Rotel S14 integrated amplifier/streamer

Since 1961, Rotel has been making high-quality audio devices, but they rarely proposed “all-in-one” products. The Rotel S14 integrated amplifier/streamer meet this ever more present demand.

Therefore, this is an all-in-one solution allowing an easy and intuitive access to an almost endless online music catalogue. You only need to pair Hi-Fi speakers to the S14 to obtain an excellent quality High-Fidelity connected system.

ROTEL S14: CHARACTERISTICS

The Rotel A14 integrated amplifier offers an 80 real watts power per channel at an 8 ohms impedance. It is able to deliver 150 watts per channel at 4 ohms.

In order to do so, Rotel didn’t spare any expense with the power supply. This manufacturer produces their toroidal transformers themselves and apply high tolerance thresholds while using carefully selected materials. The integrated amplifier circuits power a set of high-current output transistors, powered by an enormous toroidal transformer.

It allows to keep a dynamic sound reproduction even with speakers difficult in terms of load.

Thus, there’s no problem pairing it with a large number of bookshelf or tower 2-3 way speakers comprised in 1000 to 3,500 euros ranges.

It is possible to stream using your favourite music app or the S14 iOS and Android apps to access thousands of Internet radio stations, podcasts and high-resolution music via Tidal and Qobuz.

The Rotel S14 amplifier renders digital music files including MQA thanks to a 32-bit Sabre ESS digital-analogue converter.

ROTEL S14: FRONT PANEL

The cabinet has a nice sobriety. We have here a 9 cm high housing with a black or natural aluminium finish. There is a large volume button on the right and a display screen on the centre. This colour display shows the album cover, the track and the title. It also allows to have access to the device setup and configuration via the supplied remote control.

The S14 also proposes a headphone output in 3.5 mm stereo Jack format.

ROTEL S14: CONNECTION

The S14 can be connected via RJ45 cable or in dual band Wi-Fi for a better installation flexibility.

The S14 also features coaxial, optical, RCA analogue, PC-USB and aptXTM HD Bluetooth connections allowing to connect to your favourite audio sources such as CD players, tuners and turntables (with a phono preamplifier). On the back, there’s a USB connection enabling the playback of MP3, WMA and AAC audio files via flash drives.

This integrated amplifier also features a wireless and streaming aptX and AAC Bluetooth connection via its DAC! The S14 supports wired network connections and dual band Wi-Fi.

An IOS and Android compatible app allows to manage the streaming functions. The Rotel S14 is Roon Tested certified via Roon software.

The speaker terminals are quite good and this amplifier is perfectly compatible with good quality cables and banana connectors. It allows to connect a Hi-Fi speaker pair of minimum 4 ohms.

We also notice the presence of 3 antennas: a BT one and 2 Wi-Fi ones.

ROTEL S14: TESTING AND LISTENING

The new Rotel S14 integrated amplifier/player enables a direct access to the almost endless online music catalogue. You can access it very easily. You only need to add a pair of speakers to the Rotel S14 and you obtain a high-quality Hi-Fi system.

The S14 reproduces music with a lot of dynamism and authority. The bass is perfectly articulated and readable while offering a nice depth.

The soundstage is accurate enough for us to localise the musicians placement. It’s also very “enticing” and allows to be very easily immersed in music.

The mid-range is accurate and transparent without being surgical or cold. The vocals have a nice presence without losing their transparency and readability.
We also notice that the Bluetooth connection quality is enough surprising and rare to be highlighted.

In terms of connection, ergonomics and musicality, the Rotel S14 integrated amplifier features what few products would have within this price range.

Would recommend!