Introduction to the Rotel RCD-1572 MKII CD Player
The Rotel RCD-1572 MKII continues Rotel’s commitment to quality CD players, a tradition dating back to 1989. Designed with carefully selected components, it aims to deliver precise and clear sound reproduction.
Every element of the player has been chosen and adjusted to ensure good synergy and consistent audio performance. Technologies developed by Michi, Rotel, and Tribute are integrated to enhance these features.
The Texas Instruments 32-bit digital-to-analog converter ensures a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (± 0.5 dB) on the balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, and digital coaxial outputs. Total harmonic distortion remains low (0.0035% at 1 kHz), offering detailed and pure sound.
Extended Channel Separation and Dynamic Range
With channel separation greater than 118 dB at 10 kHz and channel balance of ± 0.5 dB, the RCD-1572 MKII delivers a wide and precise stereo image, where each instrument is perfectly located. Its large dynamic range of over 99 dB allows for the reproduction of all nuances, from pianissimo to fortissimo. The exceptional signal-to-noise ratio (> 118 dB, A-weighted) ensures a background silence that allows the perception of the most subtle details.
Carefully Designed Power Supply for Minimal Background Noise
The custom-made toroidal transformer by Rotel and the electrical and physical isolation of the different circuit sections help minimize noise and interference. This allows the RCD-1572 MKII to extract maximum information from CDs with extremely low background noise.
Compatible with High-Resolution Formats
In addition to standard audio CD playback, the RCD-1572 MKII’s Texas Instruments 32-bit / 384 kHz converter is compatible with high-resolution MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) audio streams. It is also Roon Ready certified, allowing seamless integration with the Roon music library software.
Smooth and Quiet CD Loading
The disc loading mechanism of the RCD-1572 MKII has been designed for smooth and quiet operation. The tray glides smoothly, allowing easy insertion and removal of CDs without sound disturbances.
Multiple Connections
The rear panel of the RCD-1572 MKII is equipped with unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs, as well as a digital coaxial output. This allows it to connect to a wide variety of amplifiers and external digital-to-analog converters.
Does the RCD-1572MKII have adjustable feet?
Yes, its four conical feet can be adjusted in height for perfect stability, even on slightly uneven surfaces.
Is there an SACD version of the RCD-1572MKII?
No, Rotel has chosen to focus on CD playback with this model. However, the brand offers excellent SACD players in its range.
What are the advantages of balanced XLR outputs?
Balanced XLR outputs help reduce noise and interference, especially with long cables, by canceling out parasitic signals. They also deliver a higher output level (4.5 V) than unbalanced RCA outputs (2.2 V).
What is the difference between the RCD-1572 MKII and the original RCD-1572 model?
The RCD-1572 MKII features various enhancements compared to the previous model, particularly in the digital-to-analog converter, power supply circuits, and critical components. This results in even higher performance in terms of frequency response, signal-to-noise ratio, and distortion.
User reviews
Gilles
Works perfectly, except with 2 CDs during which silences appear here and there while playing. These mini silences (about half a second) are very frustrating. I should point out that these 2 CDs are played without any problem by my two other CD players (DENON DCD-1000 – from the early CD era, and ARCAM Alpha 7). On the other hand, some (second-hand) CDs that my old players reject are read by the ROTEL RCD-1572 MKII. Do you have an explanation, a theory?
Otherwise, in terms of sound quality, it’s excellent.
As for the finish, there’s a scratch on the remote control, and the bottom of the loading tray looks very slightly eroded.
To conclude, I’m overall quite satisfied, but I’m afraid of possible future breakdowns.
Comment from December 14, 2025 — Experience from August 24, 2025
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Fonctionne parfaitement, sauf avec 2 CD au cours desquels des silences apparaissent ici et là en cours de lecture. Ces mini silences (d'une demi seconde environ) sont très frustrants. Je précise que ces 2 CD sont lus sans problème par mes deux autres lecteurs CD (DENON DCD-1000 - début de l'ère CD, et ARCAM Alpha 7). Par contre, des CD (d'occasion) que mes anciens lecteurs rejettent, sont lus par le ROTEL RCD-1572 MKII. Avez-vous une explication, une théorie ?
Sinon, au niveau de la qualité sonore, c'est excellent.
Au niveau de la finition, une rayure sur la télécommande, et le bas du tiroir de chargement est très légèrement comme érodé.
Pour conclure, je suis globalement assez satisfait, mais j'ai peur de futures éventuelles pannes.
Emmanuel
A very detailed player that makes rediscovering CD playback a pleasure. Very precise loading mechanism. The only downside is the remote control... small buttons and really cheap plastic, not up to the standard of the chassis.
Comment from April 09, 2025 — Experience from February 21, 2025
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Un lecteur très détaillé qui fait redécouvrir la lecture de CD. Mécanique de chargement très précise. Seul reproche la télécomande...petit boutons et plastique vraiment cheap, pas a la hauteur du chassis.
Abdelhak
Very beautiful CD player right out of the box, super design, looks great after setup, very nice sound quality, well-balanced. After using dozens of CD players, I am very happy with this one and highly recommend it.
Comment from September 06, 2022 — Experience from August 26, 2022
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Très belle platine cd dès le déballage, super design, très belle après branchement, très belle qualité de son, très équilibré pour moi après des dizaines de platines cd utilisées j'en suis très content je la recommande.
