Rotel RA-02 or Audio Refinement Complete ?

I've owned both the Rotel RA-01, which is the same amp as the RA-02 without remote control, and the Audio Refinement Complete. I think the Rotel is a wonderful amp for the money and has a few bells and whistles you might find useful, like outputs for two pair of speakers. It's also very compact and nice looking.

I do prefer the sound of the ARC, though. It seems smoother and more refined and holds together bettter at higher volume. It's definitely a big step up from the Rotel and easily worth the $150 extra. It's one of those pieces of gear that can stay in your system a long time as you upgrade around it.

I can vouch for the Rotel. It's only rated at 40w into 8 ohms, but one review measured 90w at clipping, so it's got quite a bit of headroom. I don't know the other one, but I see nothing in its specs that would particularly recommend it over the Rotel.

I've owned an Audio Refinement Complete and Rotel RA-1060 integrated amp. The Audio Refinement amp had a real classy feel to it while the Rotel seemed very utilitarian. As far as sound goes, the Audio Refinement is one of the few components I regretted selling.

I haven't heard the Rotel, but can vouch for the Audio Refinement, as I've owned it four times, and still regret selling it..