new rotel 15 series

[demazi]

hi what are your thoughts of the new RB-1572, do you think its worth upgrading from the RB-1080 because i really like the new looks of if but not sure if its worth upgrading to it would i notice any difference between the two.

[btf1980]

Nope.

Don't get me wrong, the build quality and performance is what we can expect from Rotel, but unless there is something wrong with your RB-1080, then I do not think the upgrade is worth it.

That said however, the 1572 is a Class D design, so it is a good deal lighter, and is more energy efficient than the 1080.

I spent a lot of time with Rotel Class D amps, both their previous generation and the current 15 series, I walked away thinking that apart from their more decor friendly slim designs, in terms of performance, they are no better than the good ol' Class A beasts we have come to love.

I also prefer the design of the older 10 series. To me, the new design (especially the silver) just looks like shoddy Krell imitations. No thanks.

[Josh]

In speaking with some professionals, I have heard Rotel's Class D stuff refered to as crap. Any improvement with the 15 series?

[btf1980]

Originally Posted by Josh

In speaking with some professionals, I have heard Rotel's Class D stuff refered to as crap. Any improvement with the 15 series?

I would not call it crap, but generally speaking, from my experience, Class D offers no sonic improvements over Class A. In terms of Rotel, I would stick to Class A stuff. Class D is nice and slim, so it is great for WAF however. I don't buy gear for WAF.

With regards to amps, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. A poweramp is the only component that can withstand the test of time.

[esquire415]

Originally Posted by btf1980

I also prefer the design of the older 10 series. To me, the new design (especially the silver) just looks like shoddy Krell imitations. No thanks.

I agree. I really love the 10-series design. It screams Rotel. This new design delineated from what they are known for... reliability, ruggedness, strength, and power. They now look sissified. I was waiting for Rotel to come out with an update of the RB-1080. Well they did with the 1091/1092 models sporting the new IcePower Class-D amps but man they are 500 freakin' watts! They're not cheap either. Many wanted them to release a 200W version (probably call it RB-1082 or RB-1093) to keep the cost down, which is enough to drive many speakers, but didn't. Instead they came out with a new series and developed the RB-1572 which cost $1300-$1800. Don't know why you need a new series/design...maybe so they can say it's an upgrade and new design means they can raise the prices more.

[btf1980]

Originally Posted by esquire415

I agree. I really love the 10-series design. It screams Rotel. This new design delineated from what they are known for... reliability, ruggedness, strength, and power. They now look sissified. I was waiting for Rotel to come out with an update of the RB-1080. Well they did with the 1091/1092 models sporting the new IcePower Class-D amps but man they are 500 freakin' watts! They're not cheap either. Many wanted them to release a 200W version (probably call it RB-1082 or RB-1093) to keep the cost down, which is enough to drive many speakers, but didn't. Instead they came out with a new series and developed the RB-1572 which cost $1300-$1800. Don't know why you need a new series/design...maybe so they can say it's an upgrade and new design means they can raise the prices more.

I agree. The 10 series are imo better built than the new models, though the new models are still superbly built, nothing wrong there per se. It's a shame really though as I prefer the 10 series aesthetics. I left rotel for marantz, and I could not be happier. I waited a long time for a new rotel prepro. I bought the rotel rsp-1069, but that had some issues. Instead of fixing it and addressing the problem head on, they quietly offered new boards, and one stinkin' year later, completely abandon the rsp1069 and release a brand new prepro that does onboard decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS HDMA. $2,200 is not a small price to pay to be abandoned in literally a few months. Pissed me off. Rotel lost a lot of customers because of that crap. Can't blame people for walking.

[THE_FORCE]

In the UK, the 1575 is finally getting the respect it deserves. Peeps are coming round to the fact that this monster is extremely powerful, yet light, extremely efficient, and more importantly completely neutral sounding. It won't colour your music.

I know a few new owners that have ditched Krell in favour of the new Rotel, as they've realised that the Krell are way overpriced for the components that they contain inside the chassis.

Talking of Krell, I can't see any resemblance myself ? Show me one Krell component with a front end that looks like this ?



Maybe the power button looks the same, oh...and it's silver lol ! That's as far as it goes !

I love the design of the 15 series personally, and won't be trading mine in any time soon.

[btf1980]

What's up FORCE?

You can't see the resemblance to Krell gear? Look at the edges!

The only difference is that rotel put the grills on the front of their power amps.





Krell in black.


Rotel in black.