Rotel RMB-1085 Power Amplifier Review

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by Tom Andry — last modified June 12, 2008

Rotel RMB-1085

Summary

Product Name: RMB-1085
Manufacturer: Rotel
Performance Rating:
Value Rating:
Review Date: June 12, 2008 10:53
MSRP: $ 1199

Specifications: Power Configuration: 5 x 100 watts

Watts/Channel: all channels driven, with 20kHz filter, 8 ohm load, 20Hz to 20kHz, <0.2% THD: 100 watts 4 ohm load, 1kHz, <1% THD: 180 watts

Peak Output Current: 11 amps

Total Harmonic Distortion At rated power, 20Hz-20kHz: < 0.2%, At one-half rated power, 20Hz-20kHz: < 0.03%, At 1 watt per channel, 20Hz-20kHz: < 0.03%, Intermodulation Distortion at rated power, 60Hz:7 kHz, 4:1: < 0.03%

Damping Factor 8 ohms: 200

Amplifier Gain: 27.2dB

Input Sensitivity/Impedance: 1.25V/8.2 kohms

Frequency Response ±3dB: 10Hz–40kHz

Signal to Noise Ratio IHF A network: 105dB

Power Requirements: 110-240 volts

Power Consumption: 250 watts

Idling Power Consumption: 30 watts

Standby Power Consumption: 6 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D) 432 x 72 x 382 mm, 17 1/8 x 2 3/4 x 15 1/8 in

Front Panel Height (for rack mount): 60mm

Weight (net): 5.4 kg, 11.9 lb.

Pros

Easy setup
Clean power
Small size
Light power consumption

Cons

Back panel could be better organized
Expensive

Introduction

There are few names that are both as well known and associated with high-end as Rotel. They have a reputation for quality and power and great aesthetics. At only 100 watts, I couldn't say that the RMB-1085 was a huge improvement over the internal amps of my receiver with my 8 ohm speakers. It does have an undeniable cool factor and plenty of power if your current amplification needs are inadequate or your speakers have lower impedance and are giving your current amp/receiver trouble. If you are looking to beef up your home theater or just have a touch of the upgrade bug, the RMB-1085 is a little firecracker of an amp that might be what you've been looking for.

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Tom Andry posts on June 16, 2008 12:09

I personally don't have the equipment to measure amps. Usually, we'd try to send it down to Gene's but he's been busy with other amp and receiver measurements. I understand there there are some issues with measuring Class D amps that may put it on the it on the "we'll try but don't hold your breath" list.

jcPanny posts on June 13, 2008 10:02

Tom,
Nice review. Any chance of getting some power and distortion measurements on the Rotel amp. As you point out in your article, linearity and low distortion have been a chanlange for calss D amps in the past.

Haoleb posts on June 13, 2008 03:22

Reading that and seeing those pictures of the unit definetly just kicked Rotel down a couple notches in my book. For that price the build quality seems to be lacking. If i am spending over a grand on a single component I expect something nicer than stamped chassis. I'll be the first to admit I am not a huge fan of SMPS or these newer amplifier technologies, Its not exactly eye candy under the hood

mike c posts on June 12, 2008 22:02

nice to see Rotel back on the reviews.

these new Rotels have lower-model ice modules as compared to the ice modules on my 1077 (which I'm using for 2 channel listening, til i get a center channel) which is why these new ones are cheaper.