The heart of an audiophile-grade stereophonic system formed by “separate elements” is the preamp. The separate components fulfill the promise of delivering the best possible fidelity having each been optimized for its role in the sound reproduction chain. The new RC-1572 stereo preamp leverages the design of our benchmark preamp, the RC-1590, to include its included 32-bit/768 kHz stereophonic AKM digital-to-analog converter to handle the critical signal conversion. Among many refinements, the RC-1572 will incorporate relay switching -instead of a switch based on an integrated circuit- for analog sources in order to maintain the integrity of the signal path corresponding to both phono and line inputs with RCA connectors and actor connectors XLR.

Behind the sleek lines and practical front panel of the RC-1572 we find highly sophisticated engineering. Both analog sources and their digital counterparts have received the utmost attention since it is very likely that today's user has several digital sources in his equipment and at the same time wants to enjoy classic formats such as the vinyl record. An oversized toroidal transformer and a regulated power supply ensure the full satisfaction of the voltage and current demands of all stages under the most demanding dynamic regime operating conditions. Also, components of the highest quality have been selected uniquely and exclusively after passing exhaustive listening tests. Careful routing of all low-level signals has also been undertaken to ensure an out-of-the-ordinary signal/noise ratio. The result is fluid musical dynamics and a sense of scale and some absolutely stunning detail.

The RC-1572 stereo preamp is also extremely flexible. Four digital inputs (2 coaxial and 2 optical) plus the rear PC-USB jack handle digital signals with up to 32-bit/384-kHz resolution. The four inputs have been designed to accommodate sources such as separate TV tuners, flat-screen TVs or Blu-ray Disc players in order to achieve impactful sound playback. In this regard, it is important to note that it is also possible to set the volume level and set an automatic starting option with the digital inputs to facilitate their use with devices that incorporate their own volume control. Also, it is important to note that the PC-USB input supports DSD signals. Bluetooth connectivity with aptX is also available. Among the available analog inputs are four conventional type equipped with RCA connectors and one balanced with XLR connectors that is suitable for connecting the RCD-1572 CD player using the XLR outputs of the same. Source connectivity of the RC-1572 is completed with a moving magnet (MM) capsule-compatible phono stage. As for the outputs, there are both balanced with XLR connectors and unbalanced with RCA connectors, as well as a mono for subwoofer and two jacks for 12-volt firing signal that allow you to control the on/off of an amp and/or other components. Control options are also available to facilitate integration into bespoke systems, in the case of RS232 connectivity via a standard DB9 connector, as well as an Ethernet port for control via IP and software updates. In summary, the RC-1572 is a product that offers exceptional value for money and the perfect upgrade for those who own hundred percent analog preamps with many years behind them.