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Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

Preview: Rotel’s A8 Integrated Amp is only $449

With analog only inputs, the Rotel A8 is an entry-level Class AB integrated amplifier with bass and treble controls.

Rotel A8 Integrated Amplifier Silver Lifestyle

Consumers still desire entry-level integrated amplifiers? You might think that the popularity of wireless speakers makes that less likely in 2024, but there are still some great options that work rather well with a wide range of bookshelf loudspeakers. Rotel has introduced its least expensive integrated amplifier to its growing family of award-winning 14 series models. At only $449, the new Rotel A8 is a lower powered version of the A10MKII. Both are sized and look the same, providing analog only inputs with balance, bass, and treble controls across the front panel.

Rotel A8 Integrated Amplifier Black Lifestyle
The Rotel A8 Integrated Amplifier in black (also available in silver) looks identical to the A10MKII.

The Rotel A8 features 30-watts per channel (at 8 ohms) with a Class AB amplifier architecture paired with an in-house manufactured high current toroidal transformer. With a built-in moving magnet phono stage, users can connect a turntable, CD player, tuner, or auxiliary device. The included IR remote control provides seamless operation of power on/off, volume level and source selection.

Rotel A8 Integrated Amplifier Black Front
Rotel A8 Integrated Amplifier Black Rear
Rotel A8

For private listening, a 1/8” headphone jack is included. Rear panel 5-way speaker binding posts allow ultimate installation flexibility.

Rotel’s A8 leverages the company’s 60+ year heritage and experience in engineering and manufacturing high-performance, high-value audio components. Rotel claims the A8 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.

“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.”

Rotel A8 Integrated Amplifier Silver Front
Rotel A8

Specifications

ROTEL A8ROTEL A10MKII
MSRP$449$599
Power Output30 watts / ch (8 ohms)50 watts / ch (8 ohms)
40 watts / ch (4 ohms)60 watts / ch (4 ohms)
Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz – 20k Hz)< 0.03%< 0.03%
Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7k Hz, 4:1)< 0.03%< 0.03%
Frequency Response
Phono Input20 Hz – 20k Hz, -0.5 dB, +0 dB20 Hz – 20k Hz, -0.5 dB, +0.3 dB
Line Level Inputs10 Hz – 100k Hz, -0.5 dB, +0 dB10 Hz – 100k Hz, -0.5 dB, +0.05 dB
Damping Factor (20 – 20,000 Hz, 8 ohms)80120
Input Sensitivity / Impedance
Phono input2.5 mV / 40k Ohms1.5 mV / 43k Ohms
Line Level Inputs180 mV / 60k Ohms120 mV / 45k Ohms
Input Overload
Phono input50 mV50 mV
Line Level Inputs4 V4 V
Tone Controls – Bass / Treble± 6 dB at 100 Hz / 10k Hz± 6 dB at 100 Hz / 10k Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighted)
Phono input80 dB85 dB
Line Level Inputs90 dB90 dB
Power Requirements120 V, 60 Hz
230 V, 50 Hz
120 V, 60 Hz
230 V, 50 Hz
Power Consumption110 Watts150 Watts
Standby Power Consumption< 0.5%< 0.5%
BTU (4 ohms, 1/8 power)340 BTU/h450 BTU/h
Dimensions (WxHxD)430 x 73 x 347 mm430 x 73 x 347 mm
17” x 2 7/8” x 13 5/8”17” x 2 7/8” x 13 5/8”
Net Weight5.8 kg (12.8 lbs.)6.6 kg (14.5 lbs.)
FinishBlack or SilverBlack or Silver
Rotel A8 Integrated Amplifier Silver Top Angle

Initial Thoughts

With competition from Cambridge Audio’s AXA35 and NAD’s C 316BEE V2, we’ll need hands-on listening time to learn how its tonal character differs and which speaker pairings are a good fit. With only 30-watts of power, we suspect you’ll want efficient speakers, depending how loud you like to listen. However, for a casual listening space, the Rotel A8 may just be the right choice.

Rotel A8 Integrated Amplifier Internal Rear Angle

Price & Availability

Available in both stylish black and sophisticated silver variants, the Rotel A8 is expected to be available September 24, 2024 for $449 at Crutchfield. Other regions may get it sooner priced at €399 or £399.

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