Having owned a Rotel and Kef combo back in the day, I've long had a soft spot for the Rotel 9 series. Good build quality, visually basic yet appealing and most importantly they sound good. I've have been collecting a few pieces, mostly for nostalgic reasons.


I started with a RCD965bx CDP sold as mint condition but actually had a sticky drawer and broken play button (both common problems), replaced the drawer belt and fixed the button then sold this when a 965bx discrete was purchased.  Next was a 9 series DAC, again sold in excellent condition but turned up with a repainted lid.  It tested ok on delivery but failed when I checked it again after onselling and before sending it on its way, it went in the bin.  Biggest regret was sending back a RD980bx tape deck again sold in excellent condition but when tested was playing slow.  When the seller failed to come to the party assisting with the cost of getting it looked at by a tech I sent it back.  Should have bitten the bullet and kept it as it was cosmetically perfect and not likely to see another.


I was just about ready to give up after all this but have ended up with a RT-940ax Tuner and RCD-965bx discrete CDP.  I'd have really liked another 985bx amp however they are few and far between and go for silly money.  Having recently acquired a RA-960bx amp I needed to test it out so hooked it all up yesterday together with a set of Mark Audio speakers.


Not suprisingly it sounds pretty darn good.  Adding a cheap DAC would most likely make it a hard to beat system for the money.

That's a tidy compact setup & oodles of idling power for the Mark Audios I imagine.

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

Haha yes, didnt break a sweat that's for sure.

The Mark Audios are usually waisting their talent on HT surround sound duties at the moment. I had the drivers in storage for an embarassingly long time but finally built the cabinets last year while between jobs. As usual I went OTT with Baltic Birch cabinets and Dueland wiring. I do run them in my main system when the mood arises and they really are outstanding, especially on accoustic music. Bass output is suprising considering the size of the drivers. Given the low cost they are the best value for money I've spent on hifi.

I built them as I wanted to try a full range driver and I certainly get why people like them. Can't say I'd want a pair as my only set of speakers but I'd like to try a slightly bigger driver at some stage.