RSX-972+RMB-1075 or Pioneer 55Txi

[Zomax]

Hello All

I have been using an RSX-972 for a couple of years. Listening habits are
about 80% HT/20% Music. Room dimensions are about 19'/17', and speakers
are Paradigm Titans L/R, Paradigm CC-170 Center, SpeakerCraft
inwalls (rears), and Paradigm 12" Sub.

I don't have any experience with anything beyond the 972, so all input is
welcome.

I also use a Denon 2900 DVD player with this setup.

The upgrade bug has bit, and in my opinion the 972 just seems to be
"lacking". When I say "lacking", I mean the 972 sounds strained at higher
volumes, in addition, it's not very flexible at crossing-over to the Sub.

This month, I have a budget of about $2000 (USA). Note, a speaker upgrade
is planned in August/September.

Enough details - here are my questions:

Would I notice a night/day difference, if I added the 1075 to the 972?

Would I notice an even greater difference, if I used the Pioneer 55Txi with
the 1075?

I can purchase the 1075 for "around" $900, and the Pioneer + 1075 for
"around" $1800.

The reason I mention the Pioneer, is that it falls within my budget.
When pricing the various Rotel pre/pro/receivers + 1075, my budget gets
shot out of the water.

Thanks

Zomax

[Andrew Pratt]

What I'd do is buy the 1068 pre amp and then buy a used power amp. There's usually a few on Audiogon that would work very nicely such as this one and would still fit your budget.

[chanlon]

Zomax,

I used a 972 for about 2 years and decided to add the 1075 for the same reasons you are looking at. Huge improvement!

Recently I purchased a 1068 preamp/processor and now use the 972 for zone 2 amplification. Yes, an even bigger improvement. If you can affoard it, follow Andrew's advice! Musically this combo is by far sonically superior. You really get what you pay for.

Let me know if you have any other questions,

Chris

[Zomax]

Thanks Guys

I spoke to my dealer, and it appears I could get the 1068 + 1075 for
around $2400 (I really can't go over this).

From your comments, it would seem that this would be a nice setup.

Note, this price is for today only. The dealer is having a 10% off sale.
My local dealer is not known to bargain much, therefore 10% is about the
best I can do.

Your thoughts?

Thanks Again

Zomax

[Azeke]

Zomax,

That's not a bad deal, 10-15% is the usual discount, some dealers offer no discount at all.

I would go for it as long as the dealer provides you good quality service, also check your upgrade and return policies. My dealer let's me upgrade my equipment within a year of purchase.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

Regards,

Azeke

[Zomax]

Just ordered the 1075.

When considering the 1068/1075 combo, I was struck with a case of
buyers paralysis.

Anyway, looking forward to the 1075, and will begin to search Audiogon
for a good used pre/pro.

Thanks Again

Zomax

[Andrew Pratt]

Zomax I'm curious why you choose to by the amp new and go used on the pre pro and not the other way round? Generally speaking power amps typically are your best bet on the used market since the technology doesn't change that much and a 5 year old used amp is still a solid buy vs a 5 year old processor. That's not to say you can't find very good used processors on audiogon etc just that they're much harder to find then used power amps

[Zomax]

Update

Looks like I will be getting the 1068 also.

I just spoke with my dealer again, and in addition to the 10% off, they
are offering 12 months 0% financing.

Now all I have to do, is hook it all up while my wife is gone, and then
later when she ask, try to convince her that we have always had these.

I'll let you know how everything sounds once I get it delivered/set-up.

Zomax

[Azeke]

I concur with Andrew, I would probably purchase the 1068 and a used amp. The technology changes rapidly on the pre-pros, but the amps pretty much remain the same, unless you decide to go digital.

You may want to revamp your thinking. Does the dealer have any used amps that may be of interest you?

Edit: Yeah I've been there with the wife, she says she's afraid of leaving town, because I may upgrade again. She didn't recognize my RB-1080 when I put it above the RMB-1095, once she returned. Good luck.

Just my thoughts,

Azeke

[aud19]

Congrats and enjoy! :T

Good luck with the wife! :rofl: (I think we all know that scenario all too well :lol: )

Jason

[Andrew Pratt]

Ah if only that were possible..there's no way glenda wouldn't miss me adding another amp in the rack :f>

Anyway congrat's on the treffic combo purchase...you're going to love the new gear:T