Good Clean Sound (Crisp Treble, Tight Bass), Minimal Coloration,Realistic Soundstage, Lots of Power, Solid-Built, Classy Simple Look

Could Be Slightly Warmer Sounding

Having recently purchased this at a demo price, I have not fully evaluated its performance for enough time. However my first impression after a burn in 40 hours period is very good. This amp produces very crisp highs and tight bass. Whether one is listening to Patricia Barber in a smaller setting or Bruckner's Symphony No. 8 played by the VPO under Karajan (a most challenging piece for any amp), the Rotel
seems particularly at ease even when the volume is at a higher level. The soundstage is fairly wide with sufficient depth and height. Instruments sound particularly realistic and may be a little larger-than-life than what it should be; this is not so much coloration but the way many solid-state amps this price range will have. Indeed this amp is very good value. The large toroidal transformer and the new British made Aerovox capacitor gives this amp a sophistication that only higher-priced models have. I have auditioned this Rotel along with the Bryston B-60, Audio Analogue Puccini, Roksan Kandy KA-1 and NAD C350.

I found the Bryston B-60 (priced much higher) to be rather too clinical and cold sounding. Bryston is perhaps more for the musician than the listener. It certainly has more resolution but is less musical. The Audio Analogue Puccini is the warmest sounding of this lot but may not pack the same amount of punch with the bass or larger orchestral settings. Yet this amp is more suitable for classical music and smaller jazz ensembles. However its elegant looks and simple controls make this very appealing. The price is higher as well. The Roksan Kandy provides a lot of punch at 110W per channel and the silver sleek looks makes it very attractive. The sound is quite clean but one can sense a degree of coarseness at times. It is much more at ease with pop and rock. This leaves the NAD C350 as the real challenger. The NAD amp also measures at 60W per channel and
provides plenty of power with authoritative bass and nice clean sound. It is fairly hard to pick between the Rotel and the NAD. However after more careful auditioning the Rotel sounded even cleaner and smoother. The NAD C350 provides more punch but in the last degree may be a tad less detailed than the Rotel. As well, the Rotel RA-972 is a much better looking machine and takes up less space (height-wise). The Rotel's volume switch in the middle and the rest of the controls are nicely spaced. The NAD has a more cluttered display of control knobs with the Volume knob at the far right end. NAD's budget amplifiers are usually fairly ugly in appearance. However the main thing is what is under the hood. Both amps have similar qualities but the Rotel is one whose appearance speaks of more sophistication. Simply put, the Rotel RA-972 is a classier amp than the NAD C350. The newer Rotel RA-1060 (also at 60 W per channel) has a even more appealing look.

I have used a pair of older Mission 701s to test the Rotel RA-971. The sound is quite good for this budget combination.
Since I also have a pair of Maggies 1.6 in my other system, I pair them with the 972 and found that the Rotel could drive them fairly well but does not have the authority that my Class A amps have. Still anything that can drive the Maggies (power hungry speakers) with apparent ease is admirable! For the CD player I have used the entry-level Yamaha CDC-575 changer (which works surprisingly well) and the more sophisticated Rotel RCD-971. For connections I used
Van Den Hul CS 122 hybrid and XLO interconnects.

In conclusion the Rotel RA-971 is good value and great sounding. It is indeed highly recommended. Those who want more reviews on this product may check out the review in the
TNT audio site.

Five Stars ALl Around!

Similar Products Used:

NAD C350, Audio Analogue Puccini, Roksan Kandy KA-1, Bryston B-60, Rega Mira