Rotel’s A12 Integrated, CD14 and RCD-1572 Players Upgraded to MKII Spec
More second-gen updates for Rotel as it announces the A12MKII integrated amp, alongside the CD14MKII and RCD-1572MKII CD players.
The latest A12, CD14 and RCD-1572 MKII models follow the launch of the A14MKII, RA-1572MKII, RA-1592MKII, RC-1572MKII and RC-1590MKII models, all part of the brand's 60th anniversary upgrade plan.
As you would expect, we're told that the new models benefit from innovations and improvements to the circuit designs and enhancement to critical audio components. This, of course, results in improved accuracy and greater acoustic detail states Rotel.
Moreover, the new components are said to deliver a wider soundstage and more genuine musical presentation with increased depth and natural expression. Well, our reviews of the A14MKII and the RA-1572MKII integrated amplifiers certainly seem to bear this out, at any rate.
All models feature a new, premium, Texas Instruments 32-bit digital-to-analogue converter, power supply refinements, precision acoustic coupling capacitors, and circuit board layout isolation techniques that lower the noise floor and reduce distortion.
Daren Orth, Chief Technology Officer of Rotel, told StereoNET:
We utilised Michi, Rotel and Tribute technologies, ensuring the new MKII models achieved the performance deserving of this iconic brand as we celebrate our anniversary.
Firstly, the A12MKII (above) includes a new DAC, digital processor, and digital interface chipset with a dozen upgrades to the power amplifier delivering on the continued promise of performance and value from this 2 x 60 W Class AB integrated amplifier.
Meanwhile, each MKII CD player receives an upgraded CD drive mechanism, a new CD controller chipset, DAC and tuned critical acoustic components.
The CD14MKII and RCD-1572MKII feature RCA and coaxial outputs, giving you the option to use them as a CD transport supporting off-board digital-to-analogue processing.
Rotel adds that the RCD-1572MKII (above) also includes a fully balanced, fully differential XLR output rejecting external noise and lowering RF interference.
The A12MKII (£949/ €1,099), CD14MKII (£649/ €749) and RCD-1572MKII (£995/ €1,099) are available in silver and black finishes.
Visit Rotel for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION
Want to share your opinion or get advice from other enthusiasts? Then head into the Message
Forums where thousands of other enthusiasts are communicating on a daily basis.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE MEMBERSHIP
Trending
applause awards
Each time StereoNET reviews a product, it is considered for an Applause Award. Winning one marks it out as a design of great quality and distinction – a special product in its class, on the grounds of either performance, value for money, or usually both.
Applause Awards are personally issued by StereoNET’s global Editor-in-Chief, David Price – who has over three decades of experience reviewing hi-fi products at the highest level – after consulting with our senior editorial team. They are not automatically given with all reviews, nor can manufacturers purchase them.
The StereoNET editorial team includes some of the world’s most experienced and respected hi-fi journalists with a vast wealth of knowledge. Some have edited popular English language hi-fi magazines, and others have been senior contributors to famous audio journals stretching back to the late 1970s. And we also employ professional IT and home theatre specialists who work at the cutting edge of today’s technology.
We believe that no other online hi-fi and home cinema resource offers such expert knowledge, so when StereoNET gives an Applause Award, it is a trustworthy hallmark of quality. Receiving such an award is the prerequisite to becoming eligible for our annual Product of the Year awards, awarded only to the finest designs in their respective categories. Buyers of hi-fi, home cinema, and headphones can be sure that a StereoNET Applause Award winner is worthy of your most serious attention.