Rotel RA-02 U.S. version?

[Jeffo19]

I just purchased a RA-02 from audiogon. Now on the Rotel website, it seems these 01, 02, 03, 06...etc were and are Euro models, but yet I do see them for sale on Ebay once in a while from people in the U.S. and are 115 V versions. How were these purchased? This is a mystery to me. Did people buy these in Europe, and were able to get the 115V version?
Also, I am thinking of adding a RB 1050 to the preout, for a little more power, but wondering if this may degrade the sound of the RA-02. Perhaps it is better left as and Integrated and not preamp? Thanks anyone, and good to be back.

[Kevin D]

I'm pretty sure the 02's were available in the US. The 03+ was not.

I doubt an RB-1050 would show much improvement. I would go with at least a RB-1070, or perhaps the new RB-1072 Ice amp coming out soon.

Kevin D.

[NicholasT]

My dealer told me that Rotel discontinued the US version of the RA-02 amp because of low demand. Something about not much demand for slim components here in the states but I doubt it.

I owned two Rotel RA-02s myself and loved them alot.

[Russ L]

Unfortunately the dealers won't carry the less expensive RA-02 even if thats all you need. They like items with a bigger margin.