General Asylum: REVIEW: Rotel RB 1090 Amplifier (SS) by HiFi Guy

Model:	RB 1090
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2000.00
Description:	380 WPC SS Power Amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Rotel
Manufacturer URL:	Rotel

Review by HiFi Guy on October 11, 2001 at 05:37:22
IP Address: 216.98.87.25

Add Your Review
for the RB 1090

I have only had this amp for 1 week & initial impressions are that it sounds pretty good, but seems to lack some of the openness of my Hafler 9505. Also the Hafler seems to have more depth in the sonic presentation. Small details in the music seem to be more easily heard on the Hafler also. The Rotel has a solid bottom end & a fairly smooth midrange, but dynamics seem to sound slightly compressed. I am hoping that after a few months of use that these small deficiencies will improve.

Product Weakness: Slightly compressed dynamics, lacks depth in soundstage presentation.
Product Strengths: Large amounts of power, ability to drive 2 ohm loads, fairly grain free midrange & top end.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Hafler Transnova 9505
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Mucical Fidelity A3cr
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony SCD-777ES Sacd player, Linn Sondek/SME/V15vmr
Speakers:	Paradigm Studio 100v2
Cables/Interconnects:	Homemade from Belden Microphone cord
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Country, Blurgrass, Jazz, Blues, Classical, 60's/70's Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 14 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	(2) Tripplite LC2400 Line conditioners
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Slightly compressed dynamics, lacks depth in soundstage presentation.
Product Strengths:	Large amounts of power, ability to drive 2 ohm loads, fairly grain free midrange & top end.