Experts please RB-1080, 993 or 991?

[gizmo]

Hi from Spain. Im new here…i hope be wellcomed and if I can help something I will do it.
Sorry in my bad English. Fantastic forum. Im lucky finding CLUB ROTEL, and just begin feel in love with this trade mark.

Just start last year in HIFI and purchased a new MARANTZ SR 7400+ 2 pair of DYNAUDIO Audience 42. Good music with them…but now I need a bit more. Fingers in guitars, drums in my heart. Voices in my room…I think that you understand what I want say you.
I have thre options to buy a Rotel.
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Power Configurations
Model RB-1080B
Watts/Channel all channels driven, unbridged, 8 ohm load, 20 to 20k Hz, 0.03% THD 2x200 watts
Total Harmonic Distortion
(20 Hz - 20 kHz) -
-
cont. rated power
one-half rated power
one watt per channel 0.03%, maximum
0.01%, maximum
0.02%, maximum
Intermodulation Distortion
(at rated power, 60Hz:7kHz = 4:1 ) 0.03%, maximum
Damping Factor (8 ohms) 1000
Input Impedance/Sensitivity 1.5V, 32 kOhms
Input Overload Level 5V
Frequency Response 15Hz-100kHz +0.5dB, -3dB
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF A) 116 dB
Power Consumption: 550 Watts
Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 139 x 400 mm
17 15/16" x 5 1/2" x 15 3/4"
Power Requirements: 115 volts, 60 Hz (U.S. version)
230 Volts, 50 Hz (European version)
Weight (net): 16.7 kg, 37lbs.


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Model ROTEL RB-993 3-Channel Power Amplifier
Power Configurations
Watts/Channel all channels driven, unbridged, 8 ohm load, 20 to 20k Hz, 0.03% THD 3x200 watts
Total Harmonic Distortion
(20 Hz - 20 kHz) -
-
cont. rated power
one-half rated power
one watt per channel 0.03%, maximum
0.03%, maximum
0.02%, maximum
Intermodulation Distortion
(at rated power, 60Hz:7kHz = 4:1 ) 0.03%, maximum
Damping Factor (8 ohms) 280
Input Impedance/Sensitivity 1.5V, 32 kOhms
Input Overload Level 5V
Frequency Response 15Hz-100kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF A) 116 dB
Power Consumption: 600 wats
Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 x 121 x 365 mm

Power Requirements: 115 volts, 60 Hz (U.S. version)
230 Volts, 50 Hz (European version)
Weight (net): 18.3 kg, 40.3lbs.
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Model ROTEL RB 991 THX
Power Configurations
Watts/Channel all channels driven, unbridged, 8 ohm load, 20 to 20k Hz, 0.03% THD 2x200 watts
Total Harmonic Distortion
(20 Hz - 20 kHz) -
-
cont. rated power
one-half rated power
one watt per channel 0.03%, maximum
0.01%, maximum
0.02%, maximum
Intermodulation Distortion
(at rated power, 60Hz:7kHz = 4:1 ) 0.03%, maximum
Damping Factor (8 ohms) >500
Input Impedance/Sensitivity 1.5V, 32 kOhms
Input Overload Level 5V
Frequency Response 10Hz-100kHz +0.5dB, -3dB
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF A) 120 dB
Power Consumption: 550 Watts
Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 x 127 x 385 mm

Power Requirements: 115 volts, 60 Hz (U.S. version)
230 Volts, 50 Hz (European version)
Weight (net): 16.7 kg, 37lbs.
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With my marantz SR 7400 pre...and DYNAUDIOS 42...best 4 music?
1080 is black not new version..black-silver...
993 his year(black)
991 his year(black)

I love music..Prices...arround 750$ (1080)...arround 550 $ (993), 450 $(991)
Lot of diferences between (1080____>991) changes in technology???
mmm experts please...recomendation, advises...etc.
Thanks!!!

[eelco74]

I know the 991 from the past and it is a very nice amp. I have not listended to it extensively, but from what I hear it is sometimes a bit light on bass.

The 993 is essentially a 991 with an extra channel. I has a bigger transformer with an extra winding for the extra channel. The 991 is slightly better sounding, however probably only audible in a direct A-B comparison.

Now as far as the 1080. It is a very fine amp. I am in the opinion that if you spend a lot of money on a amp your dealer must allow you to audition it at home. So listen to them in the store and pick the two out of three you like. Try both of them at home and keep the one you like. Bring the other one back.

Just a hint, I own a RB-985MKII. I have tried the RMB-1075, but liked the 985 more. I would not be surprised if you choose the 991. Especially considering the price difference.

[gizmo]

ohh thanks

Oh thanks in so speddy answer. I hear in other sides that old amplifiers usually better than new. My amount is no so long but i will do a effort catching 1080 if is better sound...
Otherside i can t hear them...this is a casino game 4 me. Im in a little island& no stores here. :M but nice sunshines. Please someone hear two or three of this amps (1080,991,993) side by side?
Thanks for your advise!!

[Jason R]

Had both 1080 and 991 at the same time as i intended to bi-amp but did not get around, so had both in the same room at the same time. I would say no difference apart from 12V triggers, so if you don't need them go for 991 and spend the extra on good quality cables.

However these are seconf hand so make sure they ahve been well looked after and if one is in far better condition than the other then go for that one.

[Azeke]

Also the newer verison of the RB-1080's have double binding post for bi-amping capabilities.

Regards,

Azeke

[Joseki]

I have heard all three of these amps in the same listening room with the same speakers/preamp combination. I can tell you that all are very nice. The 991 and 993 are indistinguishable at normal listening levels. The bass is a bit shy but that is an audiophile's opinion. Under most conditions, this is not going to be an issue. As you push up the volume, the bass starts to come into its own.

The 1080 is a very nice piece. It is hard to quantify or qualify, but to me it just sounds a bit more 'solid'. The bass is not at all shy and 2-channel listening is very satisfying.

If I had to make a choice, I'd probably go with the 1080. However, I didn't really have so much a choice. So in the end, I have two 1080's to power my front three channels. Two 991's power both sets of surround speakers. This setup has been able to handle anything that I throw at it with an amazing unified soundfield.

You really can't go wrong with any of these amps.

David

[DanR]

1080 is a great amp and for $750 a bargain.