Rotel DX-5 Integrated Amp
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Rotel DX-5 Integrated Amp is available at various retailers for $1,700.
- It’s simple to set up and delivers smooth, dynamic sound.
- If you want to use the DX-5 with a turntable, you’ll need a pre-amp.
View now at Musicdirect
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
I love testing all manner of audio equipment, especially digital streaming amps. Anything that delivers music to my ears is welcome in my laboratory of mad musical doings. So when Rotel sent me the DX-5 integrated amplifier, I was naturally excited.
This medium-sized amp is a good-looking entry for your desktop or rack, with one caveat: if vinyl is your format of choice, you’ll need a turntable with a preamp or a dedicated preamp.
Also: The best MP3 players of 2025
But then, I honestly don’t think the DX-5 is targeted at vinyl lovers. So, who’s it for? Let’s take a look.
Best portable projector deals of the week
Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
My experience
The DX-5 is a modern, minimal device with just a power button, source button, headphone jack, display, and knob on the front of the device. This simplicity is one of the first things to make the DX-5 so easy to operate.
As far as inputs/outputs go, you’ll find the following on the back:
- Aux input (this is a line-level input and not a phone-level input)
- Optical input
- HDMI Arc (so you could connect this to your TV).
- PC-USB
- Service jack
- Sub out
- Speaker out (banana plug or bare wire compatible)
- Power switch
- Power cord jack
- Bluetooth antenna
- Well-designed remote
Everything about this amp is so beginner-friendly that I would be shocked if anyone had a single problem setting it up.
Fortunately, I happen to have a Graham Slee Accession pre-amp that I could use to listen to vinyl through the DX-5. Keep in mind that the Assession costs roughly the same as the DX-5, so together you’re looking at around $3,000. Fortunately, you can always use a much cheaper pre-amp or use a turntable with a built-in preamp (such as those with the U-Turn Audio Orbit).
Review: I found a turntable that’s designed for beginners but has features that will satisfy experts, too
Let’s cut to the chase. Anyone reading a review of an amp wants to know one thing: how does it sound?
Simply put, the Rotel DX-5 is smooth like buttah.
I’ve been switching back between NAD and Outlaw audio amps (both of which are wonderful options), and I found the DX-5 to sound better than both. On top of that, the DX-5 doesn’t take up nearly as much space as the Outlaw audio amp and feels more rugged than the plastic used in the NAD case.
Rotel has a long history (65 years) of creating high-quality, audiophile-level audio equipment, and the DX-5 is no exception to the reputation.
Review: This stereo amp delivers impressively accurate sound for any style of music
The DX-5 uses an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chipset, supports 32-bit/384 kHz PCM via USB-B, supports 24-bit/192 kHz via optical, and supports aptX HD and ACC protocols via Bluetooth. Of all the Bluetooth amps I’ve used, the DX-5 has the best sound and connectivity. In fact, I couldn’t discern the difference between aux and Bluetooth input.
Of course, it was with vinyl that the DX-5 really shone. Do keep in mind that the Graham Slee is a fairly high-end preamp, so whatever pre-amp you use to connect your turntable will have a huge impact on the sound. Use a low-quality pre-amp, and you’ll wind up with low-quality sound.
The DX-5 remote is made of metal, is easy to use, and built rock solid.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Via the Graham Slee Asscession, vinyl sounded much smoother and richer than it does via my NAD D 3020 V2 (that has a built-in pre-amp). Of course, the DX-5 is considerably more expensive than the NAD, so this should come as no surprise. As well, the Asscession has several ways to alter the sound, so it’s another factor to consider.
While listening to vinyl via the DX-5/Assession combo, I was reminded why vinyl is my format of choice, as it brought a lovely warmth to my KEF speakers that the NAD or Outlaw amps couldn’t match. No, this isn’t warmth on the level of a tube amp, but for digital, It’s impressive.
Review: These Beyerdynamic headphones deliver premium and rich sound while undercutting the competition
As I mentioned earlier, the Bluetooth option really sold me. I’d not found an amp with Bluetooth that was reliable enough. Either the connection would randomly drop, the sound was inferior, or I simply couldn’t get the device connected. With the DX-5, none of those problems popped up. It was smooth sailing for smooth sound.
After using the DX-5 for quite a while, I never once had a single issue with it, never felt it get too hot, and found there was no need for a break-in period. This amp was pure plug-and-play joy that delivered glorious sound to my ears, no matter the source.
ZDNET’s buying advice
The only thing that might keep you from purchasing the Rotel DX-5 is that it only delivers 33 Watts of power. If you have speakers that require more power, you’ll find this amp to be underpowered. If you’re listening in a very large space, you might also find this amp underpowered.
However, if you have more forgiving speakers and a smaller room, this amp is a true gem. I’ve used more expensive amps that couldn’t deliver the same level of user-friendliness and sound quality that the DX-5 offers.
Also: 14 audio terms every music lover should know to level up their listening experience
In the end, if you’re looking to purchase a new amp and you don’t mind dropping $1700, the DX-5 will certainly put a smile on your face and a dance in your step. It’s pricey, but for some, good sound is worth every penny. It also doesn’t hurt that the DX-5 is a good-looking piece of kit.
Rotel DX-5 integrated amplifier tech specs
- 25 Watts per channel into 8 ohms or 33 Watts per channel into 4 ohms
- Class AB amplifier
- ESS ES9039Q2M DAC
- Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.03
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz
- dB)Damping Factor: 140 20 Hz – 20 kHz 8 Ω
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N Ratio): >100 dB (IHF “A” Weighted)
- Digital and Analog Inputs Digital:1 x PC-USB (up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD 4x)1 x Coaxial (up to 24-bit/192kHz)1 x Optical (up to 24-bit/192kHz)1 x HDMI ARCBluetooth with aptX HD and AACAnalog:1 x RCA Analog Input
- Outputs Speakers: 5-way binding postsHeadphones: 1 x 6.35 mm (1/4″) headphone jack
- Subwoofer: 1 x RCA Mono Output General Information
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 3 x 10 inches
- Net Weight: 9.1 lbs
- Power Consumption: 80 Watts standby
- Chipset: ESS ES9039Q2M
- Transformer: Custom in-house built toroidal transformer