2. amps-preamps
  3. 187407-177790

Am I reaching the max power / amplitude of my Rotel RB-951 power amp?

I'm currently using a Rotel RB-951 power amp to run some vintage 3.8D Fuseliers. They are pretty beefy and require a 4 ohm load, with a range of 50-125 watts as far as I can tell (information is slim on these online). 

 

However, with my Eskinsin bluetooth adaptor plugged directly into the amp, or using a Kenwood Kr3130's tuner plugged into the amp, I am only able to get up to a maximum of 70 decibels with the meter in between the speakers. The clipping indicator on the amp does not come on at any point. 

Since I seem to have such a distinct cutoff in volume, regardless of the input method, I'm thinking that I must be reaching the power limit of my amplifier. Does that sound right?

 

The Rotel does not offer power specifications on 4 ohm loads (but it can do them, per the manual). At 8 ohms it's rated at 50w/ch continuous and 100 watts in bridged mono. 

thatguyyouknow
thatguyyouknow OP
29 posts
 

I’d love to say I’ll just keep tinkering with it, but i’ve been tinkering with the problem off and on for the better part of 6 months now. The only thing I have left at this point is to start buying other alternatives and switching things out, unless anyone has any suggestions with the equipment I already have.

You’re right, it’s not the best place to measure. It happens because I’m sitting on the ground with the units pulled out to mess with them so that’s where I’ve been measuring from. I’ll take an accurate measurement this evening to see where I’m actually at, but regardless of the number my volume is still limited to below where I would like to be able to listen to it at times.

Thanks for taking the time to help. This issue has frustrated me for a while and I just want to sit down and enjoy my set up haha. Sorry if I come off as frustrated.

imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,205 posts
 

Is the input level pot adjusted to maximum?

There are also internal jumper settings for input sensitivity.

RB-951-OM.pdf

 

thatguyyouknow OP
29 posts
 

@imhififan yes those level adjustments are set to maximum. I was hoping that was it when I came across those a few months back but alas. Thanks for the suggestion.

gs5556
1,235 posts
 

Does the loudness vary in proportion to turning of the level screws?

thatguyyouknow OP
29 posts
 

@gs5556 the levels screws do turn down the volume, but it does not go up past the limit I am at, leading me to believe that it is set to maximum.

More to discover