Ok,
Just got back from the Demo and the first thing to confirm is that the Rotel RMB 1075 is available in Black and Silver/black.
Unfortunately, the shop sold the only model they had via mail order yesterday and as a result, I did not hear it today. I have ordered one though and it should arrive ina few weeks as supply is very short at the moment.
Onto the demo:
For all tests I used an Arcam DV88 (not plus) for CD and DVD duties as this is what I have at home.
2 Channel:
I listened to a Rotel 1066 pre/pro through a 2 channel Rotel power amp. I compared the 1066 to a Rotel 2 ch preamp. (I forget the model number but it cost about £270)
To cut a long story short, the 1066 was quickly dismissed because it's stereo performance was not even comparable to that of the stereo preamp costing a third it's price.
The 1066 was very laid back and just did not convey the detail of the cheaper model. The cheap Rotel was looking like a good buy for a while. My plan was to use this for my front left and right and stick with the Marantz SR5200 for Multi channel.
I only had one more piece of kit to listen to and it was one I really could not afford.
Enter the Tag AV32R (Not bp192)
This thing sounded great with the Arcam DV88 in Analogue, much better than the Rotel. Then again, it did cost 10 times as much. I was impressed to say the least. The sound was so natural, details were incredible. I have listened to 'Touching Tounges' by Steve Vai at least a billion times and yet I have never heard it all before!
(Oh my god, I sound like What Hi-Fi!)
I thought I knew every nuance of this song (I have been trying to learn how to play it for some 5 years on the guitar). I heard things I've never heard before and the instruments all sounded so 'right'.
We then tried it using a digital output from the DV88 and the sound quality moved up another notch, using the DACs in the Tag rather than those of the Arcam. The Arcam's DACs were almost as good though it has to be said.
AV Demo
So we take the Dv88 and the Tag Av32R downstairs and hook it up into a Marantz SR5300. The Marantz is set to 6.1 input and as such, it's processing chips are bypassed and only the amps are running (More or less)
After a bit of Lord of the Rings, Titan AE and Fast and Furious, I'm convinced enough to bankrupt myself and buy the tag.
I didn't even bother with the 1066.
So, I'm picking up a new Tag AV32R bp192 on Wednesday.
This will be run through my Marantz SR5200 until the Rotel 1075 comes into stock again.
Sorry to all those people expecting a 1066 pre/pro review, it just did not cut the mustard compared to the tag.
Why not the AV30R?
Well, when you weigh up the cost of add ons and upgradability, the AV30R's 'bargain' status starts to diminish a little bit.
My 5.1 AV32R will cost about £300 more than a 7.1 AV30R but hopefully, it will not need to be replaced for many years.
If I have ommited to mention anything or you want any more info, then please let me know and I'll do my best for you.
Now, can anyone lend me about £4000?
Richard.