Rotel RAS-5000
Integrated amplifier with streaming
The impressive RAS-5000 from Rotel offers lots of the attractive Rotel sound-signature and quality, combined with an equally impressive visual expression, topped off with a nice color screen.
Online streaming features
The Rotel RAS-5000 is an amplifier that can handle it all – well, almost. With its huge range of features and connectivity options, Rotel has you covered when it comes to audio – no matter what the source is. The main attraction here is of course the entire streaming platform, which offers a range of sources – both online and offline. In terms of music services, you get access to Qobuz and Tidal, both of which offer music in very high quality. You can also listen to music from Spotify, and the Rotel RAS-5000 even has support for Connect, which integrates the controls into the Spotify app.
*Streaming services require subscription
.. and offline streamingfeatures
Streaming from local sources has fortunately not been overlooked. If you have a Roon server on your network, you can play the music directly to the RAS-5000 as the amplifier is Roon Ready-certified. Regardless of whether you have an iPhone or an Android smartphone, you can also send sound directly to the amplifier, completely wireless. There’s support for both Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast Audio. If you subscribe to Apple Music or YouTube Music, which are not directly supported in the RAS-5000, you can instead play the music on your smart device and stream it to the amplifier. Finally, we can also mention that there is built-in Bluetooth with AAC as well as aptX HD. Connection to your network can be done wirelessly with Wi-Fi - there are two antennas for increased stability - or via cable.
Rotel RAS-5000 physical connectivity
Well, what about audio sources that require a cable? - Rotel has you covered, and although the physical connections are not represented to the same extent as on more traditional amplifiers, a few are available! One type of input that is often requested - also on stereo amplifiers - is HDMI with ARC (Audio Return Channel). This enables you to connect the amplifier to your TV and send the audio from the flat screen into the Rotel RAS-5000, and have it play on your speakers. No more flat and tinny sound experiences when watching the latest blockbuster – or The Great British Bake Off, we don't judge! In addition, it is also possible to connect both an analogue source and several digital sources. The former is based on a single RCA input, which can be used for a CD player or a record player, which however requires an external phono stage as this is not built in.
In addition, you get an optical TosLink, e.g., for your TV if this does not support ARC over HDMI, and you get a coaxial S/PDIF, again a good option for a digital source such as a CD player. Finally, there is also a USB-B input, which enables direct connection to a Mac or PC, so you can send lossless audio directly into the ESS DAC at the heart of the amplifier. If you need more power - If 2 x 220 watts into 4 Ohms is not enough - you can connect an external power amplifier via the pre-out sockets. Next to them, there’s a dedicated subwoofer output, so that you can supplement the lower frequency range of your speakers, should there be a need for it.
| Measurements | 43,1 x 14,4 x 42,5 cm |
| Weight (net) | 15.7 kg |
| Digital input(s) | Yes |
| Input, optical (TosLink) | 1 |
| Input, coaxial (S/Pdif) | 1 |
| Input, USB | 1 |
| Input, network (RJ45) | Yes |
| Input, Stereo RCA | 1 |
| Input, Phono pre-amp | No |
| Input, HDMI | 1 |
| Pre-out (stereo) | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Wired network | Yes |
| Network features | AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Bluetooth AAC, Bluetooth aptX HD, Roon Ready |
| Supported streaming services | Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect |
| App Control | Yes, iOS & Android |
| Audio decoding | DXD, MQA decoder |
| Supported sample rates, kHz | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352, 384 |
| Supported bit depth | 16 bit, 24 bit |
| Audio chipset | ESS Technology |
| Tuner | Internet radio |
| Power at 8Ω (per channel) | 140 watts |
| Power at 4Ω (per. channel) | 220 watts |
| A/B Speaker | No |
| Number of channels | 2 |
| Amplifier type | Class A/B |
| In the box | Remote control, Power cable, Users guide |
| Power consumption when standby | <0.5 watts |
| Power consumption | 380 watts |