Rotel

Rotel has also been very busy upgrading older models and introducing new ones in both the stereo and home theater areas. Three new stereo products, the RA-1572 integrated amplifier at $1699, the RC-1572 preamplifier at $1099, and the RCD-1572 CD player at $899 replace their “1570” versions. They have also introduced their best home theater component ever, the RAP-1580 AV integrated amplifier at $3799.

The RA-1572 integrated amplifier is the successor to one of the best-selling Rotel models of all time, the RA-1570. It builds on its predecessor's strengths but goes still further performance-wise. The RA-1572 now has a built-in state of the art 32-bit/768kHz AKM digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and analog stages of the highest quality. The DAC and surrounding circuitry support a vast array of source inputs including DSD-capable computer USB (24-bit/192kHz). A front panel USB input is provided for easy connection of a wide variety of music storage devices including Apple iPods, iPhones, and iPads. The Bluetooth input supports aptX for superior performance with compatible devices. 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 moving magnet phono and a pair of balanced XLR connectors in addition to conventional line-level RCA jacks.

The Class-AB output stage uses discrete devices to ensure precise reproduction of all signals regardless of origin with virtually any loudspeaker. The substantial power output is conservatively rated at 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms with both channels driven. A mono subwoofer output is also provided. In the 1572, the analog stages have been further fine-tuned by the UK design team for optimum performance.

The new RC-1572 stereo preamplifier borrows much from the design of Rotel's flagship RC-1590 preamplifier, including its 32 bit/768kHz AKM stereo digital-to-analog converter to handle critical signal conversion. Among its many refinements, the RC-1572 uses 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. It is Rotel's best sounding entry level preamp ever.

The RCD-1572 is the latest in a long line of fantastic CD players from Rotel. Believe it or not, the CD is still the dominant physical media music format. Since 1982, when the CD was introduced, Rotel has been refining technology and evolving circuitry to bring you extraordinary sound from the familiar silver disc. 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, the outstanding CD player in Rotel's 15 series, focuses careful refinements to reveal even the most subtle nuances buried in a CD's pit spiral. The RCD-1572 elevates performance by using a purposely-designed and built CD mechanism along with other circuit refinements that elevate its performance beyond that of its predecessor, the RCD-1570.

The RAP-1580 AV integrated amplifier is the finest single-box home theater product Rotel has ever offered and is the ideal home theater solution for those who don't have space for separate components, yet still desire uncompromising performance. It is an ultra-high-performance multi-channel, integrated amplifier with surround processing that brings music and movies to life in a startlingly vivid way. Sporting the latest HDMI hardware and Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 processing, its amplifier section is built upon a powerful, linear design with 7 x 100 watts per channel, all channels driven into 8 ohms, and powered by a massive Rotel-made toroidal transformer. While some might try to compare it to ordinary AV receivers, it really is in a class by itself.

The RAP-1580 uses high-performance Wolfson 24bit/192kHz DACs for all channels. These low-noise, audiophile-quality DACs are supported by premium-grade audio parts in circuits tuned by Rotel's acoustic engineering team in the U.K. Inputs include 8 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs, all supporting 4K video, with 3 of these inputs and both outputs enabled with HDCP 2.2. There is a seven-inch TFT video display on the front panel to provide easy adjustments to all audio and video parameters without the need to turn on the television or video projection system. This makes it ideal for set-ups when the equipment rack is located separately from the video display. A full suite of integration features is also on board. Other features include a front panel HDMI input with 4K video pass-through, front panel iPod USB input with 2.1A charging, and integrated APTX enabled Bluetooth technology for higher fidelity. The RAP-1580 also includes a computer USB input supporting 24 bit / 192kHz audio, a MM phono stage input, a CD input, an XLR input, a Tuner input, an AUX analog input, and a multichannel input. The RAP-1580 is simple to operate and is powerful, flexible, and refined. It is a state-of-the-art single chassis audio/video component that outperforms most separates.