Primare versus Rotel

[Glen1]

Hi guys,
I need some help with the never ending problem of itchy feet with my audio/ht gear. About 6 moths ago I moved from a Rotel RSP 976 and Chinese Consonance amps to a Primare SPA 20 integrated h/t amp. The first moment I turned the Primare on I knew that I loved the sound it produced in 2 channel. Home theatre is also better that what I had but not by such a great degree. The Primare does not have the power I had before, that is 5 x 100 wpc now compared to a two and and a three channel each producing about 130 wpc. I do notice the power difference but also notice that the actual sound quality is better than my old gear.
I really love the Primare as the sound quality is great, it's built like a tank at 22.5 kg, has two torroidals and the build quality is great but I have a hankering for more power. To add Primare amps it's going to cost me a packet. With what I could get for the Primare I could get a Rotel Processor (1068 due in Aus next month I'm told) and a 1075 or three 1070's.
I want to keep the combined h/t and music system but am worried that the Primare may be better than the new 1068 for two channel. The Primare can be a bit quirky at times in its operation as well whereas the rotel is pretty straight forward. The Primare also causes great distress to my television reception, radio frequency interfearance I believe. Even when it's turned off in standby mode the computer in the Primare must be running as there's no improvement.
Has anybody compared the Primare SPA20 or even the SP31 processor to the new Rotel 1068 and if so what were the results?
I know the 1075 is a good amp as I have read all of the reviews and it even compares well when reviewed against a Primare 30.5 and a 5ch Krell. I guess 3 x 1070's will be even better than one 1075.
I currently have Epos M22's mains, as Epos M8 centre, an MJ Acoustics Reference 1 sub and some other (not to be named) rears.
My room is approx 6 metres x 6 metres with a 2 meter tall ceiling. (yes, that's how we spell metres in Aus)
I listen to music 60 percent movies 40 per cent.
One more question. When listening to two channel can the sub and all other processing be turned off on the 1068. The Primare has a bypass mode which turns off all of these features and reverts to a straight two channel amp. Using this mode makes a HUGE difference to sound quality and sound stage. In fact it's like two different systems.

Thanks,
Glen.

[aud19]

The only way to tell if the 1068 will meet your expectaions is to go listen I'm afraid. The 1068 does have a bypass mode as well as the multichannel input is automatically straight bypass.

Jason

[Agamemnon]

Here's a snippet from Stereophile Ultimate AV (july/august issue) comparing the RSP-1068 to the Primare SP31.7:

"The last preamp-processor I reviewed, and which I still had on hand while reviewing the RSP-1068, was the Primare SP31.7 ($3995; see january 2004). The Sp31.7 is a beautifully built piece of equipment that provided the best sound quality that I´ve experienced in my home theater. When I reviewed the RSP-1068´s predecessor, the RSP-1066, I decribed it as an excellent performer offering outstanding value for the price, but I thought it sounded just a bit "electronic" compared to a much higher-priced prepro, the Anthem AVM20 ($3199). Because I consider the Primare SP31.7 to sound even better than the AVM20, I expected the RSP-1068 to once again sound "good for the money", but not really competitive with the more-than-twice-the-price Primare.

When fully broken-in, the RSP-1068 came astonishingly close to the Sp31.7 in sound quality. The overall clarity, dynamics, and surround effects fully matched the more expensive processor, and the Rotel´s feature set and ergonomics are actually superior. The Primare still maintains a lead in the natural transparency of its highs, but the difference is very small indeed. Rotel has come up with another great product at an affordable price."

(Thanks tober )

[Glen1]

That's a very interesting review. I'm looking at the 1068 but I assume being a later model than the 1098 it will have much the same quality and processing. Unfortunately I still have to wait a little while before they arrive in Aus. I'm sure we're not that far behind the rest of the world, in fact as far as the time goes we are ahead!

[Azeke]

Glen,

Don't despair, I believe I heard that the 1068's are arriving in Australia, however I could be mistaken, Geoff can perhaps verify this information.

Then, I guess you would need to evaluate both pieces and determine if the Primare is worth twice the price :lol: . Your money, your call.

Keep us posted and good luck,

Azeke

[RisingPhoenix]

The 1068's are already in Australia, have been for a little while now (they didnt want to unpack them until after EOFY).

Most of that shipment has been presold as i understand, but a few people do still have stock... I know ive had my listen to it and was very impressed.. I Think my finances will relegate me to the next shipment in a couple of weeks however..

Steve