Rotel RA-820BX

[admin_exported]

I am awaiting the arrival of a Rotel RA-820BX to replace my Arcam Delta 60 as I was getting immense background noise and static in the left channel (I think leaving it on for days on end didnt do it any favours :S)

Anyway, I have read some good things about this little budget amp and was wondering if anyone else has any experience with them good or bad? I'm also thinking of replacing my tired Xmod with a fubar II usb

Im also trying to confirm the spec as Im finding it hard to find the rating because there are so many models..I think its a 25 watt or perhaps a 20pc as the name suggests? Can anyone confirm?

Thanks

 

[Frank Harvey]

It is a 20wpc amp.

Good sounding amp. It's quite understated - a little like Spendor S5e's - at first you wonder what all the fuss is about. But once you invest a little time in it, you realise it's just not adding anything to the proceedings. It could do with a little more power - it's not quite going to have the guts of the Delta 60, so it's best to match it to relatively easy loads.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for info! I should receive it today.

I think I will get the Delta 60 serviced and repaired...Ive read amazing things about Arcams service, so I may give them a call and see what they could possibly do for me as I do really like the delta 60 and would like to keep it for another system perhaps.

 

[Anonymous]

Well Im up and running as we speak.

At first It sounded quite clinical and generally unfocused, but of course once it warmed up its now impressing me quite a bit. I find it to be a lot punchier than the arcam and not as warm sounding, but then I dont really know what im talking about

 

[Frank Harvey]

You're describing what you hear, so you do know what you're talking about. Whether anyone else understands it is another matter!

Rotels do take a good hour or so to warm up, and once they do, they tend to see off most competition at similar price points. Like I said, it's quite an unassuming sound at first, but once you get used to it, it sort of grows on you. I'm surprised you find it punchier than the Delta 60, but then that might be because it's a little more evenly balanced.