Digital Drive: REVIEW: Rotel RCD 1070 CD Player/Recorder by HCl

Model:	RCD 1070
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$800
Description:	Rotel's new flag ship one box CD player
Manufacturer URL:	Rotel
Model Picture:	View

Review by HCl ( A ) on March 04, 2002 at 02:31:25
IP Address: 145.253.249.13

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for the RCD 1070

My experiences are almost exactly the same as the ones posted by Hifi Steve!
To tell the truth: I am neither a Hifi-expert nor am I in the situation that I could compare a lot of different CDPs at my place. I just wanted to upgrade my system, coming from a 12-year-old Denon DCD-820.
My first try was a Sony SCD-XB 940. It has got very good reviews (even with 'normal' CDs), it was a SACD-player, and I could have a brandnew one for 280,- EUR only! What could go wrong? Well, compared to the Denon, the Sony has much more detail, very good hights, good looks, and good build. But: it couldn't produce the overall-performance (in terms of hights, bass, detail, rythm, warm sound) that I was looking for. So I've send it back.
The second try was the Rotel RCD-1070. I have read Steve's review as well as the first reviews of HiFi Choice and What HiFi (by the way, you can download them under http://www.td-elektronika.hr/tde/TDE.nsf/77b825b58d6744d9c1256b47003f4f13/a93cb4715dabc920c1256b4f004d5342?OpenDocument! It is a page from Croatia, but it is the original English text!).
To tell the truth: one can like or dislike the new design. And I am sure that nobody can like the flimsy tray or the cheap-looking/feeling remote! And one may or may not dislike the 'Made in China' on the back panel.
But: listen to the sound and you will not give it away anymore!! The Rotel has been catching me immediately and it kept on improving at least over the next 3 - 4 days. For all of you, who are willing to decide just because of the musical performance: give the Rotel RCD-1070 only one chance and it might catch you as well.

Product Weakness: flimsy tray
cheap-looking/feeling remote
Product Strengths: hights, bass, detail, rythm, warm sound

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Harman-Kardon HK 6200
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rotel RCD-1070
Speakers:	MB Quart 350 S
Cables/Interconnects:	Oehlbach NF-14
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Blues, Rock, Classical Music
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Naim MusicLine
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	flimsy tray cheap-looking/feeling remote
Product Strengths:	hights, bass, detail, rythm, warm sound