Rotel upgrades Tribute CD player and Hi-Fi amplifiers

Japanese Hi-Fi specialist Rotel has announced MKII upgrades to three new models in its 14 Series line, including the A10MKII Integrated Amplifier, A11MKII Integrated Amplifier and CD11MKII CD Player.

Upgrades to critical components and circuit topology add extra resolution and detail, without impacting price, says the company.

The A11MKII and CD11MKII build on Rotel’s successful Tribute Series models which were inspired by, co-operatively engineered with the legendary Ken Ishiwata.

The new products enhance the performance of their predecessors while remaining faithful to Ishiwata’s design philosophy.

The A10MKII Class AB 2 x 50W (into 8 ohms) Integrated amplifier features an MM Phono Stage and three analogue source inputs. The toroidal transformer is an in-house design.

The new model enjoys no fewer than 67 component upgrades, including in the power and amplifier gain stage said to bring improved resolution and detail. The front panel 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.

The A11MKII integrated, with Class AB 2x50W (8 ohms) amplification, is an upgrade of the hugely successful A11 Tribute model. Connectivity covers an MM phono stage and RCA analogue and coaxial and optical inputs, plus aptX HD and AAC Bluetooth support.

New on this model is a Texas Instruments PCM5102A 32-bit/384kHz DAC, one of 22 component upgrades.

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.

Finally, the CD11MKII CD Player replaces the existing CD11 Tribute model, and lists a TI PCM5102A 32-bit/384kHz DAC as one of its 10 improvements.

The player also includes a coaxial output allowing the unit to be used as a CD transport. The 12V trigger input and RS232 connection allows integration with control systems.

Available in both black and silver, the A10MKI sells for £549 ($599, € 599); the A11MKII £699 ($799.99, € 799) and the CD11MKII £549 ($599.99, € 599).

New Rotel distribution strategy
In related news, Rotel is implementing a new distribution strategy for all Rotel and Michi branded products in key European Markets including Germany, Finland, Benelux and France, severing its ties with long time partner Bowers & Wilkins.

From August, 2023 all Rotel and Michi products in Germany and Switzerland will be distributed exclusively by ATR. The French and Benelux market distribution will also change, effective September 1, 2023, with further details to be announced shortly by Rotel.