RB-980BX vs RA-985BX
The RA-985BX's power @ 8ω is 100W against the RB-980BX's 120W, its power @ 4ω 190W against 180W, and its signal-to-noise 97 dB against 120 dB. Both share thd (0.030%).
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Rotel RB-980BX is a stereo power amplifier manufactured in Japan between 1992 and 1997. It features Class A/B amplification with a power output of 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms in stereo mode and 360 watts into 8 ohms in bridged mono mode. The amplifier has a frequency response from 4 Hz to 100 kHz, total harmonic distortion of 0.03%, and a very high damping factor of 1000, ensuring tight control over speaker drivers. It has a single line input with 1V sensitivity and 33 kOhm impedance, and supports speaker loads down to 4 ohms. The unit weighs 10.2 kg and measures 440 x 120 x 323 mm. It is praised for its robust build quality, quiet operation, excellent bass response, and detailed, smooth sound signature that is powerful yet not fatiguing. The RB-980BX is considered a legendary amplifier in Rotel's lineup and remains popular on the used market for its reliability and sound quality.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the RB-980BX in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The RA-985BX's power @ 8ω is 100W against the RB-980BX's 120W, its power @ 4ω 190W against 180W, and its signal-to-noise 97 dB against 120 dB. Both share thd (0.030%).
The M-4's signal-to-noise is 118 dB against the RB-980BX's 120 dB, its thd 0.005% against 0.030%, and its damping factor >200 against >1000. Both share power @ 8ω (120W).
The HCA-750A's power @ 8ω is 75W against the RB-980BX's 120W, its power @ 4ω 125W against 180W, its signal-to-noise 105 dB against 120 dB, and its damping factor >800 against >1000.
The GFA-2's power @ 8ω is 100W against the RB-980BX's 120W, its signal-to-noise 100 dB against 120 dB, its damping factor >800 against >1000, and its thd 0.050% against 0.030%.
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
Luxman M117
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