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  1. Home
  2. Rotel Amplifiers
  3. Integrated Amplifiers
  4. Rotel DX-5
Rotel DX-5 Review
Rotel DX-5 - Front View

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Main Features

  • 25 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • 2-channel
  • Class A/B
  • Minimum impedance: 4 ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • USB Input
  • HDMI Input (1)
  • Bluetooth v5.0
  • Weight: 9.10 lbs / 4.13 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):2-7/8 x 8-1/2 x 11-1/8 inch
MSRP: $1,699 (list price)
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Rotel DX-5 Review
Rotel DX-5 Rotel DX-5
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Rotel · Japan · since 1961 · sold through dealers

The DX-5 is an integrated amplifier with built-in DAC by Rotel that delivers 25 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 33 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in April 2025. It is a 2-channel design using a Class A/B output stage. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. It has a built-in DAC, so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. The Rotel DX-5 has an MSRP of $1,699.

There are 10 Rotel amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

Rotel Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Bluetooth
Rotel A14 MKII
Compare
804ΩYesYes
Rotel A12 MKII
Compare
604ΩYesYes
Rotel Diamond RA-6000
Compare
2004ΩYesYes
Rotel RA-1572 MKII
Compare
1204ΩYesYes
Rotel A11 Tribute
Compare
504ΩNoYes
Rotel RA-1592 MKII
Compare
2004ΩYesYes
Rotel A10 MKII
Compare
508ΩYesNo
Rotel A11 MKII
Compare
508ΩYesYes
Rotel A12
Compare
604ΩYesYes
Rotel S14
Compare
804ΩYesYes

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 DX-5 is rated at 25 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:

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

How loud will 25 watts actually play in your room? →

Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →

Which speakers suit the Rotel DX-5?

25 W into 8 ohms, 33 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms. We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current delivery.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Need more power?

Rotel DX-5 is rated at 25 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our Up to 60 watts band. The next band up is 61 to 90 watts, which is worth about 3.9dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.

  • Audiolab 8300A – 75 watts, $1,699 compare
  • LEAK Stereo 230 – 75 watts, $1,695 compare
  • Arcam SA20 – 90 watts, $1,650 compare

Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room.

When pairing the Rotel DX-5 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.


Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Rotel DX-5, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.

Inputs
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input

Outputs
  • Speaker Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output (Single)

Bluetooth Connectivity

Rotel DX-5 features built-in Bluetooth 5.0 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:

  • Rotel A14 MKII - MSRP 1600$ - Compare w/ DX-5
  • Peachtree Carina - MSRP 1999$ - Compare w/ DX-5
  • LEAK Stereo 230 - MSRP 1695$ - Compare w/ DX-5
  • NAD C 399 - MSRP 1999$ - Compare w/ DX-5
  • JBL SA550 C - MSRP 1999$ - Compare w/ DX-5

Phono Input

Rotel DX-5 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Rotel DX-5 has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.

DAC and Digital Music

The Rotel DX-5's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.

Rotel DX-5 Pros and Cons

Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.

  • ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB, so the amplifier itself should be inaudible between tracks.
  • ✓Built-in DAC handling 32-bit / 384, so a TV, computer or streamer can connect digitally with nothing in between.
  • ✓Digital inputs cover 1 optical, 1 coaxial and USB.
  • ✓Bluetooth (version 5.0) for playing straight from a phone.
  • ✓Dedicated subwoofer output (Single).
  • ✓Headphone output (1/4).
  • ✓At 216mm wide it fits where a full-size component will not.
  • ✓5-year parts warranty, longer than most of the market.
  • ✓Detachable mains lead (IEC 3-prong).
  • ✗At 25 watts per channel it wants sensitive speakers; below about 87dB sensitivity you may run out of headroom in a large room.

Rotel DX-5 External Dimensions and Weight

Rotel DX-5 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 2-7/8 x 8-1/2 x 11-1/8 inch (73.0 x 215.9 x 282.6 mm ). The unit weighs 4.13 kg (9.1 lbs).

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 DX-5 is approximately 610.1cm2 / 94.6inch2.

  • Width: 215.9mm (8-1/2")
  • Height: 73.0mm (2-7/8")
  • Depth: 282.6mm (11-1/8")
  • Weight: 4.13 kg (9.1 lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~610.1cm2 / 94.6inch2
  • Volume: ~4.5 liter / 1.2 gallon

Warranty

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

Rotel DX-5 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand Rotel
Full Model Name Rotel DX-5
Release Date April 2025
Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
Number of Channels 2
Amp Class Class A/B
Amplifier Technology Solid State
Performance
Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 25 watts
Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 33 watts
Frequency Bandwidth 20 Hz-20 kHz
THD 0.03%
Minimum Impedance 4
Signal to Noise Ratio 100 dB
Digital Music
Built-in DAC Yes
Bluetooth Yes
WiFi
Ecosystem
Apple AirPlay No
Apple AirPlay2 No
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon Tested
HEOS No
BluOS No

CONNECTIONS
Phono Input No
Optical Digital Inputs 1
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
USB Input Yes
Preamp Outputs No
Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
Headphone Output 1/4
Removable Power Cord IEC 3-prong
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height 73.0mm (2-7/8")
Width 215.9mm (8-1/2")
Depth 282.6mm (11-1/8")
Weight 4.13 kg (9.1 lbs)
OTHER
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years
Rotel DX-5 Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Phono
Rotel Diamond RA-6000
Compare
2004ΩYesMM
Rotel S14
Compare
804ΩYesNo
Rotel RA-1572 MKII
Compare
1204ΩYesMM
Rotel A10 MKII
Compare
508ΩYesMM
Rotel RA-1592 MKII
Compare
2004ΩYesMM
Rotel A14 MKII
Compare
804ΩYesMM
Rotel A11 Tribute
Compare
504ΩNoMM
Rotel A12 MKII
Compare
604ΩYesMM
Frequently Asked Questions about Rotel DX-5

How much power does the Rotel DX-5 have?

The Rotel DX-5 delivers 25 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 33 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It increases its output into 4 ohms, so it has some headroom for harder-to-drive speakers.

Does the Rotel DX-5 use vacuum tubes?

No. The Rotel DX-5 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.

What amplifier class is the Rotel DX-5?

The Rotel DX-5 uses a Class A/B amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.

Does the Rotel DX-5 have a built-in DAC?

Yes. The Rotel DX-5 has a built-in DAC, so you can feed it a digital source directly without buying a separate converter.

Can I connect a turntable to the Rotel DX-5?

No. The Rotel DX-5 has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.

Does the Rotel DX-5 have Bluetooth?

Yes. The Rotel DX-5 supports Bluetooth (Bluetooth 5.0), so you can stream straight from a phone, tablet or laptop.

Can I connect a subwoofer to the Rotel DX-5?

Yes. The Rotel DX-5 has a single subwoofer output, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.

Does the Rotel DX-5 have a headphone output?

Yes. The Rotel DX-5 has a 1/4-inch headphone output on the front panel for private listening.

How much does the Rotel DX-5 cost?

The Rotel DX-5 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,699.

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