Rotel has constructed its enterprise on solidly performing, functional-looking tools. The brand new RCD-1572 conforms to kind – and that’s no dangerous factor.
The arrival of latest CD gamers has slowed to a trickle, so after we come throughout one as succesful as this one, we’re fairly happy.
Construct and options
Take the RCD-1572 out of its packaging and it impresses. The casework feels substantial, whereas match and end are nicely as much as class requirements. We notably just like the crisp really feel of the small, domed management buttons on the entrance panel.
The show is usefully massive too, although can look a bit of cluttered. At the very least CD textual content is on the menu, so you understand the title of the observe you’re listening to with out having to verify the CD case.
The one factor we don’t like is the participant’s flimsy loading drawer – it feels straight out of a finances DVD participant. At this worth we anticipate higher.
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Have a look across the again and issues are a bit of sparse. We anticipate finding digital inputs – many CD gamers include these so as to add versatility – however are disillusioned.
Not solely are there no digital inputs, however Rotel has specified solely a coax digital output. Often we might anticipate an optical possibility too.
Whereas disappointing, none of those omissions are deal-breakers – offering the participant’s efficiency impresses. Luckily for all involved, that seems to be the case.
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Sound
We check out each the balanced and single-ended analogue outputs, and like the single-ended possibility for its larger subtlety and finesse.
In our system – the same old reference set-up of Gamut D3i/D200i pre/energy and ATC SCM50 audio system – the balanced outputs (whereas delivering larger punch) sound a bit of ahead and wanting low-level element.
We begin with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and discover a lot to be grateful for. The Rotel has a strikingly clear sound, one which defines the vanguard of notes beautifully.
Every instrument is crisply rendered and firmly planted within the large and deep soundstage. Element ranges are excessive, with the participant able to choosing up low-level subtleties many rivals would ignore.
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Tonally, issues are a bit of on the lean facet – however by no means sufficient to sacrifice sonic weight or authority. When the piece builds to a climax, cannon-fire and all, this Rotel stays composed and organised, delivering the ending with a gratifying mixture of grace and scale.
Whereas impressed in any respect the perception and management, we really feel there’s one thing lacking – and that’s a level of pleasure.
Dynamic swings don’t fairly hit house with the venom they demand, and the participant can’t tie collectively the assorted instrumental strands nicely sufficient to convey the ebb and movement of the music in addition to we wish.
Not that the RCD-1572 is boring. It’s simply that this piece is actually thrilling, explosive even, and the Rotel by no means absolutely conveys that.
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This facet of the participant’s character additionally comes into play after we hearken to Increase Increase Pow from The Black Eyed Peas. Right here, the ’1572 stays true to kind by providing loads of element coupled to a clear and crisp presentation.
It sounds agile and articulate, doing a wonderful job of creating the group’s vocals simple to comply with. However it doesn’t fairly handle to speak the hard-charging momentum of the observe correctly, or ship a full punch.
The sound feels a bit of restrained and well mannered. There’s nothing mistaken with well mannered on the whole, in fact, however we would like a CD participant that may reveal the total measure of angle in a bit of music – and this Rotel doesn’t fairly have the dynamic expression or rhythmic cohesion to do this.
Verdict
The Rotel RCD-1572 is an admirable machine. It’s nicely made and fuss-free to make use of. And in terms of evaluation and composure, this participant is pretty much as good as something at this worth.
We simply want it delivered a bit extra enjoyable within the course of.
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