English, About Rotel, Getting Started

Contents (circled numbers refer to illustration)

About Rotel __________________________________________ 5

Getting Started ______________________________________ 5

A Few Precautions	6
Placement	6
Cables	6

AC Power and Control ________________________________ 6

AC Power Input 13			6
Power Switch 2 and Power Indicator 1			6
Auxiliary Power Outputs		12	6
Input Signal Connections	9	_________________________ 7
Recorder Connections 10	____________________________ 7

Output Connections 11 ______________________________ 7

Front Panel Controls __________________________________ 7

Volume Control 6		7
Tone On/Off Switch	5	7
Bass and Treble Controls 4		7
Listening Selector	8	8
Recording Selector	7	8
Phones Output 3		8

Troubleshooting ______________________________________ 8

Power Indicator Is Not Lit	8
Fuse Replacement	8
No Sound	8

Specifications _______________________________________ 30

English

About Rotel

A family whose passionate interest in music led them to manufac- ture high fidelity components of uncompromising quality founded Rotel over 30 years ago. Through the years that passion has re- mained undiminished and the family goal of providing exceptional value for audiophiles and music lovers, regardless of their budget, is shared by all Rotel employees.

The engineers work as a close team, listening to, and fine tuning each new product until it reaches their exacting musical stan- dards. They are free to choose components from around the world in order to make that product the best they can. You are likely to find capacitors from the United Kingdom and Germany, semi conductors from Japan or the United States, while toroidal power transformers are manufactured in Rotel’s own factory.

Rotel’s reputation for excellence has been earned through hun- dreds of good reviews and awards from the most respected re- viewers in the industry, who listen to music every day. Their comments keep the company true to its goal – the pursuit of equipment that is musical, reliable and affordable.

All of us at Rotel thank you for buying this product and hope it will bring you many hours of enjoyment.

Getting Started

Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RC-971 Stereo Control Ampli- fier. When used in a high-quality music audio system, it will pro- vide years of musical enjoyment.

The RC-971 is a full featured, high performance preamplifier. All aspects of the design have been optimized to retain the full dy- namic range and subtle nuances of your music. The RC-971 has a highly regulated power supply incorporating a Rotel custom-de- signed power transformer. This low impedance power supply has ample power reserves, which enables the RC-971 to easily repro- duce the most demanding audio signals. This type of design is more expensive to manufacture, but it is better for the music.

The RC-971 printed circuit boards (PCB) are designed with Sym- metrical Circuit Traces. This insures that the precise timing of the music is maintained and faithfully recreated. The RC-971 circuitry uses metal film resistors and polystyrene or polypropylene ca- pacitors in important signal paths. All aspects of this design have been examined with the final goal being faithful reproduction of music.

The RC-971 is straightforward in its installation and operation. If you have experience with other stereo systems, you shouldn’t find anything perplexing. Simply plug in the associated components and enjoy.

RC-971 specifications

The Rotel RC-971 is a high-performance stereo preamplifier that embodies the brand's commitment to quality audio reproduction. Introduced as a part of Rotel’s comprehensive lineup, the RC-971 serves as a critical component in any high-fidelity sound system, providing exceptional sound quality and connectivity options tailored to audiophiles and casual music lovers alike.

One of the standout features of the RC-971 is its meticulous design aimed at minimizing signal degradation. It employs high-quality components, including metal film resistors and polypropylene capacitors, which contribute to its outstanding signal-to-noise ratio. This attention to detail helps to ensure that the audio output remains pure, delivering rich, detailed sound across a wide frequency range.

The RC-971 is equipped with a versatile selection of inputs and outputs, allowing users to connect multiple audio sources effortlessly. It includes several line-level inputs, a phono input for vinyl enthusiasts, and dedicated outputs for both tape and auxiliary devices. Additionally, the preamp offers balanced XLR outputs for professional audio applications, delivering improved noise immunity and can be used to connect to high-end power amplifiers.

Another significant technology integrated into the RC-971 is Rotel’s exclusive RDB (Rotel Digital Bridge) architecture. This technology enhances the preamp’s digital performance, allowing users to enjoy high-resolution audio playback from digital sources. Together with robust analog circuitry, the RC-971 caters to a variety of audio formats, ensuring versatility in playback.

Furthermore, the RC-971 is notable for its precise volume control mechanism, which utilizes a smooth and reliable motorized potentiometer. This allows for accurate adjustments, ensuring that listeners can achieve the perfect sound level without distortion.

The design of the RC-971 is as functional as it is elegant, featuring a clean and modern aesthetic that fits well into any audio setup. Its solid build quality not only contributes to longevity but also reduces physical vibrations that could interfere with audio performance.

In summary, the Rotel RC-971 preamplifier is a high-quality audio component that reflects Rotel’s passion for audio excellence. With its superior build quality, innovative technologies, and flexible connectivity options, the RC-971 stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone serious about sound quality in their home audio system. Whether you’re listening to vinyl records or streaming digital music, the RC-971 is designed to deliver an unparalleled listening experience.