Rotel RA-971 Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Pros: Outstanding sound for the money
Cons: Not as good as tubed electronics

I've been involved with esoteric audio for over 20 years. One of the things that I have learned during this period of time is that many times "less is more". With many of the esoteric brands that I have encountered over the years, the cheaper...

Pros: Torrodial transformer is doing it’s job! Simple and confident electronics.
Cons: Back connectors for speakers and for input components are too cheap! :P

Great, crispy but smooth sound. Clear voices. Can handle speakers with more appetite, but it is best performing with middle watts. I am mostly impressed with clear and very controlled bass. I have tested it aside with same class Harman-Kardon. Bass definition had too obvious difference!Nothing is hidden, nothing is blurred. Mids were the same, highest chimes sparkled in favor of Rotel as well. Do not hesitate to couple it with more expensive speakers, you will not regret. I always run it through middle size. My friend tried to handle a party with that amp, unfortunately it failed in power, especially when ohms drop seriously, due to parallel speakers.

Volume knob becomes shaky after a while of use... hm.... I hope it will last. Clipping occurs at 75% of full power, I never go near. I sounds more powerful then watts on label.

This amp is great for middle size private rooms (up to 30m2) for late night listening. With good dvd player it can deliver astonishing stereo movie sound.