RB-991 repair or replace?

[amitgc]

Hi everyone, happy new year.

I’m not an audiophile expert so if this is a confusing question please bear with me. I have a pair of Morduant Short 816 an old Onkyo Tx-SR875 AVR and a Rotel RB-991 power amp.

The onkyo is in place as the old pre-amp died with the Rotel connected as a power amp, feeding the MS 816. Apple TV in place for music streaming.

One channel on the Rotel has died (again) so I wanted advice on the value of repairing over connecting the MS816 to a Denon AVC-4700 we have in a separate room. I use the speakers to listen to music primarily.

Suggestions or ideas please.

 

[Paul7777x]

The 991 is a monster of a superb power amp.

200w into 8 Ohm and a damping factor of 1000, plus Rotels usual first class power supply.

Getting any thing close to it will cost you a good few quid indeed.

The only thing I can think that comes close for a decent budget is a Quad 909 (or 606), and even they can’t match the outright power output.

However the MS don’t really need all that power, still sound better with a fair old heft though.

I’m tempted to suggest a more modern Rotel integrated to take the place of both the 991 and the Onkyo preamp.

However, if you’d prefer to stick to a big power amp then this is a great buy.

Rotel RB-1552 MkII Stereo Power Amplifier RB1552 Silver Mk2 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Rotel RB-1552 MkII Stereo Power Amplifier RB1552 Silver Mk2 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

I’m not at all sure it’s reasonable to repair the 991 unless you can find someone to do a thorough rebuild from scratch just about. It’s getting on a bit.

 

[Paul7777x]

Strictly speaking this is the newer equivalent of the 991.

Not inexpensive. Though, obviously, superb.

Rotel RB-1582 MKII Stereo Power Amplifier RB1582 MK2 Silver | eBay

Input options consist of both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors. RB-1582 MKII. Class AB amplifier design.

www.ebay.co.uk

Rotel RB-1582 MKII Stereo Power Amplifier RB1582 MK2 Black | eBay

Input options consist of both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors. RB-1582 MKII. Class AB amplifier design.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[amitgc]

Hi Paul

Thanks for your advice and sorry for the delayed response. What integrated amp did you have in mind? I am loathed to part with it but if a repair isn’t possible….

All I need is the ability to stream audio and potentially vinyl.

Thanks
Amit

 

[Paul7777x]

Hi Amit.

It’s such a mighty amp I’d also be loathe to part with it.

I’d suggest you first get in touch with this fellow. See if he can give you a quote or at least some advice on a thorough repair.

Amplifier and HiFi Repairs in the North West of England and information about vintage stereo and hi-fi equipment.

 

[amitgc]

Thanks I will get in touch. Let me know re the integrated amp options?

 

[Paul7777x]

Do you have a budget in mind?

 

[amitgc]

£700-£1000

 

[Paul7777x]

Well, if you want something quite superb for a bargain price (top of your budget though) the these two are where I’d send my money.

Rotel RC-1572 Stereo Pre-Amplifier RC1572 Black | eBay

In addition to four pairs of conventional RCA inputs, integrated Bluetooth aptX and analogue inputs are also provided. Each component of a separate stereo system holds the promise of fidelity, as it is specially optimized for its role in the sound reproduction chain.

www.ebay.co.uk

Rotel RC-1572 Stereo Pre-Amplifier RC1572 Black | eBay

In addition to four pairs of conventional RCA inputs, integrated Bluetooth aptX and analogue inputs are also provided. Each component of a separate stereo system holds the promise of fidelity, as it is specially optimized for its role in the sound reproduction chain.

www.ebay.co.uk

They’ll last another twenty years easily and will drive any speakers you might buy in the future.

They are a bit overkill for the 816s, but you’d certainly be getting the very best out of them.

 

[Paul7777x]

A more reasonable attack on your budget would be this.

Rotel RA-1572 Integrated Amplifier Silver RA1572 | eBay

Long recognized as a central component in superb yet cost-effective music systems, the integrated amplifier’s job has evolved substantially as many music-lovers have migrated to digital sources. The RA-1572’s input section is substantially more flexible than that found in most integrated amplifiers.

www.ebay.co.uk

Again, a top class bargain with a brand new warranty and a great price.