Rotel A8 integrated amplifier review
You don’t like Bluetooth speakers but don’t want to spend a fortune on a modern HiFi system? This amp could be the solution, as it brings everything you need, in a classic design and at a low price.
The Rotel A8 is aimed primarily at beginners who don’t need many features and appreciate simple operation. Whether it also delivers official music enjoyment is what we’ll clarify here.
What does a music lover need? Enough power for their speakers, a source selection that leaves no questions, and a large volume control knob.
This is exactly where the A8 shines.
Design and Operation
The design: Classic with a brushed aluminum front and well-distributed knobs and buttons. Prominently placed in the middle is the large volume knob. Cleverly, the volume level is displayed with circularly arranged LEDs. If the standard blue isn’t to your liking, you can choose between red, green, and violet. The power indicator, however, always stays blue. To the left are controls for balance, bass, and treble—luxuries not often found in many digital amplifiers anymore. On the right, you’ll find buttons for source selection, with LED indicators.
On the back are the gold-plated RCA inputs for sources and sturdy speaker terminals that accommodate both wire strands and banana plugs. Commendable! Inside the flat housing, which is only 60 millimeters high, is a substantial toroidal transformer powering a Class-A/B amplifier. Rotel specifies a power output of 2 x 30 watts at 8 Ω and 2 x 40 watts at 4 Ω, which should be enough for many compact speakers.
The Rotel A8 supports four sources, labeled Phono, Tuner, CD, and AUX. Whether you still want to connect a tuner despite the wide selection of internet radio stations is up to you. An entry-level streamer like the Argon Audio or the Eve Play, which I use, fits perfectly with the A8.
It’s praiseworthy that Rotel is thinking of vinyl lovers as well. Suitable companions for the MM phono stage are, for example, the Pro-Ject Automat A1 or the JBL Spinner. Also pleasing is the headphone jack on the front.
The remote control is large and feels comfortable in hand. The cost-saving measures are noticeable in the plastic build and lack of backlighting. Considering what other manufacturers offer in the same price range, you can be satisfied. The remote not only controls the amplifier, but also allows you to adjust the brightness of the LEDs in three levels. Practical.
For my sound check, I used various speakers with the Rotel A8, including my standard music box, the superbly resolving Piega Coax 70. I also tested it with a pair of DIY bookshelf speakers and the Piega P4. As sources, I used the Linn Majik DS streamer and the Eve Play.
A sound that warms the heart.
I started the listening session with the album “Acoustic” by Simple Minds. The guitars were beautifully highlighted, which was especially enjoyable with Simple Minds. The lead vocals stood well in the room, without harshness and with a touch of warmth. However, the drums sounded a bit blurred at the bottom end and couldn’t quite hold their own.
How much live feeling can the Rotel A8 bring into the music room? This was put to the test with Silje Nergaard’s “Live in Cologne” album. Silje’s voice stood out dominantly, building harmoniously and roundly in front of the listener. The solo guitar received just the right amount of detail.
Pleasure or Pain – The Listening Test
Technical specifications aside, an amplifier must primarily sound good. A compact amp like the Rotel A8 is usually paired with small bookshelf speakers or floor-standing speakers. For my sound check, I combined the amp with various speakers, including the Piega Coax 70, DIY bookshelf speakers, and the Piega P4.
I paused to enjoy the piano opening of “Be Still My Heart.”
Then came the rockier vibes of “Memento Mori” by Depeche Mode. The first track, “My Cosmos Is Mine,” showed that the Rotel A8 can also deliver real power. It drove the drivers with energy and punch. My chill-out finale with Blank & Jones matched the beautiful late-summer sunsets. Synthesizers, which tend to sound overly sharp, were gently wrapped in just enough warmth by the Rotel A8 to sound pleasant without losing edge.
The Rotel A8 loved subtle tones. However, when pushed to high volumes, it could become a bit aggressive depending on the speakers. Stay below party-level volumes, and you’ll be rewarded with a harmonious and warm sound.
The Rotel A8 belongs to this very category. Clear layout, four analog inputs including MM phono, and solid speaker terminals—if you just want to relax and enjoy music with compact speakers in small rooms, this is the right choice. Combined with bookshelf speakers and an affordable network streamer, it makes for a well-rounded setup.
Performance Measurement
Wide frequency response, no load-dependent voltage drop (line at 8/4/2 Ω). MM phono with broad boost at 1 kHz by 1 dB, sensible drop below 20 Hz. Thanks to a practical impedance of 48 kΩ/100 pF, clean frequency response with system/cable simulation (thin, green). Distortion spectrum at 1 kHz/1 W: relatively much mains hum at low power, faint harmonic distortion. Despite non-defeatable bass/treble filters, good line signal-to-noise ratio of 101 dB (10 V, weighted). Phono also quiet with 80 dB. The power amp delivers stable performance, with 34/38 W at 8 Ω and 42/46 W at 4 Ω (sine/music), slightly exceeding manufacturer specifications. Power consumption 13-200 W.
Rotel A8 Tech Specs
Distribution: ATR Audio Trade
List price: $424 (converted from 400 Euro)
Warranty: 2 years
Dimensions (W × H × D): 43 × 73 × 34.7 cm
Weight: 5.8 kg
CONNECTIONS
Phono MM/MC: Yes / No
High-level Cinch/XLR: 3 / No
Digital in (Optical, Coax, USB): No / No / No
Tape Out: No
Pre Out Cinch/XLR: No / No
Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm jack
CONCLUSION:
FEATURES
Remote control: Yes
Tone control/switchable: Yes / No
Loudness: No
Special features: MM Phono, headphone jack
TEST RESULTS
Sound: 115 (converted to 9.6/10)
Equipment: Good
Operation: Very good
Build quality: Very good
AUDIO BENCHMARK
Overall rating: 115 points (converted to 9.6/10)
Price/Performance: Outstanding
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