What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
27 MAR 2006
Rotel RMB-1077
A cleverly designed and talented amplifier that will work superbly in a wide range of systems
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Two figures define Rotel’s new RMB-1077 multichannel power amplifier: two and a half, and 700. The first is ‘number of inches’, and represents the height of this slim-line powerhouse; the second is ‘total output in watts’, and justifies the use of the term ‘powerhouse’.
Not so hot
Traditional amplifiers that deliver 7 x 100 watts of power tend to be large, finned devices that give off loads of heat. Fine, if you’ve got plenty of well-ventilated space to put them, but what if you want the amp tucked away in a cupboard?
In that case, traditional designs aren’t practical without some serious work being done on air through-flow. Rotel has combined its own take on digital amplifier circuitry with a clever switched mode power supply to produce a muscular, yet cool-running, power amp.
That’s all very well, but it’s no use if the product doesn’t sound any good. Don’t worry, it does! Like any decent home cinema product, the RMB-1077 goes loud. Very loud, in fact, and it refuses to harden up even at ear-splitting levels: ideal for use with large-scale battle scenes such as those from Lord of the Rings, or King Kong’s more violent moments.
Even tone
If that was where the good news ended, you’d be disappointed. Thankfully, the RMB-1077 offers much more. It has refinement, and a highly even tonal balance, which helps it sound natural regardless of the partnering speakers.
Switch to music, and this power amp reflects Rotel’s stereo heritage with a performance packed full of detail, dynamics and poise.
No, it won’t better the best stereo amps at this price, or run the likes of Cyrus and Naim close for timing. Yet for a multichannel power amp, it’s far better than most – which is why it gets five stars.