Rotel

This year Rotel has significantly improved one of their 2-channel integrated amplifiers and two of their CD players via introductions of their Mk II versions.

Last issue we discussed in detail the upgrades that were made to the A14 Mk II, the RA-1572 Mk II, and the RA-1592 Mk II integrated amplifiers. These same improvements have now been incorporated into the A12 Mk II to yield an entirely superb version at $1100. The A12 Mk II continues to offer all of the features of the original A12 such as Bluetooth connectivity, multiple digital and analog inputs, and a USB input for connection to a computer to allow for the direct streaming of digital music files. All of this comes with the sonic improvements outlined in our last issue.

The new CD14 MK II ($900) and RCD-1572 Mk II ($1100) have had improvements made to their DAC sections, output filters, and power supplies. For example, the DAC chip in both models has been upgraded from a Wolfson 24-bit/192kHz chip to a Texas Instruments premium 32-bit/384kHz model. The totality of these improvements has resulted in an upgraded sound quality that brings even more life to your entire CD collection.

Rotel is proud to announce the RA-6000 Integrated Amplifier and DT-6000 DAC Transport to celebrate its 60th anniversary. The Diamond Series models earn their distinction from the brand's three decades of unwavering commitment to quality and passion for audio performance. The Diamond Series models feature industrial design engineered with modern, contemporary styling complimenting Rotel's current offerings while paying tribute to the brand's heritage through generations of legacy models.

The RA-6000 integrated amplifier ($4500) delivers 350 watts of output power into 4-ohm speaker loads, leveraging technical and performance designs from the brand's flagship Michi series models. The RA-6000 is the beneficiary of Michi circuit design, acoustic components, and power supply engineering methods, further featuring upgrades found in recent MKII models. An array of source inputs ensures connection to modern and legacy audio sources including coaxial (3), optical (3), analog (3), PC-USB supporting MQA, Bluetooth with aptX HD for high performance wireless streaming, XLR Balanced, iOS USB for Apple devices and a moving magnet phono stage for vinyl enthusiasts.

The DT-6000 CD Player ($2300), also called a DAC Transport by Rotel, is the ultimate source component for discerning audiophiles and music lovers alike, bringing music to life with unprecedented precision. The unit includes a PC-USB input supporting MQA and DSD audio playback and renders PCM 32-bit/384kHz music files through the coaxial and optical inputs supporting music streamers and media players while the tray loading CD mechanism lets you spin your silver discs. The focal point of the DT-6000 is the 8-channel ESS Sabre ES9028PRO Digital to Analog Converter configured to dedicate 4 mono DACs each to the left and right channels. Redundant signal processing of the digital data streams extracts nuances of audio with exacting clarity and detail with an exceptionally low noise floor. The DAC feeds custom engineered fully balanced differential output filters with sonic components critically tuned for life-like reproduction of the audio. The DT-6000 is powered by an in-house-manufactured shielded toroidal transformer with high efficiency slit foil smoothing capacitors that reduce stray emissions and deliver independent, isolated, low noise power to all critical circuits, further reducing noise and distortion.