Rotel RA-04

[tosh]

Hi,would the Rotel amp give a more exciting sound than my Arcam a65+. My speakers are Kef iq5se and cd is Cambridge audio 640c.Thanks.

 

[Clare Newsome]

The Rotel RA-04 remains an exciting, meaty-sounding amp for the money - definitely worth an audition with your kit. We're testing it against its class rivals - including the new £300 NAD amplifier - in our next, May issue, out first week in April.

 

[Anonymous]

Claire, wouldn't it be more prudent to compare Rotel RA-05 instead of RA-04 against the rivals for an apples-to-apples comparison as the rivals come with remote controls? Correct me if I am wrong, but it is the same amp with the option being having a remote control or not.

 

[Anonymous]

I've got the edition where they compare the RA-04 and RA-05 - apparently the RA-04 sounds better as the remote control circuit does something to the sound.

 

[Anonymous]

Well - my point is remote control does to the sound in all the other systems too (i know they don't have the option to "remove it") and provides the same convenience, thus more of an apples-to-apples comparison.

 

[Anonymous]

Charolais or Angus?

 

[Anonymous]

i auditioned the ra 05 and the 04 and couldnot hear any difference

 

[Simon Lucas]

chainrock: wouldn't it be more prudent to compare Rotel RA-05 instead of RA-04 against the rivals for an apples-to-apples comparison?

Because we've heard the RA-04 and RA-05 side-by-side and preferred the RA-04, it's the obvious choice for the Group Test. The lack of remote control is something we always point out when discussing the RA-04 and readers can make their own minds up as to its suitability.

There will always be differences in amplifier specification at any price point - phono stage, speakers A/B, tone controls, that sort of thing - but we'll always try to test new products against what we feel are the best alternatives around. As long as we get our 'Tech Spec' panels right, it should be easy enough to see if a product meets your requirements.

 

[Cypher]

The whole problem is the price. The RA-04 costs 400 euros in Holland. The RA-05 costs 600 euro. So I have to pay 200 euros for a remote. That's just too much.

The sound ? I LOVE the RA-04. It's a very balanced amp and works with all kinds of music. It's also very powerful for a 40 watt amp. A steal for 400 euros IMO.

 

[Anonymous]

The ra 04 can be found for £250 in uk may be worth having one shipped over