This Amp Made my Head Explode! Rotel A11 MK ii is the best integrated amp under $1000... maybe

Rotel A11 mk ii howl.me/ckrnTMVOxLA
Enter to Win free hifi! subscribe, like, follow me / cheapaudioman
and fill out this form forms.gle/w6qbPKGPFGUKiasX9
Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com
Support the Channel! Shop on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK
Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
Join the best hifi community out there! / cheapaudioman
TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqo...
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
amzn.to/3GkNaop
CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
Test Track Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Satanic Panic Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Leg Warmers Playlist
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
cheapaudioman
If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
Recommended Streamer
WIIM Mini amzn.to/33CL99w
Bluesound Node shop-links.co/cgGiqJ2UFIO
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Elac BS41 amzn.to/3SBmEgq
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Jamo Concert howl.me/cf295uVQJA0
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Emotiva B2+ emotiva.com?aff=9
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top howl.me/cf295uVQJA0
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Wharfedale Denton 80th amzn.to/3Sv8RIq
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100/200 howl.me/cf29UeQAWsD
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Fosi Audio V3 - Extremely Clean - Audiophile Sound (Best Amp under $250) amzn.to/3rhrpDL
Fosi Audio TB10D amzn.to/43cJtwh
Fosi Audio BT20a Pro amzn.to/3r8pgdH
Around $130
Aiyima T9 amzn.to/3F8eOb6
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA1 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Recommended DACs
Geshelli Labs J2 geshelli.com/product/jnog2/
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc

[@cheapaudioman]

Rotel A11 mk ii howl.me/ckrnTMVOxLA Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com Support the Channel! Shop on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqouBa5pcIw Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5

[@tpn8402]

Randy, did you find the A11 Tribute noise floor a bit high? (I did). You said the new MK2 is "dead quiet". Did you notice much of a difference between the two? Besides more bass, do you feel that the A11 MK2 is significantly more open/airy sounding vs the A11 Tribute? More detailed/transparent?

[@Kukkema]

Hi Randy. Any chance you will review the nad 316beev2v? I know it’s older, but would love your opinion on this compared to all the other budget amps you have reviewed. All the best

[@user-du1yk7uk9v]

What I do like about this amp is that the tone controls are physical ! you don't have to enter a dumb menu in order to use them! less digital = More intelligent

[@stpierreorama]

Finally! Someone who understands!

[@dexon555]

I’ve owned the A11 Tribute for a little less than a year and listening to music on it actually makes me deeply emotional. Rotel have done a spectacular job in my opinion. (Setup: Rotel A11 & CD 11 Tribute, DALI Oberon 3 Speakers and IsoAcoustics Aperta 200 stands).

[@Junan.Reclaimed]

Which amp you are using now?

[@dexon555]

@@Junan.Reclaimed As listed Above, I'm using a Rotel A11 Tribute with a CD11 Tribute CD player and DALI Oberon 3 speakers on ISO Acoustics 200 stands.

[@angelheart1129]

Does the MK 2 sound any better?

[@dexon555]

@@Junan.Reclaimed Rotel A11 Tribute, I listed my entire setup in the original comment.

[@dexon555]

@@angelheart1129 That was my question, I do not have a MK2.

[@user-mz6lt2pr9s]

Thanks for the Rotel review. I have the RB1582 MKII amp and RB1572 MKII preamp and had such a good experience I recently bought the RCD1572 MKII CD player. Love Rotel equipment. Well built, look great and accurate stats with plenty of power, wide dynamic range and head space with no noise or issues. Highly recommended!

[@cheapcheerfulrecordcollect8071]

I bought an A12 about a year ago and I’m really happy with it. I run my Thornes TD160 with a Ortofon Bronze into my B&W CM9 speakers. The phono preamp in the Rotel is top notch. I don’t stream so can’t talk about that. Very happy with it, for now. Of course eventually I’ll get bored and want to upgrade, but don’t we all.

[@tjohnson9909]

I have a Rotel amp and preamp that I bought when I was in the military back in the early 90s that is still my primary audio components to this day and still sounds as good as ever! Love your channel!

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks for serving!

[@gregkerbel1730]

Love Rotel equipment. Had a RC1090 pre and RB1070 power, it was my primary system for a couple of decades. Keep up the good work Randy.

[@olegyamleq7796]

this is my kind of review!!!!!!! greatttttttt!!! i have an old Rotel RA 971 int amp. thanks Randy!

[@chrisnunya7171]

That's a very nice amp. I have the Sony STR-DH190 receiver because it has a phono stage input as well. I'm pretty happy with it. Great show! 🤘🏻

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Funtastic review Randy, enjoyed the vivid comparison and descriptions of the aspects of the new Rotel a11!🔥🔥👍🏽

[@TristanSchneck]

I picked up a gently used mk. 1 A12 a couple years back on Ebay and although I'm always looking for a power amp to pair with it I can't really justify it. Sounds awesome and has all the connections most would need. Can't beat the Rotel in-house built toroidal transformers.

[@StephenAnnoyingParrot]

Very nice review. From now on this amp is one of my options for my b&w 603 v1 speakers. I am impressed on what you said about the phono stage of the amp

[@michaelowens944]

I went back and watched some of your vids from two years ago, man have you grown!

[@4thewinir344]

Good informative review. I think a better comparison would be against the similar sized, build quality and priced Audiolab 6000a. Here’s to hoping you consider a review!

[@drogba6487]

Between your rec and Steve's, I think I'm sold on the A10 Mk ii for my first major upgrade. FWIW, I think it looks beautiful. Love how little Rotel's design language has changed over the years.

[@guyb7005]

A10mkii or A11mkii?

[@Hiluxtaco]

Yet another excellent review, Randy!!

[@joergwittenberg2178]

Thanks for the review, Randy. 👍

[@kelseygs557]

Thank you so much for validating my recent purchase of a restickered A11 ( wondered who made Encel brains when Australian Encel has shrunk/sorta died ++) but thankfully the remote is gorgeous in comparison 🎉 love ya work

[@mychildrenareashamedtobese3398]

I have the A12 MKii...It literally makes my lights dip when I turn it on. The transformer is the size of a Gravitron ride at the carnival. It is rated at 60 Watts per channel but the overhead is insane and functionally it is a monster. I have bigger more powerful, more expensive amps that it crushes in real world listening. I am sure the 11 is very similar with just a little less power. These things are really easy to recommend. PS. the A12 MkII has pre-outs.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

Rotel’s one of those brands that don’t make a lot of noise, just consistently delivering quality and value, year after year. Still owned and operated by original founder’s family, which is getting rare nowadays

[@declanfarber]

I think there might be something wrong with the electrical in your house. You should definitely have that checked out. Not joking.

[@cbayardelle]

He’s right I have an old adcom 555 ll power amp, the lights get dimmer when I turn it on, it does in every house that I lived in

[@declanfarber]

@@cbayardelle The 555 was 200wpc, w/a monster toroidal. I used to have one of those in an _apartment_ no less, and it didn’t do that. I also had a Rotel RB990, 200wpc, again a monster toroidal, and again no lights flickering or dimming, on a 15amp circuit. Something’s wrong with the wiring, I guess it depends on what kind of wiring is in your houses, that is scary.

[@mychildrenareashamedtobese3398]

Electrical is good. It's been gone over and is relatively new. No other component I own even my monster amp with more than 3x's the power, has that effect when I power it on. @@declanfarber

[@SyzygyNoon]

It’s nice to see one button for each input so you don’t have to cycle through all of them.

[@PhillioDoede]

Personally I'd rather have clean front end. Most people are only using a few inputs regularly and rarely are you constantly switching between them constantly.

[@quazar912]

who needs more than 1 input nowadays?

[@TheMaevian]

Coaxial for the streamer, optical for the TV, Phono for vinyl and if possible a second coaxial for the cd player (but you rarely see that so most of the time it will be a second toslink) How do you get by with only one input?

[@quazar912]

for me only one - for the streamer - for TV I have yamaha AV reciever, I don`t use CD anymore or tape or phono @@TheMaevian

[@SyzygyNoon]

@@quazar912 Whatever works for you, works, but many people need multiple inputs. I had a receiver that was pre-HDMI, and I used a ton of the inputs on that, as well as having two switch boxes. I miss analogue A/V. (I did use the digital audio connections, as well.)

[@rowanshole]

Love my RA-2020 with the RE-2000 equaliser. The flashing 80's leds are awesome.

[@JonMoralesLA]

Just picked up the Rotel A11 Tribute and I am so happy with it. I have it paired with a Wiim Pro streamer and a Denafrips Ares II DAC and it just all sounds fantastic into my Martin Logan 15 bookshelfs.

[@jeffjefferson7384]

Compact and gorgeous. But that's enough about Randy, the amp is good too.

[@6643bear]

Hi Randy , another great video, I wonder this compares with a11 tribune , it’s great they have put proper controls vol tone controls back on. I noticed they dropped the the A B 2 sets of speakers option and bit surprised not have pre out and sub woofer o/p . Does the mk2 have just the one aux I/p as you know the tribune has option to have 2 aux inputs switchable on remote or front panel. You are correct with dac chip set . I hope if eventually Rotel brings out the T11 mk2 they put in the 12v trigger I/p it’s available on a11 as the my 2 as well Kind regard mark

[@bengleason508]

Thanks Randy

[@player16987]

I own a RA-1062 and I love it. I have to reconsider my comment. I thought the A11 and the RA1062 were comparable. And over the years some features had been dropped and others were added. But the right comparison should be RA1062 vs A12 Mk2 and here Rotel just upped the ante. All modern connections and still the same basic functions. Good job. There's a little story, in one review, the author said "I heard the RA1062 thought that thing was ONLY $900." In my case I heard the RA1062 and thought it only cost me 40€ 😁

[@carlosalvarez7445]

Well... interesting indeed, however, at that price range I wonder if it can at least be on the same league with the PS Audio Sprout 100, which not only is an excellent integrated delivering 100 W at 4 Ohms and with subwoofer output, but it really sounds amazing and delivers awesome image and very cool and wide three dimensional soundstage.

[@russellgooding7475]

When I first got into HIFI in the UK in the early 80's. Aside from the usual suspects of traditional British brands, so Naim, Rega, Quad, Linn, Audiolab, Arcam and so on. The highest regarded next tier for UK audio fans included the real value Japanese amps. This was very much the likes of Marantz, Denon and Rotel. Rotel especially were always regarded as high quality back then. I believe all these years on, although now assembled out of China, not Japan. It doesn't surprise me they have regarded, a strong product, with a high pedigree. Personally having owned the Rega Brio (current edition, post 2017). That retailed at £700, and is now close to being replaced, and available on local 😂discount at £550 in the UK. I would personally take that as my top sub £1000 amp tbh. It is only analogue, with next to no features. But purely sonically it is very very good, produces tonnes of current, even at 50w, and easily drives 85db 4 Ohm speakers, plus being a Rega, and given their Turntable history its only feature is a still very strong phono stage built in. But frankly the good things still said sonically about the Rotel Amps in the same price range doesnt suprise me at all. They were always very well regarded this side if the pond, and were a well respected company who always equally cared most about the sound. I am glad that that still rings true.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Been on my list a while. Thanks for this timely review. You are still twisting my rubber arm. 🤣. I really appreciate your time and information about this amp. Take care, brother.

[@mfgxl]

Love the give away. Congrats on the 200K. It is going to happen!

[@EA-58]

Love that amp. i'm still using the Rotel A10 here in Holland. But the A11MKii will be my next amp. with my B&W 706 S2 they are a great match. Great vid Randy 👍

[@scottbennett3119]

I like good tone controls, allows you to dial in the sound.

[@d.s.6268]

Thanks for another great video. I have a question though - Disregarding the phono preamp - Is the overall sound quality of the mk 2 significantly better than the A11 tribute ? I don't listen to vinyl so was curious if I should still make the effort to get the much harder to find (in my country) mk2... Thanks in advance :)

[@user-td5df7wl1r]

Nailed it again!!🎉

[@DB-cg1rr]

Another great review

[@scottbennett3119]

Thank you for the thorough review! Do you like this a lot better than the A11 Tribute? Thanks

[@RogerBergqvist]

I like when a product is not over designed, but the sound is good. A bit NAD over it.

[@r423sdex]

Is the sound good ?

[@RogerBergqvist]

@@r423sdex I think so.

[@ufopulse]

Rotel has made some of the best sounding amps for DECADES

[@dsonyay]

Good review. I think it would’ve been a good comparison to use the Emotiva BasX, integrated amp. It’s a little closer in price than the Yamaha, and it seems to have a near identical, physical format as well as much more closer matching inputs.

[@whome8192]

Been hoping for a Rotel review.

[@megasquidd]

I would be curious how this compares to my AXR 100 from Cambridge Audio. I've been pretty pleased with it. No sub out or preamp just like this one.

[@adsph]

Great take Randy. Very high praise from you.

[@guyb7005]

DAC Texas Instruments PCM5102A I love the A11 Tribute and was surprised the A11MKii had so much less features than the Tribute (no A/B speaker posts, fewer source inputs) but if I understand you correctly, the sound quality (esp lower end) and BBT knobs seem to be a plus!!?!

[@stevezeidman7224]

Nice review. Rotel has always made nice components. I always thought they were the step up from NAD.

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Thanks!

[@guyb7005]

A11 Tribute had binding posts for 2 pairs of speakers, pre-amp out for Subs, dated RS32 connection -- but no coax. A11 MKii adding physical BBT knobs and marker on the volume is great. Suspect about sound quality being more dynamic, but not 100% surprised. Good review!

[@teraris]

In Australia, Encel is an Australian hifi company that used to build hifi's and had a store in Melbourne. They've since become a distributor for a number of brands including Rotel but have recently released an amplifier called the 'Encel Brains', which is evidfently based on the Rotel A11 Mk2. That perhaps has a slightly more stylish exterior(the front and rear layouts are identical) that really leans into the hifi as decor and the vinyl revival.

[@andreassouth1523]

Good informative review. I think a better comparison would be against similarly priced Yamaha A-S701(11.5 KG BEAST).I have A-S 701 5 years and iam very very happy!

[@jimgardner5129]

Dated? No way! Perfect, to me. Basic and unassuming.

[@ElderPinto254]

in my young days rotel i always went for rotel the old rotel i love it

[@chenolan8262]

Great review. Now you need to do some equalizers, because who else will, and compare new to vintage.

[@dallastuttle3851]

I run an A14mkii (it was b-stock because it has a tiny scratch on the front) I run it into ls50 metas and if you happen to find it a little unenthusiastic for some rock music I’d recommend boosting the bass and the treble both up +2 or 3 in the tone section. It will liven up a lot for that punk rock sound. It’s great in tone bypass for more well recorded things though.

[@MatijaTurk4]

It`s great amp for sure..but is there a huge difference and improvement in sound from Tribute? I own A 11 Tribute and it really warms my heart.. I love it!!

[@metroboom25289]

I still have my 1992 rotel ra40bx! Still sounds great after a new fix and capacitors! Great phono stage!

[@PH-gm2qe]

Still own Rotel RA04 - excelent amplifier. will chage it only when I get very good deal for some Accuphase amp.

[@josepgiral4658]

Hi Randy, I was wondering how would you compare this to the A300 smsl that you reviewed a few days ago? I imagine that the Rotel is better but how much? Thanks and keep doing those cool videos!

[@josepgiral4658]

Btw, did you try the rotel or the a300 on other speakers like the Klipsch Rp600 or the Polk R200? 😬

[@adamant3844]

I love British gear. Your review of the A11 mk2 might as well been for my 30 year old Rx950ax receiver. Same power output, same distortion and equally superb phono stage. It got amazing reviews to boot. It does have pre-outs but no sub connection. However, it's equipped with B speaker connections. Good review on a fine piece of equipment Randy. Next up, review gear from Cambridge audio. Thanks.

[@keiron99]

It's not British, it's Japanese.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

It would be very interesting to hear how this (or the A10 Mkii) compares to the Cambridge AXR100 or even to their AXA35

[@GeirRssaak]

British gear is ok, but it is insanely overprized!

[@joelewis9682]

Randy, on the tone scale of warm/cool. What`s your listening opinion on where this amp lands?

[@stephenserrato3482]

Thinking of upgrading to an integrated and digging this design . Do you think sonically it is an upgrade from an Akitika power amp? They have similar specs.

[@James-mb5jr]

Great review. What would you say is the difference in sound between this and the Yamaha as801/as1200?

[@Edcarpenter67]

Great review, Randy. Let me ask you this. In your opinion, do you think the Rotel is worth the extra $300 over the Denon pma 600ne? Thanks.

[@keithjohnson2863]

I'd like to know how this compares to the Keces E40. The Keces is also class AB, $50 less and has a preamp output. It also has a MM phono input, a USB input, and 2 analog inputs. 50W @ 8ohms and 65W @ 4ohms. It also has a smaller input.

[@maxcat479]

Great review as usual. Sounds like a special product, but was hoping for to a possible reference to the Audiolab A6000 which seems to be one of the leaders at this price range. Keep up the good work. Very much appreciated.

[@cheapaudioman]

I thought they were going to send me one but it never happened.

[@maxcat479]

Righto...Thanks for the reply and all the best.@@cheapaudioman

[@iansullivan1792]

I know that you mentioned in the video comparing to Emotiva IAs, and I’m also curious how this would compare, from just the sound quality perspective, to the Emotiva BasX TA2. From a functional perspective, not really much comparison needed.

[@b30sail]

I had the a11 tribute and the ta1 at the same time. Even though I had less features I went with the rotel. It sounded more clear.

[@TheMaevian]

You should compare it to the A12 MKII, that one has a pre-out and 5 digital inputs (2x coax, 2x optical and 1x USB)

[@JMJM75257]

For a subwoofer out just use an RCA splitter it's still doable!

[@Meerlu]

Thanks expensiveaudioman!

[@Meerlu]

@@Fidelity_Sound you answered your own question bud

[@Meerlu]

@@Fidelity_Sound ROFL. 799 is nothing to me. That does not make it cheap. *hug*

[@paulhanlon5112]

Just to comment on Rotel Gear.A few years ago i owned from memory a rotel RA -970 integrated amp 70 watts and at the time i also owned an Arcam Alpha 9 70watts , the Arcam cost almost twice what the Rotel cost and to be honest you really had to concentrate to hear the difference between them...Basically what i am saying is that Rotel offer tremendous bang for your buck !

[@paulomontero12]

Rotel makes great stuff! What you need to power our music?

[@stewpeanut]

was looking forward to another review of this. two questions: how do you think this would pair with a set of elac dbr6.2? assuming the rotel a10 mkii has the same phono pre, do you think you'd opt to go for the a10 mkii and an external dac? seems like that may be the best overall route for a similar cost.

[@matathom]

I was thinking the same regarding a10 mk2 with external dac. Is the a10 mk2 the same amp as the a11 mk 2 besides the digital inputs? Both are 50 wpc

[@justbrowsing5279]

Love to get some comparisons to the Outlaw audio stereo integrated.

[@fluffkiss18]

I've been eye-ballin' this a bit. Thanks for the review, brother!

[@riccitone]

Hmm… I wonder if the phono signal is going through the internal dac? Just a thought, probably not…but? Super nice little amp! 🙏🏼

[@jedi-mic]

You really want to ask the manufacturers does it driver a 2 ohm load ? And does it give you a perfect square wave and what's its slew rate voltage, and at what power? tells you more about the amp than just driving 4ohm load

[@cvee2614]

Great review. Have you done a review of The Marantz model 50? Between the MK ii and the Model 50, which one is your choice? $$$ is no object.

[@joekelly9369]

If you had a thousand for an amp what would you buy , clear vibrant , great bass producing ,with decent speakers ( evo 4.4) for a dac cd collection , no vinyl just cds

[@bigambientdeath]

So is this the end of the road for the A11 Tribute?, Won't be selling my one anytime soon, I love the fact you can adjust the tone controls on the remote.

[@scottbernard8824]

That's why I'll probably snatch one up. And they're on sale now that mkii is here.

[@michaelkaasbundgaard7798]

Yes it's a nice amplifier !

[@NeilBlanchard]

Some Class A/B amplifier goodness! For connecting a subwoofer to this integrated amp, you can use the speaker outputs - if your subwoofer can do this.

[@Gibonz]

Can you attach the sub speaker wire along with the normal speaker wires to the same binding posts yeh?

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@Gibonz - yes, if the sub has speaker level inputs, you can do this; and since the sub is only using it as a signal (and not drawing very much current), it doesn't lower the impedance that the amp is "seeing" by any significant amount.

[@MrRocktuga]

While its power may be more than adequate for many people and loudspeaker pairings, the relatively small increment in power at 4 ohms suggests that there isn’t that much headroom on the power supply, which is definitely not something usual for a more expensive Rotel unit. And while this is not and expensive amplifier, it isn’t a bargain either. Maybe it can provide something on sound quality that compensates for that, but that would imply to compare with similarly priced products from other well established manufacturers. Being around this business for as long as I’ve been, I find that many stereo amplifiers have increased their prices more than their performance, which ends up being related to the (low) number of units sold worldwide these days. I’m not implying that this isn’t a good product or good buy, but I’d argue that you could spend more and get a better value (bang for your buck).

[@doubledark2]

hi, what would you recommend ? cheers

[@VintageVic93]

Great review as always. While I do appreciate a minimal aesthetic, I agree that this design does seem a bit outdated.

[@Handshakeandasmile]

I’ll stick with my Emotiva TA1 I really like the overall design and features. BTW Emotiva just reduced their prices on their speakers, grab them while you can!

[@supergimp2000]

Their tomatoes are a handy thing to keep in the pantry. Great addition to chili, enchilada sauce, lots of stuff.

[@mikelanier5617]

😂 I pair Rotel with Velveeta cheese and sausage for my listening dip ❤

[@supergimp2000]

@@mikelanier5617 YES!!! I like some pickled jalapeños in there as well. Never tried sausage. Now on my list.

[@1mctous]

But have you tried Red Gold's tomato-tomatillo blend? It's better than Rotel.

[@GeirRssaak]

​i have allways liked Mexican and Spanish food,but i dislike snakeoil chefs!

[@George-nw6xg]

Hey Andy, plz tell more about the headphone output: if you plug it in, the speakers stop playing?

[@kevinbehnke7149]

I am a huge Emotiva fan boy but love the design, layout and specs! The only downfall for me is there is no sub out?

[@corymarcotte5853]

Would like to ask. Would u consider doing miniDSP FLEX?

[@Jedi71]

It felt like you softened the comparison between the Rotel and the Emotiva a bit. Do you do Emotiva ads or promos?

[@budsmoker4201120]

I am looking at this the TA2, and the AS801. What do you think for driving the new svs ultra evolution bookshelfs

[@tonydillinger2553]

Looking to upgrade. I have klipsch mclaren fives with svs sb3000, looking at klipsch 8000f II and polk r700, need to figure out a good amp/receiver that is great with two channel with sub, but also be able to at least do a 7.2 / ps5 and work good with my svs sb3000.

[@mgaming7]

Will this sound better than a 30 year old Rotel RB-960BX dual mono 60wpc with a 30 year old Anthem TLP-1 pre-amp? I always wonder if age makes a difference.

[@craiger991gm]

I just came to say the thumbnail for this video make you look like you got flame red braids piled up on top of your head. Have a happy Friday!

[@b30sail]

I have the a11 tribute. It has a pre amp out (I use with a sub). It has tone control bypass the mk 2 does not. The tribute has a higher signal to noise ratio, 100 vs 90. The tribute has 2 sets of speakers out, the mk 2 has 1. The tribute has 4 analog inputs, the mk2 has 3. The tribute has a LCD display, the mk2 has no display. The tribute has no dac, but I use a better external one anyway. I'm not understanding how this is an improvement? As for comparing the two, Randy is going by memory more than 6 months ago using different dacs and speakers. I think Rotel needed to save some costs on this model

[@pv8203]

Agree, very challenging to compare such similar products from memory especially after six months of listening to many other equipment.

[@davidlima8194]

I agree and to add to it the A11 Tribute looks much nicer than the newer A11 mkii. Of course Rotel is claiming several internal improvements have been made but only a direct head to head comparison might reveal any differences in sound quality characteristics, better, worse or just different. Remembering sound qualities/signature from 6 months ago doesn't cut it for me.

[@sabresys45]

Rotel is probably reconfiguring their product line so that it "makes more sense", this A11 mkii makes sense to me, it's the A10 mkii with a built in DAC. I think it's perfect for simple 2-ch setup, for a mini hifi setup with small bookshelfs, many of us don't want a sub, don't need a/b speakers, the display on the other Rotels is really kind of crappy and makes them look cheap, so no love lost by removing them. This is a perfect product for me, 50W A/B power, volume knob, tone controls (because cheap small speakers tend to benefit from them), phono stage, and a nice DAC for my Wiim Airplay, clean simple aesthetic, looks timeless.

[@chuckpardy8530]

I too would appreciate a side by side comparison with the A11 Tribute. I own the Tribute and use the internal phono preamp for vinyl and a Geshelli J2 for the DAC. Should I upgrade?

[@sabresys45]

@@chuckpardy8530 I own a Rotel A12, a Rotel A14mkii and I bought then returned the new A11mkii. None of these units sound different from one another, if they do we're splitting eyelashes. The DAC's in all these modern Rotels sound basically the same, whether your talking the CD players or the integrated amps. The current "Rotel sound" is homogenous within their product line, so you either like the sound or you don't (which to me leans neutral/flat relative to the other mid-fi brands). The models with the mkii designations have DAC's that are advertised as a faster bitrate (32b/384khz vs 24b/192khz), but sonically I hear no difference. Just pick the model that has the power output you need as determined by your speakers and intended listening volume, they all sound the same, you're going to hear a much more drastic difference between using the J2 DAC than you are between any two Rotel models.

[@SK-ps5pn]

Randy would you be able to compare the A11 Mk-II to a Cambridge Audio AXA35 or 85 ?

[@whome8192]

This sounds like a commercial for Sith Audio foaming bathroom cleaner.

[@lextr3110]

That pcm5102 can be surprising too..

[@leodesforges161]

Hey Randy: what are the sound differences between the SMSL A300 and the A11 mkii? (Huge price difference, but I figured you'd have both fresh in your ears)

[@rubenharris5131]

Hey Leo. I just bought the smsl a 300 to replace my rotel a10 (mk1) on my desk. The a300 is a good little amp but not close to the sound of the a10 in my opinion. A300 is class d and you can hear it. A300 has better separation and sound stage. I can listen to the rotel all day where the a300 gets fatiguing IMO.

[@rubenharris5131]

If you go smsl make sure your speakers are not bright.

[@leodesforges161]

THanks Ruben! I have two a300's and love them both. Separation, clarity and soundstage are huge factors for me. Brightness rarely is a dealbreaker for me.

[@jaredpmoser]

Thanks Randy. However I think most of us are more interested in separates. Would like to see some reviews on Stereo Power Amps under 1k under 2k and under 5k. Personally say NAD vs McIntosh or Peachtree

[@DearSX]

I hope you can test a Purifi amp soon.

[@kj13-in5mz]

Link to the shower cleaning product?

[@peterbalogh2646]

How much of a difference is there between the A11 and the A11 tribute? Dunno if it worth the extra or not...