Best Integrated Amp Under $1,000? If not the Rotel A11 Tribute is a Contender. A Review.
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- Rotel A11 Tribute (Black) shop-links.co/cgNwUVlIMAt
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Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
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Rotel A11 Tribute (Black) shop-links.co/cgNwUVlIMAt
Rotel A11 Tribute (Silver) shop-links.co/cgRIZoiPsH8
--Emotiva TA1 emotiva.com?aff=9
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dont you talk about buying used amps? like old av receivers (sony pioneer kenwood yamaha) arent theese good for 'music only'?
cause i think a cheap good quality sound system, is buying a used powerfull old 'modern' amp for 100$ and some good used speakers for 100$
@@Jason787 I don't think he's trying to be misleading. He has mentioned his affiliate position on many of his videos. He does put alot of work into his productions.
@@Jason787 He is paid for using these links. He's literally just getting free gear and dropping referral links in the comments. OF COURSE a $1,000 amp is a super easy recommend if you didn't pay for it. Most of his videos lack the actual product and is just reading off a spec sheet.
Low effort content.
@@sergiobisonte With a channel labeled "cheapaudioman" -- Anyways here's a referral to a $1,000+ amp.
He has fell of the wagon and become desperate it seems as of late. Daily uploads? lol. They're just mass advertisements now. What happened?
@@AgentLokVokun i just bought a used ebay powerfull kenwood 20 year old av receiver in great condition for 45€... I have some old yamaha surround system speakers. And i will buy a bluetooth receiver, to listen music from the pc too. i will have more than enought good music at my living room for 50€. I know this old av receivers are useless to plug on a tv cause they dont have hdmi. But arent they good for music only? For me this is the best buck for your money
Thank you very much Randy, I've been drooling over the Tribute for a year. Seeing a new review for this Rotel (by you no less) is absolutely fantastic, I hope to own one soon 😁
Nice one Randy 👍🏽
I picked up the A11 Tribute a couple of weeks ago and then some pre-owned Focal Aria 926's to go with it, I can honestly say I'm finally happy with what I'm hearing having gone through numerous setups over the years.
I only stream music by Bluetooth via a ifi Zen blue V2 and the sound is just perfect to my ears, full and natural sounding without using any tone controls. I'm able to listen to music until the early hours without disturbing anyone as the sound is so clear and engaging even set at a modest level of 35.
Wonderful Amp that I'd recommend.
Really comprehensive and well sourced review. Everything you described of this Rotel also reminds me of the Creek Evolution 50a…even the volume pot attenuation tending to be set higher.
I’ve had the A12 Tribute for a few years now, and I’m very happy with it-checked “all the boxes” I was looking for
Dude...you just have a really relatable way of reviewing things! You don't come off snobbish or elitist like so many do. I really hope that you are able to continue your journey down this audio rabbithole. I look forward to your reviews every time. Even when you do headphones...I'm just not a headphone guy, but your reviews are always valuable. I signed up for your patreon last week, and I don't do that for ANY reviewers. I probably won't make much use of it, but I wanted to support you in some small way. You really are a cut above, brother. Peace ✌
It's a sir for you not dude. Have more respect.
appreciate the review, I've been eyeing this amp, and may have to pick it up sometime - I keep hearing good things about it. The comparisons to the Denons were helpful too.
Thank you! First video of yours that I've watched in a while. In previous vids, I had a hard time sitting through the mountains of "Fluff", jokes, etc (especially in the beginning) before you started talking about what I thought I tuned in for. Good to know you are getting to the point quicker.
Bought this amp based partly on this review and I absolutely love it. Thanks Randy
So glad to see you finally give a Rotel a go. I have owned Rotel separates/integrated for 20+ years. They are built like a tank and can last a lifetime. I even had an older RSX-1057 take flight down some stairs. Chipped my concrete floor. Plugged it back in and fired right up with just a corner scuff. I really wanted to try some British amps this recent upgrade, but I can't get myself to take the chance and bought the the A12 with not regrets. Rotel is one of the best kept secrets.... I bought some British speakers instead! - Great video C.A.M.
A12 ownder here too.
Love my A12! Completely blew me away how much better it does than all my AVRs for pure dedicated listening!
@@HomeTheatre101 I would normally say that too, but all my AVRs are also Rotels!
I bought mine on sale just before New Year (still had to use more Canadian dollars than US dollars, though). It has replaced my Vintage UK Sony TA-540E that I brought with me from home and hooked up to a voltage transformer almost half its size. I'm using it with a Dual 607 turntable -- probably going to change that, one of my biggest regrets was leaving my vintage Rotel turntable behind me when I crossed the Atlantic -- an old Samsung DVD player for CDs and an Apple Airport Express for streaming Apple Music from my desktop. My speakers are a pair of Q Acoustics 3030i and everything sounds great. The only thing that was bothering me was how much I have to turn up the volume to get good presence -- especially when using the turntable. so your comments in that regard are reassuring. Thanks for the review, engaging as ever. It's always nice to have your choices validated.
This is EXACTLY my take on the A11 Tribute. I’ve had mine for about a year. Thought about upgrading the phono stage. Nope. Just fine. BT sounds remarkably great. Clean and balanced with any source. At first I thought mine had a volume issue because I would regularly go into the low 70s. Nope, that’s the way it’s calibrated. I can’t see upgrading any time with this integrated
Very cool. Glad that we had similar experiences.
For only a Benjamin more, the YAMAHA A-S801 is a much better choice. It lacks Bluetooth but you get a really nice DAC, better phono stage, better amplifier with more power, and A LOT better sound.
What kind of speaker are you using w the A11? Thanks
The BT sounds surprisingly good.
It's only 50 wpc. Do you think it's lacking power? I'm considering it with some bookshelf speakers.
Im a huge fan of ROTEL and TY for checking them out Randy, your observations were right on the money.
Excellent review of a great product. This Rotel has been on my very short list to replace my beloved SX550 when the time comes to retire it. Great looks, plenty of connections, blue tooth, remote and clean good sound and priced right, no negative points IMO.
great
that unit just makes me nostalgic for messing around with my dad's garage sale bought amps in the 80s and 90s, learning how to connect cd players to them and the whole family listening along...
I've owned the A11 Tribute for about 5 months and it's an excellent amp. In Bluetooth receiver is excellent when mated to an aptX device (Samsung S8 in my case). The BT function has the ability to auto turn on the amp, providing it was the last signal source used. This is extremely handy and adds additional value to the product. The setup A12MK-II at $1099 includes a built-in DAC (optical and USB) for hookup to a TV and PC. The auto turn-on capability extends to those functions in the A12, so that likely makes it more worth the added expense than acquiring an external DAC.
I have this amp mated to a pair of ELAC UB 5.2s running the Paradigm Room Correction module. The Paradigm module is a steal @ $199 and also includes DTS Play-Fi, which if you can tolerate the gaps in playback is decent.
Back to the BT for a minute. I've been listening to a near-CD quality stream from WCRB in Boston for months and it's better than any FM broadcast I've ever heard. Also, using Qobuz as a source, the audio quality is excellent even when compared to Audrivana Studio coupled to an iFi Zen Signature DAC. For casual listening, I could see someone using BT and calling it a day.
nice
very helpful/useful details, Larry! the auto turn on seems like it would be a terrific feature
@@jamms2966 For me, it's been tremendous. If you use a Samsung phone, with aptX and Dolby Atmos and set it to music, it's surprisingly good. Every morning when I'm starting my day, I can refresh the WCRB stream and I hear the A11 turn on. Because it's BT, I have full control over the volume.
@@larryh9525 Just remember that AptX advantage is that you are streaming at 44.1Khz.. Dolby atmos might be sampling the file to 48Khz just be converted again to 44.1
@@absolutium Hi, I agree about the upsampling. However, What I'm primarily streaming is WCRB (FM signal at 44.1K, 320kbs) and the added tonality of Atmos rivals the best FM tuners I've ever heard. Also, when dealing with Android, everything gets upsampled to 48K, so there's really no way around that unless you're using USB Audio Player Pro. With UAPP, you can bypass Android's upsampling if you're hardwired to the DAC, but in my case (for an FM signal) Atmos/BT sounds better. If you're using Android with Tidal or Qobuz, UAPP definitely sounds better than running audio through Android.
from the UK here based on your review and the drop-down price in richer sounds England I just bought the Rotel A11 and was only £429 what a bargain .orded a few days ago and it will be with me today. keep up the good reviews
Love the fact they made this as a tribute to Ken Ishiwata. I still use a KI Signature Marantz CD Player designed by him.
I'm a Rotel RC-1572 MKII owner. It is one sweet pre-amp which works very well with my Adam Audio T8V's.
Love my Rotel A-12, beautifully blends my B&W 606 S2 and REL T9x!
Love your reviews of amplificationfiers! Especially A/B.
Debated about buying this A11 for my garage as a Rotel RA-1570 owner because I love the sound. Very versatile for music and movies but ended up going with a Powernode instead for my setup.
If I were buying again I’d honestly end up getting this and a separate Bluesound Node because this sound is really special. Transparent without being harsh on very highly constructed components. Much nicer than a lot of others in this sub $1k 2-channel options
Having owned my A11 Tribute for 12 months, I am in full agreement with your assessments. Mine is matched with a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 12.2s, a SVS sub, and a Topping E30 DAC for streaming duties. I haven't experienced the onboard phono pre-amp due to cable-length issues connecting my Denon turntable (which has fixed output cables, unfortunately), utilising a Rega Fono Mini pre-amp instead. I love the very clean sound of this amp, and prefer the "Tone bypass" setting for the majority of my listening.
I also got the 12.2s and I'm searching for an amp. How does the A11 pair with the Diamonds? Do you recommend the combo?
@@GabrielDima98 Yes indeed, I'm very happy with my setup
I’ve got the A14 as a preamp going into an Akitika GT102. Sounds great through Wharfedale 12.1s
I have had mine for about a year now and it has been flawless, I updated to the latest firmware and that resolves a clicking sound when pausing bluetooth media. No reason to look for anything else for a while 👍
Got it and was not disappointed and just before it went up in price £389 now£589 goes well with monitor audio silvers
Enjoyed this review, it's a nice clean looking integrated . I've been eyeballing the Rotel CD11 Tribute CD player lately which is it's stablemate. The volume control isn't a pot but a digital control that increments in 1db steps, that might be why it "feels" different.
I own the Rotel Tribute CD player - purchased a few months back
( I'm in Uk )
It's paired with a decade old Marantz PM6005 - 45wpc @ 8ohms / 60 @ 4ohms
(I suspect the Rotel Tribute amp puts out around 66 wpc Randy )
Had I not got the Marantz I would have bought the matching amp .
The Rotel CD player is also very clean with fantastic micro detail Really sings with new Mission QX2 Mk 2 speakers with its insightfu ring radiator 38mm tweeter !
Fantastic build quality & value .
I definitely demo the Rotel Tributes if you can 😃
🙏 still using the Fosi class D you reviewed awhile back with great results!
Thank you for a great review! I was pleasantly surprise to hear they sound good with the Lintons, even though they can dip to 3.5 ohms. I don’t care for Roon offered by the higher models, so if it’s powerful enough for the Lintons, it’s a more cost effective solution.
I have a pair of lintons I do want to buy this amp are you happy with this amp Thanks
Oh I was only reacting to Randy’s video. Unfortunately I have neither the A11 amp nor the Lintons.
I have the A12 has Bluetooth am very happy with it. Great review been a minute since I made a comment
Great review. After trialing the ‘a series’ at my local audio shop with various speakers (trying to match up with my Axiom M60s at home), I eventually got the A14. Your description matches what O heard. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, I love punchy sound and U-shaped EQ lines (Yeah, classic rock! Still have my Dad’s Sansui G receiver!), but the tone controls on this unit will give me exactly what I want, and I’ll have the clean sound to boot! Plus, it’s so slim my wife will love it in our living room (or hate less than my current pre/power combo). Also decided to replace the Axioms (they’ll go to my theatre/rec room/studio space) with a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 100 7Gs. I just really liked the way they sounded paired with this amp (I feel they gave me that natural U curve a bit more). Plus, they got our new living space (in white) better than my walnut Axiom towers.
Thanks for the review. Keep rockin man!
Good review Randy.
Much Respect for Ken.
Technics used to use a remote cable bringing additional component function to the receiver remote. Are there unused buttons on the remote? Great video, always enjoy listening to you. I consider you a non related family member who always has intriguing conversations to make any mundane family event a reason to attend. Keep up the great work!
Had a11 for 8 months. Added a Schiit 4-band eq; and enjoying “creamy” class A/B power at moderate listening levels (aroun 50db). We tried the major class D amps under 1600K; and class A/B amps Audiolab and Arcam. Audiolab is super detailed, but zero oomph; Arcam had oomph, but veiled all over. We kept the Rotel.
Then you never tried the Nuprime IDA-8? $1250 class D integrated. Hundred watts per Channel and it is their own proprietary class D module. Very impressive and it would outdo the Rotel. By the way it has a linear toroidal Transformer power supply.
@@ryanschipp8513 who sells that? I was also eyeing RogueSphynx, have you heard that one?
I have the A12 and it drives every speaker I have tried on it. It is built like a tank. Rotel is a quality company.
Can you turn off backlight of display on a12?
@@marko-182
To change the brightness of the front display, press the MENU button
to toggle to the DIMMER Setting. Then press the - or + buttons on the front
panel to change the display brightness.
@@charlierowell9910 tnx 🙂
Sounds like a nice modern update of the features you used to get with a vintage receiver. Appreciate the more gradual volume control - I'm barely able to turn the volume control on my current 50x2 IE above 11:00, and I have to be lightning fast when trying to make small volume adjustments using the remote. Also appreciate that they let the buyer select the quality and feature level of DAC that they want to use.
Did you try the Tribute with the Elac DBR 62? You've referred to them as "buttery", but they may be harder to drive with this amp.
I love my vintage Rotel amp. They make great amps! Thanks Randy! 👍
Morning, G!
I just picked up one for $400 AUD (price new here is $989AUD) the one I got is practically new. Barely used by previous owner. Extremely happy as I have been wanting one for some time. Pairs nicely with my Q Acoustics 3020i. 👌💯
I’ve had the A12 for a couple years. It was perfect for my efficient Martin and Logan Motion speakers. I upgraded to B&W 706 and decided to get a Schiit Vidar. Still using the Rotel in preamp only mode and it is great.
Can you still connect a sub this way ?
@@argmax11 as long as your sub has high level inputs. I’ve also heard you can use a y cable from the pre- out.
Thanks for all the great content. Do you have an opinion of Paradigm equipment?
Thank you. Cheers from the South Carolina Lowcountry
Hellooo! Just want to say even as someone brand new to all of these concepts and terms, your videos are so enjoyable to watch. What I’m wondering though, is have you had any experience with the Uturn Audio Pluto 2 preamp or (even more curious) their new Ethos speaker set?
Great review!, Got both the A11 and CD11 in black, paired to Dali Oberon 5. listening to CD’s is the best you’re going to get without going broke, I listen to jazz and big band groups and it’s great sound separation and clear. . Paired to the WiiM streamer and much improved sound from crap sources like iHeart radio. Attached a cheap No name DAC and the Ageing TCL TV via toslink for streaming tv and Xbox. Sounds cleaner and more pleasant than cheap 5.1 surround packs, so unless you need surround it will manage well as a 2.1 setup as well. Still considering a turntable. But if you like CD’s and phono and 2.1 setup and not worried about using a DAC… it’s the end game for budget to mid level component setups if you want super clean clarity and old school quality. I prefer discs so digital is not a priority.
Awesome paring. I run the A11 / CD11 tributes with DALI Oberon 3 speakers, so I understand the pure bliss that you are experiencing.
I think Rotel implements the logarithmic way of the volume control which is more meaningful. You get better control when you want to fine tune the lower volume but it is not necessary to have that level of fine tuning when the volume is already too high. A very thought through implementation. Not many people will understand this logic. Also the way we hear as human is also logarithmic. Awesome Rotel.
Well said. I couldn’t agree more.
I've owned Rotel gear for years. This is the way their volume controls have always worked. Took a little getting used to at first, but now it's no big deal.
7:25 the 12V trigger is something you can connect to other devices and passes off a signal from the amp when it's turned off. That 12v trigger signal will trigger other connected components to go into standby mode. However, make sure ONLY to connect 12v outputs to 12v inputs or vice versa. Connecting two 12v trigger outputs can cause damage.
RS232 is just a standardized serial interface that has been common in the industry for decades and it can be used used for almost anything (a bit like USB) - in this case it's probably used to send remote signals.
It's common on pro audio equipment, but it's a bit strange to see it on a HiFi component if you'd ask me...
Just a tip: You should also review the Rotel RCD-1572 MKII - I think it's one of the few good quality cd players released in the past few years.
great review - really thinking of picking it up over Marantz PM6007 / Denon PMA600. Sad to hear NAD doesn't compare, but I shouldn't be surprised. Would really like to hear a show-down between Rotel, Cambridge & Arcam.
Thanks for the review. I was thinking of getting this and pairing it with some tower speakers for a large room. I was given the recommendation to go with the Peachtree Nova150 to get 150 watts @ 8 Ohms vs. 50 watts @ 8 Ohms for the tribute.
I'm curious about your thoughts in the tradeoff in wattage vs. tradeoff between an AB vs. D amp?
Randy! Thanks so much for your effort in reviewing budget hi-fi gear, and explaining your thoughts around set-up and building a system.
I've been binging your video's, but lately I've finally been binge listening music. I got a geshelli J2 dac (which I was not impressed by coupled with my nad d3020), and have now bought the tribute A11, based on your description of its clean, detailed sound.
I love its neutrality, it really makes me zone in on the music. It brings out detail, texture, impact, soundstage depth, and it's not exaggerating anything without sounding dull. The gripes I had on the J2 (being too fuzzy, mellow) have been completely negated with the A11 combo.
I'm now also rocking a sub (a rel HT1003) and an x-ls encore kit is coming my way (long awaited) to replace the parts express c-note kit. But I'm actually already really satisfied haha!
So thanks again for all the great recommendations, hope you stay strong in the budget game man!
Good to know that they pair well!
I have the J2 AKM verson based on Randy's recommendations and now just purchased the Rotel A11. Curious as to what speakers you are using. I have the Elac Unifi-Reference but unsure if it can drive them as well compared to the IOTAVX SA3 + PA3 stack. Still debating
Great review CAM. Re build quality is the volume knob plastic or metal?
Thank you for the tips and education. Is this a good Amplifier for a Home Theater? - if not, what should I consider?
Checking on the specs, I see that it is a Class A/B, and I think that is an excellent thing. A good phono section is another very good thing.
Reading between the lines - if this can drive two pairs of 8 ohm nominal speakers at 50watts/ch; then it is "rated" at 50w/ch into a pair of 4 ohm speakers.
yes, on the website it says 4ohm is ok if its just one pair in use.
Great review as always! Ei guys! It would be a good match with 2 monitor audio towers (8 ohm 90dB sensibility)?? Or I need more power?? Any help would be appreciated :-) Thanks!
This is currently under $600 here in the uk which makes it very good value based on this review.
The external remote is for hooking up a RF receiver like an IR1005A.
It's so you can hide the amp, or have it in another room and place the IR receiver in a more ideal location.
Much love from the land down under, your suggestions on the Geshelli J2 was bang on!
Pretty sure the "ext rem in " is meant for a small external sensor to work with the remote control.This input allows you to attach an external remote sensor in case the unit is kept in a cabinet where the front of the unit is blocked and doesn't allow you to access it with the remote control.Years ago I worked as a Comcast tech and all of the old set top boxes had these as well.
i agree
A12 - I have the A12 which, I admit is now being used as a secondary system powering monitor audio silver 100’s in the lounge and Origin Acoustics director D85’s out on the deck. Only use it with a Node 2i. The sound is awesome. It used to power my rig in my Vinyl room before upgrading. Couldn’t recommend Rotel more.
By the way the amp is left on non-stop and has been for about 18 months and I leave the volume on 75 and change volume through bluesound App.
I purchased this unit to use at my second home (camp) at Crutchfield for $650, I like it way more than I thought I would and I'm thinking of keeping it in my main set up instead. Starting down the Rabbit hole again.
Rotel is quality gear. i have the A12 in silver and its basically the same but with DAC and 60wpc. my only gripe is the front pannel metal is very easy to mark/blemish and the top texture means its a bit harder to wipe down... but thats nit-picking
I run speaker A-B to my biwire speakers.
Also, on the rotel site it says they support 4-ohm speakers but only if thats the ONLY speaker connected at a time. if you use 2 zones then they MUST be 8ohm min.
My first hi-fi system revolved around a Rotel RX 850 receiver, and to this day I still regret selling it on eBay as it had better sound than virtually anything else I can recall hearing. I eventually replaced it with a used $2000 Marantz home theater receiver that I bought at a steal on eBay, but I should’ve just kept the Rotel rather than let it go for some thing like $100.
The one thing I have a bit of trouble believing about this review is that any 50 W per channel Rotel amplifier would have trouble driving any speaker under may be $1500. A fundamental of Rotel ‘s design philosophy is to put in very heavy, high current power transformers in all of their amplification units and Rotels have always punched far above their weight class.
Before I sold my old 30-watt/channel RX-850, I did a comparison with the “100 watt per channel“ Yamaha home theater receiver my sister had just received as a Christmas present through a pair of Paradigm Monitor 7 floorstanders, and there was no comparison. Although I didn’t have a sound meter available for any specific statistics, to my ears the Rotel would play 50% louder than the allegedly three times as powerful Yamaha without distortion whereas the Yamaha began producing audible distortion at what could probably be described as only moderately loud listening levels.
Last year I bought an used RA-02 Rotel integrated amp off eBay, but the seller foolishly shipped it in the original Rotel box that proudly described what was inside the box and it disappeared from the USPS tracking system when it hit the regional USPS shipping center, rather obviously swiped by a crooked Postal Service employee. I picked up a more powerful Cambridge Audio Azur 651A integrated amplifier with a built-in USB DAC and I like that quite well, but I suspect the Rotel would have had clearer sound as the Cambridge Audio is a bit warm.
I would be very interested in any reviews of the Outlaw Audio products. Definitely is not much out there they have two items I think many of us would be interested in your opinion on. There new 2220 monoblock amp that has insane specs and price and likely is a Vidar killer. The other is the super loaded RR2130MkII receiver not sure if you could get some to review but they are items that are in your reviewing wheelhouse that many of us would be interested in your opinion on.
Hey randy, what is more important for sound quality? A dac or poweramp? And by how much
I just bought the A12 a few months ago. Very happy with it with a couple of issues. First off I wish it had a Mono switch for when I spin Mono LPs. I play LPs almost 90% of the time. I When I had my Adcom’s I never had to turn it up more than 1/4. Now I need to push this to 55 or 60 to drive my Snell Type E IV. Other than that it’s fine.
i run mine fixed level 85 volume and a SMSL SU-9 dac is the pre-amp
@@ukspawn666 - So I shouldn’t worry about frying it. Thanks
you can tell when you are at the sweet spot as its not AS HOT. sounds contradictory but its hotter when its LOW / VERY HIGH level but its just warm when its in the 'sweet spot'.
Hola Randy - recently acquired Rotel A11 & wiim mini based on your reviews - do you recommend using a dac in connecting wiim to A11 - if so what dac do you recommend - thanks!
I just prefer the 6000a but the rotel has great Bluetooth . I tried using a power amp on rotel and its no go . Something surprised me, the rotel goes really well with yamaha ns bp401 (shocked he'll yes) overall a great amp .
Thanks on the information for the phono amp looking at getting a Pro-ject evo next I was thinking I might want a ifi. I have had it for a few months and love it. Have this and a bifrost and audiolab CDT and a Volumio Pi feeding it. Awesome better for me.
awesome
Rotel is considered to be entry level audiophile grade equipment I've owned two Rotels and my sound system in my office is one of them. I'm listening to this video thru the Rotel
Hi Randy, really like your channel. Wanted to ask you and your followers how this compares to the Cambridge axr100. These 2 are on my short list. Also would like to pair with Elac unifi 5.2, unless something better has came along. Thanks and keep up the good work
What cables would you use with it ?. And what an excellent review. I think I am going to get one now.
i own th A10 for years...great amps indeed .
How does the Schiit Vidar sound in comparison to the Rotel Tribute? Mainly, is the Vidar as clean and is the Vidar as forward as the Rotel Tribute? I tried the Rotel and it was very fatiguing after an hour of listening in my small space. Thanks and love your vids
Can drive Elac Uni-fi Ref & UB52 well? Which one better match? Thank you
Just replaced my broken Marantz PM 6005 with the Tribute (600€ in France) - plugged to Mulidine floorstandings ...And What I get is a cleaner and punchier sound, less mellow than the Marantz... Very natural sounding amp ...
tighter base line ... Using a SMSL SU8 dac plugged to roon and a Naim CD5X
Very impressed by the results, especially by the level of details ...
Was the A11 more "shrill" than the marantz? Thanks!
not at all ... Not harsh but it always depend on your ears and the recording@@richardchandra3641
What if you bi-wired your 4 ohms speakers and ran A+B at the same time? More power?
Hey Randy hope all is well, before I spend money I need your opinion on something I have a pair of klipsch rp-150s which I love are the rp-500s better enough to justify replacing the 150s thanks
Hi Randy,. The remote plug can be used as a on/off signal to or from other components like a bleusound Node of like my NAD C275BEE.
Its 12 Volts
No Michel, that's what the 12v trigger is for.
Here is Rotel's explanation:
EXT REM IN Jack
This 3.5mm mini-jack receives command codes from industry-standard infrared receivers via hard-wired connections. This feature could prove useful when the unit is installed in a cabinet and the front-panel sensor is blocked. Consult your authorized Rotel dealer for information on these external repeaters and the proper wiring of a jack to fit the mini-jack receptacle.
RS232? Finally an amplifier I can hook up my old printer to! It’s truly an integrated amp ;)
RS232 is serial, not parallel. You'll have to settle for connecting to a OLD, pre ps2 serial mouse. (Shudder)
Randy,
I agree with others who have asked you to review the Outlaw RR2160 receiver. I’d like to see a shootout between the Outlaw, and this Rotel.
Hi Randy, I now have a11 cd11 set up and does sound great with my b&w 602 s3 speakers , also have ifi zen V2 dac, using my iPhone for streaming, now also have B&w 606s2 anniversary, as you know has 2 sets of speakers output I can have either or when listening to, great interesting video. Regards mark
Thinking of buying this to go with my KEF Q350 speakers.
I think ext remote is for when the amp is behind something that blocks the infrared receiver. it's an extender for the receiver so you can hide the amp (not sure why you'd wanna hide that beauty) and still control it via remote with a wired infrared extender you can get from radioshack (wait...we don't have those anymore. scratch that).
When I was shopping for an amp, my choices came down to the Rotel A11 Tribute and the Cambridge Audio ARX-85. I went with the Cambridge Audio amp but it could have gone either way.
Heard the Camb. A. paired with some Wharfedale speakers, it sounded OK and I could not tell the difference between it and a Yamaha R-N803? Sadly the CXA81 when measured is not on par with other amps from the same price range, don't know about the AXR.
The problem is the built quality, most complain that it is a throw piece of equipment when in fails and I am talking about even the older Cambridge Audio amps.
I have that amp with the Ifi Zen Dac V2. Do you think that the Ares II ladder dac would be a good upgrade for my system ? What it would add to it ? I am looking to give a bit more warmth but in the same time to keep the clarity and the transparency...
which one do you prefer? this or the nad c338 base on sound quality? thank you
I’m new to the audiophile world. I was inspired to someday have a decent stereo set up because my best friends grandfather had a set of Klipsch Cornwalls in a listening room. I will never forget the first time he played them for me. Anyway, I’m to poor for Cornwalls, so I ordered the CSS torii speaker kit. I need recommendations on an integrated amp that will not only run the Torii, but also be capable of running the TDX2 towers at some point after I save some coin.
I think external remote is for infrared extenders for use of the remote in areas/rooms for second speakers where the infrared on the amp will not pick up the signal
This is a two-fer. Product review and audiophile terminology primer. nice.
Remote in is for a IR sensor i would assume and the RS232 is usually for Software/Firmware upgrades (RS232 to USB cable into the PC, use rotels software to flash it!)
Randy you mentioned that you used th A11 with your Lintons. I have some Elac uni-fi 2.0 ub52's that I was thinking of replacing with the Linton Heritage speakers. Both 6 ohms. Looking for more bass and 70s 80's sound. Crutchfield suggested not to get them due to being 6 ohms. Listening room is 10 x 13. Your thoughts? A11 will be ok? Room too small for the speakers? Thanks in advance
I am interested in this Amp, and was curious to know what do you think about the comparability with the Bluesound streamer which I also would like to buy 🤔
You would add the DAC between the A11 and an AMP or directly to your speakers?
I can't decide on this one (Rotel) the Emotiva TA1 integrated receiver, and the SVS Prime. Which sounds the best?
I would be very interested in hearing your impressions on the Sunrise Lab V8 integrated amplifier.
I was looking hard at this model! I went with Rotel separates (1552 + 1570) instead. They're great. I don't know why the Rotel brand isn't a bigger name; maybe they skimp on marketing.
Fun fact: did you know that Rotel is still owned by the Japanese family that created it? Yup, no Sound United shenanigans at Rotel.
Rotel are OGs
that's cool
Rotel has been around for a very long time...and yes...they seemingly aren't a household name, but they are and always have been very well regarded. I use a Rotel tuner in my setup and it is EXCELLENT! Most tuners that you see are very basic and lightweight...mine weighs a TON. not that it means everything, but it speaks to the engineering and build quality. You can't go wrong with anything Rotel, in my experience.
Rotel has been around a long time and is a very popular brand in entry level hifi - Magnolia sells it as does many local audio stores. I gave my dad the 1072/1062 combo in 2007 - he loved it, he passed on and now it's my main system for audio and 2 channel video. My next upgrade will be something like Musical Fidelity or Hegel in a year or two.
Rotel is a big name among people who like hifi equipment. There are many many brands with same issue to break out of hifi cycles: Atoll, Krell, etc. They make great products but no one outside of the community knows what it is.
@@monkeymouse1403 sorry about your dad, Mouse
Beautiful piece of gear.
It sure is!
So do you think buying the A11 by itself is the way to go? Like buying the a11 and the ifi zen would be a waste of money? Thank you!
Just wondering if you tried this amp on your xls encore speakers and if it worked well with the encores.
hi brother I love oll your videos . if you can help me I don't know about rotel.... how to comper the sound of rotel to marantz pm 8006 or pm 6007 ?
Hi. I am enjoying your vids and since I am in the market for a new amp and allready having a high value Pro-Ject turntable, I am a little bit “moved” to look for a Pro-Ject for vinyl only (intergrated) amp. But never see this brand coming by. Arent tjey not that good or? Would love to see a review of their, maybe, line of non-turntables devices and what combination will do the trick and your opinion of them.
Thanks
would love to see a comparison of the mainstream brands in the 40-50wpc range, like Denon 600ne, this Rotel, NAD, Audiolab etc
I agree! Got the equivalent NAD C368 for the integrated Bluesound, but I’m not exclusive. I also like a Rotel amp I have in a different system. I have read great reviews of the equivalent Outlaw.
Hmmm…What to get next?! 🤔 Speakers? Maybe replace my vintage Spica TC-50s?
@cheapaudioman, could you review some Tekton speakers? There are many under $2k, and their highly popular full-range Lore is 1/2 that, shipped.
I just got mine. Now, I want to buy speakers to go with it. Thinking about the wharfedale diamond 12,2. What do you Guys think? Any other suggestions un this price range?
I have a question regarding the A11 Amplifier please.
The manual states that 4 ohm speaker load can be used but as long as it's only 1 pair of speakers.
My question is, can that pair of 4 ohm speakers be bi-wired using the Amplifiers speaker A and B terminals?
or only A or B ?