Introduction The Rotel RB-976 is a 60W (x6) power amplifier that combines the strength of a workhorse with the flexibility and finesse of a thorough bred. This unit is modestly priced at $600. Out of the gate: Rotel has been manufacturing high performance electronics for more than 35 years. World renown for not only the company's passion for sound and music, Rotel has also received over 200 international awards. They've poured this love, knowledge and breeding into the RB-976. Heading into the first turn: The power supply comes from a custom made high capacity toroidal power transformer that is highly regulated and contains a substantial filter capacitor bank to ensure maximum power capability. The power delivered in the 6-channel mode is 60W per channel (20 Hz to 20 kHz @ 0.03 THD into 8 ohms). In the 5-channel mode the unit can deliver 70W per channel. And that's not all. The three amplifier input pairs can ...

Introduction Never known as a manufacturer of high end components, Kenwood's release of the KC-Z1 Home Theater Controller and KM-Z1 Power Amplifier combo, may seem surprising. Part of their Stage 3 line of product, these two components represent Kenwood's attempt at providing high quality home theater solutions. The KC-Z1 Controller offers the latest circuitry for home theater surround sound including Dolby Digital (AC-3) and the upgraded THX designed specifically for 5.1 channel systems as well as Dolby Pro Logic. The companion six-channel 130 watts per channel KM-Z1, can be connected to the KC-Z1 via a convenient dB-25 Preout Audio Connection, which makes interfacing equipment a much simpler prospect, though Kenwood doesn't supply one with the two units. The real genius behind the KC-Z1 is its touch screen panel. The touch screen rests comfortably on the front panel of the unit when not in use, otherwise it is a complete 900 MHz universal remote controller. Programming ...

Introduction Occasionally a product comes along that defies precedent. The 5-channel Cinema Grand amplifier from Sunfire is just such a product, exhibiting performance commonly associated with ultra-expensive amplifiers. At first glance, perhaps what you`ll find most unusual about the Cinema Grand is the absence of heavy-duty heatsinks. Like all Sunfire amps, the Cinema Grand employs a Bob Carver innovation, the tracking downconverter power supply. This unique design doesn't use any heatsinks to dissipate large amounts of wasted power as most of the input signal goes directly to the speakers. The amp runs so efficiently, a 30 pound power supply delivers 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms. The chassis was always cool to the touch, even after several hours of playing time. Unlike, massive amps that require venting, the Cinema Grand can be installed anywhere, even inside a closed cabinet.