I don’t know about you but I get excited by lower power integrated amps.
Why? Because my speakers of choice don’t need gobs of power and I have the sense that sometimes less (power) is more (better sounding).
Which brings me to Rotel’s latest, the A8 Integrated Amplifier. Rated at 30 Watts into 8 Ohms (40W into 4), the Class A/B A8 offers 3 line level RCA inputs plus a Moving Magnet Phono input (yes!) and a headphone amp to boot.
I’m also a fan of just an integrated sans digital because I prefer rolling my own and the A8’s slimline design lets it more easliy slide into living rooms as opposed to listening rooms. Nice.
The A8 also sports balance and tone controls. Twist to taste.
Priced at $499, the Rotel A8 Integrated Amplifier is available now.
Here’s the complete press release from Rotel:
Rotel launches the A8 Integrated Amplifier
True, Hi-Fi component quality sound has just become even more accessible with the launch of the Rotel A8 Integrated Amplifier
Tokyo, Japan (July 30, 2024) – Rotel is pleased to announce the new A8 Integrated Amplifier as the latest in the growing family of award-winning 14 Series models. The A8 leverages Rotel’s 60+ year heritage and experience in engineering and manufacturing high-performance, high-value audio components.
The A8 enters the lineup as the most cost-efficient model in the series engineered as a no-compromise Class AB fully integrated solution. Built on a Rotel in-house manufactured high current toroidal transformer the A8 delivers 40 watts of classic Rotel output power into 4 ohm speakers. The resulting audio delivers your music with deep controlled bass energy, an ultra-refined midrange with a highly detailed soundstage all expertly crafted into a slim 60mm chassis.
The 3 RCA inputs and Moving Magnet Phono stage ensure compatibility with your favorite analog sources and spinning classic vinyl. The front panel Bass, Treble and Balance controls allow personal, hands-on tuning of the audio. The included IR remote control provides seamless operation of power on/off, volume level and source selection.
For private listening, a 1/8” headphone jack is included. Rear panel 5-way speaker binding posts allow ultimate installation flexibility.
“Rotel continually invests in product innovations and the A8 was a challenge readily accepted by the engineering teams.”, says Daren Orth, Rotel’s Chief Technology Officer. “The opportunity to develop a high-performance Integrated Amplifier solution targeted at an entry-level price point, without compromise, stands as a testament to the dedication, passion, and commitment Rotel brings to music lovers everywhere.”
Available in both stylish black and sophisticated silver variants, the A8 delivers power, versatility, and elegance to the audio experience.
Company Website: Rotel
Specifications
Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 73 × 347 mm | 17” x 2 7/8” x 13 5/8”
Front Panel Height: 60 mm (2 3/8”)
Power Requirements: 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 110 W
Standby Power Consumption: <0.5 W
Net Weight: 5.8 kg, 12.8 lbs
BTU Rating (4 Ω, 1/8th power): 340 BTU/ h
Power Output: 30 W/ Ch (8 Ω) | 40 W/ Ch (4 Ω)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.03%
Frequency Response: Line Level Inputs: 10 Hz – 100k Hz, -0.5 dB, +0 dB | Phono Input: 20 Hz – 20k Hz, -0.5 dB, +0 dB
S/N Ratio (IHF “A” Weighted): Line Level Inputs: 90 dB | Phono Input: 80 dB
