Rotel RB-980BX: First Impressions/Review
zombie boy 2000
Posts: 6,641
Let me begin this by stating that the route I chose in procuring this piece is not to be recommended, as I braved the dark waters of Fleabay with more than a few red flags dotting the landscape. As it was, the Rotel RB-980BX could be had for a few ducets off the normal "going rate", if one were willing to risk it's "sold as-is" status from a mass Ebay vendor providing limited pictures (one) and absolutely no means of hooking up the unit to determine functionality. This could very well have been a lame duck, and it seemed that I wasn't the only one harboring these thoughts. So it sat... largely unnoticed.
"Other items for sale", though not directly linked to any particular individual, included a Rotel Pre-Amp and a dedicated CDP, while the rest of the vendor's wares looked to be more of the figurine and babydoll variety. So I defended my interest by telling myself that if an individual was dumping a dog, he was more than likely dumping three. Plus, the one picture showed an original manual and no noticable wear and/or tear.
So I took a chance, got the unit for a fair price --- and stewed with apprehension, as my "all sales are final" showpiece made it's way to Kentucky courtesy of FedEx. My first fears concerning cosmetics were immediately stifled upon opening the package. I think it is very possible this unit had been used once, maybe twice, and then stored away. It is pristine!!!! Sparkling! Beautiful for a piece as old at is. Someone really provided this unit with TLC above and beyond the call of duty, or forgot it even existed and relegated it to the attic upon purchase. Stroke of luck, I say (and I won't test it twice). Even the original manual had nary a crack on the binding.
As for the meat and potatos of its performance.....
I know this is where the elders generally chime in with their "wow, gotta get me one of those amp thingys". As you should, because it must be an absolute mystery as to how one can go so long without one. My 70's are unbelievably open now. The additional headroom was more than expected, and the detail coming from these oft-derided speakers is absolutely startling. Sure, I threw in the CD's that have always sounded good (my references, if you will). Stop Making Sense (remastered) by the Talking Heads. At Dawn by My Morning Jacket.
But the true test came with those favorites of mine that just sounded like garbage before due to the limited capabilities of my system. Most notable of these is Up the Bracket by the Libertines. Lo-fi, independent offerings are often limited by their lo-fi, independent nature. Part of their charm, and I generally overlook these shortcomings. Truth is, these recordings tend to sound like garbage on my system, and transitively, make my system sound like garbage.
So you can imagine my sheer delight when CD's by the likes of the Libertines, the Cramps, and the Raveonettes suddenly came alive. No longer was I listening to a two-dimensional wall of guitar distortion. There was actually crystal clear dilineation between the vocals and all the instruments. Performances came alive, and the presentations was absolutely effortless. The amp has yet to break a sweat.
The most obvious improvement came in way of the left/right channel separation (don't know the proper term...). Where before, I would become obsessed with adjusting the levels between the two channels due to the fact that my listening position is "off-center", now there is so much separation that I can still enjoy music with both channels running on the same level (if that makes sense...) This translates to a beefed-up sweetspot, and less stress over speaker placement.
Of course, I noticed sounds I hadn't noticed before. Highs had that extra shimmer and glimmer. And for once, the two lower "sub" drivers on the 70's came alive and ate up my PSW10 and rendered it obsolete. Oh well.... I guess it's time for a new sub.
Last but not least, if the Rotel is meant to be "warm sounding" or as the local dealer here in town likes to say --- "European", than the Harman Kardon is biscuits and butter. Whereas, I thought my system would sound even more laid back (if not more powerful) with the addition of a Rotel component, it actually headed a litte in the other direction, if not by much. That being said, the two are a match made in Heaven.
I could go on for much longer.. but as many before me have said in one form or another
"sorry for the long post, but...."
Jason
"Other items for sale", though not directly linked to any particular individual, included a Rotel Pre-Amp and a dedicated CDP, while the rest of the vendor's wares looked to be more of the figurine and babydoll variety. So I defended my interest by telling myself that if an individual was dumping a dog, he was more than likely dumping three. Plus, the one picture showed an original manual and no noticable wear and/or tear.
So I took a chance, got the unit for a fair price --- and stewed with apprehension, as my "all sales are final" showpiece made it's way to Kentucky courtesy of FedEx. My first fears concerning cosmetics were immediately stifled upon opening the package. I think it is very possible this unit had been used once, maybe twice, and then stored away. It is pristine!!!! Sparkling! Beautiful for a piece as old at is. Someone really provided this unit with TLC above and beyond the call of duty, or forgot it even existed and relegated it to the attic upon purchase. Stroke of luck, I say (and I won't test it twice). Even the original manual had nary a crack on the binding.
As for the meat and potatos of its performance.....
I know this is where the elders generally chime in with their "wow, gotta get me one of those amp thingys". As you should, because it must be an absolute mystery as to how one can go so long without one. My 70's are unbelievably open now. The additional headroom was more than expected, and the detail coming from these oft-derided speakers is absolutely startling. Sure, I threw in the CD's that have always sounded good (my references, if you will). Stop Making Sense (remastered) by the Talking Heads. At Dawn by My Morning Jacket.
But the true test came with those favorites of mine that just sounded like garbage before due to the limited capabilities of my system. Most notable of these is Up the Bracket by the Libertines. Lo-fi, independent offerings are often limited by their lo-fi, independent nature. Part of their charm, and I generally overlook these shortcomings. Truth is, these recordings tend to sound like garbage on my system, and transitively, make my system sound like garbage.
So you can imagine my sheer delight when CD's by the likes of the Libertines, the Cramps, and the Raveonettes suddenly came alive. No longer was I listening to a two-dimensional wall of guitar distortion. There was actually crystal clear dilineation between the vocals and all the instruments. Performances came alive, and the presentations was absolutely effortless. The amp has yet to break a sweat.
The most obvious improvement came in way of the left/right channel separation (don't know the proper term...). Where before, I would become obsessed with adjusting the levels between the two channels due to the fact that my listening position is "off-center", now there is so much separation that I can still enjoy music with both channels running on the same level (if that makes sense...) This translates to a beefed-up sweetspot, and less stress over speaker placement.
Of course, I noticed sounds I hadn't noticed before. Highs had that extra shimmer and glimmer. And for once, the two lower "sub" drivers on the 70's came alive and ate up my PSW10 and rendered it obsolete. Oh well.... I guess it's time for a new sub.
Last but not least, if the Rotel is meant to be "warm sounding" or as the local dealer here in town likes to say --- "European", than the Harman Kardon is biscuits and butter. Whereas, I thought my system would sound even more laid back (if not more powerful) with the addition of a Rotel component, it actually headed a litte in the other direction, if not by much. That being said, the two are a match made in Heaven.
I could go on for much longer.. but as many before me have said in one form or another
"sorry for the long post, but...."
Jason
I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
Post edited by zombie boy 2000 on
Comments
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LOL! We like getting happy endings!!!!
Enjoy your NEW system Jason!
One thing though, Please learn the use of new paragraphs! That was the hardest read I've had to do in a long time!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 -
cfrizz wrote: LOL! We like getting happy endings!!!!
Enjoy your NEW system Jason!
One thing though, Please learn the use of new paragraphs! That was the hardest read I've had to do in a long time!
LOL!!! Sorry Ms. Frizz, I think I'll go back and "touch it up".:DI never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
Actually, the "preview" feature shows that I was using new paragraphs. Wonder what happened?I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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Sounds like you find a great piece of equipment for the money! Good deal!!
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Congrats on the new amp. It's a wonderful new world when you get one. I recently had my amp cherry popped, and it's awesome! :eek:
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Tell me about it Demi:D
I've got nuthin' but love for the separates nowI never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
I got one of those amps, its currently pulling surround duty in the theater driving a pair of LSi9's.
its not that recievers arent good, but the next step is allways seperate amplification. it makes a difference. glad to hear another success story, but I'm certainly not surprised by it. have fun ZombieLiving Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
Good review, glad it worked out well for you. Rotel makes great stuff.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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Ive had this very amp also.... great amp. I think the 980 had a less forward high end.(highs) . BUt great low end bassMY HT RIG:
Sherwood p-965
Sherwood sd871 dvd
Rotel 1075 amp x5
LSI15 mains
LsiC center
LSIfx surround backs
Lsi7 side surrounds
SVS pb12/plus2
2 Channel Rig:
nad 1020 Pre-amp
Rotel 1080 stereo amp
Polk sda 2B
kenwood grunt Tuner
realistic lab 450 TT
Signal cable IC -
I have had one of these amps with the matching RC-980BX pre since 94 when I bought them new. They were a huge improvement over a Pioneer ntegrated amp. They are now used upstairs in the second system. Even after all these years, I still have no plans to replace them.
Enjoy your purchase.
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. -
Zombie, how do you like the SignalCable interconnects? Have you used any other cables before them?
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Jason,
congrats on your Rotel amp.. sounds like from your read.. you are moving in the right direction with your system. External amps do make a difference.. just like good interconnects. PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin: -
Demiurge wrote:Zombie, how do you like the SignalCable interconnects? Have you used any other cables before them?
Mostly just Acoustic Research IC's and Blue Jeans Cable speaker wire before I snagged a pair of SC Analog Ones off the 'Gon. Opened up my system beyond measure. And best yet, it wasn't something I was expecting, as I was just getting something cheap off Audiogon to establish myself and get used to its system of doing business. Plugged em in without expectations and was immediately floored for a variety of reasons. Their speaker cables provided another very obvious improvement -- though it should be noted that the "bi-wiring" was a simultaneous upgrade. It's crazy when you hear such a drastic improvement when you're not expecting it. So in the mean time, I've been placing orders with Frank here and there to see what each of his wares are capable of. To the point, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (especially at the price point).
The cables are stiff though....I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
The 990 is an excellent amp. I had one for about 5 years, did quite a bit of auditioning of various amps before settling on the 990. Last year I moved up another notch to a Plinius and then my current Bel Canto, but I will always have a soft spot for the 990. That effortless headroom makes a difference...Steve Carlson
Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten -
I just started looking at Rotel, and came across this review. Six months ago, I had an almost identical experience with an Onkyo A8190. The only blemish is a tiny scratch on the top rear left corner, which you can't see anyways.
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