Rotel Re-Affirms Lead in 2-Channel With Sonics, Quality, Value, and Impressive Multi-Room Capabilities From 2×100-watt Design
While Rotel clearly conceived the RX-1052 as a music-listening component, its designers conceded that the integration of basic video functions for occasional use would contribute considerable convenience. These comprise switching, with composite-video
outputs for the main plus all three remote zones, and corresponding video inputs routed alongside four of its eight (total) inputs. Among these are two with A-V record-out loops for recording components such as VCRs or DVD-Rs (on the audio-only side, the four audio-only inputs include a tape-loop for audio recording). And because Rotel recognizes the continuing value of vinyl LPs, the receiver includes a phono input for a turntable; a purpose-designed, high-quality moving-magnet preamp section that is a far cry from the IC afterthoughts typical of those few receivers today that bother to retain a phonograph input at all. The sensitive AM/FM tuner section incorporates excellent selectivity, for clean-sounding radio even in dense urban locations, and the convenience of 30-preset tuning.
Of course, features and facilities are of little value if underlying sonic performance is lacking. But since the RX-1052 is a classic Rotel design, it was engineered to meet Rotel’s renowned “Balanced Design” standards, so that every stage, and every internal component is assured to contribute to the unit’s overall audible excellence. Like all Rotel receivers and amps the RX-1052 boasts a massive, “over-engineered” power supply for ultra-stable voltage and current supply, and custom-specified storage capacitors for pristine supply purity. Fully discrete, very-high-current output devices, with ultra-fast, highly linear driver and line-amp circuitry, guarantees exceptional sonic quality with the dynamic impact and detailed imaging for which Rotel components are justly famous.
The new RX-1052 is meticulously finished in two finishes, matte black or black-and-silver front panels. It is supplied with a multicomponent, full-system remote controller.
Availability: October 2004
Suggested Retail Price: $899.00
