RA-04Stereo Integrated Amplifier

A Few Precautions

WARNING: To avoid potential damage to your system, turn off ALL the components in the system when connecting or disconnect- ing the loudspeakers or any associated com- ponents. Do not turn the system components back on until you are sure all the connec- tions are correct and secure. Pay particular attention to the speaker wires. There must be no loose strands that could contact the other speaker wires, or the chassis of the amplifier.

Please read this manual carefully. It provides information on how to incorporate the RA-04 into your system as well as information that will help you get optimum sound performance. Please contact your authorized Rotel dealer for answers to any questions you might have. In addition, all of us at Rotel welcome your questions and comments.

Save the RA-04 shipping carton and all en- closed packing material for future use. Shipping or moving the RA-04 in anything other than the original packing material may result in severe damage to your amplifier.

Fill out and send in the owner’s registration card packed with the RA-04. Also be sure to keep the original sales receipt. It is your best record of the date of purchase, which you will need in the event warranty service is ever required.

Placement

Like all audio components that handle low- level signals, the RA-04 can be affected by its environment. Avoid placing the RA-04 on top of other components. Also avoid routing audio signal cables near power cords. This will minimize the chance it will pick up hum or interference.

The RA-04 generates heat as part of its normal operation. The heat sinks and ventilation open- ings in the amplifier are designed to dissipate this heat. The ventilation slots in the top cover must be open. There should be 10 cm (4 inches) of clearance around the chassis, and reason- able airfl ow through the installation location, to prevent the amplifier from overheating.

6

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 the RA-04 in furniture designed to house audio components. Such furniture is designed to reduce or suppress vibration which can adversely affect sound quality. Ask your authorized Rotel dealer for advice about component furniture and proper installation of audio components.

Cables

Be sure to keep the power cords, digital signal cables and regular audio signal cables in your installation away from each other. This will minimize the chance of the regular audio signal cables picking up noise or interference from the power cords or digital cables. Using only high quality, shielded cables will also help to prevent noise or interference from degrad- ing the sound quality of your system. If you have any questions see your authorized Rotel dealer for advice about the best cable to use with your system.

AC Power and Control

AC Power Input o

The RA-04 does not draw high levels of current from the power outlet. However, whenever pos- sible, it should be plugged directly into a 2-pin polarized wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord. A heavy duty multi-tap power outlet strip may be used if it (and the wall outlet) can handle the current demanded by the RA-04 and all the other components connected to it.

Your RA-04 is configured at the factory for the proper AC line voltage in the country where you purchased it (either 120 volts AC or 230 volts AC with a line frequency of either 50 Hz or 60 Hz). The AC line configuration is noted on a decal on the back panel.

NOTE: Should you move your RA-04 amplifier to another country, it is possible to reconfigure it for use on a different line voltage. Do not attempt to perform this conversion yourself. Opening the enclosure of the RA-04 exposes you to dangerous voltages. Consult a qualified service person or the Rotel factory service department for information.

If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time 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.

Power Switch 2

and Power Indicator 1

Press the front panel Power Switch button, to turn the RA-04 on. The Power Indicator light is illuminated when the RA-04 is on. Press Power Switch button again to turn the RA-04 off.

Input Signal Connections

[See Figure 2.]

NOTE: To prevent loud noises that neither you nor your speakers will appreciate, make sure the system is turned off when you make any signal connections.

Phono Input e and

Ground Connection w

Plug the cable from the turntable into the ap- propriate left and right phono inputs. If the turntable has a “ground” wire connect it to the screw terminal to the left of the Phono inputs. It will help prevent hum and noise.

Line Level Inputs r

The CD, Tuner, and Aux inputs of the RA-04 are “line level” inputs. These are for connect- ing components such as CD players, Hi Fi or NICAM Stereo video cassette recorders, tuners, Laser Disc players or the analog output from a CD ROM drive.

The Left and Right channels are labeled and should be connected to the corresponding channels of the source component. The Left connectors are white, the Right connectors are red. Use high quality RCA cables for connecting input source components to the RA-04. Ask your authorized Rotel dealer for advice about cables.

Page 6
Image 6
Rotel RA-04 owner manual AC Power and Control, Input Signal Connections

RA-04 specifications

The Rotel RA-04 is a compact and powerful integrated amplifier that exemplifies the brand's commitment to high-quality audio performance. Known for its exceptional sound quality and reliable build, the RA-04 is designed for both discerning audiophiles and everyday music enthusiasts. This model prides itself on delivering a balanced soundstage and clarity that brings music to life, making it an ideal choice for a variety of listening environments.

One of the key features of the RA-04 is its robust power output. The amplifier is rated at 40 watts per channel into 8 ohms, ensuring sufficient power for driving a wide range of speakers. This aligns with Rotel's philosophy of providing ample headroom, allowing for dynamic peaks in music without distortion or loss of detail. The use of high-quality components ensures that the amplifier performs reliably over long listening sessions.

The RA-04 incorporates Rotel's proprietary Class AB amplification technology. This design combines the efficiency of Class A and the power of Class B, resulting in an amplifier that delivers rich, warm audio with minimized distortion. Music lovers will appreciate the transparency and accuracy across the frequency spectrum, allowing them to hear subtle details that might otherwise be missed.

In addition to its impressive amplification capabilities, the RA-04 also features a user-friendly layout and design. The front panel is equipped with a variety of inputs, including four line-level inputs and a dedicated phono stage for connecting a turntable. This versatility caters to vinyl enthusiasts as well as those who prefer digital sources. The flexible input options ensure that the RA-04 can seamlessly integrate into various audio setups.

Another standout characteristic of the Rotel RA-04 is its build quality. The amplifier is housed in a sturdy metal chassis that not only provides a rugged exterior but also helps reduce resonance and interference, further enhancing the overall sound quality. The minimalist design, combined with premium materials, gives the RA-04 a timeless aesthetic that will complement any home audio system.

The RA-04 also includes tone control options, allowing users to tailor the sound to their personal preferences. With adjustable bass and treble controls, it offers the flexibility to enhance or subdue certain frequencies based on the listening environment or the type of music being played.

In summary, the Rotel RA-04 is a beautifully crafted integrated amplifier that excels in sound quality, versatility, and user experience. Its combination of Class AB amplification, multiple input options, and solid construction makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking to elevate their audio listening experience. Whether for casual listening or serious audiophile sessions, the RA-04 delivers performance that is both impressive and enjoyable.