Rotel A11 MKII Integrated Amplifier - Black

Fifty Watts, a 32-Bit DAC, and Better Bluetooth Than the Model Above

The A11MKII is the A10MKII with a digital section added. Same Class AB output stage, same 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms, same chassis. What changes is everything to do with digital sources.

A Texas Instruments 32-bit converter handles the coaxial and optical inputs, both of which accept SPDIF up to 24-bit and 192kHz. Then there is the Bluetooth, which is where this model does something odd. It supports aptX HD and AAC. The dearer A12MKII supports plain aptX only, so on codecs the cheaper amplifier is the better-equipped one.

What It Does Not Take Is a Computer

There is no PC-USB input. Coaxial and optical are the only digital connections, so a computer needs either a USB-to-optical converter or an outboard DAC feeding one of the line inputs.

That is the dividing line in this range. The A12MKII and A14MKII add computer USB, at 24-bit 96kHz in Class 1 and 32-bit 384kHz in Class 2, along with Roon Tested certification. The A11MKII does not have either.

The Analog Side and the Bench Figures

Three line-level RCA inputs cover a CD player, a tuner and one spare source. A moving-magnet phono input sits beside them at 1.6mV sensitivity, with 50mV of overload headroom and its own ground post.

Distortion measures under 0.03% and the damping factor is 120. Line-level signal-to-noise is 90dB at maximum volume, phono is 85dB, and frequency response runs 10Hz to 100kHz. Digital frequency response is held to within 0.15dB across the audible band. Power rises to 62 watts a channel into 4 ohms.

Tone controls give 6dB either way at 100Hz and 10kHz. A 12V trigger output can switch another component with the amplifier, and a rear slider sets whether it sleeps on its own when no signal arrives.

No Subwoofer Output, and Reviewers Noticed

This is the A11MKII's real limitation, and it is worth knowing before you buy. There is no subwoofer output and no preamp output. There is also a single pair of speaker terminals, with no A/B switching between them.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Ibrahim Mohsin reviewed it for Speaker Feed in December 2024. He found that "being a Class AB amplifier, the Rotel A11MKII still manages to get as detailed as a Class D amplifier."

The writer at HIFI-Daydreaming called it a favorite in its price range in October 2024: "It is a neutral amp; there are no spikes or V curves, none of that stuff," with "great control of sound" across bass, mids and treble.

Both name the same omission. Mohsin: "the only two things that bother me are that Rotel didn't add HDMI and the subwoofer out port." HIFI-Daydreaming calls it "a big omission" too.

Who Is This Integrated Amplifier Best For?

• You want one box for vinyl and digital — a moving-magnet phono stage and a 32-bit DAC in the same chassis.
• Bluetooth quality matters to you — aptX HD and AAC, which is better codec support than the model above it offers.
• Your sources are a TV and a CD player — optical and coaxial both take 24-bit 192kHz, so each source keeps a direct digital path and neither needs its own converter.
• Your speakers are efficient and 8 ohms — 50 watts suits a sensible standmount.
• If you want a subwoofer or a computer input, look higher — there is no sub output and no PC-USB. The A12MKII adds computer USB; the RA-1572MKII adds subwoofer outputs.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Speakers go to the single pair of terminals. A turntable goes to phono with its ground wire on the post alongside. A CD player, tuner or streamer takes one of the three line inputs.

A television connects over optical, and a disc player over optical or coaxial. Pair a phone over Bluetooth using the rear antenna. Headphones use the 3.5mm jack on the front panel.

If you want another component to power up with the amplifier, run a minijack cable from the 12V trigger output. The power control slider on the back decides whether it drops to standby by itself.

Pairs Well With

Building around the A11MKII? Here are some good companions:

• Speakers: An efficient standmount pair is the right match — see our Bookshelf Speakers.
• Turntable: The moving-magnet stage is built in — see our Turntables.
• Stands: Get those speakers to ear height — see our Speaker Stands.
• Headphones: There is a jack on the front — see our Headphones.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the A11MKII deliver?

50 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 62 watts into 4 ohms, from a Class AB output stage. Rotel also publishes an FTC rating of 62 watts into 8 ohms.

Is it covered by a warranty?

Yes. Rotel covers its integrated amplifiers in North America for five years, parts and labor. Coverage requires purchase from an authorized Rotel dealer and online registration within 30 days.

Which Bluetooth codecs are supported?

aptX HD and AAC. Worth noting that the more expensive A12MKII supports plain aptX only, so the A11MKII is the better of the two for Bluetooth listening.

Is there a subwoofer output?

For a subwoofer you need to move up to the RA-1572MKII or above, which provides two outputs.

Can I connect a turntable directly?

Yes, if the cartridge is moving magnet. Sensitivity is 1.6mV with 50mV of overload margin, and a ground post sits next to the input. Moving coil needs an outboard stage.

How is it different from the A10MKII?

Digital only. The A10MKII has no DAC, no digital inputs and no Bluetooth. Power, chassis, phono stage and tone controls are otherwise the same.

See It in Action

Andrew Robinson reviews the A11MKII as a first serious amplifier:

AV Atmos covers the A11MKII against the A10MKII if you are weighing the two:

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Learn More

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