Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Absolute authority and conveys acoustic space realistically
- Voluminous, deep, and authoritative bass
- An engineering and musical triumph
- Great detail, clarity, and insight, as well as a seemingly unending amount of power
Product Considerations
- Some might bemoan its slight lack of detail
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the D'Agostino Progression M550 monoblocks, the Progression M550 had a wider and deeper soundstage, stronger and more controlled bass, and more extended/hotter treble
- Compared to the D'Agostino Progression M550 monoblocks, the S5 sounded more transparent, with blacker blacks
- Compared to the Accustic Arts AMP V, the S5 did not overwhelm with the detail and clarity that the Accustic Arts AMP V delivered
- Compared to the Parasound Halo JC 5 Stereo Amplifier, the JC 5 had a more accurate presentation with more soundstage and imaging, while the S5 sounded more powerful and had far more bass presence and groove
- Compared to the Yamaha A-S3200, the Michi combo is more expensive, but there is a significant step-change up in detail resolution, clarity, and depth—perspective seemed wider still
Takeaway: The Rotel Michi S5 is an amplifier that delivers music with tremendous accuracy and strength, making for a vibrant and enjoyable experience that bass heads will love. Music lovers are destined to enjoy music for years.
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Manufacturer details
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 485 × 238 × 465mm (19" × 9.375" × 18.25")
- Front Panel Height: 220mm (8.625")
- Power Requirements: 120V, 60Hz
- Power Consumption: 1200W
- Standby Power Consumption Normal: <0.5W
- Network Wakeup: <2W
- Net Weight: 59.9kg (132.1lbs.)
- BTU (4 Ω, 1/8th Power): 3450 BTU/h
- Continuous Power Output: 500 W/CH (8Ω), 800 W/CH (4Ω)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.008%
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (+0dB, -0.15dB), 10Hz - 100kHz (+0dB, -0.4dB)
- Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF "A" weighted): 120dB
- Gain Unbalance: 28dB
- Gain Balance: 24dB
- Intermodulation Distortion (60Hz:7kHz, 4:1): <0.03%
- Damping Factor: 350
- Speaker Impedance: 4Ω minimum
- Input Sensitivity Unbalance: 2.6V
- Input Sensitivity Balance: 4.2V
- Input Impedance Unbalance: 12.5kΩ
- Input Impedance Balance: 100kΩ
- Crosstalk / Separation: >65dB
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Rotel manufactures its own toroidal transformers, allowing precise control over power delivery and contributing to the robust build quality of their products.
- They frequently incorporate a fully functional moving magnet phono stage into their amplifiers, catering to vinyl enthusiasts with a high signal-to-noise ratio.
- Rotel products offer a "straightforward" design philosophy that prioritizes excellent sound quality and ease of use, rather than extensive customization options.
Select products
Rotel S14
- Positioning: An integrated network streamer, offering an all-in-one solution for music streaming.
- Description: Provides convenient access to a vast catalog of online music, delivering 150 Watts of Class AB power. Features a 32-bit ESS DAC for high-resolution audio. Compared to other Rotel products, the integration of streaming services and Roon Ready certification provides a seamless experience for those prioritizing ease of use and modern connectivity.
Rotel RAS-5000
- Positioning: A high-performance integrated streaming amplifier designed to enhance home entertainment systems.
- Description: Offers 220 Watts of Class AB power. Includes advanced features like HDMI ARC and aptX HD Bluetooth, distinguishing it from other Rotel models by providing superior connectivity options for home theater setups.
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Product Strengths
- Offers a remarkably smooth, unforced, and natural presentation with a touch of warmth
- Excels in detail retrieval and textured presentation of instruments and vocals, making the music feel alive
- Presents a wide and holographic soundstage, especially when paired with speakers that are already strong in this area
- Demonstrates agility, precision, and clarity, combined with a naturalness that eluded earlier generations of Chord amplifiers
- Scales dynamically and has the ability to punch hard when required
Product Considerations
- Has a minimalist design with just four line-level inputs, lacking features like phono stages, tone controls, headphone outputs, or DAC modules
- Some may find its sonic signature prioritizes articulation over qualities such as richness and authority, potentially sounding thin if partnered poorly
- Balance control has no center indent or marked position
- The polychromatic lighting may be an issue for the color-blind
- Remote operation can be affected by direct sunlight
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Elex-R Mk3, the Chord Ultima Integrated delivers undeniably elevated sound in all respects, with greater dimensionality and smoother vocals
- Vs Bryston 7B 3 monoblocks, the Chord Ultima Integrated offers a weightier and more thunderous delivery, especially in the midrange and vocals, with more inner warmth in tone
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Chord Ultima Integrated provides a more energetic and fun listening experience, with Thor-like bass impact and overall superior dynamics
- Vs Accuphase E-270, the Chord Ultima Integrated is warmer, rounder, more powerful, and refined, with a more fluid and emotionally engaging performance
Takeaway: The Chord Ultima Integrated is a unique and well-built amplifier that combines a visually pleasing design with a captivating sound, full of detail and dynamic precision. It brings music to life with an engaging and immersive experience, making it a worthy addition to any audiophile's setup.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Superior grip on woofers
- Muscular, well-textured bottom end
- Unusually powerful for a class-A amp, outputting a claimed 575W RMS into 8 ohms or 900W into 4 ohms, yet weighing only 70 lbs and having no external heatsinks
- Weight and power were undeniable
- Transient slam and grip on the Wilson Audio woofers took it to another level of excitement
Product Considerations
- Aesthetic design uses a thin, U-shaped cover which is more common for home-theater receivers and processors, suggesting it saves on cost compared to milled-aluminum cases
- LCD screen has a somewhat dated look
- Initial impressions were negative, sounding 'broken: glazed and spatially flat, with weak bass,'—but this was resolved
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs darTZeel NHB-458 monoblocks, the Solo 575 exerted a superior grip on the woofers of the reviewer's Wilson Audio Specialties Alexandria XLF speakers
- Vs Bel Canto Design's Black amplification system, the Krells had a bottom-end whomp that reminded the reviewer of the Bel Canto system
Takeaway: The Krell Solo 575 is a powerful amplifier that delivers impressive bass control and a muscular sound. It could be a great choice for audiophiles looking for a class-A amp with high power output without the need for massive heatsinks.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The H30A is The Orchestra. With its immense power, speaker matching is no longer an issue. The Orchestra can play any "venue", be it large stadiums or small cellar clubs, and with its unsurpassed skill and attention to detail, no music is too challenging. It conveys all music like you never thought possible. No matter what or where it plays, The Orchestra will always perform at its best. The H30A is the best orchestra you will ever experience.
The H30A is our reference power amplifier. We have nicknamed it The Orchestra because that is what it is. The H30A's job is to take command of any music on any speakers and make it sound as good as possible without ever breaking a sweat, and we can think of no more challenging music than a large orchestral piece.
The H30A is an absolute powerhouse of an amplifier. In its mono state it delivers a truly astounding 1100 watts in 8 ohms, and it is completely stable even with 1-ohm loads. To achieve this, we have applied all our skills and knowledge in amplifier design and combined that with the best electronics.
The H30A power supply uses 2 separate 1000 VA toroidal transformers for fast response and minimized transformer hum. With a power bank of 270,000 μF capacitors, the H30A can handle even the most challenging piece of music at any volume, it always has enough power in reserve. In the output stage we use 56 pieces 15A 200W high speed, ultra-low distortion bipolar transistors. With so much power ready at any given time, things like speaker sensitivity and variation in loads no longer come into play. With the H30A you can confidently drive any speaker you like.
Power is however nothing without the details to match. In a large power amplifier like this, the input stage is especially vulnerable to electrical interference distorting the music signal. One troublesome type of distortion is higher order harmonic distortion. It is a type of distortion that is far removed from the original music frequencies and can often make the amplifier sound harsh and unmusical. In the H30A input stage we eliminate this by using single pair FET transistors. These are carefully hand matched transistors that have the exact same values, and therefore they have no higher order harmonic distortion.
Other types of distortion we cancel out with our patented SoundEngine technology. This actively monitors the music signal for corruptions and corrects for distortion using a feed forward design. SoundEngine effectively removes distortion in real time as the signal is amplified. These measures make the H30A sound very smooth and natural, without compromising on the details.
The H30A is designed as a mono power amplifier, but it can also be used as a stereo power amplifier. It has both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs and a 12V trigger input. For the best possible connection, the H30A features high quality, gold-plated speaker binding posts.
Usually, when going from one amplifier to a more powerful one, you experience more of everything. More bass, more details, more involvement - everything is just more. With the H30A we have reached a whole new level of differences. Because the H30A is so immensely powerful and detailed, the concept of "more" simply becomes irrelevant. In the H30A the bass is tremendously deep, but never dominating. The high frequencies are exceptionally detailed, but never fatiguing. And the articulation of vocals in the midrange is just sublime.
At this level, what you experience is simply total control. The H30A is an amplifier that can drive virtually all known loudspeakers with authority and ease. It never sounds forced, only relaxed and musical. The H30A is the spearhead of our amplifier technology. It is the large orchestra that brings life to any music in any venue.
Product Strengths
- A neutral, composed, and powerful amplifier
- Excels with speed and dynamic snap
- Produces huge, well-formed images
- Can drive pretty much anything due to its over-specified design
- Renders bass frequencies with a crackling sense of power through the upper bass and into the midrange, creating corporeal images of instruments
Product Considerations
- Very heavy (104.5 pounds) and large, posing a logistical challenge for placement
- When used in stereo mode, is single-ended, potentially breaking a balanced chain in a fully balanced system
- High input sensitivity may require a low-gain preamp to experience its full potential
- Top plate is sheet aluminum of reasonable thickness, and is somewhat underdamped
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Bryston 4B 3, the H30A juices up realism and pulls the listener more deeply into the performance, especially through revealing speakers, the 4B 3 is a stone-cold bargain though
- Compared to Simaudio Moon 860A v2, the H30A's top end was clear and extended, without the Simaudio's slight softening
Takeaway: The Hegel H30A is a powerful amplifier that delivers a neutral and composed sound. Its ability to create realistic and well-defined images makes it a great choice for those seeking a high-performance listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The AGD DUET Monoblock Amplifier, is the newest addition to our state of the art Hi-End Power Amplifiers family. The AGD DUET is our first compact Monoblock Amplifier utilizing 100% Gallium Nitride Power MOSFET design for both the output power stage and the power supply.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size, lightweight, and runs cool compared to traditional high-end amplifiers
- Exceptionally quiet operation, with reviewers noting a complete absence of hum or buzz
- Delivers a clean, crisp, and neutral sound signature without added coloration
- Upgradeable design, allowing users to update the amplifier with new GaN modules as technology evolves
- Produces a Single Ended Triode-like midrange and top end
Product Considerations
- The polished finish is a fingerprint magnet, requiring the use of gloves for handling
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AGD Audion MKIII: The Duets offer a cleaner and more refined sound with improved bass and greater immediacy and snap compared to the Audion MKIII
- Vs Daniel Hertz Maria: The AGD Duets seem to have a little more inner resolution
- Vs Pass Labs X250.8: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level
- Vs Peachtree GaN 1/VTV GaN amps: AGD amps seem to be on another level in regards to design, and the sound is more refined and beautiful
- Vs Aavik U-150, Luxman 595, Yamaha A-S 3200, Axxess Forte 1, Line Magnetic 219ia: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level
Takeaway: The AGD Duet amplifiers offer a blend of cutting-edge technology, exceptional sound quality, and user-friendly design. They are a great option for those seeking a high-end audio experience in a compact and energy-efficient package.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The A35.8 provides eight channels of 'unimpeachable Class D power in a fairly compact and very flexible package'
- Flexible configuration options for power output to speakers are available, such as bi-amping and bridging
- Each stereo pair can be bridged separately to make four times 375 watts (8 Ohms) from the eight times 150 watts
- Fault-free sound quality
- High quality fit and finish
- The A35.8 offers flexible connectivity options
Product Considerations
- The 20-amp power inlet is the seldom-seen variety with three horizontal blades
- The speaker output posts are spaced too widely for dual-banana plugs
- Cabling can be tricky
- A high current power cord is needed
- Lower gain is present, though this doesn't necessarily need to be an issue
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD M28, the A35.8 gets you one more channel and more versatility for a 10% price increase
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Benchmark presented a more neutral tonal balance and undistorted soundstage
- Vs NAD C 298 stereo amplifiers, the Primare seemed slightly more forward, often conveying an appealing liveliness
Takeaway: The A35.8 power amplifier is a flexible and versatile product worth considering for anyone seeking a high-quality multi-channel setup. Its ability to bridge channels offers many ways to configure your speaker system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The EAR 890 produces 70Wpc in stereo, and can be bridged to 140W in monoblock
- Neutral sound that gets out of the way and lets the user enjoy the music
- Complex and dense music textures are handled with ease, and dynamically demanding passages are sailed through
- Articulate midrange
- Detailed and realistic bass
Product Considerations
- Removing/installing tube cages is difficult and time-consuming
- The loudspeaker binding posts are positioned too close to the output transformers, making it hard to tighten them properly
- Some assembly work appeared amateurish, specifically the use of silicone in various locations, such as fastening chassis wires
- The amplifier can operate quite hot
- May not have as much bass impact compared to solid state amps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The EAR 890 monoblocks achieve SET-like definition along with the authority and swagger necessary for most full-size speaker systems, when compared to Cary Audio 300B SET amps
- The EAR 890 is as textured as the top LAMM designs, but with noticeably better neutrality and more power
- The EAR 890 surpassed the deHavilland KE50As with a more articulate midrange, producing more color and separation in the microtones of instruments
Takeaway: The EAR 890 is easy to set up and sounds good with very little tweaking, making it easy to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the music. It's a good choice for people who want a tube amp that is both musical and powerful for their home listening experience.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers amazing quality of sound and detail
- Bulletproof amplification
- Has a rhythmically soulful sound with a tremendously rich and natural midrange
- The A51's bass is well-defined, extremely textured, and robust
- With 250 watts on tap, the Parasound A51 will power virtually anything
Product Considerations
- Due to its class A/AB design, the A51 does get a bit warm and should be installed in a properly ventilated space and/or rack
- The A51 is large and heavy, and is best moved and/or positioned by two people
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Rotel, the Rotel makes the M&K Sound system slightly bright with a bit of sibilance, while the Parasound is more neutral
- Compared to Acurus A250, the Parasound had tighter bass, which is probably attributed to a better damping factor
Takeaway: The Parasound Halo A51 is a high-performance amplifier with great sound quality, detail, and build quality, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. Its ability to deliver power and control to speakers makes it a valuable addition to any high-end audio system.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- GaN technology allows for efficient power usage, with 94% of energy being turned into sound
- Compact size challenges the notion that high-quality amps need to be large
- Design and packaging create pride of ownership
- It can be run in bridged mode to deliver 400 watts into one channel
- Stability and ability to handle complex impedance loads
Product Considerations
- The slight sonic signature may not be for everyone
- If truly outrageous amounts of power are needed to drive speakers, a second AGD Tempo amp might be needed to run in a bridged configuration
- High-frequency noise was discovered when XLR cables were not connected between them
- Power cords can make a large difference, the included power cord doesn't flatter the amp
- Some traditionalists may find it hard to accept that it's a Class-D amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Peachtree Audio GaN400, the AGD Tempo reports to have better overall specifications
- Compared to Parasound Halo A21+, the AGD Tempo is simply superior
- Compared to Bricasti M30 monoblock amplifiers, the level of which the most subtle detail exists approaches reference Bricasti M30 monoblock amplifiers
Takeaway: The AGD Productions Tempo is a cutting-edge amplifier that offers a new take on audiophile amplification and rivals more expensive amplifiers. It can drive speakers easily while being energy efficient.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive parts quality uses FR408 circuit boards and an R-Core transformer to suppress power line noise
- The amplifier has a harmonic richness and bloom to the sound that's seductive
- Bass was tight, controlled, very extended with pitch definition and detailed
- The amplifier's ability to resolve low level spatial cues is amazing—sound stage layering, image specificity, size and shape are outstanding
- Excellent build quality includes a heavy duty chassis and heat sinks
Product Considerations
- It is only available in black
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The JCM250s give a performance very similar to Cambridge Audio JC1 Plus
- The JCM250 is a bit warmer than the Cambridge Audio Edge M, and includes controls to set bias and gain
- With the JCM250 monoblocks having a separate power supply for each channel, it has lower noise compared to the Cambridge Audio JC5
Takeaway: The JCM250 is a high-quality amplifier that uses the best components. It offers great versatility, fitting well with any preamp and speakers.
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