Audio Section

Robust Class AB Amplifier Design: The Rotel RAS-5000 stereo integrated amplifier features a robust Class AB amplifier design powered by Rotel’s in-house manufactured, oversized toroidal transformer to deliver an effortless acoustic performance. The integrated class AB amplifier is rated at 140 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms or 220 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms, @ 20-20kHz, with 0.03% THD.  

• The RAS-5000's power output is rated at 140 (8-ohm) or 220 (4-ohm) 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 RAS-5000 is capable of high power levels, in excess of 140 (8-ohm) / 220 (4-ohm) 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 RAS-5000 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.

ESS Sabre 32-bit/384kHz DAC: The Rotel RAS-5000 utilizes a premium ESS Sabre DAC (digital-to-analog converter) with support for high resolution audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated): MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is a revolutionary end-to-end technology that captures and delivers master quality audio in a file that's small enough to download and stream. MQA ensures the your will hear your favorite digital audio music soundtracks exactly the way the artist intended you to hear it when it was approved in the studio. MQA audio playback can be enjoyed from your USB-B Audio Class 2.0 connected Windows PC or Mac computer, as well as from Tidal via Roon and a network connection.

USB Ports: The Rotel RAS-5000 integrated amplifier is outfitted with a rear-panel USB-A port for connection of a USB MSC device, as well as a rear-panel USB-B port for connection of a Windows PC or Mac computer.

• USB-A Port: The Rotel RAS-5000 features a rear-panel USB-A port that allows you to connect a USB MSC (mass storage class) device, such as a USB thumbdrive (up to 32GB). The USB-A port of the RAS-5000 supports playback of a variety of audio files including MP3 (up to 320kbps), AAC (up to 192kbps), FLAC (up to 192kHz), WAV (up to 192kHz), and OGG (up to 128kbps).
• USB-B Port: The rear-panel USB-B port allows connection to your Windows PC or Mac computer, so you can playback your laptop or desktop music libraries through the RAS-5000 integrated amp. The RAS-5000 supports USB Audio Class 2.0 for playback of 2ch stereo PCM and MQA music files up to 32-bit/384kHz. You will need to install a Windows USB Driver (found on the included USB thumbdrive) onto your Windows PC. Mac computers will not require a a separate USB driver.

HDMI eARC: The Rotel RAS-5000 incorporates a HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) jack that allows you to connect the integrated amplifier to the HDMI eARC or ARC jack of your TV for audio playback. The HDMI eARC jack supports 2ch stereo PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz (Dolby Digital, DTS, and other multichannel audio formats are not supported). The HDMI eARC jack does not support video and cannot be connected to non-eARC or non-ARC HDMI outputs of a component, such as a Blu-ray or DVD player.

Optical & Coaxial Digital Inputs: The Rotel RAS-5000 is outfitted with an optical (toslink) digital input and a coaxial (SPDIF) digital input for connection of an external digital audio source. Both digital inputs support 2ch stereo PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz (Dolby Digital, DTS, and other multichannel audio formats are not supported).

Analog Line-Level Input: The Rotel RAS-5000 integrated amp features a single analog stereo RCA line-level input for connection of an external analog audio source. The RAS-5000 does not offer a dedicated Phono input. If you want to connected a turntable, you'll need an external phono preamplifier (sold separately) or a turntable with a built-in phono preamp.

Binding Post Speaker Outputs: The RAS-5000 is equipped with a set of binding post speaker terminals that will accept bare wire (up to 12AWG, pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and banana plugs (single or dual). You can connect one pair of 4-ohm loudspeakers or two pair of 8-ohm loudspeakers.

Preouts: The Rotel RAS-5000 integrated amplifier is outfitted with a set of stereo RCA preamp outputs and a mono-RCA subwoofer output.

• Stereo Out: The Rotel RAS-5000 has a set of stereo preamp outputs that allows you to output an audio signal to another integrated amplifier or power amplifier which is used to drive more speakers. Changes to the volume, balance, and tone controls of the RAS-5000 will affect the signal to the stereo preamp output.
• Sub Out: The RAS-5000 is also equipped with a mono-RCA subwoofer output for connection of a powered subwoofer (sold separately). This sub output is summed with both the left and right audio signal. The subwoofer output is full range relying on your powered subwoofer's low-pass crossover to filter the audio signal.

Headphone Jack: 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 speaker outputs and preamp outputs. You'll need to manually turn off the speakers from the front-panel or remote control.

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.

Detachable AC Power Cord: The detachable 58" AC power cord (IEC 3-prong) plugs into the back of the integrated amplifier and into an AC wall outlet or surge protector/line conditioner (sold separately - see Accessories Tab).

Network & Bluetooth Integration

Wired or Wireless Network Connection: The Rotel RAS-5000 can be connected to your home network via a wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi) connection. There is a RJ-45 Ethernet port (10/100Mbps) on the back of the integrated amplifier which allows for a hardwired connection. Built-in 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band WiFi (802.11ac) allows the RAS-5000 amp to connect wirelessly to your home network. This network connection allows support for the AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify & Tidal Connect, as well as Roon.

AirPlay 2: AirPlay 2 is an advanced and easy-to-use wireless multiroom audio platform for iTunes, Apple Music, and other compatible Apple iOS apps. With AirPlay 2 you can play any sound from your Apple iOS device (running iOS 11.4 or later) or Mac computer (running OS X 10.13.2) through the Rotel RAS-5000 integrated amplifier and other compatible AirPlay 2 products throughout your home. You can choose to play audio in one room, play the same audio in grouped rooms, or play the same audio in every room. If you are an Apple Music subscriber, you can even play different music in different rooms (you can control and group directly from Apple's Music App and Home app on your Apple iOS device). You can even ask Siri-enabled devices (like your Apple iPhone, iPad, or Watch) to control playback of your Apple Music on the Rotel RAS-5000 amplifier. In addition, you can watch videos and movies from YouTube and Netflix on your compatible Apple iOS device or Mac computer with perfectly synced audio on the RAS-5000 integrated amp.

Chromecast Built-In: Use the Google Home App (for Apple iOS 14.0+ and Android OS 8.0+) to enable Chromecast built-in. Chromecast built-in gives you access to hundreds of online music streaming services, internet radio, and podcasts. Chromecast built-in streams audio directly from the cloud, so you get the 24-bit/96kHz sound quality and the ability to enjoy crystal clear sound exactly the way the artist intended. Simply tap the Cast button from a Chromecast built-in compatible music app on your Apple iOS or Android OS device to start streaming to the Rotel RAS-5000. You can search, browse, play, skip, and turn up the volume directly from the music apps you know and love on your compatible smartphone or tablet. Chromecast built-in supports FLAC, WAV, AAC, and MP3 music files. While you cast your music, you can still use your smartphone to answer a call, play a game, send a text, and even leave the room - all without interrupting what's playing on the KEF speaker system.

• Music, Radio, & Podcasts: Chromecast built-in lets you play music from popular music services and search by artist, song, genre, album playlist, mood, or activity. You can also listen to your favorite internet radio stations and podcasts. Compatible music and internet radio apps include Tidal, Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, YouTube Music, Qobuz and more (subscriptions and fees will apply). You'll also be able to stream your favorite music, playlists, podcasts, and more that are stored on your Android (OS 4.4.2+) device to the Rotel RAS-5000 amp. You cannot stream stored content on an Apple iOS device using Chromecast built-in. If you're on your laptop or computer, you can also cast any music streaming website through the Chrome web browser to the speaker.
• Multiroom Audio: Add more Chromecast built-in products throughout your home (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) to create a whole house audio experience. You can play the same Chromecast built-in compatible music app (like Tidal, Spotify, or Pandora) on all speakers or groups of speakers in different rooms of your home. You'll be able control the multiroom audio system from the Google Home app on your Apple iOS or Android device, or using the Google Assistant and your voice on a compatible Google Home device.
• Voice Control (Optional): Purchase a Google Home wireless speaker (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) and gain voice control of compatible Chromecast built-in music apps. You'll be able to access a specific music app and then select a specific station or song using only your voice. You'll also have voice control over Play, Pause, Skip, & Volume. The RAS-5000 and your Google Home speaker must be connected to the same wireless (WiFi) network.

Spotify & Tidal Connect: The Rotel RAS-5000 integrated amplifier supports both Spotify Connect & Tidal Connect, making listening to some of your favorite online music services even simpler.

• Spotify Connect: The RAS-5000 offers Spotify Connect support, so you can stream millions of songs from your portable device with ease. You will need to subscribe to Spotify Premium and have the Spotify App on your Apple iOS or Android smartphone, so you can stream Spotify to the soundbar system. Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of the largest music libraries in the world. Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage, and share music with your friends. You can browse music by artist, album, track, or most popular; and create your own music library with customized playlists.
• Tidal Connect: The integration of Tidal Connect will enable Tidal users to instantly select and wirelessly stream music to the RAS-5000 from within the Tidal app (for Apple iOS and Android OS). Tidal is a global streaming service that offers over 30 million songs in high-fidelity CD sound quality. Tidal has two pricing tiers; either $9.99 or $19.99 a month. Both pricing levels allow you to access Tidal's entire music library. The $19.99 tier has the added benefit of high-fidelity sound at CD-level quality.

Roon Ready: Roon Ready network devices (such as the Rotel RAS-5000) have Roon's streaming technology built-in, and are certified by Roon Labs to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming. Roon is a feature rich music library and playback application that compiles all the music files available to your network and makes them easily available to play across all other Roon enabled audio devices in your home. Roon manages digital music files (including FLAC and WAV) collected on hard drives and networked storage. It can also watch your iTunes library, and optionally integrate with the Tidal and Qobuz music streaming services. Roon is available for mobile, laptop or desktop devices. When you open the Roon app, it will display your complete audio library together with its metadata and artwork along with all the Roon enabled devices around your house. Simply select the music you wish to play and the Rotel RAS-5000 or other Roon device in which you want to hear it on.

Bluetooth Audio Streaming: Thanks to built-in Bluetooth, you can wirelessly stream stored music libraries, music apps, and other audio content from your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer to the Rotel RAS-5000 integrated amplifier. You'll also be able to control basic playback operation (such as Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track from the included IR remote (advanced music navigation will have to be done from the Bluetooth source device. The RAS-5000's front-panel display will even indicate sound/album/artist information (not album art). In addition to Bluetooth's standard SBC codec and Apple's AAC codec, the RAS-5000 supports Qualcomm's aptX HD audio technology

• SBC: The SBC (Sub-Band Coding) is Bluetooth's standard audio codec that is universally compatible with all Bluetooth-enable devices. SBC supports up to 320kbps.
• AAC: AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is a step-up from Bluetooth's standard SBC codec and is Apple's standard audio code. AAC supports up to 250kbps.
• aptX HD: Qualcomm's aptX HD delivers high resolution 24-bit/48kHz wireless audio, and is backward compatible with aptX for "CD-quality" 16-bit/44.1kHz wireless audio. If your Bluetooth source device utilizes aptX HD then that resolution will be utilized automatically. aptX HD is supported by some newer Android OS devices. aptX is supported by newer Android OS, Windows 10 and Mac OS devices.

Control & Mounting Options

Rotel Control App: The Rotel Control app (for Apple iOS and Android OS) turns your compatible smartphone or tablet device into a wireless remote control for the RAS-5000 integrated amplifier. The Rotel Control app offers an intuitive user interface with seamless access to thousands of Internet Radio Stations, plus streaming of your favorite high-quality music files from  Tidal and Qobuz. The app also provides transport control of your music stored on a USB thumbdrive with ease.

Front-Panel Display & Controls: The Rotel RAS-5000 features a front-panel display and front-panel controls. The front-panel display indicates song/album/artist information (including Album Art). The display also shows shows the source selected, volume level, and tone settings; as well as the setup and configuration menu options of the integrated amp. Front-panel controls include Power, Source, Volume, and Menu.

IR Remote: The Rotel RAS-5000 comes with an IR remote for wireless operation of the integrated amplifier. It provides Power, Source, Volume, and Mute operation; as well playback control (Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) and menu settings. There are also 3 presets button for storing your favorite internet radio stations.

HDMI CEC: HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronic Control) allows the RAS-5000 to be powered On and Off automatically from your HDMI eARC/ARC connected TV's remote control. To utilizes this function the current listening source on the RAS-5000 must be set to HDMI eARC and the Signal Sense function in the setup menu must be enabled.

Tone Controls: Bass & Treble circuits are bypassed at factory default to ensure the purest possible sound. You can choose to adjust the Bass (100Hz) & Treble (10kHz) to increase or decrease (by +/-10dB) 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 RAS-5000 can be configured to automatically power off if unused for a specified period (20 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, 5 hours, or 12 hours). If there is no audio signal or no control within the specified time period, the unit will automatically go into standby mode.

Mounting & Placement Options: The Rotel RAS-5000 integrated amp can simply be tabletop mounted (no rack-mount hardware available).

• The RAS-5000 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.