Rotel RA-10: $788
Quite simply put, this Rotel stereo
amplifier is superb. The RA-10 makes its mark among formidable competition by
turning out a spellbinding performance that’s well beyond its asking price.
Spin the record of Dusty Springfield’s
Spooky again, and you’ll be engulfed in the melodic glow of this classic tune,
with Dusty’s soulful intonations relayed with a remarkable level of subtlety.
The bags of detail on offer are propelled
by the Rotel’s quietly confident but staggeringly light-footed sense of timing.
Like the Marantz, there’s no hurry with the Rotel amp: it takes all the grace
and care needed to deliver a song exactly as it’s meant to. It’s this insight
into the emotional content of the message that firmly sets this Rotel apart
from the Denon and Onkyo amplifiers in this test.
Rotel
RA-10
Some may prefer the smoother approach of
its closest rival the PM6004, but the Rotel manages to inject a game-changing
dose of space, transparency and just an ounce more of subtle detail – enough to
win it the 2012 Product of the Year Award.
Switch to some Metallica or A Perfect
Circle and the Rotel shows it’s just as capable of delivering thrashing guitar
riffs and growling vocals with plenty of muscle and aggression.
It’s this insight into the emotional
content of the message that firmly sets the Rotel apart from the Denon and
Onkyo amps
Hans Zimmer’s Inception soundtrack can fell
even the most adept of amplifiers, but the Rotel pulls off the deep and
mournful progression of Time, building up to its striking crescendo.
Instruments are well-placed in a wide sound field, and the soaring orchestra is
handled as assuredly as the piano notes.
Transparent and enticing
The gradual shifts of dynamics are conveyed
with ease, and this Rotel is the most open and transparent-sounding amplifier
in this group as well. Whether paired with speakers such as budget Q Acoustics
or the more expensive KEF LS50s, the RA-10 deftly fills the room with revealing
and enticing sound.
It’s a good-looking amplifier as well:
available in both black and silver finishes, the slim and sleek build of the
Rotel sits elegantly on the shelf. It’s well specified, with analogue inputs
coming hand-in-hand with a 3.5mm jack for portable media players, a headphone
output and two sets of speaker terminals. What’s more? The on-board
moving-magnet Phono stage is the best in this group – We’d recommend taking
full advantage of it if you’re into vinyl.
It’s
well specified, with analogue inputs coming hand-in-hand with a 3.5mm jack for
portable media players, a headphone output and two sets of speaker terminals
Plus you know you’re on to something
special when the only criticism you can think of is that it doesn’t come with a
remote control. And really, there’s little to find fault with here.
Rotel has a fine history of turning out
decent budget amplifiers, but it’s been overshadowed in recent years by other
well-established manufacturers such as Yamaha and Marantz. With the RA-10,
however, Rotel holds our full attention – it’s a talented performer that
delivers a captivating and simply lovely sound.
Phono stage
If we had to choose just one source for
this Rotel it would be a turntable – the RA-10’s phono stage really is wonderful,
especially at such a budget price. It means that you can easily pair it up with
the likes of the Rega RP1 or the Project Debut Carbon turntables – each
superstar in their own right and get truly excellent results.
Rating: 5/5
For: Superb level of subtlety across detail
and dynamics; agile, precise timing; wide and open sound field; elegant built;
good specs
Against: No remote
Verdict: This is a stunner – a lovely sound
that will keep you enthralled for hours
The winner is Rotel RA-10: $788; Ratings: 5/5
We often say that a stereo amplifier is the
heart of a hi-fi system, and this test was a reminder of that very notion.
Whether you’re looking to revamp your existing system or starting your hi-fi
experience from scratch, a good amplifier is critical.
You don’t need to splash out a ridiculous
amount of cash, though – the four stereo amplifiers we’ve tested here are proof
that you can get good-to-excellent sound on an affordable budget.
Standards are high for both sound and build
quality, and all the amps here keep to those standards firmly. There are a few
other options in this price range which we haven’t put to test, but the amps
here don’t fail at this hurdle.
The
winner is Rotel RA-10
The Onkyo and Denon are solidly built
machines that look and feel the part. They perform well, too, but the Onkyo
would be so much more enjoyable with a dash of the Denon’s strong-willed
authority, while the Denon could pick the Onkyo’s brains when it comes to a
gentler touch with dynamics and detail.
Which leaves us, inevitably, with the
Marantz PM6004 and the Rotel RA-10? You could see this stand-off coming a mile
away, what with the Rotel bumping the Marantz off its Product of the Year
throne at our 2012 Awards. A slightly over-smooth sound is the Marantz’s only
hindrance, but its deft handling of detail and its sophistication complement a
full-bodied and engaging performance.
In the end, it’s the Rotel RA-10 that
steals it. We could wax lyrical about its scale, insight and rhythmic
precision, but to cut to the chase – it’s simply lovely to listen to. If you
want a stereo amplifier to deliver effortlessly all the emotional content and
pure enjoyment of any song, this is the one to go for.
Specifications
Denon PMA-720AE
·
Power per channel: 50W
·
Inputs 4 x analogue, MM Phono
·
Outputs: 2 x speakers, headphone, preamp
·
Remote: Yes
·
Dimensions (H x W x D): 12 x 43 x 31cm
·
Weight: 7kg
Marantz PM6004
·
Power per channel: 45W
·
Inputs: 5 x analogue, MM phono
·
Outputs: 2 x speakers, headphone
·
Remote control: Yes
·
Dimensions (H x W x D): 11 x 44 x 37cm
·
Weight: 7.5kg
Onkyo A-9050
·
Power: 75W
·
Inputs: 2 x coaxial, 5 x analogue, MM phono,
digital optical
·
Outputs: 2 x speakers, preamp, headphone
·
Remote: Yes
·
Dimensions (H x W x D): 14 x 44 x 33cm
·
Weight: 8kg
Rotel RA-10
·
Power per channel: 40W
·
Inputs: 4 x analogue, MM phono
·
Outputs: 2 x speakers, headphone, preamp
·
Remote: No
·
Dimensions (H x W x D): 7 x 43 x 34cm
·
Weight: 6kg
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