Rotel S14

The Rotel S14 is an integrated amplifier combining its power stage with a network streamer module, designed to drive a pair of speakers directly without any additional source electronics. It incorporates a digital-to-analogue converter and a full set of digital and analogue connections, allowing streaming playback and connection of classic sources to be centralised in a single unit.

The power stage delivers 2 x 150 W into 4 ohms (2 x 80 W into 8 ohms) in class AB, backed by an oversized toroidal transformer that supports stable current delivery to the speakers, even into demanding loads. The damping factor of 400 into 8 ohms reflects good control over driver excursion, particularly in the bass. On the digital side, the 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC handles streams up to 24-bit / 384 kHz over USB-B and the MQA format, while the optical and coaxial inputs accept up to 24-bit / 192 kHz; the signal-to-noise ratio reaches 100 dB on line inputs and 98 dB for the DAC. Frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 100 kHz.

The connections include an analogue RCA input, a coaxial input, an optical input, a USB-B input for computer, a USB-A input for a flash drive or hard disk, a headphone output, an Ethernet port and an RCA pre-out, complemented by dual-band Wi-Fi and aptX HD Bluetooth for wireless streaming.

This model is aimed at those wishing to simplify a stereo setup by combining amplification and a network source in a single unit, while retaining the option of connecting a CD player, tuner or turntable via the line, coaxial or optical inputs.