Precise CD playback, dedicated conversion and a low-noise audio path
Rotel CD-11 MKII is a CD player with a Rotel CD mechanism in a steel chassis with smooth tray and low-noise motor, 32-bit/384 kHz Texas Instruments PCM5102A DAC and RCA analogue outputs, designed to reproduce optical media through a dedicated chain.
The design separates the mechanism, servo and power supply from the sensitive audio sections. A 32-bit/384 kHz Texas Instruments PCM5102A DAC converts the signal for the analogue outputs, while a coaxial digital output also allows the player to be used as a transport into an external DAC. The front display can show metadata such as title and artist when present, and a 12 V trigger coordinates power with other components.
Key features
- Rotel CD mechanism in a steel chassis with smooth tray and low-noise motor.
- 32-bit/384 kHz Texas Instruments PCM5102A DAC.
- RCA analogue outputs.
- Coaxial digital output.
- Audio CD playback and MP3 files on compatible media.
- Declared THD of 0.009%.
- Signal-to-noise ratio above 125 dB.
- 430 x 98 x 314 mm chassis weighing 6.2 kg.
Disc mechanism
The Rotel CD mechanism uses a steel chassis, smooth tray and low-noise motor. The optical assembly and motor are designed to track the disc precisely while limiting vibration and mechanical noise, so the digital signal is extracted under stable conditions before reaching the converter or digital output.
Internal DAC
A 32-bit/384 kHz Texas Instruments PCM5102A DAC feeds the analogue outputs and allows the player to be used as a complete source without requiring an external DAC. The converter and output filters are integrated with the power supply and analogue layout.
Power supply and layout
The sections dedicated to the motor, servo and audio circuits are managed to reduce mutual interference. Separating these paths limits noise that could reach the DAC and analogue stages and keeps the player focused on accurate reproduction of optical media.
Analogue outputs
RCA analogue outputs carry the converted signal directly to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier, using the player's DAC and output stages as an active part of the audio chain.
Digital output
The coaxial digital output allows CD-11 MKII to operate as a pure CD transport, leaving conversion to an external DAC, digital preamplifier or integrated amplifier equipped with its own converter.
Formats and playback
Audio CDs and MP3 files on compatible media can be reproduced. Playback functions remain centred on the disc, with track management from the front panel and remote and, where available, display of media information.
Performance and chassis
Declared THD is 0.009% and signal-to-noise ratio is above 125 dB. The chassis measures 430 x 98 x 314 mm and weighs 6.2 kg, providing a stable base for the mechanism while keeping the power-supply area separated from the analogue stages.