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

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.

RA-1572 Integrated Amplifier

Long recognized as a central component in superb yet cost-effective music systems, the integrated amplifier’s job has evolved substantially as many music-lovers have migrated to digital sources. The RA-1572 is a great example of melding classic analog design with contemporary digital circuits to bring all sources to life.

As typical of what we've seen of Rotel amplifiers, the RA-1572’s circuitry draws on a high capacity power supply based on a Rotel custom designed and in-house manufactured oversized toroidal transformer. As we've seen in the past, this design helps provide an abundance of voltage and current for all operating stages. In addition, the transformer’s toroidal shape helps prevent stray radiation patterns from corrupting audio signals as they pass through adjacent circuit stages.

To help with the preponderance of digital sources available today, the RA-1572 has a built-in 32-bit/768kHz AKM digital-to-analog converter (DAC).  The DAC and surrounding circuitry supports a vast array of source inputs including DSD capable PC-USB (32-bit/384kHz).  A front panel USB input is provided for easy connection of a wide variety of music storage devices including Apple iPods, iPhones, and iPads and the Bluetooth input supports aptX.  In addition, two each coaxial (RCA) and optical (TOSlink) inputs provide easy connections for LPCM music sources including popular streaming devices with up to 24-bit word lengths sampled at 192 kHz. Analog inputs include a pair of balanced XLR connectors 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 subwoofer output is also provided.

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

RC-1572 Stereo Pre-Amplifier

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

Beneath the clean lines and user friendly fascia of the RC-1572 lies highly sophisticated engineering. Both analog and digital sources have been given equal consideration as today’s listener often has several digital sources, but may also enjoy legacy formats like vinyl LPs. A large toroidal transformer and regulated power supply helps ensure stable current and voltage requirements your system under dynamic conditions.

The RC-1572 stereo preamplifier is also extremely flexible. Four digital inputs (2 coax and 2 optical), support up to 24bit/192KHz audio, plus the rear PC-USB handle digital sources up to 32/384 resolution. The 4 inputs are designed for sources such as TV set-top boxes, flat panel TVs or Blu-ray players for stunning playback.  It is possible to fix the level and set an auto-on option on these sources for use with devices that provide their own volume control for convenient “hands-off” use.  The PC-USB input supports DSD signals.  Integrated Bluetooth aptX is provided.  Analog inputs include balanced XLR connectors, perfect for connecting the RCD-1572 via its XLR outputs, in addition to four pair of conventional RCA inputs. A moving magnet phono stage rounds out the source capability. XLR and single ended outputs are provided along with a mono subwoofer line level output, as are two 12-volt triggers to control on/off operation of an amplifier and/or other components. For custom integration, control options include RS232 on a standard DB9 connector, as well as an Ethernet port for IP control and software updates.

RCD-1572 CD Player

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 substantial collection of compact discs, a high quality CD player is still an important part of most music systems.  The RCD-1572 is the CD player in Rotel‘s 15 series and focuses careful refinements 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 WM8740 digital filter/stereo digital-to-analog converter. Originally developed for high resolution sources, it is the product of extensive research and real world testing and processes digital signals up to 24-bits in length at sampling rates from 8 kHz to 192 kHz.

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

All of these circuits draw on a power supply based on an oversized custom Rotel-designed and precision-manufactured toroidal power transformer that, in turn, feeds precise rectifiers, tight-tolerance voltage regulators, and advanced Slit-Foil low-ESR storage capacitors.

Conclusion

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.