Rotel RA-940BX Amplifier

For nigh-on a decade, Rotel had kept its 800 Series amplifiers ticking over with steady but often rather subtle improvements. But now, with the introduction of the 900 Series, we are at last witnessing fundamental changes to their topology and technical performance.

From the outside then, the RA-940BX shares the same satin-biack livery, elegant centralised volume control and new bass/treble tone controls that are a feature of the new range.

Importantly, Rotel has retained the evergreen Sanyo-based power amp but, here at least, you'll find that all associated high-current areas are reinforced with copper 'bus-bars' that stand proud of the PCB. Judging by the size of its toroidal mains transformer and slit-foil electrolytics, I'd say this was a wise move!

Otherwise Rotel has opted for a new MM/MC disc input culled, by all accounts, from the ashes of a Michi preamplifier. Two transistors and a bi-FET op-amp form the initial MM/MC gain stage with part-passive, part-active RIAA equalisation being performed around the traditional Signetics chip.

Sound quality

This was one of a select group of amplifiers chosen as a 'common thread' across many days of listening. But far from acting as a reference point, the RA-940BX simply prompted a divergence of opinion from one day to the next. Other amps, such as the HK6150, inspired a wholly consistent reaction I hasten to add.

Here's the RA-940BX at its best: From the word go this group of listeners were, as they put it, 'listening'. The amp generated a marvellous sense of involvement, exploring the scale of Brahms' Symphony and releasing the full drama of the piece without blowing it out of proportion.

Our classical selection was rarely handled with greater poise, whether via CD or vinyl. Yet the likes of Tracy Chapman or Lisa Stansfield could seem a tad lightweight -'great vocal diction and subtle detailing but no raunchy bass', the panel bemoaned.

Two further groups of listeners had other ideas: 'quite a lot of grumbly bass' they began 'but also rather shouty and congested when the entire string section gets going'. Our pop CDs sounded much fuller but also very controlled on this occasion, almost as if the music were being 'trivialised'.

Conclusion

Once again we find Rotel sparking more than a hint of controversy. So the RA-940BX is either 'very vivid, involving and musical' or 'slightly recessed, flat and lacking dynamics'. Take your pick.

Rotel RA-940BX Amplifier photo