Rotel Amps

janmike
janmike Posts: 6,146
edited October 2005 in Electronics
Hi Folks,

I am getting close to making the plunge again. I am adding a 2Ch amp to my system to help improve the stereo side. Here are the 2 amps I am looking at:

Rotel RB-990
Rotel RB-1080

Both deliver 200wpc and am wondering about the main differences. It appears that the 990 does not have a removable power cord and the 1080 does. I would like to add one of Franks's power cords. As well, the 1080 has balanced/unbalanced inputs which I do not fully understand. I will be adding the amp to the following existing equipment:

Front - RTi100's
Yamaha RX-V1500
Marantz SE67 cpd

My intention is to help improve the sound quality for my 2 channel stereo. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks Again.
Michael ;)
In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
NORTH of 60°
Post edited by janmike on
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Comments

  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited March 2005
    Balanced outputs are handy if you have to put the power amp a good distance from the pre- they are good at rejecting EMI & RF interference. However, your yamaha doesn't have balanced outs, and even adding an adapter won't make them balanced. My vote would be for the 990. It's a more reasonable cost for your system and won't depreciate in value as rapidly as a newer 1080
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
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  • pmckeealaska
    pmckeealaska Posts: 808
    edited March 2005
    I would recommend the 1080, but only because I have it, and I dont know much about the other model. My 1080 can really crank up the volume when you want it to, but it is also good at revealing details at more listenable levels.
    Music and Movie Rig

    Samsung 40" HDTV 1080p
    LSi25 Front Speakers
    LSiC Center Channel
    LSiFX Surrounds
    Rotel RB 1080 2-Channel Amp
    NAD T763 Reciever
    Denon DVD 2900 Universal Player
    Audiosource 10 Band Digital Equalizer
    Audioquest CV-8 speaker cables
    Audioquest Sub-X subwoofer cables
    Audioquest King Cobra Interconnects
    Monster AVS 2000 Voltage Stabilizer
    Playstation 3 120GB Slim
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited March 2005
    It is clarity that I am looking for instead of volume. As well, I want something that will accommodate other (better) speakers down the road. I wonder if spending double the money for the 1080 is worth it?
    Thanks.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,413
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by janmike
    I wonder if spending double the money for the 1080 is worth it?
    Thanks.

    nope, save the monsy and get a good used one, that's my 2 cents
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2005
    Since they both put out 200 watts, I would say go for the 990. Unless you know for sure down the line you are going to use the balanceed imputs, I don't think it would be worth it to get the 1080.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • 2+2
    2+2 Posts: 546
    edited March 2005
    Other features that 1080 has is the trigger power on, and the newer 1080s have two pairs of speaker posts so that you can bi-wire....the 1080 also comes in that good looking silver middle color scheme as well....If you do get a 1080 used, make sure you get one with warranty as some have been having fuse issues....mine has been fine....
    System 1: Martin Logan Vantage, Rotel RC 1070, B&K Reference 200.2, Music Hall DAC 15.2, Yamaha 2300

    System 2: LSi15 w/db840, Marantz SR8400, Rotel 1080, RM6800 (C&S), Sony X2020ES

    System 3: LSi7, Yamaha SW215, Music Hall Maven, Music Hall MMF CD25 w/627opamps

    System 4: RTi100, Harman Kardon AVR 230, Panasonic DVD
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  • phuz
    phuz Posts: 2,372
    edited March 2005
    Whatever you get, get used. Not to imply the 1080 isn't worth it's retail, but you if you can save some dough then save it.

    I think there is a difference in the power supply between the two also. Email Rotel, and they'll send you all of the details on the differences, probably within 24 hours.

    I love my 990 :)
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited March 2005
    Does the 990 have a removable pwr cord? I am looking at used for both units. The 990 is practically brand new.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited March 2005
    Ther both great sounding amps. the 1080 however is a better revamped version. I would go with the 1080. I'm also buying a 1080 for my front channels. I'm getting the RMB1095 for my center and rears.

    Dan

    O and the silver is way to cool
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited March 2005
    Dan,
    If you are looking for sliver & used, there is one FS on the Canuck Audio Mart Web Site. I am looking for black.

    Michael
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited March 2005
    I just purchased a used (6 months old) Rotel RB-1080 at a great price (comparable to the 990 & 991). The deal was from Winnipeg, so I will not be hit with duty. Now, I'll purchase 2 power cords amp & AVR) & IC's from Frank and we are good to go. Thanks for all the advice folks. Darn I like this audio thing!
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2005
    Awesome equipment at a great price! Enjoy it & let us know how you like it.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited April 2005
    I received the Rotel Amp the other day and the new cables from Signal today. Frank shipped them out on Friday from NY and they arrived in Yellowknife today. Talk about service. I am tempted to connect it all at once, turn it on and enjoy, but I would like to do some evaluation of the different items 1 at a time. The review could take some time.


    RECENT ACQUISITIONS:

    A) 1 - 4 ft. SC D/V Power cord - Yamaha RX-V1500
    B) 1 - 4 ft. SC Magic Power - Rotel RB-1080
    C) 2 pair - 3 ft. SC Analog Twos with Bullet plugs (Rotel 1080 to
    Yamaha 1500 & Marantz SE67 to Yamaha 1500)
    D) 1 - Rotel RB-1080 Amp

    e) Purchased a brand new pair of RTi6 yesterday for next to nothing. My RTi38's are slightly damaged (corners) from a UPS shipment last year and had major problems with a claim. Actually, no luck at all! I just cannot stand damaged merchandise, so they should fit in nice. At this rate, I can see LSi's coming into the picture next year.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • millenniumrx2
    millenniumrx2 Posts: 52
    edited October 2005
    does the yamaha work well with the rotel
    classe ssp-25,parasound 2205a,hk tl8600,samsung hd-dvd,lsi15,infinity hps-1000
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited October 2005
    Works great. I will probably purchase a 5 CH down the road.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited October 2005
    congrats..!

    enjoy....!!
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
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    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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