RC-972
STEREO CONTROL AMPLIFIER
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Ow n e r’s Ma n u a l
STEREO CONTROL AMPLIFIER RC-9 7 2
Figure 1: Controls and Connections
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Figure 2: RR-C91 Remote Control
STANDBY
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CD
TUNER
VIDEO
AUX 1
AUX 2
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VOLUME
MUTE
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RR-C91
3
STEREO CONTROL AMPLIFIER RC-9 7 2
Figure 3: Output Connections
ROTEL RC-972
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ROTEL RB-981
W ARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
CAUTION
STEREO
4
OHMS MINIMUM
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
POW ER AMPLIFIER
MODEL NO. RB-9 8 1
POW ER CONSUMPTION: 4 0 0 W
BRIDGED
8
OHMS MINIMUM
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE–NE PAS OUVRIR
SPEAKERS
RIGHT
LEFT
RIGHT INPUT
LEFT INPUT
SERIAL NO.
Figure 4: Line Level Input Connection
CD PLAYER
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ROTEL RC-972
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Figure 5: Recorder Connections
RECORDER
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ROTEL RC-972
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Englis h
Contents (circled num bers refer to illustration)
About Rotel
A family whose passionate interest in music led them to
manufacture high fidelity components of uncompromising quality
founded Rotel over 30 years ago. Through the years that passion
has remained undiminished and the family goal of providing
exceptional value for audiophiles and music lovers, regardless of
their budget, is shared by all Rotel employees.
Contents _____________________________________________ 5
About Rotel __________________________________________ 5
Getting Started ______________________________________ 5
A Few Precautions
Placem ent
6
6
6
Cables
Rem ote Control ______________________________________ 6
The engineers work as a close team, listening to, and fine tuning
each new product until it reaches their exacting musical
7
Rem ote Sensor
6
6
Rem ote Control Batteries
standards. They are free to choose components from around the
world in order to make that product the best they can. You are
likely to find capacitors from the United Kingdom and Germany,
semi conductors from Japan or the United States, while toroidal
power transformers are manufactured in Rotel’s own factory.
1 2
Output Connections
______________________________ 6
1 0
Input Signal Connections
__________________________ 7
1 1
Recorder Connections
_____________________________ 7
AC Pow er and Control ________________________________ 7
1 4
AC Power Input
7
Rotel’s reputation for excellence has been earned through
hundreds of good reviews and awards from the most respected
reviewers in the industry, who listen to music every day. Their
comments keep the company true to its goal – the pursuit of
equipment that is musical, reliable and affordable.
2
1 5
Power/Standby Switch
Power Indicator
Auxiliary Power Outputs
and
1
7
7
1 3
(U.S.A. version)
Audio Controls _______________________________________ 8
6
1 7
Volum e Control
Tone On/Off Switch
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
5
All of us at Rotel thank you for buying this product and hope it will
bring you many hours of enjoyment.
4
Bass and Treble Controls
Input “Function” Selector
9
1 6
8
Tape Monitor Switch
1 8
Mute Control
(rem ote only)
3
Phones Output
Getting Started
Recording ____________________________________________ 8
Optional Phono Pream plifier __________________________ 8
Troubleshooting ______________________________________ 9
Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RC-972 Stereo Control
Amplifier. When used in a high-quality music audio system, it will
provide years of musical enjoyment.
Power Indicator Is Not Lit
Fuse Replacem ent
No Sound
9
9
9
The RC-972 is a full featured, high performance preamplifier. All
aspects of the design have been optimized to retain the full
dynamic range and subtle nuances of your music. The RC-972 has
a highly regulated power supply incorporating a Rotel custom-
designed power transformer. This low impedance power supply
has ample power reserves, which enables the RC-972 to easily
reproduce the most demanding audio signals. This type of design
is more expensive to manufacture, but it is better for the music.
Specifications ________________________________________ 9
The RC-972 printed circuit boards (PCB) are designed with
Symmetrical Circuit Traces. This insures that the precise timing of
the music is maintained and faithfully recreated. The RC-972
circuitry uses metal film resistors and polystyrene or
polypropylene capacitors in important signal paths. All aspects of
this design have been examined with the final goal being faithful
reproduction of music.
The RC-972 is straightforward in its installation and operation. If
you have experience with other stereo systems, you shouldn’t find
anything perplexing. Simply plug in the associated components
and enjoy.
5
STEREO CONTROL AMPLIFIER RC-9 7 2
A Few Precautions
Please read this manual carefully. It provi-des complete
information on how to incorporate the RC-972 into your system as
well as general information that will help you get optimum sound
performance. Please contact your authorized Rotel dealer for
answers to any questions you might have. In addition, all of us at
Rotel welcome your questions and comments.
Rem ote Control
The RC-972 is supplied with an RR-C91 remote control. This
compact unit allows you to operate many of the controls of the
RC-972 from your listening location. When using the RR-C91 the
emitter on the front of the control must be pointed at the RC-972
front panel.
Save the RC-972 shipping carton and all enclosed packing
material for future use. Shipping or moving the RC-972 in anything
other than the original packing material may result in severe
damage to your amplifier.
The RR-C91 duplicates the basic functions of the front panel
control. When a control is on both the front panel and the remote
control, both control identifiers are shown in the related
instruction text. For example, to change the volume level you can
6
Fill out and send in the owner’s registration card packed with the
RC-972. Also be sure to keep the original sales receipt. It is your
best record of the date of purchase, which you will need in the
event warranty service is ever required.
either turn the control
on the front panel or use the buttons
1 7
on the remote control.
7
Rem ote Sensor
Placem ent
The Remote Sensor picks up the infrared signals from the remote
control. Do not cover or block the sensor. It must be unobstructed
or the remote control will not work properly. The operation of the
Remote Sensor can also be affected if it is exposed to bright light,
particularly sunlight. Certain types of lighting, such as halogen
lights, that emit a fair amount of infrared light, can also interfere
with proper operation. In addition remote control functions may
not work reliably if the batteries in the RR-C91 are weak.
Like all audio components that handle low-level signals, the RC-972
can be affected by its environment. To minimize the chance the
RC-972 will pick up hum or interference, do not place it on top of
an amplifier or any other device that has a large power
transformer. Keep the RC-972 away from devices that have motors
for the same reason. Do not place the RC-972 where it will be
exposed to direct sunlight.
Rem ote Control Batteries
We recommend installing the RC-972 in furniture designed to house
audio components. Such furniture is designed to reduce or
suppress vibration which can adversely affect sound quality. Ask
your authorized Rotel dealer for advice about component furniture
and proper installation of audio components.
The supplied batteries must be installed before the remote control
can be used. The battery cover is on the back of the RR-C91.
Gently press the small triangular symbol on the cover and slide
the cover down to expose the battery well. Install the batteries
with the terminals as shown in the illustration in the battery well.
Test the control for proper operation, then slide the cover back
into place. When the batteries become weak the remote control
won’t operate the RC-972 consistently. Installing fresh batteries
should eliminate the problem.
The RC-972 is supplied with a compact, easy to use remote control
– the RR-C91. In order to take advantage of the convenience it
provided, the RC-972 must be placed where you can see the
Remote Sensor on the front panel.
Cables
Note: Remove the batteries from the remote control if it will not be
used for a long period of time. Do not leave run down batteries in
the remote control. Exhausted batteries can leak corrosive chemi-
cals which will damage the unit.
Be sure to keep the power cords, digital signal cables and regular
audio signal cables in your installation away from each other. This
will minimize the chance of the regular audio signal cables
picking up noise or interference from the power cords or digital
cables. Using only high quality, shielded cables will also help to
prevent noise or interference from degrading the sound quality of
your system. If you have any questions see your authorized Rotel
dealer for advice about the best cable to use with your system
1 2
Output Connections
[See Figure 3 for RCA output connection illustration.]
The RC-972 has RCA-type output connectors that are compatible
with the inputs of most power amplifiers. Use high quality cables
and be sure to connect the Left and Right channel outputs of the
RC-972 to the correct channels of the amplifier.
There are two sets of outputs on the RC-972. The second set of
outputs may be used in custom system configurations to drive a
second power amplifier or to supply a signal to a special signal
processor.
6
Englis h
1 0
Input Signal Connections
AC Power and Control
[See Figure 4 for input connection illustration.]
The RC-972 has conventional RCA type input connectors, the type
found on nearly all audio equipment.
1 4
AC Pow er Input
The RC-972 does not use a significant amount of power. However
there are two auxiliary power outlets on the back of the unit,
which can be used to supply power for other units. Consequently
it is usually best to plug the RC-972 directly into a 2-pin polarized
wall outlet. Avoid the use of extension cords. A heavy duty multi-
tap power outlet strip may be used if it (and the wall outlet) is
rated to handle the current demanded by the components
connected to it.
Note: To prevent loud noises that neither you nor your speakers
will appreciate, make sure the system is turned off when you
make any signal connections.
The CD, Tuner, and Aux inputs of the RC-972 are “line level”
inputs. These are for connecting components such as CD players,
Hi Fi or NICAM Stereo video cassette recorders, tuners for audio
or video, Laser Disc players or the analog output from a CD ROM
drive.
Note: Do not connect the power cord for a power amplifier to the
auxiliary power outlets on the RC-972. Power amplifiers often
draw more power than these outlets can provide.
The Left and Right channels are clearly labeled and should be
connected to the corresponding channels of the source
component. The Left RCA connectors are white, the Right
connectors are red. Use high quality RCA cables for connecting
input source components to the RC-972. Ask your authorized Rotel
dealer for advice about cables.
Your RC-972 is configured at the factory for the proper AC line
voltage in the country where you purchased it (either 115 volts AC
or 230 volts AC with a line frequency of either 50 Hz or 60 Hz). The
AC line configuration is noted on a decal on the back panel.
Note: Should you move your RC-972 amplifier to another country, it
is possible to reconfigure your amplifier for use on a different line
voltage. Do not attempt to perform this conversion yourself. Open-
ing the enclosure of the RC-972 exposes you to dangerous volt-
ages. Consult a qualified service person or the Rotel factory
service department for information.
Note: The optional phono board card enables you to connect a
phonograph to the RC-972. See your authorized Rotel dealer for
more information.
If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of
time such as a month-long vacation, it is a sensible precaution to
unplug your amplifier (as well as other audio and video
components) while you are away.
1 1
Recorder Connections
[See Figure 5 for recorder connection illustration.]
The Tape inputs and outputs can be connected to any record/
playback device that accepts standard line level analog input and
output signals. Typically that will be a conventional tape recorder.
1 5
2
Power/Standby Switch
and
1
Power Indicator
When connecting a recorder to the RC-972 remember that the
outputs of the recorder must be connected to the tape inputs of
the RC-972. Similarly the tape outputs of the RC-972 must be
connected to the inputs of the recorder. As with other sources be
sure to connect the Left and Right channels of each device to the
proper channels on the associated components. Use high quality
connecting cables to prevent loss of sound quality.
The Power Indicator light above the Standby button is always
illuminated when the RC-972 is connected to a “live” AC outlet.
When the Power/Standby switch is pressed the RC-972 is turned
on. The Function indicator light and Volume Control indicator
light will illuminate. Pressing the Standby switch again will put
the RC-972 in “standby” mode and these indicator lights are
turned off.
1 3
Auxiliary Pow er Outputs
(U.S.A. version)
The RC-972 has two switched outlets on the back panel. Power is
available from these outlets when the RC-972 is turned on. These
outlets can provide up to a total of 400 watts. They are appropriate
for supplying power to signal sources, such as CD players, tuners,
or tape decks. They should not be used for power amplifiers.
Connecting components that will draw more than 400 watts to
these outputs could damage the Standby switch in the RC-972.
7
STEREO CONTROL AMPLIFIER RC-9 7 2
3
Phones Output
Audio Controls
The Phones output allows you to connect headphones for private
listening. This output accommodates standard stereo phone (1/4”)
plugs. If your headphones have another type of plug, such as a
1/8” mini-plug, you will need an adapter plug. Contact your
authorized Rotel dealer, to get the correct adapter plug.
6
1 7
Volum e Control
6
As with all normal volume controls turn the control knob
clockwise to increase the volume, or counterclockwise to
decrease the volume. Or press the remote control volume button
Note: Plugging in a set of headphones does not cut off the signal
to the outputs. In most instances you should turn off the power
amplifier when listening to headphones.
1 7
next to the ▲ symbol to turn the volume up; press the button
next to the ▼ symbol to turn the volume down.
5
Tone On/ Off Sw itch
When the switch is in the Off position the tone control circuits are
bypassed to ensure the purest possible sound. Leave the switch in
the Off position unless you want to use the tone controls. Turn the
switch to the On position if you want to adjust the tone controls.
Recording
9
Set the Function Selector switch
to the component you want
to use for the signal source. If you have a three-head cassette
recorder, a three-head reel-to-reel tape recorder or a DAT
recorder that allows simultaneous “read and write” operation you
can monitor your recording by setting the Tape Monitor switch
4
Bass and Treble Controls
When the Tone Switch is in the On position, turning the Bass and
Treble controls adjusts the tone balance of the sound. Turn the
controls clockwise to increase the bass or treble output. Turn the
controls counterclockwise to decrease the bass or treble output.
8
to the “Tape” position. When not monitoring a recording, or
listening to a previously recorded tape, set the Tape Monitor
8
switch
to the “Source” position.
A properly set up high-performance audio system produces the
most natural sound with little or no adjustment of the tone
controls. Use these controls sparingly. Be particularly careful
when turning the controls up (clockwise). This increases the
power output in the bass or treble range, increasing the load on
the amplifier and speakers.
Optional Phono Board Card
In order to use an analog phono turntable with the RC-972 you
must install the optional MM or MC phono board card. These plug
in boards convert the Aux 1 input to a phono input. They can be
installed by your authorized Rotel dealer, or you can install them
yourself. If you plan to install them yourself, follow the supplied
instructions very carefully. Failure to precisely follow the
instructions can result in damage to the RC-972 or personal injury.
If you are not sure you have the knowledge and skills to properly
install the preamp boards, have the installation done by your
dealer.
9
1 6
Input “Function” Selector
The setting of the Function Selector controls which of the input
signals goes to the main outputs and onto the power amplifier –
or, more simply, which source is heard. Turn the knob on the front
9
panel control
to the source you want to use, or press the
1 6
corresponding button
on the RR-C91 remote The signal from
the selected source also goes to the Tape Outputs.
8
Tape Monitor Sw itch
When the Tape Monitor switch is in the Source position you hear
the sound source that is selected by the Function Selector.
Turning the switch to the Tape position lets you listen to a
previously recorded tape, or monitor the sound from the tape
recorder while you are recording.
1 8
Mute Control
(rem ote only)
To temporarily mute the sound of the system press the Mute
Button on the RR-C91 remote. Press the button again to return the
sound volume to the original level. The LED in the volume control
will flash when the unit is muted.
8
Englis h
Troubleshooting
Specifications
Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz-20 kHz)
Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz, 4:1)
Input Sensitivity / Impedance
Output Level / Impedance
< 0.004%
Most difficulties in audio systems are the result of incorrect
connections, or improper control settings. If you encounter
problems, isolate the area of the difficulty, check the control
settings, determine the cause of the fault and make the necessary
changes. If you are unable to get sound from the RC-972, refer to
the suggestions for the following conditions:
< 0.004% at 1V output
150 mV / 24 kOhms
1 V/ 100 Ohms
Usable Headphone Impedance
Frequency Response
8 - 2,000 Ohms
4Hz-100kHz, +0, -3dB
±6dB at 100 Hz and 10K Hz
95 dB
Tone Controls
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighted)
Power Requirements
USA Version
Pow er Indicator Is Not Lit
115 Volts, 60 Hz
230 Volt, 50 Hz
European Version
The Power Indicator should be lit whenever the RC-972 is plugged
into the wall power outlet. If it does not light, test the power outlet
with another electrical device, such as a lamp. Be sure the power
outlet being used is not controlled by a switch that has been
turned off.
Power Consumption
10 Watts
Dimensions (W x H x D)
440 x 72 x 286 mm
173/8” x 27/8” x 111/4”
Weight (net)
4.3 kg, 9.46 lbs.
All specifications are accurate at the time of printing.
Rotel reserves the right to make improvements without notice.
Fuse Replacem ent
If another electrical device works when plugged into the power
outlet, and the Power Indicator still will not light, it indicates that
the internal power fuse may have blown. If you believe this has
happened, contact your authorized Rotel dealer to get the fuse
replaced.
No Sound
Be sure the RC-972 is turned on. The Volume Control indicator
light and the selected function indicator should be lit. Be sure the
Function Selector is set to the proper input. Check to see if wthe
Mute Function has been engaged. Check the signal source to see
if it is functioning properly. Make sure the cables from the signal
source to the RC-972 inputs are connected properly. Check the
power amplifier for power and proper operation. Check all the
wiring between the RC-972 and the power amplifier, and the
power amplifier and speakers.
9
RC-972
STEREO CONTROL AMPLIFIER
The Rotel Co. Ltd.
10-10 Shinsen-Cho
Shibuya-Ku
Tokyo 150-0045
J apan
Phone: +81-3-5458-5325
Fax: +81-3-5458-5310
Rotel of Am erica
54 Concord Street
North Reading, MA 01864-2699
USA
Phone: +1 978-664-3820
Fax: +1 978-664-4109
Rotel Europe
Meadow Road
Worthing, West Sussex BN11 2RX
England
Phone: +44 1903-524-813
Fax: +44 1903-524-831
Rotel Deutschland
Kleine Heide 12
D-33790 Halle/Westf.
Germ any
Phone: +49 5201-87170
Fax: +49 5201-73370
082 OMRC-972 081899
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