Rotel RSP-976 Surround Sound Processor/Preamplifier

11-Oct-00

Rotel's new RSP-976 surround sound processor/preamplifier combines Rotel's traditional concern for sound quality and reliability with advanced surround-sound processing, wideband video switching capabilities, ease of operation, and unusual flexibility. ""The RSP-976 brings the highly praised advantages of Rotel's design expertise to both dedicated single-room and elaborate whole-house entertainment systems,"" said Michael Bartlett, Rotel's Vice President and General Manager. ""Before we finalized this design, we took the opportunity to simplify both internal circuitry and the user interface to give even techno-phobic customers an easy way to enjoy the finest surround-sound capability. And we've made the RSP-976 easy to integrate into even the most complex custom-installed system."" The RSP-976 will accommodate up to eight analog and five digital sources. All the digital inputs are assignable so that individual systems can be configured to best match user preferences. A separate 5.1 channel input provides ""future proof"" format compatibility. Specially chosen and trimmed A/D and D/A converters handle those critical transitions to ensure optimum sound quality. Advanced Crystal Semiconductor digital processors decode DolbyÆ Digital, DTSÆ Digital Surroundô, or Dolby Pro LogicÆ sources. Additional DSP modes make full use of home theatre speaker arrays while playing two-channel sources. Further evidence of Rotel's desire to offer only the finest internal components, the RSP-976 offers a power supply built around a high-current transformer specifically designed and manufactured for the unit in Rotel's own factory. Low-ESR capacitors and optimized analog circuitry preserve and transmit every nuance of favored music or soundtrack selectionsFive video inputs accommodate either composite or S-Video signals, while two also provide for component video sources. Wide-bandwidth video switching and a component-video monitor output (component HDTV compatible) ensure that the RSP-976 will provide the finest video signal possibleThe RSP-976's simplified front panel invites easy use, even by those intimidated by today's increasingly complex home entertainment technologies. The informative front panel LCD display provides instant status checks while a visually engaging on-screen menu facilitates easy system setup. The RSP-976 also includes a fully independent Zone 2 audio output to allow ""second source"" distribution to a remote room. Independent volume control of the second zone together with source selection is available, and can be operated via either a third-party IR repeater or third-party learning keypad.Installers will appreciate the five alternative power-on/off commands, including separate IR codes for on and off.System interface is enhanced by an RS-232 interface to allow custom installers or experienced consumers to integrate the RSP-976 in, for example, a touch-screen remote-control system by various third-party suppliers. Additionally, a fully programmable remote control is supplied which allows for full learning of nine additional components. There is also a built-in timer/clock to provide automatic turn-on at a pre-determined time. Two 12-VDC trigger outputs allow the RSP-976 to control on/off functions of associated system components like power amplifiers and sources. The heavy-duty IEC-style detachable AC power cable adds convenience for custom install applications. Availability: October 2000Suggested Retail Price: $1,199For more information, visit www.rotel.com.Category: Surround Processors

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