Audio T Verdict
The Rotel CD11MKII is a dedicated CD player for listeners who want to continue enjoying a physical music collection without the distractions of streaming platforms, apps and multifunction menus. Its straightforward tray-loading mechanism, clear display, front-panel controls and supplied remote make it immediately familiar to use.
Rotel has concentrated its engineering on the functions that directly support disc playback. A proprietary CD transport is mounted within a substantial steel chassis, while the precision laser assembly and quiet motor controller are designed to read discs consistently without introducing unnecessary mechanical noise.
The player includes a Texas Instruments PCM5102A digital-to-analogue converter supported by custom-tuned digital filtering and a linear power supply with separately isolated feeds for the transport-control and audio circuits. Connect the stereo RCA outputs to an amplifier and the CD11MKII operates as a complete CD source.
A coaxial S/PDIF output also supplies an unprocessed digital signal to an external DAC or an amplifier with a compatible digital input. This gives the CD11MKII a useful upgrade route and means it can be used as a dedicated CD transport if another converter is preferred.
There are clear limitations. The CD11MKII does not play SACD, DVD or Blu-ray discs and it has no USB input, Bluetooth, network streaming or digital input for external equipment. Its purpose is simple: reliable playback of conventional CDs and compatible MP3 material, with the choice of internal or external digital-to-analogue conversion.
Rotel CD11MKII CD Player
The Rotel CD11MKII is a dedicated tray-loading CD player with a proprietary Rotel transport, Texas Instruments PCM5102A DAC, stereo RCA analogue output and coaxial digital output.
It continues Rotel’s long-running range of full-width CD players while providing the facilities expected from a conventional separates system, including remote control, CD Text display, programmed playback and external control connections.
Dedicated Compact Disc Transport
The CD11MKII uses a proprietary Rotel disc transport developed specifically for compact-disc playback. Its tray-loading mechanism is combined with a precision laser pickup and a quiet motor-control system.
Designing the transport for CD rather than accommodating several unrelated disc formats allows the player to concentrate on reading and reproducing a conventional music collection. The centre-mounted tray closes automatically if left open without activity for approximately 60 seconds.
Heavy Steel Chassis
The transport and audio circuits are housed within a substantial steel chassis weighing 6.2kg. The enclosure provides a stable mechanical foundation for the rotating disc, laser assembly and power supply.
The CD11MKII should still be placed on a rigid, level and well-supported shelf. Installing it directly above equipment that produces substantial heat or on unstable furniture may compromise reliability and make the disc mechanism more susceptible to vibration.
Linear Power Supply
Rotel uses a linear power supply with isolated outputs serving the disc motor-control and critical audio circuits. Separating these supply feeds is intended to reduce the possibility of electrical noise from the transport reaching the analogue audio circuitry.
The power supply, DAC, filtering and analogue output stages have therefore been designed as a complete signal path rather than treating the transport mechanism as an isolated component.
Texas Instruments PCM5102A DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by a Texas Instruments PCM5102A converter with a maximum internal capability of 32-bit/384kHz. The DAC feeds custom-tuned digital low-pass filter circuitry before the signal reaches the player’s analogue RCA outputs.
CD Resolution Explained
A conventional audio CD contains 16-bit/44.1kHz digital audio. The DAC’s 32-bit/384kHz capability describes the converter used inside the player, but it does not turn a standard CD into genuine high-resolution source material. The CD11MKII also has no digital inputs for playing separate 32-bit/384kHz sources.
Stereo RCA Analogue Output
The fixed-level stereo RCA output connects the CD11MKII to a conventional line input on an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, receiver or compatible powered speaker system.
It can normally be connected to any suitable input labelled CD, AUX, Line, Tuner or Tape. It should not be connected to a phono input because that input is designed for the much lower signal produced by a turntable cartridge.
When the analogue output is used, digital-to-analogue conversion and output filtering take place inside the CD11MKII. Listening volume is then controlled by the connected amplifier or powered speaker system.
Coaxial Digital Output
The rear coaxial digital output provides an unprocessed S/PDIF signal for an external digital-to-analogue converter, digital preamplifier or amplifier with a suitable coaxial input.
This allows the CD11MKII to be used as a dedicated CD transport. Customers can begin with the player’s internal DAC and later compare it with the conversion stage inside another component without replacing the disc mechanism.
A proper 75-ohm coaxial digital cable should be used between the player and external DAC. This connection carries digital audio and cannot be connected directly to a conventional analogue RCA input.
CD Player or CD Transport?
A complete CD player contains the disc mechanism and the DAC needed to produce an analogue audio signal. Connect the CD11MKII’s stereo RCA output to an amplifier and it performs this complete role.
A CD transport reads the disc but sends the digital data to another component for conversion. Connect the CD11MKII’s coaxial output to a compatible DAC or digital amplifier and it performs this role instead.
Both outputs provide legitimate ways to use the player. An Audio T demonstration can help establish whether the internal DAC or a suitable external converter gives the preferred result within the complete system.
CD and MP3 Playback
Rotel specifies the CD11MKII for compact-disc playback, including compatible MP3 material recorded to disc. It does not have a USB socket for MP3 files stored on a memory stick.
Recordable-disc compatibility can be affected by the blank media, recording software, write speed, disc condition and whether the recording session was correctly finalised. Valuable or unusual home-recorded discs should therefore be checked individually.
Not an SACD or DVD Player
The transport is intended for compact discs. The CD11MKII does not provide SACD, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video or Blu-ray playback, and it cannot access the high-resolution layer of a hybrid SACD. A hybrid disc may play only if it includes a conventional CD layer.
CD Text Display
The front-panel graphic display shows track number, playback status and timing information. When a compatible disc includes CD Text, the display can also show stored information such as the artist and title.
CD Text is contained on the disc itself and is not downloaded from the internet. Information availability and completeness therefore depend on how the particular disc was authored.
Playback and Track Controls
Essential eject, play, stop, pause and track-selection controls are provided on the front panel and remote control. The remote also provides numerical direct track access and fast search at several speeds.
The time display can switch between elapsed track time, remaining track time and remaining disc or programme time. Pressing play during compatible CD Text playback alternates between standard disc information and the stored text.
Programme, Random and Repeat Playback
The supplied remote allows up to 20 tracks to be stored in a chosen playback order. This can be useful when selecting particular tracks from a compilation or arranging an album differently for a listening session.
Random playback plays the available tracks in a shuffled order. Repeat mode can repeat the current track, the whole disc or a stored programme, subject to the selected operating mode.
RR-D99 Remote Control Included
The supplied RR-D99 infrared remote provides full control of the disc transport and access to functions that are not available directly from the front panel.
These include direct track entry, programme creation, random playback, repeat modes, time-display options, display dimming and the player’s setup menu.
12V Trigger Input
A rear 12V trigger input allows the CD11MKII to switch between standby and operation with a compatible amplifier or control system.
Rotel specifies that the input can respond to a control signal between 3 and 30 volts, AC or DC. The front power button must remain in its on position when trigger control is being used.
RS232 System Control
An RS232 connection supports integration with compatible home-control and automation systems. Rotel publishes the appropriate control protocol for professional installation.
This is a wired control connection rather than an audio input. It does not provide network streaming, software playback or access to music services.
No USB, Bluetooth or Network Streaming
The CD11MKII is not an all-in-one digital music player. It has no USB audio input, Bluetooth receiver, Wi-Fi, Ethernet music connection, internet radio or streaming-service support.
A separate network streamer or Bluetooth receiver can be connected to the amplifier alongside the CD11MKII. It cannot be connected through the CD player itself because the CD11MKII has outputs but no external audio inputs.
No Headphone or Variable Output
The CD11MKII does not contain a headphone amplifier or volume-controlled analogue output. Headphones must be connected to an amplifier, receiver or separate headphone amplifier.
Listening volume is controlled by the connected system. The RCA output should therefore feed a standard line-level input rather than equipment expecting a variable-volume signal.
System Matching and Setup
The simplest connection uses a stereo RCA cable between the CD11MKII and an analogue line input on the amplifier. A coaxial digital connection can be used when the amplifier or external DAC will handle conversion.
An Audio T demonstration can compare the two connection methods and help identify whether an external DAC provides a worthwhile improvement within the rest of the system.
Browse Audio T’s range of CD players and transports, or explore more Rotel hi-fi products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rotel CD11MKII still a current model?
Yes. Rotel currently lists the CD11MKII in its active CD-player range.
Is the CD11MKII the same as the original CD11?
No. The CD11MKII is a later and separate model. Product descriptions and specifications for the original CD11 or CD11 Tribute should not be applied automatically to the CD11MKII.
Is the Rotel CD11MKII a CD player or a transport?
It can perform either role. Use the analogue RCA output as a complete CD player or the coaxial digital output to feed a compatible external DAC.
Which DAC does the CD11MKII use?
It uses a Texas Instruments PCM5102A digital-to-analogue converter supported by custom-tuned filtering.
Does a 32-bit/384kHz DAC make CDs high resolution?
No. A conventional audio CD contains 16-bit/44.1kHz material. The figure describes the capability of the converter used inside the player.
Can it play MP3 files?
Rotel specifies playback of compatible MP3 material from disc. The player does not have a USB input for files stored on a memory stick.
Can it play CD-R or CD-RW discs?
Playback of recordable media can depend on the disc, recording format, write method and finalisation. Compatibility with a particular home-recorded disc cannot be guaranteed without testing it.
Does it play SACD?
No. It cannot read the SACD high-resolution layer. A hybrid SACD may play only through its separate conventional CD layer.
Does it play DVDs or Blu-ray discs?
No. The transport is designed for compact-disc playback.
Does the CD11MKII have an optical output?
No. Its digital output is coaxial S/PDIF.
Does it have digital inputs?
No. The CD11MKII cannot act as a DAC for a television, streamer or computer. Its coaxial connection is an output.
Can it connect directly to an amplifier?
Yes. Connect its stereo RCA analogue output to a conventional line input on the amplifier.
Can I connect it to a phono input?
No. A phono input is designed for a turntable cartridge. Use a CD, AUX, Line, Tuner or another suitable line-level input.
Does it have Bluetooth or network streaming?
No. It is a dedicated disc player without Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, network streaming or music-service integration.
Does it have a headphone output?
No. Headphones must be connected through the amplifier or a separate headphone amplifier.
Does it display album and artist information?
It can show title and artist information when that data is stored on a compatible CD using CD Text. It does not download information from the internet.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. The RR-D99 remote provides transport, direct track, programme, repeat, random, time-display and setup controls.
Can it be controlled by a Rotel amplifier?
Compatible system operation may be possible through infrared commands or the 12V trigger connection. Available control functions depend on the amplifier and installation.
Can Audio T compare its internal DAC with an external DAC?
Yes. Your local Audio T team can demonstrate suitable analogue and digital connection options where stock and facilities permit.
Why Buy from Audio T?
The choice between the player’s analogue output and an external DAC can affect the final result, while correct system matching ensures the CD11MKII is connected and supported properly.
- Independent advice from experienced hi-fi specialists
- In-store demonstrations and CD-player comparisons
- Help comparing analogue and coaxial digital connections
- Advice on amplifiers, external DACs and system matching
- Guidance choosing suitable analogue or 75-ohm digital cables
- Help integrating the player with a matching Rotel system
- Part-exchange options for suitable existing equipment
- Home demonstration options where available
- Ongoing support from your local Audio T store
Find your nearest Audio T store to discuss the Rotel CD11MKII, arrange a demonstration or compare suitable connection options.