Rotel RC-1580/RB-1582 Sound Quality?

Like NAD, Rotel has for many years steered a careful course somewhere between the vast multi-nationals (Sony, Yamaha) and the small specialists, as well as managing to maintain a profile associated with distinctive products of good performance and value.
The RC-1580 and RB-1582 amps are actually among the more expensive we've seen from the company and it's no surprise to find out that they are the current stereo range-toppers.
In terms of basic specification they are well equipped, with the RC1580 preamp offering eight line inputs, plus phono (both flavours), while the RB1582 is a particularly high-powered beast. But does one actually need that much power for domestic audio?
Obviously the answer entirely depends on the speakers, the space to fill with sound and the target loudness. A few spare watts never hurt and the high current delivery, which is also on offer, is often handy for controlling awkward speakers, even at lower levels.
You'll notice that the preamp thoughtfully includes separate source selection for listening and recording. In order to provide this flexibility, Rotel has had to compromise slightly on the signal switching arrangements, which use relays for listening and an electronic switch for recording.

The volume control is a motorised mechanical one, and the (switchable) tone and balance controls also use mechanical parts.
The power amp features a particularly large mains transformer, with separate secondary windings for each channel, plus huge supply smoothing capacitors grounded via a large copper plate.

Even when playing at quite modest levels (the same as all the others in the blind test, decided empirically but well within the envelope of the least powerful here), these amps still manage to put out a powerful and convincing performance.
By unanimous acclamation, they rocked harder than any others here and overall achieved the most convincing musical results.
The nearest thing to a serious criticism was the mention of slight stridency on piano and other tuned percussive sounds. Take rhythm, for instance. Right across the board, the sound was felt to have not just excellent drive but also great rhythmic solidity and consistency – it never waivers whatever happens to the musical texture.
In part, this is due to the very solid, but also very well-tuned, bass, but the taut midrange clearly also plays a role. Treble is clean and detailed, with very nice decay into ambience, while the detail is just delightful, clear and precise. You want more? Dynamics, maybe?
They're generous and beautifully judged, on both the small and the large scale – the big swells across a whole orchestra and the little inflections in an individual voice or instrument.
Oh, and though it couldn't be part of the main listening as several amps didn't have one, the phono stage is also something of a gem.by richard black

For

• Powerful
• Great sounding in all areas

Against

• Just the slightest hint of upper-midrange

Snell Acoustics IC-C7S

For built-in cabinets, a utility version of the award winning C7 TowerThe IC C7HCC THX is based on the world’s first THX Ultra2 certified speaker. THX’s Ultra2 sets a benchmark for surround sound playback of...Music and Movies...Digital and ProLogic...DVD and CD. The result is a system uncompromised by program content or format! The IC C7HCC THX deploys the components of the award winning Snell XA 90ps in a space efficient enclosure designed to fit into most furniture and built-in cabinets or behind acoustically transparent screens. Intended for home theater and music system’s L/C/R channels, the IC C7HCC THX features a three-driver eXpanding Array (XA) of dual 2 ½-inch midranges and 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter. This unique driver/crossover innovation manages vertical directivity without lobing, for a natural and “airy” soundstage. Furthermore, its controlled dispersion pattern and special tuning compensate for unpredictable room acoustics and boundary interactions. Coupled with two 8-inch high output woofers, the IC C7HCC THX is capable of tremendous output, providing effortless, powerful sound to below 50 Hz. Every IC C7HCC THX is assembled by hand and individually calibrated, assuring performance to within 0.5dB of its reference standard.               

Snell Acoustics A7 ILLusion

Voted Robb Report's "Best of the Best" in the Home Electronics Category - June 2009 Issue
The Illusion reference floor standing loudspeaker system embodies Snell's very best design capabilities. With no limitations set on acoustical design, materials, and creative design, the Illusion is truly an audio enthusiast's masterpiece. Illusion is a graceful pair of tapering towers housing a full spectrum of fast, sublimely musical transducers, interacted with an exceedingly accurate crossover network in the Snell tradition.

Illusion generates an exceptionally wide, realistic three-dimensional soundstage that puts voices and instruments not just in their proper location, but in their proper size relative to each other with consistent acoustic characteristics at every listening level.

BOWERS & WILKINS 683 SERIES

The imposing 683 is the genuine three-way speaker of the 600 Series, with a line-up of technologies and a level of performance that defies its entry-level place in the market. For large rooms, two 683s make a formidable partnership, either for stereo hi-fi or fronting a home theatre installation.

Deep, dynamic, bottom-end power is delivered by a pair of aluminium/paper/Kevlar® composite cone bass drive units. The 150mm Kevlar® midrange handles middle frequencies with its characteristic clarity and tunefulness, but, for the first time in a 600 Series speaker, includes FST cone surround technology for extra detail and resolution. The Nautilus™ tube-loaded, aluminium dome tweeter, featuring a new surround material to improve spaciousness and imaging, adds needle-sharp top end all the way to 50kHz and beyond.

The improvements to the drive units in the new 600 Series make it possible, for the first time, to introduce a minimalist crossover to the range. The use of components that are fewer in number but higher in quality – hand-picked in exhaustive listening tests – reduces the degradation of the signal significantly. So, whether you’re enjoying hi-fi or home cinema, what you hear is that much closer to what was recorded.

SPECS

Woven Kevlar
Crossover Tuning
Nautilus Tapering Tube
Flowport
Mushrooms
FST
Technical features	Nautilus™ tube loaded aluminium dome tweeter Kevlar® brand fibre cone FST™ midrange Aluminium/paper/Kevlar® cone bass driver Flowport™
Description	3-way vented-box system
Drive units	1x ø25mm (1 in) aluminium dome high-frequency 1x ø150mm (6 in) woven Kevlar® cone FST™midrange 2x ø165mm (6.5 in) Aluminium/paper/Kevlar® cone bass
Frequency range	-6dB at 30Hz and 50kHz
Frequency response	38Hz - 22kHz ±3dB on reference axis

Dispersion	Within 2dB of reference response Horizontal: over 60º arc Vertical: over 10º arc
Sensitivity	90dB spl (2.83V, 1m)
Harmonic distortion	2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <1% 90Hz - 22kHz <0.5% 120Hz - 20kHz
Nominal impedance	8Ω (minimum 3.0Ω)
Crossover frequencies	350Hz, 4kHz
Crossover Filters	1st Order – tweeter 2nd Order – midrange low pass 2nd Order – midrange high pass 3rd Order – bass
Recommended amplifier power	25W - 200W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
Max. recommended cable impedance	0.1Ω
Dimensions	Height: 985mm (38.8 in) (not including plinth or feet) Width: 198mm (7.8 in) Depth: 340mm (13.4 in)
Net weight	26kg (57.3 lb)
Finishes	Black Ash Red Cherry

Hi-Fi Choice August 2007
"B&W’s astonishing new 600 Series is finally here, and the 683 has been worth the wait"
Read the full review

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684

The 2½-way 684 floorstander is a great choice for hi-fi or home cinema in medium-sized to large rooms. Its twin Kevlar drive and aluminium dome tweeter make for a refined performance.

HTM61

The HTM61 is the larger of the two centre speakers in the 600 Series, and is tailor-made to partner either of the two floorstanding main speakers in a commanding home theatre system.

683 Theatre

The 683 Theatre is the reference 600 Series home theatre system, put together to fill large, open spaces effortlessly with the richest, most realistic sound.Copyright © 2012 Bowers & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

Runco QuantumColor Q-650i LED Projector

Runco's revolutionary QuantumColor™ series projectors pair energy-saving LED technology with proprietary Runco engineering to create unsurpassed performance and unrivaled customization. The Runco QuantumColor Q-650 home theater projector includes Runco’s InfiniLight™ lampless LED illumination technology to provide an infinite light source that creates an energy-efficient projector with the widest color gamut ever available in home theater projection. But simply creating a projector platform with lampless technology and the largest color gamut isn’t enough. Harnessing its incredible color options, Runco utilizes its unmatched Personal Color Equalizer™, which allows color adjustment that includes those exactly defined by the cinematographer and the color preferences of each individual viewer for each source. Proprietary Runco Smart Color (RSC™) provides a hue compensation curve and gamut mapping that allows for lifelike, accurate flesh tones while increasing color saturation, without sacrificing the purity of other colors.

Coupled with InfiniLight’s lampless LED technology is QuantumColor’s unparallel brightness. To learn more about Q-lumens and why QuantumColor™ products outperform their specifications, read Runco’s e-book on “Out-of-the-Box Brightness for Life™.”

Runco’s revolutionary lampless InfiniLight™ LED projector

Offering the largest color gamut and Runco’s Personal Color Equalizer™ proprietary color management for stunning realism

Exclusive Runco SmartColor™ hue compensation curve and gamut mapping for accurate fleshtones

Uses 70% less power than lamp-based projection with Runco InstantOn™ eliminating the need to leave projector in power-consuming “standby” mode

KRELL Evolution Two PreAmplifier

Power Supplies
Housed in a separate chassis, the power supply makes use of extensive electrical and magnetic shielding to keep radiated interference out of critical preamplifier circuits. Internal line conditioning circuitry filters RF noise on the AC power, and compensates for asymmetric power waveforms and DC on the mains. Power for the analog stages comes from a large 170 VA toroidal transformer. This transformer drives four 8-amp bridge rectifiers and 39,600 microfarads of filter capacitance. Each monaural preamplifier has as much power supply capability as many stereo power amplifiers.
The main regulators for the analog stages are scaled-down versions of those used to power the output stages of the Evolution One amplifier. Operating in current mode, with fully complementary gain stages and output drivers, wide bandwidth, low output impedance, and high current capability, the main regulators easily exceed the requirements of the analog stages. The driver and output stages in the main analog regulators use five pairs of 150 Volt, 8 Amp, 40 megahertz power transistors.
A dedicated 90 VA toroidal transformer with three independent secondary windings
powers the preamplifier's digital control circuitry. The regulators for the control circuitry team ultra-stable voltage reference chips with the same discrete high current driver and output transistors used in the main analog regulators. These ample power reserves are brought to the Evolution Two via high reliability 12-pin connectors with machined, gold plated, three-amp contacts. Secondary voltage regulators for each analog stage in the Evolution Two provide ultra-quiet, rock-solid supply rails, as well as complete isolation between all the analog stages.
When the Evolution Two is placed in stand-by, all the analog circuitry continues to operate at the same bias current; however, the main analog supply voltages decrease by 30 percent. The result is a corresponding 30 percent reduction in power consumption and heat without the need to wait for the electronics to "warm up" before listening.
Zero Feedback Balanced Current Mode Design
The signal path is fully complementary and fully balanced from input to output. All transistors operate in Class A mode. CAST inputs drive a newly designed current mode balanced input stage, which uses a unique topology able to reject common- mode input noise over an unusually wide bandwidth. Single-ended and balanced inputs drive a dynamically-cascoded JFET buffer, which has tremendous open-loop linearity and very high input impedance, to eliminate loading effects. The voltage signals are then converted into balanced current signals, the form in which they remain through the remainder of the signal path. The audio signal remains in the current domain throughout the entire preamplifier. Only at the single-ended and voltage outputs is it converted back to the voltage domain.
All signal gain is realized in the current domain using proprietary multiple-output current mirrors with nearly 500 times the open loop linearity of other designs. Negative feedback is not used anywhere in the Evolution Two preamplifier, nor is it necessary. Open-loop distortion is typically less than 0.005% (50 parts per million), and the open loop bandwidth extends to two megahertz. The result is an extraordinarily wide and deep image, with an open, effortless sound. The signal switching relays are hermetically sealed and use gold-plated bifurcated contacts for maximum signal integrity. Where needed multiple relays are connected in a "T" configuration to virtually eliminate crosstalk from unselected inputs. The volume setting can be adjusted and displayed either numerically, from 0 to 151, or in dB, from - inf to +12.0 dB.

Fully Balanced Discrete Volume Control
The volume control is realized with a 16-bit balanced resistor ladder, which uses low-resistance, high-linearity solid-state switches and discrete precision resistors. Control signals for the switches are optically coupled for low noise and maximum signal integrity. The bandwidth and transient response of the preamplifier circuitry are virtually unaffected by the volume setting. As a result high frequencies sound especially smooth and extended, and music seems to emerge from "jet black" silence. The analog and digital signal paths are not interconnected. Where necessary, digital control signals are optically coupled to analog circuits.
The Evolution Two has two buffered tape outputs: one linked to the main signal selection bus, and another with its own independent signal-selection bus. This allows the option of listening to one source while recording another, or the option of connecting two tape decks having different input signals. Both tape outputs have single-ended and voltage outputs. Either the fourth single-ended input or the third balanced input can be user-configured as a tape monitor input, allowing the opportunity to use home or professional recording equipment.
Advanced Microprocessor Control and Custom Software
A user menu allows extensive customization of the preamplifier operation, including (but not limited to) input names, input-specific gain trims, Theater Throughput ™, display brightness, and 12-volt triggers. Integration is supported via RS- 232,12 Volt trigger, and RC-5 inputs, as well as an IR transmitter for programming a learning remote control.
A built-in digital network allows multiple preamplifiers to be linked together, blending the convenience of a single-chassis stereo preamplifier with the sonic performance obtainable only from individual monaural preamplifiers. Six or more preamplifier channels can be "daisy-chained" together and controlled simultaneously for multi-zone or home theater applications. The digital link allows the user settings in one preamplifier channel to be conveniently "cloned" to other linked preamplifier channels. Similarly, upgraded software in one preamplifier channel can be installed in other preamplifier channels using the digital link.
In the event that the DC level at any of the preamplifier channel outputs exceeds a nominal level, sophisticated protection circuitry safely mutes the outputs, traces the source of the excess DC, and displays a diagnostic message on the main display. On power-up, the microprocessor verifies that all the circuit boards in the preamplifier channel are properly connected and are compatible with the version of software installed.krell.com

Inputs 3 CAST via 4-pin bayonet connectors 3 balanced via XLR connectors 4 single-ended via RCA connectors Tape input 1 balanced via XLR connector or 1 single-ended via RCA connector, user configurable Main outputs 2 CAST via 4-pin bayonet connectors 1 balanced via XLR connector 1 single-ended via RCA connector Tape outputs 1 balanced via XLR connector and 1 single-ended via RCA connector, buffered, connected to main inputselection bus 1 balanced via XLR connector and 1 single-ended via RCA connector, buffered, connected to a dedicated record-output bus Control inputs 1 RS-232 input via a 9-pin D-subminiature connector 1 remote IR detector input via a 3-conductor 3.5 mm connector 1 12 VDC trigger input via 3.5 mm connector 1 preamplifier link via an RJ-45 connector Control outputs 2 individually programmable 12 VDC trigger outputs via 3.5 mm connectors 1 preamplifier link via an RJ-45 connector Power output 1 phono power output (+/-20 VDC) for KPE via a 9-pin D-subminiature connector Input impedance CAST: 35 Ohms Balanced: 40 k Ohms Single-ended: 20 k Ohms Output impedance CAST: >1 M Ohms Balanced: 250 Ohms Single-ended: 125 Ohms Gain 12 dB (CAST or balanced output) 6 dB (single-ended output)

Volume control Balanced, current-mode, 16-bit, discrete R-2R ladder Input overload CAST: 11 mA RMS Balanced: 9 V RMS Single-ended: 18 V RMS Output overload CAST: 22 mA RMS Balanced: 20 V RMS Single-ended: 10 V RMS Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/-0.01 dB Balanced or single-ended inputs: 0.2 Hz to 1.3 MHz +0, -3 dB CAST inputs: 0.2 Hz to 2 MHz +0, -3 dB Total harmonic distortion plus noise Balanced Output: <0.003%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 4 V RMS CAST output: 4 mA RMS Signal-to-noise ratio 4 V RMS balanced or 4 mA RMS CAST output Wideband, unweighted: >97 dB "A" weighted: >104 dB Power consumption Standby: 50 W Power on: 80 W Power on, with KPE: 90 W Dimensions Preamplifier only: 17.3 in.W x 3.7 in. H x 18.5 in. D 43.8 cm W x 9.5 cm H x 47 cm D Power supply only: 17.3 in. W x 3.7 in. H x 17.3 in. D 43.8 cm W x 9.5 cm H x 43.8 cm D Preamplifier channel: 17.3 in. W x 7.3 in. H x 18.5 in. D 43.8 cm W x 18.5 cm H x 47 cm D Stereo pair: 17.3 in. W x 14.6 in. H x 18.5 in. D 43.8 cm W x 37.1 cm H x 47 cm D Weight Shipped: 69 lbs., 31.2 kg Preamplifier only: 21 lbs., 9.5 kg Power supply only: 31 lbs., 14 kg

Denon AVR-3313CI

Metal front panel and flip-down door, the Denon AVR-3313CI IN-Command 7.2 channel AV Receiver is a stately addition to any home theater system. It delivers 125 watts per channel--more than enough power for the largest of rooms and the most demanding of speakers. With seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs, the receiver lets you enjoy high-definition audio and video from a range of devices--including set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, game systems, and tablet computers--in multiple rooms at once. The AVR-3313CI incorporates true multi-zone HDMI audio/video distribution with the inclusion of its HDMI matrix switching functionality. It is also three-source, three-zone compatible. The AVR-3313CI is the high-end model in Denon's line of IN-Command AV Receivers.

AVR-3313CI IN-Command AV Receiver At a Glance: Seven discrete 125-watt channels of equal power for dynamic sound 3D pass-through technology for watching the latest 3D movies Advanced circuitry to convert all video signals to 4K Networking functions to play Internet radio or digital music files Wireless streaming of your iTunes music with Apple's AirPlay technology Audyssey MultEQ XT creates an optimal acoustic profile for your home theater Three-source, three-zone capability Multi Zone HDMI audio/video distribution Seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs to connect a variety of devices 10. Intuitive user interface with Setup Assistant and Denon Remote App Three-year warranty

7.2-channel AV receiver that offers seven discrete 125-watt channels of equal power for dynamic surround sound. View larger.

Seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs for high-definition audio and video from a variety of HDMI-compatible devices. View larger.

AirPlay technology allows you to listen to music from the iTunes library on your Apple device. View larger.

Receiver upscales all video signals to 4K, enabling you to use it with 4K monitors and projectors. View larger.

Superior Surround Sound and 3D Pass-Through Technology
The AVR-3313CI IN-Command AV Receiver is a 7.2-channel AV receiver that offers seven discrete 125-watt channels of equal power for dynamic surround sound, along with dual subwoofer outputs for optimal bass performance throughout your room. View 3D movies through your home theater system using the receiver's pass-through technology.

4K Upscaling for Pristine Picture Quality
The receiver upscales all video signals to 4K (3,840 by 2,160 pixels), which provides four times the picture quality of 1080p. This enables you to use it with 4K monitors and video projectors.

Advanced Functions to Play Streaming Media
The AVR-3313CI IN-Command AV Receiver allows you to enjoy a variety of advanced networking capabilities, like listening to Internet radio and playing music files stored on your PC. The AVR-3313CI supports services like SiriusXM, vTuner Internet Radio, Pandora, and Flickr as well as Apple's AirPlay technology, which allows you to listen to music content from the iTunes library on your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, PC, or Mac. The receiver is DLNA 1.5 certified and compatible with PCs running Microsoft Windows 7. (Subscriptions to SiriusXM are sold separately. The service is available in US only)

Optimum Sound with Audyssey MultEQ XT
The AVR-3313CI comes equipped with Audyssey MultEQ XT technologies to create an immersive, balanced acoustic profile for your home theater system. Audyssey MultEQ XT technology automatically customizes your home theater to overcome acoustical problems specific to your room, resulting in exceptionally clear sound. MultEQ XT uses high-resolution equalization filters, making it ideal for large or odd-shaped rooms. The receiver incorporates Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume technologies, too, for comfortable and optimal listening of any source at any volume.

Immersive Surround Sound with Audyssey DSX Technology
The AVR-3313CI comes equipped with Audyssey DSX technology. Audyssey DSX expands surround sound beyond 5.1 with more speakers for an immersive and lifelike home theater experience.

Assign Power Amps for Different Audio Setups
The AVR-3313CI supports up to 7.2 channels for surround playback. You can reassign the amplifiers from the two surround back channels to power a pair of front height speakers, or, to achieve higher-quality sound for two-channel stereo playback, you can configure the AVR-3313CI for front bi-amp operation.

Three-Source, Three-Zone Capability
The AVR-3313CI can be the centerpiece of a three-zone system, including the main room plus two additional playback areas, with independent sources available for each zone. It supports up to two different video sources and three different audio sources.

Enjoy Two Different HDMI Sources Simultaneously
The AVR-3313CI incorporates true multi-zone HDMI audio/video distribution with the inclusion of its HDMI matrix switching functionality. Equipped with three HDMI outputs (two parallel and one discrete), the AVR-3313CI allows for the connection of up to three different HDMI-equipped displays. The receiver can send two different HDMI feeds to two displays at the same time directly from the receiver, eliminating the need for costly external switches or remote control complexity.

Connect Your HDMI-Equipped Devices
The receiver is outfitted with seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs (two parallel and one discrete) so you can enjoy high-definition audio and video from a variety of HDMI-compatible devices, like set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, game systems, and media players like Roku and Apple TV. An HDMI input on the front of the receiver offers a quick, convenient connection for portable devices such as camcorders and HDMI-equipped smartphones and tablets. The front panel also has a USB port to directly connect your iPod, iPhone, or USB drive to the receiver. A flip-down door on the aluminum front panel neatly hides controls and connections when you're not using them.

Intuitive Graphical User Interface and Remote App
The AVR-3313CI features a Setup Assistant along with a graphical user interface that simplifies the initial setup and daily operation of the receiver. In addition, the receiver supports the Denon Remote App, which lets you operate the receiver's main controls from your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or Android smartphone.

Intuitive graphical user interface with "Setup Assistant." (Click each to enlarge)

Denon remote app for Android and Apple.
(Click each to enlarge)

Denon Link HD Jitter-Free Audio Transmission Technology
The AVR-3313CI also incorporates Denon Link HD, Denon's proprietary jitter-free audio transmission technology. This technology is designed to work with Denon’s DBT-3313CI Universal Blu-ray/DVD/CD Player.

Built-In IP Allows for Custom Integration
The receiver also features versatile custom integration-friendly features such as RS-232 and IP Control for third-party controllers for seamless integration to home automation.

Product and Warranty Information
Sporting a sleek black finish, the receiver measures 6-3/5 by 17-1/10 by 14-9/10 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 26-1/2 pounds.

The AVR-3313CI IN-Command AV Receiver is backed by a three-year warranty.

Package Contents
AVR-3313CI IN-Command AV Receiver, remote control with batteries, AM and FM antennas, power cable, quick setup guide, owner's manual on CD-R, and Audyssey setup microphone. by denon.com