A taste of the new Rotel 15 Series

[jdc115]

I heard the T175 is getting a upgrade, has it yet? I understand it as it's a updated card.

NAD is releasing a "HD" Version, so they will have a T175HD that will contain an advance Sigma video chip, on board decoding for Dobly TrueHD and DTS HDMA, as well as some of the more advance features of Audyssey.

For the T175, they will release a few cards that can be individually installed to add these features as needed though they will not be so cheap.

Since I use the PS3, I do not need on board decoding on my processor nor do I need video upconverting and my TV is 1080i anyway. So I will skip the upgrades and keep the T175 as is.

I believe they will release the upgrade cards sometime in December or early next year.

[cdika17]

New Rotel 15 series website now up!

http://www.rotel15series.com/

Just a new home page, redirects to rotel.com

[schmick]

RSP-1570 or RSP-1069

Faced with a few month wait for the New Rotel 15 series processor, will it be worth the wait or is it still worth considering the 1069, if you have a Blu-ray player that decodes to LPCM rather than passing through the bitstream to the processor for decoding?

Due to the weak $AUD vs the $USD the cost of the new processor could be considerable higher than RSP-1069 RRP of $1,699 RRP, is the price difference justified?

Is LPCM future proof? and will it always be available on inputs such as Satellite / Free to Air DVB / Games Consoles etc? or will you be faced with having to upgrade your processor anyway in the future due to lack of LPCM on some inputs? I know upgrading is always on the cards but at least 5 years out of a component would be good.

Any comments related to these questions would be greatly appreciated....

[gd]

Nothing is future-proof anymore.

[mjb]

Is LPCM future proof? and will it always be available on inputs such as Satellite / Free to Air DVB / Games Consoles etc? or will you be faced with having to upgrade your processor anyway in the future due to lack of LPCM on some inputs? I know upgrading is always on the cards but at least 5 years out of a component would be good.

I think LPCM is relatively safe (for a bit longer) thanks to CD's, but the future comes quicker these days. 5 years out of a component? I wish.

[atchudy]

what would a RB-1080 run new now?

Will the used prices also be coming down?

[Kevin D]

Don't see the 1080 on my price list. Either they are all ready out, or it's hanging around for a bit..

Kevin D.

[GillianSeed]

Kevin, do you know the special pricing for RB-1072 RB-1091 RB-1092?
If they are cheaper, and they sound the same as the 15 Series i would buy them.

[hifiguymi]

The RB-1080 is not on the closeout list as Kevin said probably due to the 10 Series stereo components not being replaced until next year. Rotel has not said if they are going to do a class A/B amp again or not. If they aren't they may just let the supply they have run out and let those amps discontinue themselves.

As for the RB-1072, the closeout price is $699.00 and that is for silver only. They are out of them in black.

The RB-1092 is $1999.00 and was available in both colors as of the beginning of October.

The RB-1091 is $999.00 in both colors as above.

Neither the RB-1091 nor the RB-1092 are going to have a direct replacement. The RB-1572 (and the RMB-1575) at 250 watts per channel will the the top end amp(s) in the 15 Series. If you want a 500 watt amp, get it now.

Eric

[Pitou5]

The owner's manual are up on Rotel's site.

I just read the RSX-1550 manual and there is one thing I'm really disappointed about.

My goal is to have only 1 HDMI cable between my receiver and my display.

In the video scaling table page 17, if I connect a 1080p component source, the only output possible is component 1080p, I would have prefer, that it outputs on the HDMI.

The problem lies with my Xbox360 which outputs 1080p on component. I guess, I'll have to set it to 1080i.

Pitou!

[atchudy]

The RB-1080 is not on the closeout list as Kevin said probably due to the 10 Series stereo components not being replaced until next year. Rotel has not said if they are going to do a class A/B amp again or not. If they aren't they may just let the supply they have run out and let those amps discontinue themselves.

As for the RB-1072, the closeout price is $699.00 and that is for silver only. They are out of them in black.

The RB-1092 is $1999.00 and was available in both colors as of the beginning of October.

The RB-1091 is $999.00 in both colors as above.

Neither the RB-1091 nor the RB-1092 are going to have a direct replacement. The RB-1572 (and the RMB-1575) at 250 watts per channel will the the top end amp(s) in the 15 Series. If you want a 500 watt amp, get it now.

Eric

How would the RB-1072 compare to a RB-1080

[hifiguymi]

The RB-1072, like all of the class D amps from Rotel, tend to sound faster and have more detail in the midrange and treble than the class A/B amps (like the RB-1080). The bass is detailed and clean as well but compared to the RB-1080 it's not as big. The RB-1080 is very smooth and its bass is really strong and powerful. Some people think the RB-1080 is too laid back.

They are different enough that I would recommend you listen to each of them and try to do it with the speakers you have. I know that is not always possible however. What is the rest of your system?

Eric

[Mikael]

I have a different opinion.I have had both RB1080 and RB1090 and now I got the RB1072.The RB1072 is by far the most warm and musical sounding of the 3.Yes the RB1080 is more neutral and laidback compared to the RB1090 and they have almost too much control over the bass.The Rb1072 has a more full/mellow bass but still punchy.IMO

But again go out and listen your self and then decide.Good luck

[scanido]

Does anyone know if the new surround receivers/processors are outputting OSD functionality to the display device?

[hifiguymi]

Are you asking if the OSD will overlay on the picture that your are watching? If that is the case, then no they don't. When ever you bring up the OSD it shuts of the picture that you are watching.

Eric

[scanido]

Are you asking if the OSD will overlay on the picture that your are watching? If that is the case, then no they don't. When ever you bring up the OSD it shuts of the picture that you are watching.

Eric

Yes, I was just hoping the volume level would be overlayed onto the display as my new AV stand has a door and I cannot see the volume display of my RSX-1057.

[hifiguymi]

From what I could tell from the manual of the RSX-1550 (which is on Rotel's web site) it doesn't look like they will do volume display.

Eric

[hifiguymi]

Just an update on the 15 Series.

Rotel started taking dealer orders on the RSX-1550, RSX-1560, RSP-1570, RMB-1575, RMB-1565, and RB-1562 yesterday and will start shipping the amps and the RSX-1550 this week. The RSX-1560 and RSP-1570 will be shipping next month. Rotel is doing 100% QC on the first batch of the preamp and receivers to make sure all is well and it has been. The HDMI has been solid and no software glitches (although all of you know that software is a moving target).

The RB-1572, RMB-1506, and RB-1510 will ship at the end of December as will the rack kits. The RMB-1512 will be in January.

Rotel will show the stereo 15 Series in January at CES with shipments to happen sometime in the first quarter of 2009.

Eric

[bnieman]

Bi-amping with the RSX-1560

On Rotel's website it indicates the following for the RSX-1560 (http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/index.htm?cat=24)

• Assignable channels for bi-amping main speakers or second zone

Has Rotel ever given the option of bi-amping with its receivers? It sounds like a great feature as I will only have a need for 5.1 and using the other two channels to bi-amp my 703s would be GREAT for 2-channel audio.

It's probably too early to ask, but does anyone have an idea how the Class D amps in the new RSX-1560 will stack up to the dedicated Class-D amps in the 10 series? Specifically the 100w amps since the RSX-1560 is rated at 100x7.

[hifiguymi]

The RSX-1067 has the same feature of bi-amping the front speakers. It works great too. That is how our RSX-1067 is set up on display (with 703s by the way).

I'll try to find out if the amp modules in the RSX-1560 are the same, or similar, to the ones in the RMB-1085. I doubt they are the same as the ones in the RMB-1077.

Eric

[bnieman]

I believe the amp modules in the 1085 are the same as the 1077. Before replacing my RMB-1075 I brought the 1077 home to demo before I bought the 1085 and the sound stage on the 1077 and 1085 was identical to my human ears.

Is there an internal difference between the 1077 and 1085 aside from 5 vs 7 channels?

[hifiguymi]

Yes, the ICE Power modules are different. Here is a thread that talks about it. I believe the modules that are in the RMB-1077 are more expensive than what's in the RMB-1085 and RMB-1076.

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=29020

I do agree that the RMB-1077 and RMB-1085 sound very similar. There are a few minor differences (better bass detail and a little more air on top) but they are not big.

Eric

[robert L]

Note that the RMB-1575 is 5x250 wpc at 4 ohms??? What does that translate to at 8 ohms, 100 wpc?

no it is at 8 0hms 250watts at 8 ohms

[Pitou5]

Hello,

Anyone can point me to the RR-1061 remote control owner's manual?
Thank you.

Pitou!

[alec4444]

RSX-1560 (AVR) - 7.1 channel 7x100 Class D, 4xHDMI 1.3a, 4U - $2,600
RSX-1550 (AVR) - 7.1 channel 5x100 Class A/B, 4xHDMI 1.3a, ?U - $2,000

I'm looking seriously at these two. Are there any advantages of class A/B receivers, or is the A/B amp in this 1550 just a way to reduce the cost to the buyer?

Is there any reason why someone would want to avoid class A/B beyond the heat issue?

The specs for the 1550 suit my needs just fine, I'm just wondering if I'm missing something by not having a class D amp.... (i.e. in the realm of performance, scalability, etc)

Thanks!
--A

[bnieman]

I'm looking seriously at these two. Are there any advantages of class A/B receivers, or is the A/B amp in this 1550 just a way to reduce the cost to the buyer?

Is there any reason why someone would want to avoid class A/B beyond the heat issue?

The specs for the 1550 suit my needs just fine, I'm just wondering if I'm missing something by not having a class D amp.... (i.e. in the realm of performance, scalability, etc)

Thanks!
--A

I upgraded from the RMB-1075 (Class A) to the RMB-1085 (Class D) and there was a distinct advantage with the RMB-1085 in regards to sound quality. It's not huge, but the Class D amp provides less distortion and what I would describe as a "cleaner" sound.

Also, I contacted Rotel and they said they are using the same amp circuit in the new RSX-1060 as they do in the RMB-1085. I highly doubt the amp circuit in the RSX-1550 is the same as their Class A dedicated amp due to size and heat issues. Class D amps are the perfect companion to receivers since they take up hardly any space and generate next to no heat.

If you can afford it I would definitely recommend the RSX-1060. You can use the extra two channels to bi-amp the front channels if your speakers allow.

[hifiguymi]

The class A/B amps do sound a little different than the class D amps so someone may like the sound of one over the other. There is no inherent advantage to them other than preference. If you are comparing apples to apples the RSX-1550 is 75 watts x 5 channels. The 100 watt rating is with two channels driven and at a higher distortion number.

As far a pluses for the RSX-1560, the class D amps are more stable with speakers that are tough to run. They also double their output into 4 ohms and they do that without getting hot.

If you can, listen to them before you make the final decision (the RSX-1550 is shipping in small quantities this week and the RSX-1560 will be shipping around the first of December) but I would lean toward the RSX-1560 if the budget allows. I think the class D amps sound better myself.

Eric

[hifiguymi]

I upgraded from the RMB-1075 (Class A) to the RMB-1085 (Class D) and there was a distinct advantage with the RMB-1085 in regards to sound quality. It's not huge, but the Class D amp provides less distortion and what I would describe as a "cleaner" sound.

Also, I contacted Rotel and they said they are using the same amp circuit in the new RSX-1060 as they do in the RMB-1085. I highly doubt the amp circuit in the RSX-1550 is the same as their Class A dedicated amp due to size and heat issues. Class D amps are the perfect companion to receivers since they take up hardly any space and generate next to no heat.

If you can afford it I would definitely recommend the RSX-1060. You can use the extra two channels to bi-amp the front channels if your speakers allow.

The amps are the same as the RSX-1056/57/58 have so they are good amps.

Eric

[alec4444]

Thanks, guys. Interesting thought on this topic (Class A/B versus D) in this thread. Can't believe that the amp type would have make such a huge difference as described, though....

Thanks for your thoughts. I agree, an in-store demo is the probably the way to go with pricey receivers. It's the wait that's killing me!

--A

[watchnerd]

For a completely opposite perspective on Class D amps (they're NOT digital), check out the review of the RB-1091 in The Absolute Sound and the RB-1092 in Hi Fi News. Both of them were quite positive.

[miner]

Note form Rotel on the new 2-channel preamp:

Dear Kevin,



To my knowledge the RC-1580 will be comparable in terms of performance and design to the RC-1082 but with the addition of a theater bypass input as well to allow the preamp to be used in conjunction with a home theater system.



Best Regards,

Michael Sheehan

The B&W Group

B&W / Rotel / Classe

https://www.bwgroupsupport.com

Hi Mike,

Thank you for the specs and explanation. My next question, the new 15 series – how will the 2-channel amp compare to the RC-1082? The 15 series pre is shown on page 13 of the brochure (pic atop of an amp), but is not listed in the brochure.

[Rayda]

Kevin,

Finally joined after following the Rotel posts for several years . . . have owned Rotel audio for 20 yrs and still enjoying it, but looking to the 15 series for HT. Have any of the magazines posted reviews? How do we as users encourage get them to do that - Home Theater, Ultimate AV, and Stereophile mags in particular seem to back their views with actual test data.

I am weighing up Rotel 15 series HT plus a Linn sneaky DS ($NZ3,000) for audio FLAC file downloads to the Rotel pre/pro or receiver, versus a Marantz AV8003 / MM 8003 pre/pro/network/amp. Both systems will probably cost $10,000 NZD so need to get the decision right. Always a compromise though - the Marantz manual (download) notes that its network audio/video/image codecs don't do audio FLAC (only up to CD 16 bit/44.1 or 48 kHz) and no AVCHD video (only MPEG4). Of course like Rotel it does all the latest Blu-ray AV processing.

Seems Rotel is still the way to go if the product is as good musically as the RB1077 class D and they fix the video bugs of the 1069 pre/pro? Then third-party stuff like Linn's audio DS and a separate video server both using a NAS drive can easily(?) be added as source components.

Any thoughts guys? Looking forward to your reviews as you'll see the 15 series ahead of us in NZ. (Apologies for the long post).

[Pitou5]

Quick question about the RSX-1550.
I have a 5.1 speakers setup.

If a HD-DVD or Blu-ray is Dolby TruHD 7.1 or DTS-MA 7.1, using HDMI and no center back speaker, will the RSX-1550 divide the sound equally to my surround speakers?

It's not stated in the manual, it only talks about standard DD and DTS

Any idea?

Thank you.

Pitou!

[hifiguymi]

It will downmix the 6th and 7th channels into the rears. You won't miss anything on the movies audio track.

Eric

[Pitou5]

hifiguymi,

Thanks. That's the only thing I wasn't sure of.

Pitou!

[hifiguymi]

hifiguymi,

Thanks. That what I was afraid of!

Pitou!

Do you see that as a bad thing? If you have a 5.1 speaker system that is what you would want it to do.

Eric

[Pitou5]

oh no, sorry, I meant that I was afraid that I could lose something, but that's not the case, so I'm happy!!

Pitou!

[swsur]

In reading page 45 of the RSP-1570 manual, I notice that "HDMI Bypass Y/N" is missing. When the RSP-1069 was released, it too did not have the Bypass feature and the unit had to be returned for an upgrade. Will the Bypass feature be added to the RSP-1570 at a later date or is it already part of the software and just not covered in the manual?

[bokes]

Is the new 15 series available?

[hifiguymi]

Is the new 15 series available?

Somethings are. The RSP-1570, RSX-1560, RSX-1550, RMB-1575, RMB-1565, and RB-1562 are shipping now. The rest of what was announced will be shipping over the next 30 to 60 days. Rotel will show the rest of the 15 Series (a stereo preamp, tuner, CD player, and possibly a BD player) at CES in January with shipments to start in the next 4 to 6 months.

Eric

[Miguel]

I'm stopping by my local dealer today or tomorrow to take a look (should I say a listen) at the RSX-1560... Can anyone share any feedback on it yet? Specs look great on paper and I'm so ready to pull the trigger Upgrading from an old 1055 that's paid its dues

Any feedback or comments much appreciated!

[watchnerd]

I picked up my RSP-1570 today. 8)

Unfortunately, the RB-1572 that is to be matched with it is still forthcoming. Luckily my dealer was nice enough to loan me another power amp to hold me over until it arrives.

I'll be setting up the RSP-1570 this weekend.

[Ken49r]

I picked up my RSP-1570 today. 8)

Unfortunately, the RB-1572 that is to be matched with it is still forthcoming. Luckily my dealer was nice enough to loan me another power amp to hold me over until it arrives.

I'll be setting up the RSP-1570 this weekend.

Congratulations watchnerd.
What equipment will the 1570 be replacing? I'm anxiously waiting for the 1069 / 1570 comparisons.

PICTURES Please! :T

[watchnerd]

The 1570, and the 1572 when it arrives, will be driving a pair of vintage Martin Logan Sequels.

As for what they will be replacing....too shameful to admit.

[Ken49r]

As for what they will be replacing....too shameful to admit.

Well there must be alot of excitement in the watchnerd household today.

What amp did the dealer loan you? Have you tried out the 1570 in 2 Ch yet?
That was the first thing I did 10 minutes after walking in the door with my 1069. I was in no rush to do any further setup for a few hours after hearing 2 Ch. Just wanted to enjoy the new sound.

Enjoy the music!