Long recognised as a central component in superb yet cost-effective music systems, the integrated amplifier’s job has evolved substantially as many music-lovers have migrated to digital sources. The RA-1570 is one of the best examples of melding classic analogue design with contemporary digital circuits to bring all of your sources  to life with surpassing 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 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. Analogue inputs include a pair of balanced XLR connectors in addition to conventional RCA jacks.

A Wolfson WM8740 stereo D/A converter handles critical conversion from digital data to continuous analogue 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 real-world requirements and Rotel’s tradition of providing extraordinary 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.