Rotel DX-5 Amplifier Review: Missing the Most Important Feature for $1,700

Uncover why the Rotel DX-5 amplifier, despite its sleek design and smooth sound, might leave vinyl lovers reaching for extra gear.

When you’re a fan of audio gear like me, new digital amplifiers always catch your eye—and hands, too. So when Rotel dropped their fresh integrated amplifier, the DX-5 amplifier, into my lap for a test drive, I was more than intrigued. At around $1,700, this mid-sized unit promises a lot. But does it deliver everything you’d expect for that price? Let me take you through my experience.

First Impressions: A Sleek, Minimalist Powerhouse

The DX-5 looks sharp, fitting just right whether it’s perched on a desktop or snug in an equipment rack. Its clean front panel keeps things simple: power button, source selector, headphone jack, a neat display, and volume knob. This design screams “user-friendly,” making setup a breeze for even the greenest audiophile.

But before you get too excited, there’s a catch lurking on the back.

What's Under the Hood? Inputs and Limitations

The rear panel is as thoughtfully laid out as the front, featuring:

• Aux input (note: this is a line-level input, not a phono input)
• Optical input
• HDMI ARC for TV connectivity
• PC-USB port
• Service port
• Subwoofer output
• Speaker outputs
• Power cable socket
• Bluetooth antenna

Every connection screams ease for newcomers, but here’s the kicker: the DX-5 lacks a built-in phono preamp. That means if you’re a vinyl junkie like me, you’ll need either a turntable with its own built-in phono preamp or shell out extra on a standalone preamp.

Vinyl Lovers, Beware: The Missing Phono Preamp

I had my trusty Graham Slee Accession preamp on hand—which, by the way, costs about the same as the DX-5 itself. So, to enjoy vinyl, you’re looking at an investment of roughly $3,300 total. Sure, there are cheaper preamp options or turntables with built-in preamps, but the fact you need this extra gear is a bit of a letdown.

Yet, I'm nothing if not determined. How does the DX-5 sound with vinyl once paired with a proper preamp? Let’s dive in.

Sound Quality: Velvet Smooth and Exceptionally Clear

In short, the Rotel DX-5 delivers a sound that’s pure velvet—smooth, warm, and incredibly refined. I put it head-to-head with amps from NAD and Outlaw Audio. Surprisingly, DX-5 outperformed both: it sounded better than NAD’s plastic-bodied unit and took less space than the bulkier Outlaw, all while feeling sturdier and more premium.

Rotel has been crafting high-quality audio gear for 65 years, and this latest offering proves they haven’t lost their touch. The DX-5 sports an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, supports PCM 32-bit/384kHz via USB-B, and handles aptX HD and AAC codecs over Bluetooth. Out of all the Bluetooth amps I’ve tried, this one boasts the clearest sound and the most rock-solid connection—so much so that I couldn’t tell the difference between Bluetooth and wired listening.

The metal remote feels substantial and reliable—no flimsy plastic here, just good old-fashioned quality.

Pairing Perfection: DX-5 with Graham Slee Preamp and KEF Speakers

The real magic happened once I connected the DX-5 with my Graham Slee preamp and KEF speakers. The combo injected a delightful warmth into the sound—something neither NAD nor Outlaw could replicate. It’s not the same kind of warmth from a tube amp, but it’s impressive for a digital setup.

“The Rotel DX-5’s sound is simply velvet smooth and incredibly refined.”

The only drawback? The amplifier’s power output is a modest 33 watts. If you have power-hungry speakers or a large room, this amp might not cut it. But for smaller spaces and forgiving speakers, it’s a gem.

So, Is It Worth It?

If you have a compact listening room and don’t mind adding a separate phono preamp, the Rotel DX-5 is a strong contender. It’s stylish, sounds fantastic, and is a breeze to use. But the need for an extra piece of gear to enjoy vinyl—especially one that costs nearly as much as the amp itself—gives me pause.

At the end of the day, the DX-5 will likely put a smile on your face… but will it leave your wallet just as happy? That’s the million-dollar question.

FAQ

• What’s missing from the Rotel DX-5 that vinyl listeners need?
  It lacks a built-in phono preamplifier, so vinyl users must have an external preamp or a turntable with one integrated.
• How much power does the DX-5 deliver?
  It outputs 33 watts, which is enough for small to medium rooms but may fall short for larger spaces or power-hungry speakers.
• Does the DX-5 support Bluetooth streaming?
  Yes, it supports aptX HD and AAC Bluetooth codecs with excellent sound quality and stable connection.
• How does the DX-5's sound compare to other amplifiers?
  It outperforms comparable models from NAD and Outlaw Audio in sound quality, giving a smooth, warm listening experience.
• Is the DX-5 easy to set up for beginners?
  Absolutely! Its minimalistic front panel and simple rear connections make it very user-friendly, even for novices.

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