RSP-1066 Owners..... (1 Viewer)

[Joe Mollura]

Now that some 1066 owners have had some time to spend with it what do you guys think? How do you think the unit sounds in 2 channel, how about prologic2 and its 6.1 modes? What would you say are some of the 1066 strong/weak points? Inquiring minds want to know?

 

[Michael Hurst]

Joe, I have had the RSP-1066 for one full week now. My situation is a little special since I am in the process of upgrading my complete system. I am currently running the Rotel in a 2-chn only mode since I only have 2-chns of amp, DVD and a pair of Linn speakers.

The strong points of the Rotel compared to my 20 year old Yamaha C-4 preamp is: tonal balance with a slight lean towards warmth and it's physical looks, esp. in silver. The build is also very well done and has a solid feel to it.

The downfalls are: the volume knob is weird, it has some resistance to turning and is non-linear, ie, small changes in the upper ranges have greater volume than similar changes in the lower ranges. Tonal, sometimes it sounds a little to delicate. Forgive my Hi-Fi-esse but maybe I was use to my Yamaha pre-amp which yeild more of a screeching sound during some movies; the Rotel is sometimes just a little to reserved but not boring.

Overall I am very satisfied with my purchase. 2 chn music is still very important to my enjoyment and my purchase had to perform in a 2-chn mode, the Rotel bests the dedicated 2-chn Yamaha in this respect. Even with using 2-chn the set-up sounds better than most for HT. You just don't get "bullets" coming from behind you.

 

[PhillipC]

How would the 1066 compare in 2 channel music with, let's say the Rotel RC 1090 stereo pre-amp? Is it comparable?

 

[Michael Hurst]

I was thinking of getting the Linn Kolektor as a pre-amp. The Linn was better at 2-chn than the Rotel. The Linn had much better pace, timing and resolution but was a little sharp and in your face for my tastes. Did not look at Rotel pre-amp. We did listen to the Marantz SR-8200. For what I was looking for the Rotel made the most sense. Excellent 2-chn sound with HT capabilities. Looked at the Linn since it has a unity gain input for looping a HT pro/pre/AVR through and I like the Linn sound.

 

[Joe Mollura]

Michael, thanks for the reply. How do you like the remote that comes with the 1066 or do you use an aftermarket remote.

 

[Joe Mollura]

bump

 

[chung_sotheby]

I owned the Rotel RC 1070 for a while, and I have to say that it was once of the best price/performance ration preamps that I have ever used, if not the best. Comparing the stereo performance of the 1070 to a Denon 3802 was no contest, with the 1070 trouncing it. I would vernture to say that the 1070 compares to, even bests, an Anthem 2L, which lists for over three times what the Rotel does. I have heard that the 1090 is even a bit cleaner than the 1070, if you're into that type of thing.

 

[Michael Hurst]

Joe, the remote is ok. It's kind of thick and doesn't fit my hand very well and I have big hands. It is a learning remote so I'm in the process of teaching it all my other remotes. It will do macros too but haven't experimented with it yet. Overall it does the job. I don't have one of the super remotes so I really don't have anything to compare it to.

 

[Piers C]

michael,
from your previous 1066 posts about your dealer demo process it sounds like you are using ninkas at home?

i realize you haven't had the rotel at home all that long, but are you finding the linn/rotel combination working as you heard at your dealer?

i have similar issues about music/ht balance and have appreciated your insights in previous comments.

many thanks!
piers

 

[Michael Hurst]

Piers C
Thank you for the kind words. I have the Keilidehs instead of Ninka. When I was shopping for speakers the Keilidehs were just discontinued and my dealer had both. After doing much comparison, couldn't justify the price differential since my dealer made me a great offer on the Keilidhs. The Ninkas did sound better but not much. In Aktiv mode they sounded identical. I didn't find a big jump in performance until you got to the Espeak line. mmm, how to I tell my wife.

I am very happy with the Rotel/Linn combo. While I like the Linn AV pre, 5103 I think, it is way over price. Watched Pearl Harbor the other night in DTS and even my wife proclaimed wow! During the battle scenes you could hear each piston fire on the aircraft and individual rounds fired by the machine guns. Dialog was clean and crisp with a "rich" silky smooth sound to them. Sometimes I find an all Linn system a little on the "dry" side; eventhough, I think it is one of the best systems going. Every peice of gear is a compromise irregarless of price and marketing.

If you like the Linn sound I would recommend that you hang out at your dealer's showroom and listen. Most dealer's are cool to this, they understand that you have to train you're ears. My dealer encourges me and says, "now you know what it should sound like". You could always stop and pick up a dozen Crispy Creams on you're way in. Overall, very happy with the Linn/Rotel combo.

 

[Piers C]

michael,
an all linn system can certainly be a bit dry...on the bank account!

really appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective on your current 1066/keilidhs setup! my impression is that the 1066 is providing a terrific combination of performance/value - glad to hear that its working out so well for you.
i'm based in nyc, so its a bit hit & miss w/ dealers here. it can still be a surprise to find someone who is willing to give you the time of day. although that's a brilliant idea w/ the donuts and i'll have to try that sometime!
many thanks!
piers