The RCD-1572 is the flagship CD player in Rotel’s 15 Series, designed to extract the fullest possible performance from compact disc. Combining a purpose-built transport mechanism, Wolfson DAC, and Rotel’s Balanced Design Concept power supply, it focuses careful refinements on revealing even the most subtle nuances buried in a CD’s pit spiral.
CD Transport & Digital Conversion
At the heart of the RCD-1572 is a purpose-designed and built CD mechanism. Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by a Wolfson WM8740 DAC, originally developed for high-resolution sources and capable of processing digital signals up to 24-bit at sampling rates from 8kHz to 192kHz. While CD operates at 16-bit/44.1kHz, the converter’s high-speed capability adds reserve to ensure proper reproduction under all circumstances.
Analogue Output Stage
The post-converter analogue circuitry benefits from Rotel’s decades of experience in crafting signal pathways from the DAC’s internal output to the rear panel connectors. Every component in the signal path — resistors, capacitors, and inductors — was selected only after its positive contribution to sound quality was quantified and verified qualitatively by extensive listening sessions. Both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs are provided, with the balanced connection delivering 4.4V output.
Power Supply
The RCD-1572’s power supply is built around an oversized, custom Rotel-designed and precision-manufactured toroidal transformer. This feeds precise rectifiers, tight-tolerance voltage regulators, and Rotel’s Slit-Foil low-ESR storage capacitors — all globally sourced to ensure musically accurate operation under even the most demanding conditions. Total power consumption is just 15W, dropping to less than 0.5W in standby.
Connectivity & Integration
Rear panel connections include unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs alongside a coaxial digital output for connection to an external DAC. A 12V trigger input allows the RCD-1572 to power on and off automatically alongside other compatible components in a Rotel system. A remote control is included.
What the Press Says
- “Crisp and clear presentation” — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★☆ (October 2017)
| DAC | Wolfson WM8740 (24-bit/192kHz) |
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| Frequency Response | 20Hz–20kHz ±0.5dB |
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| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.002% (1kHz) |
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| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >118dB (IHF A-weighted) |
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| Dynamic Range | >99dB |
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| Channel Separation | >115dB (10kHz) |
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| Channel Balance | ±0.5dB |
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| Unbalanced Output (RCA) | 2.2V / 100Ω |
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| Balanced Output (XLR) | 4.4V / 200Ω |
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| Digital Output (Coaxial) | 0.5V / 75Ω |
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| Power Consumption | 15W (standby <0.5W) |
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| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 431 × 104 × 320mm |
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| Front Panel Height | 2U / 88.1mm |
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| Weight | 6.7kg |
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| Also Available As | Black |
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