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Rotel RA-1060 AmplifierAll-around development of multi-channels expects stereo amplifiers to enter the "red book". But is the possibility of pure stereo death so high? At progressive sales growth of multi-channel equipment the need for stereo gradually decreases. Surely, many of us consistently prefer, for example, universal AV receivers, but, to our mind, the fate of two-channel apparatus is not nearly foreclosed. Moreover, in this situation the developers are literally forced to "put a stake on quality" in order to attract a buyer to stereo. A striking example is Rotel RA-1060. The products of this Japanese firm are often associated with the concept of "affordable High End". And this is true: the model is not chip, but the amps with such excellent characteristics are easier to meet in much more expensive category. Not only appearance of the device is conservative, but also its circuitry: it seems that a new integral two-channel amplifier is built on the basis of the branded pre-amp RC-1070 and powerful cascades from RB-1050. In the power supply there are a common for high-quality technics toroidal transformer and such audiophile components as, for example, English Aero-vox capacitors. We will note two important things - the presence of thermal protection scheme (reliability) and the output of pre-amp (universality). The connection of sources with signal level from 160 mV to 5 V is available in input. Brand identity of output cascades is high value of damping-factor, which almost eliminates the problem of compatibility of amplifier with speaker system. But the work in pair with a vinyl player will be possible only with the purchasing of external phono amp. The amplifier has the equalizer of original construction: the function is activated by five-position switch - four presets and Off position, corresponding to Line Direct mode. Quite a wide frequency range (the upper limit is 100 kHz) gives the green light with the newest SACD and DVD-Audio formats in two-channel variant. Sound reproducing possibilities of the amplifier can be rightfully recognized as universal. Any speaker system works emotionally and very dynamically under its control: from powerful floor to neat shelf systems. At the same time, depending on musical material, the device readily shows delicacy, elegance and grace. Genre and stylistic range of Rotel RA-1060 is extremely wide - chamber and symphonic compositions, classical vocal, jazz, the whole modern popular music. Perhaps, in a sense only a big price limits the range of potential owners of Rotel RA-1060, for which the values of Hi-Fi stereo sound have continued importance. ![]() |