u/CheapSuggestion8

I bought a used Rotel RB-980BX from the 90s. And then later I learned it relies on fuses to protect speakers in case of an amplifier fault, rather than using faster relays.

I’ve read about this topic many times but it is usually about Adcom. I didn’t know Rotel did the same thing back then. I wonder if the risk factor is overblown, but the reports of Adcoms destroying speakers has me a little worried.

The Rotel appears to be in great condition to my novice eyes, but I am not smart enough to identify issues. DC offset measured 13/13 mV when cold and 26/0.1 mV after running for an hour.

Thoughts?

I bought a budget Rotel RB-980BX from the 90s. And then later I learned it relies on fuses to protect speakers in case of an amplifier fault, rather than using faster relays.

I’ve read about this topic many times but it is usually about Adcom. I didn’t know Rotel did the same thing back then. I wonder if the risk factor is overblown, but the reports of Adcoms destroying speakers has me a little worried.

The Rotel appears to be in great condition to my novice eyes, but I am not smart enough to identify issues. DC offset measured 13/13 mV when cold and 26/0.1 mV after running for an hour.

Thoughts?

I bought a used Rotel RB-980BX from the 90s. And then later I learned it relies on fuses to protect speakers in case of an amplifier fault, rather than using faster relays.

I’ve read about this topic many times but it is usually about Adcom. I didn’t know Rotel did the same thing back then. I wonder if the risk factor is overblown, but the reports of Adcoms destroying speakers has me a little worried.

The Rotel appears to be in great condition to my novice eyes, but I am not smart enough to identify issues. DC offset measured 13/13 mV when cold and 26/0.1 mV after running for an hour.

Thoughts?

I’m pretty new to this audiophile journey and trying to soak it all in.

I’ve been buying various used amps for home theater and for music to improve my experience and also because I’m curious how differently they behave. They’ve all been low-mid grade class AB from the last 30 years, with some modern (cheap) class D mixed in.

However, a few days ago, a Denon POA-5000 showed up for cheap so I picked it up. And this amp sounds sublime. I’ve tried it on a few different sets of speakers and they all sound better. I don’t have the knowledge or words to describe the difference in sound, other than to say it sounds higher quality. Not necessarily warmer or brighter, just better. And the difference is noticeable on both cheap speakers and good speakers.

So what’s special about this amp? Is it the “optical class A” technology? Is it truly class A or is that marketing hype? Or is it just the higher-end components and build quality (it was pricey in its day).

Thanks