Updated MkII versions of the RC-1590 and RC-1572 preamps see upgraded audio circuits and components for improved acoustic performance.
After unveiling updates to three of its 14 and 15 Series integrated amplifiers in April, Rotel will deliver a series of similar improvements to its RC-1590 and RC-1572 stereo preamplifiers.
Following a programme of audio circuit analysis and improvement, the RC-1590MKII and RC-1572 MKII preamplifier models now benefit collectively from over 75 critical component changes beyond their progenitors, bringing performance gains based on the company’s 60 year legacy of audio engineering and manufacture.
Among the upgraded components are new coupling capacitors in the audio signal path to deliver an improved frequency response. Also benefitting from audiophile grade resistor and capacitor upgrades are the DAC power supply filter capacitors, the volume circuit and the XLR balanced circuits - all helping to deliver a lower noise floor.
Supporting these component enhancements in both models is a Texas Instruments premium 32-bit/384kHz Digital to Analogue converter (DAC) to render the audio with improved details and more accurate tonal quality.
The heart of the Rotel RC-1590MKII reference preamplifier begins with the power supply featuring dual in-house manufactured toroidal transformers which are physically and electrically isolated. These transformers feed dedicated analogue and digital supply voltages to all critical circuits through low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) slit-foil capacitors which eliminate unwanted distortion.
The ultra-low noise power supply of the more affordable, though still high end, RC-1572MKII preamplifier consists of a single, large, in-house manufactured toroidal transformer which uses the same slit-foil, low ESR capacitors as the RC-1590MKII to deliver stable current to all its sensitive circuits similarly resulting in reduced distortion and an ultra-quiet noise floor.
Both upgraded models support balanced XLR inputs while the RC-1590MKII has dual RCA and XLR output connections and a subwoofer output to provide the ultimate flexibility, including for bi-amplification installations.
There’s also a Moving Magnet Phono stage input for turntable connectivity, analogue and digital source inputs, wireless aptX and AAC Bluetooth, and both units support MQA and MQA Studio via the PC-USB input and are certified Roon Tested.
Both models are easy to operate using the included remote control and front panel display and it’s possible to customise automatic power controls, signal sensing, fixed volume settings and tone adjustments while RS232 and IP provide simple control system integration and software updates.
Pricing and Availability
The new RC-1590MKII and RC-1572MKII models are available in both silver and black colours and orders can now be placed with Authorised Rotel Dealers with shipping expected to begin July 2021 in the United States and Canada, and to the rest of the world shortly thereafter.
The suggested retail prices (excluding sales tax, including VAT as applicable) are as follows:
RC-1572MKII: £1,150.00 / $1,399.99 / €1,299.00,
RC-1590MKII: £1,695.00 / $2,099.99, /€1,949.00
Source: Press Release
Image Source: Rotel
