"Highly Recommended" – Positive Feedback Magazine
Upgrading Your Entry into High End Preamplifier Performance
The heart of an uncompromising audiophile stereo “separates” system is the preamplifier. Separate components hold the promise of the best possible fidelity, since each device is optimized for its role in the sound reproduction chain.
The RC-1572 MkII stereo preamplifier combines proven analog design with sophisticated digital circuits to bring all of your sources to life with amazing fidelity.
The new version upgrades the entryway into higher performing separate components and includes all of the analog and digital inputs required by today's music sources. All in all, Rotel upgraded over 75 critical component changes, with enhanced acoustic circuits that borrow technologies from the Michi Series.
The new Texas Instruments DAC works with the rear panel PC-USB 32-bit / 384kHz input to support MQA and MQA Studio. The MkII is Certified Roon Tested, too.
"Everything Sounds Great"
"Everything sounds great no matter how I connected equipment and no matter what type of music I sent through it," reports Taps Das, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, February 1, 2021.
"Suffice to say I’m a fan. The RC-1572MKII Preamplifier has more connectivity than I will ever need, which makes it flexible should you, later on, add it to your system."
"Highly Recommended"
"If you are looking for a solid power amp and a matching, rather flexible preamplifier, I don't know how you could beat these two as a pair," notes Gary Lea in his September 14, 2021 Positive Feedback Magazine review of the RC-1572MKII preamp and Rotel's RB-1582MKII power amp.
"It is good to see Rotel doing so well, and constantly improving. As an owner of the brand I can say I was always impressed with design, construction, and execution. Those impressions are only enhanced by these current components. Yay Rotel, and yay all of us who appreciate top quality gear at reasonable prices. Highly recommended!"
Leverages Flagship Rotel Technology
The RC-1572 MkII leverages the design of Rotel's flagship RC-1590 preamplifier, including its 32-bit / 384 kHz Texas Instruments stereo digital-to-analog converter to handle critical signal conversion. Among many refinements, the RC-1572 MkII utilizes relay switching for analog sources instead of an IC based switch to maintain the integrity of the signal path for RCA, phono, and XLR inputs.
Beneath the clean lines and user-friendly fascia of the RC-1572 MkII lie highly sophisticated engineering. Both analog and digital sources have been given equal consideration, since today’s listener often has several digital sources but may also enjoy legacy formats like vinyl records.
"Nothing Comparable at This Price Point"
"I like to find something to compare a review item with, there really is nothing comparable at this price point, you either have to spend more or make concessions on either I/O or power or both and likely sound quality as well," observes Anton, hifichicken.com, October 4, 2021.
"Rotel did an incredible job taking the amazing sound of the Michi X5 and scaling it down to more of an entry-level market point. Don’t get me wrong this is no Michi, but it certainly follows the path made by the Michi very well."
"The Rotel RC-1572 Stereo Preamplifier and RB-1582MKII Power Amplifier are two boxes, with loads of connectivity, and gobs of power. It’s more than I need and everything I want," notes 0102studio.com, March 3, 2024. "And it happened. I fell in love once again with a sweet review setup (this tends to happen a lot)."
Highly Regulated Power Supply
The RC-1572 MkII is a full featured, high performance component. All aspects of the design have been optimized to retain the full dynamic range and subtle nuances of your music. The RC-1572 MkII has a highly regulated power supply incorporating a Rotel custom-designed toroidal power transformer and custom-made slit foil capacitors.
This low impedance power supply has ample power reserves, which enables the RC-1572 MkII to easily reproduce the most demanding audio signals. It ensures stable current and voltage requirements to all stages under dynamic conditions. This type of design is more expensive to manufacture, but it is better for the music.
Premium Components and Circuit Boards
Premium circuit components are used throughout the construction of the RC-1572 MkII. These have been selected only after extensive listening evaluations. Careful routing of all low level signals has been practiced to ensure impressive signal to noise levels. The result is effortless musical dynamics, impressive detail and scale.
The printed circuit boards (PCB) are designed with Symmetrical Circuit Traces. This ensures that the precise timing of the music is maintained and faithfully recreated. The RC-1572 MkII circuitry uses metal film resistors and polystyrene or polypropylene capacitors in important signal paths. All aspects of this design have been examined to ensure the most faithful music reproduction.
A Full Complement of Digital and Analog Connections
The RC-1572 MkII is extremely flexible and accommodating. Four digital inputs (two coax and two optical) handle digital sources up to 32-bit / 384 kHz resolution and offer stunning playback from TV set-top boxes, TVs, or Blu-ray players, and more. The rear panel PC-USB 32-bit / 384 kHz input supports MQA and MQA Studio. 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. Integrated Bluetooth aptX is provided.
Analog inputs include balanced XLR connectors, perfect for connecting the RC-1572 MkII via its XLR outputs, in addition to four pair of conventional RCA inputs. XLR and single ended outputs are provided along with a mono subwoofer output.
Built-in MM Phono Stage
If you already have a sizeable LP collection or you are just getting into the pleasures of listening to vinyl records, the RC-1572 MkII is perfect for you. A moving magnet phono stage rounds out the source capability, allowing you to plug your turntable directly into this preamp without the need for an outboard phono stage.
Other Connections
Two 12-volt triggers to control on/off operation of an amplifier and/or other components. For custom integration, control options include RS232 on a standard DB9 connector, as well as an Ethernet port for IP control and software updates. In short, the RC-1572 MkII is a tremendous value and the perfect upgrade for owners of older analog-only preamplifiers.