Rotel C8+ Multi-Room Amplifier

About The Rotel C8+ Multi-Room Amplifier

Performance meets efficiency in Rotel's C8+ Class AB Custom Installation Amplifier delivering on Rotel's 60-Year heritage of Performance, Quality and Value. The C8+ drives 8-channels of premium audio at 150 Watts per channel, all channels driven into 4-ohm speakers utilizing Rotel's proprietary amplification technology.

The oversized in-house manufactured toroidal transformer drives thirty-two high current output transistor devices for effortless, deep, controlled bass energy. Outputs can be bridged providing 4 channels of 300 Watts per channel, capable of driving even the most demanding loudspeakers and exceptional audio clarity in critical listening zones.

For ultimate installation flexibility the C8+ includes 4 Analogue, 2 Coaxial and 2 Optical (24-bit/192kHz) inputs available to all Zones through internal matrix-switching with a Priority Zone PA Override feature allowing critical announcements to be broadcasts to all Zones. The front panel display and user controls provide selection of the matrixed source input and independent volume, bass and treble settings for each zone ensuring the C8+ can be tuned to the speaker and room characteristics. Device setup is also available via the front panel for easy system configuration when mounted in remote locations.

Speaker outputs utilize detachable Phoenix connectors for pre-wire installations with secure-locking screw terminals reducing service calls. Control system integration is available via IP and RS232 interfaces and the 12-Volt trigger input offers simplified power control.

The custom engineered 2U height chassis does not require top or bottom clearance spacing for ultra-efficient rack mounting. All rack mounting hardware is included.

Our Take

Rotel's C8+ is a beefy amplifier purpose-built for delivering tons of power to custom-installed audio systems. It has eight-channels of clean Class AB amplification and four independent audio output zones. The C8+'s back panel also has matrixed digital and analogue inputs for connecting external sources. This amplifier's high-current power supply and proprietary design ensures your speakers are in good hands.

This amp has some cool ways to distribute signal throughout your home. Its four analogue RCA inputs and its digital inputs are matrixed to all zones. That means you can assign the inputs independently (for example, digital input A assigned to Zone 1), or you can have any input play through any zone or zones. Even cooler, there's a Priority Zone PA Override option that lets you send important announcements from your PA system across all zones simultaneously.

While that might sound like a lot to keep track of, the front panel display makes juggling zones and sources easy. The C8+'s intuitive menu lets you label each input and zone to help you keep track of what's connected. You can also adjust the volume of each zone and make individual bass and treble adjustments.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: 8-Channel Multi-Zone Class AB Amplifier
• 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.1% THD with all channels driven
• 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms (300 watts per channel when bridged)
• Oversized toroidal transformer custom-designed for clean power
• Four Texas Instruments 24-bit/192 kHz digital-to-analogue converter chips
• Frequency Response: 10-100,000 Hz (± 0.5 dB)
• Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 100 dB (102 dB for digital section)
• Detachable power cord
• Rack-Mounting hardware included
• Connections
  • Four pairs of unbalanced stereo RCA inputs
  • Two Optical Digital inputs
  • Two Coaxial Digital inputs
  • All inputs are matrixed across all zones
  • One pair of unbalanced stereo RCA line outputs for feeding signal to another amplifier
  • 3.5mm 12-volt trigger in/out for power control by external components
  • RS-232 port allows integration with compatible home automation products
  • Ethernet port for network connection, software updates, and integration with home audio products
• Rear-Panel Features
  • Bridge switches on the rear panel for bridging channels together
  • Input "A" can be set to stereo or mono by using the rear-panel switch
    • When set to "mono", the left and right signals are combined and each speaker using input A as a source receives a mono signal
• Front-Panel Features
  • Front-Panel display shows selected source, volume level, settings, and more
    • Menu navigation and setting selection via function buttons on the right-hand side of the front panel
  • Labelled zone buttons for turning speaker zones on and off
• Included Accessories: 2m AC power cord, 4 Phoenix-style speaker connector blocks (pre-installed), 1m Mono-mini-jack cable, 2 Rack-mount brackets, 6 Screws (flat and lock washers attached), Owner's Manual on USB stick, Quick Installation Guide, Important Safety Instructions, Warranty Card, Rack Mounting Instructions
• Finish: Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 430 x 97 x 414mm
• Weight: 18.35 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 3 Years

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.