Many years ago you recommended the Rotel RA-10 with the LS50. Though never sold in the USA, I managed to acquire the Rotel from eBay and added the KEFs. I’ve been happy ever since. Thank you John!
My dad co-designed the RA-930AX... great to see it alive and well in youtube-land! It was very well received at the time, and I think it was editor's choice for a few magazines. I think I've got one in the loft, so I might have to do my own comparison with an A11. Ken was a top guy, and some of his Marantz designs were excellent.
I’ve learned a lot about audio-related technologies from your videos, podcasts and website. Thank you for that, and thank you for helping to make my music-first hobby enjoyable and, dare I say, fun again. Thanks much John. 🎵
I use both sets of speaker posts from my amplifier. One set (speaker A) is driving the speakers and the other (speaker B) is driving the subwoofer (amplified one). And from what I understood from other knowledgeable people in the field this way of connecting the subwoofer is considered the best. And I like the way it sounds so... 😏
I have owned the vintage rotel as well and it was(pricewise) one of the most beautiful looking and colorful sounding integrated amps I have ever owned.🥰
John, John, John... In the real world, 2 sets of speaker outputs are really useful! In my old house we had an open plan kitchen / dining room. We had some rebuilding done so I plumbed in speaker cables for 1 pair in the kitchen and 1 pair in the dining room, mounted high on the walls. I used a cheap Cambridge Audio amp to drive both pairs of speakers simultaneously. We had great times cooking, chatting, singing and jumping around to music we liked. Even now I have a Cambridge Audio CXA80 with 2 sets of speaker outputs. 1 set is connected to my old Castle Avon floor standers that I have just resurrected after being in storage for ages. The other set is connected to a new (to me) pair of Linn AV 5140 floor standers that I'm getting ready to make aktiv (don't you just love Linn...). I'm in speaker compare mode ATM so I can flick between the same source playing through the Castles and Linns at the flick of a switch. So, keep your hands off my 2 sets of speaker outputs! The other thing you mentioned but didn't make enough of (IMHO) is the fact that the A11 Tribute has a pre-out. Amps with a pre-out allow the system to grow. In fact I'm looking for such an amp ATM - vintage or new - so I can get started on my aktiv journey (on the cheap). Finally, I do love these videos of yours: lighthearted and informative. Cheers from the UK.
Thank you so much for this wonderful video! Please do more comparisons of old and new tech! And the bloopers in the end have become your signature, please keep them coming!
That’s funny, I just updated my old 930 to the A11 Tribute! I totally agree with your findings. Amps have come a long way and the A11 is a true gem at that price point.
I purchased a Rotel RX 950AX in the mid 90s and have used it every day since lol. Yes I’m 55 years old 😂. Still love it and it’s sounds as good now as then. I purchased a pair of Sonab c12 bookshelf speakers the same day and still use them every day as well. I might upgrade someday 😂
❤ Thanks for this… when I got my first job, after finishing Uni in 1994, I bought my 1st HiFi system, a Rotel RA 930BX (slightly upgraded components to the AX I believe) paired with Celestion speakers - can’t remember which - and a Rega Planer 1. It’s hilarious to think these are now considered ‘vintage’, but hey, life goes on! I literally came came across the 930BX in the loft a week go and have hooked it up to some old Mission speakers, with a Triangle aio c streamer. It sounds pretty good considering…
Not two sets of speakers, but bi-wiring :) ALSO: Great video, totally understand that it is impossible to churn out a full-fledged review each week. Love your tone, pace, look, and editing. Your videos are the ones I look forward to seeing the most when you have a new one out. Keep up the great work, and be nice to yourself :) /Filip from Sweden
My company (Audio Warehouse) was one of the first ROTEL dealers in the U.S., back in the '70s. At the same time, we also carried Nikko and Onkyo but considered them a bit better. All three brands were better (on cost and sound) than Pioneer and Marantz, which had grown soft and complacent will their long domination of the audio arena.
Great video!. I think though that what has really changed in the A11 is the involvement of the great Ken Ishiwata in the particular development. Hopefully Rotel shall absorb whatever knowledge they can from that experience. RIP KEN!
With limited capital, when a teen I invested a year or two of paper route money into a Rotel pre and power amp setup, with Heybrook speakers. It was the best I could do at the time but it was a genuine attempt at getting an audiophile setup when most kids my age were buying Pioneer amps and Polk speakers. Best thing for me was that you could turn off the EQ and disengage the circuit entirely. I ended up in studio and live mixing as a career but I still use the less is more philosophy I applied back then in the mid 80s when I invested in my first hi-fi system. 35 years later, it still works and my step kid has it in his bedroom, paired with some Dali speakers. Rotel has been good to me…
If your powered sub has the inputs, I like using the B speaker switch to send signal to a powered sub. Easy on/off selection, and you may be able to use your remote control too
I picked up a 1975-76 vintage Rotel RX-602 from my local 2nd hand shop earlier in the year. I bought it mainly for looks as a second system for my sunroom, to match some other 70s decor, but it has turned out to be my favourite bit of kit for day to day listening. Absolutely stellar sound and a bargain for $A200. I’m now looking at either the A11 tribute or A12 MkII to upgrade another space so found this comparison quite informative, thanks.
Thanks for this one. After looking for about a year for a new integrated to replace my cheap 90’s Yamaha av receiver was overthinking it all I purchased an a11 tribute and love it just right for me at this time with my Tekton’s.
I think the AB speaker function is there to compare your existing speaker to a new one. I think its quite a clever feature and Id like to play witht it.
I wondered if that would be the reason for it when I noticed the selector button and indicator around the 13 minute mark. Surely quite handy for someone in this line of work!
I have 2 of the RA30’s, loved the first one for the last 20 years (set up in our dining room) then on eBay found a ‘like new’ one in the original box for £100, bought it just in case my original popped. I also stream my ipad in to the amp via a DAC when I want to press play and forget streaming lossless from Apple etc. and use a revox A77 R2R when I wan to get retro. So was really chuffed John that you knocked this video out.
In 2006 i started working and the very first thing I bought was a Rotel RA-06 amp + Rotel RCD-06 cd player + Project Debut 2 turntable + Focal/Jmlab speakers, i cant remember the model but they were on sale bc Focal and Jmlab already started working separately. I still love it, i only replaced the turntable and bought a Rega P3...i should have more love for a the Project turntable that i used almost on a daily basis for 14 years but compared to the Rega, its a whole different experience.
I bought the Rotel CD 11 Tribute CD player a few weeks ago(now at £250 instead of £550 if you search). Playing it through my modestly priced Onkyo 9010 is a revelation. I'm gonna have to upgrade my 1980's Rega Planar 3 cartridge to get back to playing LP's. I did consider the A11 amp(partly because it has Bluetooth connectivity)but had read that it's underpowered and it came out the loser in a comparison with the 9010. The CD11 Tribute is amazing, though.
Rotel A11 Tribute, Arcam SA-10, Audiolab 6000a, NAD C316BEE v2, Musical Fidelity M2si, Rega IO/BRIO...among others compete against each other with each offering something more/less in the way of competence in various audio categories. Each has a following and each provides enjoyment to those that own one. While I've tried a couple of the above, I sent them back/sold off because of something I didn't like. For example, the M2si to me sounded unrefined, gritty and had too much in the way of flabby bass but there are those who prefer it for the genres and preferences they listen to. Without hearing enough amps on your own speakers, it's a difficult call. I did find an amp I like very much. A Keces E40 which to me has a tight but saturated low end and mids and enough airiness and transparency to the highs providing a smooth but full sound at its' price point. Although I considered the A11 tribute as well as the A12 previous model, that bluish screen in the middle just isn't my thing. But most any of the amps of many main brands today seem to perform well in some respect or another. Whether they match better or worse with a speaker depends on the speaker and one's SQ preferences.
In relation to the two sets of binding posts; I remember it being quite fashionable in the UK during the 90s to have a "remote" set of speakers in another room whereas I'm not sure if people do that so much any more.
I did like the format of this video. And I am surprised that you never hooked up two sets of speakers to one amp. Great way to A/B speakers, efficiency notwithstanding, and for a bigger livelier sound.
I have owned the A11 Tribute for three months and was very satisfied or even more "impressed" by its performance. It is a very good choice and I just sold it, because I had to save some money on something else. Under normal circumstances I would have kept it. By the way, I found the Bluettooth connection just perfect to stream some music from my iPad and it did a fine job! Thanks for the interesting comparing with the old school Rotel review and the information given. Good luck, go ahead, you are doing a great job! Best regards, Jan
I owned a RA 930 from 1994 to the mid 2010s. I absolutely loved it. Solid it when I didn't need it anymore and now I have a RC and RB 850 combo which sounds very very good to my ears. I run it with a apir Celestion Ditton 3. Inexpensive setup with tons of flair. Thx for the interesting review. Looks like you run an interesting YT channel.
Never used both A&B speaker outs until I purchased a pair of latest Klipsch RP 600M Mark IIs. Placed them on top of my vintage (1986) Klipsch Forte Is and drove both pairs with NAD C368…. Oh my. Best of both worlds. Almost kept the set up, but the RP 600s were earmarked for my analog system with Reisong A10. Keep up the great work- cheers from Austin.
1971 ish (I know that’s a long time ago) I bought a brand new Rotel RA 311 with 30 watts per channel. With the volume knob at about 12 o’clock it had magic ingredient of making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. It used to make the speakers pop loudly when it was powered up and some of the input buttons were sloppy, but I do miss the sound of that amp and my Pioneer PL12D turntable. Love the way you review products.😊
I picked up Black River Falls just to give it a whirl. I love my vintage Luxman but also love my modern Marantz and Cambridge Audio kit. I do think you get more "bang for the buck" with modern gear. Thanks again!
It is an odd feeling - I also once realised that my £400 amp was a better match for my £1600 Stirlings than my £1500 amp. But then again when I paired my £400 amp with my £400 Triangles- it was unbereable. The £1500 amp was a much better match. This definitely spices things up as you say! That's also why I love budget gear. The value is sometimes just exceptional.
Always thought the A+B speaker outs were for running an extra set of speakers in another room for "whole house" music, or perhaps for a set outdoors on your patio. Yet, I knew ZERO people who ever did any of that...Would rather have ONE set of high-quality binding posts...
I bought my 930 amp in the 90's. It's now paired with the CD11 tribute, Pro-ject deck and a Yamaha cassette player with Mordant shore MS10i speakers. I'm thrilled that the amp was used as a comparison and still stands up well with the A11. Cheers.
Having two speaker pairs is top of my requirements for an amplifier. I presently have desk top speakers either side of my computer screen, with floor standing Wharfdale 11.3 speakers either side of my desk allowing my listening chair to be 2.5m from the desk in my studio. I choose a Yamaha A-S301 integrated amplifier. A Yamaha subwoofer completes the package. Very happy with the sound. Great videos - how do you get good high quality sound !!! amazing.
Excellent review John I really love rotel equipment it was my first step in to hi-fi back in the day I was only 21 years old in 1990 Coming from cheap receivers back then it was a major difference I remember my friends and family been really impressed with my audio gear back then
Vintage from the 1990s seems to be a sweet spot, often found in excellent working condition, and look modern enough. A ROTEL RA960 would have been a fairer comparison.
Thanks John as always. I carried a 20 year old Nackamichi RE-10 (100 watts, the best 2 channel Nackamichi) from my basement to a 14 day covid quarantine, but I had to upgrade it to a Rega IO 30 watt (bought online) since I could hear a lot of distortion that we used to in the old days. I had the choice of buying a 100 w Rotel then, and Nackamichi was warmer.
I'm not an audiophile, but I have long powered tow sets of vintage speakers in my main, vinyl stereo setup. One pair are Altec Design 1, circa 1973, the other pair are Advent Legacy, circa 1978. Both sets of speakers have been reconditioned. Currently researching a replacement for the Onkyo receiver that is currently in use. This Rotel is definitely on the short list. Support for A+B is a definite must, I never thought this was odd in the least.
Two sets of speaker terminals are wonderful to have in my opinion, for the purpose of comparing different pairs of speakers to each other instantly. Very helpful when shopping for speakers, and you have a pair on loan or when comparing to a friend's speakers that he just brought over for a sound quality shoot out. I'm surprised that an audio reviewer wouldn't consider this helpful. But that's just my opinion, which includes what a great website you have. Thanks for your wisdom and experience.
A11 is a good amplifier any annoying part is that it turns its self OFF if you are not playing anything after 20 mins, luckily I found it’s possible to change this default setting in the settings menu. It works well with ATC speakers.
Nice video. I have the A11 CD player and love it ( much more than the Cambridge Audio or NADs I also use). I've never used the A/B speaker feature on an amp either ( My recapped vintage Sansui AU-999 has an A, B and A+B feature. Go figure). But I am currently trying to optimize the setup of a small setup for my study. I'm trying to choose between the little B&W 607s I have and my slightly larger Martin Logan 35 xts. The A/B feature might be useful for making the comparison. A fairly marginal case.
I have a gen1 Rotel A14 I got on sale for about as much as the A11 Tribute ($1100AUD?) - very happy with it. I use the dual speaker outputs in my office, speaker 1 is some Monitor Audio Bronze 50's (fed with USB DAC as my computer speakers on my desk) and Speaker 2 are some JVC SK90's from the 80s for chill out listening of vinyl from that era. Love it!
This is a great video. I certainly don’t need another amp and amp happy with what I have, but it’s good to know what to mention to anyone else looking in this price range. As for the A+B speaker connections, it was normally for installations where you wanted speakers in another location. For example, with my back porch system I also have outdoor speakers so I use the B taps from my Dyanaco SCA-80Q. Yes, that’s an ANCIENT amp that sounds pretty decent for such a casual system. And BTW, I have about 2000 vinyls! 😜
This was a fun idea. I guess the only thing I thought, and only at the end, was that the price comparison, while sort of apples to apples for the ROTEL isn’t the calculation that you’re doing when looked used vs new. It’s is my 600 euro that I’m thinking of spending on a new ROTEL, good value with what I might be able to get used. Of course, this is waaaaaay to complicated a question to tackle fully in a short video. But for me, it might be interesting looking at things you might have reviewed say 5 or 10 years ago, looking at eBay sold listings for example and then coming up with an idea of what might be interesting ones to compare against a modern integrated like the ROTEL.
Brilliant of John to bring up Coughlan it’s one of the reasons why I enjoy watching his videos. After all we wouldn’t be into the gear if it wasn’t for the music.
Thanks for the review, John. I'm sorry to hear of Cathal Coughlan's passing, as I am a fan of the later Microdisney albums. I took a peek at AllMusic's review of "Black River Falls" and it sounds intriguing.
I have two Rotel-amps for bedroom/study-listening. A couple of years earlier than the 1992 model here. One is a receiver and is the better amplifier of the two. I actually use four speakers with that one and it sounds pretty great. Speaking of inflation. I asked a dealer what it would cost to recap my Naim Nait 1. The answer was «€750» ..a bit hefty, I would say.
I much prefer the Ra11 over the A11 tribute. It's few years older but pretty much the same amplifier. Rotel removed the digital inputs on the A11, why? You now have to step up to the A12 or A14 if you want digital inputs, a must for those use something like a Wiim Pro. Would love to hear your opinions between the Ra11 and A11.
I am actually in the market for an integrated with A/B speaker selection. Our house is wired for a pair of speakers in the family room and a pair in the master bedroom ceiling. I considered the Cambridge CXA81 but I prefer to keep components as separate as possible, so I have ordered an Auris Audifi for a DAC and wifi streaming. But I could eliminate one digital connection with a BT TV. Did not know of such a thing until watching this video. Another option to ponder. Thanks for the info on BT TVs! I enjoy your videos and insights 🙂
A+B allows me to use the extra channels on my av, pioneer even has the "bi-amp" function. It definitely sounds better to my ears, and some of my muggle friends as well. Anyway, great video as usual.
Rotel 930AX was my first amp. I bought it together with the Rotel 965 CD (I think) and some English bookshelf speakers I can’t remember. Very nice setup that did not disturb my dorm mates too much. Now I am very satisfied with KEF LS50 Wireless and I don’t think I will go back to passiv speakers again
Speaking of losses, you didn't mention the great Vangelis (d. May 17), pioneer of electronic music, huge composer. Most of people know him for "Chariots of fire". Despite the fact that he doesn't have exactly audiophile albums, with clear separation of instruments, spatiality, albums like Blade Runner, 1492 Conquest of Paradise, are fabulous. Even these are somewhat better known. But, if you haven't listened, I recommend you to try albums like Earth (very similar to the album 666 where he composed during Aphrodite's Child), Spiral, See you later, Opera sauvage, The City, Short Stories with Jon Anderson, etc. Regarding Rotel, I can't say much because I haven't listened, I don't know what kind of sound it delivers, but I can be sure of one thing. Although most of the old equipment was made with a sense of responsibility, to last over time, I prefer the new models from the perspective of connectivity, but also the inclination to play Hi Rez formats, striming.....
Cathal's career was long and brilliant. As a Cork Boyo myself, I've been following his Music since the very early days of Microdisney to Telefís (His Last and Beautiful Album). He had a Voice and a Message...➕ 💚 The People's Republic Of Cork .
I wouldn’t buy an amp with only one set of binding posts. Right now I have an integrated connected to the Harbeth P3ESr and the Monitor Audio Good 200. Each set of speakers is for different music and I switch from one set to the other without touching anything else.
Humm, interesting approach. So I gather you don’t run the two pair of speakers at a time, do you? Then it seems to make sense, dedicating a ser of speakers for jazz and the other one for rock. Thanks for your comment!
im running 2 pairs of quite massive soviet era 3way speakers on a old rx-1000 and it powers them beautifully, i could arrange a visit by the police any day at my apartment haha, - the point is, it sounds way more lively and roomy with 4 speakers compared to just two.
My father bought a Rotel RA-611 in 1975 and he uses it daily with his big ol' Technics 5-disc changer and a matching Rotel FM receiver (I think it's an RX-303). In 47 years, the amp has been in for repair once (something caused the left channel to stop working, the repair cost about $45). I forget his speaker model, he bought them at the same time, they have a cross-hatched wooden fascia and I think they're American? Anyway, THAT'S a vintage system!
I remember this vintage rotel well back in the day in a demo room powering a pair if speakers I was considering. In fact was going to buy the speakers until dealer sold them to someone else for less not thinking I was a serious buyer. I ended up going another level up the line from someone online. The dealers loss on that one. Still considered that old vintage rotel not long ago. Makes me feel old when that piece is vintage!
Functionality for two sets of speakers is a biggie for me. I've been using one midi HiFi system with two sets of identical speakers (living room and bathroom) for years -- having to manually change over phono plugs at a cross-over point with a messy arrangement of wires on the floor near my living room door. So getting this functionality will transform my life! (At the mo. leaning towards the Cambridge AXR100/D.)
I hear you John but do you know what, I'm happy with my vintage Rotel. Maybe it's my age. I have a RA-971 amplifier, also from the 90s. It has no phono stage, I have no vinyl, but it has oodles of power and sounds just great to my ears. I've paired the amp to a Rotel RDD-980 CD transport and it's matching Rotel RDP-980 DAC. I tried swapping out the DAC for a more modern version but in terms of musicality the Rotel RDP-980 is just the male canine gonads.
Still loving my 971. With a Pro-Ject phono amp the Pro-Ject Debut Pro really sings in detail, sound stage and colour. 20+ together and can't let it part.
I have a rotel power amplifier and preamplifier from 1994 same exact features on my preamplifier to the integrated amp. After all of these years it still works and sounds great. Only was in the shop twice for a cleaning and once a blown micro chip when I was drunk and hooked up the speakers wrong. Most of the high end stuff now is beyond my budget. Also check out used Adcom equipment. You can’t go wrong. Best value on the used market.
Hello John, I followed your video with great excitement, and it was a very interesting comparison between the two Rotels. Funnily enough, I came to exactly the opposite results and/or sound impressions. I compared a Rotel A11 Tribute with a Rotel RA-935 (from 1996). I used a Micromega CD-30 as a source. Since I don't have vinyl, it wasn't a disadvantage for me that the RA-935 doesn't have a phono preamplifier. The Buchardt S400 MkII speakers were used. In every respect, the RA-935 convinced me more than the A11 Tribute. It sounded much more musical and thrilling, the resolution was much better and especially at the end of the frequency range it sounded more without sounding loudness-like. Exactly this impression was confirmed by a friend, but I did not tell him which amplifier was doing the amplification. When we switched back to the A11 Tribute, it sounded thinner, less powerful and shallower. The bass range was somewhat lost, the treble was more restrained, of course all in relation to the mids, which somehow sounded a bit glassy, i.e. lacked some body and fullness. For me, the Rotel RA-935 is clearly the more musical of the two. You are welcome to visit me in Neukölln and get a sound impression yourself. I'm looking forward to more videos of you comparing current and vintage gear. Until then, all the best & please keep up the good work!
John, The A11 while great was not enough for my needs. I was lucky enough to afford the A12 MkII. This video is helpful for those who bought the A12 and A14. The A11 was the foundation for these units. High 5!
@@DarkoAudio only from a cork man myself . It's just how we pronounce language here, part of the Irish language pronounced English. Thanks for another great video
I picked up an A11 Tribute over the winter and like it quite a bit. If you like FM, I find that the BT when paired with a Samsung S8 (using its Dolby Atmos) is on par with the best-sounding tuners I've ever heard when listening to an FM stream over the web. When streaming Qobuz over BT, it's quite good for casual listening, but a step-down from a good ($250) external DAC being fed by Audrivana Studio from a PC. I agree that the lack of an optical input is a bit of a miss when connecting a TV. Fortunately, I'm using a Paradigm room correction module that has an optical input.
Still use my 930ax daily. Only bought it because i was needing an amp and wanted to buy used first. It's been about 10 years since then and i've no reason to replace it, least not at the minute haha
