Rotel RC-1572 MkII Stereo Preamplifier

One Box, Nearly Every Source

Rotel built its name on affordable high-end gear, and the RC-1572MKII carries that into a preamplifier that swallows a whole system. A Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz DAC handles digital, tuned with Rotel's own output filters, so a streamer, a computer and a CD player all arrive already converted.

Count the inputs. Two coaxial and two optical, a PC-USB port that takes 32-bit/384kHz and unfolds MQA and MQA Studio, a moving-magnet phono input for the turntable, and Bluetooth with aptX HD and AAC for a phone. Balanced XLR and RCA line inputs sit alongside them, and the unit is Roon Tested.

That means one remote and one set of cables instead of a DAC, a phono stage and a Bluetooth box stacked on a shelf. It also means the next source you buy probably already has a socket waiting for it.

What Rotel Put on the Back Panel

Outputs are more generous than the price suggests. A balanced XLR pair and an RCA pair feed your power amp. Two mono subwoofer outputs run in parallel, summed from both channels, so you can add a second subwoofer later without a splitter.

A 3.5mm headphone jack sits on the front, and plugging in does not cut the preamp outputs. A network port carries firmware updates and IP control for automation systems, RS232 sits beside it, and a 12V trigger wakes your power amp with the preamp.

Measured performance is quiet where it matters. Signal-to-noise is 118dB at line level through either RCA or XLR, and THD stays under 0.004%. Line response runs 10Hz to 100kHz within a fifth of a decibel, and the tone controls give 10dB at 100Hz and 10kHz. It is 17 inches wide and 18.43 pounds, in silver or black.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Taps Das reviewed the RC-1572MKII for Home Theater HiFi on February 21, 2022, paired with Rotel's RB-1582MKII. "Suffice to say I'm a fan," he wrote. The preamp "has more connectivity than I will ever need, which makes it flexible should you, later on, add it to your system."

On sound and daily use he was just as clear: "the presentation is very smooth," and "Everything sounds great no matter how I connected equipment and no matter what type of music I sent through it." Once set up, "Every function I needed to adjust was accessible from the remote."

One practical note before you order. Firmware updates need a Windows PC. As Das puts it, "make sure the unit has already been updated, or you have a PC in your possession, or your local dealer installs the update for you." Call us and we will check the unit before it ships.

Who Is This Preamplifier Best For?

• You are tired of stacking boxes — the DAC, the phono stage and the Bluetooth receiver are already inside, so one remote runs the lot and three sets of interconnects stay in the drawer.
• You listen on headphones too — the front-panel jack does not mute the preamp outputs, so you can switch to private listening without unplugging your power amp or losing your place.
• You run a subwoofer, or two — the pair of parallel mono outputs feeds two subs from one preamp, which is how you even out bass across a room rather than pile it into one corner.
• Your system is part of the house — a network port for IP control, RS232 and a 12V trigger let an installer fold the RC-1572MKII into an automation system instead of working around it.
• You play moving-coil records — the built-in phono stage is moving magnet, set at 3mV and 47k ohms. For a low-output coil, add an outboard stage from our phono preamplifiers and run it into a line input.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run the balanced XLR or RCA outputs to your power amplifier, and a subwoofer to either mono output. Your turntable joins the phono input, disc players take the coaxial or optical sockets, and a computer uses PC-USB. A phone pairs over Bluetooth.

Headphones plug into the front. Set the tone controls once if the room needs them, and the signal sensing wakes the preamp when music starts.

Pairs Well With

Building around the RC-1572MKII? Here are some great companions:

• Power Amplifier: Rotel's RB-1582MKII completes the stack — see our Amplifiers.
• Turntable: Put the built-in phono stage to work — see our Turntables.
• Subwoofer: Two parallel outputs invite one, or a pair — see our Subwoofers.
• Interconnects: Quality XLR cables feed your power amp — see our Interconnect Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect a turntable?

Yes. A moving-magnet phono input is built in, with 3mV sensitivity and the standard 47k-ohm loading.

What digital formats does it handle?

PCM to 32-bit/384kHz over PC-USB, with MQA and MQA Studio decoding to 24-bit/384kHz. Coaxial and optical take LPCM to 24-bit/192kHz.

Does it have a headphone output?

Yes, a 3.5mm jack on the front panel. Plugging in headphones leaves the preamp outputs live, so turn your power amp off before you listen.

How many subwoofers can I run?

Two. The mono subwoofer outputs are summed from both channels and wired in parallel.

Is it Roon Tested?

Yes, and Bluetooth carries aptX HD and AAC for wireless sources.

What finishes are available?

Silver and black, styled to match Rotel's RB-series power amplifiers.

See It in Action

Taps Das reviews the RC-1572MKII with its matching RB-1582MKII power amplifier:

Zero Fidelity puts the RC-1572MKII through its paces:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about preamplifiers, DACs, or building a matched system? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.