Rotel C8+ Custom Installation Amplifier
Built for high-performance whole-home audio and custom install racks, the Rotel C8+ is an 8-channel Class AB amplifier that delivers clean, controlled power for multi-room systems, distributed audio, and premium zone listening. It produces 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms (all 8 channels driven) for confident dynamics and grip, and it can be bridged to 4 channels at 300 watts per channel into 4 ohms for larger speakers or more demanding zones. Installation flexibility is a core strength: 4 analog inputs plus 4 digital inputs are matrixed to all zones, while the front-panel display lets you select sources and fine-tune independent volume, bass, and treble per zone. With IP and RS232 control, 12V trigger, secure custom-install speaker connections, and a space-efficient 2U chassis designed for dense rack builds, the C8+ is a powerful, installer-friendly engine for scalable multi-room hi-fi.
The Rotel C8+ is part of ListenUp's Rotel Power Amplifiers Collection.
What It's Good At:
- Driving whole-home audio with serious headroom: 8 x 150W (4Ω) with all channels driven
- Powering demanding zones by bridging to 4 x 300W (4Ω) for bigger speakers and higher output
- Flexible source distribution with matrixed 4 analog + 4 digital inputs across zones
- Fine-tuning each zone using independent volume, bass, and treble controls from the front panel
- Reliable custom-install integration via IP control, RS232, and 12V trigger
- Rack-friendly deployment with a 2U chassis that needs no top/bottom clearance and includes rack ears
Rotel C8+ Full Specifications:
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Product Type: Custom Installation / Multi-Room Hi-Fi Amplifier
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Amplifier Design: Class AB
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Number of Channels: 8
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Maximum Power Output: 150 W/ch (8 channels driven, 4Ω)
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Continuous Power Output: 100 W/ch (8 channels driven, 8Ω)
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Bridged Power Output: 300 W/ch (4 channels driven, 4Ω)
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Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.1%
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Intermodulation Distortion (60Hz:7kHz, 4:1): < 0.1%
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Frequency Response (Line Level Inputs): 10 Hz – 100 kHz, +0 dB, 0 ± 0.5 dB
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Frequency Response (Digital Inputs): 10 Hz – 20 kHz, 0 ± 0.5 dB
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S/N Ratio (IHF “A” Weighted, Line Level Inputs): 100 dB
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S/N Ratio (IHF “A” Weighted, Digital Inputs): 102 dB
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Damping Factor (20Hz – 20kHz, 8Ω): 80
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Crosstalk / Separation: > 50 dB
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Tone Controls: ±10 dB at 100 Hz / 10 kHz
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Digital to Analog Converters: 4 individual 24-bit/192 kHz DACs (Texas Instruments)
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Inputs (Total): 8 (matrixed to all zones)
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Analog Inputs: 4
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Digital Inputs: 4 total
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Coaxial Digital Inputs: 2
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Optical Digital Inputs: 2
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Optical Digital Signals / Supported Digital Audio: SPDIF LPCM (up to 192 kHz / 24-bit)
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Input Sensitivity:
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Line Level Inputs: 0.43 V
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Digital Inputs: -13.5 dBFS
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Input Impedance:
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Line Level Inputs: 31 kΩ
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Digital Inputs: 75 Ω
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Input Overload (Line Level Inputs, RCA): 2.8 V
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Source/Zone Handling: Internal matrix switching to all zones; per-zone volume, bass, treble adjustment via front panel
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Priority Function: Priority Zone PA Override feature
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Speaker Output Connection Type: Detachable Phoenix connectors with secure-locking screw terminals
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Control & Integration: IP control, RS232, 12V trigger
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Rack / Chassis: Custom 2U height; no top or bottom clearance required when rack mounting; rack ears included
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Finish / Color: Black only
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Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 97 × 414 mm (17" × 3.9" × 16.3")
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Front Panel Height: 2U / 88.1 mm (3.5")
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Net Weight: 18.35 kg (40.79 lbs)
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Power Requirements: 120 V, 60 Hz
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Power Consumption: 980 W
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Standby Power Consumption: Normal: < 0.5 W; Network Standby: < 2 W
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BTU Rating (4Ω, 1/8th power): 2744 BTU/h
Rotel C8+ Q&A:
- What is the Rotel C8+ designed for?
- The C8+ is built for custom installation and whole-home audio, delivering 8 channels of Class AB power with flexible source distribution and control-system integration.
- How much power does the C8+ deliver per channel?
- It delivers 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms with all eight channels driven, or 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms with all eight channels driven.
- Can the Rotel C8+ be bridged for more power?
- Yes. It can be bridged to provide 4 channels at 300 watts per channel into 4 ohms for higher-demand zones or larger speakers.
- How many inputs does the C8+ have, and can they be shared across zones?
- It includes 4 analog inputs and 4 digital inputs, and they can be matrixed to all zones for flexible multi-room routing.
- What digital connections are supported on the C8+?
- The C8+ supports 2 coaxial and 2 optical digital inputs, and it accepts SPDIF LPCM up to 192 kHz/24-bit.
- Does the C8+ include tone controls for each zone?
- Yes. It provides independent volume plus bass and treble adjustment per zone from the front panel interface.
- Is the C8+ compatible with control systems?
- Yes. Integration is supported through IP control, RS232, and a 12V trigger for simplified power and automation control.
- Is the C8+ rack-mount friendly for tight installations?
- Yes. The 2U chassis is designed to require no top or bottom clearance in a rack, and rack ears are included.
Rotel C8+ Downloads:
Rotel C8+ Manual
Rotel C8+ Specification Sheet
Rotel C8+ Drawing
