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A great review!,you guys were spot-on, when it came to actual buyer delimma associtate to this product. It is a high priced item with a very limited audience, I would say most people who have dealt with Rotel or similar European brands would consider this in their shortlisting. I believe someone who is shopping for a quality class AB AVR for a 5.1 setup and also willing to stick with it for an extended time period, in spite of tech changes. Also, it is possible to invest on RSP-1576MKII and RMB-1585, which provide better upgradability. If one is only interested in Rotel signature sound, just combining the RMB-1585 with any other AVR/preprocessor will do the trick as well.!
I think sound quality is something I prefer over the features of tomorrow. At the end of the day it is all about sound 😀 A/B class amp and all channels driven per 100w sound enough for most of home configurations. I can also agree about connecting with bronze speakers - exceptional in it's class 🖐️
I've considered the previous model, currently on sale, but this big boy does not even have a headphone jack, nor does it support native DSD. At that price range, with multichannel audiophiles in mind, it's a no go for me.
Both you guys are providing great information in your uploads that is helping my decision making in choosing my first "proper" audio setup. Thanks to you both 😎👍
I own the Rap-1580MK2 with Dirac Live 3 license. I've spent 200 hours learning, measuring and adjusting all things Dirac: House Curves, tight focus, wide measure...every measure video on youtube and I've never got a correction that didn't dampen the overall quality of this brilliantly engineered processor. Amazing frequency response separating the individual instruments. Made my 12-year-old B&W 703 speakers sound like I upgraded them to $8000 speakers. My setup is in a small room and I can crank the volume past Spinal Tap 11 with no distortion. No bass traps and some bass does collect in the corners, but it's not enough to need bass traps. I'd hoped Dirac Live 3 would create greater clarity, and it does cleanup the bass a little, but at the expense of higher frequencies. In my room and setup, Dirac was a waste of time. It cost a fortune, but it was a better move than upgrading my speakers and I don't need to spend money on traps or make other room corrections. The solution to large speakers in a small room (11ft x 16ft with speakers on the short wall only 8 feet from listening position and speakers only 16" from wall)--a processor like the Rap-1580Mk2.
That was unexpected! Great review! I have my eyes to the ROTEL 1580 for some time now. It is expensive but that won't stop me. Already started to do some savings to be able to buy it. I was looking for a long time for a unit for atmos with real sound quality simple, no streaming, no radio, just basic simple stuff and sound quality and I was amazed when I actually discovered it. I am that small % of people that love something like this. I agree that is for the people you said.
Some people in the comments don't seem to understand that this item is for a different market segment. Items like these are usually installed professionally and usually paired with something like an AV Proedge 4X2 matrix switch to get around the limited hdmi board. Something to think about. I don't sell Rotel anymore but liked the sound quality of this piece and thought your review was great! Keep up the good work Andrew and Kristi!
My issue with all-in-one processor + amp is that processor technology changes every few years (new sound formats, new HDMI standards, streaming features etc) but amplifier tech hasn't really changed in decades. I just want to buy a good amp and upgrade the processor when I want / need more features. No one seems to make an affordable processor though. Cheapest I know of is Marantz AV7706 or Emotiva XMC which is still $3000. Why doesn't anyone make an affordable processor? (< $1500)
Besides HDR compatibility. And two second audio dropouts at the beginning of a new track. And needing a serial to USB adapter and knowing what ‘baud’ rate to set for software updates (1983 called, it wants its software update procedure back). But if what you want to listen to and watch is 1080p or lower, once you’re three seconds in, they do sound very good.
I've never had an issue with a receiver/ versus separates, except when it comes to versatility. But. In today's world, with the proliferation of outboard devices(dacs, headphone amps, phono stages, etc) it becomes almost a foregone conclusion. In my system, for example, I have a Yamaha V1700 receiver that has 185 WPC into 8 ohms, its a 5.1 surround processor, its HDMI capable, has a sub out and a pre out, phone stage etc. It worked fine for me, up.until I got my Magnaplan MGlls. It was a 1200.00 receiver new, and gave me all of the connectivity that I could have wanted. I bought(at your recommendation) the Crown XLS drivecore 2 series power amplifier, and am using the Yamaha as a pre-amp and am very pleased with the sound. I am contemplating the purchase of an outboard Dac now. The versatility of any component should be a primary concern when purchasing it. That being said, the 5 grand pricetag of this Rotel would be prohibitive in my mind for my own system, and someone who is looking for simplicity, I would think, would also consider it so also. Thats a hefty pricetag for a receiver. Period. Thank you for your comprehensive review as always. I love the way that you and Christy always break things down. Sincerely, it is illuminating and appreciated
The ideal customer I see for this is the more well-to-do audiophile who succumbs to pressure from his family to integrate home theater into his hifi(hey, you got chocolate in my peanut butter!). Here you have a convenient, good sounding, component with none of the fru-fru that other, tech-obsessed receivers or processors come with. Fairly easy to set up and integrate into an existing system or base a new on off of. So I see this more of an old man’s(or woman’s)surround amp than any of the new guard.
I want to thank the both of you for putting on quality, bingeworthy content on! I digg the mellow tone and the easy explenations! it has helped me very much to settle on what i think is the perfect speakers for me. And that is the Focal 826. I love the range and the fun they bring, now i just need to power them properly without going bankrupt😂🤪 keep it up! Stay safe! I wish you both all the best! PS! I have been with you since the start!
The non-sexy answer is correct. We seem to judge AV receivers via a cost-benefit analysis that we don’t apply to regular audiophile amps. Sometimes people have the money and are willing to spend it. I’d rather have the NAD though,
Got this Rotel a year ago at a nice (40%) discount, and like it a lot in currently a 5.1 setup (Wharfedale Elysian 2 fronts, Elysian Center, EVO4S rear speakers, REL S/510 sub). Using my fronts for stereo as well (Musical Fidelity Nu Vista 600 amp, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE dac), so I was looking for a musical and powerful AV "receiver", to get the most out of my speakers for home cinema as well. And this 1580MKII delivers.
To answer your question, this non-receiver is for someone that has that much money to spend on it, and listens to music more than watches movies. Probably old school and plays multichannel SACD’s and A-DVD’s. I actually have the Rotel RSP 1572 and Rotel RSP 1066 (didn’t get rid of when I replaced it with the 1572. I use a Bryston 4B for front L and R, and a three channel Parasound for C and Surrounds. I don’t use a sub, because I have four-way 2.9 NHT’s, which have 10 inch side firing woofers that go down to 26Hz. I mostly find my self lowering the volume on explosions, because my neighbor says that the dishes in her cabinets rattle when I watch movies… Thanks for sharing the review.
I use a YAMAHA entry level 5.1 receiver that cost me $279 CANADIAN DOLLARS. It is very good. Amazing Yamaha can make an AV receiver at this price that's this good. The ROTEL you reviewed is around $6400 CANADIAN DOLLARS. There is no way it is worth over 20 X as much. A very limited few will buy this piece but maybe that's Rotel's plan ....sell less to rich people who only buy expensive things to impress family and friends with Rotel making a huge gross margin on each sale. There is an old audio retailer saying .."if you sell to the CLASSES, you'll eat with the MASSES"......PS: I LOVE your reviews, keep up the good work.
Well growing up in Germany 1st graders discuss if a BMW is better than a Mercedes and they are probably both great cars, but you can just appreciate one of them. For me the Rotel is the piece where I rest my eyes on when I listen to music and I relax, no matter how hard the day was. I had three different ones by now, but this is what I enjoy. Other gear might be great too or less pricy, but that is my luxury that I feel to owe myself - even without eARC. We are not in this because we want to spend the money wisely. At least I am not. ;)
As I was reading the comments, some of them made me feel the need to point that this was a GREAT review, very informative and from an everyday point of view. Thank you both for your time and effort.
@@Spock105 Not even close... The only thing those ancient things have were "more power" and that's it. With built-in Tuner sections and low quality AMPs/Components/Transformers your experience will be far, far away !
One thing I find interesting is that audiophiles don't seem to question why a two channel amp costs thousands and thousands of dollars, but when a company comes out with a high end home theater receiver it's questioned as to why it's so expensive because there are cheaper options. The funniest part is that home theater receivers generally pack a lot more technology inside than simple two channel, but the expectation is that you shouldn't overpay in the home theater realm.
The technology isn't relevant to 2 channel music, so it doesn't really apply. I have a very expensive HT system and it doesn't sound anywhere near as good as lesser priced 2 channel systems. For movies its great, for music only its way overpriced. If you have a chance go to one of the high end audio shows, make the trip. Listen to some good 2 channel gear, you'll see what everyone's talking about. It's too hard to put into words. You have to experience it for yourself.
A multi in and pre out is worth a lot more than a HDMI input to me. I'll probably be watching a lot more of this channel because the focus is "largely analog".. my boxes are ticked.
I’ve got the Rotel RSX-1550 powering my B&W center and surrounds with their RB-1582 200x2 amp for my man B&W tower speakers for the past 12 years. With dual Hsu Research subs. The watts per channel on these are 100 watts with all channels driven all the time unlike other receivers that will peak 2 channels at their spec’d watts. I never get tired of the sound this makes. I think this 5.1 setup sounds just as good and dimensional as any Atmos setup. But if/ when I do upgrade I’ll probably get this new Rotel receiver. But wow at $5k got to decide… this receiver? Or Eames lounge chair? Lol
Added to my collection, I currently have a rotel rsx 1067. It is such an engaging unit to listen to. All of the music nuances comes thru. So yeahhh rotel all de wayyy
For me, the price is prohibitive but I love the simplicity. I became exhausted several years ago with the constant need to upgrade and the complexity of some audio and HT components. I just jumped back in and I went with an Enclave system for HT. I am still looking at home audio. The Rotel wins my "yes" vote (if I were looking) for simplicity of use and my "no" vote for price point.
I purchased a complete Mission system, Preamp, amp, speakers 770's in 1969. I still enjoy this system and I can appreciate the return of the 770 speakers.
Somewhat new viewer here… hi! Gotta say, I think there's a huge value in your 'bonus content' with Christie(sp??) which makes your channel different, and more engaging than many other 'white dude audio review' channels. I kiiiinda skip ahead to the end for that dialogue.
Any chance you will review the Arcam AVR20 Lineup? A lot of the time you will compare AVR's to the NAD T778, and while a great unit, I feel that in said price category the AVR20 should definitely be a consideration. The T778 is better looking, and has the touchscreen, but the AVR20 adds 5 more channels of processing, up to 4 dedicated separate sub channels, class A/B amp, and dirac live bass management, for 900$ more, which is substantial, but not as much as the Rotel 1580 costing 1900$ more.
Great video as always! I’m more of a two channel guy, though I have a home theater setup, but I never miss any of your videos because they are so well done, informative and entertaining.
Rotel is one of those products that I jump at the chance to buy used - it's got it's function and will do it best for 30+ years. Its a buy & forget it product, a final "thank god I've found it for way less than MSRP holy crap" much like some of the older Marrantz AVR's. You can always add on a streamer or a 4k hdmi expander for cheap, this is a "build out from me" AVR.
Why? It has no HDMI 2.1! No HDCP 2.3! Only a 5.1.2 Surround setup! It has also no virtual formats like Virtual X or Auro 3D and is a 1000 bugs more expensive as the danon 8500 H/A. I hope its good for Musik
This unit appeals to me. I have a rotel class A/B power amp in my 2 channel set up and it is killer. I think this unit is aimed and people who are mostly 2 channel music listeners but want some HT capability. As you noted, most HT receivers are computers with a class D amplifier all wrapped in a black box. The Rotel is not that.
Thanks for another great review! It boggles my mind that companies are still not making receivers with hdmi 2.1. I get that 8k is still not widespread but we’re already living in a time where current gen gaming consoles outputting at 4K 120fps is the norm… let alone in 2-5 years. I’m still having to earc my videogame through the tv to my t778 while I cross my fingers hoping for an hdmi module that isn’t outdated :(
It's really impressive how you keep up with all these many reviews, fantastic! I would really like to rent some of the amps you've reviewed, can't have them all but it would be fun to try 'em all out.
I was thinking the same thing. These two have to come up with a basic script to work from with each review. There's a lot of detail to provide in an organized fashion. Plus I'm guessing they shoot re-takes. Let's hope they don't start storyboarding. :) Then there's the constant swapping of components and reading of manuals.
@@jimgardner5129 It's like a virtuoso musician who only gives the impression of easy going because he works hard at it. I am still contemplating on how to do a little review for some vintage myself but afters months haven't moved anything further beyond a first script. It is really hard to comprehend how much work Kristi and Andrew are putting into each video.
I think the 1580 mkii is for the customer who is accustomed to high end audio components , that is either downsizing or simplifying the user ability of their system. It’s like the Boxter of the Porsches.....
Loved the review. I am not the one that can drop the 💲💰💲💰 for this, but a great buy for someone like you said that's looking for a analog system upgrade. Great job 👍👍🤟🤟👍👍🤘🤘
Hi Andrew, in the comparison section the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A3080 wasn't mentioned. From a power amp perspective, it didn't sound like the Yamaha would be in the same class. However, with its features and functionality, it does things the Rotel lacks; e.g. full room correction, streaming music. Having owned an RX-V2600 for many years, I can't imagine how much better the Rotel would have to sound in order to get me to pay over double plus as compared to a 3080. As always, thanks.
Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. I think that this component is of the Audiophile/ Home-Theater ilk, BUT only in terms of a limited space. If I can clarify and by that I mean it offers just enough ports and scalability for a medium to semi-large room. It only offers two balanced connections and for me, just like you said it really could not be the true hub to a serious home theater. I think that it falls in the category of those Integra products such as the DRX 5.3 with the differences would be pricing, and it is 9.2
Too much competition these days. Look at what Yamaha just came out with at $2200 with it's performance and features at less then half the price. Also, Anthem just came out with an incredible AV receiver with similar quality amplification and way more features for $4000. This Rotel just doesn't seem like a good buy for significant majority of customers looking for a quality AV receiver. It lacks features and is too expensive in that price range for what it offers.
At $5,000 that Rotel could be considered really expensive, until I realized that in the 70's I thought nothing of spending $1500 on an Apple ][ Plus computer, that couldn't print anything, had no lower case on the keyboard, no floppy or hard drive and could only show 8 colors at a time. Adjusted for inflation that would be over $6,000 today.
Yes it’s quite expensive. But it’s also REALLY good looking and if it sounds and works as as good as it looks, I could possibly pull the trigger on one.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews could be that they have been very buggy and uses that as an excuse...:/ But recently they have stabilized the firmware and I really am cheering for you to get one to test out :)! Well you are your own boss and I like pretty much all reviews you do..
It's expensive, but with multi-channel analog (RCA) inputs for the SACD/DVD-A crowd, Atmos capability, Dirac live (upgradeable) and separates-quality sound, it's seems to hit every need for an audiophile who loves movies too.
I bought an old Denon 4806 for $450 on Ebay about 5yrs ago for its analog inputs and hdmi inputs/ouput and absolutely love this beast! Playing multichannel DSD via denon link with ability to do bass mgmt in the digital domain sounds amazing. Then I picked up an old Pioneer BDP-09fd and play surround blueray through its Wolfson dacs in dual mode connect to my Denons external inputs. I agree about analog and am in to 5.1 music and it seems like older AVs and BD players allow you to do that better than most newer stuff (BD players today expect the use of hdmi and dont come with hi end dacs or multichannel outputs) Also. Denon is 140 watts per channel 7.1. Is there any advantage at all for the audiophile to spend 5k on a new AV? Older receivers still do the usual THX etc theatre stuff. Just curious because I'm certainly no expert but love my vintage late 2ks components made back when sacd, dvd audio and blueray surround music was still a thing. Rotel obviously new and better than an old Denon but still I have about 4 different dacs to choose from besides my Denon's burr browns. Does Rotel do anything different hi-res audio wise from a much older high end AV. Slightly better bass mgmt Dirac > Audessey and if you want Atmos music is all I can see.
The only major drawbacks I saw based on the review were the lacking e-arc and the lack of full 9.2.4 outputs. It's fine if you have to add more amp channels but if it caps out at less than full format it limits the implementation into a serious theater room, and it shouldn't, especially when the base unit is as good as you say.
I believe it's aimed at audiophile types that don't wish to deal with a lot of confusion and love its architecture. AND may house it in a medium sized room where fewer components and fewer speakers is the preferred option. (This makes my Mrs happy.) I'm a 5.1 / 5.2 fan and audiophile wannabe who enjoys audio in a smaller space and this product fits the bill perfectly. Is $5,000 too much for 5 channels of solid 100w AB power? You'd have to tell me. Plus, I think it's quite beautiful provided one can dim the screen.
At $5k this is a really hard sell even if it's really good sound-wise and looks great. Those that are willing to spend that much... Need HDMI 2.1 and more than 7 channels for Atmos/DTS X.
I really dont understand who this is made for. The price tag is so obscenely high, that it competes with flagship from denon and marantz and more, which im not sure about the marantz, but the denon sounds great. On top of that, even though beautiful, it's functionality seems limiting. Like 7.1 channels is good and all, but like, for 5k, you could buy 20 yamaha 7.1 tsr receivers.
I mean no eARC is a huge issue. I can go without 2.1 as eARC is a perfect workaround for source to TV and audio return. However I really want that rich sound quality with that deep power you feel and hear. One of my options are the Arcam AVR20/30 which should be competitors to this in terms of sound quality but with more features but no one seems to do a decent review.
I had a couple of Rotel amps and was very satisfied with their look and performance. I sold my Parasound C2 and went with a Yamaha 2068 receiver this time around. Now I'm contemplating going back to the separates since I will never listen to AM/FM on any device other than the Bose Wave radio downstairs anymore. However, receivers like this does cause vacillation... Thanks!
I believe this Rotel Powered Processor (that’s how I chose to call it) sits like in between the AVR and PRE-PRO / separates world. It certainly serves a small niche of people but it’s MSRP is way too much. For 5K you can get into separates like Emotiva or Monoprice with the convenience of adding channels as you grow your setup.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Damn I didn’t even know that was a thing, and I’ve never heard any RU-vidr talk or warn us about it. Also I’ve been a subscriber since your Cambridge Audio CXN V2 video and was my gateway into hi-fi. Thanks for everything
Beware, the RAP1580MK2 was apparently discontinued in November 2022 with no announced replacement. As an owner of one of these, I can tell you the Rotel support is lacking as of late, no doubt since they’re leaving the AV receiver space
I have the same problem, have to send in my RAP 1580MK2 for the second time, due to problems with ethernet connection and firmware updates. Sound wise it is a great AV, plus Dirac is a must nowadays.
I would venture to say that Rotel has a better understanding of how to attain their desired profit margin on this product. I doubt the retail cost is arbitrarily high. Recall the MKIIs are implementing design and components from their MICHI line. That's expensive (and super high quality) stuff! They may be planning for price to roll off (haha) down the line, but I'm doubting it's priced that way "just because."
My Rotel Integrated RSX 1065 has lasted me 18 years and still going strong. I've loved it but soon want to replace. I like the brand and have toyed with separates but love the single box and looks (I'm superficial I guess). Would love to hear my Rega 8 with a Hana MC cart play records through this beast.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews always!! My home theater was dominating last night. Just all kinds of awesome. The kind of experience that left me not wanting to upgrade for a while
I have the Rotel 1576 MKII preamp/processor which I assume is essentially 1/2 of the 1580 MKII. I purchased it to replace my Proceed AVP 2, a high end pre/pro in its day with Mark Levinson digital components. The Rotel is the equal of the Proceed in musical sound quality. It's a joy to listen to music in 2 channel stereo up to 5.1.2 in Dolby Atmos or 7 channel stereo. Using my Marantz UD7007 I can play almost every high definition audio format. I have a collection of DVD Audio and SACD disks along with many audiophile CDs. I couldn't be happier than I am now with the Rotel for music. I whole heartedly recommend it for the multi-channel audiophile. Movie soundtracks also sound excellent but must admit that I am sometimes confused as to what I am actually getting. Is it uncompressed or not. The Rotel doesn't help much in this department as the information it provides is very limited. It doesn't have eARC so what is coming through the ARC channel? My Sony smart TV has a setting for Dolby Digital Plus which is supposed to pass Atmos compressed if I understand correctly. The Rotel gives no indication of a DD Plus soundtrack; it merely indicated 5.1, 48 kHz which I assume is simply DD. Is Atmos matrixed onto the 5.1 soundtrack? I watched the Tom Hanks movie Greyhound from Apple + the other day and it sounded fantastic giving my 5.1.2 system a real workout. But what was I listening to is the question. If you can help please respond. I know that a simple solution is to get an Apple TV and feed it directly to the Rotel to get full Atmos, but I would rather not add another thing to my system at the moment. I enjoy the functionality of the Sony smart TV. I have also found that it is functionally preferable to feed the HDMI inputs directly to the TV rather than the Rotel. The system performs much better without the HDMI glitches that occur when feed into the Rotel.
Now that I think about it I'm still using my 49 TX from Pioneer Elite and that makes mince meat out of most products out today but I love the look of the rotel I paid $1200 dollars 5 years after it's release for my pioneer elite still using it to this day and I still love it.
Nice looking piece, although I wish the screen was better and smaller. More importantly to me however, is the fact that I have no interest in anything beyond 5.1 or 5.2. I wish manufacturers would focus on 5.x with great sound quality, HDMI inputs/outputs and 4k. The current trend of more and more channels seems to fill a need nobody I know wants or needs. Also it needs to reasonably priced,1500-2500 tops. Worth less channels etc it should be doable.
@andrewrobinson, what are your thoughts on firestick/cubes, chromecasts, and rokus as audio streamers to your stereo or receivers? Would that be a worthwhile video for budget streamers. Thanks as always for the vids.
Great to hear a HT receiver review. I have been looking for one that would be good for music. I have many records and concerts remastered in 5.1 and love to hear it in the best without a bank of expensive equipment!
Enjoyed today, Im more of a detailed setup and picky guy. I really do love the abilities of the Emotiva products. Complex is fine by me. Setup time is rewarded!
Bingo Kristy. Who is this for? My thought through the entire review. I have a dedicated theater and a Naim audio stereo. Clearly not for me. Denon makes amazing receivers for half the price. Many companies make wonderful stereo amps for way less. I think that a person looking for a combined movie / music setup might like it. The price is killer. Love your videos from BOTH of you.
The issue that many people find is that stereo amplifiers are for listening to music and lack the ability to push base and mid to the level of home theatre and the problem with home theater systems is they lack good range across all the bands of frequency. Some people just want a really good system that can do both and there are very few options out there for them.
@@bighands69 yes, that's a really good point and why I have two separate systems. Through I know that not everyone can or even wants to do that. The reality is that the requirements of music and movie soundtracks are, as you highlight, very different. One of my first learnings on this road was that every decision is a balancing act of compromises. There's no perfect system and specs really are not how we can make decisions.
Brought a Rotel and Nad receiver home for a blind test, not this particular Rotel but I find they stay relatively the same in overall sound impressions between models. The Rotel was clean, separation and soundstage was better but felt a little antiseptic and less involving than the Nad which had more warmth and an overall fuller sound. My wife liked the sound of the Nad better so you can guess which we stayed with. I had also tried Adcom and Arcam and found their sound more to my liking and somewhere in between the Rotel and Nad as Nad can be accused of a bit too lush but they were a bit out of my price range at the time.
I love my RA-1572 Integrated Amplifier, the sound quality is excellent and 1/3 the price of an equal McIntosh. With that being said to your question of the day, it's hard to say who this would be for. Maybe people who like the sound of Rotel in general? or anyone that this just fits their needs without all the bells and whistles?. Personally for me I don't even have a home theater setup right now and when I do set another one back up in the future I would probably consider something like this thats basically plug and play.
I loved this detailed review of a not-every-day-product from both of you. Thanks 😊 Are you working on the Focal Sopra review, or is it not gonna be released?
Hey Andrew, nice video and review but you didn’t say anything about the “center back channel” though it’s special to this receiver because many other receivers don’t have this feature. So please can you say something about how it sounds or works? Thanks
I had a RAP 1580 a few years ago loved the sound quality and the aggressive simplicity...that weighty toroidal amp inside is a sight to behold and hear as well. However the pass through issues with the 4k was unforgivable and heaved me into the world of separates lol.
There was one thing that always surprised me about Rotel and that was how well that they carried their particular house sound through out their product line. And how that house sound was fairly consistent from year to year. I like the way that Rotel has pared down all the complexity of elaborate menus and such.
I love this thing, just hard to justify the price when it doesn't have 4k 120hz/8k since I have my pc connected to my tv this way, and at that price I would prefer being a tad more future proofing than 1 year. Been hoping it would go on sale but it didn't in Canada during black friday... I've been researching the hell out of avr's and separates since August when I discovered how bad my basic yamaha rx-v679 sounds in comparison to anything else I have ever heard, worse so on Fyne Audio speakers... So far it's either this, the RSP-1576MKII with a 5 channel amp or take a chance on the NAD 778 and maybe adding a 3 channel amp down the line. Of course I have changed my mind so many times I could even end up with an x3700h with a nice used 3 channel parasound amp lol!
Hello, I go directly to the question, what is your opinion about Arcam AV 40 is this processor worth it or is there any other option closer to what I could consider as more "advanced". Thank you so much .
I think the problem is that popularity of A/V receivers has long passed. I think most people (among the people who pays for audio) either pay under $2,500 or pay the top dollars. The midrange (I know 5k is midrange?) market is too thin. Perhaps, I think Rotel should have included speakers for $6k with Sonos like simplicity. This receiver with a passive 3 channel soundbar for front. 4 satellites and a subwoofer would been an attractive package. But, in order to do that Rotel needs to go consumer direct, but going consumer direct is a whole lot of mass.
Every single NAD product I've purchased in the last three years is super glitchy. Too many updates that get stuck. They will stop playback and freeze randomly. There are plenty of reasons to look away from NAD right now. Just my .02
I've been eyeing the nad778 but your experience sounds relatively common. It's also seems like it's really hard to justify the cost of the 778 over a Denon 4700, unless you know of something I'm missing?
I started laughing when you said an all Magnepan HT system while I'm watching this video on my all Magnepan HT system. When I hear people say is it good for music and Rotel in the same sentence ... My answer has been well duh for the last 20 plus years.
