I recently upgraded from the Rotel spearates to the Pioneer Elite receiver. I don't use it for music, just movies. In my system, to my ears, the Elite was just as good, and, perhaps, a bit more detailed, and a tad quieter. I would agree that the Rotel set up was warmer. The soundstage was a little wider but the Elite is definately more transparent. I am considering hooking up the Rotel 6 channel apm to the Elite pre-outs to see what it does, but not in a hurry as I'm pretty happy with it. The new audio codecs are simply amazing, which the Rotel gear, obviously, doesn't do. I think it's the RMB 1068 pre/pro.
Rotel RB 1070 from Elite Receiver Big Difference?
I'm planning on a new set of speakers (Posiibly Polk LSi9's) that will require 4 ohm amp. My Pioneer Elite receiver (43tx) only rated for 6ohm or higher. Although the Pioneer sounds good (very neutral--which is its job), I'm thinking of Rotel RB 1070 to drive fronts (then I can upgrade speakers). I hear Rotel sounds a touch warmer than Pioneer? If this is so...that would be perfect. Anyway, I'm hoping the Rotel amp would be an improvement or as good as the Elite amp. Opinions?