Are Rotel amps and preamps any good?

Rotel has exceptional customer service. I believe their amplifiers are built robustly and perform like workhorses with a robust and rather forward sound. Unfortunately, my experience with their preamps only tested how good their service and customer service departments were; I had three consecutive preamps returned with electronics issues before being upgraded for free to the next higher model. That unit was defective within a year as well. It sounded fairly good, but I don't think I'd buy Rotel again. I've owned Arcam equipment in the past as well, and I think that might be a better choice for a bit more money.

Calgarian

My Rotel pre has been exceptional from a quality vs. cost standpoint. It is absolutely dead silent in the system (as is the volume control). Very nice phone stage as well. No repair issues whatsoever.

It took a PS Audio PCA-2 at 4 times the price (5 times once I buy a phono preamp)to take make me see what I was missing...

What exactly is "lacking" in Rotel's preamps?

I've only owned 2 Rotel pieces, a used older Rotel RC870BX preamp and a new RB1070 power amp. I didn't like either. Amp had fake heatsinks and sounded boomy. Preamp was bought used and very cheap so can't complain for $50.

I have owned multiple Rotel pieces and would recommend them to anybody. Very well built and good sounding for the money!