ROTEL RC-980BX + RB-980BK

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows some signs of wear. Supplied without original packaging.

ROTEL RC-980BX

Stereo preamplifier designed to be paired with a power amplifier, such as the RB-980BX from the same series. The front panel features an essential and functional layout, with a power button, a volume control knob and two rotary selectors dedicated to choosing the source for listening and recording. A headphone output with its corresponding front-panel connection is also provided.

The built-in phono stage supports both MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil) cartridges, with the operating mode selected via a dedicated switch on the rear panel. The section includes a dedicated amplification stage for MC cartridges, while the selector allows the gain to be adjusted according to the cartridge being used.

The input section allows several analogue sources to be connected, including turntables, tuners, CD players and auxiliary components, as well as two tape recorders. Separate listening and recording selectors allow the signal intended for playback to be managed independently from the one sent to the recording output. Signals from connected sources can also be routed to the Tape Out.

The power supply circuit uses a toroidal transformer, while the output section features two pairs of parallel terminals, Output 1 and Output 2, for connection to multiple components. The overall configuration is designed to provide orderly signal management and flexible integration into a stereo system.

The preamplifier section is characterised by a reproduction described as transparent and balanced, with good instrumental clarity and a uniform response across the frequency spectrum. The phono stage also stands out for its precise performance, maintaining a natural sonic presentation.

Stereo power amplifier designed to drive a wide range of loudspeakers. It can also be configured in bridged mode to deliver greater power to a single channel. The design reflects Rotel's experience in amplifier circuit development, with particular attention to driving capability and signal control.

The circuit incorporates a thermal protection system that activates under abnormal operating conditions, helping to prevent potential damage to the unit. When the system is triggered, it temporarily interrupts the signal to the loudspeakers and activates the corresponding indicator on the front panel.

The amplification section is characterised by dynamic and detailed reproduction, with a balanced presentation that maintains good definition even at high listening levels. Instruments are clearly articulated, with distinct separation between vocals and instrumental accompaniment and a good ability to reproduce the nuances of recordings.

The damping factor of over 1000 contributes to loudspeaker control, particularly at low frequencies, ensuring precise response during signal transients. This results in well-defined and controlled bass reproduction, with good management of dynamic variations and more complex musical passages.

• Type: Stereo preamplifier
• Total harmonic distortion: ≤0.004% (CD and tuner inputs, 20 Hz–20 kHz)
• Input sensitivity/impedance: Phono MM 2.5 mV/47 kΩ; Phono MC 250 µV/100 Ω; CD, tuner, Tape 1/2 and Aux 150 mV/34 kΩ
• Frequency response: Phono 20 Hz–20 kHz (±0.2 dB, RIAA standard); CD, tuner, Tape 1/2 and Aux 4 Hz–100 kHz (+0.5 dB/−3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: Phono MM 75 dB; Phono MC 70 dB; CD, tuner, Tape 1/2 and Aux 100 dB
• Inputs: Phono MM/MC; CD; tuner; Aux; Tape 1; Tape 2
• Outputs: Output 1 and Output 2; Tape Out; headphone output
• Phono section: Compatible with MM and MC cartridges; integrated MC amplification stage
• Power supply: 230 V / 50 Hz
• Dimensions: 440 × 325 × 70 mm
• Weight: 4 kg

Technical specifications RB-980BK:

• Type: Stereo power amplifier
• Continuous output power: 120 W per channel into 8 Ω (20 Hz–20 kHz, THD ≤0.03%)
• Bridged output power: 360 W (mono) into 8 Ω (20 Hz–20 kHz, THD ≤0.05%)
• Total harmonic distortion: ≤0.03% at rated continuous power; ≤0.03% at half rated continuous power; ≤0.03% at 1 W per channel into 8 Ω
• Frequency response: 4 Hz–100 kHz (+0.5 dB/−3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB
• Damping factor: >1000
• Operating modes: Stereo; bridged (mono)
• Protection system: Thermal protection with indicator light
• Power supply: 230 V / 50 Hz
• Dimensions: 440 × 325 × 120 mm
• Weight: 11 kg