Rotel 550
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Discussion

GingerWizard

Original Poster:

4,721 posts

221 months

Saturday 14th April 2012
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So i have just inherited a complete Rotel music set up. R-550, cassette, vinyl, amp, tuner, equaliser, and speakers. Does anyone know anything about these? I also have all the orignal packaging, all inserts and bags/wax paper wrapping.

Its barely been used so i am going to give it a good clean and see if it works, I have a lot of vinyl that does not get played but this might be the answer....

It also comes with a god aweful display case thing, glass fronted and shelved in wood......

cheers all

Gwiz

chazola

459 posts

180 months

Monday 16th April 2012
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I don't know of this particular system but I'm a fan of Rotel stuff- I have a couple of Rotel 80s/90s separates and they're really good quality. The 80's 'budget' Rotel amp I got on ebay for peanuts sounds better than a high-end Sony I have, and though Rotel stuff was made in Taiwan they generally used good-quality components and build quality is as good as Japanese stuff.

If it's in good condition I'd give it a good clean like you say and enjoy it smile

GingerWizard

Original Poster:

4,721 posts

221 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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Well firstly I will apologise for the photos. Its just a lot easier and as i have had one reply I'm sure not too many are that interested. However....

I took all the cases off today and very carfully removed the 1/4" of dust, using a soft paint brush and low air pressure (hoover!). I'm not normally like this but the house its lived in was a hot air style central heating systm, ergo very dusty!

What you see here is the Amp, Tuner, Cassette, and record player + two speakers (Der...!)

Anyhow, its very well made, incredibly powerfull, retro (1979) HIFI/Music Center.

(n.b, the use of the word "powerfull" does not refer to goatee wearing bald men, but the tuner picks up everything and the amp is an absolute beast, 2 channel 4 way split.)

so some pics, again, blame the Iphone....


























Gingerwizard

chazola

459 posts

180 months

Friday 27th April 2012
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pretty cool old system. You've got some half-decent speakers there too in the Celestions, quite often system speakers leave a lot to be desired. If you're thinking of playing vinyl I'd read up on how to set the turntable up properly (counterweight and anti-skating) and think about changing the stylus/cart if it's had a lot of use. Looks like it's direct drive so you don't have to worry about a new belt for it. Clean the heads and capstan/pinch roller on the cassette deck if you're gonna use it and away you go... that amp should have some spare inputs for an ipod etc too smile