What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
05 FEB 2007
Rotel RA-04
Enter the champion: this Rotel RA-04 is last year's Award-winner, holder of the title for best stereo amplifier under £300. That makes it our reigning budget-end favourite and, as such, is there to be shot at. (Such is life!)
It possesses some specification highlights (switching for two pair of speakers, moving magnet phono stage) and some specification gaps (no remote control), but what's been indisputable until now is its position as the pre-eminent amplifier at this price.
A spin of David Bowie's Sweet Thing is enough to confirm that the Rotel isn't about to give up its crown without a darn good scrap. There's an undeniable unity to its sound, from the bite and energy of
the top end to the sinuous dexterity of the deeper notes.
The soundstage that the RA-04 presents is solid and spacious, with the amp's excellent stereo imaging making each instrument easy to follow and -integrating every element seamlessly.
Smooth rapidity and sinuous basslines
Dynamic headroom is ample, the Rotel shifting through the gears with smooth rapidity, and the RA-04 superbly balances the presentation of fine sonic detail with its ability to deliver the overall musical picture.
You can follow the minutiae of the idyllic opening passages of Beethoven 'Pastoral' Symphony No. 6, but without the whole piece ever sounding too frivolous.
Switching to Dr John's I Walk on Gilded Splinters reveals the Rotel as the best communicator of low-frequency action in its price group: the sinuous bassline is delivered with solid impact and clean, straight-edged entry and exit.
Only the RA-04 can reveal the last ounce of low-end detail and character, and only the RA-04 balances this against tempo and timing with such assurance.
It's fair to say, though, that the same song exposes the Rotel's lack of the final drop of midrange resolution. It's by no means inarticulate in this department but, compared to those that excel in that regard, like the Marantz PM6002, the RA-04 wants for out-and-out vocal communication and immediacy.
What this means, overall, is that the Rotel RA-04 remains a superb amplifier at the money. It's well made, enjoys a competitive specification (bar the missing remote control) and is a con-summate music-maker. It's because of the RA-04 that the competiton at this price level has become so intense.