★ *REVIEWING: **bit.ly/3wAcZgx** + MORE INFO IN DESCRIPTION⬆︎* ★ *QOTD: What are you willing to pay more for? Sound quality or features?* ★ *Love our conversation/outtakes? Be sure to watch to the end* ★ *COMMENT RULES: Please be respectful. No outside links, URLs, email addresses, etc. Violations are automatically deleted.*

This is not the best amp under $1000. This is just a tribute. 🤘🎸🤘

I just bought this receiver, and it sounds absolutely spectacular! I began with my recording of Dvorak's New World Symphony with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic on vinyl. Holy crap! I heard things in the orchestra that I've never heard before, and I've been listening to this recording since I was kid in the 1970s! It is a beautiful sounding amplifier, and is the last one that I will ever need. Thank you for your review. It was why I bought this piece of equipment.

Bought the Rotel A11 Tribute 6 month ago and paired with a set le B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition and this amp is powerful enough to drive these loudspeaker to deliver at their full quintessence ! Love this association ! I know however Rotel is applying Ken Ishiwata's improvement to the A14 MKII !

I love the synergy between the two of you. As a part of a retired couple having lived and worked with each other 24/7 for years, I admire your chemistry and obvious caring for each other. Expressing differences constructively is important in a relationship. If you handle your personal differences as well as you do your working relationship and the expression of your like and dissimilar audio gear opinions, you are then more than just reviewers; you are a role model for audiophiles. I see more than people's public personas. You are a great blend of individual contributions. Thanks for showing us all.

For me, sound quality is definitely THE reason to invest in audio equipment. Thank you for this excellent presentation!

Thank you for the great review! After watching your video, I went to a HiFi shop to listen A11 Tribute by myself. Its sound is simply amazing! I have a Marantz amp at home and it's sound cannot come even close to Rotel A11 Tribute. Rotel has an incredible, fantastic audio quality. I ordered one right away.

As a teen my first amp as a Rotel. Nothing I bought in the last 30 years beats that quality metal build. and those analogue displays.

For me, It's sound quality over features - no ifs, ands or buts.

Another great review and I really enjoy the extended conversations. I fully respect Kristi's decision to stay off camera. Her perspective adds valuable information that I appreciate.

I had a Rotel amp and CD player for nearly 20 years - both units still function - what they made back then was great for the price.

Have it for three months based on this review, did not need DAC (node3) or phono stage. Build quality is rock solid. Paired with Wharfedale diamonds 12.2. Smooth sailing. Thanks. Crazy good sound for the money, tone controls help as well.

Andrew. Over here in England B&W are virtually partnered with Rotel amplifiers. They demonstrate their speakers with Rotel amplifiers and have Rotel amps for sale in B&W outlets. Nice & thorough review as always. Regards.

Not including a DAC is a good thing for many audiophiles, including myself. We can add any DAC of our choice to create the sound we want, so it makes perfect sense to me. Nice looking amp IMHO.

I have the A11 Tribute and the CD11 Tribute paired WITH vintage B&W Dm14s on Channel A and B&W DM12s on Channel B. The A11 drives them both with no problems. I have a vintage Technics SL-Q303 direct drive turntable with a Nagaoka MP-11 cartridge and stylus. I bought the amp and CD to replace my failed Technics anp and CD to play my old vinyl and CD collection, it all sounds just great to me. Old school so not bothered about a DAC.

I bought one of these yesterday and am completely satisfied. It has exactly the features I want and the kind of clean styling I like. It has sweet treble that doesn’t screech, and the linear frequency response that allows well-recorded symphonic performances to sound natural. There has been none of the hum problem you encountered with your turntable. And as for the badge, I was completely unaware of the issue until I watched the review. It isn’t something that would matter to me. That brings up your QOTD: For me, sound over features every time, as long as the required features are present. In this case, they were, so the choice was a no-brained. Thanks for another great review.

If you want the great sound of the A11 Tribute but need a DAC, step up to the A12. Still under a grand, full digital connectivity, 60W/ch.

If you are seriously considering this purchase, I would like to offer my recent experience for comparison. I just bought a refurbished Cambridge Audio CXA61 for $749 (+tax) on eBay. Cambridge Audio has an official eBay store (cambridgeaudiousa). I needed an amp that had two sets of binding posts for my setup, and this Rotel A11 is a tempting alternative. However, for about the same price, the refurbished CXA61 has more power, aptX HD, a DAC with many digital input options (USB!), and is highly regarded as a fantastic amp. I've paired this with Monitor Audio GR10 speakers and a Monitor Audio Radius 360 sub. The combo is pretty tasty, Andrew. :) The A11 beats the CXA61 if you need integrated phono input or tone controls though. Personally, I don't need phono but I do wish the CXA61 had tone control. All in all, I'm happy and just wanted to share in case it helps anyone make a more informed decision. Side note to Andrew and Kristi if they read these: I'm new to the channel (subscribed about three months ago). I really enjoy the high quality production of your videos and the balance of review and conversation that takes place. They are well done. I particularly enjoy Andrew's articulation and annunciation, but that leads to my only (minor) gripe. It's a fine line between coming off as prepared and scripted. Sometimes the videos seem a little too scripted for my taste. Andrew seems to have a naturally pleasant personality so I find myself feeling a bit disappointing when I feel that he's reading from a script. Anyway, that my opinion for what it's worth. What the hell do I know? I don't have a KZfaq channel. :) Cheers!

As someone who has been an audio addict for about 30 years, and has tried 100s and 100s of different setups, I am someone skeptical of youtube audio reviewers. But. This channels videos are right on the mark. And the explanations of the different sound of these, are super useful. Just practical to the point reviews. For sure subscribing. And I agree, the A11 is fantastic. I always loved Rotel, and it seems like their new gear is even better, and a huge value for the price.

Thank you both for your detailed review of A11, which I have been waiting for to make my purchasing decision on the A11. In my opinion, sound quality is much more important than features, in this case, I would spend extra $100-300 for an external DAC. The combination of A11 and DAC is still under 1K.

Andrew! I really like that Kristi is involved in this. I like hearing her input. I respect her decision to stay off camera. I can tell you respect her and love her. Currently I have a Rotel RC 1590 pre-amp and the RB 1582 amplifier. Your review is so good that I want to demo this amplifier just for fun and comparison. I'm running my stuff with Bowers 705s2. You guys keep up with this great work! Really enjoy watching your reviews. On another note. Consider bringing in an anthem MRX 540. I just picked one up and it's quality in terms of build and sound are definitely up there with my Rotel system. It's really incredible. Specially with the ARC room correction. All the best to you!

I love my 1572 and think that Rotel is great. I bought this amp due to the fact the sound was much better than others. I fully believe sound should have weight over features.

My first proper hi-fi equipment was all Rotel. Absolutely loved it. Never should have sold it!

Same here with the noise on the phono input on my regular A11, I was able to get rid of it. However, I now have the ProJect PhonoBox II on the Aux2 input and have to say: it sounds way better than the integrated phono amp. I love the A11 100% for the sound quality, more important than the features imo.

Hello Mr. Robinson! I am looking for the best audio quality in a product, and I really don't care about features. This is a very informative review. THX!

Thanks for a great review! I have this amp for 2 months now and the review is spot on. I’m glad I don’t experience the hissing sound mentioned.

Was pleasantly surprised to see you review Rotel - very much enjoyed this episode. Thank you for you and your wife's efforts. The Rotel A11/CD11 got my attention while deciding to upgrade from the legacy 80's stereo I pressed into service at the beginning of the year. Comparison shopping to same price point models from NAD and Cambridge Audio, I had prior experience with both both NAD and Rotel, I opted for the Rotel A12 - was so pleased with it I upgraded during the return period to the A14. No looking back now! I do credit your efforts on this channel as encouragement to trust my own judgement. Thank you.

I really appreciate the additional commentary including in the bonus talk - especially the pairing options were really helpful. Nice job!

Bought it just over a month ago. I had Denon PMA600NE and like you say in the review, there is no point in comparing them. Compared to Denon, the A11 really demonstrated what my B&W 606 S2 are capable of. It’s a keeper for sure!

The Rotel A11 Tribute has been on my shortlist for a while, I wonder though how the A12 and A14 compare?

About the screen, from the product design point of view a more expensive/High-end screen may go out sooner (will die faster) and then you will want to replace it; because the screen is on all the time. This happens on cars, and other high-end equipment as well, i.e. Audi sells replacement screen for the A8 sedan. A monochrome E-paper screen will past longer, then a multicolor E-paper screen, then a monochrome LCD, and a full-color display in the last place. In my opinion the screen on the Rotel A11 is a matter of durability and availability of spares (replacement screens), not a cost savings decision. Please consider this and ask Rotel if at all possible.

I’ve just moved from denon PMA600 to this and man, this is a such a different thing. Thanks for the video. I miss nonetheless the full size jack for headphones.

I prefer a strictly analog amp with no built-in DAC because I want to add my own external DAC.

Rotel is one the most if not the most under look that brand there is in hi-fi they always have gems that are never talked about much like theirorder power amplifiers are beasts, and I love how they rate their products with all channels driven in the receivers and amps now it's time to watch the video 😂

I've always considered a Rotel amp as something you got to have owned and experienced in this life. Maybe this is the one? It checks all the boxes for me, and includes tone controls and Bluetooth for crying out loud! 😁 Thanks for a nice review!

NAD c368 ftw! $699 refurbished, $999 new. Built in streamer is super nice, sounds great.

Get the Rotel A12. Its still under $1000 and has all the digital connections and a very decent DAC.

I was with you until you complained that it did not have a built in DAC. One reason I bought mine was because it did not have a DAC. I prefer to run an external DAC

Great question! Last semester I wrote a research paper focused on convenience over quality. Even on a limited budget, I would rather buy for quality over options and features.

Hi Andrew, I think the reason that the DAC used for Bluetooth is not otherwise accessible is because it is contained within the Bluetooth module itself which outputs analogue signal only. So it’s not a traditional DAC board. This is very common implementation in amplifiers with Bluetooth,even when there is an onboard DAC.

Great video Andrew! The Rotel A11 wet my my tongue but it wasn't enough. I opted for the A12 MkII. This video prompted me to look further into the Rotel lineup and found the A12. Thank you.

What do you think about the Rotel A12? Adds Bluetooth and built-in DAC. Right now they are $799.99 at Crutchfield. They are making room for the A12 MKII...This is tempting...

I value sound quality more than features. The Tributes pricing is spot on if you don't need digital. You can always add a Bluesound Node 2i for digital. I agree with you on the inclusion of BT with DAC. No product is perfect though. Can't remember, but have you reviewed the Leak 130 or Audiolab 6000A? They're a little more expensive, but include DACS and phono stage.

I've wanted a rotel for years but was way out of my budget, was finally able to purchase one. The Rotel A12. After hooking it up to my Klipsch RP-280f's it is to rich. I heard the rotel hooked up to Paradigm Monitor SE Atom's, was completely blown away. Will be purchasing them before the end of this year. And every time I walk into the local sore in my area Suess Electronics, I always ask for demo. Love your reviews, keep up the hard work Andrew.

I had a problem with the ground loop hum... It was the pre amp, to which I connected the sub. Tried different outlet, didn't work. For me, better rca cables solved the problem.

Badge is dope as hell, on brand

Just built my bedroom system. Cambridge AXA35 Schitt Modi 3+ Cambridge Minx XL bookshelves Very good value

Yes! I was just googling "sub 1000" amplifiers and ther you were - coming in to save the day! Great advice, as always!

Answer to your question: Sound quality is #1. Features I can add with an external preamp or dac and these change over time. Just one opinion.

Considering that you have reviewed a lot of integrative amplifiers, I'm surprised that you haven't reviewed the outlaw audio RR2160MKII. I bet it would give The A11 tribute a run for its money.

Gimme that sound quality all day over features. I'm new into building audio systems, but old-school with computer systems. My motto and experience from back then was always separates are better (as in separate components from motherboard). Dedicated components are just always better. Their own processors, own memory, own power (sometimes), always yields better results. That, and if something failed you didn't have to shut down the whole system. You could just keep going while you replaced the failed part. I'm using an old Rotel RA-1062 with an added 1580 DAC. Works for me ;).

Those advanced features you don't get in some amps, like BT streaming, Tidal, Qobuz, USB) HDDstreaming etc., you can add with a Raspberry Pi with a HiFiBerry or Allo HAT DAC, with software like Volumio or PiCorePlayer w/Logitech Media Server installed. Very easy to do, and can transform a 30 years old receiver into a modern one. So go for the audio quality. There are many ways to add features later.

Happy Thursday!

QOTD: Sound quality over features every day, all day. I want to love the music, not master specs and/or mashing toggles/buttons.

Agree they flubbed on the badge but remember it wasn't designed as a posthumous "tribute" from the get-go, Ken Ishiwata was actually working on it but unfortunately passed away before the job was done. The project almost got dropped and then was revived and made into a tribute because KI had already done so much work and they didn't want that to be lost. Ps. Don't feel bad about not comparing to Marantz. Yes KI did influence the sound across the product range, not just his signature items - until Sound International bought D&M. At least that's the speculation. Something must have happened to cause his sudden departure and the fact he didn't even get a proper send-off after over 40 years to me seems a little churlish. I'm probably not the only one upset because its telling that Rotel stepped up to pay the tribute to him, not Marantz. AFAIK he'd had nothing to do with Rotel prior to this yet after Marantz took away his key-card Rotel gave him someplace to go and tinker around. This is why I will buy the full Tribute set at some point - it almost doesn't matter if it didn't turn out as well as it has. I was a KI fan and this product pays homage, it contains his last work and it has more story and more history than anything else on my horizon.

Great video as always Andrew and Kristi! My QOTD answer is “more quality and fewer features”. I like the simplicity of an analog only integrated amplifier at this price point. I can easily add a DAC or streamer to a solid product like the Tribute or Rega Brio. Thanks again love the channel!

Sorry, I’m from the Midwest, where we will forever associate the name “Rotel” with the canned tomato and pepper products so many of us mixed with melted Velveeta to create the uniquitous, aptly-misnamed, “Queso.” Which is madden8ng for an audiophile.

Something I would like to see added into the reviews, is how well the amplifiers (or amplifier section depending on the product reviewed) drives a 4 ohm load- if it will even drive one at all.

Back in 2000 I purchased a Rotel RX975 receiver (100W/ch spec. ~175W/ch measured) and enjoyed the performance immensely for nearly 20 years. Then the ASIC that controls volume began to fail and despite an extensive search, I couldn’t find one. It was only ever used in one Rotel and two Pioneer amps of the day. So I needed what amounts to a switch box really which is most of what a preamp does these days (unless you need RIAA comp when playing vinyl and I have two external boxes for that if I should ever need to). I purchased the RA11 and use the 50W/ch to drive the tweeters in my 2-way transmission line speakers (VAF DC-X) and the power amp in the old receiver to drive the woofers. Bi-amping has given me a small but useful improvement in sound quality with no compatibility problems between the older and newer amps (unsurprising given the same manufaturer). I already had a Schiit DAC that I’m more than happy with, so that wasn’t a concern. I have improved my system (slightly) for relatively little cost-less than purchasing a dedicated preamp. If the aging receiver goes west, I have a capable amp already in place.* All I have to do is reinstate the original passive crossover (a single capacitor as it happens). I have long recommended Rotel to them who asked and never had even a hint of negative feedback for that. * Under the assumption that if I put the RA11 on the test bench it would like the RX975 deliver nearly twice the rated power. Like the receiver, the RA11 has a beefy power supply, much beefier than many a rival product in the same buyer space.

Sound quality every time!! I love these pure 2 channel amplifiers with no DAC or included extras. I do however see the benefit of tone controls and believe the benefits to the listening experience by far outweigh the cons especially when listening to some of my poorly recorded vinyl records from the 70s. Great review though!

At the moment in the UK, Rotel A11 Tribute(399GBP) sells for about 10% cheaper then the AXR100(449GBP) and 50% cheaper than 338(549GBP). It is about 10% more expensive than a PM6007 or PMA600NE(both 369 GBP). In this case would it make the Rotel a no brainer compared to others?

Ok... Game on. Who is going to compare the new A11 and A10 MkII to the Tribute? Front panel tone and balance, a DAC in the A11 MkII, but no sub outs. Apparently updated components. No displays. Maybe they dealt with the hum and hiss issues?

Kristi's observation on the Tribute badge is bang on. Not trivial at all in my opinion. Was wondering why they had to put that in that place, instead of any other. Good review!

Thanks for this nice review. I have owned the Rotel A11 Tribute for several months now. And can only confirm what you describe. It is indeed a shame that the tribute is not featured that much. Also think this is the best amp up to $ 1000.

Companies need to hire you both to give new products an aesthetic once over before they go into production. :) Thanks for a great review and looking forward to 200k

Rotel A11 not having an optical audio port basically nullifies it for me.

I was waiting for this one, since you metioned you were doing this rewiev in one of the previous videos. You convinced me to buy this Rotel. Thank's for that, and keep the great work!

It’s not a conundrum . Ken liked to pick cheap separates and see how he could improve them. It’s meant to go with the tribute CD for a great starter package. If you want the bells and whistles you have to go up the range. T

Thanks for all the info! I decided to 'treat' myself for an upcoming birthday and get deeper into audiophile territory. I have been going back and forth on the axr100 vs the Rotel a11 tribute. Found a rotel within 30 dollars of the axr, re watched this and pulled the trigger. Hope it pairs well with the evo 4.1s i have coming.

Review the new one! Rotel A11MKII

I'm probably not the only person to have added this to the comments -- I've been binging your channel -- but just in case, I was a high-end audio salesman in the 1980s and 1990s, and I can perhaps shed a little light on why so many salons of that era seemed to have Rotel and NAD gear. Yes, they were terrific brands to get people started, and as such they were attractive offerings at small salons hoping to back-fill their high-end business. But the companies knew this too, and as such they were way, way, *way* more laid back about their exclusive-dealer territories. They weren't quite as laid back as Subway Sandwiches, which doesn't protect its existing sellers at all, but they were a lot closer to Subway than to In'n'out. So you saw a lot of NAD and Rotel because it was actuarially a lot more likely that a randomly chosen salon would have permission from the manufacturers to represent them. As I say, I'm probably not the first person to make this observation.

I bougth Rotel A11 Tribute after reading your review, I am happy, thank you Andrew

22:40 a Marantz comparison (eg PM6007) of similar price would be important, more than NAD or Cambridge-- but great review.

You can usually add features. You can't add sound quality. So the priority is obvious.

I really wish a DAC was included, it would have made a decision easier for me. Thank you guys for another excellent review!

Another excellently communicated review. I really like Rotel equipment, I'm still using a Rotel CD player purchased in 1995 and it still works great. Looking at the possibility of adding either the 1552 MII or 1582 MII power amps to my system.

I love mine ! Another great informative review 👍🏻 Running mine with a pair of Kef LS50 meta’s and on the b channel Klipsch RP 8000fs when I’m in The mood for a little more forward excitement) Very very happy with this combo. Btw I’m also running it with a furman Elite -20 power conditioner so no ground issues or hum here . My nad 356bee that I’ve been running for many years I love but has now moved into the bedroom with a pair of Klipsch RP600m’s book shelves. BTW I like the badge and placement 😲😜 Also running the Tribute CD11 and Blue Sound node2i 👍🏻 Sound quality FTW !!

Thank you for the detailed review. I bought the Rotel A11 Tribute connected to Polk Reserve R200 and the sound is so sharp as a razor. So full of details! As an engineer I appreciate your best review for this product. And a friend of mine already bought another one.

Thanks for the review! Bought this just this week and hooked it up today. So far I think is sounds fantastic. I am in the no Dac group I guess, add a separate and upgrade along the way. Cosmetics could be better. Wanted best bang for buck analog sound and think I've found it.

I bought both the AXR 100 and AXC35, and I love them, they’ve paired wonderfully with my Dali Spektor 2’s. Buying opened box direct from CA I saved around £200/$253. I’m very happy with my choice and this reviewer certainly influenced my decision. Many thanks, I’m very new to HiFi and it’s an expensive rabbit hole to get lost in.

I ordered the A11 Tribute for 480 euros, I can try it out tomorrow on my Denton 80. So far I've used a very nice Cambridge AXA25. Now I want to try something new and am very curious how it sounds with the Dentons. I read it wouldn't be such a good combination. Who has experience? Thanks Andrew for the informative posts, have subscribed! Greetings from Germany!

I love the review but not the rant about the tribute label. The label is perfectly positioned if you combine the amplifier with the cd player A11 tribute. If you put the cd player on the amplifier you can see the labels are perfectly aligned and not an ‘afterthought’, there are not a lot of possibilities to place the label if you want to keep a ‘clean’ and organized look.

without good sound features mean nothing. for me sound quality is the king.

Sound quality for sure! I'm fine with the lack of DAC (I rhymed!), as I have my own high quality external Schiit Modi Multibit, but y'all are right that the addition of Bluetooth was strange. I suspect it's a concession to the folks who like the convenience so that they can compete against other entry level amps. I just ordered one of these on your recommendation, and chose this over the Audiolab based on my dealer's input. It's also a bunch cheaper, so we shall see how it goes. Thanks again for all your hard work in providing us this free information.

A fantastic amplifier for the money, enjoyable and engaging to listen too even at low volume levels, with instruments and vocals coming through clearly. I think it Pack's more punch than it's claimed 50 Watts as it easily powers my Focal 926 floor standing speakers. My favourite thing about this amp is the super progressive volume control from 0-96

I own the A12 how would you compare this to the tribute? That is if you have any experience with the A12. Thanks.

I'm with Kristi in terms of design. I'm an artist and like she said if you're paying good money for a product all aspects of that product should be taken into consideration. That said design is subjective. However in this instance though I completely agree. That little badge and placement looks a bit tacky or offhand to me. Edit: But what matters most is the sound and Rotel are really kicking it to the next level these days.

Andrew the Rotel Tribute might be a great update for my Carver M400t and CT-7. Great review! 👏🏽💯

So what would you say the Rotel "sound" is...? Smooth, laid back... or detailed...?

How did the Bluetooth input sound. I m very keen to find out. As comparing to Cambridge Audio AXR100 and Audiolab 6000A. Thank you.

I bought at $699 Canadian dollar. Fantastic deal.

Loved the review, had the A11 trib in the cart and was about to pull the trigger. When I saw a A12 open box for the same cost. Jumped on the A12. For better or worse, I think it was a good choice.

Thank you for a very interesting review. I have a question: Will the Rotel A11 Tribute sound good with the KEF Q350 and the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200m?

Love my A12!

Your review format, with input from both of you, could redefine how reviews are done. Love it!!! Oh and Rotel ain't messing around.

I've been waiting for you to do this one! Thank you.

Try Rega brio, cheaper still an io. Audiolab 6000. All well reviewed and highly regarded.

Which amp would you pair with the RP-8000F Klipsch speakers? I am considering the Yamaha A-S801.

It is allways a pleasure to listen to you'r unique review's presentations, I just bought a pair of evo 4.4 and I think it is a complete budget tower speaker solution that may surprise many viewers I would really be glad to have you review them Ronen

I have owned the Rotel RA-11 for a number of years now. Solid no-nonsense build and just an amazing well-balanced amplifer all the way round. The sound is just right not missing out anywhere. I preferred it to a number of comparable priced amplifers at that time from NAD, Pioneer, Marantz, Denon, Cambridge, Harmon Kardon, Onkyo and Yamaha including both the A-S701 and the A-S801. The DAC in the A-S801 is definitely better though and both have more power at ear-splitting level but that was it. Can the Rotel be bested? Sure but one has to pay for it, and in some areas, a lot more.