Like the previous Rotel hardware presented in our columns, the Rotel RAS-5000 benefits from the Roon Ready label (the Roon application therefore supports the product and adapts the quality of the audio stream played to the capabilities of the device ), MQA (and MQA Studio) compatibility and an ESS 384 kHz/32-bit digital-analog converter (without further details from the brand, the latter should be identical to that of the Rotel S14 but this remains to be confirmed) .
Rotel RAS-5000, main specifications
The wish of the Japanese manufacturer, with the RAS-5000, is of course to offer a device that is on the one hand faithful to the long line of Hi-Fi amplifiers, but also capable of meeting the new needs of music lovers, particularly in the field of wireless connectivity and the use of Hi-Res Audio files. Namely, the Rotel RAS-5000 can be controlled by IP.
These elements are always associated with a toroidal transformer, as usual, entirely manufactured by Rotel. The latter is accompanied by Class AB amplification delivering a total power of 2 x 140 W at 8 ohms (2 x 220 W at 4 ohms). Finally, a color display on the front allows you to view the covers of the albums or EPs associated with the music broadcast.
Rotel RAS-5000, connectivity
The rich connectivity allows you to enjoy the best of physical media with an RCA stereo input, an RCA Pre-Out output, an LFE (subwoofer) output, an optical digital input, a coaxial but also music dematerialized with an asynchronous USB-B input (compatible up to 384 kHz/32 bits in PCM), a powered USB-A port (5 V, for connecting for example a Chromecast Audio module or recharging a powered device) and an Ethernet port . It is also a question of pointing out the presence of an HDMI eARC socket allowing you to recover the sound of TV programs, films or even games displayed on the large screen.
In terms of codecs, in addition to the MQA already mentioned, playback of MP3, AAC, WMA, Flac and Ogg files is ensured. Oddly enough, if DSD management is not specified by the brand for the Rotel RAS-5000, it should nevertheless be included. Again, this remains to be verified.
Rotel RAS-5000, connectivity
Also on the program, APT-X HD Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Dual Band compatibility on the one hand, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast (integrated) on the other. There are two pairs of screw terminal blocks, plus a headphone output on the front. Finally, access to web radios, Tidal and Qobuz is provided via the dedicated Rotel application. Last clarification, a remote control is of course included in the box.
Immediate availability in black or silver finish. Indicative price: 2,999 euros.
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Rotel RAS-5000:
• Model: 2.1
• Power: 2 x 140 W at 8 ohms, 2 x 220 W at 4 ohms
• Report signal/noise: 105 dB
• THD (total harmonic distortion): 0.03%
• Frequency response: 10 - 100,000 Hz
• Inputs: 1 RCA stereo input, 1 optical and 1 coaxial, 1 asynchronous USB-B input (384 kHz/32-bit compatible), 1 powered USB type A port, 1 Ethernet port
• Outputs: 1 Pre-Out 2.0 output, 1 mono subwoofer output, 1 headphone output, two pairs of screw terminals
• Pure Direct functions
• Spotify Connect functions
• Tidal functions
• Qobuz functions
• Flac HD compatibility
• Wav compatibility• MP3 compatibility
• WMA compatibility
• AAC compatibility
• MQA compatibility
• Ogg compatibility
• Audio eARC function
• Audio ESS 384 kHz/32-bit digital-to-analog converter• Network IP control
• Dual Band Wi-Fi network (2.4/5 GHz)
• AirPlay 2 network
• Chromecast Network (built-in)
• APT-X HD Bluetooth Network
• Roon Ready Multimedia
• Hi-Res Audio Streaming via USB/network: yes up to 384 kHz/ 32 bits
• Web radio(s): yes
• Headphone output: yes
• Other(s): toroidal transformer
• Dimensions (L x H x D, mm): 431 x 144 x 425 mm
• Consumption: 380 W (< 0.5 W in standby)
• Weight: 15.7 kg
