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  1. Home
  2. Rotel Amplifiers
  3. Integrated Amplifiers
  4. Rotel RA-1572 MKII
Rotel RA-1572 MKII Review
Rotel RA-1572 MKII - Front View

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Main Features

  • 120 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • 2-channel
  • Class A/B
  • Minimum impedance: 4 ohms
  • Built-in DAC (Texas Instruments (TI) 32-bit/384kHz)
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Bluetooth
  • Weight: 30.05 lbs / 13.66 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):5-11/16 x 17-1/16 x 15-3/16 inch
MSRP: $2,100 (list price)
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Rotel RA-1572 MKII Review
Rotel RA-1572 MKII Rotel RA-1572 MKII
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Rotel · Japan · since 1961 · sold through dealers

The RA-1572 MKII is an integrated amplifier with built-in DAC by Rotel that delivers 120 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 200 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in April 2021. It is a 2-channel design using a Class A/B output stage. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. It has a built-in DAC (Texas Instruments (TI) 32-bit/384kHz), so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. It also has a phono input, so a turntable can connect straight to it. The Rotel RA-1572 MKII has an MSRP of $2,100.

Rotel RA-1572 MKII Amplifier Internal View
Rotel RA-1572 MKII Amplifier Internal View

There are 10 Rotel amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

Rotel Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Bluetooth
Rotel A14 MKII
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804ΩYesYes
Rotel A12 MKII
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604ΩYesYes
Rotel Diamond RA-6000
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2004ΩYesYes
Rotel RA-1572 MKII
1204ΩYesYes
Rotel A11 Tribute
Compare
504ΩNoYes
Rotel RA-1592 MKII
Compare
2004ΩYesYes
Rotel A10 MKII
Compare
508ΩYesNo
Rotel A11 MKII
Compare
508ΩYesYes
Rotel A12
Compare
604ΩYesYes
Rotel S14
Compare
804ΩYesYes

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Rotel RA-1572 MKII is rated at 120 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Rotel provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.018% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 120 watts into 8-ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.018%
  • 200 watts into 4-ohms
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
  • 100dB Signal to Noise Ratio

How loud will 120 watts actually play in your room? →

Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →

Which speakers suit the Rotel RA-1572 MKII?

120 W into 8 ohms, 200 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms. We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current delivery.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Need more power?

Rotel RA-1572 MKII is rated at 120 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 91 to 120 watts band. The next band up is 121 to 180 watts, which is worth about 1.5dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.

  • NAD C 399 – 180 watts, $1,999 compare
  • NAD C 388 BluOS-2i – 150 watts, $2,249 compare
  • Buchardt I150 – 150 watts, $2,500 compare

Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the 61 to 90 watts band and better speakers.

When pairing the Rotel RA-1572 MKII with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


What size of room is the Rotel RA-1572 MKII Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Rotel RA-1572 MKII amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Rotel RA-1572 MKII, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. Rotel RA-1572 MKII has total of 4 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).

Rotel RA-1572 MKII Back View
Rotel RA-1572 MKII Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
  • Phono Input
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 2 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-A front(Connects to iOS devices)
    • USB-A rear (Charging only)
    • USB-B (allows connection to your Windows PC or Mac computer)

Outputs
  • Speaker Outputs (A/B switchable)
  • Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output (2)

Bluetooth Connectivity

Rotel RA-1572 MKII features built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Marantz Model 40n - MSRP 2499$ - Compare w/ RA-1572 MKII
  • Audiolab 9000A - MSRP 2999$ - Compare w/ RA-1572 MKII
  • Cambridge Audio Evo 75 - MSRP 2499$ - Compare w/ RA-1572 MKII
  • Buchardt I150 - MSRP 2500$ - Compare w/ RA-1572 MKII
  • Rotel S14 - MSRP 2499$ - Compare w/ RA-1572 MKII

Rotel RA-1572 MKII supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • AptX
  • AAC
  • SBC

Phono Input

Rotel RA-1572 MKII features one Phono Input which is compatible with MM (Moving Magnet) type of phono cartridges, you can connect your turntable with MM cartridges directly to this amp without the need for a phono preamp. If you are using an MC cartridge on your turntable, you need to use a phono preamp that has MC phono stage such as the Cambridge Duo or the iFi ZEN Phono.

Subwoofer Output

Rotel RA-1572 MKII has a dedicated subwoofer output which can be used to connect it directly to a powered subwoofer via an LFE(Low Frequency Effects) cable.
Check our Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with Rotel RA-1572 MKII amp and your speakers.

DAC and Digital Music

The Rotel RA-1572 MKII's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the RA-1572 MKII is the Texas Instruments (TI) 32-bit/384kHz, and supports resolutions up to 32-bit, 384KHZ.

Rotel RA-1572 MKII Pros and Cons

Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.

  • ✓120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 200 into 4.
  • ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB, so the amplifier itself should be inaudible between tracks.
  • ✓4 analogue inputs, enough for a full rack of sources.
  • ✓Built-in DAC handling 32-bit / 384 and MQA, so a TV, computer or streamer can connect digitally with nothing in between.
  • ✓Digital inputs cover 2 optical, 2 coaxial and USB.
  • ✓Phono stage built in (MM), so a turntable needs no separate preamplifier.
  • ✓Streams over the network without a separate streamer: Roon.
  • ✓Bluetooth (AptX,AAC,SBC) for playing straight from a phone.
  • ✓Pre-outs (Stereo RCA, Sub) leave room to add a power amplifier or an active subwoofer later.
  • ✓A and B speaker terminals, for a second pair or for bi-wiring.
  • ✓Headphone output (3.5mm).
  • ✓Has tone controls and a direct mode that bypasses them.
  • ✓5-year parts warranty, longer than most of the market.
  • ✓Detachable mains lead (IEC 2-prong).
  • ✗The phono stage is moving-magnet only; a moving-coil cartridge would need a step-up or an external stage.

Rotel RA-1572 MKII External Dimensions and Weight

Rotel RA-1572 MKII has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 5-11/16inch x 17-1/16inch x 15-3/16inch (145.0mm x 434.0mm x 386.0mm ). The unit weighs 13.66 kg (30.1 lbs).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the Rotel RA-1572 MKII is approximately 1675.2cm2 / 259.7inch2.

  • Width: 434.0mm (17-1/16")
  • Height: 145.0mm (5-11/16")
  • Depth: 386.0mm (15-3/16")
  • Weight: 13.66 kg (30.1 lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1675.2cm2 / 259.7inch2
  • Volume: ~24.3 liter / 6.4 gallon

Available colors

Rotel RA-1572 MKII is available in Black and Silver color options.

What's in the Box of Rotel RA-1572 MKII?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of RA-1572 MKII:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • 58-inch AC power cord
  • Remote control (RR-AX93)
  • 2 AA batteries
  • 5-feet USB-B to USB-A cable
  • 57-inch Ethernet cable
  • Quick Installation Guide
  • Warranty/Registration Card
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Addendum For Roon Test

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Rotel RA-1572 MKII Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for Rotel RA-1572 MKII

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the Rotel RA-1572 MKII by the manufacturer.

Related Videos

Rotel RA-1572 MKII Detailed Specifications

General
Brand Rotel
Full Model Name Rotel RA-1572 MKII
Release Date April 2021
Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
Number of Channels 2
Amp Class Class A/B
Amplifier Technology Solid State
Performance
Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 120 watts
Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 200 watts
Frequency Bandwidth 20 Hz-20 kHz
THD 0.018%
Minimum Impedance 4
Signal to Noise Ratio 100 dB
Digital Music
Built-in DAC Yes
DAC Specs Texas Instruments (TI) 32-bit/384kHz
Bluetooth Yes
WiFi
Ecosystem
Apple AirPlay No
Apple AirPlay2 No
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon Tested
HEOS No
BluOS No

CONNECTIONS
Total Analog Inputs 4
Phono Input Yes
Optical Digital Inputs 2
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2
USB Input Yes
USB Type USB-A front(Connects to iOS devices), USB-A rear (Charging only),USB-B (allows connection to your Windows PC or Mac computer)
Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA, Sub
Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
Headphone Output 3.5mm
Subwoofer Output Yes
Removable Power Cord IEC 2-prong
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height 145.0mm (5-11/16")
Width 434.0mm (17-1/16")
Depth 386.0mm (15-3/16")
Weight 13.66 kg (30.1 lbs)
Available Colors Black,Silver
OTHER
Tone Controls Yes
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years
Rotel RA-1572 MKII Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Phono
Rotel RA-1592 MKII
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2004ΩYesMM
Rotel A14 MKII
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804ΩYesMM
Yamaha A-S1200
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904ΩNoMM,MC
Denon PMA-1700NE
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704ΩYesMM,MC
Audiolab 9000A
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1004ΩYesMM
Marantz Model 40n
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704ΩYesMM
Rotel Diamond RA-6000
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2004ΩYesMM
Yamaha A-S801
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1004ΩYesMM
Frequently Asked Questions about Rotel RA-1572 MKII

How much power does the Rotel RA-1572 MKII have?

The Rotel RA-1572 MKII delivers 120 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 200 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It increases its output into 4 ohms, so it has some headroom for harder-to-drive speakers.

Does the Rotel RA-1572 MKII use vacuum tubes?

No. The Rotel RA-1572 MKII is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.

What amplifier class is the Rotel RA-1572 MKII?

The Rotel RA-1572 MKII uses a Class A/B amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.

Does the Rotel RA-1572 MKII have a built-in DAC?

Yes. The Rotel RA-1572 MKII has a built-in DAC (Texas Instruments (TI) 32-bit/384kHz), so you can feed it a digital source directly without buying a separate converter.

Can I connect a turntable to the Rotel RA-1572 MKII?

Yes. The Rotel RA-1572 MKII has a built-in phono stage for MM cartridges, so a turntable can be connected directly without a separate phono preamp. It is voiced for moving-magnet cartridges; a moving-coil cartridge would need an extra step-up stage.

Does the Rotel RA-1572 MKII have Bluetooth?

Yes. The Rotel RA-1572 MKII supports Bluetooth (the AptX,AAC,SBC codec), so you can stream straight from a phone, tablet or laptop.

Can I connect a subwoofer to the Rotel RA-1572 MKII?

Yes. The Rotel RA-1572 MKII has 2 subwoofer outputs, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.

Does the Rotel RA-1572 MKII have a headphone output?

Yes. The Rotel RA-1572 MKII has a 3.5mm headphone output on the front panel for private listening.

How much does the Rotel RA-1572 MKII cost?

The Rotel RA-1572 MKII has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,100.

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