Smooth, slightly warm sound, good dynamics, good imaging and soundstage, very quiet, cool-running, reliable, well built, flexible configurations.

Not the last word in current muscle.

I purchased the current version of this amp, the RMB-1066, to power the L/C/R channels of my Pioneer Elite VSX-24TX receiver. My evaluation is primarily a comparison vs. the amp section of the Pioneer. This amp is run in bridged, 3-channel mode, which is rated at 150 watts RMS X 3. My speakers are Vandersteen 1C, with a VCC-1 center, and a Def Tech PF-15 subwoofer. Cables are Monster Z and Reference. Overall, there was a noticeable improvement in some areas over the Pioneer. Dynamics got a modest boost, as well as detail. Stereo imaging improved, especially with regard to width, and to a lesser degree, hieght. It could be due to other system/room factors, but depth is somewhat flat, as it was with the Pioneer. The sound is a bit less compressed at high volume, although there is still considerable blurring of individual instruments at these high volumes. The sound is to the warm side of neutral, similar in this regard to the Pioneer. "Air" is improved, and there is also less grain than with the Pioneer. Noise and hum are not audible. The amp has performed flawlessly and never gets more than slightly warm to the touch. Build quality is excellent. Ultimately, I still want more from my L/C/R amp, and I will eventually look for a higher-end 3-channel amp and move the Rotel to the rear channels. However, for the money, I feel this amp offers great flexibility and value.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Elite VSX-24TX receiver, Onkyo TXVS-515 Pro Receiver