Control Freak
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday May 10, 2004
This integrated amplifier keeps it simple, writes Greg Borrowman.
Sound quality isn't everything. Even audiophiles who select equipment based on performance and features would prefer their components to look the same. But achieving this is difficult because most hi-fi manufacturers specialise in building one type of component. Rotel is an exception.
Its new RA-1062 stereo integrated amplifier has all the controls you'd expect on a stereo integrated amplifier, plus an infra-red remote that controls all of them and adds a mute function. A control that will be unfamiliar is Rotel's contour control, which has positions for Off, L1, L2, H and LH. Rather than provide separate bass, treble and loudness controls, Rotel has integrated all three functions into the one control. Select L1 or L2 and the amp will boost the bass by 3dB or 4dB. To boost the treble, set the switch to the H position. The LH position is a combination of the L2 and H settings. The advantage of this arrangement is that it prevents users from overloading their speakers by turning a bass tone control to maximum while a loudness contour control is active. The amplifier has a phono circuit, so you can connect a turntable, and an independent record circuit, so you can listen to one source while recording from another.
Unlike most Japanese manufacturers, Rotel started life as a family-owned company, building all its equipment from scratch. The result is that 40 years on, it still manufactures many of the more important internal devices used inside its components, including the power transformers and large-value electrolytic capacitors.
As well as playing back ordinary CDs, Rotel's RCD-1072 CD player supports an unusual CD format known as HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital), developed by US-based firm Pacific Microsonics. HDCD discs provide increased dynamic range and a more natural sound quality than ordinary CDs, but few HDCD discs are available in Australia, and only about 6000 overseas (a complete list is posted on the net at www.hdcd.com). When playing CDs, you can program up to 20 tracks in your preferred order or skip tracks you don't like. Once you've programmed a disc and played it, you can play the same programmed selection by pressing play again, without reprogramming.
Rotel rates the RA-1062 at 60 watts per channel. An independent test showed The Guide's review amp put out 85 watts into 8-ohm speakers and 120 watts into 4-ohm speakers, a handy increase. The CD drive in the RCD-1072 played back all ordinary CDs, even scratched ones, as well as home-recorded CD-Rs, but it refused to play some home-recorded CD-RWs.
Sound quality of this pair was impressive, with solid, well-formed bass lines underpinning a balanced mid-range and extended treble.
There was no background hiss or hum and the tone was as pure at high volume as it was when playing at low background levels. There was plenty of power, even when we connected two pairs of speakers.
Infofile
Rotel RA-1062 Amplifier/RCD-1072 CD Player
RRP: $1099/$899
International Dynamics Pty Ltd, 129 Palmer Street, Richmond, Vic 3121
1800 456 393
id@internationaldynamics.com.au
www.internationaldynamics.com.au
© 2004 Sydney Morning Herald
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