The Rotel RC-1572 is a stereo preamplifier that draws directly from the engineering of the flagship RC-1590 above it in Rotel's 15 Series. Where many preamplifiers at this level compromise on either analogue or digital input quality, the RC-1572 treats both with equal seriousness — its relay-switched analogue signal path and premium 32-bit/768kHz AKM DAC are designed to serve vinyl listeners and digital streamers alike.
Signal Path and Analogue Design
Analogue source switching uses mechanical relays rather than an IC-based multiplexer. Relays maintain a shorter, more direct signal path with lower contact resistance and none of the cross-talk associated with semiconductor switches. Four pairs of RCA inputs handle line-level sources, balanced XLR connectors accommodate professional or long-run connections, and a built-in moving-magnet phono stage provides a direct turntable input without the need for an external phono preamp. Input impedance is 100kΩ on line inputs and the standard 47kΩ on the phono stage.
Digital Section
The onboard DAC is built around an AKM 32-bit/768kHz stereo converter. Four digital inputs are provided: two coaxial and two optical, each accepting LPCM signals up to 24-bit/192kHz. A rear-panel PC-USB input extends this to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and supports DSD playback via DoP. Integrated Bluetooth with aptX codec support adds wireless streaming from phones and tablets without an external adapter.
Power Supply
A large toroidal transformer and regulated power supply deliver stable current and voltage to all gain stages under dynamic signal conditions. Rotel manufactures its own transformers in-house, allowing precise control over winding quality and electromagnetic shielding. Premium circuit components throughout have been selected following extensive listening evaluations.
Outputs and Control
The RC-1572 provides both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA preamplifier outputs for connection to a power amplifier or active speakers. A dedicated mono subwoofer output simplifies 2.1 system integration. Two 12-volt trigger outputs allow automatic power-on of connected components. Control options include RS232 serial and an Ethernet port for IP-based home automation integration and firmware updates.
| Type | Stereo Preamplifier with DAC |
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| DAC | AKM 32-bit/768kHz Stereo |
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| THD | <0.004% (20Hz–20kHz) |
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| Frequency Response (Line) | 10Hz–100kHz ±0.3dB |
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| Frequency Response (Digital) | 20Hz–20kHz ±0.5dB |
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| Frequency Response (Phono) | 20Hz–20kHz ±0.3dB |
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| S/N Ratio (Line) | 110dB (IHF A-weighted) |
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| S/N Ratio (Digital) | 100dB (IHF A-weighted) |
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| S/N Ratio (Phono) | 80dB (IHF A-weighted) |
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| Analogue Inputs | 4 × RCA, 1 × Balanced XLR, 1 × MM Phono |
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| Digital Inputs | 2 × Coaxial, 2 × Optical, 1 × PC-USB |
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| Digital Input Resolution | Coax/Optical: 24-bit/192kHz; USB: 32-bit/384kHz, DSD |
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| Bluetooth | aptX |
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| Outputs | 1 × Balanced XLR, 1 × RCA, 1 × Mono Subwoofer |
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| Input Impedance (Line) | 100kΩ |
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| Input Impedance (Phono) | 47kΩ |
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| 12V Triggers | 2 |
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| Control | RS232, Ethernet (IP) |
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| Power Consumption | 35W |
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| Standby Power | <0.5W |
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| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 431 × 99 × 338mm |
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| Weight | 7.4kg |
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| Also Available As | Silver |
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