Over the past three years, I have been fortunate to review numerous Rotel Integrated Amplifiers including the Michi X3, A14MKII and A12MKII models; all of them have proven to be well made and sonically excellent. The Michi X3 has been replaced with a newer X3 Series 2 model and there has not been a lot of activity since the launch of the Diamond Series in 2022.
The prices have also been climbing rather steadily much to the dismay of potential buyers; supply chain issues took a toll and not every brand has readjusted their prices downward post-pandemic.
For those looking for more affordable amplifiers and CD players from Rotel — you prayers may have been answered.
Rotel has announced three new and improved models in the company’s popular 14 Series line including the A10MKII Integrated Amplifier, A11MKII Integrated Amplifier and CD11MKII CD Player.
All three models benefit from upgrades to critical components and circuit topology to add extra resolution and detail while maintaining their critical price position.
The A11MKII and CD11MKII represent upgrades to Rotel’s hugely successful Tribute Series models which were inspired by — and co-operatively engineered with — the late Ken Ishiwata. The new products seek to enhance the performance of their predecessors while remaining faithful to Ken’s design philosophy and continue to proudly pay homage to Ishiwata san’s 40+ year legacy in the audio business.
“Since our beginning in 1961, Rotel has continually invested in product and technological innovations.”, says Peter Kao, Managing Director of Rotel and part of the 3rd Generation of the company’s original founding family. “As a family-owned business we are ideally placed to offer an unwavering personal commitment to always delivering high-performance and high-value products, all built to our exacting quality standards in our own dedicated manufacturing facility.”
A10MKII Integrated Amplifier
The A10MKII Class AB 2 x 50W (8 ohms) Integrated Amplifier supports a Moving Magnet Phono Stage and three RCA analog source inputs and is powered by an in-house manufactured toroidal transformer with robust filtering storage capacitors.
The A10MKII features over 67 component upgrades including in the power and amplifier gain stage bringing improved resolution and detail. The included IR remote control allows precise adjustment of the volume in the analog domain plus selection of the input source. The front panel also includes bass, treble and balance controls plus a 3.5mm headphone output connector.
A single set of speaker binding posts, dual 12V trigger outputs and automatic power control switch are located on the rear panel.
A11MKII Integrated Amplifier
The A11MKII Integrated Amplifier Class AB 2x50W (8 ohms) is an upgrade of the hugely successful A11 Tribute model and continues to offer a Moving Magnet Phono Stage, three RCA analog source inputs plus aptX HD and AAC Bluetooth connectivity. The MKII model also features coaxial and optical inputs providing connection to digital sources at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
A Texas Instruments PCM5102A 32-bit/384kHz DAC is part of over 22 critical component upgrades in the digital circuits, which combine to improve staging and resolution.
The included remote control provides motorized volume control and source selection. The front panel also includes bass, treble and balance controls plus a 3.5mm headphone jack. A single set of speaker binding posts, dual 12V trigger outputs and signal-sense automatic power control switch are located on the rear panel.
CD11MKII Compact Disc Player
The CD11MKII CD Player replaces the existing CD11 Tribute model and includes over 10 critical components upgrades in the digital circuits surrounding the TI PCM5102A 32-bit/384kHz DAC.
The smooth action tray loading CD mechanism, LCD display, intuitive front panel controls and included IR remote control ensure simple installation and operation. RCA outputs provide easy connection to your favorite audio system.
The CD11MKII also includes a coaxial output allowing the unit to be used as a CD transport. The 12V trigger input and RS232 connection allows seamless integration with control systems.
All models are available in both black and silver colors.
Price & Availability
The three products will be available worldwide beginning in August 2023 for:
- A10MKII, $599.00
- A11MKII, $799.99
- CD11MKII, $599.99
Related reading: Step up to the Rotel A12MKII or A14MKII Integrated Amplifiers introduced in 2022.
ORT
July 28, 2023 at 12:17 am
I must remain focused…one thousand points of light…
If I were not saving for the Marantz CD60 I would just give in and get this for my older brother and tell him to enjoy it. He is a tremendous admirer of Rotel and their CD players in particular so this latest CD11MKII (in silver) would suit him. His Nakamichi CD3 is on its last legs (mine gave out decades ago due to heavy and frequent use of the RANDOM PLAY feature!).
But I am maintaining focus. A short time ago I bought him and his wonderful wife an Onkyo DX-C390 and will deliver it to them as soon as I am capable of driving farther than the Piggly-Wiggly (roughly 3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197 miles) and back. The Onkyo ain’t Rotel but the Rotel ain’t a CD Changer. He had declined a 200 Disc Sony changer before but cannot refuse the Onkyo. I would that it were this new Rotel tho’…
Rotel’s have a nice “machined” look to ’em that we both admire and desire. The price ain’t “bespoke” but “webespeakin'” about they outstanding quality!
This one has that familial look of quality and I have no doubts that the Rotel is superb. But I must…Stay the course, a thousand points of right…
ORT
Ian White
July 28, 2023 at 12:22 am
ORT,
Good call. The Marantz is genuine sleeper of a CD player.
The Naim CDS from like 20 years ago would be my other choice.
Sir “happy to be back online” White
Joao
July 31, 2023 at 8:17 pm
Crap, Phillips with the best DAC in the World, the 1549 dac, best cd player ever
Ian White
July 31, 2023 at 8:27 pm
Joao,
Compared to what? Everything else? That’s highly debatable.
Best,
Ian White