Network Audio Players/Servers

With that large screen on show, it's clear the £2799 RAS-5000 is not a back-to-basics Rotel amp. Offering multiple streaming options and smart connectivity, including HDMI eARC, this is a receiver to tempt both hi-fi newbies and hardcore traditionalists. Of course, there are many HDMI-kitted rivals out there, including the Cambridge Audio EVO 150 , Marantz Model 40n , and Yamaha R-N2000A to name just a few. And like the latter two, Rotel's all-in-one packs all its 'modern' functionality into a full-sized housing that will be familiar to followers of the brand. Neither is this a one-off, as the 2x220W/4ohm-rated RAS-5000 is a bigger, more capable brother to the slender S14 streaming amplifier (£1799) launched at the tail-end of 2022.

Screened transformer [bottom] feeds PSUs for the bipolar power amps [far left/right] and digital platform [green PCB] with XMOS USB interface [centre], Wi-Fi/streaming PCB [left] and ESS DAC-based analogue stage [right corner]

A Sign Of The Times

Based in Japan, Rotel remains a very traditional, family-run company, preferring tried-and-trusted Class AB output stages and remaining a devout supporter of physical media. Streaming? Let's just say it might grudgingly allow Bluetooth into some of its products but it hasn't exactly greeted other options with open arms. That said, the RAS-5000 isn't its first do-it-all amp with streaming onboard. Nearly 15 years ago, its RCX-1500 was a pioneering receiver with DLNA and AirPlay. Looking back at that amplifier, which I happen to have owned, the streaming and user experience were very clunky indeed.

Things have moved on - a lot! - since then. The companion app for the RAS-5000 (and the S14) is a restrained but effective affair, and AirPlay 2, Bluetooth (with aptX HD support), Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect are there for anyone requiring alternatives. To play your own files you either plug in USB storage at the back and select files via the app or, more conveniently, use a DLNA player app such as BubbleUPnP or mConnect to stream files from a NAS. File support is good and the internal ES9028Q2M DAC handles PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit, but not DSD. It's also nice to see a brand-new product that has Roon Ready status sorted out of the box - too often nowadays users have to wait for the certification process to be completed.

The RAS-5000 offers one RCA line in, with sub and preamp outs plus 4mm speaker cable binding posts. The digital platform encompasses optical/coax, USB-B, USB-A (for an external drive), HDMI eARC, wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Visual Flair

Whatever streaming option you're using, music artwork and metadata are displayed on the RAS-5000's bright LCD screen, the main attraction of its brushed aluminium fascia. When using a physical input, selected via a row of seven small push buttons, you'll see a relevant icon, and the screen is also useful when diving into the settings. Don't expect too much in terms of tweaking, but Rotel does offer tone and balance controls, and you can engage 'autosense' to get the RAS-5000 to automatically switch to a particular input.

Industrial Action

For an all-in-one, the RAS-5000 is well-endowed with physical connections. Next to the aforementioned HDMI eARC, there are coaxial, optical and RCA inputs, plus a USB-B port to connect a laptop or digital transport. There's no dedicated MM or MC phono input, however - some streaming amps cater to the vinyl revival - so a record player with a built-in (or preferably a separate) phono preamp is required. A sub-out is present, allowing for the addition of a subwoofer to pair with compact speakers, but integration will have to be arranged via the controls on the sub itself.

As I alluded to earlier, the RAS-5000 is not a complete break with the past in terms of functionality, and nor does it rewrite the company's approach to physical design. The rounded edges of the chassis and the blue LED rings around the power and volume buttons are a familiar sight, just like this amplifier's dependable workmanship, black or silver colour options, and neutral industrial styling. There's little reason to add other components, but if you do, it will be easy to match the RAS-5000 with other kit.

Under the hood, the custom, in-house toroidal transformer is the centre-piece. An oversized power supply is another Rotel tradition, and surrounding it on both sides are huge cooling fins on which the Class AB output stages are mounted. As PM notes in his Lab Report, this is also a familiar looking design, with separate circuit boards for HDMI, network and streaming functions.

Straight-Up Sonics

Typical of the brand's sound, the RAS-5000 shows little interest in chasing extremes, turning up the Technicolor or throwing a match into the proverbial box of musical fireworks. While it displays fine detail on an expansive soundstage, music playback remains smooth and coherent. More than some models, the RAS-5000 feels like an amplifier that simply doesn't 'get in the way', adding drive and power to the proceedings but no unwarranted daubs of colour. Such a balanced approach does put the onus on the partnering loudspeakers to deliver the goods, but - with the right match - it can be very rewarding.

Calexico is one of the most prolific Americana bands around, touring incessantly and releasing studio albums as regular as clockwork. That said, the older Feast Of Wire [New Amsterdam Records City Slang 5813122; 48kHz/24-bit], from 2003, remains a fan favourite, and a superb demonstration of the band's merging of Mexican and US folk styles. Playing the album as AIFF files from a NAS, and with a pair of DALI Rubicon 2 standmounts connected, the RAS-5000 skilfully recreated the album's atmosphere (think empty desert landscapes and dusty roads) and struck the right balance between 'airy' and 'dense'.

Furthermore, Rotel's amp proved a master at letting individual instruments shine without detaching them from the wider composition. This was key to the instrumental 'Attack El Robot! Attack', which at first appears simplistic but builds upon layers of samples and instrumentation. In some systems it becomes muddled, but with the RAS-5000 there was no descent into chaos as the main trumpet kept its distinct identity.

Airs And Graces

Similarly, 'Whipping The Horse's Eye' is just a short intermezzo en route to the second half of the album, but turned out to be a more than subtle demonstration of the RAS-5000's ability to handle tracks with fine detail. A slide guitar floating through the air was a standout moment, showcasing the amplifier's smooth midrange presentation. Next, on the big band jazz of 'Crumble', the rhythmic skills of the RAS-5000 came to the fore, letting me savour the ticking of John Convertino's drum sticks on the edge of cymbals while trumpet and jazz guitar took centre stage. It all felt very suave, with not a hint of harshness in audible range.

Leading The Charge

All-in-one amps are often considered 'lifestyle' products, the insinuation being that they put convenience ahead of sound quality. Some no doubt are guilty as charged, but that's not the impression I got while listening to Rotel's latest streaming integrated. In use it doesn't appear as overpowered as the brand's top-tier Michi amplifiers , but subjectively [and see PM's Lab Report, right] there was more than enough muscle to drive the tracks on It Leads To This from British prog-rock band The Pineapple Thief [Kscope via Qobuz; 48kHz/24-bit].

It sounded particularly confident on the second track 'Rubicon', both during the parts when muted electric guitars stop and start on a dime, punctuated by high-pitched harmonics, and the more melodic verses. Excellent agility and snap one moment, a sense of more measured power and precise control the next.

Turning up the volume to levels that would incite neighbours to start banging on the walls, the RAS-5000 didn't falter, serving up the band's chunky power chords in a satisfying way while losing only a suggestion of its refined nature. This is nothing to worry about, but did cause me to reflect on the impressive sense of resolution and spaciousness the amplifier was able to deliver at lower volumes.

Eager To Please

This aspect of its performance is another feather in its cap, as is the integration of HDMI (with CEC control) to make Rotel's all-in-one an effective TV audio solution as well as a provider of musical delights. Simply switching on my TV woke up the amplifier, with sound arriving so quickly you'll probably still be scrolling through the list of content on whatever streaming service or broadcast platform you prefer.

Many buyers of the RAS-5000 won't be using it in this manner, but its abilities meant it delivered music-driven content, such as Sacha Jenkins' Black & Blues documentary focused on the life of Louis Armstrong [Apple TV, stereo], in a lush, engaging way far superior to that of a flatscreen TV or soundbar. The nightclub ambience in the (sometimes very old) archive video and tape recordings was palpable. So, while Rotel's RAS-5000 is an accomplished music performer first, it's certainly eager to please when pressed into other duties.

Hi-Fi News Verdict

The RAS-5000 successfully merges the core 'analogue' strengths of this longstanding brand with a tightly defined feature selection. Offering power, refinement and an insightful sound, it's a worthy alternative to more feature-laden units. While there is a lot of competition in this segment, Rotel's traditional take will surely appeal to hi-fi buffs not prepared to sacrifice all on the altar of TV audio and streaming.

Sound Quality: 85%