Rotel RA-1572 MKII: Combining analogue classics with progressive digital technologies

The Rotel RA-1572MKII ranks second in the 15 Series of complete stereo amplifiers and, according to the company, is one of the best examples of combining analogue classics with progressive digital technologies. The Rotel RA-1572MKII is equipped with...

Rotel RA-1572 MKII
Rotel RA-1572 MKII

The Rotel RA-1572MKII ranks second in the 15 Series of complete stereo amplifiers and, according to the company, is one of the best examples of combining analogue classics with progressive digital technologies.

The Rotel RA-1572MKII is equipped with Rotel’s own toroidal transformer with a large power reserve. The toroidal shape of the power transformer core prevents dissipation of a powerful magnetic field that interferes with audio signals passing through adjacent conductors. Power from the transformer is fed to a bank of 4 high discharge rate (ESR) storage capacitors with slotted foil plates and T-leads to deliver deep bass and controlled energy. The discrete output stages of the Rotel RA-1572MKII operate in class AB, and the amplifier itself boasts a power of 120 W per channel (at 8 ohms).

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There is high-end Texas Instruments on board with 32-bit/384kHz resolution. The company emphasizes that the device is equipped with a high-quality pre-amplifier section that has greater flexibility and versatility compared to those pre-stages installed in class-matched integrated amplifiers from other manufacturers. Analog circuits are also distinguished by high quality performance and thoughtful design.

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The Rotel RA-1572MKII model has an onboard Bluetooth circuit that supports the aptX codec. The neat Rotel-style aluminum facade houses a USB input with support for iPod/iPhone/iPad and a headphone jack. An asynchronous USB port is installed on the rear panel of the case, capable of receiving signals in MQA and MQA Studio formats (up to 24-bit / 384 kHz) when connected to a computer. In addition to linear unbalanced input connectors, balanced XLR and MM phono preamp connectors, we can note the presence of a set of coaxial and optical inputs. There are also two RCA sockets for subwoofers, Pre Out and other switching. The LAN port will help organize IP management and update the software. The RA-1572MKII’s digital jacks can be set to a specific fixed volume level and auto-on mode when connected to sources that have a volume control. In this way, you can activate the amplifier remotely by feeding it a digital audio signal.

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To connect the speakers, four pairs of screw terminals are used, allowing for bi-wiring or bi-amping. The stereo amplifier has a high damping factor and does not “pump up” even when working with four-ohm speakers with low sensitivity. To control the Rotel RA-1572MKII, use a standard remote control or an application for iOS devices. The Rotel RA-1572MKII is Roon Tested, delivering the best possible Roon software experience so you can simply enjoy your music.

Characteristics of Rotel RA-1572MKII

Output power 2 x 120 W (8 ohms), 2 x 200 W (4 ohms)
Frequency range line inputs: 10 Hz – 100 kHz (± 0.5 dB), phono inputs: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
Harmonic Distortion 0.018%
Intermodulation Distortion 0.03%
Damping Factor 300 (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 8 ohms)
Input Sensitivity/Input Impedance 270 mV/100 kΩ (RCA), 440 mV/100 kΩ ( XLR), 2.1 mV/47 kOhm (MM phono inputs)
Signal-to-noise ratio 100 dB
Output voltage/output impedance 1.5 V/470 Ohm (Pre Out)
Possibility of disabling/bypassing the tone control function Tone Control Bypass
Texas Instruments DAC (PCM up to 32bit/384kHz, MQA and MQA Studio (up to 24bit/384kHz) via PC-USB)
Bluetooth with aptX and AAC codec support
Roon Tested certified supported
Inputs 3 line RCA, line XLR, 2 optical, 2 coaxial , asynchronous USB (PCM up to 32 bit/384 kHz, MQA), Network port (Ethernet), front panel USB port for Apple devices, rear panel USB port for charging batteries of USB devices
3.5 mm headphone outputs , Pre Out (RCA), 2 RCA connectors for subwoofers
Other switching RS-232 interface, two 3.5 mm trigger outputs, system bus connectors, IR input Speaker output
4 pairs of screw terminals
Power consumption 400 W, in standby mode : 0.5 W
Remote control RR-AX93
Dimensions (WxHxD) 431x144x358 mm
Weight 13.6 kg