Following the recent release of the DX-3 DAC/Headphone Amp, Rotel has added a new entry into its product line, the DX-5 Stereo Integrated Amplifier.
It has a similar exterior look as the DX-3, but the DX-5’s sleek cabinet houses a class A/B amplifier that can deliver 33 Watts/channel into 4 ohms or 25 Watts/channel at 8 ohms. Powered by a custom-built toroidal transformer and high-current transistors, it delivers pristine highs, a detailed midrange, and deep bass. The onboard ESS ES9039Q2M Sabre DAC supports ultra-low noise (100 dB SNR) and an extended frequency response of 10Hz to 100kHz (±0.19 dB), ensuring exceptional clarity and resolution.
The DX-5 provides flexible wired connectivity that includes Coaxial/Optical (24-bit/192kHz), RCA analog, and HDMI ARC (great for TV audio) inputs as well as a subwoofer output and a headphone jack for private listening.
The DX-5 offers PC-USB connectivity with support for 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD audio formats. In addition to its wired inputs, it features Bluetooth with aptX HD and AAC codec support for high-quality wireless streaming. The DX-5 is also Roon Tested certified, ensuring seamless integration with Roon’s music management platform.
The DX-5 provides precision volume control (0.5dB steps, 680 mV sensitivity) and features a full-color TFT display and an aluminum remote, blending style with intuitive operation.
Specifications
| Rotel Model | DX-5 |
| Product Type | Integrated Amplifier |
| Price (US) | $1,499 |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Analog Inputs | 1 (pr) x RCA |
| Analog Output | 1 x Subwoofer |
| Power Output (FTC) | 2 x 25 W |
| Maximum Power Output (Non-FTC) | 33 W / ch, (1k Hz, 4 Ω) |
| Continuous Power Output (Non FTC) | 25 W / ch (1k Hz, 8 Ω) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | < 0.03% |
| Intermodulation Distortion | < 0.03% (60 Hz : 7k Hz, 4:1) |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 100k Hz (0 ± 0.19 dB) |
| Damping Factor | 140 (20 Hz – 20k Hz, 8 Ω) |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance | 680 mV / 100k Ω |
| Input Overload | 4.2 V |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | > 100 dB (IHF “A” weighted) |
| Digital Inputs | 2 x SPDIF (coax, optical) LPCM (up to 24-bit / 192k Hz ) 1 x HDMI-ARC 1 x PC-USB USB Audio Class 2.0 (up to 32-bit / 384k Hz ) Driver installation required |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 80k Hz (0 ± 2 dB, Max) |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance | -10.3 dBFS / 75 Ω |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | > 100 dB (IHF “A” weighted) |
| DSD/DoP Support | DSD (up to 4X, 11.2M Hz) DoP (up to 2X, 5.6M Hz) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Roon Tested | Yes |
| Wireless Remote Control | Yes |
| Power Requirements | 120 V, 60 Hz (USA) 230 V, 50 Hz (Europe) |
| Power Consumption | 80 W |
| Standby Power Consumption | < 0.5 W BTU (4 Ω, 1/8 power) 241 BTU / h |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 215 x 76 x 251 mm 8 1/2” x 3″ x 10” |
| Front Panel Height | 70 mm / 2 3/4” |
| Weight (net) | 4.1 kg (9.1 lbs) |
| Finish | Black, Silver |
The Bottom line
While nearly identical in appearance to the DX-3, the Rotel DX-5 upgrades the amplification to support loudspeaker connections and adds HDMI ARC and a dedicated subwoofer output. However, with just 25 watts per channel into 8 ohms, it may require pairing with efficient speakers to achieve higher listening volumes.
Price & Availability
The Rotel DX-5 will be available through authorized dealers and online retailers in North America, Europe, and the UK in April 202,5, with the rest of the world to follow soon after. Suggested Retail Pricing for the US is $1,499.
Related Reading
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Anton the Unimpressed
April 8, 2025 at 6:55 pm
Did Rotel give up? How does one go from the Michi series to that?
Ian White
April 8, 2025 at 7:14 pm
Different price pont. But I’m not a fan of the industrial design either.
IW
Nate
April 9, 2025 at 1:18 pm
Just wondering with all the choices out there now from other companies like WiiM, Technics, and NAD for the same price point .. with streaming apps included why should I pickup the DX5? Does the A/B amp really sound better than a D? Currently rocking an older Onkyo 775D with Q Acoustic speakers and it seems fine …at less than 1/2 the price of this DX5, any thoughts ?
Ian White
April 9, 2025 at 2:20 pm
Nate,
Class D has come a long way and it is certainly more efficient. Personally, I’m a Class A/B person and still don’t hear the resolution and texture from a comparable Class D amplifier at the same price points. I’m really not sold on this Rotel — I’ve reviewed 5 of their amplifiers in recent years (all very positive) and this is the one I’m least likely to consider. I have WiiM and NAD in my personal systems and the control apps are very good. That matters now.
I also own 5 different pairs of Q Acoustics loudspeakers and nothing has been better with them than Cambridge Audio, Naim, NAD or Unison Research. All Class A/B amplifiers.
The NAD C 316BEE V2 with the WiiM Ultra is not even $800 and would take that over the Rotel without question.
Best,
IW