I have to confess the Rotel ra-1520 is a good amp - but it takes an age to run in.
I've had one for the best part of this year and in the year I've had it its been in and out of my system a few times each time totally dissatisfied with my purchase. I recall turning it on for the first time, it filling the room with that new amp smell, it sounded o,k but compared to my out going amp it was lacking in so many areas. But this time round somethings happened, its like the amps clicked, its driving my speakers with alot more control than it did.
The bass is much improved and the vocals now are richer with more low end information available. Its also dealing with female vocals alot better than it was, more controlled less 'screechy', the imaging is also much improved this time its genuinly pushin the music outside of the confines of the speakers. It use to be a fatigueing amp for me, but this last spell its alot calmer and relaxing. (settled on the QED performance 2 interconnect, suits it more than the Crimson plus imo)
The volume on it is still an issue for me, with well recorded music it loses control of the speakers when pushed above 9 (and a half) o'clock on the volume dial, but its now starting to play my reference cds well.
I'm suprised by it to be honest 9months to break in,
Its a worthy amp but you'll need patients to get the best from it if the unit I have is anything to go by.