Rotel RA-1572 Integrated Amplifier 

Long recognised 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 is one of the best examples of melding classic analog design with contemporary digital circuits to bring all of your sources to life with surpassing fidelity.

As typical of Rotel amplifiers, the RA-1572’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.

The RA-1572’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 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 supports a vast array of source inputs including DSD capable PC-USB (32-bit/384kHz). 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. 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. Analog inputs include a pair of balanced XLR connectors in addition to conventional 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 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. A mono subwoofer output is also provided.

Continuous Power Output (20Hz - 20kHz, < 0.03%, 8 ohms): 120 watts/channel

Total Harmonic Distortion (20Hz - 20kHz, 8 ohms): < 0.03%

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

Frequency Response

Phono Input: 20Hz - 20kHz, ±0.5 dB

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

Damping Factor (20Hz - 20kHz, 8 ohms): 300

Input Sensitivity / Impedance

Phono Input (MM): 2.1mV / 47k ohms

Line Level Inputs (RCA): 270mV / 100k ohms

Line Level Inputs (XLR): 440mV / 50k ohms

Input Overload

Phono Input (MM): 32mV

Line level Inputs (RCA): 4V

Line Level Inputs (XLR): 5.5V

Preamplifier Output / Impedance: 1.5V / 470 ohms

Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF "A" weighted)

Phono Input (MM): 80dB

Line Level Inputs: 100dB

Digital section

Frequency response: 10Hz - 95kHz (±2.0 dB, Max)

Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF "A" weighted): 100dB

Input Sensitivity / Impedance: 0 dBFs / 75 ohms

Preamplifier Output Level: 1.3V (at -20 dB)

Coaxial / Optical Digital Signals: SPDIF LPCM (up to 192kHz 24bit)

PC-USB: USB Audio Class 1.0 (up to 96kHz 24bit)

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

DSD and DoP support

Power Requirements

USA: 120 volts, 60Hz

EC: 230 volts, 50Hz

Power Consumption: 400 watts

Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5 watts

BTU (4 ohms, 1/8th power): 810 BTU/h

Dimensions (WxHxD): 431 x 144 x 358mm

Front Panel Height: 3U (132.6mm)

Weight (net): 13kg