Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RB-981 Stereo Power Ampli- fier. When used in a high-quality music or home theater system, your Rotel amplifier will provide years of musical enjoyment.
The RB-981 is a high-power, two-channel power amplifier, provid- ing the highest level of audio performance. Discrete output de- vices, a massive power supply, premium components, and Rotel’s Balanced Design ensure superb sound quality. High current capa- bility allows the RB-981 to drive the most demanding loudspeakers.
Be aware that the RB-981 is capable of high power levels, in ex- cess of 130 watts per channel. Make sure that your speakers can handle the power of the RB-981. If in doubt about your speakers, ask your local Rotel audio retailer for advice.
The RB-981 is straightforward in its installation and operation. If you have experience with other stereo power amplifiers, you shouldn’t find anything perplexing. Plug in a pair of high-quality RCA cables from your preamp into the amplifier inputs, wire up your speakers, and enjoy.
A Few Precautions
Please read this manual carefully. In addition to basic installation and operating instructions, it provides valuable information on various RB-981 system configurations as well as general informa- tion that will help you get optimum performance from your system. Please contact your authorized Rotel audio retailer for answers to any questions you might have. In addition, all of us at Rotel wel- come your questions and comments.
Save the RB-981 shipping carton and all enclosed packing mate- rial for future use. Shipping or moving the RB-981 in anything other than the original packing material may result in severe dam- age to your amplifier.
Fill out and send in the owner’s registration card packed with the RB-981. Also be sure to keep the original sales receipt. It is your best record of the date of purchase, which you will need in the event warranty service is ever required.
Placement
Because of its high power output, the RB-981 may generate con- siderable heat. The heat sinks and ventilation openings in the am- plifier are more than capable of dissipating this heat under normal conditions, but don’t smother your amplifier. There must be ad- equate clearance around the chassis. The ventilation slots in the top cover must be unblocked, and there must be reasonable air- flow around the amplifier. Use common sense when placing the amplifier in a cabinet or when stacking other equipment.
Likewise, remember the weight of the amplifier when you select an installation location. Make sure that the shelf or cabinet can support its considerable bulk. Again, use common sense.
AC Power Input 7
Because of its high power rating, the RB-981 can draw consider- able current. Therefore, it should be plugged directly into a 2-pin polarized wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord. A heavy duty multi-tap power outlet strip may be used if it (and the wall outlet) is rated to handle the current demanded by the RB-981 and all the other components connected to it.
Be sure the power switch on the front panel of the RB-981 is turned off (in the out position). Then, connect the supplied power cord to the AC power outlet.
Your RB-981 is configured at the factory for the proper AC line voltage in the country where you purchased it (either 115 volts AC or 230 volts AC with a line frequency of either 50 Hz or 60 Hz). The AC line configuration is noted on a decal on the back panel.
Note: Should you move your RB-981 amplifier to another country, it is possible to reconfigure your amplifier for use on a different line voltage. Do not attempt to perform this conversion yourself. Opening the enclosure of the RB-981 exposes you to dangerous voltages. Consult a qualified service person or the Rotel factory service department for information.
If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time such as a month-long vacation, it is a sensible precaution to unplug your amplifier (as well as other audio and video compo- nents) while you are away.
Power Switch 1 and Power Indicator 2
The power switch is located on the front panel of your amplifier. To turn the amplifier on, push the switch in. The LED indicator above the switch will light, indicating that the amplifier is turned on. To turn the amplifier off, push the button again and return it to the out position.
Protection Circuitry 3
The RB-981 features a thermal protection circuit that protects the amplifier against potential damage in the event of extreme or faulty operating conditions. Unlike many designs, the RB-981’s protection circuit is independent of the audio signal and has no impact on sonic performance. Instead, the protection circuit monitors the temperature of the output devices and shuts down the amplifier if temperatures exceed safe limits.
