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Rotel A12 MKII Review
Rotel A12 MKII

Main Features

  • 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Bluetooth
  • Weight: 19.70 lbs / 8.95 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):3-11/16 x 17 x 14-7/8 inch
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Rotel A12 MKII Review

The A12 MKII is an Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC by Rotel that delivers 60 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms . Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the A12 MKII compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in Texas Instruments (TI) 32-bit/384kHz DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. Rotel A12 MKII lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle. Rotel A12 MKII has an MSRP of 1100$.

Rotel A12 MKII Amplifier Internal View
Rotel A12 MKII Amplifier Internal View

Rotel replaced the older with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Rotel A12 MKII vs

There are 8 Rotel amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

Rotel Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Bluetooth
Rotel A14 MKII
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Rotel Diamond RA-6000
Compare
200 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Rotel A12 MKII
60 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Rotel RA-1572 MKII
Compare
120 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Rotel RA-1592 MKII
Compare
200 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Rotel A11 Tribute
Compare
50 watts4-ohmsNoYes
Rotel A12
Compare
60 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Rotel S14
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The Rotel A12 MKII is rated at 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Rotel provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.03% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 60 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.03%
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
  • 100dB Signal to Noise Ratio

When pairing the Rotel A12 MKII with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.



What size of room is the Rotel A12 MKII Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Rotel A12 MKII amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Rotel A12 MKII, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. Rotel A12 MKII has total of 4 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).

Rotel A12 MKII Back View
Rotel A12 MKII Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
  • Phono Input
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 2 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-A front(Connects to iOS devices)
    • USB-A rear (Charging only)
    • USB-B (allows connection to your Windows PC or Mac computer)

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output

Bluetooth Connectivity

Rotel A12 MKII features built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Audiolab 7000A - MSRP 1100$ - Compare w/ A12 MKII
  • Rotel A12 MKII - MSRP 1100$ - Compare w/ A12 MKII
  • Audiolab 6000A - MSRP 1100$ - Compare w/ A12 MKII
  • Cambridge Audio CXA81 - MSRP 1100$ - Compare w/ A12 MKII
  • Cambridge Audio CXA61 - MSRP 1100$ - Compare w/ A12 MKII

Rotel A12 MKII supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • AptX
  • AAC
  • SBC

Phono Input

Rotel A12 MKII features one Phono Input which is compatible with MM (Moving Magnet) type of phono cartridges, you can connect your turntable with MM cartridges directly to this amp without the need for a phono preamp. If you are using an MC cartridge on your turntable, you need to use a phono preamp that has MC phono stage.

Subwoofer Output

Rotel A12 MKII has Stereo RCA preamp outputs which can be used to connect to a powered subwoofer via an RCA cable ( as long as your sub supports this connection).
Check our Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with Rotel A12 MKII amp and your speakers.

DAC and Digital Music

The Rotel A12 MKII's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the A12 MKII is the Texas Instruments (TI) 32-bit/384kHz, and supports resolutions up to 32-bit, 384KHZ.

Rotel A12 MKII External Dimensions and Weight

Rotel A12 MKII has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 3-11/16inch x 17inch x 14-7/8inch (94.0mm x 432.0mm x 378.0mm ). The unit weighs 8.95kg / 19.7lbs.

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the Rotel A12 MKII is approximately 1633.0cm2 / 253.1inch2.

  • Width: 432.0mm (17")
  • Height: 94.0mm (3-11/16")
  • Depth: 378.0mm (14-7/8")
  • Weight: 8.95 kg (19.70lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1633.0cm2 / 253.1inch2
  • Volume: ~15.4 liter / 4.1 gallon

Available colors

Rotel A12 MKII is available in Black and Silver color options.

What's in the Box of Rotel A12 MKII?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of A12 MKII:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • 58-inch AC power cord
  • Remote control (RR-AX1400)
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • 5-feet USB-B to USB-A cable
  • Quick Installation Guide
  • Warranty/Registration Card
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Addendum For Roon Test
  • Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Rotel A12 MKII Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Rotel A12 MKII

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the Rotel A12 MKII by the manufacturer.

    Rotel A12 MKII Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Rotel
    Full Model Name Rotel A12 MKII
    Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
    Amp Class Class A/B
    Performance
    Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 60 watts
    Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
    Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms N/A
    Frequency Bandwidth 20-20k
    THD 0.03%
    Minimum Impedance 4
    Signal to Noise Ratio 100 dB
    Digital Music
    Built-in DAC Yes
    DAC Specs Texas Instruments (TI) 32-bit/384kHz
    Bluetooth Yes
    WiFi N/A
    Ecosystem
    Apple AirPlay No
    Apple AirPlay2 No
    DTS Play-Fi No
    Chromecast built-in No
    Roon No
    HEOS No
    BluOS No

    CONNECTIONS
    Total Analog Inputs 4
    Phono Input Yes
    Optical Digital Inputs 2
    Coaxial Digital Inputs 2
    USB Input Yes
    USB Type USB-A front(Connects to iOS devices), USB-A rear (Charging only),USB-B (allows connection to your Windows PC or Mac computer)
    Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA
    Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
    Headphone Output 3.5mm
    Removable Power Cord IEC 2-prong
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height 94.0mm (3-11/16")
    Width 432.0mm (17")
    Depth 378.0mm (14-7/8")
    Weight 8.95 kg (19.70lbs)
    Available Colors Black,Silver
    OTHER
    Tone Controls Yes
    Parts Warranty 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years
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