Rotel RC-980bx

Rotel RC-980BX PreAmplifier Stereo Control Amp w/ Excellent MC/MM phono input stage
The Rotel RC-980BX preamplifier is part of the British designed, Japan made Rotel BX 900 series, includes three power amplifiers, two control amplifiers, three integrated amplifiers, a pair of CD players, two cassette decks, two tuners, a tuner/preamp and two integrated receivers in the early 1990. The targeted audience is entry level high end for people who wants good sound, but has limited resources. If you like the British sound, but do not have full confidence in the quality control of UK manufacturers, this is the "British designed, Japan made" preamp for you.

I got the Rotel RC-980BX preamplifier for its phono section. I use a Dynavector Karat 17D Ruby low output MC cartridge, Grace 707 arm and Thorens TD-160 turntable. The line amplifier is very capable too. A NJM4556D based headphone amplifier. It is a minimalist preamp with NO tone control circuit. The phono uses a pair of matched 2SD786 for input stage which results in a very quite 70dB S/N for moving coil cartridge. The sound is dynamic with good staging. If you are shopping for a Rotel preamp, check the MC phono S/N spec before you buy. The Rotel RC-980BX preamplifier looks exceptional on paper and sounds wonderful in real life.

Reprints of owner and service manuals included.

SPECIFICATIONS
Total Harmonic Distortion No more than 0.004%
(CD/TUNER, 20 to 20,000 Hz)
Intermoduration Distortion... No more than 0.004%
(60 HZ : 7 kHz— 4:1) (CD/TUNER)
Output....... . Headphone 8-2 kohms
Input Sensitivity/lmpedance
PHONO (MM) 2.5 mV/47 kohms
PHONO (MC) . 250 microV/100 ohms
CD, TUNER, TAPE 1/2.... 150 mV/34 kohms
AUX.. 150 mV/34 kohms
Output sensitivity/Impedance — 1.0 V/100 ohms
Overload Level (THD 0.5%, 1 kHz)
PHONO (MM).................. 160 mV
PHONO (MC) ……………..... 16 mV
CD, TUNER, TAPE 1/2... 5V
AUX............................... 5V
Frequency Response
PHONO . 20 to 20,000 Hz, ±0.2 dB (RIAA STD)
CD, TUNER, TAPE 1/2.... 4 to 100,000 Hz, +0.5 dB, -3 dB
AUX.... 4 to 100,000 Hz, +0.5 dB, -3 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF A network)
PHONO (MM) 75 dB
PHONO (MC) .. 70 dB
CD, TUNER, TAPE 1/2.... 100 dB
AUX............................... 100 dB
Power Requirement. — 120 V/60 Hz, 
Power Consumption  10 watts
Dimensions (overall)
440 (W) x 70 (H) x 325 (D) mm
17-5/16"X 2-3/4"X 12-13/16"
Weight (net)..
4.1 kg/9.02 lbs.