Rotel S14 vs Rotel A12 Detailed Comparison

Rotel S14 vs Rotel A12

Amp to replace

Change

Rotel S14

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

CHECK PRICE

Change

Rotel A12

Integrated Amplifier | 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

CHECK PRICE

Rotel S14

See at AMAZON

Rotel A12

See at AMAZON

Rotel S14

See at AMAZON

Rotel A12

See at AMAZON

Rotel S14 vs Rotel A12 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing S14 and A12, two Integrated Amplifiers by Rotel. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Rotel S14 and Rotel A12 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Rotel S14 Key Specs

80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

USB Input

Bluetooth

Weight: 20.17 lbs / 9.17 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):3-5/8inch x 17inch x 14-13/16inch

Rotel A12 Key Specs

60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

Bluetooth

Weight: 17.60 lbs / 8.00 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):3-11/16inch x 17inch x 14-7/8inch

What size room are the Rotel S14 and Rotel A12 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 S14	Rotel A12
Near-field	Poor	Average
Small Room	Average	Good
Mid-size Room	Good	Average
Large Room	Average	Poor
Very Large Room	Poor	Bad

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Rotel S14 and Rotel A12 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 S14 over Rotel A12

Full-color Display	Yes vs No	Displays Album and device Info
App-Based Control	Yes vs None	Control the amplifier via an app
Watts into 8-ohms	80 watts vs 60 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Wi-Fi	Yes vs No	High quality streaming over WiFi
Coaxial Digital Inputs	No vs 2	More options for connecting Digital sources
Apple AirPlay	Yes vs No	Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay
Apple AirPlay 2	Yes vs No	Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay 2
Built-in Chromecast	Yes vs No	Compatible with Chromecast Streaming
Roon	Ready vs No	Roon Compatibility
Built-in Chromecast	Yes vs No	Compatible with Chromecast Streaming
Max Bit Depth	32-bit vs 24-bit	Play higher resolution range media
Max Sample Rate	384kHz vs 192kHz	Play higher resolution media
Base Surface Area	1628.0cm²/ 252.3inch² vs 1633.0cm²/ 253.1inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	93mm vs 94mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Rotel A12 over Rotel S14

MSRP Price(*)	722USD vs 2,499USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.03% vs 0.04%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Total Analog Inputs	4 vs 1	More options for connecting Analog sources
PhonoInput	Yes vs No	Connect a turntable directly to your amp
Optical Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs	2 vs No	More options for connecting Digital sources

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 S14 and Rotel A12 differs from each other.

Rotel S14 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 1
1 Optical Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB Type A input for connecting a flash drive
- USB Type B input for connecting a computer
Ethernet Port

Rotel A12 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)

Rotel S14 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs

Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
3.5mm Headphone Output
Subwoofer Output

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
3.5mm Headphone Output

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

What's in the Box of Rotel S14?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of S14:

Stereo integrated amplifier

58-inch AC power cord

Remote control

CR2035 3V battery (pre-installed)

2 Wifi antennas

1 Bluetooth antenna

5-feet USB-B to USB-A cable

57-inch Ethernet cable

USB Audio Driver thumbdrive

Hex-key

Quick Installation Guide

Important Safety Instructions

Addendum For Roon Ready

Spotify Connect Instructions

What's in the Box of Rotel A12?

Here are the items that come with the A12:

Stereo integrated amplifier

58-inch AC power cord

Remote control (RR-AX1400)

2 AAA batteries

38-inch Stereo RCA cable

40-inch Mono-minijack cable

40-inch Stereo minijack cable

Owners Manual on CD-ROM

Warranty Information

Important Safety Instructions