Rotel CD Player 1520

[vonchief]

Hi everyone,

I have asked the question before but had no replies so maybe better luck this time.

I would like to hear any comments on the above player as i was all for getting one until i read the WHF review which put me off a bit.

I am unable to hear one locally before buying but would like to know how it compares to my 1070 player i have now.

All the other reviews I've seen for the 1520 seem to rate it very highly ,WHF being the exception.My reason for changing is purely to match my amp as i am happy with the 1070 sound wise.

Was it perhaps just a difference of opinion (one persons bright is another persons idea of detail & what one may see as a lack of dynamics may be another's ideal smooth sound etc) or did WHF get it right ? should i take their advice and avoid it all together ?

Anyone who has one or has heard one please help.

 

[Clare Newsome]

I really would urge you to hear it, both in comparison to your existing player (CD players being light to take along to a demo!) and others in its price range. Remember, many other magazines/reviewers do not comparatively test - they're judging the Rotel in isolation, where it sounds fine. But put it up against others at the price and we found it wanting by comparison.

Of course, you may fundamentally disagree with us, which is why a demo is vital.

Where were you planning to buy from, if you can't demo?

 

[MUSICRAFT]

vonchief:

Hi everyone,

I have asked the question before but had no replies so maybe better luck this time.

I would like to hear any comments on the above player as i was all for getting one until i read the WHF review which put me off a bit.

I am unable to hear one locally before buying but would like to know how it compares to my 1070 player i have now.

All the other reviews I've seen for the 1520 seem to rate it very highly ,WHF being the exception.My reason for changing is purely to match my amp as i am happy with the 1070 sound wise.

Was it perhaps just a difference of opinion (one persons bright is another persons idea of detail & what one may see as a lack of dynamics may be another's ideal smooth sound etc) or did WHF get it right ? should i take their advice and avoid it all together ?

Anyone who has one or has heard one please help.

Hi vonchief

What amp and speakers do you use?

Thanks

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[vonchief]

Thanks for the replies,

Clare, i know your right saying i should hear one but because of work commitments finding time for demos is really out of the question.

If the 1520 turned out not to be as good as my 1070, i feel it could always be sold on without loosing too much but would have liked to hear from some users before purchasing.

Speakers are PMC DB1+ Studio ones if that makes any difference ?

Rotel 1550 preamp

Rotel 1070 power amp (matches my av amp & also my other 1070 power amp used for 7.1 so that's fine)

Sound a bit sad but i like things to match.

The reason i changed my pre amp from the matching 1070 was because i fancied proper tone controls. Not the purists way of listening i know but I'm happy with that. All i need now is the 1520 CD player and then the Hi fi side of things will match again.

That's the problem, i don't want the sound quality to take a dive as it all sounds OK to me.

If it was that bad a player i would probably be urged to completely change everything and that's too much hassle.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

vonchief:

Thanks for the replies,

Clare, i know your right saying i should hear one but because of work commitments finding time for demos is really out of the question.

If the 1520 turned out not to be as good as my 1070, i feel it could always be sold on without loosing too much but would have liked to hear from some users before purchasing.

Speakers are PMC DB1+ Studio ones if that makes any difference ?

Rotel 1550 preamp

Rotel 1070 power amp (matches my av amp & also my other 1070 power amp used for 7.1 so that's fine)

Sound a bit sad but i like things to match.

The reason i changed my pre amp from the matching 1070 was because i fancied proper tone controls. Not the purists way of listening i know but I'm happy with that. All i need now is the 1520 CD player and then the Hi fi side of things will match again.

That's the problem, i don't want the sound quality to take a dive as it all sounds OK to me.

If it was that bad a player i would probably be urged to completely change everything and that's too much hassle.

Hi vonchief

I would suggest that you hold on your RCD1070 cd player as its presentation will ensure you long term listening satisfaction. The RCD1520 is different however i don't believe its performance justifies the premium/change over the RCD1070.

Thanks

Rick @ Musicraft