My amp suddenly going silent when volume knob touchedi have a ordered

Thank you

     Hello sifter,
     This is a fairly common issue;  volume control shafts behind and attached to the knobs build up deposits over time that cause the exact results you've described.
     Buy a can of tuner cleaner spray for under $5 at an electronics shop.  To use, turn off the unit and remove the volume control knob.  Volume knobs typically can be removed by pulling them straight outward.  Spray the cleaner on the metal volume control shaft underneath the volume knob.  Replace the volume control knob and rapidly turn the knob back and forth to work in the cleaner and remove the offending deposits.
     This usually fixes the problem but, if not, the deposit buildup may be too excessive and you'll need to have a local tv/electronics repair shop clean it professionally.
Tim 

I agree with mofimadness4. Almost sounds like the Rotel doesn't have a proper ground causing static to be discharged through the electronics and not the case.

sifter,

     I seriously hope xti16 hasn't started a trend on this thread of readers voting on whether static or carbon deposits are the cause of your issue. 
    mofimadness4 could be correct about your issue being static related.  I was unaware of static possibly causing your issue and have never experienced it myself.  I am aware of carbon deposits on the volume shaft causing your issue, have experienced it myself and resolved it with a can of inexpensive tv tuner cleaner.  You should know I'm not an electrician, just a lifelong A/V enthusiast with some experience.
     I place no importance on which of us may have correctly diagnosed your issue and definitely know it won't be solved by a popularity contest.  I think it's more important that the focus remain on getting your issue properly resolved.  
    The truth is that the cause and remedy for your problem is currently uncertain.  Since both of our solutions seem to be relatively inexpensive, one option would be to try one than the other. 
     Best case, one of them works.  Worst case, neither one does but at least you've ruled out 2 possible causes and solutions.
     If it was my gear, I'd likely opt for the simpler, more direct but slightly more expensive solution of having a professional at a reliable local electronics repair shop resolve the issue.  My thought being that you may resort to this option anyway if neither suggested cause is correct.
     But it's your gear, time, money and choice. 
Best wishes, 
Tim

Tim I have never had build up in the volume pot cause the unit to shut down where you have power cycle the unit to get it to work again. But what I have had seen with build up on the volume - balance or tone controls is a static sound that will come through the speakers.