Rotel A11 Integrated Amplifier & CD11 Tribute Buyers Guide

Join our Systems Consultant Nat as he walks you through the all-new Rotel A11 Tribute Integrated Amplifier and CD11 Tribute. We also tested the Rotel A11 and CD11 tribute with 3 different pairs of speakers, the KEF LS50 Meta, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 and last of all the Monitor Audio Bronze 100.
For more information on the products show in this video use the following links.
Rotel A11 Tribute Integrated Amplifier:
www.lenc.com.a...
Rotel CD11 Tribute CD Player:
www.lenc.com.a...
KEF LS50 Meta:
www.lenc.com.a...
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2:
www.lenc.com.a...
Monitor Audio Bronze 100:
www.lenc.com.a...
The A11 Tribute is a Class AB 50W Integrated Amplifier developed in cooperation with the audio engineering legend Ken Ishiwata as a Tribute to his legacy. Upgraded components and meticulous tuning of all critical circuits deliver a richer, expressive, and true-to-life experience from the Bluetooth, RCA and MovingMagnetPhono Stage inputs.
The A11 Tribute is a Class AB 50W (8 ohms) Integrated Amplifier developed in cooperation with the audio engineering legend Ken Ishiwata as a Tribute to his legacy spanning over 40 years in the industry.
The collaboration between Ken and Rotel’s own engineering design teams delivered on the promise of an even higher level of performance of the extremely successful and popular award-winning A11. Upgraded components and meticulous tuning of all critical circuits deliver a richer, more expressive, and true-to-life experience from all of the support source inputs including apt-X and AAC wireless Bluetooth, array of 4 RCA analog inputs and a Moving Magnet Phono Stage for vinyl fans.
Specially selected improved components were chosen to offer higher performance throughout the signal path. In the amplifier stage, all 10 capacitors and two resistors in the signal path were changed.
For the pre-amp, six capacitors were upgraded, representing over 50% of the components in the signal path. All six capacitors in the volume stage were also upgraded.
Custom damping materials were added to the A11’s mechanical chassis to reduce ringing and further isolate/insulate and dampen any vibrations within the product.
The front panel graphic display and IR remote ensure effortless control of the audio driven by a Rotel in-house manufactured oversized toroidal transformer. The resulting acoustic performance speaks for itself under all loading conditions with even the most difficult speaker loads.
FEATURES:
Class AB 50 watts per channel stereo amplifier (8 Ohms)
Moving Magnet Phono Stage Input
4 RCA analog inputs
Bluetooth receiver (apt-X and ACC streaming)
Dedicated RCA pre-output
Dual A-B selectable speaker outputs
RS232 and dual 12V trigger outputs
Front panel display and IR Remote
Rotel's CD11 Tribute CD player was engineer with hands-on support from audio legend Ken Ishiwata utilising a custom selection of acoustically tuned components delivering an even higher level of performance and acoustic clarity standing ready to playback the 200+ million CD’s that been sold over the past 30 years.
Rotel has been designing and manufacturing CD players since the RCD-855 was launched in 1989 and has never looked back since.
Thus, the opportunity of engaging with audio legend Ken Ishiwata to create an even higher performance model of the successful CD11 was eagerly accepted by the Rotel design teams. With over 40 years of audio engineering experience Ken’s collaboration with Rotel created something truly special - the CD11 Tribute edition.
The CD11 Tribute includes critical changes to the power supply, DAC circuits, and precise selection of components in the audio signal path delivering an increased sense of space, improved accuracy, detail, and genuineness of the audio.
Specifically, eight capacitor changes and one resistor change were made in the DAC stage while in the power supply all nine capacitors were changed with improved components.
A great deal of thought was given to the damping of internal vibrations with custom damping material added to the top cover to eliminate vibration and ringing, while further changes were made to the mechanical and electrical grounding of the CD player.
Supporting RCA analog and coaxial digital outputs, front panel display, and remote control, the CD11 Tribute continues the proud tradition of Rotel and is reflective of the legacy of Ken and his tireless efforts delivering audio products performing well beyond their price point.
FEATURES:
Tray loading CD mechanism
Outputs including RCA analogue and Coaxial digital
Texas Instruments 24 bit 192kHz DAC
RS232 and 12V trigger input
Front panel display and IR Remote
For all things Hi-Fi check out our website:
www.lenc.com.au

[@Dave-if5qj]

Just got the tribute CD player Crazy good player

[@living_entertainment]

Fantastic value for money!

[@paulblissett6662]

The BEST HI FI ROTEL just keeps on doing GREAT hi fi ☝️☻👨‍🎓

[@shanefagan2258]

Excellent amp,sounds really good paired with my monitor studio bookshelfs,loads of detail,quick and dynamic

[@living_entertainment]

Glad to hear you are loving the Tribute!

[@chrissergeant7798]

My new dream system, beautiful industrial design - black or silver? Both so cool looking - Rotel made that choice really tough. Silver, no black, But, that silver. I just can't make up my mind!

[@foblivio]

Useful info. Well done!

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

Rotel = Quality

[@living_entertainment]

Absolutely!

[@andreasprigge928]

Ken Ishiwata = quality

[@MOTORINGSA]

@@andreasprigge928 Amen

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

Fascinating! This is the Goldilocks review for me as I'm considering the pair and choosing between exactly those 3 speakers! Bit surprised the Diamonds disappointed. They were the speaker used by Karl Heinz when doing the final setup on the Rotels..

[@living_entertainment]

We like the sound of the Diamonds on the A10 and A12, we think it's something specific about the A11 Tributes sound signature, the synergy just isn't there the way it is with other Rotel's, so it surprised us as well.

[@GodfreyMann]

8:36 Driving speakers in a different room would drive me crazy because I'd have to leave the room to change the volume. Setting the volume level would be impossible without someone in the room providing feedback. How would this setup even work? Two better use-cases for two sets of speakers is if in your *one* listening room you want a bit of variety by being able to switch between speakers. Also useful if you want to A-B test two speakers.

[@living_entertainment]

It definitely comes in handy for comparing speakers here in store!

[@aaronrojas5399]

Hi, I have the A11 daisy chained to a Rotel 1504, 4 channel power amp with 4 Elac B6 Debuts. I thought I'd get the right sound in loudness but I'm not sure what im doing wrong. I need to turn the volume up almost all the way just to get it loud. Doesn't seem right. Everything is brand new as well. Not sure if someone could offer advice or different speakers all together.

[@user-fi5bh7cp9e]

Hi, is it possible to set display with black background and white/clear letters/numbers. Thanks

[@aleph0909]

I have been driving 8ohm and 4ohm speakers together. I don't play at realy loud volumes, but everything seems fine. Is there any danger if nothing happened so far?

[@Tutundziev]

I'm looking to upgrade my setup and i'm down to the Audiolab 8300a and the Rotel A12. Here where I live the price difference is about 100 euros between them, the Audiolab is the more expensive one. And i can't demo them which is bad so i'll have to decide like this

[@living_entertainment]

Personally we are bigger fans of the sound of the Audiolab 8300a than we are of the Rotel A12 generally speaking, but that can also depend on speaker pairing (again however the Audiolab tends to be a bit more generous with pairings but the A12 can be really impressive when paired up correctly).

[@Tutundziev]

@@living_entertainment thanks for the info luckily I was finally able to demo them both and I went with the Rotel A12 paired with the B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition it sound awesome :)

[@living_entertainment]

@@Tutundziev The A12 and trhe 600 S2 range sound excellent together, nice choice and congratulations!

[@j-mals]

Hi, thank you ever so much for a detailed review - I really hope you see this message. I have purchased the diamond 12.1 as a short stopgap, I had highly considered the A11 tribute to go with them but after your review I'm not so sure now...... my choice was either the A11 Trib, Marantz PMA6007, Audiolab 6000A I like neutral but slightly leaning towards warm if anything, what amp would be the best choice out of those 3? And is there another amp you would recommend? Maybe an AS-801? Should have mentioned also I will be using a sub if that makes any difference 😊

[@living_entertainment]

Audiolab 6000A all the way. ;) If the sub can use pre outs atleast.

[@820SHAY]

@@living_entertainment And for ls50 meta, audiolab 600a or rotel a11 tribute?

[@living_entertainment]

@@820SHAY Oh thats a tough one, I think the Audiolab gets more performance out of the LS50 Meta personally, though the combination makes for a very neutral sound.

[@andreperron8466]

Hi i got a pair of NHT speaker 2.1 tower do you think that the rotel will be good whit my speaker ?

[@living_entertainment]

It's not a brand we have on hand for testing so we dont know unfortunately.

[@arijit8381]

Sir rotel cd player or marantz cd player. Which will sound better?

[@living_entertainment]

They both sound amazing, especially for their respective prices. There's no clear winner here, go for the one that best suits the look of the rest of your gear.

[@douglasbonner6543]

How do the 11 KI Tribute compare to the non Tribute 14 series? with the price increase on the cd player of $100 in Canada that closes the price gap to the 14 series.

[@living_entertainment]

That is a very good question, the price difference between the CD Players here in Australia is around $240. We will have to put some time aside to really compare the 2 I think.

[@douglasbonner6543]

@@living_entertainment In Canada the CD11 MSRP was $600 the new Tribute is $700 the CD14 remains priced at $900. When you get the chance please do give them a good A/B and let us know your thoughts. Cheers

[@MrFenris1966]

The tributes are best Vs A11 and Cd11 no Tribute, but too Vs Marantz PM or Cd in this price level

[@midde9841]

Maybe anyone can help me :) I bought a rotel cd11 and i have an Yamaha as 701. Is it better to connect It with chinch or digital??

[@living_entertainment]

If you have the option I would test both and just see which one you prefer the sound of. Both units have different DAC implementations so you will get a different sound signature each way, it all comes down to your own personal preference.

[@rghoag1]

how about tone control is that on the menu or remote?

[@living_entertainment]

They are inside the menu but very very easy to access.

[@piotrn9450]

can I combine a11T with 4-8ohms speakers? is this safe?

[@living_entertainment]

Absolutely! Just be careful with how hard you push them volume wise.

[@louisdrums]

would the Rotel amp pair well with some B&W 606 S2's? Thank you

[@living_entertainment]

They arent a pair we have had the chance to test but B&W tends to be rather generous when it comes to pairing. Your best bet though would be to take your speakers to your local Rotel dealer for a demo.

[@docsound4012]

Очень популярные в России АС от B&W 606 S2 с Rotel 14 👍👍😯💨

[@oscarp.3271]

Hi ! Marantz CD 6007 or Rotel cd 11 Tribute? Thanks!

[@living_entertainment]

That would come down completely to the sound signature you prefer, I don't think one is really better than the other, just different flavors. I suggest comparing the two yourself at your closest dealer. :)

[@oscarp.3271]

Unfortunately that is not possible because of where I live. It has to be a blind purchase. I would team up with a vintage Marantz, the 2252, and some vintage speakers. I listen to very varied music, jazz, rock, but maybe I give priority to jazz. Thanks for your time! Greetings from Spain!

[@Richbroth]

would the a11 pair well with the wharfdale evo 4.2?

[@living_entertainment]

Fantastic pairing in my opinion, especially for the price!

[@markgriffiths6540]

@@living_entertainment Awful with my 4.1s

[@epic21110]

Can the pre out be used for a powered subwoofer?Nice Vid !!!

[@living_entertainment]

Absolutely!

[@davidlynch433]

Can I plug an old cassette tape player into it?.

[@living_entertainment]

Absolutely!

[@davidlynch433]

@@living_entertainment Thanks for the response, I am thinking of buying this amp but it doesn't seem to have recognised tape in/out sockets only auxiliary sockets, Would I have to plug my tape deck into them?.

[@GodfreyMann]

I’m looking for an amp to pair with Evo 4.2’s that can liven the top end to balance out the sound. Would this be a good match? Concerned it didn’t pair well with the Wharfedales in your review.

[@living_entertainment]

Thanks for getting in touch Anthony. I believe if your pairing this amplifier up with the Evo 4.2 you are short changing them. The best experiences we have had with the Evo 4.2 so far has been with the Audiolab range, particularly the 8300 series.

[@GodfreyMann]

@@living_entertainment thanks for the tip! What’s the sound signature of the 8300 series with the Evo 4.2? I’m looking to balance out the speaker by giving a bit more clarity and liveliness to the top end. The 8300A are in my budget, but do the 4.2s scale well with the 8300XP and 8300M?

[@living_entertainment]

@@GodfreyMann I'm personally a big fan of pairing them with the 8300M, but I find that it gives them more low-end push and weight rather than liveliness at the top. It's a bit of a tricky one really with Wharfedale being better known for their excellent midrange presence, that said the Audiolab, in general, is a very detail orientated amplifier and the Sabre DAC implementation in the 8300A does a fantastic job of pulling out extra information. If you can get the chance to try them at your local dealer it will definitely be worth your time.

[@GodfreyMann]

@@living_entertainment such useful tips, thanks so much for taking the time for sharing! Will look to audition these when we’re released from our cages :)

[@tommi44]

@@GodfreyMann Hi, I am in exactly same situation as you were. I am looking for an amp that brings out liveliness and more detail from my evo 4.2 speakers. Which amp did you get and have you been happy with your choice?

[@revelatortestor237]

C'est un amplificateur neutre qui n'impose pas sa signature sonore trop forte et fait bien le travail et très dynamique

[@oobs35]

What speakers would you recommend for the A14? Is there much difference in performance in the amps? Thanks

[@living_entertainment]

The Bowers &B Wilkins 600 and 700 series pair quite well, as do the Wharfedale Diamond and Heritage lines and the Monitor Audio silver series.

[@joetotale6354]

I'm proud owner of both. But do you have any idea how to update the software? I use a Mac and on Rotel's website I see only downloads for Windows.

[@thomasward00]

I can't STAND it when people place things on top of AMPs...

[@dixienormous2440]

All that vibration plays havoc with the sound quality, not to mention potential fires starting.