New C8 And C8+ Amplifiers From Rotel: Is it Going to be a Game Changer?

New C8 And C8+ Amplifiers From Rotel: Is it Going to be a Game Changer?

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Rotel is a family-owned Japanese hi-fi audio and video equipment manufacturer, specializing in home theater, amplifiers, and compact disc players. The brand is quite well-known for its high-quality products. 

In fact, they had earned a few Best Buy Awards throughout the years, but the RA-03 took the top spot in 2005. This outstanding all-arounder was exciting in its ability to match systems without difficulty, and the built-in MM audio stage for inserting a turntable was also rather good.

Now this year the brand has launched the C8 and C8+, the brand’s newest custom installation amplifiers, that will be marketed exclusively by AWE in the UK CI market. The new Class AB amplifiers take advantage of Rotel’s 60-year legacy in audio engineering expertise and producing channels of high-performance multi-zone audio. 

New C8 And C8+ Amplifiers From Rotel: Is it Going to be a Game Changer?

According to their designer, the amplifiers are driven by an enormous, in-house-made toroidal transformer that feeds an array of high current specialized output devices capable of driving even the most demanding speakers in key listening zones.

With all channels powered, the Rotel C8 Custom Installation Amplifier provides 70 watts per channel into 4-ohm loads, while the C8+ Custom Installation Amplifier delivers 150 watts per channel into 4-ohm loads. 

The zone outputs are bridged, producing 140W and 300W into 4 ohms, respectively, and the PA Override feature offers installation flexibility. Both units have four analog source inputs accessible to all zone outputs via internal matrix switching, and each unit has its own balance, volume, bass, and treble controls. Two optical and two coaxial digital inputs provide a 24-bit/192kHz audio matrix to the outputs of the C8+.

Each amplifier’s front panel has a graphic display with easy setup and operation controls, including real-time volume control of each zone and selection power of the effective matrixed input source.

New C8 And C8+ Amplifiers From Rotel: Is it Going to be a Game Changer?

The custom-engineered 2U height chassis does not demand top or bottom clearance spacing for ultra-efficient rack mounting included with the rack ears. Detachable Phoenix connections with worry-free, safe screw-locking mechanisms are used for pre-wiring speaker outputs.

Easy integration with standard control systems is made possible by Ethernet, RS232, and 12V trigger connections, emphasizing the customizability of these units to fit into almost any scenario.

AWE will offer the C8 and C8+ in a black finish, with shipment commencing in July 2022. The price is estimated to be £2,350.00 (MSRP) for C8 CUSTOM INSTALLATION AMPLIFIER  and £2,850.00 (MSRP) for C8+ CUSTOM INSTALLATION AMPLIFIER. 

(Images: Rotel)

Slava is a man of mystery and no-one seems to know exactly where he is at any point in time. When he isn't enjoying writing about all things audio and technical he can be found researching his next project of interest. The man never rests.


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