Rotel Support
We are here to help you with any questions you might have about your Rotel products and devices, or we can offer insight into the world of sound and sound quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What surround sound formats do Rotel receivers and processors support?
These models support the following formats:
- Dolby Digital EX
- Dolby Digital
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx Cinema
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx Game
- Dolby 3 Stereo
- dts
- dts ES
- dts ES Discrete
- dts 96/24
- dts Neo:6 Cinema
- dts Neo:6 Music
- LPCM
- MP3
- HDCD
- Rotel XS
Rotel XS (eXtended Surround) processing that automatically ensures optimum extended surround performance on 6.1 and 7.1 channel systems. The key benefit of Rotel XS is that it works at all times with all multichannel digital signals, even those that might not otherwise activate proper surround decoding for the center back channel(s). Always active in any system configured with center back speaker(s), Rotel XS monitors the surround channels, properly decodes them, and distributes the extended surround channels to the center back speaker(s). Rotel XS works with matrix-encoded surround signals (such as Dolby Surround EX discs and non-flagged DTSES) as well as non-matrix digital source material (such as DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and even Dolby Pro Logic II decoded Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings) to derive superb center back
channel surround effects.
Applicable Models:
RSP-1068 | RSP-1098 | RSX-1056 | RSX-1057 | RSX-1067
What surround sound formats do Rotel receivers and processors support?
These models support the following formats:
- Multichannel LPCM (up to 192kHz)
- Dolby Digital EX
- Dolby Digital
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx Cinema
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx Game
- Dolby 3 Stereo
- dts
- dts ES
- dts ES Discrete
- dts Neo:6 Cinema
- dts Neo:6 Movie
- MP3
- HDCD
- Rotel XS
Rotel XS (eXtended Surround) processing that automatically ensures optimum extended surround performance on 6.1 and 7.1 channel systems. The key benefit of Rotel XS is that it works at all times with all multichannel digital signals, even those that might not otherwise activate proper surround decoding for the center back channel(s). Always active in any system configured with center back speaker(s), Rotel XS monitors the surround channels, properly decodes them, and distributes the extended surround channels to the center back speaker(s). Rotel XS works with matrix-encoded surround signals (such as Dolby Surround EX discs and non-flagged DTSES) as well as non-matrix digital source material (such as DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and even Dolby Pro Logic II decoded Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings) to derive superb center back
channel surround effects.
Applicable Models:
RSP-1069 | RSX-1058
What surround sound formats do Rotel receivers and processors support?
These models support the following formats:
- Multichannel LPCM (up to 192kHz)
- Dolby TrueHD
- Dolby Digital EX
- Dolby Digital
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx Cinema
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx Game
- Dolby 3 Stereo
- dts HD
- dts HD Master Audio
- dts
- dts ES
- dts ES Discrete
- dts Neo:6 Cinema
- dts Neo:6 Movie
- MP3
- Rotel XS
Rotel XS (eXtended Surround) processing that automatically ensures optimum extended surround performance on 6.1 and 7.1 channel systems. The key benefit of Rotel XS is that it works at all times with all multichannel digital signals, even those that might not otherwise activate proper surround decoding for the center back channel(s). Always active in any system configured with center back speaker(s), Rotel XS monitors the surround channels, properly decodes them, and distributes the extended surround channels to the center back speaker(s). Rotel XS works with matrix-encoded surround signals (such as Dolby Surround EX discs and non-flagged DTSES) as well as non-matrix digital source material (such as DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and even Dolby Pro Logic II decoded Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings) to derive superb center back
channel surround effects.
Applicable Models:
RSP-1570 | RSX-1550 | RSX-1560
What surround sound formats do Rotel receivers and processors support?
These models support the following formats:
- Multichannel LPCM (up to 192kHz)
- Dolby TrueHD
- Dolby Digital EX
- Dolby Digital
- Dolby Pro Logic IIz Cinema
- Dolby Pro Logic IIz Music
- Dolby Pro Logic IIz Game
- Dolby 3 Stereo
- dts HD
- dts HD Master Audio
- dts
- dts ES
- dts ES Discrete
- dts Neo:6 Cinema
- dts Neo:6 Movie
- MP3
- Rotel XS
Rotel XS (eXtended Surround) processing that automatically ensures optimum extended surround performance on 6.1 and 7.1 channel systems. The key benefit of Rotel XS is that it works at all times with all multichannel digital signals, even those that might not otherwise activate proper surround decoding for the center back channel(s). Always active in any system configured with center back speaker(s), Rotel XS monitors the surround channels, properly decodes them, and distributes the extended surround channels to the center back speaker(s). Rotel XS works with matrix-encoded surround signals (such as Dolby Surround EX discs and non-flagged DTSES) as well as non-matrix digital source material (such as DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and even Dolby Pro Logic II decoded Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings) to derive superb center back
channel surround effects.
Applicable Models:
RSP-1572 | RSX-1562
What surround sound formats do Rotel receivers and processors support?
These models support the following formats:
- Dolby Digital EX
- Dolby Digital
- Dolby Pro Logic II Cinema
- Dolby Pro Logic II Music
- Dolby 3 Stereo
- dts
- dts ES
- dts ES Discrete
- dts Neo:6 Cinema
- dts Neo:6 Movie
- LPCM
- MP3
- HDCD
- Rotel XS
Rotel XS (eXtended Surround) processing that automatically ensures optimum extended surround performance on 6.1 and 7.1 channel systems. The key benefit of Rotel XS is that it works at all times with all multichannel digital signals, even those that might not otherwise activate proper surround decoding for the center back channel(s). Always active in any system configured with center back speaker(s), Rotel XS monitors the surround channels, properly decodes them, and distributes the extended surround channels to the center back speaker(s). Rotel XS works with matrix-encoded surround signals (such as Dolby Surround EX discs and non-flagged DTSES) as well as non-matrix digital source material (such as DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and even Dolby Pro Logic II decoded Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings) to derive superb center back
channel surround effects.
Applicable Models:
RSP-1066 | RSX-1055 | RSX-1065
What type of antenna should I use?
As with other components, specifications are only one indicator of performance. In the case of tuners, including those built into receivers, they are at the mercy of the antenna they are connected to. In fact, most tuners will not even output a signal (such as hiss) unless connected to an antenna. If you find the stock antenna provided with your component yields poor reception, here are some alternatives:
The best possible antenna is the outdoor rooftop variety. Most standard outside television antennas will double as excellent FM antennas. A signal booster may be required if there is a very long run of cable between your roof antenna and the tuner.
A more attractive and effective option over the ubiquitous wall hanging dipole antenna is the indoor antenna, some of which use small amplifiers to boost the signal. You can experiment with placement, but you will probably find best results placing the antenna near a window or outside wall. Keep in mind an amplified antenna will need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. If you have the option of using a 75 ohm coaxial connection over a 300 ohm flat lead, the 75 ohm is the better of the two.
Applicable Models:
RCX-1500 | RDG-1520 | RSX-1055 | RSX-1056 | RSX-1057 | RSX-1058 | RSX-1065 | RSX-1067 | RSX-1550 | RSX-1560 | RSX-1562 | RT-02 | RT-09 | RT-11 | RT-12 | RT-1080 | RT-1084 | RX-1050 | RX-1052
What’s the slopes for the crossover used for the subwoofer?
The low-pass filter for the subwoofer has a –24dB/Octave slope, and the High-Pass filter for small speakers uses a –12dB/Octave slope.
Applicable Models:
RSP-1066 | RSX-1055 | RSX-1065
When an input is selected, the front display of the unit displays the name of the input briefly, then changes to something different such as a single character.
One of the features of the RA-1070 and RC-1090 is the ability to rename all of the inputs to a custom input label of your choosing. Chances are, the input labels for the unit were changed perhaps accidentally, and now they are displaying the new label.
To restore all the original input labels a factory reset can be performed on the unit. This can be done by powering off the integrated amplifier, then pressing and holding the following 2 buttons on the front panel – Listening Select PHONO and Recording OFF. Power the unit back on while holding these 2 buttons and the unit will be reset to its factory default settings.
Applicable Models:
RA-1070 | RC-1090
When assembling a home audio or theater system what route should I go - separates or a receiver?
The first question you will face when assembling a home audio or theater system is whether to go the route of separates or a receiver. Years ago, this question was easily answered based on budget. But thanks to Rotel's "balanced design" philosophy, breaking up is no longer hard to do. Of course, if you do not have the space for several pieces of equipment, then a receiver may be your only option. You will also need to take the power requirements of your speakers into consideration.
Theoretically, separates provide better sound. Consider that a receiver has three components all in one box: a tuner (radio), a power amplifier (several if it is a home theatre receiver), and a preamplifier (for volume, tone controls, etc). That's a lot of noise-generating circuitry going on in one box. By having separate components, each one is designed to handle one task, with their own dedicated power supplies, and without interference from the other.
This also makes it easier to upgrade or repair a component. Ordinarily, receivers cannot be upgraded, and if the tuner section breaks, you must bring the entire unit in for repair, creating system down time. Yet if you have a separate tuner which breaks, it can be sent for service but you can still enjoy the remainder of your system while you await its return. And if you find a better tuner that strikes your fancy, changing to the new model is easy, as opposed to living with whatever is built-in to your receiver. Your power will also be limited to your receiver's rated amplification, unless you add an outboard amplifier.
Having said all of that, receivers have come a long way. It could be argued that if you invest in a very high quality receiver, such as Rotel's RSX-1562, you could approach (but not match) the level of separates. A receiver will also require less interconnects and may prove easier to use and faster to set up. In general, if you have the money and the space, seriously consider separates. Otherwise, buy the best receiver within your budget.
