Yamaha Home Theater
Entered CNET Catalog: 03/20/2003
SKU: RSX-1055
Manufacturer: Rotel of America
Manufacturer description
Looking for the convenience of a surround receiver, but with the performance and sophistication of some manufacturer's separate components? Rotel's RSX-1055 is the perfect solution with 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 format capability. This model handles all the latest formats including Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby EX, Rotel XS, dts ES and dts Neo 6. It features the same meticulous attention to the "Balanced Design" engineering philosophy as all of Rotel's other products. That means a big EI core transformer, with select grade filter capacitors that deliver sufficient voltage and current to all channels at its rated output. Each of the five internal power amplifiers delivers 75 watts per channel RMS into 8 ohms, all channels driven, and up to 135 watts per channel under dynamic conditions. For 6.1 and 7.1 channel operation, simply add another Rotel stereo power amplifier. Other features add convenience such as component video switching, an independent Zone 2 output, five assignable digital inputs, discrete on/off codes, rear IR ports, 12 volt trigger, RS-232 interface and full function, learning remote control. When you consider that the RSX-1055 is also "future proof" with upgradeable software, it's a sophisticated surround sound receiver that can't be beat.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 02/10/2003
The owner's manual is a bit skimpy and doesn't offer step-by-step info on various user options, but experienced home-theater buyers will have their 1055s up and running in no time.
The fully backlit, LCD remote hides lesser-used keys behind a slip-down cover. We found programming the remote for use with our DVD player and TV to be a time-consuming chore. It doesn't offer direct access to the various surround modes; instead, you have to scroll through a bunch of choices to get to the one that you want. You also have to navigate though three menu levels to access the bass and treble controls. The 1055 comes equipped with a full complement of the latest Dolby EX and DTS-ES 6.1- and 7.1-channel processing modes, but it has just five 75-watt amplifiers. Rotel's logic is that few owners will actually use the additional rear channels, so why build in the amps? In order to take advantage of the 6.1/7.1 capabilities, you'll need to add an external stereo amp. As we expected, the 1055 also offers Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 processing, but its High Definition Compatible Digital (HDCD) processing is a rare perk (more about that in the Performance section). Another very cool plus: You can customize subwoofer levels for each source--CDs, DVDs, and the Super Audio CD (SACD)/DVD-Audio (DVD-A) inputs.
The Rotel's connectivity complement gets everything mostly right. The 1055 offers a healthy selection of standard A/V inputs in addition to SACD/DVD-A inputs, component-video switching, five digital-audio inputs (three coaxial and two optical), and two digital outputs (one coaxial and one optical). Also in the mix: A stereo, second-room output; a 12-volt trigger to remotely turn on/off compatible components; and an RS-232 computer-control interface. Thanks to the preamp-out jacks, you can hook up a separate multichannel power amp and two subwoofers. On the other hand, this receiver lacks front-panel A/V jacks, a turntable input, and a headphone jack. The competition in the A/V-receiver market is fierce, so let's cut right to the chase: Can this 75-watt-per-channel receiver deliver the visceral mojo required for a satisfying home-theater experience? Yeah baby! The Austin Powers in Goldmember DVD's hard-hitting score and effects were impressively rendered, even when we nudged the volume to seriously loud levels. The amount of detail and dynamic punch was up there with that of the better Denon receivers that we've tested. This Rotel's performance goes to show that you can't judge the potential of a receiver by the numbers alone; we would have guessed that the 1055 had 125 to 150 watts per channel.
Unusually, the 1055 supports HDCDs, which sound slightly better than normal CDs. We checked out the HDCD version of Emmylou Harris's Wrecking Ball, and the Rotel accurately conveyed the disc's densely layered soundstage and above-average transparency through our Dynaudio Contour speakers. Best of all, the 1055's sound had the sort of intense, emotional presence that we associate with separate preamp/processors and amplifiers rather than receivers.
Regular CDs sprang to life with a warm, natural midrange and tantalizing, tactile bass--a sound that we much prefer to the brighter and more forward presence that we usually get from most lower-end receivers. And we were pleasantly surprised by the 1055's AM/FM radio; it sounded almost as good as a CD, though its ability to pull in weak signals was below par.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 User Rating: 
9/10
For HT this and new Rotels are a taste of high end.
Pros: Sound quality and assortment of inputs and outputs
Cons: Multichannel inputs not assignable to a video channel - have to hit the button.
Don't sell it as a 2 channel alternative to an audiophile. Sure, better than 95% out there, but that is where the pickyness hurts it.
Having to program this on screen is a bit of a pain, but it isn't like you have to do this all the time.
User Rating: 
8/10
seperates sound / single box
Pros: clarity, power, solid design, versatility between music and movies.
Cons: tad expensive for a reciever in my book, but several manufacturers are breaking the $4-5000 barrier w/ flagship recievers not as worthy
User Rating: 8/10
Great Entry Into the lower High End
Pros: This reciever will get you much of the way towards a true high-end system at a fraction of the cost of it's competitors. Bravo to CNET for reviewing a higher end unit that you won't find in the Big Box electronics stores. More open, airy highs, very nat
Cons: Still a reciever and not seperates. Will not get you that nth degree of detail or openness. Only five channels, but frankly that's all that most people will use or need (in most cases the 7 channel set-ups are just silly). Lacks a lot of the useless fe
User Rating: 
7/10
Best compromise for HT and Music
Pros: HT side sounds great but lacks the flexability and features of products like Denon or Onkyo. Musically it is the closest you'll get to a separates in a one box solution around 1K - Rotel has THE BEST quality and customer care in the business. It is worth
Cons:
User Rating: 9/10
FANTASTIC! Ignore the other review.
Pros: Clean, full bodied, and robust. Powerful for HT and music.NO NOISE AT HT LEVEL. Sounds nice with Paradigm monitor 9's. Much more power than you think...or whats advertized.
Cons: A little on the expensive side but most nice things are. Appears other receivers at this price range have more features but the way I see it more features equal less of something else...sound and power quality which are much more important than useless fe
