Rotel A10 MKII integrated amplifier

The integrated amplifier Rotel A10 MKII is largely inspired by the A11 Tribute version, designed by Ken Ishiwata (former Marantz engineer and brand ambassador) in 2019.

It differs from the A11 MK mainly by simplifying the preamplifier section and inputs.

ROTEL A10 MKII: FRONT PANEL

Externally, the Rotel A10 MKII features a volume control in the center of its black or natural aluminum front panel. To the right, there are four buttons for input selection. On the left, three potentiometers allow adjustment of bass, treble, and balance.

The A10 MKII integrated amplifier is also equipped with a 3.5mm stereo jack headphone output on the front panel.

ROTEL A10 MKII: REAR PANEL

At the back of this integrated amplifier, there are three high-level analog RCA inputs and an MM phono input.

Unlike the manufacturer’s previous amplifiers, the A10 MKII offers only one pair of speaker outputs. These are gold-plated and of course, accept banana plugs or spades.

ROTEL A10 MKII: CIRCUIT

The stated power of 50 watts is delivered by a classic Rotel Class AB amplifier providing 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms. It is complemented by an oversized toroidal transformer custom-designed by Rotel. This linear power supply, combined with a 100% analog Class AB power stage (push/pull transistor), ensures excellent speaker control and dynamics, even with difficult loads.

As always with Rotel, the design is simple and effective, with high-quality components.

ROTEL A10 MKII: TEST AND LISTENING

In listening tests, the Rotel A10 MKII exhibits the sound reproduction and musicality qualities that have made Rotel renowned for over half a century.

The Rotel A10 MKII demonstrates excellent transparency and superb dynamics.

It seems to prefer neutrality over the exuberance of some of its competitors.

These qualities allow the Rotel A10 MKII integrated amplifier to be paired with excellent Hi-Fi speakers, creating high-performance and coherent systems at very affordable prices. For example, pairing it with the Rotel CD11 MKII CD player is recommended.