Network amplifiers are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer a convenient all-in-one solution for accessing your favorite streaming services and TV content over HDMI ARC, eliminating the need for separate A/V receivers or powered speakers. For those seeking a versatile and high-quality stereo experience, investing in a single refined device like the Rotel RAS-5000 can make a lot of sense.
Rotel, a heritage audio brand, has designed the RAS-5000 to cater to audiophiles with its impressive sound quality and powerful performance. While some of the tech features may be a bit clunky for the price point, the amplifier excels in delivering clear and dynamic sound, robust bass, and ample wattage for high-end speaker systems.
The RAS-5000 boasts a large and industrial design, standing nearly 6 inches tall and weighing almost 35 pounds. Its sleek metallic finish and big color screen at the center add a touch of elegance to its overall appearance. Despite lacking touch controls on the screen, the amplifier is user-friendly and straightforward to operate.
With support for hi-res audio files and various streaming options such as Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon’s music management software, the RAS-5000 offers a versatile playback experience. Its custom toroidal transformer and powerful A/B amplification system provide up to 140 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 220 watts per channel at 4 ohms, making it suitable for driving a wide range of high-end speaker pairings.
