Rotel RA-1572 MKII Integrated Amplifier

The RA-1572 MKII has been engineered from Rotel’s award winning RA-1572 integrated amplifier with critical circuits and component upgrades including a Texas Instruments 32bit, 384kHz DAC supporting PC-USB 32bit/384kHz PCM and MQA rendering and decoding.  Over 33 component changes in acoustic capacitors, filter capacitors and the power supply render audio with a wider, deeper soundstage and improved accuracy and positioning.

Rotel's RA-1572 MKII integrated amplifier combines proven analogue design with sophisticated digital circuits to bring all of your sources to life with amazing fidelity. It has a genuine 120 Watts per channel and includes a 32-bit/768 kHz DAC, a built-in MM moving magnet phono stage, a headphone out, and balanced XLR inputs in addition to the RCA inputs. With all the power and connectivity, you could want the Rotel RA-1572 MKII really ‘does it all’ and may just be everything you need in an 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 MKII is one of the best examples of melding classic analogue design with contemporary digital circuits to bring all of your sources to life with surpassing fidelity.

Like other Rotel amplifiers, the RA-1572 MKII’s circuitry draws on a high capacity power supply based on a Rotel custom designed and in-house manufactured oversized toroidal transformer. In addition to providing an abundance of voltage and current for all operating stages, the transformer’s toroidal shape helps prevent stray radiation patterns from corrupting audio signals as they pass through adjacent circuit stages. Subsequent power supply segments built with tight-tolerance parts including T-Network capacitors provide the exact voltage and current requirements to ensure stress-free signal reproduction.

Built-In Texas Instruments 32-bit/384 kHz DAC: The RA-1572 MKII’s input section is substantially more flexible than that found in most integrated amplifiers. In recognition of the predominance of digital sources available today, the RA-1572 MKII has a built-in state of the art Texas Instruments 32-bit/384 kHz digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) and analogue stages of the highest quality. The DAC and surrounding circuitry supports a vast array of digital files including 32-bit/384 kHz PCM & MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) via the USB-B input.

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 coaxial (RCA) and two 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. Importantly, it is possible to fix the level and set an auto-on option with digital inputs for use with devices that provide their own volume control for convenient “hands-off” use.

Superb for Analogue Sources, Too: Traditional analogue sources get the royal treatment from the RA-1572 MKII as well. The built-in high quality MM moving magnet phono stage lets you directly plug in your turntable and start listening to your favourite LPs. No outboard equipment is needed, and the built-in circuitry rivals the performance of many stand-alone phono stages.

Analogue inputs include a pair of balanced XLR connectors that let you get the best out of balanced source components such as the Rotel RCD-1572 CD Player. Three pairs of conventional unbalanced RCA inputs are provided, too.

Robust Class A/B Output Stage: The Class A/B output stage uses discrete devices to ensure precise reproduction of all signals regardless of origin with virtually any loudspeaker. The power output, conservatively rated at a robust 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, is substantial as it is a continuous “both channels driven simultaneously” rating fully in keeping with real-world requirements and Rotel’s tradition of providing extraordinary value. Dual mono subwoofer outputs are also provided.

User convenience features include 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.

Rotel RA-1572 MKII Integrated Amplifier Review

“Rotel's new RA-1572 MKII is a particularly able contender in a crowded market full of strong performers. Its strength is its sheer versatility in terms of connectivity, allied to a seriously strong sound and plenty of power. This is a hard combination to beat, and in my experience, I'm not sure any of its price rivals currently can. I can't think of any integrated amplifier at this price that can match its all-round competence right now. An essential audition then, if you're in the market for a powerful but affordable do-it-all integrated amp.” Stereonet

Our Take On The Rotel RA-1572 MKII Integrated Amplifier

Inspired by their top of the range Michi series, Rotel has added some special sauce to the RA-1572 MKII 120 Watt Integrated Amplifier, clearly earning it its ‘Affordable Super Integrated’ status. It cleverly leverages the strengths of Rotel’s award winning preamplifiers and power amplifiers in a sleek single chassis design and with a new DAC section and upgraded components in key areas inspired by the acclaimed Rotel Michi series, the RA-1572 MKII has been engineered to provide high-resolution audio performance, yet it is very affordable, as has been the tradition with Rotel electronics for over 50 years. The inclusion of MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) decoding and the ability to integrate with Roon is surely icing on the cake. Highly recommended.

Specifications

Design: 120 Watt Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Audio Inputs: MM Phono, Balanced XLR, CD, Tuner, Aux 1, Coaxial Digital x 2, Optical Digital x 2, USB-B for computer audio, Bluetooth aptX dongle for audio streaming, front panel USB-A compatible with Apple iOS products

Audio Outputs: A & B Speakers, Headphone, Preamp, Subwoofer x 2

General Inputs/Outputs: External Remote, 12V Trigger In/Out, RS232, Ethernet, Rear USB Power Out

Continuous Power Output: 120 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms

Maximum Power Output: 200 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.18%

Intermodulation Distortion: < 0.03% (60 Hz: 7k Hz, 4:1)

Frequency Response

Line Level Inputs: 10Hz - 100kHz ±0.5dB

Phono Input: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.5dB

Digital Inputs: 10Hz - 90kHz ±2dB

Input Sensitivity / Impedance

Line Level Inputs (RCA): 270mV / 100K Ohms

Line Level Inputs (XLR): 440mV / 100K Ohms

Phono Input (MM): 2.1mV / 47K Ohms

Digital Inputs: 0 dBFs / 75 ohms

Input Overload

Line Level Inputs (RCA): 4V

Line Level Inputs (XLR): 5.5V

Phono Input: 32mV

Signal To Noise Ratio (IHF "A" Weighted)

Line Level Inputs: 100dB

Phono Input: 80dB

Digital Inputs: 100dB

Damping Factor: 300

Preamp Output / Impedance: 1.5V / 470 Ohms

Tone Controls: ±10dB at 100Hz / 10kHz

Coaxial & Optical Digital Inputs

SPDIF LPCM (up to 192kHz 24 bit)

PC-USB Input

USB Audio Class 1.0 (up to 24bit / 96kHz)

USB Audio Class 2.0 (up to 32bit / 384kHz - Driver installation required)

MQA & MQA Studio (up to 24-bit / 384kHz )

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) Support

Roon Tested

Power Consumption: 400W

Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W

Finish: Silver

Dimensions (W×H×D): 431 × 144 × 358mm

Weight: 13.63kg

Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years 

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE