General Asylum: REVIEW: Rotel RSX-1065 Receiver by mark111

Model:	RSX-1065
Category:	Receiver
Suggested Retail Price:	$2000.00
Description:	surround sound receiver
Manufacturer URL:	Rotel
Manufacturer URL:	Rotel

Review by mark111 ( A ) on June 09, 2003 at 10:23:07
IP Address: 66.63.98.203

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for the RSX-1065

I've owned this receiver for about three months now and figure it's time to write a review.
This is my first mch receiver.The set-up I had prior consisted of a main integrated amp(Yamaha AX-570) with an old stereo receiver for the rear and a small int-amp for the center channel.I guess this reflects my primary preference being stereo music.
I allmost want to call the Rotel an excellent stereo receiver that also does surround.
At first the sound wasn't as full-bodied as I like,but after some break-in,it warmed up nicely.The sound is very clean and detailed,yet not at all bright.In fact,it is very full and robust,with plenty of weight.Did I mention the detail?It's like getting a new music collection!I'm hearing details in familiar music that I never heard before.I've been digging out music that I haven't listened to in years,just to hear what I had been missing.Early CD trnsfers,which I thought sounded thin and lifeless,now have more body and punch and snap.I think I finally understand what people mean when they talk about an amp's "speed".I'm hearing the leading edge of the notes,which helps deliniate the instrument(whether guitar,drums,piano,etc.).
Although a lot of receivers on the market are rated at 100wts X 5.This playes like there's much more.I've had drum thwaks after a quiet passage actually startle me.
The mch. performance is outstanding,as well.I have my DVD-A player hooked up using the analog outs into an out-board bass manager,then into the receiver's 6ch input.Music in DVD-A is clear and powerfull,as it should be,with the same quality as in stereo.I haven't explored all of the dsp functions,but I do like the 5ch stereo mode.I don't use it for serious listening sessions,but it's nice when you're rambling around the house,or when you have company and want the sound more diffused so as not to be too intrusive on conversation.
The tuner sounds great,as well.I had an Adcom tuner when I bought this.I plugged it in to one of the assignable inputs for a while and compared it to the Rotel's tuner.The Adcom had a very slight edge,but the differance was so small,that it didn't warrant keeping a seperate tuner.
And speaking of inputs.There are 5 assignable A/V inputs(3 have in and out ala tape loop).plus CD and Tape.
The unit comes with a good instruction manual and a large,back-lit,programable remote(my son calls it the "The Tricorder").
I think this should keep me happy for years to come(mabey it's time for new speakers).

Product Weakness: I can't really think of any.I suppose there are better souning set-ups,but they'll cost a lot more.
Product Strengths: sounds great , power to spare.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	na
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	na
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Thorens TD126 mkIII w/Grado Silver and Rotel RQ-970 BX phono stage,Carver SD/A-450 CD player, JVC XV-D723GD DVD-A/V player
Speakers:	all Cerwin-Vega, mains AT-12,surround S1, center LS-5C
Cables/Interconnects:	mostly Monster Cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	all types,but mostly rock and folk
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 16 x 16
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3mos.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Outlaw Audio ICBM bass manager
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	I can't really think of any.I suppose there are better souning set-ups,but they'll cost a lot more.
Product Strengths:	sounds great , power to spare.