Rotel DX-5 black
Specifications and features
Overview
The Rotel DX-5 features Class AB amplification delivering 33 watts per channel at 4 ohms (25 watts at 8 ohms), powered by an internally wound toroidal transformer and high-current transistors. Its standout asset is the ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M digital-to-analog converter, complemented by comprehensive connectivity including HDMI ARC, USB-PC, coaxial/optical digital inputs, Bluetooth aptX HD, and traditional analog connections.
Technical Design Bridging Tradition and Modernity
At the heart of the DX-5 lies its Class AB amplification, a proven technology offering an optimal balance between performance and energy efficiency. This architecture relies on a toroidal transformer designed and wound in Rotel’s own factories, ensuring stable and generous power delivery despite the device’s compact size. This traditional approach results in sound reproduction characterized by precise highs, detailed mids, and deep, controlled bass.
The integration of the ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M digital-to-analog converter is a particularly astute technical choice. This high-end DAC delivers outstanding performance with a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 100 dB and an extended frequency response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz (±0.19 dB). This conversion chip allows the DX-5 to fully exploit high-resolution audio formats, including PCM 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256 (11.2 MHz).
Comprehensive Connectivity for a Digital World
The Rotel DX-5 stands out with its especially complete connectivity, meeting the demands of modern audio setups. The inclusion of an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input is a significant advantage, allowing you to connect a TV directly to the amplifier for a substantial improvement in sound quality. This feature makes the DX-5 an ideal solution for movie and series enthusiasts looking to enhance their audiovisual experience without adding multiple devices.
Digital connectivity also includes a USB-B port compatible with PCM signals up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256. The coaxial and optical digital inputs support signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Wireless transmission is also well covered, with Bluetooth connectivity supporting aptX HD and AAC codecs, ensuring significantly higher sound quality than standard Bluetooth.
For traditional analog sources, a pair of RCA inputs is available. The device also features a dedicated subwoofer output, enabling a 2.1 channel setup. However, this output does not appear to include a high-pass filter for the main speakers.
A Compact Design for Contemporary Spaces
With its ultra-compact dimensions of 215 x 76 x 251 mm (W x H x D) and a weight of just 4.1 kg, the DX-5 fits perfectly into the limited spaces of modern homes. This compactness does not come at the expense of elegance, with a full metal chassis available in black or silver finishes.
The minimalist front panel features a power button, a non-touch color TFT display, and a volume control knob offering exceptional precision with 0.5 dB increments. This precision allows for optimal volume adjustment, especially appreciated during low-volume listening. A 6.35 mm headphone jack completes the front panel for personal listening.
The device comes with an aluminum remote control, allowing full remote operation. The overall impression is one of quality and sophistication, which contrasts with its small size.
Versatility for Modern Use
The DX-5 excels in its ability to adapt to various setups. In a traditional stereo environment, it can power bookshelf speakers of average sensitivity in moderately sized rooms. Paired with a subwoofer via its dedicated output, it forms an ideal 2.1 system for small spaces needing extended bass response.
Its HDMI ARC connectivity also makes it a relevant choice for improving TV sound without cluttering the space with multiple devices. The amplifier can thus serve as the central hub for a compact yet high-performance multimedia system.
The front headphone jack also transforms the DX-5 into a high-quality personal amplifier for private listening, while its compatibility with high-resolution formats via USB makes it an ideal partner for digital audiophiles.
What the press says
Rotel’s first compact integrated stereo amplifier doesn’t abandon Class AB—quite the opposite. It manages to get the best out of it in a very small chassis despite modest power on tap. Musicality is assured, with strong midrange performance. The build quality, ease of use, built-in Hi-Res DAC, and the wealth of available inputs/outputs justify the DX-5’s positioning. This device will delight those seeking a listening experience that’s perhaps a little different from the increasingly widespread Class D amplifiers.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Rotel’s DX-5 is a small, capable and well-made premium amplifier. [...] Through any of the digital inputs, it sounds wonderfully clean and clear, digging up plenty of detail and arranging it in a cohesive and organised manner. [...] It sounds smaller than a rival like the Award-winning Arcam, lacking the A15+’s scale and outright authority. [...] While the lack of power means that it needs a bit of pampering to work optimally in a conventional hi-fi system.
Technical Specifications
Analog Section
- Output Power (FTC): 25 W / channel
- Maximum Output Power (Non-FTC): 33 W / channel (1 kHz, 4 Ω)
- Continuous Output Power (Non-FTC): 25 W / channel (1 kHz, 8 Ω)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.03%
- Intermodulation Distortion: < 0.03% (60 Hz : 7 kHz, 4:1)
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz (0 ± 0.19 dB)
- Damping Factor: 140 (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 8 Ω)
- Input Sensitivity / Impedance: 680 mV / 100 kΩ
- Input Overload: 4.2 V
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 100 dB (IHF “A” weighted)
Digital Section
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 80 kHz (0 ± 2 dB, Max)
- Input Sensitivity / Impedance: -10.3 dBFS / 75 Ω
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 100 dB (IHF “A” weighted)
Connectivity
- Digital Inputs:
- SPDIF LPCM (up to 24-bit / 192 kHz)
- PC-USB USB Audio Class 2.0 (up to 32-bit / 384 kHz)*
- *Driver installation required
- DSD (up to 4X, 11.2 MHz) and DoP (up to 2X, 5.6 MHz) supported
- Roon Tested supported
- HDMI ARC function supported
General Features
- Power Supply:
- USA: 120 V, 60 Hz
- Europe: 230 V, 50 Hz
- Power Consumption: 80 W
- Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5 W
- BTU (4 Ω, 1/8 power): 241 BTU / h
- Dimensions (W, H, D): 215 x 76 x 251 mm (8 1/2” x 3” x 10”)
- Front Panel Height: 70 mm (2 3/4”)
- Weight (net): 4.1 kg (9.1 lbs)
- Color: black and silver
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rotel DX-5 powerful enough for low-sensitivity speakers?
With 25 watts per channel at 8 ohms, the DX-5 is perfectly suited for speakers of average sensitivity (87 dB/W/m or higher) in moderately sized rooms. For less sensitive speakers or larger spaces, a more powerful amplifier would be preferable. However, the damping factor of 140 ensures effective control of the speakers.
What is the difference between the DX-3 and the DX-5?
The DX-3 is essentially a headphone amplifier and preamplifier, while the DX-5 adds a speaker amplification section, an HDMI ARC input, and a subwoofer output. Both devices share a similar aesthetic and compact format, but the DX-5 offers greater versatility as the center of a complete audio system.
What are the benefits of the "Roon Tested" certification?
The “Roon Tested” certification guarantees that the DX-5 has been verified to work properly with the Roon audiophile software. This ensures seamless integration into a Roon ecosystem, with automatic device identification, optimal configuration, and full support for features such as volume control and input selection.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
