The Rotel RB-960BX is a stereo power amplifier designed for home entertainment systems. It can operate as a normal stereo amplifier or as a bridged mono amplifier.
Function Description:
The RB-960BX serves as a power amplifier, taking a low-level audio signal from a preamplifier and amplifying it to drive loudspeakers. It offers flexibility in configuration, allowing users to choose between stereo operation (driving two speakers) or bridged mono operation (driving a single speaker with higher power). For stereo operation with full compatibility using two RB-960BX units in bridged mono mode, two amplifiers are required. The unit features a BRIDGED switch on the rear panel to select between STEREO and MONO (bridged) positions.
The amplifier includes two sets of AC outlets on the back panel, which are switched and controlled by the unit's power switch. These outlets can supply power to connected equipment like turntables and CD players, provided the total power consumption does not exceed 200 watts maximum. It is explicitly stated that a power amplifier should never be connected to these AC outlets.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Continuous Power Output: 60 watts per channel, min. RMS, both channels driven into 8 ohms from 20 to 20,000 Hz with no more than 0.03% total harmonic distortion.
- DIN Output: 110 watts per channel (1 kHz, 4 ohms, 1% THD).
- Peak Current: 30 A (0.1 ohms, 10 usec, 1 pulse).
- Power Output (BTL - Bridged Trans-Less): 180 watts (mono) min. RMS, driven into 8 ohms from 20 to 20,000 Hz with no more than 0.03% total harmonic distortion.
- Total Harmonic Distortion (20 to 20,000Hz):
- No more than 0.03% (continuous rated power output)
- No more than 0.03% (continuous 1/2 rated power output)
- No more than 0.05% (1 watt per channel power output, 8 ohms)
- Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz: 7 kHz = 4:1):
- No more than 0.05% (continuous rated power output)
- No more than 0.05% (continuous 1/2 rated power output)
- No more than 0.05% (1 watt per channel power output, 8 ohms)
- Output: Speaker: 8 ohms nominal.
- Damping Factor: 280 (20 to 20,000 Hz, 8 ohms).
- Input Sensitivity/Impedance: 1.0 V/ 27 kohms.
- Frequency Response: 15 to 100,000 Hz, +0 dB, -1.0 dB.
- Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF, A network): 116 dB.
- Power Requirement: 120 V/ 60 Hz, 240 V/ 50 Hz, 220 V/ 50 Hz (depending on destinations).
- Power Consumption: 300 watts.
- Dimensions (overall): 440 (W) x 92 (H) x 334 (D) mm (17-3/8" x 3-5/8" x 13-3/16").
- Weight (net): 9.2 kg / 20.2 lbs.
- Specifications and design are subject to possible modification without notice.
- Power claims for amplifiers are measured pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission's Trade Regulation Rule (applicable to the U.S.A. only).
Usage Features:
- Installation: The unit should be placed on a flat surface, free from humidity, vibration, high temperature, and direct sunlight. Adequate ventilation is crucial; avoid enclosed areas and ensure ventilation openings are not blocked to prevent excessive heat buildup.
- Electrical Requirements: Users must verify the local AC voltage setting on the rear panel nameplate and never plug the unit into a higher voltage outlet.
- Power Cord: The power cord should be handled with care and connected to a household wall outlet with the power switch turned off.
- Speaker Connections:
- For stereo operation, use speakers with impedance ratings of 4 to 8 ohms.
- For bridged mono operation, the speaker must be rated 8 ohms minimum. Connecting a speaker with lower impedance than 8 ohms in this mode is not recommended.
- Avoid speakers with very high capacitive load (over 0.1 microfarads) as this may damage the amplifier.
- Use proper speaker cords, preferably with low capacitance. The speaker terminal posts accept banana plugs.
- When connecting bare wires, strip about 1cm of insulation, twist strands tightly, and insert them properly into the terminal posts, ensuring no stray strands cause short circuits.
- For stereo operation, ensure the BRIDGED switch is in the STEREO position and connect Left and Right channels correctly, matching "+" and "-" terminals.
- For bridged mono operation, ensure the BRIDGED switch is in the MONO position. Connect only one speaker to the marked terminals: "+" speaker lead wire to the LEFT "+" terminal post and "-" speaker lead wire to the RIGHT "+" terminal post. Avoid speakers with a common grounding system.
- Preamplifier Connections: The manual recommends using Rotel's RC-960BX preamplifier for optimal sound quality and operation. Illustrations are provided for three connection modes:
- Common stereo mode (one preamplifier, one power amplifier).
- "BRIDGED" stereo mode (one preamplifier, two mono power amplifiers).
- "BI-AMPING" mode (one preamplifier with two sets of parallel outputs, two stereo power amplifiers – one for tweeters, one for woofers – connected to speakers with separate tweeter and woofer connectors).
- Front Panel Controls and Indicators:
- (1) Power Button: Turns the unit on and off.
- (2) Power Indicator: Glows when the unit is powered on.
- (3) Bridged Mono Indicator: Lights up when the BRIDGED switch on the rear panel is set to the MONO (bridged) position.
- Operation Precautions: Before operation, ensure all connections are properly made. Always set the preamplifier's Volume control to minimum before turning on the power switch.
Maintenance Features:
- Cabinet: The cabinet should not be opened as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Tampering with internal components or attempting repairs is not recommended. If water or foreign objects enter the unit, disconnect the power cord immediately and consult a qualified electrician or dealer.
- Cleaning: Clean the unit gently with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents.
- Nonuse Periods: Unplug the power cord from the outlet if the appliance will be unused for a long period.
- Troubleshooting Hum and Noise: Hum can be caused by wiring, grounding issues, or component placement. If hum occurs, disconnect all components except speakers, then plug in the turntable. If hum persists, move the turntable away from speakers. Defective cables or cables run too close to strong AC fields can also induce hum. Noise during broadcast reception may be due to external objects like fluorescent lamps or household appliances. Relocating the unit or using an improved outdoor antenna may resolve the problem. If the cause cannot be found, consult a dealer or qualified electrician.
- Servicing: The appliance should be serviced by qualified factory-authorized service personnel if the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, objects or liquid have entered the appliance, it has been exposed to rain, it does not operate normally, exhibits a marked change in performance, or has been dropped or damaged. Users should not attempt to service the appliance beyond what is described in the operating instructions.
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