ROTEL RC-980BX

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

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

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 adjusts the gain according to the type of cartridge being used.

The input selection allows various analogue sources to be connected, including a turntable, tuner, CD player 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 routed to recording. Signals from the connected sources can also be sent to the Tape Out output.

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

The preamplifier section is characterised by a transparent and balanced sound, with clear instrument reproduction and an even frequency response. The phono stage also delivers precise performance, maintaining a natural sonic presentation.

Technical specifications:

• 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 stage: Compatible with MM and MC cartridges; built-in MC amplification stage
• Power supply: 230 V / 50 Hz
• Dimensions: 440 × 325 × 70 mm
• Weight: 4 kg