|
General Asylum: REVIEW: Rotel RX-602 Receiver by FRG7SWL General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories. |
For Sale Ads |
198.81.26.75
Model: RX-602 Category: Receiver Suggested Retail Price: $50-150 used Description: 50 watts-per-channel of m.o.s.f.e.t. warmth coupled with audiophile/dx quality f.m. section Manufacturer URL: Rotel Manufacturer URL: Rotel
Review by FRG7SWL ( A ) on May 19, 2004 at 10:13:01
IP Address: 198.81.26.75Add Your Review
for the RX-602
It's oblong shape is your first clue that Rotel's RX-602 isn't just any auld vintage receiver. Upon power-up, out pours this refined yet relaxed tonality. After about a half-hour warm up, an expansive soundstage joins that magical mix. Classical music, such as provided by Capitol Public Radio's KXPR, sounds down right captivating to the uninitiated ear. Which apparently is this little beauty's sonic niche, along with classic-n-contemporary jazz. Hall and/or studio parameters are replicated quite effortlessly. Even from a pair of ESS Model 10s, whose soundstaging abilities are minimal at best. Through utility Advents, Utah Cadences, & Celestion Vintage 30s, though, performances are holographic! Rock-n-pop, however, can be somewhat disconcerting initially, when your ears aint used to sonic subtlties seemingly extending beyond those speaker frames. Once they are, however, you'll tend to wonder why the soundstage collapsed when listening to other amps, no matter how pristine the sonic presentation. Thus, you'll be glad Rotel's engineers included two phono preamps & two aux inputs, to complement an outstanding audiophile/dx quality f.m. section. For added flexibility, you can separate the amp & preamp sections for a myriad of outboard combinations. Only mod performed on this pup was replacing those thin stock m.o.s.f.e.t. to ampboard wires. Used Rotel units are rarities on the used market. If the RX-602's beguiling sonority is any indication, parting would be a bitter, not sweet, sorrow.
Product Weakness: Oblong size prohibits standard rack mounting Product Strengths: Relaxed yet refined 50 watts-per-channel of m.o.s.f.e.t. warmth coupled with expansive soundstage, offering an inexpensive replication of high-end tube performance; two phono preamps, two aux inputs, audiophile/dx quality f.m. section, hi-fi a.m. reception of local stations; amp-preamp sections can be separated for added flexibility; excells with classical & classic-n-modern jazz
Associated Equipment for this Review: Amplifier: Marantz MR-235, Sherwood 7100A, Sony STR-6800SD Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none Sources (CDP/Turntable): Pioneer CLD-980 Speakers: ESS Model 10s, Pioneer CS-33s Cables/Interconnects: Radio Shack Monster Cables Music Used (Genre/Selections): Blues, Classical, Funk, Jazz, Pop, Reggae, Rock R-N-B, Soul Room Size (LxWxH): 10 x 10 x 10 Time Period/Length of Audition: six months plus Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Topic - REVIEW: Rotel RX-602 Receiver - FRG7SWL 10:13:01 05/19/04 ( 2)
- Rotel RX-(X)02 ReceiverS - Timbo in Oz 18:52:16 05/19/04 ( 0)
I have its "little brother" Rotel RX-402 ... - Big Dave 12:03:55 05/19/04 ( 0)