Why the Distain For the Rotel RB-1080 Power Amp?

Look into the Odyssey Stratos power amplifier as an alternative. You can get stereo or mono block, stock or modified versions and all come with relatively high to very high current capacity and dampening factors to keep a grip on your speakers and stay ahead of demanding musical passages. Definitely more neutral than the big Rotel. If you are considering the 1080, I assume space is not necessarily an issue?

http://www.odysseyaudio.com/products.html

Another alternative is Rotel's new digital power amp which has received good reviews.

http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=5

I switched from a Rotel RB-1080 to an Odyssey Stratos Extreme SE a month ago and the difference has been astounding. I am ashamed to think I actually lived with the Rotel for a year. The evolution of my system will revolve around this wonderful amp, and ,if need be, it will receive some upgrades. This amp seems to have a wonderful range of upgrade iterations available.

I don't know about the RB-1080, but my RB-1070 is a real dead sounding amp. I've taken it out of my main 2-channel system and relegated it to subwoofer amp duty.

I had an RB1070 for maybe....8 months w/Maggie 1.6s
Not a real good match. The Rotel wasn't really happy driving 4ohms, though it NEVER ran warm, even in my poorly ventilated enclosure. The replacement PS Audio ICE integrated is a real improvement and has limitless feeling dynamics.
Don't forget, at least for the '1070, there is no factory 4ohm power rating.....and a limit of 8ohms bridged.
The 1080 has no such limit.

I had an RB 1080 with a pair of B&W 805S. It sounded horrible. The high end was harsh and the unit itself ran very hot.

I went to the extreme and bought a Mac 352 from Audio Classics. I understand that the price is 3X, but it demonstrated what a good amp can do. The difference was night and day.