Price Paid:  $420.00 from local

Summary:
I second the review that lauded the bang for the buck factor. Performance is sweet, warm and effortless. The sound mids and highs a very clean yet NOT cold, clinical and sterile. The low end is cohesive and focused....not overdone. The sound stage is nice and open giving an airy/breezy feel. This surprised me because of my ancient speakers! The detail is amazing. This is the first time I heard the trombonist take a breath for a solo in Copland's Rodeo (Slatkin, St Louis, 1986 EMI) and I've had this recording for 10 years! For me this is an interim amp. Eventually I'd like to go into seperates. I won't be surprised if I keep this longer than planned. Onkyo DX-702 Sansui spX8000 standard off-the-roll 16 gauge speaker cable

Strengths:
price to performance ratio, clean yet warm, open stage feel, detail

Weaknesses:
This is a definite upgrade from my previous amp ao at this point, my objectivity might be compromised. If I notice any weakness in the coming months, I'll post again

Price Paid:  $300.00

Summary:

I picked this up second hand with about 3 years still left
in the warranty. I heard the newer RA-1060 (updated version of the RA-972) but you would have to fork out a bit more
money. The only notable "improvements" the 1060 has over the 972 is the front designer look (not that important), larger heat sinks, and Burr-Brown line stage. I like the RA-972 because it has fully adjustable tone controls, not the preset contour ones that the 1060 has. Besides both have the
new British Aerovox t-network capacitors which is supposed to provide greater resolution. Why pay more for a new cosmetics job when the two amps are more or less similar sounding. Unlike another reviewer who critized the RA-972 for a lack of soundstage- what do you expect at this price? I find it pretty well-detailed and dependable (Rotel style)with lots of power (it drove my smaller Maggies MMG pretty good). You of course need some good quality cables (MIT, VDH, Kimber etc) and this machine should work well. Place it on a set of isolation cones and this Rotel can really sing. High-end performance for a budget price. Get a used one and you have nothing to lose.

Strengths:
Great Sound for the money, open soundstage, fairly good
detail, clear treble

Weaknesses:
Slightly bright sounding, needs good cables

Similar Products Used:
NAD, Marantz, Harmon Kardon

Summary:

I cannot understand anyone (previous reviewer) who could
give this product only 1 star! The coloration is very minimal. I have used this product for 4 months now and my
initial impression from my earlier review has not changed
one bit. Yes, there are many amps out there that has a better refined sound but you would have to pay more- a lot more! I cannot understand why vocals are a problem- in fact I find the vocals fairly accurate with good depth and projection. Listening to the new Diana Krall album was a joy
because I could pinpoint exactly her voice and there is a lot of air around the instruments. What you need is perhaps
a little more time to burn in this amp (takes at least 100
hours) before you can properly access its sonic merits.
Also choosing the right equipment to pair it with is essential because this amp can be brighter sounding but that is not at all a distraction because the bass is still present and very tight. Rotel is very much reliable and
at the price has very few competitors. I can safely vouch for this product not just simply because I have it, but because it is truly a worthy addition to a budget audiophile
system. Match this amp with a good pair of budget speakers
(Mission, Axiom etc), decent cd player, interconnects/cables and you will be much amazed at the consistency this amp provides. The option to replace the ac cord is very useful
as I now use an upgraded XLO power cord which tightens up the sound and reinforces the imaging a lot more. Don't be
disheartened by the previous review. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain especially if you can pick this
amp for under $500! The five year warranty from Rotel is also an additional bonus.

Strengths:
Still a good buy for the money- clear, dynamic, with little
coloration.

Weaknesses:
None at this price range

Price Paid:  $475.00 from sound factor

Summary:
very warm sounding.clear,and focused

Strengths:
sound,build

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
denon pma1500r

Summary:
a lot of coloration to achieve a faked up 'hot sound'. Like a Pioneer product. Vocals are lost which loses the depth in the music. Boom and Tizz. Not very open soundstage but OK for rock n roll.

Strengths:
produces sound

Weaknesses:
dull, recessed vocal reproduction anemic low-end poor quality highs

Similar Products Used:
kenwood mcintosh marantz