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Rotel A11 MKII vs Arcam A5
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Rotel A11 MKII

Integrated Amplifier | 50 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Rotel A11 MKII
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Arcam A5

Integrated Amplifier | 50 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Arcam A5
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Rotel A11 MKII Rotel A11 MKII
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Arcam A5 Arcam A5
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Rotel A11 MKII
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Arcam A5
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Rotel A11 MKII vs Arcam A5 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing A11 MKII and A5, two Integrated Amplifiers from Rotel and Arcam. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Rotel A11 MKII and Arcam A5 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Rotel A11 MKII Key Specs

  • 50 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • Bluetooth
  • Weight: 15.00 lbs / 6.82 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):2-7/8inch x 17inch x 14-7/8inch

Arcam A5 Key Specs

  • 50 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • Bluetooth v5.2
  • Weight: 17.64 lbs / 8.02 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):3-5/16inch x 17-1/16inch x 14-5/16inch

What size room are the Rotel A11 MKII and Arcam A5 Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment Rotel A11 MKII Arcam A5
Near-field Average Average
Small Room Good Good
Mid-size Room Average Average
Large Room Poor Poor
Very Large Room Bad Bad

A11 MKII and A5 are members of Arcam's A series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.

Rotel A Series History
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC
Rotel A14 MKII
  
80 watts4-ohmsYes
Rotel A12 MKII
  
60 watts4-ohmsYes
Rotel A11 Tribute
  
50 watts4-ohmsNo
Rotel A12
  
60 watts4-ohmsYes
Rotel A11 MKII
50 watts8-ohmsYes
Rotel A10 MKII
  
50 watts8-ohmsYes

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Rotel A11 MKII and Arcam A5 compares and end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these amplifiers is the better choice for you.


**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.


Reasons to choose Rotel A11 MKII over Arcam A5
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.03% vs 0.5% Less Harmonic Distortion
Total Analog Inputs 4 vs 3 More options for connecting Analog sources
Height 74mm vs 85mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Arcam A5 over Rotel A11 MKII
MSRP Price(*) 699USD vs 799USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Signal to Noise Ratio 106 dB vs 90 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Minimum Impedance 4 ohms vs 8 ohms Compatible with 4-ohms speakers
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 vs 1 More options for connecting Digital sources
Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA vs No Connect a powered subwoofer or second amplifier.
Base Surface Area 1579.8cm2/ 244.9inch2 vs 1633.0cm2/ 253.1inch2 takes less space in your room

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the Rotel A11 MKII and Arcam A5 differs from each other.

Rotel A11 MKII Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
Arcam A5 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 2 Coaxial Digital Input
Rotel A11 MKII Back View
Rotel A11 MKII Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
Arcam A5 Back View
Arcam A5 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Rotel A11 MKII?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of A11 MKII:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • 58-inch AC power cord
  • Remote control (RR-AX1402)
  • 2 -inchAAA-inch batteries
  • Quick Installation Guide
  • Owners Manual on USB thumbdrive
  • Warranty/Registration Card
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • What's in the Box of Arcam A5?

    Here are the items that come with the A5:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 68-inch AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 2 -inchAAA-inch batteries
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
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