Say 'Rotel' to any hi-fi enthusiast and the definition that results in S usually centres around a no-nonsense, engineering-led theme. A brief look at the RA-1592MKII, the largest integrated amp in the range, doesn't necessarily do much to change these perceptions. As the name suggests, it is an overhaul of the preceding RA-1592 (HFC 459) and is the largest amp in its standard range.
Revision or not, the spec of this update is extremely comprehensive, even judged at the price. Like a great many integrated hitting the market, this is most of the way to being an all-in-one system. In conventional analogue terms, it has a single XLR input supported by three RCAs and a moving-magnet phono stage. These are complemented by pre-outs both for connecting a power amplifier (of which Rotel still makes a healthy selection) and subwoofers.
The analogue connections are supported by a digital board, which gives you three optical, three coaxial and a USB-B input supported by Bluetooth with aptX and AAC support. This digital board is relatively unusual in that it uses a Texas Instruments DAC for decoding rather than an ESS or AKM one. The sample rate handling is fairly comprehensive with PCM up to 384kHz supported by the USB input, but there is no native DSD handling, which may or may not be important to you. It is MQA compatible, however.
Even without network connectivity or an HDMI ARC connection (some similarly priced rivals have both), the Rotel is well specified. These connections are made available via a rotary encoder-equipped preamp to a power amp section that is one of the most powerful options available at this sort of price point. Using a Class A/B design, Rotel claims 200W into 8ohm, which rises to 350W into 4 which should be enough to drive pretty much any speaker. In keeping with all Rotel designs, a significant proportion of the internals have been designed and manufactured in-house.
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Denne historien er fra July 2022-utgaven av Hi-Fi Choice.
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Old boys network
As the lineups start to emerge for this summer's festivals, Nigel Williamson investigates where the problem lies for the continuing dearth of female headliners
DESTINATION: LEITH
Welcome to a friendly haven of Californian cool in the creative heart of a former Edinburgh port. Simon Berkovitch samples the sunshine on Leith
Core values
Apple’s revamped HomePod smart speaker off ers attractive sound quality, but its Apple-centric focus remains frustrating for Cliff Joseph
Forty something
Creek Audio is celebrating its big four-o with the release of the new 4040 A integrated. Nick Tate lights the candles and listens in
One for all
German high-ender AVM wants to make top all-in-one performers. David Vivian takes a listen to its all-singing integrated amp
Three for all
The 700 Series receives a helping of tech from the flagship 800 models. Ed Selley sees how the smallest speaker fares
All in one
DAP, DAC, amplifier and streaming device, is there anything A&K’s new Acro can’t do? Cliff Joseph finds out
Wooden wonder
Better known for its speakers, ELAC’s range of electronics now has a new flagship turntable. Ed Selley takes it for a spin
System matching
Why finding the perfect synergy between your chosen integrated amplifier and favourite speakers holds the key to maximising your system’s potential
Game on!
At times the hi-fi and gaming industries might seem like they’re worlds apart, but Cliff Joseph reckons they both share a love of high-quality sound
