My system:Rotel RTC-965 pre/pro
Rotel RB-985MKII amp
Proscan DVD player
Technics CD player
Paradigm Titans front speakers
Paradigm PW-2200 subwoofer
Cambridge Soundworks Center Stage center channel
Bose 301 rear surrounds
Tributaries DCA-100 interconnects


I bought this pre/pro one week ago as part of a combo with the RB-985MKII amp ($1700 for combo). I've noticed an audible hiss and another high frequency tone coming from my speakers regardless of source. I never noticed any such thing on my 10 year old Onkyo TSX-515Pro, or on the Yamaha RXV-2095 that I auditioned previously. I think that I also hear these noises during the silent passages of music/movies and that really frustrates me. I can't say with any certainty which component of my system is to blame, but it only makes sense that, since the preamp/amp combo is the only new addition to my system, one of the two must be the culprit. I'm suspicious of the RTC-965 since it has other defects (s-video monitor output, speaker size setting). My confidence in the product's design and build quality was really shaken when I noticed the same noises emanating from the store's demo equipment in one of their dedicated home theater rooms. But I'll only know for sure when I get my replacement, with which the dealer is gladly supplying me. A situation like this is where a good dealer really pays off. I'm sure I won't end up dissatisfied, even if it means replacing the Rotel pieces with another brand of equipment.

I don't want to only report negatively on Rotel. They have a great reputation and are obviously confident of their products, as evidenced by their 5-year warranty on this type of equipment. Their track record must be very good, because I don't think they could afford to keep replacing defective products over the course of 5 years.

I can't pinpoint the RTC-965 as the source of the noise I'm hearing. It could be the RB-985MKII or something else. Also, it has a load of great features, and reproduces my music with good clarity for what seems to be a reasonable price. Without the noises described above I would rate it four stars because it could still use more features (full video switching - S-video and composite, variable crossover frequencies, digital out). But that's probably too much to ask for $900 and still retain any quality.

Once Set up Easy of Use

Weak Fuses, Poor Manual, Needs to be more detailed.

When I first brought product home I was disapointed with the fact that I kept blowing fuses. The system will not allow you to hook-up Power amps to outlets on back. Well after a few trips back to store I was very pleased with overall preformance of product. I do not have any hiss or noise in system that I have read about.

Rotel RTC 965 Pre Amp
Rotel RB 951 Center Amp (Bridge Mono)
Rotel RB 930AX Rear Amp
Sony TA-N77ES Front Amp

Klipsch Heresy II (Front)
Bose 201 (Rear)
Paradigm (10" sub)
Paradigm (Centre)

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Too Many to List

Inputs: Digital, Audio and Video
25 Pin connector

Lousy documentation! I've never seen a more poorly written instruction manual, if you want to call it that. Obviously written by someone that thinks everybody thinks like they do! Lousy remote logic and layout of the set up buttons. Remote seems to have good universal use though.

So far I am impressed with the unit but...

I hear t/v hum in the system when only the amp/pre amp is on. Might be my jumble of wires.

In 2 channel stereo, I hear hiss and hum from the rear speakers. I have to get up real close to hear this.


When I listen to t/v in dolby prologic surround, the center channel sound comes through in the r & l front speakers in what I can only describe as short wave radio scrambled sound. Does not happen from all t/v station sources. I am hooked up to the dish network. I tink it is a signal problem from dish.

The sound quality, power and punch are a definate improvement, over what I had or auditioned, the channel separation is the best I have heard and when omitting the center channel speaker in surround, the center channel steering from the 2 front speakers makes me glad I haven't invested in a center channel speaker. It is so good, better sound than from what I have heard from good center chanels without the up in your face loudness of center speakers.

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ONKYO Intrega ASV 810 Pro

Great sound. Adequate features. Great mids. Warm Sound.

No variable crossover.

The sound is astounding. You'd have to spend thousands more to gain 10% more quality. Originally I did not plan to spend over $500. I listened to all kinds of equipment, including my audiophile friend's Proceed/Sonus Faber equipment. This was the price point which I determined that additional cost didn't buy much.

There is a slight lack of focus, but look at the price point! The Rotel RSP-985 sounded much more defined, yet lacked some midrange. To me, real life lives primarily in the midranges. All audio equipment is a trade-off of some kind.

Rotel did make the high pitched sound upgrade at no charge. This was a necessity, and Rotel obliged. They stand by their product, but one has to be patient. The imaging is wonderful. I'm not sure how big the soundstage is, but it fills my room which is small.

If I had to do it over again, I'd buy this same product. The only thing I would hope for is a variable crossover. I'd like to give this five stars, but in reality there is some room for improvement. Nine out of ten would be a more accurate assessment.

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Marantz SR7000, Harman Kardon AVR500, Denon AVR3300, Denon AVR 5700, Rotel RSP-985, Sony stb930, Marantz SR5000

Excellent sound on music and movies, more flexible than most other Rotel gear

No component video in/out.

First let me say my local dealer, Audition Audio gave me a great trade in for my last Rotel piece, the RTC970, which though it has a sequential number above the 965, was actually it's predecessor in the time of Pro-Logic. I brought this piece home two months ago now, and was told it was a sonic equal to my old piece with more flexibility, but was astounded to hear how much better it really was. On Dolby Digital and DTS pieces, it outdoes the outboard decoders that linked to the 970 by a long shot. The detail, dynamics, and especially center channel clarity are awesome. Linked to my RB985 amp, there is not even a hint of noise either. The onboard D/A converter works ok on cd listening, though by using the analog inputs, the converter in my Denon DVD 2500 adds a bit more bass weight and midrange smoothness. The surprising features of this piece are the number of inputs, good remote (unlike the 970), and ease of use. I also scored some serious points with my fiancee for simplifying operation of the AV system operation due to the naming of inputs on the display, and the excellent on-screen readouts. I don't know of any other pre/pro in this price range that does all the things it does, and sounds as sweet.

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Rotel RTC 970, NAD and Adcom preamps.

No unwanted noise. Easy to set up. Intuitive front panel.

I haven't found any weaknesses.

I have had my RTC-965 for about 4 mo, and I have had no problems with it whatsoever. It is a pleasure to listen to, although the neighbors hate it. :) I have no noise at all, and I'm using just about the worst interconnects that you could imagine. Hell, I'm afraid to upgrade to the good ones if it's going to cause problems. ;)



System:
Rotel RTC-965 Preamp
Pioneer DVD-414
Mitsubishi SVHS Recorder
Crest Audio CA9 Power Amplifier Bridged (Bass)
2- 8 ohm EV S-181 Subwoofers
Crest Audio CA6 Power Amplifier (Front)
2- 4 ohm JBL TR-225 Dual 15" Speakers
Crest Audio CA6 Power Amplifier (Rear)
2- 8 ohm JBL TR-125 Single 15" Speakers
Crest Audio CA2 Power Amplifier Bridged (Center)
1- 8 ohm JBL TR-125 Single 15" Speaker



Patrick Hollenshead

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Marantz AV-550

Smooth refined midrange, especially in 2 channel stereo - Front faceplate ergonomics (even my wife is unintimidated)

Music DSP modes - Remote does not have a 'learning' function

Was frightened to purchase this Rotel Preamp after reading about all the quality problems, but I was seduced by the sound. It's the only product I've found at this price point that sounds better than my old Denon AVR 3000 in 2 channel stereo, and I have searched for a year (i.e. to replace the Denon with a product that has DD and DTS, but still sounds great on music). Smooth. Refined. Very 'analogy'. All but one of the Music DSP modes suck, expecially compared to the DC-1 in my studio, but for home use I'm happy, especially for under 800 dollars.

I haven't experienced any noise problems, fuse problems, or set-up problems. In fact, I found the set-up very simple. Maybe Rotel improved their manual, I don't know, but it was a snap. The buttons on the front faceplate are so clearly laid out that even my wife likes this thing -- it's much more convenient than the 'source' knob many manufacturers have gone to lately. I don't enjoy cycling through every input choice before I find the one I want. I feel the same way about tuning in radio stations. And the unprogramable remote that everyone seems to complain about operates my sony cd player flawlessly, although it's not a learning remote, it has stored codes you must first dial in.

Sure, it's not a Lexicon, but on the other hand, it doesn't jeopardize your mortgage payment. All in all, I'm very impressed.

I'll post another review if I experience any problems.

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Own a Lexicon DC-1
Own a Denon AVR 3000 (`91 - only DPL, not digital)
Auditioned everything under the sun at the stores
Brought a Denon AVR 2800 home and returned it

DD DTS performance

Remote won't control my CD Player

This is an update to my previous review. Well, after I posted my first review, someone e-mailed me and said there was an update for this unit to fix the high frequency noise. I e-mailed Rotel, and the gentleman told me to take to my dealer. I have a good relationship with my dealer, and he explained that the problem was a grounding problem between the DSP board, and the main logic board. Also, he said that they had him change a screw on one of the SVIDEO inputs. I applaud Rotel for standing behind their product. Well, I got the unit back and I will say that the noise was considerable reduced but not entirely eliminated. I did observe something interesting. Let's say I have my DVD player connected to the video2 input. If I select Video2 input on the pre-amp with the DVD player powered off, I hear the high frequency pitch. If I turn on the dvd player on then it totally goes away and sound is clean. I noticed this on multiple inputs. So, although I'm being a little picky. I'm happier, and as long as the input device is turned on, which is always the case of course, I'm ok with it. I still like this piece very much. I will say again, the DD and DTS performance is wonderful.

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Musical sound
Ease of customizing setup on TV screen

Terrible instruction manual. One of the manufacturer's comments is, for those people who don't want to fuss, to merely set up the system for ProLogic for all material. This means having to experience 5 channels for 2 channel CD's. C'mon, who is their target audience?

Excellent sound with a 5 channel Rotel power amp and B&W speakers.

However, playing CD's using the coaxial cable connection is less than optimal. The unit allows one to set up your speakers for optimal playing of DTS/Dolby (high and mid frequencies to the 5 surround speakers, low frequencies to the subwoofer) OR stereophonic sound (full frequencies for the left and right front speaker).

In order to maximize your speaker's capabilities, you must do one of the following:
1. Change the speaker setup each time you switch from playing DVD's to CD's or vise versa (very inconvenient), OR
2. Use the RCA analog cables and plug them into a different input, such as the CD input. This is what I elected to do. It sounds wonderful, but I'm a little perturbed that I cannot use the capability of the coaxial cable for CD's.

By the way, Rotel has a deal when you purchase both this and their 5 channel power amp.

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None

LOADED WITH FEATURES AT THIS PRICE POINT. SOLID BUILD. ROTEL WARRANTY.

NONE FOR IT'S PRICE POINT

I NEARLY DID NOT BUY THIS PIECE DUE TO SOME OF THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS AND PROBLEMS MENTIONED IN THESE REVIEWS. I SPOKE WITH THE LOCAL ROTEL DEALER AND ASKED IF HE HAD HEARD OF ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS. HIS REPLY WAS THAT HE HAD SOLD NEARLY 2O UNITS AND NO ONE MENTIONED ANY PROBLEM. I SPOKE WITH SEVERAL OF HIS CUSTOMERS WHO OWNED SERIOUS MUSIC ONLY SYSTEMS WHO HAD PURCHASE THE RTC-965 AS A HOME THEATER CONTROLLER AND EVERYONE FELT IT WAS A CLEAN SOUNDING PIECE. THE ONLY PROBLEM I CAN VALIDATE FROM THESE REVIEWS IS A QUIET HISS NOISE WHEN IN SOME DSP MODES WHEN PUTTING YOUR EAR NEXT TO THE SPEAKER. I PURCHASED THIS PIECE AS A SECOND SYSTEM AND FEEL IT CAN'T BE BEAT AT IT'S PRICE. IT'S IS ALSO A VERY DECENT SOUNDING IN STEREO. I WAS ALSO ABLE TO ELIMINATE THE HISS ENTIRELY WHEN I PLUGGED THE UNIT INTO MY MAIN SYSTEMS POWER CONDITIONER. THE PEOPLE WHO ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT SYSTEM HISS MAY NOT HAVE THEIR CABLING ROUTED CORRECTLY OR HAVE VERY NOISY AC POWER. IF ANYONE IS SHOPPING FOR A PRE/PRO IN THIS PRICE RANGE I FEEL IT IS THE WAY TO GO.

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