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Rotel A12 Review: Reliable integrated amplifier

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The Rotel A12 Integrated Amplifier has almost the same functionality as the older A14. The main differences are power and different DAC models. The amplifier is class AB. The developers paid great attention to the power supply, which, as you know, is the heart of any amplifier.

The unit includes a “Rotel” toroidal transformer with a large power reserve, manufactured to strict tolerances from high quality materials. As a result, it is possible to get rid of distortions of musical material in dynamic moments, as well as to ensure reliable operation with speakers that are difficult in terms of load.

The Rotel A12 circuits use selected components, including metal film resistors.

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The model has an intuitive control system, has excellent sound characteristics and delivers power of 60 watts per channel at 8 ohms. The amplifier is equipped with analog and digital sections, as well as a Bluetooth module with support for the aptX codec to ensure high-quality sound in wireless streaming.

The Rotel A12 is equipped with a quality Wolfson DAC (24-bit / 192 kHz) and can be connected to digital sources via S / PDIF-inputs or to a computer via USB-input, providing playback of high-resolution audio formats.

The amplifier can be controlled not only with a complete universal remote control, but also with a proprietary application for iOS / Android devices (this requires a connection to the T14 tuner).

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The Rotel A12 amplifier has an LCD display mounted in the center of its front. Source selection buttons are located under the display. On the right there are three buttons for working with the menu (adjustments of balance, timbres, mute, etc. are available), as well as a volume control.

The left side of the front has a power button with indicator, USB compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod, 3.5mm headphone jack and 2-button speaker set selector.

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On the back side of the case there are the following inputs: four linear RCA, phono input for MM-cartridges, a pair of optical and coaxial, as well as a PC-USB port (can work in asynchronous mode).

There is a preamplifier output, USB for charging portable devices, a Bluetooth antenna, an RS-232 interface, Rotel Link system bus connectors, two trigger mini-jacks and an IR socket.

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