*Title should read "replacing old rotel power amp/pre-amp" but can't seem to edit thread title.*
Hi All,
I currently don't use my Rotel RSP-1066 at all because it doesn't have HDMI which means I've been relying on my crappy TV speakers. I'm not really an audiophile, but since I keep adding more and more gadgets that rely on HDMI, I thought i'd try to find a receiver that could serve as a hub. I've done some reading, covet the Rotel RSX-1562, but really can't afford it. Also, I can't tell if any receiver including the Rotel could stream to zone 2/B bluetooth.
Current living room set-up:
8TB Raid with handbraked/digitized media connected to a Pogoplug. Streams to Hackintosh then to TV via Roku.
Roku 1080 box with HDMI out.
Hackintosh mini box running plex media server/pogoplug with HDMI out (but pogoplug serves up media wirelessly to Roku).
Apple 1TB airport extreme
Samsung Blu-ray disc player with HDMI out
Nintendo Wii with HDMI out.
Samsung 42" TV with 4 HDMI in, 1HDMI out.
McTivia wireless PC streaming device with HDMI out
B&W 601 S3 speakers X2
Rotel RB1050 amp
Rotel RSP1066 pre-amp
Small bose sub
Airport express with y cable that I can use with airplay
Upstairs bedrm:
Bose sound dock 10 with bluetooth.
Ideally I'd like to replace the pre-amp/amp with a receiver that is entry level but flexible because the technology is changing rapidly.
Would like the following functionality:
Different sound profiles set up and saved for each device/input (iPhone tends to be annoyingly bass heavy)
Automatic loudness controller specifically for streamed signals.
Wireless (wired is ok but not preferred)
Airplay that can switch between devices
ios app for both ipod/ipad for remote
bluetooth (dongle is ok)
2nd zone with bluetooth functionality for the Bose sounddock.
DNLA
at least 6 HDMI in ports (preferably 1 in the front); 2 HDMI out (I could live with 1)
USB in the front for powering devices.
upconversion for some of my handbraked movie files that were from 720 DVDs
Unfussy UI/GUI
1.) Does anything out there exist yet? I've been looking at the zone 2/b in some receivers but can't tell if it would actually work across bluetooth while someone was say, watching a movie in zone 1. And, definitely having trouble determining if this could be controlled via iOS. Also, I'd love it had an equalizer/sound profile setting because the Bose doesn't and it's definitely annoying that I can't turn down the bass at night.
2.) Again, not an audiophile so I don't mind compressed audio/video since I mostly just stream via Roku/airplay. Yes, I know, I don't have surround sound but I might get some eventually once I'm not living in a tiny "open floorplan" apartment. So, I'd like to maybe get a receiver that would handle a speaker upgrade at some point.
3.) Reliability- My rotel is basically a tank and has lasted me 10 years without an issue. It's just gotten too old in output ports/functionality. I can't really afford another rotel though. Any brands out there known for consistent quality? I've searched online reviews and almost all brands have their detractors.
Sorry I'm such a beginner. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers.
-Kat
Hi All,
I currently don't use my Rotel RSP-1066 at all because it doesn't have HDMI which means I've been relying on my crappy TV speakers. I'm not really an audiophile, but since I keep adding more and more gadgets that rely on HDMI, I thought i'd try to find a receiver that could serve as a hub. I've done some reading, covet the Rotel RSX-1562, but really can't afford it. Also, I can't tell if any receiver including the Rotel could stream to zone 2/B bluetooth.
Current living room set-up:
8TB Raid with handbraked/digitized media connected to a Pogoplug. Streams to Hackintosh then to TV via Roku.
Roku 1080 box with HDMI out.
Hackintosh mini box running plex media server/pogoplug with HDMI out (but pogoplug serves up media wirelessly to Roku).
Apple 1TB airport extreme
Samsung Blu-ray disc player with HDMI out
Nintendo Wii with HDMI out.
Samsung 42" TV with 4 HDMI in, 1HDMI out.
McTivia wireless PC streaming device with HDMI out
B&W 601 S3 speakers X2
Rotel RB1050 amp
Rotel RSP1066 pre-amp
Small bose sub
Airport express with y cable that I can use with airplay
Upstairs bedrm:
Bose sound dock 10 with bluetooth.
Ideally I'd like to replace the pre-amp/amp with a receiver that is entry level but flexible because the technology is changing rapidly.
Would like the following functionality:
Different sound profiles set up and saved for each device/input (iPhone tends to be annoyingly bass heavy)
Automatic loudness controller specifically for streamed signals.
Wireless (wired is ok but not preferred)
Airplay that can switch between devices
ios app for both ipod/ipad for remote
bluetooth (dongle is ok)
2nd zone with bluetooth functionality for the Bose sounddock.
DNLA
at least 6 HDMI in ports (preferably 1 in the front); 2 HDMI out (I could live with 1)
USB in the front for powering devices.
upconversion for some of my handbraked movie files that were from 720 DVDs
Unfussy UI/GUI
1.) Does anything out there exist yet? I've been looking at the zone 2/b in some receivers but can't tell if it would actually work across bluetooth while someone was say, watching a movie in zone 1. And, definitely having trouble determining if this could be controlled via iOS. Also, I'd love it had an equalizer/sound profile setting because the Bose doesn't and it's definitely annoying that I can't turn down the bass at night.
2.) Again, not an audiophile so I don't mind compressed audio/video since I mostly just stream via Roku/airplay. Yes, I know, I don't have surround sound but I might get some eventually once I'm not living in a tiny "open floorplan" apartment. So, I'd like to maybe get a receiver that would handle a speaker upgrade at some point.
3.) Reliability- My rotel is basically a tank and has lasted me 10 years without an issue. It's just gotten too old in output ports/functionality. I can't really afford another rotel though. Any brands out there known for consistent quality? I've searched online reviews and almost all brands have their detractors.
Sorry I'm such a beginner. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers.
-Kat