Rotel RA-1210 amplifier

Never over represented in Belgium, Rotel is the High Fidelity division of the Japan-based Roland Corporation. Roland itself is much more on our heads as the musical instrument brand producing synthesizers and rythm machines used in almost every hit of the early eighties synth pop.

But Rotel was already there before, here in 1973, trusting acclaimed places in British and French Hi-Fi magazines selections. This sublime RA-1210 amplifier was topping the range, and is a coveted find today.

It's very heavy, and it's not surprising, when you look at the construction. "Solid" state, for sure. Each channel has its own independent power supply transformer, driving a direct coupling circuit targeted at low distortion and excellent frequency response. You got all the high-end specs like pre out/main in, frequency selectable tone controls, 2 phono with one adjustable in sensitivity and impedance, 2 aux, 2 tapes, loudness, muting…

Past the impressive specs, this Rotel is very well built and delivers at every corner. The switching on sequence is somehow ceremonial and lasts a few seconds; first the green power light, then the internal circuitry and finally the speaker-protection relay. Ready to sing. And it does. It's fast, dynamic, powerful, precise, warm but detailed, brings lots of clarity in the scene and guts to the bass.

The looks as well render a very professional feeling, the satin inox front panel combined with the dials and the black volume bring a unique visual signature, we can perfectly imagine it in a rack. Every switch engages boldly, sort of military range panel command.   

This example was serviced recently and bias adjusted, and is in a top condition. Wether you buy it to drive large cones in an ample space, or as a quality unit for your future system, you can't be wrong. A real investment, that has nothing lacking facing the period Marantz, Luxman, Sansui competitors.