Rotel vs. HK/Onkyo/Denon etc.

[corysmith01]

I was at my local retailer earlier, and after examining there and scouring their website, I'm thinking about upgrading my gear to Rotel. But before I do, I want to know peoples thoughts on this, vs what I have. I'm currently using an Onkyo TX-SR602.

While researching Rotel, I've found that most consider it somewhere in the middle. Lower Hi-Fi, or mid-fi if you will...not quite McIntosh, Krell, Classe, etc. The dealer and others, from what I've read/heard, consider it a step up from HK/Onkyo/Denon and the likes. My dealer said not much difference in a home theater application, but considerable difference in terms of fidelity in 2 channel stereo.

My question is this; considering my current unit, and assuming that I do have the cash to drop on a Rotel (i'm considering the RSX-1056), is it worth it? Will the difference be considerable? Is that just wasted coin that could be focused on other areas of my system?

All opinions welcome and appreciated.

 

[Ohmage]

This is a good review to read regarding some of the top receivers in the market right now:

http://www.nebyhifi.no/documents/RSX-1056HomeCinemaJuly04.pdf

I enjoy good fidelity with stereo music because I love to listen to stereo music, and 5.1 is sufficient for me, so if I was looking to buy just one receiver for all my needs, it would be the Rotel RSX-1056 (plus, it is upgradable to a 7.1 setup with an addition of an amp). However, I've read some minor humming noises that some owners were experiencing with the RSX-1056; not sure if Rotel has addressed the issue. You might want to buy from a dealer that will give you some time to try it out at home. The Arcam AVR200 (it is strictly 5.1) is also a great choice for music and hometheater; it is comparable to the RSX-1056, and it is cheaper, however the Arcam is made in China, if that is a peeve of yours.

cheers,

Ohmage.

 

[20to20K]

I've heard pretty much the same hierarchy theory...

I was at my local retailer earlier, and after examining there and scouring their website, I'm thinking about upgrading my gear to Rotel. But before I do, I want to know peoples thoughts on this, vs what I have. I'm currently using an Onkyo TX-SR602.

While researching Rotel, I've found that most consider it somewhere in the middle. Lower Hi-Fi, or mid-fi if you will...not quite McIntosh, Krell, Classe, etc. The dealer and others, from what I've read/heard, consider it a step up from HK/Onkyo/Denon and the likes. My dealer said not much difference in a home theater application, but considerable difference in terms of fidelity in 2 channel stereo.

My question is this; considering my current unit, and assuming that I do have the cash to drop on a Rotel (i'm considering the RSX-1056), is it worth it? Will the difference be considerable? Is that just wasted coin that could be focused on other areas of my system?

All opinions welcome and appreciated.

I've got a Denon 3805 but my two fronts are driven by an ATI1502 seperate amp. From what I've read this ATI is sort of in the 2nd tier of seperates...along with Adcom, B&K, Denon, NAD. I think Rotel would be in the bottom of the third tier with Bryston being on top, the fourth and final tier of amps is were you get your Krells, Mark Levs, Classe', and perhaps Macintosh depending on who you talk to. There is actually a fifth tier that is strictly esoteric stuff like Boulder that sells $50,000 monoblocks but that's of course is ridiculous.

I imagine receivers have a similiar hierarchy with Denon/Yammie/Onkyo/Elite in the second tier and Rotel/Revox/B&K in the third tier. I'm not sure of any 4th or 5tier recievers out there...most people in that price bracket scorn receivers and get seperates amps and processors.

Obviously I've been thinking about this entirely too much!

I recently posted a similiar question about Rotel CD players versus Denon/Yammie etc. Most people seem to think a CD player is a CD player.
Can't imagine what those people buying $4000 Meridians and Linns are hearing then...

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I have the Denon 3805 and I pretty much agree with that article. I love HK's but felt they were too soft for me. Always figured Rotel was out of my price range, but it really isn't if you don't have to have a 7.1 set up. Let your ear decide, and ignore the reviews. I've found that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but until they pull out their wallets, I'll listen and decide.