Rotel A8 review

Designing great-sounding amplifiers for little money has always been an admirable skill. The Japanese family business Rotel aims to impress with the Rotel A8, priced just under 400 euros. We’re excited to see how it performs!

Rotel, a long-time Japanese specialist in affordable audiophile HiFi, has set the price of its newly introduced A8 at 399 euros, marking a new low price point for high-quality integrated amplifiers in its portfolio. This is a new entry-level for the brand, as the 10-series and the 11-series, which were revised by Ken Ishiwata, were positioned higher. For those with a limited budget, investing wisely in this “pure” integrated amplifier might offer solid value, but certainly no frills. It definitely packs a punch in terms of sound, especially with the new Rotel.

Of course, the cost-cutting is noticeable in the power output when a manufacturer creates its “smallest” and most affordable amp. But, even before, entry-level models were by no means expensive. Where the Japanese manufacturer never compromises is in the power supply.

As seen in the RAS-5000, which is almost the opposite end of Rotel’s portfolio under the premium Michi brand, the amp’s success depends on its power supply, particularly its ability to deliver an impressive sound.

Like its bigger siblings, the Rotel A8 features a small, low-noise toroidal transformer made in-house, a crucial component for ensuring interference-free and reliable operation.

With 2x 40 watts of output power, the power capacity is modest but sufficient. Many HiFi beginners have started with similar models, and paired with moderately efficient speakers and a typical bedroom size, this is more than adequate.

One could go further and say that, with the right speaker choice, this small Japanese amp could even handle sound for a pub. It delivers enough current and impulse reserves to handle more difficult loads and control the speakers well. Reviewary measured short-term impulse reserves of just over 50 watts.

Entry-Level Amp Specifications

In general, especially with a small, less powerful amplifier, losses should be minimized. This is achieved through short, direct signal paths, good contact quality, low internal resistance (i.e., high damping factor), and wide bandwidth for fast signal processing. The new model handles this well. As for material choices and tactile quality, there’s no sign of compromise. The flat chassis, weighing nearly six kilograms, is made of aluminum and feels solid and high-quality.

It’s worth mentioning that the front-panel tone controls for balance, bass, and treble (adjustable by ±6 decibels) are a notable and highly recommended feature – they feel solid and work well.

On the left side is the main power switch. In the middle is the volume control, whose LED color can be selected from red, green, blue, or violet, allowing you to match it to your mood or preference. On the far right of the front panel, source selection is done via push buttons. The Rotel is available in black or silver at the same price of just under 400 euros.

Inside, alongside the previously mentioned toroidal transformer, there’s a push-pull amplifier stage with two pairs of discrete power transistors per channel, mounted on heat sinks. The pre-amplifier section is also discretely designed, with a symmetrical layout using mostly discrete components.

Since Japan, after an unparalleled success story, has long since become a high-wage country, the “Made by Rotel in China” inscription on the rear panel is no surprise.

It’s hardly possible to produce a 399-euro amplifier otherwise. Apparently, Rotel has its own, or at least supervised, manufacturing capacities there.

While the Rotel’s features are quickly summarized, it’s not entirely bare-bones. It includes a remote control, a phono input (MM), and a headphone jack. The savings are made wisely, without going too far. With three line-level inputs, there are enough connections, and you can connect a pair of speakers and headphones – although only via a 3.5mm jack. There’s also a service port and a power-saving mode on the back of the amplifier that automatically shuts it off after extended inactivity.

Surprisingly Audiophile Performance

Sound-wise, a budget AV amplifier like Pioneer’s VSX-835 is no match for this Rotel, as the latter is a thoughtfully designed stereo integrated amplifier. Whether with vinyl, CD, or streaming, it performs exceptionally well in a living room or bedroom setting.

The soundstage is larger and more spacious than expected, and the focus doesn’t lag behind high-end equipment, as long as the volume is kept moderate. The Rotel doesn’t lack authority either; impulses are delivered with punch and power. It drives the connected Spendor speakers superbly, making them a dream team.

Compared to slightly more powerful integrated amplifiers like the Arcam A5 or Cambridge CXA81 Mk II, the Rotel holds its own, managing to “play along” without being outclassed. Only with more complex soundscapes and higher volumes does it show its limits in terms of power and authority. But that’s to be expected!

»THIS SMALL AUDIOPHILE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER IS A LOT OF FUN.«

Styx, Coldplay, Fleetwood Mac, Supertramp – records fly into the player tray with enthusiasm, and the lines between work and pure pleasure blur. The deep soundstage, detailed precision, and rhythmic timing with plenty of temperament and playfulness are captivating. It’s truly impressive!

What an experienced HiFi consultant from Aachen once said – that a small, well-made integrated amplifier in its comfort zone isn’t far from a high-end power amp – still holds true. Back then, it was about the Luxman L-1 and the high-end Vernissage Kraft 100 (!). Listening to “The Girl From Ipanema” from the legendary album “Getz/Gilberto” continues to enchant, especially in its ultimate edition by Bernie Grundman, available on Impex Records’ 1-Step analog edition. A masterpiece!

We even had fun using the small Rotel amplifier in a home cinema, replacing a Marantz AV preamp and a THX-certified QSC power amp with 20 times the power, driving Electro-Voice “front satellites” – naturally, in stereo. The subwoofer setup remained unchanged. And we have to say: the Rotel delivered incredibly well with live music.

Stevie Wonder and his big band kicked off “Superstition” with such energy that it was pure joy. The Rotel’s resolution, tonal richness, and authority can be appreciated at moderate volumes.

The Rotel handles background music, serious music listening, TV audio, and occasional parties effortlessly. Impressive!

WHAT WE LISTENED TO

GETZ & GILBERTO: GETZ/GILBERTO

Known for “The Girl From Ipanema,” this album is now available on Impex Records.

STEVIE WONDER: LIVE AT LAST

Incredibly lively and dynamic stage performance.

Specs

Verdict