New Rotel DX-5 Brings Audiophile Cred to Desktops and Small Spaces

(April 10, 2025) Rotel has lifted the curtain on its DX-5, a compact stereo-integrated amplifier that aims to bridge modern usability with audiophile performance. It’s a small footprint unit (just over 8.5 inches wide and under 10 inches deep) and a fully featured component designed for personal hi-fi setups, desktop systems, or modest stereo zones where quality still matters.

At its core, the DX-5 pumps out 25 watts per channel into 8 ohms (33W into 4 ohms), powered by Rotel’s signature toroidal transformer and high-current output transistors. It’s a classic Class AB design with performance specs that suggest careful attention to fidelity. Frequency response stretches from 10 Hz to 100 kHz (±0.19 dB), with a signal-to-noise ratio of 100 dB—numbers that should translate to quiet backgrounds, wide dynamics, and clean, extended treble.

Digital duties are handled by an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, capable of 768 kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD 4x via PC-USB. For those keeping track, that’s well beyond CD or even standard hi-res audio requirements. Coaxial and optical digital inputs support 24-bit/192kHz, and aptX HD and AAC Bluetooth expand streaming options. Roon Tested certification also means it plays nicely in higher-end digital ecosystems.

For analog lovers, the DX-5 offers RCA line-level inputs, while a subwoofer output makes it easy to integrate into a 2.1-channel setup. HDMI ARC support adds convenience for TV watchers looking to improve audio without resorting to a full AV receiver, and a headphone output rounds things out for personal listening. Volume adjustments are precise, thanks to a 0.5dB-step digital control with 680 mV sensitivity.

Physically, the DX-5 blends minimalism with clarity. A full-color TFT display makes navigation simple, while the included aluminum remote brings a bit of tactile satisfaction. It weighs just over 9 pounds and comes in either silver or black finishes.

Pricing is set at $1,499, and the DX-5 begins shipping this month to North America, Europe, and the UK, with global availability to follow.

For more, visit rotel.com.

Related Reading:

• Rotel Introduces DX-3: A High-Performance Headphone Amplifier, DAC, and Preamp
• Rotel Announces Direct USA Distribution through Clear Wave Ventures, LLC
• Rotel's A8 Integrated Amp: Light on Price and Muscle

 

[Sonnie Parker]

It's a little on the pricey side for 25 watts per channel, especially compared to something like the WiiM amp, which can be paired with the WiiM Ultra and offers a lot more bang for your buck.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Wiim is offering the best bang for the buck on the market… I’d love to see how this compares to your example in a real world setting.

I’m guessing the lack of headroom in power would become evident… but…??

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I think it would only be good for low listening levels or driving speakers with higher sensitivity.

It would work fine as a headphone amp and probably do well with the harder-to-drive headphones compared to their DX-3 dedicated headphone amp, but it is still on the pricey side.

If I were going to spend that much, I'd opt for the Leak Stereo 130... more power, and better specs with the reference ESS and phono stage.

• 45 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz)
• 65 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms (20-20,000 Hz)
• total harmonic distortion: 0.005% (30 watts, into 8 ohms)
• signal-to-noise ratio: 108dB
• built-in Bluetooth® with aptX audio coding for a better-sounding connection to compatible devices
• built-in phono stage for turntables with moving magnet cartridges
• premium ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M DAC supports high-res digital files up to 32-bit/384kHz

 

[Todd Anderson]

I hear ya…. 25W does read as on the low side. I was thinking along the same lines. The speakers would need to be super easy to drive.