Rotel today announced the RA-1570 Integrated Amplifier, which offers a classic analog design with contemporary digital circuits for improved audio fidelity. As typical of Rotel amplifiers, the RA-1570’s circuitry draws on a high capacity power supply based on a Rotel custom designed and in-house manufactured oversized toroidal transformer. In addition to providing an abundance of voltage and current for all operating stages, the transformer’s toroidal shape helps prevent stray radiation patterns from corrupting audio signals as they pass through adjacent circuit stages.
Subsequent power supply segments built with tight-tolerance parts including T-Network capacitors provide the exact voltage and current requirements to ensure stress-free signal reproduction.
The RA-1570’s input section is substantially more flexible than that found in most integrated amplifiers. In recognition of the growing popularity of digital sources, this amplifier provides a front panel USB input for easy connection of a wide variety of music storage devices including Apple iPods, iPhones, and iPads. A rear panel asynchronous PC-USB input supporting files up to 24/bit/192kHz is also provided. In addition, two each coaxial (RCA) and optical (TOSlink) inputs provide easy connections for LPCM music sources including popular streaming devices with up to 24-bit word lengths sampled at 192kHz. Importantly, it is possible to fix the level on these sources for use with devices that provide their own volume control. Analog inputs include balanced XLR connections in addition to conventional RCA jacks.
A Wolfson WM8740 stereo D/A converter with selectable digital filters handles critical conversion from digital data to continuous analog waveforms.
The Class AB output stage uses discrete devices to ensure precise reproduction of all signals regardless of origin with virtually any loudspeaker. The power output, a robust 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, is substantial as it is a continuous “both channels driven simultaneously” rating fully in keeping with Rotel’s requirements and tradition of providing real-world value.
User conveniences include separate pre-out/main-in connectors, a highly visible VFD display for set-up, and a precisely calibrated electronic volume control
Price and Availability
The Rotel RA-1570 Integrated Amplifier will be available May 2013 for $1,599.