Rotel Bows New A/V Flagship Preamp/Processor

14-Feb-03

International audio/video manufacturer Rotel Electronics has for decades been known throughout the world for its ""affordable high-end"" A/V components. Now Rotel has introduced the RSP-1098, a new flagship preamplifier/surround processor. The RSP-1098 features a full-color LCD display, integrated into its front panel, for system control and on-screen menu navigation, or for monitoring a video source or even a remote entryway or security camera. It also incorporates a full array of digital surround capabilities.""The RSP-1098 is Rotel's most sophisticated product to date,"" says Mike Bartlett, Rotel of America's Vice President and General Manager, ""so we worked harder than ever to 'keep it simple' on the outside. But beyond its astonishingly elegant look and unique ergonomic achievements, the 1098 is pure Rotel, with the fully integrated performance and full system excellence our 'Balanced Design' concept delivers.""The new preamp/processor's faceplate shows the inset full-color LCD screen, flanked by two knobs and key pushbutton controls. Inside, the RSP-1098 is a classic example of Rotel's ""over-engineered"" power supply designs, with Rotel-manufactured dual-toroidal power transformers and generous current reserves courtesy of a bank of specially made, low-ESR capacitors with pure, rock-steady voltage and current supplies segregated for each circuit family, forming the type of underpinnings Rotel considers critical to superb sonics. The audio and video circuitry of the RSP-1098 was no less rigorously engineered, with function-oriented individual circuit boards carefully spaced and isolated to eliminate signal contamination (a design practice borrowed from the computer industry). Crystal 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters for all channels, and the latest-generation, ultra-high-speed Cirrus Logic 32-bit signal processing (DSP) engine combine to deliver the complete range of current-day surround modes, including DolbyÆ Digital EX and Pro LogicÆ II, DTS-ESÆ, and DTS Neo:6Æ processing. There's also Rotel's proprietary 7.1-channel Extra Surround mode, able to deliver multichannel sound from virtually any source. And the Rotel is fully software-upgradeable, making it virtually future-proof.Eight-channel analog outputs and uniquely flexible, individual-channel crossover setup control are just two of the features that permit the RSP-1098 to adapt to virtually any home theatre system layout, while eight assignable digital inputs and five analog A/V inputs handle any combination of source components. What's more, the new Rotel preamp/processor features four selectable, wideband component video inputs (enough to accommodate the most elaborate setup), and maintains studio-quality video bandwidth on all video signal paths and switches.While the new RSP-1098 makes a peerless ""quarterback"" for any high-performance home theatre system, its abilities extend further still. Independent multi-source/multi-zone design lets it serve up audio and video to a remote room, even while the home theatre room is in full multichannel swing. Independent main/remote IR inputs, a fully functional RS-232 computer-style interface, discrete on/off command structure, and four individually assignable 12-volt triggers contribute enough outreach to make the Rotel preamp/processor a highly competent, full-system media controller as well.Rotel includes its advanced RR-1050 remote handset with the RSP-1098. This powerfully ergonomic controller, with its backlit LCD screen for instant user feedback in any room lighting, replaces up to ten different remotes with a single simple, smoothly integrated commander. Extensive macro capability and a sliding cover to conceal programming-only buttons are featured.The RSP-1098 is available in two choices: matte black or two-tone matte-silver/black. It will be available March 2003 at a suggested retail price of $2,999.For more information, visit www.rotel.com.

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