Rotel

This year Rotel has introduced a new budget-priced integrated amplifier, the A8< at $449 and has upgraded the A10 and A11 models to the A10 Mk II at $599 and the A11 Mk II at $849. They have also upgraded the CD11 to the CD11 Mk II at $599 and introduced a new streaming integrated amplifier, the RAS-5000 at $2999.

The A8 is a pure analog unit with a built-in phono preamplifier designed to give a maximum performance per dollar solution to those who want the best possible pure analog sound. Built on an in-house manufactured, high-current toroidal transformer, the A8 delivers 40 Watts/channel of Class-AB output power into 4 ohm loudspeakers. The resulting audio presents your music with deep, controlled bass energy, an ultra-refined midrange, and a highly-detailed soundstage, all expertly crafted into a slim, 2 3/8-inch chassis. The 3 RCA inputs and moving magnet phono stage ensure compatibility with your favorite analog sources. The front panel bass, treble, and balance controls allow for convenient adjustment so you can achieve the sonics that are best for you and your system. The included IR remote control provides seamless operation of power on/off, volume level and source selection. For private listening, a 1/8” headphone jack is included, and rear-panel 5-way loudspeaker binding posts allow ultimate installation flexibility.

The A10 MK II pure analog Integrated Amplifier offers the perfect combination of power and style for the music lover seeking to elevate the listening experience. Constructed with a massive Rotel-built toroidal transformer, the A10 MK II delivers 50 Watts/channel of Class A/B power into 8 ohms and has three RCA inputs and a moving magnet Phono stage for vinyl lovers . A 1/8” headphone jack with a dedicated headphone amplifier circuit is provided on the front panel for private listening sessions. An intuitive front panel layout includes rotary bass, treble, and balance controls. The IR remote control and a motorized analog volume control extend ease of use to the listening seat. In previous newsletters, we discussed the improvements wrought by the Mk II upgrades, and these same improvements have now been incorporated into the A10 Mk II to yield an entirely superior product.

The A11 Mk II is very similar to the above A10 Mk II except that it adds Bluetooth aptX HD and AAC IC and digital connectivity via a Texas Instruments premium 32-bit/384kHz Digital-to-Analog Converter. As above, the A11 Mk II has all of the features of the original A11 but with the improved sonics of the Mk II upgrades.

The CD11 MK II CD Player highlights Rotel's 30+ year legacy of delivering high performance, high value CD players. The player's heavy steel chassis supports a proprietary disc transport exclusively for the playback of compact discs. The CD11 MK II's smooth tray-loading mechanism, precise laser pickup, and silent running motor controller ensures seamless playback of your CD collection, including MP3s. Digital to Analog conversion is handled by a premium Texas Instruments PCM5102A 32-bit/384kHz DAC feeding custom-tuned digital low pass filter circuits. This sound-first design renders music on a large, open sound stage with both power and finesse. Intuitive CD control functions on the front panel and remote control ensure simple operation. The front panel graphic display shows playback status and disc meta data information, including the title and artist. This version of the player benefits from the sonic improvements engendered by the MK II versions.

The RAS-5000 is a thoroughly modern integrated amplifier that incorporates full streaming capabilities into its 140 Watt/channel Class-AB design. Stream your favorite music from Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Internet Radio, or any service available on your computer, tablet, or mobile device via Airplay 2, Google Cast, Roon, or aptX HD Bluetooth. The HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connection ensures dynamic, high resolution sound from your TV for your favorite live sports, shows, movies, and games . This amplifier also has both analog and digital inputs, including a USB input for a computer, for the connection of all of your components and supports MQA and Roon. The RAS-5000 also has tone controls for tuning up less-than-perfect musical content.