Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer – Fine sound from a wide variety of sources

It is a powerful network streaming amplifier of the brand Rotel, which is now presented with the new Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer from Sound United LLC. It is aimed primarily at demanding music lovers who are not only looking for an impeccably equipped stereo integrated amplifier, but also want particularly easy access to a central network storage solution and various streaming services.

Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer – flexibility for perfect hi-fi enjoyment

The new Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer is a solution for the demanding music lover, representing the perfect combination of a powerful stereo integrated amplifier and a flexible, intuitive streaming client, according to the manufacturer.

The manufacturer also states that the Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer is based on more than 60 years of development experience and can therefore offer a convincing sound in every respect.

Powerful stereo integrated amplifier

At its core, the new Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer is a Class AB stereo integrated amplifier capable of delivering two times 150 watts of power to 4 ohm impedance speaker systems, and two times 80 watts to 8 ohm impedance solutions.

This is made possible first and foremost by a solidly designed power supply based on an oversized toroidal transformer, which in turn provides the corresponding power for high-current output transistors. This should lay the foundation for an always precise, controlled sound.

Equipped for analog and digital

Even though the new Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer doesn’t offer too many inputs, hardly any user will be embarrassed by not being able to connect all their sources.

There’s an analog input in the form of a pair of RCA jacks, and both an optical and coaxial S/PDIF interface for digital sources on the rear panel. To connect a PC or Mac directly, the new Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer offers a USB-B port, and USB storage media can be connected directly via a USB-A interface. However, this can only be used to play back data in MP3, AAC and WMA formats.

The Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer has a pre-out in the form of a pair of RCA sockets, as well as a separate output for integrating a subwoofer. The front is also adorned with a headphone jack, which is a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack.

Bluetooth for mobile devices, WiFi for streaming

The new Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer offers Bluetooth for mobile devices, especially smartphones, and supports aptX and aptX HD in addition to SBC and AAC,

For streaming, the Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer offers an Ethernet interface, but users will often simply rely on the integrated WiFi module.

Above all, the Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer supports Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2, can directly access TIDAL, Qobuz and Spotify, supports Internet Radio and is designated as Roon Ready.

First-class converter

The heart of the signal processing of digital data is a converter from the specialist ESS Technology Inc., a 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC that can process signals encoded in MQA in addition to signals in Linear PCM with up to 24 bits and 384 kHz.

Convenient control

For convenient operation directly on the device, the Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer offers all relevant buttons directly on the front, but also a graphics-capable color display. The amplifier also comes with a newly designed infrared remote control made of aluminum. Of course, the manufacturer also provides a suitable app for Apple iOS and Google Android.

Finally, it should be mentioned that the new Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer measures 430 x 93 x 345 mm and weighs 9.15 kg. The solidly built chassis is offered in either black or silver.

Pricing and availability

The new Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer is expected to be in stores in January 2023. The manufacturer states a recommended retail price of € 2.699,- for this one.

Getting to the point

With the new Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer, Sound United LLC. delivers an extremely exciting solution from the Rotel brand, because here a powerful amplifier is combined with a flexible streaming client in an elegant form. So it’s fair to say that this is a solution that fully lives up to its classification as Just add Speakers.