Transparency, flexibility, video quality

Remote is horrible, setup is maybe a little awkward

I bought this preamp along with a RMB-1075 amp to replace my Yamaha RX-V596 receiver. I had to do something before the brightness made my ears bleed.

Thankfully my favorite dealership let me demo this stuff fairly thoroughly. I was impressed in the store, and even moreso when I got it home and hooked up.

So far, I have been amazed at the difference in spatialization, soundstage accuracy, imaging, and clarity - especially when using it for HT. I never realized that there could be so much difference in surround sound decoders.

Another improvement that I was not expecting at all came when I turned on my TV. I didn't replace any video cables at all. The picture clarity is definitely better with this preamp than with the Yamaha receiver. I'm confident that this isn't imagined because I had no complaints about the picture quality with the Yamaha (until I realised how much better it could get), and one of my friends commented on it. I did reapply Caig Labs' Pro Gold to my interconnects, so that *might* account for some of the improvement.

The setup menus aren't necessarily bad, but they're nothing to write home about. They get the job done. This preamp isn't loaded with bells and whistles, so these basic menus are adequate.

The RR-969 remote is shockingly bad though. After trying to directly change my sources for about five minutes, I gave up on this remote and downloaded the codes for my Pronto. Rotel is so awesome - the Pronto codes are actually on their website! I have since played with the Rotel remote a little more with no more luck. No - I'm not very patient with it. I thought (and so did tons of other people) that the Yamaha remote was bad, but at least I could get it to do what I wanted it to within a reasonable amount of time.

All things considered, this preamp is perfect for my use. It is extremely accurate and does not seem to color the sound. I can't add much more to the other posts. If you are looking for a good no-frills preamp to get the job done, try this one out.

Similar Products Used:

NAD, several HT receivers

Great sound and value

Setup menus somewhat awkward

I can't add much to what other reviewers have said, except to agree that this unit has incredibly clear, transparent sound. There are plenty of inputs, including a 6-channel analog input for DVD-Audio or SACD (I connected a DVD-Audio player). Fortunately, the Rotel does not process this input digitally. Bass management does not affect the 6-channel input, but relative level-adjustments do.

Except for the 6-channel input, all inputs are processed digitally, so you probably would not want to connect any other high-quality analog sources, such as a phono pre-amp.

The tone controls are well-designed and have no negative effect on the transparency of the sound.

I found the setup process a bit awkward, since you can only adjust the setup parameters for the one input that is currently selected.

I have never tried any more-expensive pre-amps, but can't imagine much better performance than this. The sound seems close to the ultimate. I use a variety of Rotel power amps and B&W speakers in my system.

The remote is good, perhaps a bit awkward, since it is rather large, and you must frequently slide open the cover to access commonly-used buttons. Programming it to operate my other components was a fairly lengthy process, but it does a good job, once the programming is done.

Easy setup, excellent sound clarity, value

Remote layout, Funky OSD setup

Easy to use, great decoding of Dolby, DTS & pro logic music setting. Using this to drive Rotel 1095 AMP, for the cost this AVPreamplifier is hard to beat. Could not justify a 5K price range (Proceed) to drive my JMLab speakers. Highly recommend it..

JMLab Cobalt 815
JMLab CC 20
Polk Audio 55 (rears)
Tara Lab Prime Interconnect
MIT Terminator Bi-wire cables
HSU 1220 TN Sub
Velodyne HGS 10
Rotel RMB 1095

Similar Products Used:

Proceed

Versatility, performance, features

Remote, OSD peculiarities, bass management

I bought this as a demo model, but had to send it in for warranty repair when my Amplifier ble. (long story). When I got it back, I ended up with a new model since they couldn't fix my older unit due to lack of available parts. The new unit has

- external 5.1 RCA inputs
- Component Video switching
- Multizone support
- Some software changes (minor)

The performance of this unit is very good with regards to music and home theater. It does not surpass the Sunfire Theater Grand nor the EAD Ovation but those units cost three times as much and offer maybe 10% improved performance. Your miles may vary. I won't go into what has already been covered except that I must emphasize what a good value this preamp/processor is when you look at all the features it offers: multiple s-video/composite switching, 5 digital inputs, multiple outputs for video and analog/digital recording.


Some complaints:
While some have trumpeted the remote control, I don't like it very much. It feels awkward and the buttons are not in the best positions. not an awful remote but average at best. Also, setup could could have been easier if the OSD (On Screen Display) was not limited to what input you use. For example, if you have set-up your satellite receiver and now want to setup your VCR or audio components (like a CD) then you have to go to a different input on your TV (composite) to see the OSD. Bass management is also limited to the generic 80Hz crossover when setting your speakers to small. in this day and age, an adjustable crossover would have been preferrable. (I use an external crossover as a workaround).

I don't want to end this review on a sour note. Watching DVD movies and listening to music on this unit is a great delight. The build quality is excellent and the customer service thus far has been impressive. I mean, I ended up with basically a new unit and a new model for $799!

This is a highly recommended unit for those who want to get into separates but don't have the budget for the much higher priced units. My review reflects the 5 star value and a (very good) 4 stars overall.


LIST OF EQUIPMENT
Rotel 976 preamp/processor (version 2?)
Sony 36" XBR-400
Pioneer Elite PDF-19 301 CD Changer
Toshiba 5109 Progressive scan DVD Player
DirecTiVo Satellite Receiver
RCA DTC-100 HDTV Tuner
nOrh ACA preamp (for music only)
pair nOrh Multiamps (biamplified Active mode)
EAD powermaster 500 (for center & surrounds)
Marantz MA-700 (for sub)
nOrh 9.0 marbles (front)
nOrh 4.0 marble (center)
Phase Tech PC Surrounds
SVS 20-39cs subwoofer
Monster HTS-5000 Line conditioner
Lovan Racks
Premiere Stands
Cables: Harmonic Tech/Analysis Plus/Monster/etc...

Similar Products Used:

Sony EP9ES, Sunfire Theater Grand, EAD Ovation, Denon 3801

optical out, clean digital modes, simple front panel

setup takes some time, remote not the most user friendly

dont really have much to add to the other comments. This is a great product at a great price. Bought this unit to replace a month old parasound that was nothing but trouble (see the reviews on the avc-1800) my advise is to steer clear of their preamps. I own a Parasound HCA-855 amp which I am very happy with though. really check out the reviews before you purchase any gear, I have found them to be quite accurate. This unit being in the "hall of fame" made a big impact on my decision. I wasnt steered wrong. This listing is misnamed as the rsp-975, dont think they even make one. this is for the rsp-976

Similar Products Used:

Parasound AVC-1800

Incredible performance for the money, lots of inputs and outputs.

25 pin connector for 5.1 external input, would have been nice to have RCA inputs but at least it has this ability.

I began my home theater with the purchase of a harmon- kardon AVR-85 receiver but found it lacking in power. I then searched for an amp and found the Rotel RMB-1095 to sound the best. I still wasn't happy and spent about 6 months looking for a separate pre/pro that I could afford. When the RSP-976 came out I was thrilled. Not only did it have all the inputs and outputs you could ever want, but the sound was comparable to units costing twice as much.

I listened to B&K, Parasound, and Anthem as well as a number of receivers using their preouts. There was a very clear improvement in any of these pre/pros over the receivers.(I tried the Denon AVR 3800, 5700, Marantz SR7000, 19, and of course the HK AVR 85)both using interal amps and the external Rotel. When comparing the pre/pros I could either not hear much difference (as with the Anthem) or it was clearly better sounding (B&K, Parasound). I can not believe how much better sounding this Rotel combo is than the Denon AVR 5700, and considering that they cost about the same I wonder why anyone would buy the receiver.

I have had this for 2 months now and I am very happy with it. One final note: the remote is very good, in fact, I have retired my 1 year old cambridge touch screen remote as this one is much easier to use.

My system currently consists of:
Rotel RSP-976 pre/pro
Rotel RMB-1095 amp
B&W DM-604 S2 main speakers
B&W DM-601 S2 rear speakers
B&W LCR centre
2 NHT 12" subs
Pioneer DV-414 DVD player
H/K FL-8350 CD changer
Toshiba 50" TV
All monster cable wire & interconnets
Niles power conditioner

Similar Products Used:

This is my first separate pre/pro.

Simple, yet elegant. More than enough inputs

No THX or any 6.1 modes

This is the best deal in home theater today..I originally bought 5 4-ohm M&K S85s (which are exceptional bookshelf speakers) and my receiver (Denon AVR2700) was just too weak to handle them well. I wanted to upgrade to separates eventually, so i decided why not. I tested the Parasound 1800, and did not like it as well as the Rotel. Also, the Rotel gives digital outputs, more digital inputs, and keeps out the annoying tuner LED on all time on the Parasound (partly because it has no tuner....). Paired with the 985MKII, the sound is unbelievable! Very crisp and clear on "Hell Freezes Over." No hiss anywhere i can tell...Some may not like the simple looks...or the lack of frills, but i tell you for both HT and Music this pre-amp is unbelievable for what it does.

Best deal on the market....

Similar Products Used:

Adcom, Parasound

Ease of setup, great sound, digital processing, expandability

Cannot control tone from remote, no midrange control, no customization of sound modes, no built in phono capability, no switched outlets. Expected a little more flexibilty with configuration.

Actually the correct model number is the RSP976. Overall an improvement in my system. The Onkyo only had pro-logic capabilities with no expansion. Sound quality from new system is very good and the price was reasonable compared to some of the other items out there. I like the ability to add future DSP capabilites to my system. Weaknesses are minor items that have little to do with sound of system. Setup and configuration was very easy.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo Integra SV810 PRo