Rotel RSX-03 (5 Channel 7.1 Surround Receiver)

[Σπύρος Μπλάτσιος]

Rotel has established an enviable reputation for the audiophile performance of its award winning 02-Series products. The RSX-03 multi-channel A/V receiver is set to add to it. With its comprehen-sive set of digital processing, the ability to be upgraded to power a fully featured 7.1 system speaker installation and Rotel’s Balanced Design Concept, the RSX-03 is the instantly accessible heart to a high performance, home theatre experience.

Key Features
• Rotel’s Balanced Design Concept combines advanced circuit board layout, comprehensive parts evaluation, and extensive listening tests for superior sound and long-term reliability.
• Dolby® Pro Logic IIx® decoding (for 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 channel systems) with improved separation and frequency response for Dolby Surround® matrix encoded recordings. Can be optimized for Music or Cinema sources.
• Automatic Dolby Digital® decoding Dolby Digital® 2.0, Dolby Digital® 5.1, and Dolby Digital Surround EX® recordings.
• Automatic decoding for DTS® 5.1 channel, DTS-ES® Matrix 6.1 channel, and DTS-ES® Discrete 6.1 channel, digital recordings.
• Rotel XS (eXtended Surround) automatically ensures proper decoding and optimum performance from any multi-channel digital signal on 6.1 and 7.1 channel systems. Always active in any system with center back speaker(s), Rotel XS even works with signals that would not otherwise activate the proper decoding (such as non-flagged DTS-ES and Dolby Surround EX discs) or for which there is no extended surround decoder (such as DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and even Dolby Pro Logic II decoded Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings).
• DTS® Neo:6® Surround modes for deriving surround channels for 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 channel systems from 2-channel stereo or matrix surround recordings. Can be optimized for Music or Cinema sources.
• Automatic HDCD® decoding for signals from High Definition Compatible Digital® compact discs.
• Surround modes for playback of surround sound material on 2 channel and 3 channel systems for total compatibility.
• Automatic decoding of digital signals from MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3) players.
• Digital and analog input and output connections for digital signals, composite video, S-Video, and component Video.
• Five built-in amplifier channels, each delivering 40 watts (all channels driven).
• Optional amplifier upgrade path: In addition to the five built-in amplifiers, the RSX-03 has a pair of preamp output jacks that allow the connection of an additional stereo amplifier. This amplifier can be used to power up to two additional channels in a 6.1 channel or 7.1 channel system. Or it can be used in place of the built-in front channel amplifiers in a 5.1 channel system. In a 6.1/7.1 channel system, the additional amplifier can be used to drive one or two center back speakers. Alternatively, the RSX-03 has a Redirect feature that allows the built-in amplifiers to drive the center back speakers while the optional amplifier is used to drive the two front speakers.
• AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets, direct access tuning, and auto-tuning.
• RDS (Radio Data Systems) and RBDS (Radio Broadcast Data Service) capability.
• MULTI Input for outboard adaptor and future upgradeability. Upgradeable microprocessor software to accommodate future upgrades.
• A set of RCA inputs accepts up to 5.1 channels of analog signals from a DVD-A or SACD player. There are inputs for FRONT L & R, REAR L & R, CENTER, and SUB. These inputs bypass all digital processing in the RSX-03 and are routed directly to the Volume control and outputs.
• A left/right pair of RCA analog audio inputs for connecting a turntable and phono cartridge.
• Analog Bypass: For 2-channel analog inputs, there is a special stereo mode that bypasses ALL of the RSX-03’s digital processing. The two front speakers receive pure analog stereo full-range signals with no subwoofer crossover, no delay, no level adjustments, and no tone adjustment.
• User friendly ON-SCREEN DISPLAY with programmable labels for video components. (Choice of languages).
• Universal learning remote control to operate the RSX-03 and other components.