Hot on the heels of a glowing five-star review for its Michi X3 integrated amplifier, Rotel has just unveiled the C8 and C8+ amps for the custom install market.
Rotel's new Class AB amps boast eight channels of multi-zone audio. The amplifiers are powered by an oversized, in-house manufactured toroidal transformer feeding an array of outputs. Rotel says the C8 and C8+ have been designed to "comfortably drive even the most demanding loudspeakers in critical listening zones".
The C8 delivers 70 watts of power per channel (into four-ohm loads), while the C8+ packs 150 watts per channel. Zone outputs can be bridged to deliver 140W and 300W respectively, with an auto-sensing, auto-switching PA Override feature offering further installation flexibility.
Both models feature four analogue inputs (available to all zone outputs through internal matrix switching), and settings for volume, balance, bass, and treble adjustment. The C8+ expands on that offering with a pair of optical and coaxial inputs that support 24-bit/192kHz.
The speaker outputs use detachable Phoenix connectors for pre-wire installation with screw-locking mechanisms. Ethernet, RS232 and 12V trigger sockets promise easy integration with popular control systems, too.
The front panel of each amplifier features a graphic display with controls to offer a user-friendly setup and operation. And Rotel says the chassis of both models has been designed so as not to require top or bottom clearance space.
The Rotel C8 (£2350, $2599, approx AU$3480) and C8+ (£2850, $3199, approx AU$4285) will be available in the US from May, with availability for the rest of the world following shortly thereafter.
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