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VINTAGE ROTEL SE CD PLAYER______________________________IN VERY NICE CONDITION AND ALL WORKING TESTEDNO REMOTE CONTROLHAS SOME MARKS ON TOP OF CASING POWER CORD INCLUDEDCAN POST OR PICK IS AVAILABLECHECK OUT MY OTHER AUDIO ITEMS!Specification DetailsDAC TypeWolfson (24-bit/96kHz capable)Frequency Response20Hz – 20,000Hz (±0.5dB)Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise0.0045% @ 1kHzSignal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)>100dB (IHF A-weighted)Dynamic Range>96dBChannel Separation>98dB @ 1kHzOutput Impedance100 OhmsDigital Output0.5 Volts Peak-to-Peak (Coaxial)Power Consumption20 WattsDimensions (W x H x D)435 x 73 x 313 mm (Front Panel Height: 60 mm)
The US$303 asking price is fair, sitting just above the US$275 median from 397 recent comparable Rotel CD player listings, with the 25th percentile at US$155 and 75th at US$550. This is not a bargain, but it is a reasonable market value for a vintage Rotel SE Special Edition unit, well within the typical used range and far from the ambitious US$550 threshold.
This Rotel SE Special Edition is well-regarded for its clean, balanced sound and robust toroidal transformer, delivering reliable Redbook CD playback with excellent frequency response (20Hz–20kHz ±0.5dB) and low distortion. As a vintage unit from a respected original line, it offers genuine sonic character and durability, making this a worthwhile buy for enthusiasts seeking classic hi-fi performance without modern complexity. The listing appears clean, and at a fair price, it represents a solid buying opportunity for a well-loved, original-owner piece.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Rotel: Japanese Hi-Fi Heritage Since 1961
Rotel traces its lineage to Tokyo, where entrepreneur and engineer Tomoki Tachikawa established the company in 1961, initially as an OEM supplier manufacturing televisions for Sylvania before pivoting to audio equipment. The brand name itself emerged from a creative necessity—unable to register "Roland" worldwide due to the musical instrument manufacturer's prior claim, Tachikawa combined "Roland" with "Matel," one of his earlier trading companies. Now in its seventh decade, Rotel remains family-owned and operated, with Tachikawa's nephew Peter Kao currently leading the company. This continuity of family stewardship has been central to Rotel's identity and operational philosophy.
Rotel has built its reputation primarily through integrated and power amplifiers, establishing itself as a cornerstone brand for serious music enthusiasts. The company's product portfolio extends across compact disc players, turntables, preamplifiers, and home theater components—over 2 million units across 630 unique models since inception. This focused approach reflects Rotel's core commitment: manufacturing hi-fi equipment and nothing else, eschewing diversification in favor of mastery within audio.
Positioned squarely in the high-end to upper-midrange segment, Rotel commands respect among audiophiles and music lovers seeking exceptional value without compromise on engineering standards. The brand's reputation rests on decades of consistent quality, thoughtful design, and a refusal to chase trends. While known for premium amplifiers targeting discerning listeners, Rotel has recently expanded accessibility with entry-level offerings, ensuring the brand remains relevant across experience levels without diluting its core identity.
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