Rotel is a regular around in the audio circles. Audiophiles anxiously awaiting their next release will be happy to meet the RSP-1069 surround processor/preamplifier.

The company says that the unit has the latest and greatest in digital signal processing. Texas Instruments’ Aureus audio-DSP engine does the decoding, and the Faroudja DCDi handles the video processing, up to 1080p.

Rotel really thought of every type of possible hookup. Four HDMI inputs and three HD/1080i-capable component paths are ready to receive any A/V you want to throw at it. There are even 12-volt triggers and RS-232 connections for use with wall controllers, touchscreens and media-control systems. The front, however, is nice and clean—keeping the user interface easy and not too intimidating.

Look for the RSP-1069 (in either black matte or silver) sometime this fall for $2,199.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.