Rotel RC-1572MKII
The Rotel RC-1572MKII brings exceptionally quiet, neutral control to mixed-source hi-fi systems, pairing a notably accomplished analogue stage with a capable high-resolution DAC. Gramophone highlights its clean, direct presentation, while balanced connections, MM phono, Bluetooth, MQA and flexible input-level settings make this a remarkably versatile command centre for modern listening rooms.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
87/100
Build Quality
80/100
Features Connectivity
93/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Exceptionally low-noise, clean and neutral analogue presentation.
Extensive connectivity includes balanced and unbalanced analogue inputs, balanced outputs, digital inputs, USB and Bluetooth.
Capable onboard DAC with high-resolution and MQA support, plus useful per-input fixed-volume settings.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 87/100
The available review finds the RC-1572MKII notably clean and direct, with very low apparent noise, a flat tonal presentation, and a particularly capable analogue section. Its DAC is also described as very good, though the review offers less direct detail about large-scale dynamic contrasts and spatial presentation.
Transparency Resolution
93/100
The reviewer calls the unit “squeaky squeaky clean,” reporting very little noise, if any. That quiet background and straightforward presentation point to strong signal clarity, while the upgraded DAC is also described as very good.
Tonal Balance Musicality
89/100
The sound is described as straightforward and essentially flat, particularly through the analogue inputs. The reviewer also feels Rotel's strength in analogue circuitry comes through, suggesting a neutral but satisfying presentation rather than an overtly coloured one.
Dynamics
83/100
The review's positive comments on the analogue circuitry and clean delivery suggest an assured, unfussy sense of drive. It does not directly assess macro-dynamic impact, microdynamic shading, or how the preamp behaves with demanding musical peaks.
Soundstage Imaging
83/100
A low-noise presentation can support stable imaging and separation, but the review does not specifically discuss stage width, depth, image focus, or layering. Spatial performance is therefore less clearly documented than the unit's clarity and tonal neutrality.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
80/100
The supplied review concentrates on operation and sound rather than chassis construction, controls, internal layout, or long-term durability. The published specifications indicate a conventional full-width component, but reviewers say little about its physical execution.
Features Connectivity
93/100
This is an unusually comprehensive control preamplifier: it provides balanced and unbalanced analogue connections, balanced outputs, MM phono input, coaxial, optical and USB digital inputs, Bluetooth, tone controls, and per-input fixed-volume settings. The DAC supports high-resolution PCM, MQA and Roon Tested operation, making it well suited to mixed analogue and digital systems.
Value for Money
85/100
The review cites a price of $1,399, within the listed $1,199-$1,899 range, and presents a generously equipped preamplifier with DAC, phono stage, Bluetooth and balanced connectivity. It does not directly compare the Rotel with similarly priced rivals or make a clear value judgement at the asking price.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- Dimensions (W × H × D)
- 431 × 99 × 338mm 17" × 3.9" × 13.5"
- Front Panel Height
- 2U / 88.1mm (3.5")
- Power Requirements
- 120V, 60Hz
- Power Consumption
- 35W
- Standby Power Consumption
- <0.5W
- Net Weight
- 8.36kg (18.43lbs.)
- BTU Rating
- 65 BTU/h
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- (20Hz–20kHz) <0.004%
- Frequency Response
- Line Level Inputs : 10Hz - 100kHz (+0dB, -0.2dB) Digital Inputs: 20Hz - 20kHz (0±0.5dB, Max) Phono Input: 20Hz - 20kHz (+0.3dB, -0.2dB)
- S/N Ratio
- Line Level Inputs: 118dB Digital Inputs: 100dB Phono Input: 80dB
- Intermodulation Distortion
- (60Hz:7kHz, 4:1) <0.004%
- Input Sensitivity
- Line Level Inputs (RCA): 200mV Line Level Inputs (XLR): 300mV Digital Inputs: 0dBFs Phono Input (MM): 3mV
- Input Impedance
- Line Level Inputs (RCA): 100kΩ Line Level Inputs (XLR): 100kΩ Digital Inputs: 75Ω Phono Input (MM): 47kΩ
- Input Overload
- Line Level Inputs (RCA): 4V Line Level Inputs (XLR): 5V Phono Input: 63mV
- Output Level
- Unbalanced (RCA): 1V Balanced (XLR): 2V
- Channel Separation
- Line Level Inputs (RCA): >85dB Line Level Inputs (XLR): >75dB Phono Input: >85dB
- Tone Controls
- ±10dB at 100Hz / 10kHz
- Preamplifier Output Level
- 1.44 V (at - 20 dB)
- Coax/Optical Digital Input Signals
- LPCM (Up to 24-bit/192kHz)
- PC-USB
- USB Audio Class 1 (up to 24-bit/96kHz) USB Audio Class 2 (up to 32-bit/384kHz)* *Driver Installation Required MQA and MQA Studio (up to 24-bit/384kHz) Roon Tested
Manufacturer's Description — Rotel
Affordable high-end begins with Rotel’s RC-1572MKII Preamplifier processing your favorite analog and digital sources in stunning clarity with a natural and enveloping sound stage.
Affordable high-end begins with Rotel’s RC-1572MKII Preamplifier including multiple acoustic upgrades and refinements processing your favorite analog and digital sources to an even higher level of performance in stunning clarity with a natural, enveloping sound stage.
As an essential component in a Hi-Fi audio stack the RC-1572MKII’s precision engineering begins with Rotel’s ultra-low noise power supply including a large, in-house manufactured toroidal transformer. The transformer design reduces stray radiated emissions and feeds a bank of slit-foil, low ESR capacitors delivering stable current to all sensitive circuits reducing noise and distortion with an ultra-quiet noise floor.
A premium Texas Instruments 32-bit Digital to Analog converter (DAC) renders the digital sources supported by custom tuned, proprietary external output filters ensuring the audio is effortlessly presented with exceptional dynamic detail and musical expression.
Analog, Digital, XLR, aptXTM and AAC Wireless Bluetooth and Moving Magnet Phono Stage inputs ensure connection to your favorite music sources. Digital media files are supported via a 32-bit/384kHz PC-USB connection supporting MQA and is fully certified Roon Tested for graceful access to the near limitless catalog of online music.
The RC-1572MKII is easy to operate using the included remote control and front panel display. Automatic power controls, signal sensing, fixed volume settings and tone adjustments optimize customization settings.
RCA, XLR and subwoofer outputs are provided for installation flexibility. Ethernet and RS232 ensure simple integration with control systems and software updates.
Bring your CD’s, Digital Files and Vinyl allowing the RC-1572MKII to bridge generations of music and music lovers.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Rotel RC-1572MKII
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Ahead Stereo — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
and 199 more verified dealers