Polk 2.3's

[warren]

I just bought a Rotel RB 991 Amp. is it a common ground amp? Please, someone has to know, I would really like to match the Rotel with my Polk 2.3's. Regards, Warren

[ND13]

I'm almost positive that it is, but someone with Rotel gear will surely ring in here soon to let you know for a fact.

You're goona giz all over yourself when you get those babies pumping.

Good luck,

Noel

[warren]

Thanks Noel I cant wait for the mess! I'll have to wait for the OK that it is. Thanks Warren

[bikezappa]

I think that a common ground means that the negative, black, left and right speaker connections should have zero resistance. To check, connect an ohm meter to the left and right speaker neagtive terminals, it should read zero. That's a common ground.

Let me know if I'm wrong.

[ND13]

Have you done a google on that amp to look for the specs, yet?

[warren]

Thanks.bikezappa
I'll have to get a meter and try it out,and let you know, Thank you, Warren

[warren]

Yes,ND13
They dont tell if it is or isn't. I have them hooked up to a Sony STR998-de, and the Sonys specs. dont say one way or the other, somewon on line here said it was OK. Ill just have to wait. Thanks, Warren

[BobMcG]

I can all but guarantee you it's a common ground amp as "most" modern amps are.

It's a fine amp and has enough "quality" 200 wpc to power the 2.3s which need at least an amp like this to make them perform well.

The bass region is not one of it's stronger points however as it's predecessor the 990 outperformed it in this area. It also doesn't perform well at low volume levels either but when the heck are you going to be running it low with 2.3s??? They don't like wimpy amps or softly played elevator music anyways. :)

[warren]

Thanks for the reply BobMcG Il keep you posted on what happens Iam going to use the Sony STR-DE985 as the pre amp. The Sony by itself has a pretty good sound stage anis pretty good at low volume, I just thought the Rotel would blow the doors off the Sony. and its a start to seperates. Regards, Warren

[warren]

Thanks bikezappa
I think that a common ground means that the negative, black, left and right speaker connections should have zero resistance. To check, connect an ohm meter to the left and right speaker neagtive terminals, it should read zero. That's a common ground.

Every one agrees on that testing method, went to Radio Shack got a VOM tested the Rotel and its a common ground amp if I did it right. I think I'll still wait for a reply from Rotel, if they send one. I ve got more time than money. Thanks again, Warren

[Dennis Gardner]

If it has a single transformer and uses a single pcb board, and it measures as a short across the terminals, you are ok.

Avoid single ended, dual monoblock designs. The newer 1080 and 1090 are of this design, but the 9 series, are most likely built on the same chassis board.

You should be able to use them with your 2.3s.

[warren]

Thank you Dennis Gardner
Looks like a go, hopefully I'll get something from Rotel tomorrow, if their not compatible the Sony and the Rotel would go and the Polk 2.3's would be OK? I dont want any thing to happen to them. Regards, Warren

[Dennis Gardner]

Rail fuses on the amps normally blow if there is an issue. The speakers won't be harmed in any way, its the electronics that see the big Polks as a shorted speaker that give out.

[warren]

Thanks Dennis , Regards, Warren

[warren]

A big thanks, to all that helped I learned how to operate a V.O.M. both the Rotel and the Carver are commom ground amps. and move those Polks. Regards, Warren