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Receiver Rotel? and Speakers Maggies? for HT?

Hi,

I need to buy sound gear and video switching for our HT (front projector). Already have a 2-channel separate music system which I love (tube amp with Soliloquy speakers).

Room is about 16x30 with angled ceiling (1.5 story house) on the sides, so speakers for rear surrounds must be small/flat and wall-mountable. Detailed sound processing and clear dialog are number one priorities, without sounding too bright.

Since there do not appear to be any reasonably priced pre/pros ( = 100MHz bandwidth, I've resigned myself to buying a receiver with pre-outs instead. I've got a couple of 2-channel amps with an honest 100W/channel rating floating around, and could always buy another used amp if necessary. The top contenders right now are Rotel RSX-1056 and RSX-1067, though I'm not sure the 1067 (100Wx7) is worth $900 more than the 1056 (75Wx5 with 2 preouts for the other 2 channels).

Thought of getting the new Magnepan MMG W and MMG C speakers, augmented with a Dayton Titanic 10" sub (or 2 if needed). They look nice and fit flat against the wall, perfect for our room. Imaging and clarity are supposed to be their strength, and the lack of bass is made up by the sub(s). Trouble is, they are 4ohm speakers and supposedly difficult to drive. Question is, how are they for HT, would they be "loud" enough for our room, and can the Rotel receivers handle them or will I likely require outboard amplification?

Sorry for the somewhat lengthy post, but I figure more info is better than not enough. You may not have all the answers, but any advise or experience with respect to the above choices are greatly appreciated!

Thx,
Frank
fvoelling

Showing 2 responses by mikelavigne

mikelavigne
2,209 posts
 
i recently purchased the Rotel RSX-1056 for my 3rd system in my family room. this is currently just 2-channel with a 50" Fujitsu P50XHA30WS plasma.....it is installed in a closed cabinet with minimal ventilation. the RSX-1056 sounded better than it's big brother (RSX-1067), didn't get as warm, and has a very good interface. i did hear it at the dealer in multi-channel and i preferred it's performance to any of the 'Japanese black boxes' in it's price range. the styling is very pleasing and the build quality is at a higher level than others i considered. the amp seems to have more 'headroom' than it's modest watt rating would indicate.

i am a passionate 2-channel guy and was very impressed with the 2-channel performance into the modest but great sounding Dynaudio Audience 52se speakers. you can click on my system page to see my reference for 2-channel performance.

the HD video switching seems to be transparent.....i like my HD.

in the future i'll be using the 1056 in surround and feel it will do a great job. highly recommended.
mikelavigne
2,209 posts
 
Exertfluffer, have you heard the current versions of Rotel Receivers, processors and amps?

i am no Rotel champion.....only a satisfied customer of the RSX-1056. i have not heard recent NAD or the Outlaw products. i am just curious whether your generalizations and second hand comments have any direct listening experience to the Rotel RSX-1056 attached?
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