"The Future of High-End Audio"
The Rotel S14 Integrated Network Streamer is an all-in-one solution providing the ultimate in convenience to the near limitless catalog of music. If you've been looking for a system-centerpiece to centralize and tie all of your digital sources together while still accommodating analog gear, your search ends with the capable and versatile S14.
In addition to being a streamer, the S14 is also a full-featured integrated amplifier. This high-performance product worthy of the name Rotel streams music directly from popular music sources, rendering the audio with detailed precision and clarity. It delivers 150 Watts of Class AB power into 4 ohms to even the most demanding loudspeakers.
Album artwork on the front display, an included wireless remote, simple operation, and the intuitive setup ensure that the S14 will quickly become the heart of your music system.
"Wireless loudspeakers and systems using the Rotel S14 as the hub are the future of high-end audio, and that’s just reality," notes Ian White at ecoustics.com. "Convenient and intuitive, the S14 supports both wired and dual-band wireless network connections for ultimate installation."
Dedicated to Faithful Music Reproduction
All aspects of the S14's design have been optimized to retain the full dynamic range and subtle nuances of your music. The unit has a highly regulated power supply incorporating a Rotel custom-designed toroidal power transformer. This low impedance power supply has ample power reserves, which enables the S14 to easily reproduce complex audio signals. This type of design is more expensive to manufacture, but it is better for the music.
The printed circuit boards (PCB) are designed with Symmetrical Circuit Traces. This ensures that the precise timing of the music is maintained and faithfully recreated. The circuitry uses metal film resistors and polystyrene or polypropylene capacitors in important signal paths. All aspects of this design have been examined to ensure the most faithful music reproduction.
32-Bit ESS Sabre DAC with MQA Rendering
Leveraging over 60-years of audio design experience, the S14 renders digital music files including MQA utilizing a 32-bit ESS Sabre digital-to-analog converter. The integrated amplifier circuits feed an array of high current output transistors powered by an oversized toroidal transformer delivering accuracy with exceptional bass control. Just add speakers, and you are ready to enjoy a world of music.
Convenient and intuitive, the S14 supports both wired and dual-band Wi-Fi network connections for ultimate installation flexibility. Album artwork, track, title, and artist information is presented on the front panel color graphic display. Simple device setup and configuration is also available using the front panel and the included remote control.
Wireless and Wired Digital Connections
Stream using your favorite music App or use the S14 iOS and Android Apps to access thousands of Internet Radio stations, Podcasts, and high-resolution music from Tidal and Qobuz.
The S14 also includes Coaxial, Optical, PC-USB, and aptX™ HD Bluetooth providing connection to your favorite digital audio sources. The AUX analog RCA input is perfect for connecting components such as CD players or other audio playback devices with an analog audio output. A rear USB connection supports playback of MP3, WMA and AAC audio files from flash drives.
Built-in Headphone Stage
Headphone listening is often an afterthought with integrated amps, but the S14 includes a built-in headphone stage for excellent private listening. The headphone output accepts a standard 3.5mm (1/8”) mini stereo headphone connector. Plugging in a set of headphones cuts off the signal to the speakers, PRE output and SUB output.
Bluetooth aptX Onboard
Digital music lovers can take good advantage of Rotel sound quality via the built-in Bluetooth receiver, which uses an antenna on the back panel for wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, or computers. The Bluetooth receiver will stream the aptX codec and AAC for CD quality wireless sound, and this is supported by the built-in ESS Sabre DAC.
Protection Circuitry
The S14 has both thermal and over-current protection circuitry that protects the unit against damage in the event of extreme or faulty operating conditions. The protection circuits are independent of the audio signal and have no impact on sonic performance. Instead, the protection circuits monitor the temperature of the output devices and shut down the unit if temperatures exceed safe limits. You will probably never see this protection circuitry in action, but it's inclusion adds the value of the S14 and adds peace of mine to enjoyable listening.
This just-add-speakers solution continues to deliver on the promise of quality, performance, and value synonymous with this Japanese family-owned audio brand.
