Rotel is charging into 2023 with a brand new network amplifier that might not offer the sleek industrial design cues of its biggest rivals, the Naim Uniti Atom and NAD M10 V2 Network Amplifiers, but instead offers some other features that have us very impressed so far as we break in the review sample that just arrived. Our review of the Rotel S14 will be forthcoming in a few weeks as we plan on trying it with 4 or 5 pairs of loudspeakers to see how it responds to a wide range of scenarios.
What makes it different? Power. A lot of class AB power. 150 watts/channel into 4 ohms.
The Naim Uniti Atom might have that fancy volume dial, but it can run out of steam with more difficult loudspeakers and that’s where the S14 seems to be significantly more capable.
Having already reviewed the Rotel Michi X3, A12MKII, and A14MKII Integrated Amplifiers over the past 18 months — we’re rather familiar with the Rotel “house” sound but the Rotel S14 feels slightly different. It’s closer to the Michi than the more affordable amplifiers and that’s going to make it a viable option for many at its asking price of $2,500 USD.
The network amplifier category is an important one as consumers begin the move away from multi-box systems; wireless loudspeakers and systems using the Rotel S14 as the hub are the future of high-end audio and that’s just reality.
Convenient and intuitive the S14 supports both wired and dual-band wireless network connections for ultimate installation.
The front panel display renders full color album artwork and title, track and artist information from audio streaming services. Device setup and configuration is also
available via the front panel or the included remote control.
Stream directly from your favorite streaming app or use the S14 app to access thousands of Internet Radio stations and high resolution streaming services including TIDAL and Qobuz.
The S14 also includes Coaxial, Optical, Analog RCA, PC-USB inputs and support for Bluetooth aptX HD.
The USB connection supports playback of .mp3, WMA and AAC audio files from Flash Drives up to 32GB.
With the S14, users can stream music directly from popular streaming services including Spotify or AirPlay 2.
Specifications
- Maximum Power Output: 150 watts/ch (4 ohms)
- Continuous Power Output: 80 watts/ch (8 ohms)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.04%
- Intermodulation Distortion: < 0.03% (60 Hz : 7kHz, 4:1)
- Frequency Response: Line Level Inputs 10 Hz – 100k Hz, 0 ± 0.5 dB
- Damping Factor: 400 (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 8 ohms)
- Input Sensitivity / Impedance: Line Level Inputs 200 mV / 47k ohms
- Input Overload: Line Level Inputs 4.5 V
- Tone Controls: Bass / Treble ± 10 dB at 100 Hz / 10k Hz
- Signal to Noise Ratio: (IHF A-weighted) Line Level Inputs 100 dB
- Digital to Analog Converters ESS ES9028Q2M 32-Bit DAC
- Frequency Response 10 Hz – 90k Hz (0 ± 2 dB, Max)
- Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF A-weighted) 98 dB
- Input Sensitivity/Impedance -20 dBfs / 75 ohms
- Digital Inputs SPDIF LPCM (up to 24-bit / 192k Hz)
- PC-USB: USB Audio Class 2.0 (up to 24-bit/384k Hz )
- Support for MQA and MQA Studio (up to 24-bit / 384k Hz)
- Support for DSD, DOP (up to 11.2M bits)
- Roon Ready
- Power Requirements: USA 120 V, 60 Hz / EC 230 V, 50 Hz
- Power Consumption 280 watts
- Standby Power Consumption: Normal < 0.5 watts
- Dimensions (W x H x D) 430 x 93 x 345 mm 17″ x 3 5/8” x 13 1/2“
- Front Panel Height 80 mm / 3 1/8“
- Weight: 9.15 kg, 20.17 lbs.
- Finish: Silver and Black
For more information: rotel.com/product/S14
Price & Availability
The Rotel S14 Integrated Streaming Amplifier will be available for $2,499 USD in the United States in black and silver finishes through Authorized Rotel Dealers with shipments beginning in December of 2022 and the rest of the world shortly thereafter. European pricing is set at £2,499 and € 2,699.
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