NAD T762 vs ROTEL 1065

pjdami

Rob,

the firmware upgrades are totally different for the 1065 compared to my 1055. It's confusing the way Rotel numbered the firmware updates for the 1065.

It looks like you are fine based on the responses of Club Rotel members.

Cool.

PJ

TonyPTX

The reason why Rotel has a 1.X and a 2.x firmware version for the 10xx series of pre-amps and recievers is only because some units have different microprocessors inside (supply shortage of processors thus they had two different types to keep the demand in check) and thus, they need different firmware to operate. It is not because of features.

Now if you're REALLY concerned about old vs. new, you should really consider looking into if your unit supports the 200Mhz bandwidth for internal switching of HDTV signals. Most units that came w/the RR-969 remote do not have the upgrade. Since your unit is still fairly new, you may be able to get the upgrade for free, else, it'll cost you $100 and shipment of your unit back to Rotel.

Anthony

robodell

Anthony,

Thanks for the insight.

How do I tell if I have the 200MHz switching option?

Thanks,
Rob

TonyPTX

I've seem some posts on the ClubRotel forum, but to be sure, you'll have to shoot an email to Mike Sheehan (Rotel Tech Support) @ msheehan@equityaudio.com Be sure to give him your model and serial number. He should be able to help. You can also ask him for what the latest firmware is for your 1065 and he'll email it to you. Mike's a great guy.

Hope this helps.

Anthony

robodell

Originally posted by TonyPTX
Now if you're REALLY concerned about old vs. new, you should really consider looking into if your unit supports the 200Mhz bandwidth for internal switching of HDTV signals. Most units that came w/the RR-969 remote do not have the upgrade. Since your unit is still fairly new, you may be able to get the upgrade for free, else, it'll cost you $100 and shipment of your unit back to Rotel.

Anthony

Anthony,

I expressed a concern to my dealer about this. He talked to Rotel, and they told him that the 200MHz switching option is included with all units having firmware 1.5 or later. He implied that this option is enabled by the firmware (which doesn't quite makes sense to me - I could be wrong, but I don't believe that the receiver is actively processing HDTV signals. Instead it is directing the hardware to perform the switch, and therefore bandwidth performance is inherent in the switching hardware.).

Furthermore, the Rotel rep didn't know anything about a $100 upgrade for the HDTV switching. Could this perhaps be the cost for the hardware upgrade from a v1.3 or ealier firmware (which may include the HDTV switching hardware)? Additional insight would be greatly appreciated.

Also, he said the difference between the RR969 and RR1050 is minimal: the source select buttons are at the top, out from under the flap, and the RR1050 does away with a clock on the remote.

Thanks!
Rob

TonyPTX

Originally posted by robodell
...they told him that the 200MHz switching option is included with all units having firmware 1.5 or later. He implied that this option is enabled by the firmware (which doesn't quite makes sense to me - I could be wrong, but I don't believe that the receiver is actively processing HDTV signals. Instead it is directing the hardware to perform the switch, and therefore bandwidth performance is inherent in the switching hardware.).

It could be that Rotel upgraded the hardware in mid-production and if you received your unit w/ v1.5 from the factory then it could easily have the 200MHz bandwidth upgrade. I personally spoke to a Rotel tech support guy and he told me HARDWARE upgrade was a must. I'm hoping your Rotel dealer isn't turning a blind eye just to make a sale...

Furthermore, the Rotel rep didn't know anything about a $100 upgrade for the HDTV switching. Could this perhaps be the cost for the hardware upgrade from a v1.3 or ealier firmware (which may include the HDTV switching hardware)? Additional insight would be greatly appreciated.

Once again, I got my info from a Rotel tech support directly. It is possible that your Rotel rep isn't familiar with upgrade. They can't know everything! Hell, I recently bought a new truck and asked the sales guy about some FORD accessories for the vehicle. He didn't know they existed until I pulled out the brochure for the vehicle and showed them to him....

Also, he said the difference between the RR969 and RR1050 is minimal: the source select buttons are at the top, out from under the flap, and the RR1050 does away with a clock on the remote.

Personally, I find having to slide the flap down to get to the bottom buttons a pain in the a$$. It would have been much nicer to have the buttons along the top like any decent remote should have.

Rob, it really sounds like you need to get your info straight from the horse and completely bypass your Rotel rep. Send Mike Sheehan (Rotel Customer Support Specialist) an email w/ your Rotel serial number and he should definately tell you if you have the 200 MHz bandwidth capability. Feel free to ask him about anything else your Rotel rep hasn't been able to answer for you.

Anthony

robodell

Thanks Anthony. I have swapped emails with Mike Sheehan - he requested my serial #, I sent to him but haven't heard back. I'll follow up with him.

At the Rotel forum there are some FAQs on this topic - they say that "early / generation I" units had 10 MHz switching, but to contact Rotel w/serial # to be sure.

Yes - I like the 969, except that sliding panel. It would also be nice to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to Macro assignment. Also, burying the Macro button under the "way down" position of the panel is a pain.

-Rob