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Affordable finesse
Rotel make a stunning budget amplifier.
By Michael Jones
October 2000
Rotel RA-931 mk2 integrated amplifier. Price: $799.
Sometimes grizzled old hi-fi hacks like me can become very blase about
the more affordable components - yet another cheap amplifier or
pair of two-way speakers.
But it all becomes worthwhile when I discover an affordable component that performs outstandingly well. Such as the Rotel RA-931 mk2 integrated amplifier at $799, rated at 35 watts per channel.
Rotel have a reputation of making good sounding and affordable hi-fi.
So how do they do it?
For a start, Rotel hi-fi looks pretty “plain Jane” compared
to many other brands. There are not lots of knobs, buttons or flashing
lights on Rotel products. These things can consume a high proportion of
the engineering budget, which means that this budget cannot be spent on
the things that make an amplifier sound good.
Instead Rotel spend the budget on the important things inside the amplifier:
well-engineered power supplies and quality parts.
That’s not to say that the Rotel RA-931 mk2 looks ugly. In fact
it looks fine - understated but well finished.
The 931 includes a moving magnet phono input (not tested) plus three
line level inputs for CD, tuner etc. There’s provision for one tape
loop for hooking up a cassette deck. There’s also a headphone output
on the front.
Inside the Rotel includes a good size toroidal transformer, backed up
with a regulated power supply. The toroidal is a large contributor to
the 931’s hefty 5.9kg weight.
The 931 is a phenomenal performer, astonishing me and raising my expectations
for what is possible at the price.
Fractionally lean, the Rotel has a fast and punchy sound, full of detail.
I was thrilled at the musical information and emotion that came through
from this amplifier.
Musical nuances (much more important than detail per se) came through
beautifully with the 931. It is the musical aspects of the performance,
which contribute so much to the emotional impact of the music, that make
this amplifier so good.
A great amplifier at a great price.
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