The Rotel A8 plays the essential card without compromise, both in terms of substance and form. Its sober design, for example, gives pride of place to noble materials with a 60 mm aluminum chassis. The rest is in the same vein with a robust front panel and well-made decoupling feet. In the end, the Rotel A8 weighs 5.8 kg on the scale for a standard size, 430 x 73 x 347 millimeters.
Rotel A8, ergonomics££££
The Rotel A8 does not have a display, replaced by source selection buttons coupled with LEDs. Also present is a volume potentiometer also associated with LEDs, three adjustment wheels for balance, bass and treble. To be complete, it is also necessary to mention the on/off button, a 3.5 mm mini-Jack headphone output and an infrared receiver for the remote control.
Rotel A8, features and connectivity££££
While the Rotel A8 is not a full-fledged audio hub, far from it, it offers satisfactory connectivity. In addition to the headphone output, there are three Line [abc]RCA[/abc] inputs plus a Phono [abc]RCA[/abc] input, associated with a Phono preamp for moving magnet (MM) cartridge and a ground connector (GND). Of course, a pair of 5-way binding posts for maximum installation flexibility is also present.
While the Rotel A8 is not to be classified as a high-power amplifier, it is nevertheless necessary to point out a toroidal transformer and specific high-capacity capacitors for a sonic dynamic that is never at fault. It is mainly intended for users with simple audio configurations, suitable for small rooms and sufficiently sensitive speakers. Nevertheless, this Class AB amplifier delivers a power of 2 x 30 W under 8 ohms (2x 40 W under 4 ohms).
Rotel A8, technical characteristics and price££££
The technical characteristics of the Rotel A8 mention a frequency response between 20 Hz and 100 kHz, a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB for the Line input and 80 dB for the Phono input, as well as a [abc]total harmonic distortion[/abc] of less than 0.03%. The damping factor is rated at 80.
Daren Orth, Rotel CTO££££
“Rotel continually invests in product innovation and the A8 was a challenge that was readily accepted by the engineering teams,” said Daren Orth, Rotel CTO. “The opportunity to develop a high-performance integrated amplifier solution targeted at an entry-level price point, without compromise, is a testament to the dedication, passion and commitment that Rotel brings to music lovers around the world.”
Available immediately, in silver or black finish. RRP: €399.
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Rotel A8:
• Model: [abc]2.0[/abc]
• Power: 2 x 30 W under 8 ohms, 2 x 40 W under 4 ohms
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 80 dB for the Phono MM input; 90 dB for Line inputs
• THD (total harmonic distortion): 0.03%
• Frequency response: 10 - 100,000 Hz
• Inputs: 4 stereo [abc]RCA[/abc] inputs (Phono MM, Tuner, CD, Aux)
• Outputs: 1 headphone output, 2 pairs of screw terminals
• Pure Direct functions
• Headphone output: yes
• Other: toroidal transformer
• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 430 x 73 x 347 mm, front panel height 60 mm
• Power consumption: 110 W (< 0.5 W in standby)
• Weight: 5.8 kg