What's that? Rotel?

So the final piece of equipment from the trip to the 23rd/MacArthur thrift store is one of my prized posssesions, a mint condition Rotel RC-972 preamp. I've wanted a higher end preamp for some time but they were few and far between, not to mention the fact that they're outlandishly priced. This coupled with the fact that I'm always broke, and don't really want to spend any more than is necessary...this not being a necessary item and all.

Anyways what excited me the most about it was the $5.98 scribble across the top in red wax pen. Rotel... six dollars.... wait what? That's akin to my Cadillac having a sticker price of $1000. A quick google shows this as an almost $900 unit.

http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/preamplifiers/rotel/rc-972/PRD_118380_1591crx.aspx

How does it sound? Great. It's neutral. I turn all tone controls off on it. I like that its remote controlled (I still have to find one...). It replaced my NAD preamp and I haven't looked back. I could probably flip it for $400 or so, but I've always wanted something of this caliber, and I probably will keep it until I find something better, like a McIntosh or something.

Currently this is attached to my NAD214 amplifier and B&W DM2000's. Awesome :)

Ratings:

Price: $6
Status: Keeper
Condition: 4.50Stars
Cost: 1 Star
Flippable: 4.5 Stars
Potential Income: 5 Stars