Rotel RCD-1072 Set-Up
The RA-1062 is essentially a two-channel power amplifier with a built in preamp for switching up to 6 audio sources (no video provisioning) and supports two sets of speaker connections (A,B or A+B wired in parallel). It has no bass and treble controls but does provide "Contour" settings which offer low frequency bass boosts (3-4dB @100Hz) as well as high frequency boosts (3-4dB @ 10kHz) and both.
Setting up and configuring the RA-1062 was as easy as pie. It was actually refreshing to not have to navigate through a parade of on screen menus just so I can listen to a CD. Its ease of use brought me back to a warm familiarity with high end audio in the earlier pre-home theater days and will certainly appeal to the low tech audiophile alike.
Both units come equipped with a 12V trigger to connect to each other or other equipment for simplified one remote operation and one touch power cycling. However, be cautioned, neither unit will turn on without the remote control. When you press in the front panel power buttons on the RA-1062 and CD-1072, they remain in stand by mode as indicated by their hypnotic navy blue power indicators. However, until you toggle power via the remote control(s), you will not be able to listen to or operate either unit in all of their glory.
Pictured from Top to Bottom: Rotel CD-1072 and RA-1062, respectively. Notice the WBT speaker connections on the RA-1062 which are uncommon in a product of this price range. I was a bit bummed that the RA-1062 had no video provisions as the Display monitor in my remote system has only one composite video interface. As a result, I had to toggle cables between DVD and my Satellite box depending on which one I wanted to watch at the time. The CD-1072 comes equipped with RCA level analog connections and coax digital connection for those wishing to use an external DAC.
Rotel RR-AT92 Remote Control
It doesn't get any more basic than this. While I would have liked to have seen a backlit
programmable remote control, I had to keep reminding myself this is a high quality two-channel
integrated amplifier selling for less money than some of the nifty universal starship driven remote
control units out there. It managed to control both the Integrated Amp and CD player hitch free, but
when I wanted to play an SACD on my Sony changer, I had to locate the other remote. Those who
contemplate hooking up multiple non-Rotel electronics to the RA-1062 may wish to consider buying a
cheap universal remote control to simplify their lives and avoid the headache of a crammed table
top.
Technical Facts
A torodial power supply, large 4700uF, 35V low ESR filtering power supply capacitors,
high quality rectifiers and tight tolerance regulators are all common attributes that make this CD
player a Rotel. The DACs are 18bit Burr Brown PCM1732 which support HDCD decoding. I was a bit
disappointed that Rotel choose DACs which do not support DVD-A or SACD, but given the price point of
this player and the high quality level of electronics it is understandable that they chose a compromise
to ensure respectable CD playback.
I was very pleased overall with the build quality and craftsmanship of both products which is a rarity within this price range. For those seeking performance and build quality first, over bells and whistles, it appears Rotel has delivered nicely in this regard.
