Rotel's RSX-1550 receiver -- great performance, but a bit pricey

by Steven Kim posted Jun 12th 2009 at 3:38AM

It's taken a good long while since Rotel debuted its 15-series AV components, but we're glad to see that a thorough review of the 5.1-channel RSX-1550 receiver has gone up at AVGuide. As a marque that sits at the high end of the spectrum, some quirks are to be expected, but Rotel has finally gotten onboard with HDMI 1.3 connectivity, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, and independent subwoofer crossover frequencies for each channel. Also, it sounds like Rotel changed the "house sound" slightly, with a shift towards a more "gutsy" sound with a bassier presentation. Overall, it sounds like the RSX-1550 turned in a solid performance, but outside of Rotel's loyal following, $2,000 for a 5x75-Watt (conservatively rated, but still) receiver that forgoes auto calibration is going to be a tough sell. Audiophiles who complain about feature creep at the expense of quality, however, should take a look -- the RSX-1550 looks like it bucks the trend.

Filed under: Reviews, Receivers, Others

Tags: 15 series, 15Series, avguide, receiver, review, rotel, rsx-1550

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

Don @ Jun 12th 2009 10:14AM

Their diced tomatoes are a little overpriced, too, I think. But hey, you can't make good queso without 'em, so it's worth it.

Neutral

Steven Kim @ Jun 12th 2009 12:35PM

Hahaha! Don't think I've ever seen Ro*Tel tomatoes, or if I had, I never made the connection.

Neutral

Aaron Smith @ Jun 12th 2009 12:48PM

Was it that hard to not add two more freaking channels? Like EVERYONE else?

Neutral

Eko @ Jun 12th 2009 1:35PM

They have a 7.1 version too...click on the link to find out about it, it's the RSX-1560 for an additional $599.

Neutral

clara @ Jun 12th 2009 3:30PM

I absolutely love their amps.... gorgeous, deep, warm sound on many types of speakers.

However, they tend to be a bit underpowered for more serious speakers, especially when below ~83db/1 efficiency in a large room.

There was some word they were going with digital amplification, what happened with this?

Neutral

Steven Kim @ Jun 12th 2009 2:35PM

I know they put out Class D separate amps, but not in their receivers.

Neutral

chuckdaly @ Jun 12th 2009 3:37PM

The RSX-1560 uses ICE power amplification; 100 watts x 7

Neutral

mugatu @ Jun 12th 2009 3:41PM

This A/V receiver is odd. Why is it so underpowered and so expensive with so few modern features? $2000 is a hefty premium to pay for the Rotel brand name, it better sound incredible otherwise they're just charging for the name. I'd pay $2000 for a Pre but not for this package.

Neutral

TexZen @ Jun 22nd 2009 12:24PM

Mugatu: Rotel's brand name has been made by and large by "less is more" in the feature category and putting their money in solid amplification and sound. Yes, $2k is quite a bit for an "entry level" AV receiver but go find a local Rotel dealer and give one a listen. I think you'll like what you hear.

Neutral

kevon27 @ Jun 13th 2009 2:15PM

For a good setup, is it worth it to buy are receiver to do the processing and power your speakers? It seems to me (will be more expensive) but getting a processor and seperate amps will be your best bet.
75 watts per channel seems kinda week for large towers. My modest Polk T90e's are rated up to 200 watts and my little Sony strg 820 cannot really drive these things to the max.

Neutral

TexZen @ Jun 22nd 2009 12:24PM

Kevon27...speaking from experience, Rotel's modest 75x5 (100x2) output will competes more than favorably than other manufacturer's 100-150x5 AV receivers can do. Rotel rates their power output driving 20hz-20khz, not the typical 1khz that 99% of the others do.

Further, your speakers power rating has little or nothing to do with how an amplifier and/or receiver will drive them. That figure is the maximum power you should run through your speakers...more and you risk physical failure due to voice coil overheating, excessive speaker excursion, etc...

This receiver is on my short list of new AV gear to audition for a place in my new home theater.

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