Rotel C8 8-Channel Custom Power Amplifier | C8
Rotel C8 8-Channel Custom Power Amplifier | C8
Available to order — ships from incoming stock
Typically ships in 4–8 Business Days (Western Canada) · 2–5 Business Days (Eastern Canada)
SKU:C8
Shipping terms (Free over $300) calculated at checkout.
Rotel C8 8-Channel Custom Installation Power Amplifier
The Rotel C8 is a high-density, 8-channel Class AB amplifier engineered for custom installation and distributed audio. It delivers 50 W/ch into 8 Ω or 70 W/ch into 4 Ω with all channels driven, supports bridged mode for 140 W into 4 Ω, and includes a built-in analog source-to-zone matrix with front-panel zone control (source selection, volume, bass, treble). It’s designed to simplify multi-room builds by reducing the need for external matrixing and per-zone control hardware.
Dealer Quick Fit
- Best for: distributed audio requiring 4 stereo zones (8 channels) with matrixed analog routing
- Power: 8 × 50 W/ch (8 Ω, all channels driven) • 8 × 70 W/ch (4 Ω, all channels driven) • Bridged: 140 W (4 Ω)
- Source matrix: 4 × analog stereo inputs routed per zone (front panel / IP / RS232 control)
- Zone EQ/control: per-zone source/volume/bass/treble control from the chassis
- Control: Ethernet (IP control) + RS232 + 12V trigger input
- Priority audio: Priority Zone PA Override for paging/announcement use cases
- Rack: 2U chassis; rack ears included; designed for dense rack layouts
Why Dealers Care
- Integrated analog matrix: route four analog sources to four stereo zones without adding a separate zone matrix in many installs.
- Per-zone tone shaping: bass/treble controls help compensate for in-ceiling boundaries, patio acoustics, or “background music” target curves.
- Bridgeable power: allocate more power to a demanding zone (larger room, outdoor speakers, or higher-SPL area) while keeping other zones stereo.
- Control-system flexibility: IP/RS232/trigger options cover everything from basic sequencing to full automation integration.
- Rack efficiency: 2U form factor supports high channel density where rack space is premium.
Zone & Channel Model (CI Overview)
- Zones: 4 stereo zones (8 amplifier channels total).
- Analog sources: 4 stereo RCA inputs (matrixed).
- Per-zone settings: select source + set volume + bass/treble per zone via front panel or automation.
- Bridging: bridge channel pairs only when the speaker load and wiring are confirmed compatible; label bridged pairs for serviceability.
- Priority override: PA override can force a priority signal to selected zones (paging/announcement behavior).
Specs at a Glance
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Channels | 8 |
| Continuous Power Output | 50 W/ch (8 Ω, all channels driven) • 70 W/ch (4 Ω, all channels driven) |
| Bridged Power | 140 W (4 Ω) |
| Amplifier Type | Class AB |
| THD | < 0.1% |
| Frequency Response (Line) | 10 Hz–100 kHz (0 ± 0.5 dB) |
| S/N Ratio (Line) | 100 dB |
| Damping Factor | 80 (8 Ω) |
| Crosstalk | > 50 dB |
| Power / Consumption | 120 V, 60 Hz • 570 W (Standby: < 0.5 W • Network Standby: < 2 W) |
| BTU | 1537 BTU/h |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 16.9 × 3.8 × 16.3 in (430 × 97 × 414 mm) |
| Front Panel Height | 2U / 3.5 in (88.9 mm) |
| Net Weight | 36.8 lb (16.7 kg) |
Connectivity & Control
- Analog Inputs: 4 × stereo RCA pairs (matrixed)
- Digital Inputs: none
- Speaker Outputs: 8 channels / 4 stereo zones (CI-style terminal outputs)
- Network: Ethernet for IP control and configuration
- RS232: serial control for automation systems
- Trigger: 12V trigger input (3.5 mm mono)
- Front Panel Control: zone source/volume/bass/treble with display feedback
- Priority: Priority Zone PA Override
Installation Notes (Dealer-Level)
- Design as four stereo zones: map each zone to a room/area and allocate sources via the matrix during commissioning.
- Use bridging selectively: bridge only for the zones that truly need additional headroom; keep remaining zones stereo for flexibility.
- Gain structure: confirm source output level and zone volume limits so clients don’t accidentally overdrive small in-ceiling speakers.
- Paging behavior: enable PA override only where required; document which zones are affected for future service calls.
- Thermal planning: 2U density is rack-efficient—still confirm airflow strategy for sustained multi-zone duty cycles.
Finish Options (SKU)
- C8 — Black
Commercial & Logistics (No Dealer Pricing)
- MSRP: $2,999.00
- Warranty: 5 Years
- Status: Active
| UPC | Ship Wt | Carton (L×W×H) |
|---|---|---|
| 672563142116 | 45 lb | 22 × 20 × 9 in |
In the Box
- Rack ears
- Detachable IEC power cord
FAQ
- Can I route multiple sources to different zones? Yes — four analog inputs are matrixed to zones.
- Can it be bridged for more power? Yes — bridged mode is supported (140 W into 4 Ω stated).
- Does it support automation control? Yes — RS232, IP control (Ethernet), and 12V trigger input.
- Does it support PA override? Yes — Priority Zone PA Override is supported.
- Does it have digital inputs? No — analog sources only (no optical/coax inputs).
