Improves upon the original RA-1572’s excellent performance by adding a new DAC and MQA compatibility.

A rugged integrated amplifier for a solid sound system

The Rotel RA-1572 MkII makes some improvements on the original RA-1572, which is an excellent integrated amplifier in its own right. First, let’s look at what stays the same: it provides 120 watts of clean power to drive one or two pairs of speakers — thanks to a custom-designed toroidal power transformer — and a front-panel layout that’s easy to understand and operate. There are plenty of inputs for connecting sources, and built-in Bluetooth for convenient music streaming.

Now for the changes. The MkII features a premium Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz DAC that converts incoming digital signals to analog with precision and clarity. And it can now decode audiophile-quality MQA and MQA Studio files. Improvements to the power supply and amplifier gain stages further refine this model’s already remarkable performance.

Convenient connections

The RA-1572 MkII offers an array of analog and digital inputs. There are four analog RCA inputs on the back panel, including a phono stage for connecting a turntable with a moving magnet cartridge. And the balanced XLR input helps you get the best possible sound with a compatible source component, like Rotel’s matching RCD-1572 CD player.

The integrated amp’s premium DAC ensures clear, precise sound from all your digital sources. There are two optical and coaxial inputs apiece and a rear-panel USB Type-B port for connecting a PC (Note: On the MkII, this port is not compatible with DSD files). A USB Type-A port on the front panel handles audio signals from your iPod®, iPhone®, or iPad®.

And there are a wealth of control options, including an IR input, RS-232 port, and dual 12-volt trigger outputs. A proprietary 3.5mm Rotel Link input/output allows connected Rotel products to communicate with each other and be controlled via the Rotel app. An Ethernet port lets you connect the amplifier to your home network for software updates and integration with third-party control systems.

About Rotel

Rotel has been crafting high-performance gear for music and home theater enthusiasts since 1961. They focus on creating the best signal path possible, using premium capacitors, transistors, diode bridges, and custom toroidal power supplies to get the most from music and movie soundtracks. Crutchfield is proud to offer a diverse selection of Rotel components including preamps, amplifiers, CD players, and home theater processors.

• 120 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.018% THD
• Class AB amplification with custom-designed toroidal transformer
• premium Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz digital to analog converter
• built-in Bluetooth® with high-quality aptX audio coding
• frequency response: 10-100,000 Hz (line inputs, ±0.5dB); 20-20,000 Hz (phono input, ±0.5dB); 10-90,000 Hz (digital inputs±2dB)
• signal-to-noise ratio: 100 dB (line); 80 dB (phono); 100 dB (digital)
• support for MQA and MQA Studio files
• Roon-ready (subscription required)
• detachable power cord
• remote control