Rotel 1203 Opinions

[quatsino]

I have an opportunity to add a mint Rotel 1203 to my collection. Searching around old posts I see that this receiver is "well received" for the most part but has a couple of weak points.

Anybody care to share any 1203 experiences?

It would be a nice heavy weight addition to my collection. The unit I'm considering however isn't being offered at a blow-out price so I have some time to study up on this one a bit first.

Photo of actual unit attached...

 

[vintaggeman]

all depends how much are you paying for it, i would get it ,thats for sure.
i have the rx 1203 and rx 1603, they sound very nice , both with lots of deep tight bass, clear highs, very powerfull with cool looks too !! :thmbsp:
let me know if you dont want it !

 

[quatsino]

Don't want to top post but...

Thanks Vintaggeman... but, guys - I can't believe that only one person has something to share about the Rotel RX-1203. I found SoCal Sam's "Rotel Roundup" elsewhere which is good too.

I was hoping for some comments on reliability more than anything.

At this point I'm not confident enough about the unit to shell out the scratch the seller is asking....over $400

 

[SoCal Sam]

Hi Quatsino: I've owned three RX-1203's and still have two. The weakest link is the power switch. The switch stays in the ON position so it is not a huge problem. The AM antenna mount is made of plastic that becomes brittle over time and is very easy to break. The side mount speaker binders can't take 12 gage wire and they are easy to break as well.

The looks are as good as the RX-1603 and the sound is certainly BIG as a monster receiver should be. I have a green and traditional amber dials versions. Pricewise, $400 is high even for a mint example. I suppose if it came with the orginal box and documents, maybe...

 

[KlipschFan61]

Thanks Vintaggeman... but, guys - I can't believe that only one person has something to share about the Rotel RX-1203.

The Rotel contingent is a small but loyal group. You probably won't get many responses because those 1203's, and especially those 1603's, are pretty scarce. Even my ugly-duckling 802 and 604 are kind of hard to find units. Either no one wanted them back in the day and they didn't sell well or they're all in hifi heaven by now...

 

[Art K.]

I love Rotel gear and own some now as well as having a 70's Rotel receiver...back in the 70's I just didn't want to comment on this particular piece as I've not used it....GO ROTEL!

 

[quatsino]

Matter of price

Thanks for the replies. This unit comes with no paperwork or box but condition looks impecable. History is: original owner - collector 1 - collector 2 (for only 3 months) and now for sale again. I believe it's all local so this 1203 wasn't subject to shipping.

I think I'd consider it for low $300's but not over 4. We'll see how it goes...