Rotel RAS 5000
Connected stereo integrated amplifier combining class AB amplification of 2 x 140 W, an ESS converter and a network player, to build a complete hi-fi system around a single unit.
Description
The Rotel RAS-5000 brings together in a single chassis three devices usually kept separate: a class AB stereo integrated amplifier, an ESS digital-to-analogue converter and a network player. It therefore forms the heart of a complete hi-fi installation, needing only a pair of speakers to be connected. The Qobuz, Tidal and Spotify platforms are accessible directly, and streaming from another service is available via AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth HD or Roon, the unit being Roon Tested certified.
On the power front, the amplification section is rated at 2 x 140 W RMS into 8 ohms and 2 x 220 W RMS into 4 ohms: this near-doubling reflects a power supply, here built around a toroidal transformer, capable of meeting current demand as speaker impedance drops. The damping factor of 290 indicates good control over woofer movement, while the signal-to-noise ratio of 103 dB and the stated bandwidth of 10 Hz to 100 kHz at +/- 0.5 dB on the line input place the unit firmly within a transparency-focused approach. The 32-bit ESS DAC accepts streams up to 32-bit / 384 kHz as well as MQA files.
The connectivity covers the essentials of contemporary use:
- 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input for a CD player or a DAB/DAB+ tuner
- 1 HDMI eARC input to pick up sound from the television
- 1 USB-B input to use the unit as a computer DAC, under Windows or macOS
- 1 analogue RCA input, for example for a preamplified turntable
- 1 RCA pre-out output and 1 subwoofer output
This model is aimed at the listener who wants to reduce the number of boxes and cables without giving up substantial amplification, in a living room where the system is used both for music listening and for television sound. The power reserve available into 4 ohms suits demanding speakers, including floorstanding types, and the screw terminals accept large-gauge cables, banana plugs and spade connectors. The pre-out output also leaves the door open for the later addition of a power amplifier, and the SUB output for a subwoofer. A colour display on the front panel and a remote control complete the operating features.
Technical specifications
| Power into 8 ohms | 2 x 140 W RMS |
| Power into 4 ohms | 2 x 220 W RMS |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz to 100 kHz (line input, +/- 0.5 dB) |
| Damping factor | 290 |
| Signal to noise ratio | 103 dB |
| Converter | 32-bit ESS DAC, up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, MQA compatible |
| Connectivity | 1 optical input, 1 coaxial input, 1 HDMI eARC input, 1 USB-B input, 1 RCA input, 1 RCA pre-out output, 1 subwoofer output |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 431 x 144 x 425 mm |
| Weight | 15.7 kg |
What to check before buying used
On a connected integrated amplifier of this type, start by checking the firmware version and the availability of network updates: the longevity of streaming services and Roon depends directly on this. Then test each input one by one, particularly the HDMI eARC and USB-B, whose sockets do not cope well with repeated use, and listen to both channels at low volume to detect any hiss or imbalance. Checking that the colour front display behaves correctly and that the supplied remote control works properly avoids unpleasant surprises, as these elements are difficult to replace separately. Finally, given the 15.7 kg weight and the toroidal transformer, inspect the chassis and feet: a unit that has been dropped may show fatigued solder joints.
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