Rotel 1057 vs Marants SR8002 or others?

[tpirovol]

Hi Everyone,

Just wondering if anyone has gone from a 1056 or 1057 to a marantz SR8002. Just wondering if they noticed a large improvment. Also what other receiver would beat the rotel in terms of Audio (ie. Integra, Onkyo, Yamaha?)

Thanks Terry

[Audio_ElF]

I changed from a Rotel RSP1068 with RB985Mk2 to a Yamaha 3800. I also use a Musical Fidelity A1008 for stereo and to power front speakers. My speakers are CDM 7NT / CNT fronts and KEF Eggs for the rear 4.

I didn't do much back to back comapison but would say ...

1. With bluray: the Yamaha with HD codecs from a PS3 beats the Rotel (with the Core Audio via optical - a little like comparing apples and oranges I know) hands down on most movie sound tracks. There is a lot more depth and scale. This is probably 90% down to the new codecs though as ...
2. With DVD: the DD of DTS soundtrack via HDMI to Yamaha is marginally better than the same sound track via coax into the Rotel.
3. For two channel audio: the Rotel was significantly better than the Yamaha is with music (stereo or multichannel SACD) using same source analogue or digital.

For me; observation 1 (especially) and 2 outweigh 3 as I have a Musical Fidelity A1008 I feed from my PowerMac for music and the Yamaha is just for movie duties and occasional multichannel musc experience.

I understand the RSX1058 will accept LPCM audio via HDMI so I would expect that the Rotel would be up there with the new HD codecs in that situation.

Hope this helps...
Eloise