Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Rotel RC-1090 Preamplifier (SS) by Belgarchi

Model:	RC-1090
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1250
Description:	Full features preamp
Manufacturer URL:	Rotel
Manufacturer URL:	Rotel

Review by Belgarchi ( A ) on October 02, 2004 at 08:54:02
IP Address: 69.22.53.232

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for the RC-1090

This preamp has many RCA inputs, including Phono MM and MC, one XLR input, and two RCA output as well as one XLR outputs. It has a headphone output, too. And it is gorgeously build.
At $1250, the RC-1090 doesn't have many competitors.
Still, it is not perfect : the remote control is illogical and way to complicated ; there is no balance nor mono (I like these to quickly compare the sound of left and right channel) ; and you can hear, at a very low level, the sound from one source when another source is selected (!).
Now, the most important, the sound ! Well, it sounds very neutral, noise free and dynamic. Equal or better in all areas compared to my previous Adcom GFP-565. To be really picky, I could say that the sound is, perhaps, a little bit too "crisp", over-detailed, abd the soundstage not so deep.
The XLR output is excellent, but the XLR input (for CD-Player) is a disappointment, and the RCA input, with a short Monster Cable M550i, is slightly better (in the bass).
The Phono MM is very good. I didn't try the Phono MC input. And the Headphone output is excellent.

Product Weakness: Remote Control too complicated, No balance nor Mono controls
Product Strengths: Look, XLR and RCA, Quality of headphone output, Phono MM/MC input, Sound / Price ratio

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	SonoGraphe SA-250
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Rotel RC-1090
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Classe CDP-10 ; Thorens / Shure
Speakers:	B&W M802s2
Cables/Interconnects:	M.C. M550i, M1000i
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All
Room Size (LxWxH):	30' x 18' x 15-20'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Neutral
Time Period/Length of Audition:	9 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	M.C. 2500
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Remote Control too complicated, No balance nor Mono controls
Product Strengths:	Look, XLR and RCA, Quality of headphone output, Phono MM/MC input, Sound / Price ratio