sound quality of rsp976 verses rsp980?

[stevecuss]

Hi Folks,

I have an older RSP-980 surround processor driven by an RB980BX 2 channel amp. I run a pair of kit speakers and a powered sub and use it for music, tv, dvd etc. I'm very happy with the sound quality, but the processor is pro logic and not digital.

A local craigslist has an rsp-976 at a low price and it is dolby digital/dts processor and I'm wondering about buying it and moving my 980. Here are a couple of questions:

-- does anyone know the sound quality of the 976 verses the 980?

-- do cds sound better through a digital optical cable instead of rca? (I run cds through a dvd player currently.

thanks!

Steve

[Kevin D]

If you only have a stereo/sub setup, I wouldn't worry about getting a unit with DD/DTS built in.

As far as sound quality, you might lose some. The 976 is the predecessor of the 1066. I started with a RSP-985 (Your 980 with built in DD/DTS) and did lose some sound quality when I went to the 1066.

As far as digital/analog, you will probably be better using digital with most DVD players. A dedicated CD player would likely yield better results, and then the analog/digital question would depend on the player you went with.

Kevin D.

[Nolan B]

If you only have a stereo/sub setup, I wouldn't worry about getting a unit with DD/DTS built in.

As far as sound quality, you might lose some. The 976 is the predecessor of the 1066. I started with a RSP-985 (Your 980 with built in DD/DTS) and did lose some sound quality when I went to the 1066.

As far as digital/analog, you will probably be better using digital with most DVD players. A dedicated CD player would likely yield better results, and then the analog/digital question would depend on the player you went with.

Kevin D.

Hey Kevin,
What are your plans with your Rotel equipment? Do you plan on upgrading to the 15 series? If so what?

[stevecuss]

Hi Kevin,

thanks for your reply. I started with a RSP960 and while it was a step up from the Denon receiver I was using, it was not nearly as good as the rsp980.

I've been thinking for a while that I should go with a dedicated cd player and I'm also exploring getting a tube buffer. I actually love the sound of my system, but its the old "grass is greener" thing going on to see if I can improve it.

thanks and best wishes

steve

[Kevin D]

Hey Kevin,
What are your plans with your Rotel equipment? Do you plan on upgrading to the 15 series? If so what?

Got a 1570 and 1575 in a few weeks ago. Planning on getting a 1562 and rack-mount kits here shortly. I had a few issues and just got the latest updates installed. Fixed a few of the common issues I've seen here, but didn't fix a major one I have (only happens when you run without a center like me).

I'll be posting a review sometime soon.

Kevin D.

[TommyV]

Wow I did not know you ran no center Kev. Why not?