Summary: Well, I finally put in the last piece of the puzzle. For years now, I've been listening to a sup-standard mid-90's pioneer six-pack CD played through my Rotel RSX-1055 receiver and my Vandersteen Model-1 speakers.
I knew I needed a new CD player to get the most out of my system, so I started researching. This website and others all pointed to Rotel RCD-02 for the best bet. I found a demo unit (with low miles) at a local high-end store for $350.00.
The first thing i noticed was the openness of the sound and the depth of the stage. The sound stage is not very wide (barely breaches the speakers), but the depth is amazing.
The individual instruments all find there own place within the stage and every detail of the recording is cleanly revealed. The bass is punchy and fast (very much like my Thorens turntable). The mid-bass is clear and defend. The mids flat and detailed. I did notice a bit of exageration in the uper-midrange, (this is what other reviewers refer to as the Rotel sound), it is a very slight however and it is not necessarily a bad thing. the highs are glorious, clean, clear and not harsh or fatiguing. I heard my Vandys thanking me with every note.
The Rotel RCD-02 does lack several of the (seldom, if ever used) features found on similar CDPs, such as a headphone jack, display dimmer and programmability. This is a no frills machine.
The build quality is top-notch, heavy and solid. There's no doubt this is a serious CDP. The drawer is a little noisy when opening/closing, but that doesn't affect its sound quality so, what the heck.
If you can get your hands on one of these, do it. You will not be disappointed.
Strengths: Sound quality
Build quality
Weaknesses: Lacking features (oh well)
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Summary: the cleanest, purest, most balanced sound i have heard coming out from a CD player...i am referring to the latter rcd06 model. have a listen and hear it for yourself. this will redefine your sonic standards and expectations.
Strengths: everything. sound, reliability, appearance, built
Weaknesses: no dimmer
Similar Products Used: CA azur640c, 540c, nad c542, marantz cd5001, rotel rcd02, arcam cd73t, hk hd970
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Summary: I've owned this CD player for about 6 months now, as part of my first serious system building exercise. The system (in almost daily use) fulfils a dual movie/music role with about 5 or 10% of usage dedicated to films or DVD music concerts and the balance to music.
I started out listening to music on my DVD player with the intention of purchasing a dedicated CDP when my budget allowed. My initial shortlist included the Marantz CD 7300, NAD C352 and the RCD 02. Without launching into extended mini reviews of each product, I'll briefly explain the factors that led to my decision to get the Rotel.
I had experienced some reliability issues with my Marantz DVD player (I went through 2 faulty machines before owning the one I have presently, which works perfectly)and I guess that caused a certain amount of bias against disc players of this brand. So that narrowed the shortlist down to the NAD vs. the Rotel. As I'm sure anyone searching through CDP reviews in recent times has noticed, the NAD has been universally praised as a class leading product. Looking around various user forums on the other hand did reveal that some owners had picked up issues with build faults. I must admit that this did cause me a bit of panic given my (then) recent hassles and not wanting to go through the same dealer back and forth made a strong case for the Rotel given the brand reputation for outstanding build quality and reliability.
With this in mind I set out to listen to these machines in action. When auditioned, the primary difference between the two was a more "confidant" presentation by the Rotel with slightly more pronounced emphasis on upper midrange information (perhaps described by some as "forward" sounding). Both had great detail resolution and produced a relatively accurate timbre when reproducing voices and acoustic instruments (important to me as I listen to a great deal of acoustic jazz). In other words it was a close call in terms of their respective music making ability, which meant that other factors (notably build quality) eventually swung my vote in favour of the Rotel.
Having owned the machine for the past 6 months I can add the following observations. This CDP forms a good partnership with my amp (a Marantz PM 7200). The Rotel's punchy projection is a good counter balance for the amps tendency towards sensible restraint thus providing the necessary "spark" to keep the music exciting without becoming a sonic "free for all", whereas the NAD may have contributed to an altogether "duller", less involving sound. The same may be true if partnered with other "recessive" sounding amplification, where this CDP's input could produce livelier results.
Initially I considered it a weakness in the machine's playback ability that complex passages of music seemed one dimensional, perhaps described as a sort of non-dynamic "wall of sound" during extended peaks, but this situation has been vastly improved since recently upgrading my interconnects (to a Van den Hul [D 102 III Hybrid] set costing about a quarter of the purchase price of the CDP, had a Audioquest "Alpha Snake" 1,0m pair before). I know this probably sounds like the ramblings of a crazed, fire - breathing audiophile who should get out more (which I hopefully am not!), but I can honestly say that purchasing quality ancillaries will really reveal the extent of this machines performance capabilities.
In terms of operation and build quality, I can add the following.
Using the Rotel is a breeze. CD's read quickly (skipping tracks is likewise without tedious delays) and the tray motion is fast when loading discs. The transport mechanism is pretty quiet during playback. The remote is easy to navigate around (even in the dark) once you know your way around it. It's a pity that the display can't be dimmed, more because it's a distraction in a darkened room than it being a performance issue. As for build quality, the machine weighs 5kgs and the (plastic) buttons on the fascia feel sturdy enough when used. Overall you get the impression of sturdiness, which leads me to believe that Rotel's reputation for sound build quality is well deserved.
In conclusion, I would recommend this CDP for audition to anyone shopping in this price range, given it's solid performance across a range of musical styles, including rock and electronic music (about 20 - 25% of my listening) where it's fast, bassy presentation can really produce exciting results when required.
In case anyone was wondering about HDCD performance; I only own one HDCD format disc ("The Soft Bulletin" by the Flaming Lips) but unfortunate production techniques (liberal use of distortion effects) render the reputed sonic benefits of the format void. The actual format switch is simply indicated by the illumination of the second blue LED on the fascia (the other being the power indicator)
Strengths: Convincing music reproduction across a range of musical styles.
Outstanding build quality and finish, good looks.
Hassle free operation.
Weaknesses: None really. Would be handy if the display could be dimmed.
Similar Products Used: NAD C542 & 521 BEE, Marantz CD 7300 and CD 5400.
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Strengths: Flat response, articulate but not clinical sounding, tight and well-defined bass, good soundstage, great value for the money. I've enjoyed listening to this player immensely.
Weaknesses: None I can identify yet.
Similar Products Used: Marantz CD-52
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Summary: Was using a dvd player to play music through a NAD C372 amplifier and Celestion 66 speakers and just didn't sound good. I read many cd player reviews and decided to buy the rotel RCD-02 for its sound performance and build, not to mention the cool purple power light.
Needs a few days of playing to run in and totally amazed with the difference it has made to the soundstage - very clear and much better bass. This is a excellent cd player for its price. Did I mention the cool purple power light!
Strengths: Sounds smooth, excellent soundstage and precise bass.
Weaknesses: On some detailed tracks it looses a little bit of clarity.
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4.83 of 5
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