Rotel RC-1572 silver

The heart of an uncompromising audiophile stereo system is the preamplifier. Separate components are the promise of the best high-fidelity, as each component has been optimized for a specific function in the sound reproduction chain. The design of the new RC-1572 stereo preamplifier is inspired by our flagship product - the RC-1590 preamplifier - notably by the presence of the AKM 32-bit / 768 kHz stereo digital-to-analog converter for ultra-precise signal processing. Among its many refinements, the RC-1572 uses switching relays for analog sources instead of a simple integrated circuit selector, which maintains perfect integrity on the signal path for RCA, phono and XLR inputs.

Under the sleek and familiar lines of the RC-1572 lie highly sophisticated technologies. Analog and digital sources have been treated equally, as today’s listener often has multiple digital sources, but also wants to enjoy traditional formats like vinyl records. An oversized toroidal transformer and regulated power supply ensure stable current and voltage for all stages even under the most dynamic conditions. The best high-end components were selected after numerous listening evaluations. Careful routing of all low-level signals has been done to ensure a truly impressive signal-to-noise ratio. The end result: high musical dynamics, combined with a very high level of detail and astonishing sonic scale.

The RC-1572 stereo preamplifier is also very flexible and versatile. Four digital inputs (2 coaxial and 2 optical), plus a rear PC-USB input that supports digital sources up to 32-bit / 384kHz resolution. The 4 inputs are designed to connect cable or satellite TV decoders, flat-screen TVs or Blu-ray players for consistently amazing playback quality. It is also possible to set the listening level and define an automatic power-on option for digital inputs, allowing use with devices that have their own volume control for easy everyday use. The PC-USB input supports DSD signals. An aptX Bluetooth function is also integrated. Analog inputs include balanced XLR connectors, perfect for connecting the XLR outputs of the RCD-1572, plus four pairs of conventional RCA inputs. A moving magnet phono input completes all these sources. Outputs are balanced XLR or unbalanced, as well as a mono output for subwoofer and two 12-volt triggers to control the activation / deactivation of an external amplifier or other audio components. For perfect integration into a connected home automation system, there is RS232 control on a standard DB9 connector, as well as an Ethernet port offering IP control and software updates. Ultimately, the RC-1572 represents considerable added value and is notably the ideal upgrade for owners of older generation purely analog preamplifiers.

• AKM premium 32-bit/768kHz analog-to-digital converter
• iOS control app
• Moving magnet phono input for turntable connection
• Bluetooth with aptX
• Balanced XLR inputs and outputs

Measurements

• Intermodulation distortion: (60Hz:7kHz, 4:1): <0.004%
• Input sensitivity
  • Line Inputs (RCA): 200mV
  • Line Inputs (XLR): 300mV
  • Phono Input (MM): 3mV
• Input impedance
  • Line Inputs (RCA): 100kΩ
  • Line Inputs (XLR): 100kΩ
  • Digital Inputs: 75Ω
  • Phono Input (MM): 47kΩ
• Input overload threshold
  • Line Inputs: 4V
  • Phono Input: 62mV
• Output level
  • Unbalanced (RCA): 1V
  • Balanced (XLR): 2V
• Tone control: ± 10 dB at 100 Hz / 10kHz

Connectivity

• 1x Balanced XLR inputs and outputs
• 1x Phono analog input
• 3x RCA analog inputs
• 2x Optical digital inputs
• 2x Coaxial digital inputs
• 1x PRE OUT
• 2x SUB outputs
• 1x USB type B port
• 2x Trigger outputs
• 2x Rotel Link input and output
• 1x RS232 port
• 1x RJ45 cable

General

• Power supply: 230V, 50Hz
• Power consumption:
  • Operating: 35 W
  • Standby: 0.5W
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 431 × 99 × 338mm
• Weight: 7.4 Kg