STATUS - AVAILABLE
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Description :
The Rotel RCD-971 CD player is manufactured by a company that has built up a reputation for high class sound quality but without the high prices that such audiophile aspirations normally demand. The structure of the player is rather thin and sleek looking. It has the typical buttons and knobs, external appearances are on the plain side and frivolous extras are avoided. On the back, there are analog audio connectors and a single, coaxial S/PDIF digital output. The RCD-971 uses the same over-scan disc mechanism once reserved only for premium priced players and includes dual Burr Brown PCM65 DACs. The innards of Rotel RCD-971 are put together with close attention to the dictates of genuine hi-fi using components sourced from round the world. The large Rotel-manufactured toroidal mains transformer has separate secondary windings to provide independent IC-stabilized power supplies for the analogue and digital stages and is placed in the front left-hand corner as far as possible from sensitive circuitry. A single L-shaped pc board carries all the components except for those associated with the display and play modes selection which are mounted on two small boards just behind the U-section aluminum front panel. Centre-stage on the fascia are the disc drawer and vibration-proof linear motor transport for stability.

The Rotel RCD-971 has a ready response to track selection and other commands, practically zero mechanical noise during play. Above all, the sound quality has an appealing openness and immediacy with sharp attack and excellent presence. Resolution of low level signals is exemplary and loud, heavily scored passages still retains plenty of definition. Bass had solid but in no way obscures the detail, contributing to the overall feeling of an unusually extended bandwidth. Higher frequency detail didn't pop out from the background, but rather dominated. These virtues seemed to work with all types of music from solo piano and voice through chamber music, choral groups and full orchestra. The tambourine work sounded very real, with a natural decay. The Rotel is detailed, fast, and has an exceptional ability to create a believable soundstage. RCD-971 proves conclusively that cost-conscious high performance in a single disc CD player is not an oxymoron. Utilizing circuit configurations originally developed for Rotel's reference-class CD players, this affordable unit will redefine sonic expectations.

Specifications :
Disc Capacity..................................1
Amplitude Linearity..........................+/- 0.05dB
Max Audio Line Output.....................2VRMS
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise......0.0035% @ 1kHz
Intermodulation Distortion..................0.0035% @ 1kHz
Frequency Response(+/- 0.5 dB).......20 to 20,000 Hz
Channel Balance..............................+/- 0.5 dB
Phase Linearity................................+/- 0.5 degree
Channel Separation..........................>110 dB @ 1kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio........................>107 dB
Dynamic Range ..............................>100 dB
Digital to Analog Converters..............Dual 20 Bit, precision DAC
Digital Filter.....................................20 Bit, 8x oversampling
Speed Accuracy, Wow & Flutter.......Quartz crystal precision
Output Impedance............................100 ohms
Digital Output Level..........................0.5V, peak to peak
Load Impedance..............................75 ohms
Power Requirements........................120 Volts, 60 Hz or 220-240 Volts, 50 Hz
Power Consumption.........................20 watts
Dimensions(w x d x h)......................44 x 32 x 7.5 cm
Weight............................................6kg

Miscellaneous :
Matching..........................................Rotel RT-940AX Tuner
             ..........................................Rotel RC-980BX Preamplifier
             ..........................................Rotel RB-980BX Power Amplifier
Remote...........................................Yes
Made In...........................................Taiwan
Condition.........................................8/10 (Decent condition)

Reviews :
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1200/rcd971.htm
http://www.gramophone.net/Issue/Page/September%201999/120/834981/Rotel+RCD971
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/digital-sources/cd-players/rotel/rcd-971/prd_117104_1586crx.aspx
http://www.audioasylum.com/reviews/CD-Player-Recorder/Rotel/RCD-971/general/100522.html
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Rotel+RCD-971+CD+Player.-a076996285