-winded story about how they do not keep any in stock ("too many sku's to stock them all"), cannot offer anything off list, Rotel is really cracking down on their dealers not to deal...and to top it off, he told me I'd have to pay for the shipping to his store!

So, rather than work with this guy any more, I promptly went home and ordered a new Denon receiver with all the bells-and-whistles for 35% off list price (and free shipping) and received it in 3 days. I know that this is something you have to deal with for some of the more exclusive product lines, but this was ridiculous. Prior to moving, my former long-term dealer in Cincinnati had his Rotel/B&W line pulled, but even then I could go to another nearby dealer and easily negotiate 10% off list.

In the age of the Internet, the exclusive dealer network stuff just doesn't fly for me anymore. If I can get online and order comparable products like NAD or Parasound, for example, I'm much more willing to do that then having to put up with an arrogant dealer. So, unless something changes, I'm unlikely to purchase any more Rotel anytime soon.

<sorry for the rant...> :roll:

[DrJRapp]

In the age of the Internet, the exclusive dealer network stuff just doesn't fly for me anymore. If I can get online and order comparable products like NAD or Parasound, for example, I'm much more willing to do that then having to put up with an arrogant dealer. So, unless something changes, I'm unlikely to purchase any more Rotel anytime soon.

<sorry for the rant...> :roll:

I know which dealer you refer to, I purchase my first Rotel gear there. Ther are better dealers willing to deal on packages just go a bit further north.

[Blindamood]

Thanks Jerry...I do understand that not all dealers operate the same way. If it's not too much farther north, maybe I'll check it out one of these days.

[TommyV]

I completely agree. I can't stand most of these high end av sales people. Occasionally you will run into a good one but more often than not, you will have an experience similar to the one you described.

Honestly, I like the look of the new Rotel line, though I have been quite happy with the 10-series products I've owned over the past few years.

However, what turns me off lately is the Rotel dealer network. When I moved to Florida, I had to find a new dealer. I drove the 15 miles or so to get there (no problem), but when I arrived and told the guy I wanted to buy an RSP-1069 (not just look, buy), all I got was a long-winded story about how they do not keep any in stock ("too many sku's to stock them all"), cannot offer anything off list, Rotel is really cracking down on their dealers not to deal...and to top it off, he told me I'd have to pay for the shipping to his store!

So, rather than work with this guy any more, I promptly went home and ordered a new Denon receiver with all the bells-and-whistles for 35% off list price (and free shipping) and received it in 3 days. I know that this is something you have to deal with for some of the more exclusive product lines, but this was ridiculous. Prior to moving, my former long-term dealer in Cincinnati had his Rotel/B&W line pulled, but even then I could go to another nearby dealer and easily negotiate 10% off list.

In the age of the Internet, the exclusive dealer network stuff just doesn't fly for me anymore. If I can get online and order comparable products like NAD or Parasound, for example, I'm much more willing to do that then having to put up with an arrogant dealer. So, unless something changes, I'm unlikely to purchase any more Rotel anytime soon.

<sorry for the rant...> :roll:

[gianni]

New series has a striking resemblance to Shanling A3000.

[Kyle]

Just got off the phone with my local stereo shop. He hadn't heard anything from Rotel so he gave them a call.

According to him, Rotel said they are releasing the 15 series in 2 "waves".

The receiver and a "couple of amps" will come out early Novermber. The second wave, which includes the processor and the rest of the amps will be out late November, possibly even into December.

[soundhound]

I know what I am getting from Santa.......

[dolfan]

It looks like the Rotel 5 channel receiver is not Class D only the 7 channel receiver and amps are?