Rotel RCD-06 review

Crisp, detailed sound from a solid, though not amazing, player. But when compared to newer price-rivals, this falls short Tested at £350.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A well-executed design with many plus-points, but rivals deliver a more spacious and better-focused sound

Pros

  • +

    Brisk, detailed sound

  • +

    usual Rotel build quality

Cons

  • -

    Doesn't sound as expansive as many rivals

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.


For every thrilling, universally lauded Godfather II, there's a turgid, justifiably vilified Grease II. Yep, there's no guarantee that a favoured forebear means relatives or siblings will be as warmly welcomed.

This sort of slightly contrived logic applies equally well to hi-fi: no manufacturer can hit the bullseye every time, after all.

Slim, smart and solid – just like its relatives – the RCD-06 is a discreet and inoffensive looker, though cramming the entire interface to one side of the disc tray results in a slightly lopsided appearance. The remote control sounds the only low-rent note: it's a thin and flexible device that's much too large for the number of buttons it hosts. Generally, though, the Rotel's spec is well up to par.

Brian Eno's Here Come the Warm Jets is a stern test of sonic good practice, and the RCD-06 pretty much reveals its entire character when transcribing this one piece. Low frequencies are substantial and agreeably solid, though not the most disciplined where timing is concerned, and the midrange is distinct and clean, although not as expressive as some rivals.

Unlike the RCD-02 that this player replaces, treble frequencies here are briskly crisp, but don't overplay their hand. Tempo and attack are decent, too.

Things can sound cramped
The RCD-06 proves less-than-enthralling where focus and soundstaging are concerned. Some rivals offer a better integration and imaging, while many performers sound cramped on a rather inhibited stage. 'Agoraphobic' is how one reviewer described the Rotel's sound, which is another way of saying it is more Blues Brothers 2000 than The Empire Strikes Back. Definitely worth a listen, though.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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