The Rotel RAS-5000 is the pinnacle of the Japanese manufacturer’s connected amplifier range. This model can deliver a high power output of 2 x 140W into 8 ohms and 2 x 220W into 4 ohms in class AB. It features state-of-the-art connectivity with USB-B and HDMI eARC inputs to connect a TV. What’s more, its advanced network capabilities support playback of Hi-Res files via DLNA and provide direct access to streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz. It is also compatible with wireless Bluetooth aptX HD, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast diffusion. Sold for €2,999, will this next-gen hi-fi amplifier become one of the best in its category?
Presentation
Large color screen
A supercharged version of the Rotel S14, the Rotel RAS-5000 amplifier has all the features and style of the S14, but in a more luxurious format. The device’s chassis is made entirely of metal for robustness and mechanical resistance. In the middle of the brushed aluminum front panel is a large color screen that can display the source, the file resolution and the album cover of tracks played on streaming services or shared via DLNA.
The screen also simplifies setup of the Rotel RAS-5000 amplifier. Metallic buttons situated underneath the volume knob allow you to navigate through the various menus. The latter provide access to many settings, notably for the balance, tonality (lows and highs), volume upon power-up, screen brightness and automatic wake-up. However, it is disappointing that in 2024 the screen on this Rotel amp is still not tactile for greater ease of use.
Each source has a dedicated button under the Rotel RAS-5000’s screen. They can also be selected using the infrared remote control. Made entirely of aluminum, this remote seems to be of very high quality. It has all the essential functions, including access to the amplifier’s different menus and the volume. It covers a fairly wide area, allowing you to control your music without having to aim precisely at the amp.
Mobile app
The free Rotel mobile app for iOS and Android is dedicated solely to streaming. It can be used to access tracks shared via DLNA on the local network, browse folders on a USB key connected to the Rotel RAS-5000, launch a web radio station or access Qobuz. However, the integration of this service could be improved. The interface is not user-friendly, and some features of the official application are missing, limiting the possibilities of discovering new artists. What’s more, it’s sometimes difficult to find playlists, and playback lacks responsiveness. This isn’t a serious shortcoming, but we’re entitled to expect more from a modern connected amplifier in this price range.
Discerning users can turn to Roon for a better user experience with Qobuz. The integration and modern interface are far more advanced. Certified Roon Tested, the Rotel RAS-5000 amplifier is able to effectively operate all the software’s functions. For Spotify and/or Tidal users, streaming is done directly from each service’s native application, thanks to the Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect protocols. Finally, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast technologies enable you to enjoy any other service by streaming them from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Bluetooth aptX HD is supported to maximize diffusion quality.
Audio design
While Rotel still has some work to do when it comes to software, its audio design skills remain indisputable. The Rotel RAS-5000 amplifier benefits from audiophile-quality components and an intelligent architecture. The manufacturer’s signature linear power supply is provided by an oversized toroidal transformer developed exclusively by Rotel. Combined with powerful capacitors, it maximizes current capacity, giving this Rotel amp a damping factor of over 290. This kind of performance is usually found only in the most prestigious power amplifiers. As a result, this Rotel amplifier is capable of responding instantly to the slightest input from recordings and powering even the most demanding speakers.
The low-noise power supply is combined with discreet components to increase audio precision. The power stage features a double mono architecture to limit interference and optimize the signal-to-noise ratio. The transistors are polarized in class AB and can provide up to 2 x 140W RMS into 8 ohms or 2 x 220W RMS into 4 ohms. This level of power allows the Rotel amplifier to operate almost continuously in class A for the majority of speakers.
32-bit/384kHz and DSD DAC
The Rotel RAS-5000 amplifier’s conversion stage is powered by a 32-bit chip designed by ESS Sabre. Without specifying the exact model, Rotel affirms that it supports the majority of recent audio formats, including MQA, MQA Studio and DSD. PCM files can be played up to a very high resolution of 24-bit.192kHz for the SPDIF inputs, and 32-bit/384kHz for the USB DAC mode or DLNA playback. With a wide bandwidth ranging from 10Hz to 100kHz, the Rotel RAS-5000 amp is ideal for enjoying the full richness of Hi-Res tracks.
Wide range of connectors
The Rotel RAS-5000’s connectors include optical, coaxial, HDMI eARC, USB-B, USB-A and RCA inputs. This amplifier is therefore ideal for digital sources, with the possibility of connecting a CD player, a DAB/DAB+ tuner, a TV via HDMI (control possible via the TV remote control), a computer via USB, or playing tracks stored on an external hard drive. However, the single RCA input limits options. Its main purpose is to connect a pre-amplified turntable or a source equipped with its own DAC.
As for outputs, the Rotel RAS-5000 features a pre-out stereo RCA connector for an external power amp. A sub output facilitates the connection of a subwoofer to enhance the audio experience. The screw terminals are beautifully crafted and are compatible with wide gauge speaker cables, banana plugs and spade connectors. Finally, a 3.5mm mini-jack headphone output on the front panel lets you enjoy your music without disturbing the people around you.
Listening conditions
As soon as it is turned on, the Rotel RAS-5000 lets you used the connected wired sources immediately. To access streaming services, you need to connect the amplifier to the local network. Thanks to the Rotel app, the process of connecting to the WiFi network is quick and easy. You can then link your Qobuz account, and enjoy web radios and tracks shared over the local network.
For our review, we connected the Rotel RAS-5000 amplifier to the Sonus Faber Lumina V Amator and Focal Aria Evo X N°3 floorstanding speakers, as well as the Dali Epicon 2 and B&W 705 S3 bookshelf speakers. The amp demonstrated remarkable effortlessness, even when paired with very high-end speakers such as the B&W 805 D4, renowned for revealing both the qualities and shortcomings of the associated electronics.
Listening impressions
The Rotel RAS-5000 amplifier demonstrated control and rigor, effectively handling all the associated speakers. Without needing to turn up the volume, it delivered a smooth, dense and energetic reproduction. There was plenty of substance throughout the spectrum, especially in the low frequencies. The bass was deep, impactful and very well controlled. The resulting soundscape was beautifully textured, with a deep soundstage and perfectly structured layering.
After warming up a little, the Rotel RAS-5000 amplifier completely opened up, letting the music flow without restraint. Instruments came to life with natural ease and conviction. The sonic message was clear, and every detail was distinct. The spectral balance was uniform from the lows to the highs. The latter were aerial, imbued with softness and warmth. They were clear, pure and refined.
On the track Liberty by Anette Askvik, the Rotel RAS-5000 amp demonstrated its richness in the midrange and its rigor in reproducing the singer’s voice accurately and naturally. The vocals emerged from the center of the stage with delicacy and incredibly rich timbre. The slightest nuances and articulations had great finesse, transmitting all the emotions conveyed by the artist. The saxophone that accompanies the track was perfectly textured, especially with the Sonus Faber Lumina Vs. The instrument seemed to materialize right in front of us, in the saxophonist’s hands. The superposition of these different registers gave the sound great depth.
Rotel RAS-5000 vs Atoll SDA200 Signature
Available for €3,090, the Atoll SDA200 Signature amplifier can develop up to 2 x 120W into 8 ohms or 2 x 200W into 4 ohms. Its network features are very similar, with DLNA, Bluetooth, Qobuz, Tidal and Roon compatibility. However, the Rotel RAS-5000 is more versatile thanks to the AirPlay 2 and Chromecast protocols, as well as its USB-B port that allows you to connect a computer and the HDMI eARC port for connecting a TV. Moreover, its DAC ensures playback of higher resolution files.
Who is the Rotel RAS-5000 for?
The Rotel RAS-5000 amp is an excellent all-in-one model for enjoying digital music and physical sources, including a television. Thanks to its high power output and impressive power reserve, this Rotel amplifier is ideal for demanding speakers and large 3-way floorstanders, or to add more dynamism, balance and naturalness to the listening experience.
Conclusion
With the Rotel RAS-5000 connected amplifier, the Japanese manufacturer extends the capabilities of the small Rotel S14 in an even more powerful version. It adds an HDMI eARC input for TV connection, and more muscular amplification to control all speakers with authority and rigor. Well-organized, this amplifier skillfully orchestrates music to deliver a uniform message across a wide frequency range. It knows how to extract minute subtleties and details from recordings to reproduce the score to perfection. In short, a flawless musical performance that makes you forget the minor teething problems of its mobile app.
We liked:
- The natural timbres
- The high current reserve
- The smooth and precise reproduction of each frequency
- The depth of the soundstage
We would have liked:
- A touchscreen
- A more sophisticated mobile app (perhaps via a future update?)
- More analog connectors, notably a phono input
