ROTEL RA-985BX Integrated Amplifiers

ROTEL RA-985BX Integrated Amplifiers 

DESCRIPTION

100 Watt Stereo Integrated Amplifier w/ Remote

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-10 of 23  
[Sep 27, 2022]
jackslesly19


Strength:

We at arreglar cubiertas Mallorca really satisfied with this integrated amplifiers. We bought this device 5 years ago. Highly recommended

Weakness:

So far, I don't find any weaknesses

OVERALL
RATING
5
[May 14, 2022]
stussy


Strength:

Do you desire to turn your outdated kitchen into something more appealing, efficient, and comfortable? Home Remodel Denton

Weakness:

none so far

Purchased:
New  
OVERALL
RATING
5
[Mar 29, 2022]
Tavruz


Strength:

THIS IS A REVIEW OF THE PREDECESSOR, RA-980BX, the version with no remote control. I have never heard the RA-985BX, but the sound should be a little warmer and full bodied than the RA-980BX The strength of the RA-980BX is a very detailed sound, controlled and tight bass. Its power supply is very capable and can handle most difficult speakers. The no-nonsense design looks really cool!

Weakness:

Sound can be too light and harsh, especially if the rest of the equipment has the same sound profile. So be aware to match with the right speakers and sources. Bass can also be a little to tight imo. Its not the most warm sounding amp! No remote control. 3½ of 5 stars

Price Paid:
600
Purchased:
New  
Model Year:
1994
OVERALL
RATING
4
[Jun 10, 2018]
Tede


Strength:

If u can : get your own - best is its detail, speed-slam and fun way of playing I was lucky paring this width Tannoy Revoution/Yamaha cd-n500 best combo ever heard (not even Rotel Ra-1592, Denon PMA-1600 nor Marantz 8012 beats it side by side test) so i had too keep it

Weakness:

There is of course limits to power, but overall strong

Price Paid:
$120
Purchased:
Used  
Model Year:
1998
OVERALL
RATING
5
[Jun 04, 2011]
Winston
Audio Enthusiast

This amp amazes me from the first time i pushed the power button and hit play on the CD Player. This open and wide stage and dynamic with a extremely fast and punching bass and unbelivable depth. The clarity of hights and mids are wonderful and you can almost grip into the seperation. I was lucky to get this beautyful amp via ebay. My wife isnt a audio enthusiast, but after she listend her CD´s on this amp in combo with ASW´s she told me, she never before heard that kind of detail and punch in the music. Great Stuff and if you get grip on one at ebay, go for it !

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Feb 05, 2005]
STIFA
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

DETAIL DYNAMICS TREMENDOUS TREMENDOUS HUGE BASS EASY LISTEN

Weakness:

remote could be better organised but its cool when you get used.

I bought this wonderful integrated from a friend and it was the best sonic upgrade I have made in last 2 years. I was so surprised when first notes hit the air, It was damn EXCITING. rotel ra985bx nad c542 audioquest/vdh bi-wired B&W 802 You could imagine my surprise , because I have heard/owned following : Rotel Ra/02, 1070 Nad (almost all , not impressed but good CD players from NAD) Arcam Diva and FMJ range (wonderful) Electrocompaniet 3 Linn Karin, Musical fidelity (too much $) and this Rotel beats them all in terms of DETAIL and EXCITEMENT. Thought I have heard it all till now but this amp made me realise how much detail is implemented in music. Another DAMN good thing about this integrated is DYNAMICS. It kicks so fast and without loss of detail that is labeled by many that came in my house as "most heart-shaking amp I ever bought". Bypassable tone controls, many inputs, zone operation for second room ,bi-wire quality outputs, remote.:) Tried it with many CD players and it draws every single bit of data out of them. Try Nad or Arcam CD players they are a mind-blowing match with Rotel. Another thing is easy-listen with so much dynamics that at very low volume you can hear all the details without loss of bass/dynamics/detail. AWESOME. Thought I found my match with Musical Fidelity for last 15 years in this area but this made me shiver.Really. Sound is best described as: detailed and crisp highs smooth and forward mids fat and controlled bass Could be descaribed best as the "american" sound with parts of "english" sound. Very near Adcom ,Arcam and other. So natural.

Similar Products Used:

see above

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 12, 2004]
zamario
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Sound, sound, sound

Weakness:

None, it worked perfectly for more than 7 years and it is still working wonderfully

I have owned this amp for about 7 years and I just think it is GREAT! Sound is perfect, controlled and very musical. I don't know if it is possible to find better for the price and, if you find it second hand just go for it. I recently decide to change setup for a Home Cinema system and even if I spent much more I still don't have the same quality on stereo!!

Similar Products Used:

Arcam, Technics, Rotel

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 15, 2004]
ppeter1
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

None

Weakness:

Looks ugly,sounds ugly

Received as a trade-in for more expensive gears which i have sold.It was my worse amp.in my 30 years hi-fi experience!!!Even with cables such as VdH First and Wind was unlistenable!Without finesse,lacking freq.extremes,it has only power and nothing else!Smaler Rotel's sounds better!

Similar Products Used:

many!

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Dec 17, 2002]
GhostlyFriend
AudioPhile

Strength:

Warm, smooth but accurate bass Astounding female voices Top of the bill for classical and jazz

Weakness:

None yet (well, the remote then, but others have said that and once you get used to it, it doesn't matter anymore)

Well here's another absolutely positive comment on this remarkable amp. I play a Rotel RCD 991 and ELAC CL 202 speakers. After more than a year the sound still smashes me. The bass is present but smooth. It is as if you can hear the thumb against the strings. Female voices are awesome, Barbra's Send in the Clowns lifts you straight into other levels of awareness. It gives a very broad and deep soundscape. The music is everywhere in you room.

Similar Products Used:

NAD 302

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 14, 2002]
georgec
Audio Enthusiast

I have owned this integrated amplifier for about 7 years now. I have to say, it is one great sounding piece of equiptment. I have it powering Vandersteen 2Ces, and coupled with a Rotel 955 CD player. The sound is crisp and clear. Listening to Paul Simon or Sarah McClaughlin is really enjoyable. The soundstage is open, with instruments and vocalists sounding as though they are in the room. I mean, you can hear very subtle sounds like a slight parsing of lips or inhaling from a flute player. The bass is also tight and driving, but never muddled. I have been very happy with this piece and would recommend it highly. At its price, no wonder Rotel stands for value in hi-fi stereo.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 1-10 of 23  

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