1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 197083-192311

To repair, rebuild, or toss?

I have a Rotel RB 1080 amplifier which I used to power golden ear Triton one speakers.  I had the amplifier repaired once before, It needed replacement of a capacitor in the right channel. Now there is asymmetric output with respect to the right and left channel. I received a quote to repair the issue for $300 or rebuild the amplifier for $600. The question is, should I repair or rebuild the amplifier? The rebuild option entails a visual inspection and replacement of parts that look like they need to be replaced., I’m a newbie at this game, so I’m not sure what else is out there. Would the money be better off spent on a new amp, if so, which one?
 

Thank you for your input.

amplifier11
soix
11,243 posts
 

This AGD Tempo di GaN would be a big upgrade and would reward you with upgrades to your pre, DAC, and streamer going forward.  Put another way, it will outclass the rest of your electronics and deserves better partners, and as a class D amp you don’t have to worry about leaving it on.  And it’s also user upgradeable when the designer introduces improved technology, which is nice and he has done  already.

https://tmraudio.com/fresh-arrivals/agd-productions-inc-tempo-di-gan-stereo-power-amplifier-t9fp/

Another idea would be a good integrated like this Hegel H400 that could potentially replace everything in one unit at least for now. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336340445009

Just a couple ideas FWIW. 

cooperdude6
80 posts
 

I agree to cut you loss and retire the Rotel. You now have some high quality loudpeakers that will benefit from the higher echelon of amplifiers. Hopefully you live near a city where there are reputable retailers that have a nice selection of brands that you can audition with your system in your home. With the efficiency and powered woofers on the Golden Ears, you don’t need 200WPC with doubling into 4 ohms. Many excellent brands have been suggested above. I would also look into Hegel, Ayre, or depending on your setup, consider tube amps such as Prima Luna, Quicksilver, Moon by Simaudio or Rogue among others. We’re not sure what pre-amp you are using, or what front end sources, but with your efficient speakers an integrated might be the ticket. I’ve heard good things about Advance Paris and others that might upgrade your whole system, as some have built in streamers and/or DACs. Edit - I just saw your latest post about powering the amp on and off. That might be a snag with a tubed amp, but I'd bet your midrange would soar with one.

patrickalston
171 posts
 

Trash it and don't look back.  Stereophile said that it lacked presence and sounded dry.  It was summarized as "A powerful, clean, budget‑friendly amp with strong bass but a dry, sometimes harsh top end that keeps it firmly in the mid‑fi category."  

Then again, I've never heard it, but for your $10k budget (and even for far less), you can get a much, much, much better amp--especially if you buy used.  You can get a BAT, ARC, VTL, Krell and others that would make you forget the Rotel.  

More to discover