I measured this preamplifier using REW. It is the cleanest analog Preamplifier I measured so far. The THD is below 0.0005% and even any IMD is below 0.008% noise included. In addition, there’s absolutely no power leak seen, it’s completely silent. It will output more than 10Vrms with one 1Vrms input and THD+N will still be 0.002% max. With 100 ohms output, it will drive any amplifier. Crosstalk is between 80 to 50dB from 20 to 20kHz. Bandwidth is flat up to what I can measure (50kHz), 0dB between channels. I am actually very impressed since this is same or better than my MICHI P5. Many high end analog preamplifiers do not reach such performances. Amazing. Sound? Well, measurements say it all, it’s the perfect definition of what a preamp should be: a straight wire with gain. Go for it if you’re lucky enough to find one.

Phones output is a little less performing but nothing to worry about.

I use the Rotel RC03 with 2 mono-switched Sony TA-N55ES power amplifiers. The Rotel sounds very natural and the lack off tone-control is not a prolem at all. I don't even think about controlling the tone. The mid-range of the amp is very strong. The higher frequenties can get a bit penetrant when power is turned up. Never the less, this is a brilliant pre-amp for it's price. Negative point: when controlling the volume with the remote control, it moves in steps. So it is hard to get the volume setting to a specific level, especially with very low volumes.

This review is for the Rotel RC-03 as combined with the Rotel RB-03 to form a working amplifier. I am comparing it with all the integrated amplifiers (Denon, Marantz, Akai, Yamaha) that I've known. My own experience has been that this Rotel combination easily beats some of the best integrated amplifiers out there in terms of "musical power", which I would describe as an ability to handle with ease and grace the peaks and troughs of loudness in musical passages. When you hear the Rotel play, you just know that it would never "miss a beat" -- the musical notes coming from it are just so sure-footed, they fill one's heart with joy. Even though it is only rated at 50 watts rms, the Rotel combination sounds cleaner and more assured at normal listening volumes than even the respectable Yamaha AX-596, which rated at 100 watts rms. The other thing about this Rotel combination is the very affordable price ($1000 AUS for both), considering the potential enjoyment that it can provide in comparison to the very best integrated amplifiers in the market today.

Sound Build Simple design Price

Just one tape in/out connection

The Rotel RC-03 is a simple and straight preamp with a dynamic en lovely soundquality. The only drawback is that is just has one tape in/out connection. For the money this is a very good one. I compared it with the good NAD C160 and I found the Rotel much more natural sounding with more space, dynamics and less sterile sound. I use the RC-03 with the Rotel RB-03 power amplifier. Robin

Similar Products Used:

NAD C160 preamp