Rotel RC-1570 Balanced Stereo Preamplifier

Separate components hold the promise of the best possible fidelity, since each device is optimized for its role in the sound reproduction chain. Rotel has been designing and manufacturing high performance components for dedicated enthusiasts for over 50 years. Those decades of experience, along with precise and efficient in-house manufacturing, are fully evident in Rotel separates. As countless reviewers have testified over the years, they rival and frequently exceed the performance of much higher priced offerings. The new RC-1570 stereo preamplifier, a blend of cutting edge digital circuitry with on-board Digital-to-Analog conversation and classic analog stages, is the latest example.

Beneath the clean lines and user friendly fascia of the RC-1570 lies highly sophisticated engineering. Both analog and digital sources have been given equal consideration as today’s listener often has several digital sources, but may also enjoy legacy formats like vinyl LPs. A large toroidal transformer and regulated power supply ensures stable current and voltage requirements to all stages under dynamic conditions. Premium circuit components 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 RC-1570 stereo preamplifier is also extremely flexible. Four digital inputs (2 co-ax and 2 optical), plus the rear PC-USB handle digital sources up to 24/192 resolution. The 4 inputs are designed for sources such as TV set-top boxes, flat panel TVs or Blu-ray players for stunning playback.

The PC-USB input makes use of audio playback software such as iTunes or Windows Media Player to replay music from your computer digital library. A Bluetooth dongle is provided to be used with the front USB input.

A premium Wolfson stereo D/A converter handles critical conversion from digital data to analog. Analog inputs include balanced XLR connectors (perfect for connecting the RCD-1570 via its XLR outputs) in addition to four pair of conventional RCA inputs.

A moving magnet phono stage rounds out the source capability. XLR and single ended outputs are provided, as are two 12-volt triggers to control on/off operation of an amplifier and/or other components and RS-232 on a standard DB-9 connector. In short, the RC-1570 is a tremendous value and the perfect upgrade for owners of older analog-only preamplifiers.

Specification

• Total Harmonic Distortion (20Hz-20kHz) < 0.004%
• Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz, 4:1) < 0.004% at 1V output

Input Sensitivity / Impedance

• Phono Input (MM) 2.5 mV / 47k ohms
• Line Level Inputs (RCA) 150 mV / 24k ohms
• Line Level Inputs (XLR) 300 mV / 50k ohms

Input Overload

• Phono Input 65 mV
• Line Level Inputs 4.3 V

Output Level / Impedance

• Output (RCA) 1V / 100 ohms
• Output (XLR) 2V / 100 ohms

Frequency Response

• Phono Input 20 Hz-20k Hz, 0 +/- 0.3 dB
• Line Level Inputs 4 Hz-100k Hz, 0 +/- 0.3 dB

Tone Controls

• Bass +/-10 dB at 100Hz
• Treble +/-10 dB at 10kHz

Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighted) -

• Phono Input 80 dB
• Line Level Inputs 110 dB

Digital Section

• Frequency Response 10Hz - 95k Hz (+/-3.0dB, Max)
• Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighted) 100 dB
• Input Sensitivity/Impedance 0 dBfs / 75 ohms
• USB/iPod Digital Signals WAV, MP3, WMA, AIFF (up to 48kHz 16 bit)
• Coaxial/Optical Digital Signals SPDIF LPCM (up to 192kHz 24 bit)
• PC-USB USB Audio Class 1 (up to 96kHz 24 bit) USB Audio Class 2 (up to 192kHz 24bit)* *Driver installation required

Power Requirements USA 120 Volts, 60 Hz EC  230 Volts, 50 Hz

Power Consumption 15 watts

Standby Power Consumption < 0.5 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D) 431 x 99 x 320 mm (17 x 4 x 12 5/8 ins)

Front Panel Height 2U (88.1mm, 3 1/2 ins)

Weight (net) 7kg, 16 lbs.