RB-990/991 differences

[JonJeffman]

I've been looking at picking up either a RB-990BX or a RB-991 and noticed something in the 991 owner manual I was curious about.

It says that one of the important changes between it and the 990 is the use of a toroidal power transformer of their own design and manufacture. This would imply that the 990 doesn't have this, but I thought the Rotel toroidal power supply has been one of the cornerstones of their products for many years?

Does anyone know if the RB-990BX does have an inferior power supply? Or I guess ultimately has anyone listened to both and are there any audible differences between the two?

My pre-amp doesn't have XLR outputs so that doesn't matter, and assuming all else is equal I'm just deciding by price. But, I guess I should check my assumption that all else is equal.

Thanks,

[eelco74]

First of all the 991 and 990 are close to 15 years old. The 990 and 991 both use toroidal power supply's. Only the 890 power supply was significantly different.

Rotel used many parts from other manufacturers, including Philips Dac's and transports as well as power sullplies from other sources. In many cases it does not matter where the parts come from, as long as you can control the quality.

Both the 990 and 991 will be a safe choice.