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Rotel RB-980BX & RC-980BX - is it a step up?

mario.bono

mario.bono

Active Member
I currently have a Sansui 9090 which I love and plan to keep.
I’m considering picking up the Rotel Power Amp and Pre Amp.
Does anyone have any experience with the Rotel and any idea if this would be significant audio improvement?
Setting aside resale values and aesthetics, which would provide more definition and clarity, especially in the mid to high end?
 
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The RB-980BX is an excellent amplifier and would be an improvement over the 9090's amp section when it comes to your criteria. The RC-980BX, while a very good preamp, doesn't quite equal the RC-990BX or RC-995. I've owned a few Sansui receivers including a 9090DB and would, if given the choice, go with the RB-980BX and RC-980BX for definition, clarity, etc...
I'm a big fan of the Rotel 900 series, so my opinion is a bit biased.
 
The Rotel amplifiers and preamplifiers in either the 8xx or 9xxx series are superb across the board, right from the baby integrated right up to the top pre/power combos.

In terms of performance, build and overall great design, they are hard to beat.

They are very conservatively rated and will outperform the old 9090 on just about every metric except sheer size and retro appeal.
 
I have a RB-990BX amp which I like.
Does run a little warm (offset and bias were checked) so since it's summer I've changed to my Crown D class amp which runs cooler.
 
I too am a big fan of Rotel, my SONY STR 7065A has twice the power and many more features than my Rotel RX 1000 has, but what the Rotel lacks in power it makes up for it in depth, warmth, and over all dynamic's. I'm just saying,
 
mario.bono said:
Yes I am. I’ve upgraded both the power amp and the pre to the RB 981 and RC 995.
Unless they break down, they’re here until I do.
Click to expand...
Yeah I really enjoy my RB-981 too.
Have mine paired w/a RTC-940AX pre-tuner and a RE-1010 EQ.

The pre-tuner and amp are recent acquisitions,picked up w/my stimulus $$$.
Got those to power my CV LS-12 that needed an amp w/more current than the previous Onkyo had.
And the Rotel RB-981 definitely delivered the goods.
The CV's are getting what they needed and sounding d@mn good.

Best part is should I want more power from the RB-981 I can get another RB-981 and bridge 'em to use as mono-blocks.
Then the 130wpc jumps up to 360wpc ! And boy would those CV's dig that sorta wpc to power them !!!

Yessir,,,I'm a confirmed fan of Rotel gear...

Good choice IMO,congrats. :thumbsup:

Bret P.
 
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