Archives for 2003

The new flagship of Rotel‘s line-up of home theater electronics, the RSP-1098 surround audio A/V preamp/processor, sports a stylish look and outward simplicity that hides a powerful feature set and rigorous engineering that lies behind the front panel.

The RSP-1098 is a multizone/multisource controller with 8 analog inputs, 8 assignable digital inputs, 5 analog A-V inputs, 4 HD component video monitor inputs, plus 7.1 channel analog audio in. It provides a full array of surround audio capabilities, with decoders for Dolby Digital, Dolby EX, Dolby Pro-logic II, dts, dtsES, dts ES Discrete, dts Neo 6 and HDCD audio formats.

Rotel's flagship RSP-1098 home theater A/V processor will be available in March 2003, suggested retail price of $2,999 (US).

The new processor features a full-color LCD display integrated into its front panel for system-control and on-screen menu navigation. The display can also be used for monitoring a video source, or even a remote entryway or security camera.

“The RSP-1098 is Rotel’s most sophisticated product to date,” says Mike Bartlett, Rotel of America’s vice president and general manager. “So we worked harder than ever to ‘keep it simple’ on the outside. But beyond the elegant look and unique ergonomic achievements, the 1098 is pure Rotel, with the fully-integrated performance and full-system excellence our ‘Balanced Design’ concept delivers.”

The RSP-1098 faceplate is elegant and simple, showing only the inset full-color LCD screen flanked by two knobs and key pushbutton controls. Inside, the circuitry is characaterized by Rotel’s obsessively “over-engineered” approach.

The power supply features Rotel-manufactured dual-toroidal power transformers. It provides generous current reserves thanks to a bank of specially-made low-ESR capacitors with pure, rock-steady voltage and current supplies, segregated for each circuit family. The power supply provides the underpinnings Rotel considers critical to superb sonics.

The audio and video circuitry of the RSP-1098 is also rigorously engineered, with function-oriented individual circuit boards carefully spaced and isolated to eliminate signal contamination.

Crystal Semiconductor 24-bit/192 kHz digital-to-analog converters on all channels, and the latest-generation, ultra-high-speed Cirrus Logic 32-bit DSP engine combine to deliver the complete range of current-day surround modes. Support is included for Dolby Digital EX and Pro Logic II, DTS ES-Matrix/Discrete, and DTS Neo:6 processing. There’s also Rotel’s proprietary, 7.1-channel Extra Surround mode, able to conjure up advanced multichannel sound from virtually any source.

The RSP-1098 is fully software-upgradeable, providing for the possibility of additional audio processing features in the future.

8-channel analog outputs and uniquely flexible, individual-channel crossover setup control make the RSP-1098 adaptable to virtually any home-theater system layout. 8 assignable digital inputs and five analog A-V inputs handle any combination of source components.

The new preamp/processor features four selectable, wideband component-video inputs (enough to accommodate the most elaborate setup). It maintains studio-quality video bandwidth on all video signal paths and switches, ensuring that image quality will match its exceptional audio capabilities.

Rotel’s independent multi-source/multi-zone design lets the RSP-1098 serve up audio and video to a remote room even while the home-theater room is in full, multichannel swing. Independent main and remote-zone IR inputs, a fully-functional RS-232 computer-style interface, discrete on/off command structure, and four individually assignable 12-volt triggers provide enough control interconnectivity to make the Rotel preamp/processor a highly competent full-system media controller as well.

Rotel has put a lot of effort into the RR-1050 remote control handset supplied with the RSP-1098. This powerfully ergonomic controller, with its backlit LCD screen for instant user-feedback in any room lighting, replaces up to 10 different remotes with a single simple, smoothly integrated commander. Extensive macro capability and a sliding cover to conceal programming-only buttons keep the sleek handset simple and unintimidating for all users.

The RSP-1098 is available in two finishes: matte black, or a 2-tone matte-silver and black.

Rotel Web Site

Final Sound, the Dutch manufacturer of electrostatic speakers for home theater, custom installation and professional audio applications, has announced several new models for 2003, as well as new pricing for existing models.

The new models expand Final Sound’s range for the entry level consumer, as well as the high-end audio professional.

The affordable end of the spectrum is addressed by the Model 90 ($999 US per pair), a 20-inch wall-mountable in Final’s Home Theater Series. At the other end of the price range is the Model 700 ($4,999 US per pair), a 73-inch floor-standing model in the Reference Series for audio professionals and high-end consumers.

Final Sound demonstrated the new speakers at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company says they represent the first true flat-panel line of high-definition electrostatic speakers designed for mounting on walls or ceilings, with flat-screen TVs and home theater systems.

“Using our patented technology, we are able to completely separate the speaker from its bulky drivers and electronics,” explains Maarten Smits, co-founder of Final Sound and inventor of the new flat speaker technology. “This achieves a flat, lightweight, virtually transparent speaker design that can be mounted easily beside even the thinnest LCD or plasma display, or suspended from the ceiling.”

Final also demonstrated its new Model S12 Subwoofer featuring a 12-inch aluminum cone woofer and a frequency range from 28 to 50 Hz, fixed and 28 to 300 Hz, variable; and the Model 700 Center, specially designed for use as a center channel in combination with Reference Model 700 only. See specifications below.

The new models will be available in stores in April, 2003.

New Line Includes First Home Theater Electrostat Priced Below $1,000

Final also announced new pricing for 2003. The complete Final Sound line-up now includes five different models ranging from 20 inches to 80 inches in height. Pricing ranges from $999 (US, per pair) for the Model 90, which the company says is the first home theater electrostatic speaker priced below $1,000, to nearly $20,000.

In the Home Theater Series, Final offers the 28-inch Model 100 ($1,499 US per pair); and the 48-inch Model 200 ($1,999 US per pair), in addition to the new 20-inch Model 90. The Series is designed for use with today’s flat-screen TVs and LCD displays. All three Home Theater Series models can be mounted on a wall or hung from the ceiling.

There are now two models in the Reference Series, designed for professionals and the most discriminating audio consumers. In addition to the new 73-inch Model 700, there is an 80-inch Model 1400 ($19,999 US per pair). Both Reference designs come with floor stands, while the Model 700 can also be wall mounted.

All models are finished in a silver satin anodized frame.

Final’s complete modular range also includes two center speaker models, 10-inch and 12-inch subwoofers, and a variety of mounting systems and stands.

Ultra-Thin Speaker Panels are Completely Separate from Bulky Drivers

The most striking feature of the new Final speaker line is the complete separation of the audio driver and electronics from the speaker panel itself. This unique modular approach frees the speakers from the heavy bass drivers that have dominated loudspeaker design for nearly 50 years. The result is a line of speakers that are so thin and light that they can be easily mounted anywhere, creating a true surround sound environment.

“Weight has been such a major part of speaker design for so long, that most people think a speaker has to be the size of a file cabinet to produce theater-quality sound,” says Mr. Smits. “That’s absolutely no longer true.”

“By redesigning the way sound is generated by the diaphragm, we’ve eliminated the bass driver that could weigh 100 grams or more, and replaced it with a far more efficient design weighing barely one-half gram. That’s a factor of 200 times less weight, and the result is a much more open and lifelike sound.”

Recently, Final was awarded a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its “modularly expandable electrostatic speaker system.” The unique modular design marks the first major breakthrough in electrostatic speaker technology in a generation and is the basis of Final’s new line of ultra-thin speakers for the home theater.

Sealed Audio Circuit Virtually Eliminates All Distortion

In addition to the unique modular design, the Final speaker line includes a number of other technical innovations.

Audio signal is distributed evenly across the entire film diaphragm, and the whole speaker surface produces sound, delivering sound that is almost entirely distortion-free.

With no drivers and electronics to house, the flat electrostat design needs no cabinetry, and can be set into a simple aluminum frame similar to a lightweight picture frame. The completed assembly weighs just under 6 pounds for the 20-inch model and 12 pounds at the 48-inch size.

“These speakers are perfect blend of art and science,” said Smits. “We’ve redesigned the way sound is generated by the diaphragm and replaced the heavy bass driver with a more efficient design that weighs less than a few sheets of paper. The result is a much more open and lifelike sound and an elegantly slim design that truly blends with any home theater décor.”

Model 700 Specifications

• Frequency Response: 45 Hz – 25 kHz +/- 3dB(A)
• Sensitivity: 86 dB (2.83 volts at 1 m)
• Impedence: 4 ohms, minimum of 3 ohms at 20 kHz
• Amplifier Minimum Power: 60 watts rms
• Amplifier Recommended Power: 90 – 150 watts rms
• Voltage: 12 volts AC, 50-60 Hz
• Dimensions: 73.2 x 11.3 x 2 in (186 x 28.8 x 5 cm)
• Weight: 20.9 lbs. (9.5 kg)
• Options: Floor-Stand (FS) or Wall-Mount (WM)
• Wall Bracket: Uni-pivot design with pan, pivot, and tilt
• Finish: Satin-silver anodized frame

Model 700 Center Specifications

• Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 25 kHz +/- 3dB(A)
• Sensitivity: 86 dB (2.83 volts at 1 m)
• Impedence: 4 ohms, minimum of 3 ohms at 20 kHz
• Amplifier Minimum Power: 60 watts rms
• Amplifier Recommended Power: 90 – 150 watts rms
• Voltage: 12 volts AC, 50-60 Hz
• Dimensions: 36.6 x 10.6 x 2 in (93 x 27 x 5 cm)
• Weight: 12 lbs. (5.4 kg)
• Options: Floor-Stand (FS) or Wall-Mount (WM)
• Use with models: 700
• Wall Bracket: Uni-pivot design with pan, pivot, and tilt
• Finish: Satin-silver anodized frame

Model 90 Specifications

• Frequency Response: 150 Hz – 25 kHz +/- 3dB(A)
• Sensitivity: 86 dB (2.83 volts at 1 m)
• Impedence: 4 ohms, minimum of 3 ohms at 20 kHz
• Amplifier Minimum Power: 60 watts rms
• Amplifier Recommended Power: 90 – 150 watts rms
• Voltage: 12 volts AC, 50-60 Hz
• Dimensions: 20 x 7.9 x 1.6 in (50 x 20 x 4 cm)
• Weight: 6 lbs. (2.7 kg)
• Options: Wall-Mount (WM)
• Wall Bracket: Uni-pivot design with pan, pivot, and tilt
• Finish: Satin-silver anodized frame

Model S12 Subwoofer Specifications

• Frequency Range: 28 – 300 kHz
• Frequency Range Fixed: 28 – 50 Hz
• Frequency Range Variable: 50 – 300 Hz
• Amplifier: 200 watts – 4 ohm / True balanced – Linkwitz Riley 24 dB octave
• Dimensions: 23.6 x 11.8 x 15 in (60x 30 x 38 cm)
• Weight: 44.1 lbs. (20 kg)
• Driver units: 10-in active aluminum cone woofer / 10-in passive aluminum cone pass live radiator
• Voltage: 12 volts AC, 50-60 Hz
• Finish: Satin-black

Final Sound Web Site