Price Paid:  $250.00 from second hand

Summary:
The RB 980 was an upgrade of a NAD tuner/amp because of a pair new (used) B&W 803 Matrix S2 in 2002. The Rotel had far more control over the sound (especially the bass) and the sound stage was very good. A year later I sold the NAD receiver and the RB980 was controlled by a Rotel RC 980. Good combination for the money (€160).
In 2004 I completed the set with an as good as nes Rotel CD player RCD 991 (€450).
I upgraded the standard interlinks with self constructed interlinks (good quality microphone cable with golden connectors about €6 per pair, a bargain for the quality)
I am fully satisfied with the sound. I know that an improvement will cost much more money.

Strengths:
build like a tank
good damping factor (good control of the difficault Matrix 803II)

Weaknesses:
nothing for the money

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood amp (KA 601)
NAD receiver (monitor series)

AJCalhoun

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
3.29 of 5, 7.00 votes

Price Paid:  $329.00 from eBay

Summary:
I just recently picked this off during a buying spree on eBay, and could have had it for even less if I'd played my cards right, but it doesn't matter, because it's a great deal and would be even if it were bought today at the MSRP, as far as I'm concerned. I've been looking for an amp of equal power and quality to replace my Yamaha M-40, which is getting up in years and was too darn big to fit in the rack with the Vantas Dolby 5.1 processor/pre-amp I had added recently (another great deal, but another story, told elsewhere on this site). So I found this unit, examined and tested it, found it not wanting in the essentials, and now have put it through the workout and it is definitely in a league with much pricier (new) equipment. It's a little more detailed than the Yam, and also just a tad warmer. With the B&W DM 600 S3's and Boston PV600 powere sub this amp will never have to work up a sweat. The power knob rarely goes beyond 5:35, and that's loud! It's physically smaller and a little lighter than the Yam, built to British standards, extremely clear, clean, and pretty neutral. Just to my liking. It's served via an AudioSource Preamp/Tuner-2, and before you start laughing read my review on that item elsewhere. While Audiosource has put out one dud preamp (the Preamp One/A), this one is far, far superior, and I would rate it right up there with the Rotel 972 preamp that would have been a great companion to this amp. All in all it was a great way to chuck $329, and I'm keeping it til it passes away, which, from the looks of the build and quality components inside, could be a long, long time. I'm happy as a cherrystone clam.

Strengths:
Compact size, moderate weight, toroidal transformer and formidable-looking caps, unobtrusive, clean, clear, accurate, with stop-on-a-dime bass management, just all I could have hoped for and more.

Weaknesses:
None. Absolutely none.

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha M-40, Sony GX67ES, Vantas DPA-S50, AudioSource Preamp/Tuner-2

D. Ocampo

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 4.00 votes

Price Paid:  $225.00 from eBay

Summary:
I must say that I was very impressed by this amp. I have a Marantz THX Ultra certified 5-channel amp (175 W x 5) for my HT set-up and this Rotel can keep up with it. I got the amp and pre-amp for a steal and I am using it to drive a pair of NHT ST-4 towers (which sound absolutely fantastic by themselves) using canare starquad cables in a bi-wire configuration. Power is not an issue with this amp as the power supply is huge. Everything is crystal clear and very non-fatiguing while still bordering on the bright side of warm.

Strengths:
Balanced Concept design and power reserves.

Weaknesses:
None at this price point.

Similar Products Used:
Marantz MM9000 amp, NAD 3140 Integrated amp, Denon PMA-980R Intergrated amp, Denon 1803 Receiver, Yamaha 1150 Receiver, numerous mass-market crap before I was introduced to mid-fi bliss.

Price Paid:  $550.00 from Absolute Audio

Summary:
Compared to my old Kenwood this sounds incredible. At first I used a Caver CT-6 pre-amp, but have upgraded to home theater now and purchased a Rotel RSX-972 receiver. I now use the receiver as a pre-amp for the main channels driving the RB-980BX through Tributaries Silver series interconnects. I am very happy with the sound. It really make my Paradigms sing. All kinds of music is very listenable at all volumes. It does get a little warm at times though.

Strengths:
Excellent clarity. Never harsh. Underated power.

Weaknesses:
Heat after extended higher volume listening.

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood 150 WPC, Carver 105 WPC.

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Local Hifi Shop

Summary:
In 1998 I was going to replace my Kenwood amp. I decided to buy me some amps that were ready for my Kappa 8.1i. A pair of Rotel 980's should be powerful enough for me told me local audio dealer. Pre amp was also a Rotel. I used the 908's as bridged monos with 360 watt (8 Ohm). They kick the Kappas in every volume! Precise bass, clear highs, great mids! They get a little warm, but they never give up :-) One day I killed one Rotel (was my fault), and I had to use only one. It was like day and night. Lot of power and precision was missing. T

Strengths:
Great power when used as bridged monos! Excellent soundscape. The price make them a bargain.

Weaknesses:
May get a little warm, when used as monos at low impedance

Similar Products Used:
Rotel pre amp.