Rotel 1572 Series Integrated Amplifier, Preamp, and CD Player Preview

Phono Input: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.5dB

Line Level Inputs: 10Hz - 100kHz ±0.3dB

Digital Inputs: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.5dB

Phono Input: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.3dB

For over half a century,Rotel has been manufacturing award winning hi-fi components and for the last 18+ years, Audioholics has been there to cover their newest products. We continue this tradition with the release of the latest introduction of three new stereo components as part of the 1570 Series. We saw a complete overhaul of their Integrated Amplifier back in 2013 which we covered in our Preview of their RA-1570. It looks to us like Rotel's newest version of the 15 series might be their best yet.

Longrecognized as a central component in superb yet cost-effective music systems,the integrated amplifier's job has evolved substantially as many music-lovershave migrated to digital sources. The RA-1572 is a great example ofmelding classic analog design with contemporary digital circuits to bring allsources to life.

As typicalof what we've seen of Rotel amplifiers, the RA-1572's circuitry draws on a high capacity powersupply based on a Rotel custom designed and in-house manufactured oversizedtoroidal transformer. As we've seen in the past, this design helps provide an abundance of voltage andcurrent for all operating stages. In addition, the transformer's toroidal shape helpsprevent stray radiation patterns from corrupting audio signals as they passthrough adjacent circuit stages.

To help with the preponderance of digital sourcesavailable today, the RA-1572 has a built-in 32-bit/768kHz AKMdigital-to-analog converter (DAC). TheDAC and surrounding circuitry supports a vast array of source inputs includingDSD capable PC-USB (32-bit/384kHz). Afront panel USB input is provided for easy connection of a wide variety ofmusic storage devices including Apple iPods, iPhones, and iPads and the Bluetooth input supports aptX. In addition, two each coaxial (RCA) and optical (TOSlink) inputs provideeasy connections for LPCM music sources including popular streaming deviceswith up to 24-bit word lengths sampled at 192 kHz. Analog inputs include a pair of balanced XLRconnectors in addition to conventional RCA jacks and MM Phono input.

Based on a Class AB stage, the power output is rated conservatively at 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, full bandwidth with both channels drive. A mono line-level subwooferoutput is also provided.

The RA-1572 also has two 12-volt triggers to control on/off operation of othercomponents, a highly visible VFD display for set-up, internet-based softwareupdates, as well as RS232 and IP control capabilities.

The heartof an uncompromising audiophile stereo "separates" system is the preamplifier.Separate components hold the promise of the best possible fidelity, since eachdevice is optimized for its role in the sound reproduction chain. The newRC-1572 stereo preamplifier leverages the design attributes of their flagship RC-1590preamplifier including its 32 bit/768kHz AKM stereo digital-to-analog converterto handle critical signal conversion. Among many refinements, the RC-1572utilizes relay switching for analog sources instead of an IC based switch tomaintain the integrity of the signal path for RCA, phono and XLR inputs.

Beneath theclean lines and user friendly fascia of the RC-1572 lies highly sophisticatedengineering. Both analog and digital sources have been given equalconsideration as today's listener often has several digital sources, but mayalso enjoy legacy formats like vinyl LPs. A large toroidal transformer and regulatedpower supply helps ensure stable current and voltage requirements your systemunder dynamic conditions.

The RC-1572stereo preamplifier is also extremely flexible. Four digital inputs (2 coax and2 optical), support up to 24bit/192KHz audio, plus the rear PC-USB handledigital sources up to 32/384 resolution. The 4 inputs are designed for sourcessuch as TV set-top boxes, flat panel TVs or Blu-ray players for stunningplayback. It is possibleto fix the level and set an auto-on option on these sources for use withdevices that provide their own volume control for convenient "hands-off"use. The PC-USB input supports DSDsignals. Integrated Bluetooth aptX isprovided. Analog inputs include balancedXLR connectors, perfect for connecting the RCD-1572 via its XLR outputs, inaddition to four pair of conventional RCA inputs. A moving magnet phono stagerounds out the source capability. XLR and single ended outputs are providedalong with a mono subwoofer line level output, as are two 12-volt triggers to controlon/off operation of an amplifier and/or other components. For custom integration, control options include RS232 on astandard DB9 connector, as well as an Ethernet port for IP control and softwareupdates.

Wow, can you believe CD's have been around for 35 years, and in all this time Rotel has been an innovator in the industry. As most music lovers have a substantialcollection of compact discs, a high quality CD player is still an importantpart of most music systems. TheRCD-1572 is the CD player in Rotel‘s 15 series and focuses carefulrefinements to reveal even the most subtle nuances buried in a CD's pit spiral.

One of the RCD-1572's most important features is the Wolfson WM8740digital filter/stereo digital-to-analog converter. Originally developed forhigh resolution sources, it is the product of extensive research and real worldtesting and processes digital signals up to 24-bits in length at sampling ratesfrom 8 kHz to 192 kHz.

In this newest version of Rotel's CD player, thepost-converter analog circuitry benefits from Rotel‘s experiencein crafting the pathway from the DAC's internal output to RCAand XLR rear panel connectors that bridge the gap between the RCD-1572 anddown-stream components. According to Rotel, all circuit components – resistors, capacitors,inductors – are chosen only after their positive contribution to sound qualitywere quantified and verified qualitatively by extensive listening sessions.

All ofthese circuits draw on a power supply based on an oversized customRotel-designed and precision-manufactured toroidal power transformer that, inturn, feeds precise rectifiers, tight-tolerance voltage regulators, andadvanced Slit-Foil low-ESR storage capacitors.

As we've seen in the past Rotel is again focused on build parts and quality over quirky buzzwords. All three separates would be a considerable addition to an audioholics listening room and are currently shipping. So make sure if you're in the market for a new amp or CD player to check one of the 1572 series components from Rotel out. Please comment on your experiences in the related forum thread below if you own Rotel components or plan on getting one of these in the near future.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.

Tony is our resident expert for lifestyle and wireless products including soundbars. He does most of the reviews for wireless and streaming loudspeakers and often compares soundbars in round ups and helps us cover the trade shows.

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