RB-990BX Left Channel Out

[dolsey01]

My RB-990BX amp just lost the left channel a few weeks ago after swapping out some speakers. It was playing fine and then just lost the left channel. I have pulled the cover and checked (but not replaced) the fuses and they look fine. I did buy it used and currently have $220 invested in it. It has been a good match with my Martin Logan electrostatics, I could not believe the difference in the bottom end and it made the top end a bit more laid back compared to my Onkyo 1008. So I do like it but my question is, should I invest another $200 to get it repaired by Rotel or cut my loses and just grab another since they a usually available for $200-300?

[wkhanna]

I also own a 990.
It was factory refurbished and now powers my surrounds.

I would advise you to buy new fuses for the entire unit and replace them all.
I believe you can find the exact rating at the Rotel web site. If not, let us know & we will find the ratings for you.

Try the unit with a regular pair of speakers.
See what happens.

Someone once used my 990 on a pair of electrostats and blew the right channel fuse. Turns out it was a fault with the speaker, not the amp.

[dolsey01]

I'll stop by Rat Shack and grab some new fuses, it's worth the $5 to find out. It was actually Mirage OM10s that it went out on, not my MLs. Given the great condition of the amp, I think I will send it to Rotel if the fuses don't solve my issue. For $150-200 it's worth a shot and allot cheaper than a new one. I'm willing to bet, I could not tell a difference between my 990 and a new RB-1582. Only my wallet would notice.

Thanks!

[PewterTA]

Not ripping on Rotel for repair....but if you are in the States, you might be better to check out vintagehifipgh.com. Tom is the owner of the local shop here in Pittsburgh, PA and he repaired my RB-1090 as with the cost of shipping and the price of the repair...it wasn't worth it sending it to Rotel.

He also does all the work on WKHanna's stuff as well... we both have very high trust in him to repair just about any piece of audio equipment he can get his hands on.

Might want to find out what the cost will be from him vs. sending it to a Rotel repair place.

[dolsey01]

I was hoping I might be able to drop it off since I'm in Massachusetts but I have not talked to them yet. I went to Radio Shack at lunch today and grabbed some new fuses so I'm going to swap them out tonight and see what happens, maybe I'll be lucky. If I do have to ship it, I'll check with Tom at Vintage Hi-Fi first.

Thanks!

[dolsey01]

I just wanted to say thanks, some new fuses and I'm back in business! Life is good!

[PewterTA]

AWESOME!!!!!! Can't beat that at all!!!

[Nuthed]

It's damn near always fuses when something like that happens, especially when it occured after swapping out some speakers.

That happened to me with a 980BX a few years ago. A trip to Radio Shack and I was all good. Glad it worked out for you. :T

[dolsey01]

I still can't believe the difference between my Rotel and a Parasound HCA-1000, the Rotel has so much more authority in the bottom end. I'm so glad to have it back up and running.

[wkhanna]

Glad to hear you had an easy fix.

Re: sonic difference to an RB-1582……
Any differences would most likely be due to the age, wear & tear / hours on the components like electrolytic capacitors and such. If the 990 were to be fully refurbished I would estimate the differences to be V minor. The RB-1582 is the same basic circuit topography with some slightly higher/newer grade components.

[madmac]

Rotel would have easily charged you 300 bucks minimum to fix it. Good job!!