As Rotel states in its own website, a stereo system today can be something as simple as an integrated amplifier connected to a smartphone and a pair of bookshelf speakers. We will even add that it might be simply a laptop connected to a pair of powered speakers with integrated streamer. Or, as Rotel hopes we all do, it might be something larger and more sophisticated – a stereo preamplifier with on-board DAC, multiple independent sources including a turntable, a CD player, a network music player and powerful separate amplifiers for bi-amping full range floor-standing speakers. Simple or sophisticated, Rotel manufactures a wide range of high performance, high value audio stereo components that will fulfill the passion for great audio.
Coming directly from its engineering team in Tokyo, Japan, Rotel introduced the A12MKII, CD14MKII and RCD-1572MKII models, following the successful launch of the previously updated A14MKII, RA-1572MKII, RA-1592MKII, RC-1572MKII and RC-1590MKII models. All timed for the company's 60th anniversary and manufactured in Rotel's own manufacturing facilities.
The new MKII models benefit from improvements to audio circuits and components that Rotel describes as resulting in "exceptional performance, improved accuracy, and greater acoustic detail. The soundstage of the new models delivers wider and more genuine presentation of the music with increased depth and natural expression." These subjective improvements are in part the result of the fact that all these MKII models feature a new, premium, Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz digital-to-analog converter with critically tuned output filter circuits, power supply refinements, precision acoustic coupling capacitors, and circuit board layout isolation techniques that lower the noise floor and reduce distortion.
"Rotel’s engineers leveraged over 60 years of experience with the latest technologies and innovations to develop these exceptional MKII models,” says Daren Orth, Chief Technology Officer of Rotel. “We utilized Michi, Rotel and Tribute technologies, ensuring the new MKII models achieved the performance deserving of this iconic brand as we celebrate our anniversary."
The A12MKII integrated amplifier includes the new TI DAC, digital processor, and digital interface chipset with 12 complimentary changes to the power amplifier delivering on the continued promise of performance and value. Each MKII CD player received an upgraded CD drive mechanism, new CD controller chipset, DAC and tuned critical acoustic components. The CD14MKII and RCD-1572MKII provide RCA outputs and a coaxial digital output, allowing the units to be utilized as a CD transport supporting off-board digital-to-analog processing. The RCD-1572MKII also includes a fully balanced, fully differential XLR output rejecting external noise and lowering RF interference.
The new Rotel A12MKII ($1,099 USD), CD14MKII ($899 USD) and RCD-1572MKII ($1,099 USD) systems will be available in silver and black finishes through the Authorized Rotel and Sumiko dealers in the USA and also the rest of the world beginning in January 2022.
www.rotel.com
