About the Rotel A8

Product highlights:
- 30 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms
- 40 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms
- Class AB amplification with custom-designed, high-current toroidal transformer
- frequency response: 10-100,000 Hz (line inputs, -0.5dB/+0dB); 20-20,000 Hz (phono input, -0.5/0dB)
- THD: < 0.03%
- signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dB (line); 80 dB (phono)
- switchable auto standby mode
- front-panel volume, balance, and tone controls
- front-panel volume indicator LEDs with selectable colors
- IR remote control
Connections:
- 3 analog RCA line-level stereo inputs
- dedicated phono input for turntables with moving magnet cartridges
- front panel 3.5mm headphone output
- one pair of binding post speaker outputs
- detachable power cord
Dimensions and warranty:
- 17"W x 2-7/8"H x 13-7/8"D
- weight: 12.8 lbs.
- warranty: 5 years
- MFR # FR01796
- Item # 440A8SL
What's in the box:
- Stereo integrated amplifier
- Remote control (RR-AX1403)
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- Quick Installation Guide
- Warranty/Registration Card
- Important Safety Instructions
More details on the Rotel A8

Features & specs
Performance Specs | ||
---|---|---|
Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) | 30 | |
Watts RMS per Channel (6-ohms) | Not given | |
Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) | 40 | |
Frequency Bandwidth at Rated Power | 20-20k Hz | |
THD at Rated Power | 0.03% | |
Minimum Impedance | 8 ohms | |
Amplifier Class | AB | |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 90 | |
DAC Bit Depth | N/A | |
DAC Sample Rate | N/A | |
Features | ||
Built-in DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) | Yes | |
Wi-Fi | N/A | |
Built-in Radio Tuner | None | |
Room Correction | No | |
High-res Audio Playback | ||
From Network | No | |
From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) | No | |
From Computer (USB-B) | No | |
From Computer (USB-C) | No | |
Bluetooth | ||
Version Info | --- | |
Receiver Mode | No | |
Transmitter Mode | No | |
AAC Playback | No | |
aptX Playback | No | |
aptX-HD Playback | No | |
LDAC Playback | No | |
Connections | ||
RCA Line-level Inputs | 3 | |
XLR Line-level Inputs | No | |
Phono Input | Yes | |
Optical Digital Inputs | No | |
Coaxial Digital Inputs | No | |
USB Input | No | |
HDMI Inputs | 0 | |
Stereo Preamp Outputs | No | |
Subwoofer Outputs | No | |
Recording Output | No | |
HDMI Output | 0 | |
Home Theater Bypass | No | |
Pre-out/Main-in Loop | No | |
Headphone Output | 3.5mm | |
Removable Power Cord | No | |
Streaming Compatibility | ||
Apple AirPlay | No | |
Apple AirPlay 2 | No | |
DTS Play-Fi | No | |
Google Cast | No | |
Roon | No | |
HEOS | No | |
BluOS | No | |
Sonos | No | |
Dimensions and Warranty | ||
Width (inches) | 17 | |
Height (inches) | 2-7/8 | |
Depth (inches) | 13-7/8 | |
Weight (pounds) | 12.8 | |
Parts Warranty | 5 Years | |
Labor Warranty | 5 Years |
Product Research
Connections
Controls
Features
Robust Class AB 2-Channel Amplifier: The Rotel A8 stereo integrated amplifier features a robust Class AB amplifier design with 30 watts x 2 channels into 8-ohms @ 20-20kHz with 0.03% THD.
- The A8's power output is rated at 30 watts per channel with all channels driven. Rotel has chosen to specify the power output in this way because, in Rotel's experience, it gives the truest value of the receiver or amplifier's power capability.
- When comparing specifications for different amplifiers, you should be aware that power output is often specified in other ways, so you may not be comparing "apples-to-apples". For example, the power output may be quoted with only one channel or two channels driven (not all channels), giving a higher maximum figure.
- Be aware that the A8 is capable of high power levels, in excess of 30 watts respectively per channel. Make sure that your speakers can handle the power of the amplifier. If in doubt about your speakers, ask your Crutchfield advisor.
Balanced Design Concept: Balanced Design Concept is the essential Rotel design philosophy that revolves around three major areas - Parts selection, circuit topology, and critical evaluation. These aspects influence final sound quality significantly and illustrate the holistic Balanced Design Concept approach to Rotel's product development. Thanks to the Balanced Design Concept, Rotel components easily exceed the performance of many mass produced audio products that offer plenty of features but skimp on audio quality, and compare favorably to components that are many times the price. Rotel continues its pursuit of extraordinary audio performance, which elevates the home entertainment experience through their core values of sonic accuracy, reliability, and affordability.
- Parts Selection: Rotel engineers select premium capacitors which provide better performance across both power and frequency spectrums to produce a more accurate and musical reproduction of the audio signal. High quality power supply capacitors provide a more efficient transfer of energy with fast charging and discharge time to ensure the circuits have the reserve power when needed. At each stage of development, Rotel engineers listen to circuit prototypes and revise the design when they feel they can gain a sonic advantage by using a particular component from another manufacturer or by specifying tighter tolerances. Since Rotel is an independent manufacturer, they are free to source parts from highly respected suppliers around the world to fit their requirements.
- Circuit Topology: It’s not enough to simply use good parts. Where you put them is equally if not more important. That's why Rotel keeps their circuit paths as short as possible, so there's less chance that spurious emissions and unwanted leakages will corrupt delicate signal nuances. That's also why Rotel often uses more expensive "on-board" relay source switching, rather than routing a signal from a rear-panel input to a front-panel control. Rotel also relies heavily on something called Symmetrical Signal Trace design. This keeps each channel's signal path identical to the others to preserve the imaging and soundstage. Rotel also uses electrically superior "star" grounding techniques to improve performance because star grounding routes all ground connections to a single point to reduce potential loops that might introduce noise or produce hum. Further, Rotel's Class AB amplifiers don’t use output inductors because they decrease control and, consequently, sound quality.
- Critical Evaluation: Rotel's development team places a lot of importance on critical listening sessions before the final product is sent to market. Rotel electronic and acoustic engineers, both in the UK and Asia, have honed their aural acuity over the course of decades of collective experience to evaluate each stage of product development from working samples, through pre-production and, finally, to verify that final production is the same as the pre-production units. Some sessions evaluate different circuit elements: capacitors, resistors, and active devices such as transistors or operational amplifiers. Others focus on differences in circuit layouts or differences caused by power supply elements. Only after this tuning process is complete with sonic performance confirmed will the product be launched to the market.
Custom Designed Toroidal Transformer: The A8 stereo integrated amplifier has a highly regulated power supply incorporating Rotel's custom-designed toroidal power transformer. This low impedance power supply has ample power reserves, which enables the amplifier to easily reproduce the most demanding audio signals. Rotel manufactures its own toroidal transformers in-house to high tolerances using raw materials selected from proven, trusted suppliers. The result is a rugged power supply that won't easily distort the music under dynamic conditions or with difficult speaker loads.
Symmetrical Circuit Traces: The integrated amplifier's printed circuit boards (PCB) are designed with Symmetrical Circuit Traces. This ensures that the precise timing of the music is maintained and faithfully recreated. The circuitry uses metal film resistors and polystyrene or polypropylene capacitors in important signal paths. All aspects of this design have been examined to ensure the most faithful music reproduction.
Protection Circuitry: The integrated amp has both thermal and over-current protection circuitry that protects the amplifier against damage in the event of extreme or faulty operating conditions. The protection circuits are independent of the audio signal and have no impact on sonic performance. Instead, the protection circuits monitor the temperature of the output devices and shut down the amplifier if temperatures exceed safe limits.
Note: In most cases, the protection circuitry activates because of a fault condition such as shorted speaker wires, or inadequate ventilation leading to an overheating condition. In very rare cases, highly reactive or extremely low impedance speaker loads could cause the protection circuit to engage.
Mounting & Placement Options: The Rotel A8 integrated amp can simply be tabletop mounted (no rackmount hardware available).
- The A8 generates heat as part of its normal operation. The heat sinks and ventilation openings in the amplifier are designed to dissipate this heat. The ventilation slots in the top cover must be open. There should be at least 4" of clearance around the chassis, and reasonable airflow through the installation location, to prevent the amplifier from overheating.
- Make sure that the shelf or cabinet can support the weight of the amplifier. The amplifier should be installed in or on furniture designed specifically for audio components. Such furniture is designed to reduce or suppress vibration which can adversely affect sound quality. Ask your Crutchfield advisor for advice about component furniture.
Note: The A8's heatsinks provide adequate cooling for most installations. However, when installing the amplifier in a confined space or near other heat-generating components, additional cooling may be desirable. See Accessories Tab for cooling fan options (sold separately).
Connections
Analog Audio Inputs: The Rotel A8 is outfitted with a total of four analog stereo RCA inputs, including one Phono input.
- Line-Level Inputs: There are three stereo RCA line-level inputs for connecting a CD player, tuner, and other external analog audio source.
- Phono MM Input: There is one Phono input which supports the connection of a turntable with a MM (moving magnet) cartridge. There is also a ground terminal for the Phono input to prevent hum and noise.
Binding Post Speaker Outputs: The integrated amplifier is outfitted with a set of binding-post speaker outputs that will accept bare wire (up to 12AWG), pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and banana plugs (single or dual). You can connect up a single pair of 8-ohm loudspeakers.
Headphone Output: The front-panel headphone output allows you to connect a set of headphones for private listening. The headphone output consists of a 3.5mm (1/8") jack. Plugging in a set of headphones does not cut off the signal to the speakers. You'll need to manually turn off the speakers from the front-panel or remote control.
Attached AC Power Cord: The Rotel A8 features an attached 4' AC power cord (C7; 2-prong) that will need to be plugged into an AC wall outlet or surge protector/line conditioner (sold separately).
Controls
Front-Panel Controls: The Rotel A8 stereo integrated amplifier is equipped with a convenient front-panel controls. The front-panel controls consist of a Power button, Volume knob, Bass & Treble knob, Balance knob, and four Source select buttons (Phono / Tuner / CD / Aux).
Note: There is no display on the front-panel of the A8 integrated amp.
IR Remote Control: The included IR remote control provides wireless operation over the A8 stereo integrated amplifier. It can also operate a Rotel CD player (sold separately).
Note: The playback and search controls on the remote only operate a connected Rotel CD player or Tuner..
Tone Controls: Bass & Treble circuits are bypassed at factory default to ensure the purest possible sound. You can choose to adjust the Bass & Treble to increase or decrease low and high frequency sounds. There is also a Balance control that adjust the left-to-right sound output of the connected speakers
Auto Standby: The Rotel A8 can be configured to automatically power off when there has been no audio signal or operation for about 20 minutes.
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