Newbie needs help: RSX-1055 or 1065?

[Ron67]

I just wanted a little input regarding which unit would suit my needs better the 1055 or the 1065. I'm completely rebuilding my HT system and plan on running a pair of JM Labs Cobalt 816 mains & CC800 center, along with an SVS PC+ 20-39 Sub. I LOVE the sound of the ROTELs. They were noticibly cleaner than both the Marantz SR7300 & SR8200 I demo'd at the same shop. I also checked out Pioneer's SVX-45tx and a Sony ES series. Neither realy impressed me the way the ROTEL did.

The room they're going in is 14' x 15' with one side opening to the kitchen etc. I think for the room the 1055 is fine, but am I missing out on any bells and whistles you guys feel are important? They seem pretty much the same to me except for the wattage...

I also read the threads re. bass management issues. I'm about 80% HT and only 20% music. Nothig I own currently supports SACD or DVD-A. That may change, but for now it seems a non-issue for me. Is that right?

Lastly - what are your opinions on their perfomance when it comes to movies? I was only able to demo music. I'm assuming it's awesome, but never hurts to ask, esp. since that's mainly how it will be used.

Thanks in advance and for a great forum!

[Matt Sprouls]

I am new around here, but I will give it a shot.
As you pointed out the rated power is different.
The 1065's firmware is not user upgradeable. (Not 100% on that)
The 1055 has the ability to redirect the rear centers to the front outputs if you are using an outboard amp for your front mains.

Regards,
Matt

[Neal_C]

Other than very small rated improvements in distortion, frequency response and s/n ratio, you are just getting more wattage with the 1065.

I would say go with the 1055 and if you feel you need more/cleaner power, spend your extra money on the 1075 amp and use the 1055 as a pre/pro.

Just my 2 cents.

Neal

[Ron67]

That's kinda what I was thinking. Going with the 1055 now and adding the 1075 later if needed would also allow me to pipe music etc elsewhere like the patio etc.

How important are the firmware upgrades? I was reading the thread on how to check which version you have.

Also - what's a fair price for the 1055? Dealer is offering something under $1200. I might be able to get him down a little but not much as he's the only one in town that carries ROTEL as far as I know.

[Neal_C]

I would make sure you get one with the video bandwidth upgrade. You might have to ask for it because I just bought a 1055 a couple weeks ago that didn't have it, so I had to have my dealer order one and then do an exchange when it came in. A tech at Rotel told me to look for V02 on the box to indicate version 2 with the upgrade already done.

The importance of firmware upgrades? That will depend on you and if the latest firmware fixes/adds something you find important. If you get a new model, it should come with firmware version 2.24

Somewhere around 10-12% is about a standard discount. My dealer told me Rotel doesn't really allow much more than that.

Neal