I have the opportunity to buy one of these AS-IS for $200 Canadian. All I see so far is that it has a broken power connector but what I'm reading on the forums is that these tend to have some catastrophic channel problems. I've also searched the web and found a lot of mixed reviews.
What would you do with this amp as a project? I know there are some mk-II mods and some other things to stabilize them.
Is it worth the time? I don't actually need the amp. Just want to give it a good home.
Thanks as always!
What would you do with this amp as a project? I know there are some mk-II mods and some other things to stabilize them.
Is it worth the time? I don't actually need the amp. Just want to give it a good home.
Thanks as always!
I think it worth it (IF it works and doesn’t have a catastrophic failure - some part replacements could be hard to come by). You could always use the case and power supply in another DIY build, but again $200 is a lot for just that use.
I think it’s up to you and IF you want a project, these have numerous protection circuits which make it a little more complex repair, otherwise it’s so-able.
Can you “clip” the power connector to verify it works? Wouldn’t put it past someone to have a blown amp and disconnect/break the connector to keep you from realizing it until a week later???
I think it’s up to you and IF you want a project, these have numerous protection circuits which make it a little more complex repair, otherwise it’s so-able.
Can you “clip” the power connector to verify it works? Wouldn’t put it past someone to have a blown amp and disconnect/break the connector to keep you from realizing it until a week later???
Thank you for the advice! It's not a private sale but rather a warehouse find. The power socket is physically smashed, otherwise the amp looks clean inside and out.
I would agree about the parts. For me to scratch build that power supply would cost at least $200.
I think I'm worried that even if I refurbish it and do the MK-II upgrades that its reputation has been hurt enough that I won't be able to sell it at cost.
I would argue that I need a new project but I'm sure my wife would beg to differ :S
I would agree about the parts. For me to scratch build that power supply would cost at least $200.
I think I'm worried that even if I refurbish it and do the MK-II upgrades that its reputation has been hurt enough that I won't be able to sell it at cost.
I would argue that I need a new project but I'm sure my wife would beg to differ :S
The only reason to get this amp would only be: 'sentimental reason'.
For practical purposes either to use it as is, or reuse parts, it's not worth financially.
Especially, that as you said - you don't new another amp.
So unless, as a teenager, you always wanted to have Rotel amp, and/or it will make you feel better/happier, don't buy it... 🙂
Amp is not a dog - it doesn't "need a home".
It's either YOU want this amp, or you don't. No other reason/rationalization needed.
For practical purposes either to use it as is, or reuse parts, it's not worth financially.
Especially, that as you said - you don't new another amp.
So unless, as a teenager, you always wanted to have Rotel amp, and/or it will make you feel better/happier, don't buy it... 🙂
Amp is not a dog - it doesn't "need a home".
It's either YOU want this amp, or you don't. No other reason/rationalization needed.
Thanks for talking some sense into me minek123. You're absolutely right, and I have no emotional connection to this amp other than the fact that it's not everyday I find exotic audio gear in the liquidation bin.
If I ever wanted to build a 200W/channel amp, I would definitely get this kind of a device and use every working piece of it and exchange its amp electronics with another kind, a better one. Enclosure, heatsinks, power supply, jacks, output transistors are well worth the acquisition. Try to negotiate a better price.