Rotel RCD-1572 MkII CD Player - Silver

Balanced From the Converter to the Socket

The RCD-1572MKII is the Rotel CD player with a true balanced output. Not a balanced socket fed from a single-ended stage. This is a fully balanced signal path, carried all the way through to the XLR jacks.

Rotel calls this its Balanced Design Concept. It runs through the whole unit. Circuits are kept apart, both in the wiring and in the layout. That cuts distortion and drops the noise floor.

Power comes from a very quiet toroidal transformer. Rotel winds it in its own factory. Doing that in house is rare at this price. The transformer is where much of a player's noise starts.

Three Ways Out, Measured

The balanced XLR output gives 4.5 volts from 200 ohms. The RCA pair gives 2.2 volts from 100 ohms. A coaxial digital output sits alongside both. It runs at the standard 0.5 volts peak to peak.

Conversion is a Texas Instruments 32-bit chip, rated to 384kHz. Custom-tuned analog output filters follow it. Signal-to-noise measures better than 118dB A-weighted. That is a very low noise floor for a disc player.

Channel separation is better than 118dB at 10kHz. Dynamic range beats 99dB. Intermodulation distortion is 0.0035% at 1kHz. Frequency response holds within half a decibel right across the audible range.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Chris Eberle of HomeTheaterHifi.com praised the build. He noted "a high-quality transport with a tray that glides in and out silently and a noiseless motor." He also 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." It praised the "exceptionally clean, distortion-free output."

Who Is This CD Player Best For?

• You run a balanced system — a true differential XLR output at 4.5 volts carries a long run to a distant amplifier while rejecting the noise the cable picks up.
• You want the transformer done right — Rotel winds its own ultra-low-noise toroidal transformer, which is where a player's noise floor is set before anything else happens.
• You have both kinds of amplifier input — XLR at 4.5 volts and RCA at 2.2 volts are both fitted, so the player suits whatever you own now and whatever replaces it.
• You want the option of your own converter — a coaxial digital output means the RCD-1572MKII can work as a transport whenever you add a DAC.
• You are building a 1572 system — it matches the RA-1572MKII amplifier and RC-1572MKII preamplifier in size and finish, with a trigger to switch them on together. See our integrated amplifiers.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Use the balanced XLR outputs if your amplifier takes them, since that is the path the whole design was built around. Otherwise the RCA pair connects to any line input.

If you own a separate converter, take the coaxial digital output to it instead. The disc data then leaves the player without being converted at all.

Pairs Well With

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

• Integrated Amplifier: The RA-1572MKII is its match — see our Integrated Amplifiers.
• Preamplifier: The RC-1572MKII for a separates system — see our Preamplifiers.
• Interconnects: Balanced XLR keeps the path balanced — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Floorstanding Speakers: Finish the system — see our Floorstanding Speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the balanced output genuinely balanced?

Yes. It is a true differential balanced output, part of Rotel's Balanced Design Concept applied across the unit rather than a balanced socket on a single-ended stage.

What are the output levels?

4.5 volts from 200 ohms on balanced XLR, 2.2 volts from 100 ohms on unbalanced RCA, and 0.5 volts peak to peak on the coaxial digital output.

Which converter does it use?

A premium Texas Instruments 32-bit converter rated to 384kHz, with custom-tuned external analog output filters after it.

What does it measure?

Better than 118dB signal-to-noise and channel separation, better than 99dB dynamic range, and 0.0035% intermodulation distortion at 1kHz.

How does it differ from the CD14MKII?

The balanced XLR output, the Balanced Design Concept throughout, and Rotel's own in-house toroidal transformer.

What is the warranty?

Two years on parts and labor for the original owner, from an authorized North American dealer. You must register online within 30 days of purchase to qualify, and it does not transfer.

See It in Action

AV Atmos covers the RCD-1572MKII at launch alongside the CD14MKII:

And a longer walkthrough of the features and setup:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about balanced connections, CD players, or adding a converter? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.