SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985

About Rotel

A family whose passionate interest in music led them to manufac- ture high fidelity components of uncompromising quality founded Rotel over 30 years ago. Through the years that passion has re- mained undiminished and the family goal of providing exceptional value for audiophiles and music lovers regardless of their budget, is shared by all Rotel employees.

The engineers work as a close team, listening to, and fine tuning each new product until it reaches their exacting musical stan- dards. They are free to choose components from around the world in order to make that product the best they can. You are likely to find capacitors from the United Kingdom and Germany, semi con- ductors from Japan or the United States, while toroidal power transformers are manufactured in Rotel’s own factory.

•5.1 channel input for outboard surround processing such as MPEG® or any future digital standard.

•User friendly ON-SCREEN MENU System.

•Comprehensive rear panel input and output connections for audio and video sources (RCA, S-Video, digital).

•Comprehensive input switching with separate input selection for listening (analog & digital) and recording (analog).

•“Zone 2” output with independent input selection and level adjust- ments for multi-zone custom installations.

•Universal remote control to operate the RSP-985 and up to seven other components.

Rotel’s reputation for excellence has been earned through hun- dreds of good reviews and awards from the most respected re- viewers in the industry, who listen to music every day. Their comments keep the company true to its goal - the pursuit of equipment that is musical, reliable and affordable.

All of us at Rotel, thank you for buying this product and hope it will bring you many hours of enjoyment.

Getting Started

Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RSP-985 Surround Sound Pro- cessor. The RSP-985 is a full-featured audio/video control center designed to handle both analog and digital source components.

Its surround sound processing includes Dolby® Pro Logic®, Dolby Digital®, DTS® and THX® as well as synthesized surround modes for music from both analog and digital inputs. System control flex- ibility includes inputs for six audio/video components plus a re- cording function that allows independent recording of any analog input signal. Zone 2 capability allows the use of the RSP-985 in a main listening room plus a remote location. The RSP-985 is a natu- ral extension of Rotel’s passion for high performance, providing accurate reproduction of both movie soundtracks and demanding musical selections.

To get the most from your RSP-985, we suggest you read this manual and keep it as a reference to answer any future questions.

About the THX Ultra™ System

THX is an exclusive set of standards and technologies established by the world-renowned film production company, Lucasfilms Ltd. THX grew from George Lucas’ personal desire to make your expe- rience of the film soundtrack, in both movie theaters and in your home theater, as faithful as possible to what the director intended.

Movie sound tracks are mixed in special movie theaters called dubbing stages and are designed to be played back in movie the- aters with similar equipment and conditions. The soundtrack cre- ated for movie theaters is then transferred directly onto Laserdisc, VHS tape, DVD, etc., and is not changed for playback in a small home theater environment. THX engineers developed patented technologies to accurately translate the sound from the movie theater environment into the home, correcting the tonal and spa- tial errors that occur.

Before any home theater component can be THX Ultra certified, it must incorporate the THX technologies and also pass a rigorous series of quality and performance tests. Only then can a product feature the THX Ultra logo, which is your guarantee that the Home Theater products you purchase will give you superb performance for many years to come.

Unpacking the RSP-985

Remove the unit carefully from its packing. Look for the handheld remote control and other accessories. Save the packing and box as it will protect the RSP-985 if you move or need to return it to us for maintenance.

RSP-985 Key Features

•Rotel’s Balanced Design Concept combines advanced circuit board layout, comprehensive parts evaluation, and extensive lis- tening tests for superior sound and long term reliability.

•Dolby® Pro Logic®, Dolby Digital®, and DTS® surround processing with DSP music modes.

•THX® Ultra™ surround processing.

Placement

Place the RSP-985 on a solid, dry, level surface away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, high humidity, or strong vibrations.

Make sure the RSP-985 is close to the other components in your audio/video system and, if possible, place it on its own shelf. This will make initial cable routing, hookup, and any subsequent sys- tem changes easier. It also minimizes potential interference or heat buildup from other components.

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Rotel RSP-985 owner manual About Rotel, Getting Started
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RSP-985 specifications

The Rotel RSP-985 is a high-performance audio/video processor that has gained recognition for its exceptional sound quality and advanced features. This unit is designed for audiophiles who crave an immersive home theater experience, combining innovative technology with user-friendly functionality.

One of the standout characteristics of the RSP-985 is its impressive audio processing capabilities. It is equipped with a high-performance 24-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which enhances the overall sound quality by providing a dynamic range and clarity that rivals more contemporary models. The processor supports various audio formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats, allowing users to enjoy a cinema-like experience in the comfort of their homes.

The RSP-985 features a multi-channel configuration, offering support for up to 5.1 channels. This setup allows for true surround sound reproduction, making it ideal for movie enthusiasts and music lovers alike. The integrated equalization settings enable users to customize audio output to suit their listening environment and preferences, ensuring an optimized auditory experience.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the Rotel RSP-985. The unit provides multiple input options, including digital coaxial, optical, and analog inputs, ensuring compatibility with various audio sources such as DVD players, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles. The processor also includes a dedicated phono input for vinyl enthusiasts, broadening its appeal for classic audio formats.

Furthermore, the RSP-985 features an intuitive user interface, making navigation through its numerous settings seamless. The unit is designed with ergonomic controls and a clear display, allowing users to easily tweak their audio settings without hassle. Remote control functionality adds convenience, enabling users to adjust settings from the comfort of their seating position.

In addition to its exceptional audio capabilities, the RSP-985 has a robust build quality synonymous with the Rotel brand. The heavy-duty chassis is engineered to minimize interference, ensuring that sound integrity is maintained even in challenging environments.

In conclusion, the Rotel RSP-985 stands out as a versatile and high-quality audio/video processor. With its impressive range of features, advanced audio technologies, and customizability options, it caters to the demands of audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, making it a worthy consideration for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience.
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