In 1989 the RB / RC 850 pre and power combo got a best buy award from Hifi Choice magazine. However, it is the review which stayed with me. The review came with a lab test as well and concluded that the RB 850 was so good that it should be paired with a preamplifier three to four times its price! I did just that and had a Linn preamp paired with it for many years.
Two important things to note. The first is when I took the amp to service in 2014 (nothing was wrong, just to get it cleaned up inside a bit), my electronics repair shop noted the high quality and high grade components that were inside the box, which impressed them, built to last as well. The second is this amp is genuine dual mono construction, hence the soundstage is the widest you will hear in a stereo amp. Not only that, but it can get pretty three dimensional with some pieces like synths or classical, and also great for watching movies or sport. It is claimed at 50 watts power and 90 watts din. Clearly the 50 watts here is akin to 100 watts on other amps because the power on tap for dynamics is enormous and the amp never stresses at extremely loud volume levels. I've used it for parties and yet at extremely low volume late night it is also incredible.
I honestly think Rotel realised this because as the 1990s rolled in they stopped making genuine dual mono power amps at a reasonable price. Even today, if you want a dual mono amp the sound quality of this vintage Rotel, you are going to have to spend a lot of money.
Power output: 50 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo), 150 watts into 8Ω (mono)
Frequency response: 15Hz to 100kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.03%
Damping factor: 280
Input sensitivity: 1V
Signal to noise ratio: 116dB
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
Dimensions: 444 x 86 x 336mm
Weight: 9kg each
So, these units have been in a second floor flat for the last 18+ years and rarely do I get the chance to let them sing like they deserve. Well sometime in the next 12 months I'm driving a truck across Asia - with no plans to return so now's as good as any to let someone else enjoy them.
Note: These Amps have ALWAYS been turned on and off at low volume, so no big shunt loads.
The rest of my set up will be listed and if you take the 2 amps and the Pre Amp -
the stand's yours as well..
Like it says, once you've read the advert if you have any questions then do get in contact
I would prefer collection (Or meet up within 50 miles) but if we need to use a courier then I'll get them well wrapped for you - although you'll need to give me a couple of days.