Clean power on all channels, handles a variety of speakers with aplomb (but either it or I prefer Paradigm). Great connections at this price point. Keeps getting better.

None that I can find, especially at this price point.

I spent more than 2 years researching the amp/ preamp combo I was going to buy (with some looks at a few highend receivers). All I can say is I am glad I spent the time. Had never really heard about Rotel prior to my search but the name kept continually coming up as a solid performer. Finally found a dealer that had a set up and I was blown away. It beat the pants off most of the receivers, I had been listening to (only exception was a Pioneer elite model on sale for $3500). I bought this amp with the Rotel RSP980 preamp and a line conditioner for less than $2000 out the door (the dealer even threw in some Audioquest interconnects). One caveat, I strongly recommend a good line conditiner, this unit is so good you can really tell when it isn't hooked up. I bought Rotel's but like Adcom's better.

I generally listen to music and movies at a relatively low level (apartment dweller) and this unit dlivers crisp, clean sound with no background noise (with the exceptin of a few badly engineered CDs). But when the mood strikes, I an turn it waaaay up with no fatigue and the same clear sound.

For those serious about getting into separates (and it does make a differnce) but on a limited budget, there is no better performer out there (that I could find). Make sure you find a dealer (a little scarce) and give it a demo before spending more money or settling for a receiver, you won't be sorry.

Similar Products Used:

This is my first dedicated amp, previously used an ancient Yamaha integrated amp (which BTW is still an excellent performer for a second system)

I was very disapointed with the 985 THX Mark II. I bought it to impove the sound from my NHT 2.5i's... while I use the Onkyo 656 as a preamp. I first hooked up the Rotel, and immediatly, I noticed some additional clarity... most pronounced in Classical listening. Sound staging was also improved... Slightly. I can also crank my speakers to ear shattering levels without distortion/clipping... What does this mean? Not much!

See, I don't like listening to music loud... I bought the amp to improve the quality of sound at lower volumes... but after listening, I found that it was far to harsh/bright for the slightly bright NHT 2.5's! After about an hour, I had a headache... and this was at low volume. After the headache subsided, I switched back to the Onkyo, and started comparing the sound quality. The Onkyo would not go as loud, was not as clean, but much more laid back. Most important, it was PLEASENT to my ears. Needless to say, I'm sticking with the Onkyo.

As a note, the Onkyo, with an already sensitive volume control, when used as a preamp... made volume control non-existant(Onkyo's problem, not Rotel) Volume at 9 o'clock was too loud, but 8 o'clock was too soft. Therefore I'll give the Rotel some slack.

For Home theater? Way too bright for the NHT Audiocenter 1. While the bass response w/my speakers wasimproved(additional power/better damping), I would probably opt for the NHT subwoofer amp. At times, the highs in the center channel was almost like fingers on a chalkboard!

I'll give it 3 stars for VALUE, a THX 110w amp for under $1000! provided that you use it with something other than NHT.

Had this amp for 6 months now. Running it with the Kef Q65s on L/R front(Biwired).Also have the Rotel RCD 971 as my CD player(awesome- smooth as---)Also using the Rotel RTC 971 pre/processor(good sound but not user friendly)
I listen to a wide varity of music except "in your face rock & roll" (which this system does not suit)and it is beautiful and smooth.
When it comes to home theater this amp is amazing CONSIDERING IT'S PRICE!

I read with some dismay the negative reviews on this equipment and I can not relate to those individuals at all. I have the Rotel RSP-980, RDA-975 and the RB-985 as my core stereo/home theater system. I have experienced nothing but great pleasure listening to the clean, true sounds that this combination creates. The RB-985 never gets hot no matter what volume I choose, I never hear any distortion or any other anoying sounds. The rest of my system comprises of Sony 7700 DVD player, and NHT 2.5i speakers. At this price range I can not recommend a better 5 channel amp. In my book it gets 5 stars.

Clean and crisp, low signal to noise, build quality

None that I can find

After a bit of research and compared to Outlaw, this amp came highly recommended and was a great deal for my cost ($900). It pairs well with my Nautilus 805's and Lexicon DC1, and is used more for HomeTheater, but sounds just as well with CD via DVD. I was impressed with the build quality and specs. It is perfect for my apartment HT setup, and is clean from low to high volumes. Highly recommend at this price point.

My setup is:
B&W Nautilus 805's/HTM2/DS6
Pioneer DV626 DVD
Lexicon DC1

Warm, rich, deliciously musical sound with virtually any music at any volume.

One dimensional soundstage.

This is a peice of equipment capable turning even poor recordings into something very enjoyable and musical. Its warm rich tone permeated everything I threw at it. It just made everything sound warm,inviting,and spacious. Never did it become harsh or grating.
However, its strength is also its achilles heal. The fact that this amp warms and enriches virtually anything you throw at it tells you that it is not necessarily accurate or neutral. The sacrifice that it makes for its consistently warm rich sound is one dimensional soundstaging. While the warmth and musicality of this amp is ejoyable and each individual instrument can be clearly identified and heard, it cannot be placed accurately on a soundstage. It is almost as though it is coming from everywhere at the same time. It is not unpleasant, it is just not for me. I enjoy the almost live experience that many amps provide by enabling you to not only hear the music, but place it clearly on an imaginary stage. That cannot be done with this amp.
To summarize, this amp sounds like a very very good stereo. But it does sound like a stereo. If you are looking for something that will give you that almost live experience, you will need to look elsewhere. All three of the products named above will do a good job with this if coupled with the right interconnects, wires, and speakers. They will not, however, give you the consistent warmness and musicality of this amp. In the end, its a matter of taste. I am giving this amp an overall rating of three simply because of my strong preference for accurate sound staging.

Warmth/Musical*****
Presentation**
Build/quality****
Price/value****

Similar Products Used:

Krell 300i integrated amp, Marantz seperates,various mid to high end Yamaha receivers.