The S14 is Rotel’s first Future-Fi amplifier

Rotel has this week announced the S14: a ‘just add loudspeakers’ streaming integrated amplifier that promises 150wpc into 4 Ohms via high-current output transistors and an in-house made toroidal transformer. (Odd that the press release makes no mention of the S14’s 8 Ohm rating).

The S14’s internal DAC comes from ESS (model unspecified) to support PCM playback up to 24bit/384Khz and MQA. That DAC is accessible via the back panel – USB, coaxial and TOSLINK all present – as well as an internal streaming board that offers support for aptX HD Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and (soon) Roon Ready. Tidal and Qobuz are additionally supported by a yet-to-be-specified smartphone app.

A set of RCA sockets make up the S14’s only analogue input but pre-amplifier outputs and a subwoofer output also show up on the back panel. On the front panel, between the source selector and menu navigation switches, sits a colour screen that displays album artwork and track information.

A 3.5mm headphone socket and a “newly engineered” aluminium remote control round out the S14’s feature set.

This new Rotel is on sale now, available in black or silver for US$2499, £2499 or €2699.

Further information: Rotel