Rotel and NAD (1 Viewer)

[Angelo.M]

Any thoughts on the Rotel 1055 AVR vs the NAD T752. I heard them both, and they both sound terrific, so is there anything else in terms of build, reliability, features, remotes, etc that would tip it in favor of one or the other?

 

[Eric_E]

Hi Angelo, I think both of these will probably be good units, although the T752 will be cheaper. But, it's also got a cooling fan, so if that annoys you, it could be a factor. Here is some summary of each of those units from a good thread on AVS Forum:

NAD T752 List Price - $899
- 80 watts per channel - BUT ONLY 5 CHANNELS! (has 7.1 inputs and preamp outputs). Receiver is rated into 4 ohm loads. Recent benchtest measured it producing 92wpc into all 5 channels simultaneously.
- Assignable amp channels for front three channels, for example, you can reassign front L&R channels to power rear surround speakers.
- Preamp outputs include 2 sub outs.
- Benchtest surround sound noise at -70.6 dB (average score, many do -72 to -74)
- Has a cooling fan. On some units, this has been noisy. NAD will repair if you get one.

ROTEL RSX-1055 List price - $1299
- 75 watts per channel, but only 5 powered channels (does have 7.1 preamp outputs). Amp met specs in benchtest.
- Can redirect front L&R speaker outputs to rear channels.
- Offers a Rotel XS mode, which creates rear center (6.1 or 7.1) signals from DD, DTS, DPL2 & more.
- Supports HDCD decoding
- RS-232 serial connector (is software upgradable - accepts same upgrades as RSP-1066 pre/pro, seems to be very similar to the 1066 in its pre/pro section)
- Early models supported only 10Mhz through video component switching, this is insufficient for HD. Latest release is HD compatible.
- Offers option of diffusing some of center channel info into front L&R.
- Warranty 5 years

 

[Andrew Pratt]

The NAD's have had some problems as of late. I own the Rotel 1055 and easily recomend it. Rotel also offers top notch support and listens to its users when it comes to implimenting new features via the firmware upgrades. Fire me an email if you want to know more about the Rotels or hop over to Club Rotel

 

[Angelo.M]

Thanks, guys. The $ difference is not really a factor; I'd rather spend more to get a better product and have no regrets. I'm going to listen to the Rotel tonight. Will let you know how it works out.

 

[Jonathan M]

I own a T752, and I can confirm that it is a great unit. I have not seen or heard a Rotel here in NZ, so can't comment, but the NAD is the best receiver I have heard for less than $1000.

Both are rated similarly in terms of power - and both deliver.

The T752 comes with a decent learning remote with macro capability.

Yes, there were some early fan-related problems with the T752 but these have been ironed out. I can personally vouch for the NAD support - I have emailed them probably 10 times both before and after purchasing, and they have always responded promptly (Next day at latest) and knowledgably.

I would suggest you can't really go too wrong with both these units. Remember that the NAD T762 is out now as well for a similar price as the Rotel, and has more power, 6 channels of amplification, 6 main-ins, HDCD, is THX certified and is software upgradeable.

Have a listen, and a play and see which one suits you better.

Hope this helps.

 

[Barry Lieberman]

I own its big brother, the RSX-1065 and I love it. Rotel didn't try to jam in 7 amplifier channels in order to maximize the performance from the 5 on-board channels. Its two channel audio-only performance is stellar and its output is 100 watts at the bare minium.
This unit is unmatched in 2 channel performance until you go up to a flagship unit from some other company. Even then, I would bet that only the Denon 5803, Integra 9.1 and B&K 507 actually sound better.

If that is any indicator, then go pick up the 1055.

Barry

 

[Nick V]

Another big plus for the Rotel is that there is an apparent fix for the bass-management issue to deal with the double-bass in the 6.1 inputs.

With this in mind, I think that there are no longer ANY problems with the Rotel units (1055/1066).

 

[Rich Wenzel]

a closer comparison, in terms of price would be the T762

I believe the T762 has HDCD (taking one of rotel's advantages away) 100x6 (can get that rear sound) and a few other things the 1055 doesnt have...

having said that, I don't believe the T762 is upgradeable like the rotel and as some have poineted out, the newer NADs have had QC problems...

I find the fact that there is a fan on the T762 unit rather bothersome, probably more than it warrants...

Rich

 

[Jonathan M]

The NAD T762 does have an RS-232 port. Not sure if it can be used to update the software or not. I know for a fact that both the T752 and the T762 can have updated software - on the T752 it requires a flash upgrade (ie done by a service centre). I have been offered such an upgrade (for free) and will let everyone know how it goes.

As for QC issues, all I know is that my T752 is fine. I've heard several early T762's had the whine in the center and/or surrounds that many BK Ref owners have experienced - it's due to them not muting the output when no signal is present. I believe that new T762s have this resolved.

BTW: The T762 actually has 2 fans in order to cool it.

 

[Andrew Pratt]

Not to beat a dead horse but just because a product can up updated doesn't mean it will. There's a number of products out there that theoretically have the ability to be upgraded but no upgrader were ever offered or when they were offered they came at a price...Rotel has a long history of offering free upgrades to the 1055, 1066 and 1065 products. Also can anyone else claim that a request they made to the company VP be implimented in the next firmware? All the members of Club Rotel can

 

[BruceD]

I agree that just because a product can be updated, doesn't mean it will be.

Rotel denied having bass management issues with the 1066, but finally a year later it has finally come around.

I'm glad they finally fixed it, but their previous year long denial that there was a problem was just inexcusable.

 

[Andrew Pratt]

Bruce it wasn't so much as Rotel denying that there was a problem as it was a difference of oppinion on what constitues a bass management problem...once we all got on the same page the fix was pretty quick in coming.

 

[Joe]

So is there a fix for the 5.1 analog inputs on the 1066 and 1055?

 

[Andrew Pratt]

Joe in a way yes there will be a fix. When I get the details I'll be posting it them in Club Rotel. But let me be clear in that the fix will fix the issue with the multi channel inputs the regular analog inputs have already been addressed with the latest firmware.