A11 Tribute

Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Amplificateur Stéréo Intégré
Stereo-Vollverstärker
Amplificador Integrado Estereofónico
Geïntegreerde stereoversterker
Amplificatore integrato stereo
Integrerad stereoförstärkare
Owner’s Manual
Интегрированный стерео усилитель
Manuel de l’utilisateur
Bedienungsanleitung
Manual de Instrucciones
Gebruikershandleiding
Manuale di istruzioni
Instruktionsbok
Инструкция пользователя
 2 A11 Tribute Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Important Safety Instructions

You must allow a minimum 10 cm or 4 inches of unobstructed
Notice clearance around the unit.
The RS232 connection should be handled by authorized persons only.

WARNING: There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer all

servicing to qualified service personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose
the unit to moisture or water. Do not expose the unit to dripping or
splashing. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on
the unit. Do not allow foreign objects to get into the enclosure. If the
unit is exposed to moisture, or a foreign object gets into the enclosure,
immediately disconnect the power cord from the wall. Take the unit
to a qualified service person for inspection and necessary repairs.
WARNING: The rear panel power cord connector is the mains power
Read these instructions. disconnect device. The device must be located in an open area that
Keep these instructions. allows access to the cord connector.

Heed all warnings. The unit must be connected to a power supply only of the type and
voltage specified on the rear panel. (USA: 120 V/60Hz, EC: 230V/50Hz)
Follow all instructions.
Connect the component to the power outlet only with the supplied
Do not use this apparatus near water. power supply cable or an exact equivalent. Do not modify the supplied
Clean only with dry cloth. cable. Do not use extension cords.
Rotel products are designed to comply with
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the The mains plug is the disconnect of the unit. In order to completely international directives on the Restriction of Hazardous
manufacturer’s instructions. disconnect the unit from the supply mains, remove the main plug from Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic
the unit and the AC power outlet. This is the only way to completely equipment and the disposal of Waste Electrical and
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
remove mains power from the unit. Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The crossed wheelie bin
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Use Class 2 wiring for speaker connections to ensure proper installation symbol indicates compliance and that the products must
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
and minimize the risk of electrical shock. be appropriately recycled or processed in accordance
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
with these directives.
A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The batteries in the remote control should not be exposed to excessive
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If temperature such as sunshine, fire or other heat sources. Batteries This symbol means that this unit is double insulated.
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician should be recycled or disposed as per state and local guidelines. An earth connection is not required.
for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use with caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-
supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
The apparatus should be used in non tropical climate.
 3

Figure 1: Controls and Connections

Commandes et Branchements
Bedienelemente und Anschlüsse
Controles y Conexiones
Controlli e connessioni
De bedieningsorganen en aansluitingen
Kontroller och anslutningar
Органы управления и разъемы

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

9 0 -= q w e r

t y u i o
 4 A11 Tribute Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Figure 2: Remote Control RR-AX1401

Télécommande infra-rouge RR-AX1401
Fernbedienung RR-AX1401
Mando a Distancia RR-AX1401
Telecomando RR-AX1401
De afstandsbediening RR-AX1401
Fjärrkontroll RR-AX1401
Пульт ДУ RR-AX1401

A
J
B
K
C
L D

E
M
F
G
N H

I
 5

Figure 3: Preamp Input and Speaker Output Connections

Branchements des entrées sources et sorties enceintes acoustiques
Anschlussdiagramm
Conexiones para Entrada de Señal y Salida a las Cajas Acústicas
Collegamenti ingressi e diffusori
De signaalingangen en de luidsprekeruitgangen
Signal- och högtalaranslutningar
Подсоединение источников сигнала и акустических систем

Speakers

Rotel A11 Tribute

CD PLAYER

PHONO
 6 A11 Tribute Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Figure 4: 12V Trigger Connections De 12V trigger aansluitingen

Branchements trigger 12 V Collegamenti segnali Trigger 12 V
12V-Trigger-Anschlüsse 12 V-anslutning för styrsignal
Conexiones para Señal de Disparo de 12V Подсоединение 12-В триггерного сигнала

Rotel A11 Tribute

Rotel CD11 Tribute

 7

Important Notes
When making connections be sure to:
4 Turn off all the components in the system before hooking up any components, including loudspeakers.
4 Turn off all components in the system before changing any of the connections to the system.
It is also recommended that you:
4 Turn the volume control of the amplifier all the way down before the amplifier is turned on or off.

Remarques importantes
Pendant les branchements, assurez-vous que :
4 Tous les maillons sont éteints avant leur branchement, quels qu’ils soient, y compris les enceintes acoustiques.
4 Éteignez tous les maillons avant de modifier quoi que ce soit au niveau de leurs branchements, quels qu’ils soient.
Il est également recommandé de :
4 Toujours baissez le niveau sonore via le contrôle de volume, avant d’allumer ou d’éteindre l’amplificateur.

Wichtige Hinweise
Achten Sie beim Herstellen der Verbindungen auf Folgendes:
4 Schalten Sie alle Komponenten im System ab, bevor Sie Geräte (einschließlich Lautsprecher) anschließen.
4 Schalten Sie alle Komponenten im System ab, bevor Sie Anschlüsse im System verändern.
Ferner empfehlen wir, dass
4 Sie die Lautstärke herunterdrehen, bevor Sie die Endstufe ein- oder abschalten.

Notas Importantes
Cuando realice las conexiones, asegúrese de que:
4 Desactiva todos los componentes del equipo, cajas acústicas incluidas, antes de conectar cualquier nuevo componente en el mismo.
4 Desactiva todos los componentes del equipo antes de cambiar cualquier conexión del mismo.
También le recomendamos que:
4 Reduzca el nivel de volumen de su amplificador a cero antes de activarlo o desactivarlo.

Héél belangrijk
Bij het maken van de verbindingen:
4 Zorg dat niet alleen de A11 Tribute, maar de gehele installatie uitstaat, als nog niet alle verbindingen gemaakt zijn.
4 Zorg dat niet alleen de A11 Tribute, maar de gehele installatie ook uitstaat, als u verbindingen gaat wijzigen.
Wij raden u ook aan om
4 de volumeregelaar van de voorversterker geheel dicht te draaien (volkomen naar links) wanneer u uw eindversterker aan- of uitzet.

Note importanti
Quando effettuate i collegamenti assicuratevi di:
4 Spegnere tutti i componenti del sistema prima di collegare qualsiasi componente, inclusi i diffusori.
4 Spegnere tutti i componenti del sistema prima di modificare qualsiasi connessione nel sistema.
Vi raccomandiamo inoltre di:
4 Portare il volume a zero prima di accendere o spegnere l’amplificatore.

Viktigt
Tänk på följande när du gör anslutningar:
4 Stäng av alla komponenter i anläggningen innan du ansluter nya komponenter, inklusive högtalare.
4 Stäng av alla komponenter i anläggningen innan du ändrar någon anslutning i anläggningen.
Vi rekommenderar också föjlande::
4 Vrid ner volymen på förstärkaren helt och hållet innan förstärkaren slås på eller av.

Важные замечания
Перед подсоединением:
4 Выключите все компоненты, включая колонки.
4 Выключите все компоненты в вашей системе, прежде чем что-то в ней менять.
Рекомендуется также:
4 Вывести громкость усилителя на минимум, перед тем как включать или выключать его.
 8 A11 Tribute Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Contents About Rotel

Important Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Our story began over 60 years ago. Over the decades, we have received
Figure 1: Controls and Connections 3 hundreds of awards for our products and satisfied hundreds of thousands
Figure 2: Remote Control RR-AX1401 4 of people who take their entertainment seriously – like you.
Figure 3: Preamp Input and Speaker Output Connections 5
Figure 4: 12V Trigger Connections 6 Rotel was founded by a family whose passionate interest in music led them
Important Notes 7 to manufacture high-fidelity components of uncompromising quality.
About Rotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Through the years, that passion has remained undiminished and the family
A Few Precautions 9 goal of providing exceptional value for audiophiles and music lovers,
Placement 9 regardless of their budget, is shared by all Rotel employees.
Cables 9
The RR-AX1401 Remote Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Rotel’s engineers work as a close team, listening to, and fine tuning, each
Remote Control Batteries 9 new product until it reaches their exacting musical standards. They are
AC Power and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 free to choose components from around the world in order to make that
AC Power Input o 9 product the best they can. You are likely to find capacitors from the United
Power Switch 1A and Power Indicator 2 9 Kingdom and Germany, semiconductors from Japan or the United States,
12V Trigger Connection e 9 while toroidal power transformers are manufactured in Rotel’s own factory.
Protection Indicator 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Input Signal Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 We all have concerns about our environment. And, as more and more
Phono Input 0 and Ground Connection (GND) 9 10 electronics are produced it is especially important for a manufacturer to do all
Line Level Inputs -=t 10 it can to engineer products that have a minimum impact on the environment.
Preamp Output y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Speaker Outputs ui . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 At Rotel, we are proud to do our part. We have reduced the lead content
Speaker Selector Switch 4 10 in our products by using special lead-free ROHS solder and components.
Speaker Selection 10 Our engineers continually strive to improve power supply efficiency without
Speaker Wire Selection 10 compromise to quality. When in standby mode Rotel products use minimal
Polarity and Phasing 10 power to meet global Standby Power Consumption requirements.
Speaker Connection 10
Headphone Output 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Rotel factory is also doing their part to help the environment through
Display 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 constant improvements to product assembly methods for a cleaner and
aptX Bluetooth Connection q . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 greener manufacturing processes.
Audio Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Volume Control 6E 11 All of us at Rotel thank you for buying this product. We are sure it will bring
Balance Control 8B 11 you many years of enjoyment.
Source Input Selector 7I 11
Tone Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Tone Bypass 11 Getting Started
Tone Enabled 11
Tone Rotel Boost 11 Thank you for purchasing the Rotel A11 Tribute Stereo Integrated Amplifier.
Tone Rotel Max 11 When used in a high-quality music audio system, Rotel products will provide
Bass and Treble Controls 8B 12 years of musical enjoyment.
Dimmer Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Display Dimmer 8D 12 This amplifier is a full featured, high performance component. All aspects
LED Dimmer 8 12 of the design have been optimized to retain the full dynamic range and
EXT REM IN Jack w . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 subtle nuances of your music. The un it has a highly regulated power supply
RS232 Connector r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 incorporating a Rotel custom-designed toroidal power transformer. This low
Settings Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 impedance power supply has ample power reserves, which enables the
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 amplifier to easily reproduce the most demanding audio signals. This type
Power Indicator Is Not Illuminated 13 of design is more expensive to manufacture, but it is better for the music.
Fuse Replacement 13
No Sound 13 The printed circuit boards (PCB) are designed with Symmetrical Circuit
Playable Audio Formats 13 Traces. This ensures that the precise timing of the music is maintained and
Cannot Connect via Bluetooth 13 faithfully recreated. The circuitry uses metal film resistors and polystyrene
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 or polypropylene capacitors in important signal paths. All aspects of this
design have been examined to ensure the most faithful music reproduction.

The main functions of the A11 Tribute are easy to install and use. If you have
experience with other stereo systems, you shouldn’t find anything perplexing.
Simply plug in the associated components and enjoy.
 9

A Few Precautions Remote Control Batteries

Two AAA size batteries (supplied) must be installed before the remote
WARNING: To avoid potential damage to your system, turn off ALL control can be used. To install the batteries, remove the cover on the back
the components in the system when connecting or disconnecting the of the RR‑AX1401. Install the batteries as shown in the illustration in the
loudspeakers or any associated components. Do not turn the system battery well. Test the control for proper operation, then replace the cover.
components back on until you are sure all the connections are correct When the batteries become weak the remote control won’t operate the A11
and secure. Pay particular attention to the speaker wires. There must Tribute consistently. Installing fresh batteries should eliminate the problem.
be no loose strands that could contact the other speaker wires, or the
chassis of the amplifier.
AC Power and Control
Please read this manual carefully. It provides information on how to
incorporate the unit into your system as well as information that will help AC Power Input o
you get optimum sound performance. Please contact your authorized Rotel Your unit is configured at the factory for the proper AC line voltage in the
dealer for answers to any questions you might have. In addition, all of us country where you purchased it (either 120 volts AC or 230 volts AC with
at Rotel welcome your questions and comments. a line frequency of either 50 Hz or 60 Hz). The AC line configuration is
noted on a decal on the back panel.
Save the shipping carton and all enclosed packing material for future use.
Shipping or moving the amplifier in anything other than the original packing NOTE: Should you move your amplifier to another country, it is possible
material may result in severe damage to your amplifier. to reconfigure it for use on a different line voltage. Do not attempt to
perform this conversion yourself. Opening the enclosure of the unit
If included in the box please complete the owner’s registration card or exposes you to dangerous voltages. Consult a qualified service person
register on line. Also be sure to keep the original sales receipt. It is your best or the Rotel factory service department for information.
record of the date of purchase, which you will need in the event warranty
service is ever required. NOTE: Some products are intended for sale in more than one country
and as such are supplied with more than one AC cord. Please only use
Placement the one appropriate for your country/region.
Like all audio components that handle low level signals, this amplifier
can be affected by its environment. Avoid placing the unit on top of other The unit does not draw high levels of current from the power outlet. However,
components. Also avoid routing audio signal cables near power cords. This it should be plugged directly into a polarized wall outlet using the supplied
will minimize the chance it will pick up hum or interference. cable or other compatible cable as recommended by your authorized Rotel
dealer. Do not use an extension cord. A heavy duty multi-tap power outlet
The unit generates heat as part of its normal operation. The heat sinks and strip may be used if it (and the wall outlet) can handle the current demanded
ventilation openings in the amplifier are designed to dissipate this heat. by the amplifier and all the other components connected to it.
The ventilation slots in the top cover must be open. There should be 10 cm
(4 inches) of clearance around the chassis, and reasonable airflow through If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time
the installation location, to prevent the amplifier from overheating. such as a month-long vacation, it is a sensible precaution to unplug your
amplifier (as well as other audio and video components) while you are away.
Remember the weight of the amplifier when you select an installation location.
Make sure that the shelf or cabinet can support it. We recommend installing Power Switch 1A and Power Indicator 2
the unit in furniture designed to house audio components. Such furniture is Press the front panel Power Switch button 1 to turn the unit on. The Power
designed to reduce or suppress vibration which can adversely affect sound Indicator light 2 is illuminated when the unit is on. Press Power Switch
quality. Ask your authorized Rotel dealer for advice about component button again to turn the unit off.
furniture and proper installation of audio components.
When the power switch is in the ON position, the remote control ON and
Cables OFF buttons may be used to activate the A11 Tribute. In Standby mode the
Be sure to keep the power cords, digital signal cables and analog audio power LED is red, but the display is turned OFF.
signal cables in your installation away from each other. This will minimize
the chance of the analog audio signal cables picking up noise or interference 12V Trigger Connection e
from the power cords or digital cables. Using only high quality, shielded See Figure 4
cables will also help to prevent noise or interference from degrading the
sound quality of your system. If you have any questions see your authorized Some audio components can be turned on automatically when they receive
Rotel dealer for advice about the best cable to use with your system. a 12V turn on signal. The two 12V Trigger Outputs of the A11 Tribute unit
provide the required signal. Connect compatible components to the amplifier
with a conventional 3.5mm mini plug cable. When the unit is in standby
The RR-AX1401 Remote Control mode or turned off, the trigger signal is interrupted, and the components
controlled by it are turned off.
Some functions can be done with either the front panel controls, or the
supplied RR-AX1401 remote control. When these operations are described,
the square call out numbers refer to the main unit, while the encircled letters
refer to the remote control.
10 A11 Tribute Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Protection Indicator 2 NOTE: Changes to the settings of the Volume, Balance or Tone controls
affect the signal from the Preamp Output.
The amplifier has both thermal and over-current protection circuitry that
protects the amplifier against damage in the event of extreme or faulty
operating conditions. The protection circuits are independent of the audio Speaker Outputs ui
signal and have no impact on sonic performance. Instead, the protection
circuits monitor the temperature of the output devices and shut down the See Figure 3
amplifier if temperatures exceed safe limits.
Speaker Selector Switch 4
Most likely, you will never see this protection circuitry in action. However, The amplifier has two sets of speaker outputs, labeled “SPEAKER A” u and
should a faulty condition arise, the amplifier will stop playing and will “SPEAKER B” i. The speaker outputs are controlled by the A-B speaker
display “AMP PROTECTION“ on the front panel. The power indicator 2 selector buttons 4 on the front panel or J on the remote control.
on the front panel will turn red.
Speaker Selection
If this happens, turn the amplifier off. Let it cool down for several minutes, If only one set of speakers will be used at any given time, the speakers may
and attempt to identify and correct the problem that caused the protection have an impedance as low as 4 ohms. If there are times when both the A
circuitry to engage. When you turn the amplifier back on, the protection and B speakers will be used, all the speakers should have an impedance
circuit will automatically reset and the power indicator 2 should turn blue. of 8 ohms or more. Speaker impedance ratings are less than precise. In
practice, very few loudspeakers will present any problems for the unit. See
In most cases, the protection circuitry activates because of a fault condition your authorized Rotel dealer if you have any questions.
such as shorted speaker wires, or inadequate ventilation leading to an
overheating condition. In very rare cases, highly reactive or extremely Speaker Wire Selection
low impedance speaker loads could cause the protection circuit to engage. Use insulated two-conductor stranded wire to connect the unit to the speakers.
The size and quality of the wire can have an audible effect on the performance
If the protection circuitry triggers repeatedly and you are unable to isolate of the system. Standard speaker wire will work, but can result in lower
and correct the faulty condition, contact your authorized Rotel dealer for output or diminished bass response, particularly over longer distances. In
assistance in troubleshooting. general, heavier wire will improve the sound. For best performance, you
may want to consider special high-quality speaker cables. Your authorized
Rotel dealer can help in the selection of cables for your system.
Input Signal Connections
Polarity and Phasing
See Figure 3 The polarity - the positive/negative orientation of the connections - for every
speaker and amplifier connection must be consistent so all the speakers will
NOTE: To prevent loud noises that neither you nor your speakers will be in phase. If the polarity of one connection is reversed, bass output will
appreciate, make sure the system is turned off when you make any be very weak and stereo imaging degraded. All wire is marked so you can
signal connections. identify the two conductors. There may be ribs or a stripe on the insulation
of one conductor. The wire may have clear insulation with different color
Phono Input 0 and Ground Connection (GND) 9 conductors (copper and silver). There may be polarity indications printed
Plug the cable from the turntable into the appropriate left and right phono on the insulation. Identify the positive and negative conductors and be
inputs. If the turntable has a “ground” wire, connect it to the screw terminal consistent with every speaker and amplifier connection.
to the left of the Phono inputs. It will help prevent hum and noise.
Speaker Connection
Line Level Inputs -=t Turn off all the components in the system before connecting the speakers.
The CD, Tuner, and Aux inputs of the amplifier are “line level” inputs. These The amplifier has color-coded binding post type speaker connectors on the
are for connecting components such as CD players or other audio playback back panel. These connectors accept bare wire, connector lugs, or dual
devices with an analog audio output. banana type connectors. (Except in European Community countries where
their use is not permitted.)
The Left and Right channels are labeled and should be connected to the
corresponding channels of the source component. The Left connectors Route the wire from the amplifier to the speakers. Give yourself enough slack
are white, the Right connectors are red. Use high quality RCA cables for so you can move the components to allow access to the speaker connectors.
connecting input source components to the unit. Ask your authorized Rotel If you are using dual banana plugs, connect them to the wires and then
dealer for advice about cables. plug into the backs of the binding posts. The thumbscrews of the binding
posts should be screwed in all the way (clockwise).

Preamp Output y If you are using terminal lugs, connect them to the wires. If you are attaching
bare wires directly to the binding posts, separate the wire conductors and
The amplifier has a set of preamp outputs labeled PRE OUT. The currently strip the insulation from the end of each conductor. Be careful not to cut
selected source input is available from this output. Typically the PRE OUT into the wire strands. Unscrew (turn counterclockwise) the binding post
output is used to provide a signal to another integrated amplifier or power thumbscrews. Place the connector lug or wire around the binding post
amplifier, which is used to drive remote speakers. shaft. Turn the thumbscrews clockwise to clamp the connector lug or wire
firmly in place.
 11

NOTE: Be sure there are no loose wire strands that could touch adjacent Tone Control
wires or connectors.
The A11 Tribute features 4 different Tone Control options to provide a wide
array of listening options. The options include a BYPASS mode that disables
Headphone Output 3 the Bass and Treble controls for the most direct audio path, ENABLED mode
that allows user selectable Bass and Treble settings and ROTEL BOOST
The headphone output allows you to connect headphones for private listening. and ROTEL MAX modes supporting optimized configurations for multiple
This output accepts a standard 3.5mm (1/8”) mini stereo headphone listening environments and styles.
connector. Plugging in a set of headphones does not cut off the signal to the
speakers. Use the front panel 4 or remote control J A-B speaker selector The factory default option is set to BYPASS to provide the purest possible
buttons to turn off the speakers. sound. The tone settings can be changed using the IR remote control or
the front panel.
NOTE: Because the sensitivity of speakers and headphones can
vary widely, always reduce the volume level before connecting or To temporarily change the Tone Control push the BYPASS B button on the
disconnecting headphones. remote control to cycle through the 4 different modes. When Tone Enabled
is selected the Bass and Treble settings can be changed using the remote
control by pressing the BASS or TREB B buttons then pressing the up/
Display 5 down/left/right C arrow buttons on the remote to adjust the value. The
BYPASS, ROTEL BOOST and ROTEL MAX settings do not allow changes to
The front panel display shows the source selected, volume level and tone the Bass and Treble settings.
settings. The display provides access to the setup and configuration menu
options of the amplifier. NOTE: These settings are temporary and are not saved after the A11
Tribute is powered off or in standby mode.

aptX Bluetooth Connection q The Tone Control setting can be saved permanently (even after power off)
using the front panel setup menu. A description of the Tone Modes and
The Bluetooth Antenna q on the unit’s back panel is for wireless streaming setup process is listed below.
via Bluetooth, from your device (i.e. mobile phones, tablets or computers).
From your device, look for “Rotel Bluetooth” and connect to it. Connection Tone Bypass
is normally automatic, but if prompted for a password, please enter “0000” Bass and Treble Controls are not active to ensure the purest possible sound.
on your device. The unit supports both traditional Bluetooth, AAC and APTX To select this option press the front panel 8 or IR remote MENU K button
Bluetooth audio streaming. repeatedly to toggle to the Tone Setup menu. Then press the - or + buttons
to select the BYPASS mode. This mode is the factory default option.

Audio Controls Tone Enabled

When the Tone Enabled option is selected the Bass and Treble levels can
Volume Control 6E be changed using the BASS B or TREB B buttons on the IR remote control
Turn the control clockwise to increase the volume, or counter clockwise to and pressing the up/down/left/right C arrow buttons to adjust the value.
decrease the volume. From the remote control press the volume + or - button To select this option press the front panel 8 or IR remote MENU K button
to turn the volume up or down. Press the MUTE F button to completely repeatedly to toggle to the Tone Setup menu then press the - or + buttons
mute the volume. to select the ENABLED mode.

Balance Control 8B NOTE: Be particularly careful when turning the tone controls up. This
The Balance Control adjusts the left-to-right balance of the sound output. The increases the power output in the bass or treble range increasing the
factory default is the center position or “0”. To change the balance from load on the amplifier and speakers.
the front panel, press the MENU 8 button to toggle the front display to
BALANCE SETTING mode. Then press the - or + buttons on the front panel to Tone Rotel Boost
change the value to LEFT or RIGHT. The value can change from L15 to R15. The Rotel Boost mode is unique to Rotel and delivers a customized listening
experience. The audio performance is “boosted” and delivers a unique
NOTE: This setting is saved permanently including after powering off blend of tonal characteristics. To select this option press the front panel 8
the A11 Tribute. or IR remote MENU K button repeatedly to toggle to the Tone Setup menu
then press the - or + buttons to select the ROTEL BOOST mode.
To make temporary changes not saved after power off, from the remote,
press the BAL B button to access the BALANCE SETTING menu, then press Tone Rotel Max
the up/down/left/right C arrow buttons to adjust. Rotel Max increases the low frequency output to deliver more bass. This
feature is ideal for music, listening environments or speakers that benefit
Source Input Selector 7I from more bass while still maintaining the tones of the vocal and midrange
Press the corresponding input button on the front panel 7 or remote control frequencies. To select this option press the front panel 8 or IR remote
I to select the desired listening source. MENU K button repeatedly to toggle to the to the Tone Setup menu then
press the - or + buttons to select the ROTEL MAX mode.
12 A11 Tribute Stereo Integrated Amplifier

NOTE: The setup menu Tone Setting is saved permanently including RS232 Connector r
after powering off the A11 Tribute.
The A11 Tribute can be controlled via RS232 for integration with automation
Bass and Treble Controls 8B systems. The RS232 input accepts a standard straight DB-9 Male-to-Female
When Tone Control is set to ENABLED the Bass and Treble levels can be cable.
configured in the setup menu. These settings are saved permanently including
after Power Off or when the unit is in Standby. To set the Bass or Treble For additional information on the connections, software, and operating codes
levels press the front panel 8 or IR remote MENU K button repeatedly for RS232 control of the A11 Tribute, contact your authorized Rotel dealer.
to toggle to the Bass or Treble Setting menu then press the - or + buttons
to adjust the value. The Bass and Treble values range from -10 to +10.
Settings Menu
NOTE: The setup menu Bass and Treble settings are saved permanently
including after powering off the A11 Tribute. You can access the SETUP menu from the front panel by pressing the MENU
8 button or the K button on the remote. You can change the value of
To temporarily change the Bass and Treble settings from the remote control, the selected option by pressing the - or + buttons on the front panel or the
press the BASS or TREB B button, then press the up/down/left/right C up/down/left/right C arrow buttons on the remote. Step through the
arrow buttons on the remote to adjust the value. sub-menus by pressing the MENU 8 button on the front panel or the K
button on the remote.
NOTE: Bass and Treble changes are only available when Tone Enabled
is selected (see Tone Enabled section). • T ONE: TONE setting can be changed to BYPASS, ENABLED, ROTEL
BOOST, ROTEL MAX. (For more information refer to Tone Control section.)
A properly setup high-performance audio system produces the most natural
sound with little or no adjustment of the tone controls. Use these controls NOTE: This setting is stored permanently even after the A11 Tribute
sparingly. is powered off.

•B
 ASS: BASS level can be changed to desired settings. (For more information
Dimmer Control refer to Bass and Treble Control section.)

Display Dimmer 8D NOTE: This setting is stored permanently even after the A11 Tribute
To change the brightness of the front display, press the MENU 8 button is powered off.
to toggle to the DIMMER Setting. Then press the - or + buttons on the front
panel to change the display brightness. • T REBLE: TREBLE level can be changed to desired settings. (For more
information refer to Bass and Treble Control section.)
NOTE: This setting is saved permanently including after powering off
the A11 Tribute. NOTE: This setting is stored permanently even after the A11 Tribute
is powered off.
To temporarily change the display brightness, press the DIM D button on
the remote. •B
 ALANCE: Change left/right balance. (For more information refer to
Balance Control section.)
LED Dimmer 8
To change the brightness of the Power LED and the two Speaker Selector NOTE: This settings is stored permanently even after the A11 Tribute
LEDs on the front panel, press the MENU 8 button to toggle to the LED is powered off.
DIMMER Setting. Then press the - or + buttons on the front panel to change
the LEDs brightness. • DIMMER: Dims the front display.

NOTE: This setting is saved permanently including after powering off NOTE: This setting is stored permanently even after the A11 Tribute
the A11 Tribute. is powered off.

• L ED DIMMER: Dims the Power LED and the LEDs above the Speaker Selector
EXT REM IN Jack w buttons on the front panel.

This 3.5mm mini-jack receives command codes from industry-standard infrared NOTE: This setting is stored permanently even after the A11 Tribute
receivers via hard-wired connections. This feature could prove useful when is powered off.
the unit is installed in a cabinet and the front-panel sensor is blocked. Consult
your authorized Rotel dealer for information on these external repeaters and •P
 OWER ON MAX VOL: This sets the maximum volume level when the unit
the proper wiring of a jack to fit the mini-jack receptacle. is turned on. “45” is the factory default.

NOTE: Power On Max Volume settings do not apply to sources

configured with Fixed Gain.
 13

• OFF TIMER: The A11 Tribute can be configured to automatically power Troubleshooting
off if unused for a specified period. If no changes are made to the unit
within the specified “Off Timer” period the unit will automatically go to Most difficulties in audio systems are the result of incorrect connections, or
STANDBY mode. The Auto Power Off timer will be restarted if changes improper control settings. If you encounter problems, isolate the area of the
are made to the volume, source or playback. The default for Off Timer difficulty, check the control settings, determine the cause of the fault and
is set to 20 MINS. make the necessary changes. If you are unable to get sound from the unit,
refer to the suggestions for the following conditions:
Valid settings include: DISABLE, 20 MINS, 1 HOUR, 2 HOURS, 5 HOURS,
12 HOURS. Power Indicator Is Not Illuminated
The Power Indicator and the basic items in the Display window should be
•S
 IGNAL SENSE: Check if a audio signal is present on the configured illuminated whenever the unit is plugged into the wall power outlet and the
Signal Sense input. The A11 Tribute monitors the data stream to determine Power button is pushed in. If it does not illuminated, test the power outlet
if there is audio. If there is no audio detected for 10 minutes, the A11 with another electrical device, such as a lamp. Be sure the power outlet
Tribute will enter Signal Sense Power Mode. When in Signal Sense Power being used is not controlled by a switch that has been turned off.
Mode and the A11 Tribute detects audio on Signal Sense input, the unit
will automatically power on. To disable this function, select the OFF option Fuse Replacement
which is the factory default setting. If another electrical device works when plugged into the power outlet, but
the Power Indicator still will not illuminated when the unit is plugged into
NOTE: When the A11 Tribute enters standby mode via the remote the wall outlet, it indicates that the internal power fuse may have blown.
control, the Signal Sense function will not operate until the unit detects If you believe this has happened, contact your authorized Rotel dealer to
the audio has stopped for the minimum 10 minute time-out period. This get the fuse replaced.
prevents the unit from immediately powering back on if there is still
active audio playing. No Sound
Check the signal source to see if it is functioning properly. Make sure the
NOTE: When the SIGNAL SENSE function is activated the A11 Tribute cables from the signal source to the amplifier inputs are connected properly.
will consume additional power in Signal Sense Power mode. Be sure the Input Source is set to the proper input. Check the wiring between
the amplifier and the speakers.
• FIXED GAIN: Configures a Fixed Volume level for a specified input. To
enable this feature, select the desired fixed volume level for AUX1, AUX2 Playable Audio Formats
or Bluetooth. When enabled and the input with a Fixed Volume is selected, aptX and AAC Bluetooth
the Volume level will immediately be set to the specified level. Format Notes

Any format supported May exclude Apps designed to play formats not originally
Valid settings include: VARIABLE, FIXED MIN, FIXED 01-95, FIXED MAX. by the sending device. supported by the sending device.

• AUX1 VOL: VARIABLE (disabled) is factory default.

Cannot Connect via Bluetooth
• AUX2 VOL: VARIABLE (disabled) is factory default. If you cannot pair your Bluetooth enabled device to the A11 Tribute, delete
the memory of the previous connection on your device. On your device this
• BTOOTH VOL: VARIABLE (disabled) is factory default. is often listed as “Forget this Device”. Then try to make the connection again.

NOTE: The Volume knob on the front panel and Volume +/- buttons
on the IR remote are disabled when the volume is Fixed. To disable this
feature set the Fixed Volume level to “Variable”.

• S/W VERSION: This shows the current software version loaded into the
amplifier.

• FACTORY RESET: This sets the unit back to the original state as when it
left the factory. Press the + button on the front panel or the ENT button
on the remote control to enter factory reset setting. And then press the +
button or ENT again to begin reset, or press the MENU button to cancel.

NOTE: All previously configured options will be erased and reset to

the factory default settings.
14 A11 Tribute Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Specifications
Continuous Power Output 50 watts/ch
(20 - 20k Hz, < 0.03%, 8 ohms)
Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz - 20k Hz, 8 ohms) < 0.03%
Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7k Hz, 4:1) < 0.03%
Frequency Response
Phono Input 20 Hz - 20k Hz, ± 0.5 dB
Line Level Inputs 10 Hz - 100k Hz, ± 0.5 dB
Damping Factor (20 - 20,000 Hz, 8 ohms) 140
Input Sensitivity / Impedance
Phono Input 2.3 mV / 47k Ohms
Line Level Inputs 180 mV / 47k Ohms
Input Overload
Phono Input 50 mV
Line Level Inputs 4V
Preamp Output / Impedance 1 V / 470 Ohms
Tone Controls - Bass / Treble ± 10 dB at 100 Hz / 10k Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio (A weighting)
Phono Input 85 dB
Line Level Inputs 100 dB
General
Power Requirements
USA 120V, 60 Hz
EC
230V, 50 Hz
Standby Power Consumption < 0.5W
Power Consumption 160 Watts
BTU (4 ohms, 1/8th power) 479 BTU/h
Dimensions (W, H, D) 430 x 93 x 345 mm
17” x 3 5/8” x 13 1/2”
Panel Height 80 mm / 3 1/8”.
Weight (net) 6.85 kg, 15.1 lbs.

All specifications are accurate at the time of printing.

Rotel reserves the right to make improvements without notice.

Rotel and the Rotel HiFi logo are registered trademarks of The Rotel Co., Ltd.
Tokyo, Japan.
The Rotel Co. Ltd.
Tachikawa Bldg. 1F.,
2-11-4, Nakane, Meguro-ku,
Tokyo, 152-0031
Japan

Rotel USA
Sumiko
11763 95th Avenue North
Maple Grove, MN 55369
USA
Phone: (510) 843-4500 (option 2)
E-mail: Rotelsupport@sumikoaudio.net

Rotel Europe
Dale Road
Worthing, West Sussex BN11 2BH
England
Phone: + 44 (0)1903 221 763
Fax: +44 (0)1903 221 525

Rotel Canada
Kevro International
902 McKay Rd. Suite 4
Pickering, ON L1W 3X8
Canada
Tel: +1 905-428-2800

www.rotel.com

A11 Tribute Onwer’s Manual Ver B 051222 English