Rotel RCD-1572 MkII CD Player

The Sound of Doing One Thing Well

Streaming has made most CD players an afterthought. But a good transport and DAC, built just for this format, can still sound better than a general-purpose digital source. The Rotel RCD-1572 MkII is built to do one job: play CDs, and do it as well as Rotel knows how.

Inside, a smooth, silent-loading tray feeds a Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz DAC, the kind of conversion quality found in far pricier gear. An ultra-low-noise toroidal transformer, built in-house rather than bought from a supplier, keeps power clean during playback.

The result is measurable, not just marketed. Total harmonic distortion sits at just 0.0035% at 1kHz. Signal-to-noise ratio runs over 118dB, and channel separation beats 118dB at 10kHz. Those numbers add up to a quiet, accurate foundation for whatever amplifier and speakers come next.

Built for a Serious Two-Channel System

The RCD-1572 MkII offers both fully balanced XLR outputs (4.5V) and unbalanced RCA outputs (2.2V), so it can partner with amplifiers at nearly any price point. Reviewers found the XLR connection sounded noticeably cleaner and more detailed than the standard RCA path. It's worth using if your amplifier supports it.

A coaxial digital output lets you feed the disc transport into an external DAC instead. A 12-volt trigger input lets the player power on automatically with the rest of a Rotel-based system. The included remote handles playback from your listening chair, and the front panel matches Rotel's other MkII components for a cohesive stack.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Chris Eberle of HomeTheaterHifi.com praised the build, noting "a high-quality transport with a tray that glides in and out silently and a noiseless motor," and found the XLR connection "significantly" outperformed the coaxial digital option. The Audio Tailor called it a "beautifully balanced soundstage, exquisite tonal fidelity and an extraordinary sense of space," with "exceptionally clean, distortion-free output."

Who Is This CD Player Best For?

• You still own CDs and want them to sound their best — this player is built around Redbook CD playback specifically, not as an afterthought.
• You have an amplifier with balanced XLR inputs — the RCD-1572 MkII is built to take advantage of a fully balanced signal path.
• You want a cohesive Rotel system — its styling and 12-volt trigger are designed to pair with the RA-1572 MkII and similar Rotel components.
• You want measurable, honest performance — Rotel publishes real distortion and noise figures rather than vague marketing claims.
• If you want streaming, digital inputs, or SACD/DVD-A playback, this isn't that player — it's a dedicated CD transport and DAC, nothing more.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The RCD-1572 MkII connects to your amplifier through either balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA analog outputs. A coaxial digital output is available if you'd rather use an external DAC, though there's no optical output.

A 12-volt trigger input lets it power on automatically alongside compatible Rotel components, and the included remote covers play, pause, track skip, and other everyday controls.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the RCD-1572 MkII:

• Integrated Amplifier: The matching Rotel RA-1572 MkII shares its styling and trigger compatibility — see our Integrated Amplifiers.
• Cables: A quality interconnect matters most on the XLR outputs — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Audio Rack: Give your CD player and amp a stable, matched home — see our Audio Racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it play SACDs or DVD-Audio discs?

No. The RCD-1572 MkII plays standard Redbook CDs only.

Should I use the XLR or RCA output?

If your amplifier has balanced XLR inputs, use those — reviewers found it delivers noticeably cleaner sound than the RCA connection.

Does it have an optical digital output?

No. It offers a coaxial digital output only, for use with an external DAC.

What's the 12-volt trigger for?

It lets the player power on and off automatically alongside compatible Rotel components, like the RA-1572 MkII.

Does it include a remote?

Yes, a full remote control is included for everyday playback.

What finishes are available?

Black or silver.

See It in Action

Crutchfield walks through the RCD-1572 MkII's features and setup:

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Learn More

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