Last year in December we reviewed the Rotel 14 series and we were impressed by the build and sound quality. Now a year later we are happy to report that we could get our hands on the Rotel RA-1592 integrated amplifier and RCD-1572 cd player. Both are part of Rotels 15 Series.

Let's have look at the RA-1592 integrated amplifier.

The RA-1592 is an integrated amplifier with a dual-monoblock design that offers an output of 200 watts per channel and we can hear that controlled sound.

It is packed with many features and we like that. A moving magnet phono stage for a turntable; a headphone output, Bluetooth, optical (for a TV or set-top box) and coaxial inputs, a USB-B input to connect a PC or a Innuos music server, analog inputs including balanced XLR inputs (for use with the Rotel RCD-1572 if you like).

There is a set of subwoofer outputs and a RCA pre-output if you want to use the RA-1592 as a pre-amplifier. Two sets of speaker binding posts allow to connect 2 pairs of loudspeakers (for one set of speakers in the main listening room and perhaps another pair in the kitchen?).

The Rotel RCD-1572 is the flagship CD player in Rotel's 15 Series. It can connect to the RA-1592 via RCA (unbalanced), XLR (balanced) outputs and there is a digital output. The digital output allows you to connect to an external DAC (Digital to Analogue converter) if you have one.

We partnered the Rotel combination with a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2, from the new Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series.

The new B&W 700 Series replaced the previous CM Series and it incorporates studio-grade technologies from the flagship 800 Diamond Series. The 703 S2 feature a new tweeter and a carbon dome tweeter. This new carbon dome tweeter delivers a cleaner and sweeter treble.

The dedicated midrange drive unit, the Continuum Cone, has been adopted from the 800 Diamond Series and is big step up from the Aramid Fibre drivers, used in the previous CM range. It is a de-coupled design that reduces cabinet colouration and improves midrange performance.

The two bass drivers are Aerofoil profil bass cones. They have a variable thickness and provide stiffness and rigidity for a deeper and more dynamic bass.

So much for the features, what does this system sound like?
We listened to Beck's Album Sea Change. It is a great sounding Album and the vocals and instruments are well presented in the room . It is stunning to hear this clarity and big sound stage. We then played James Taylor's Album "Before This World " and it is nice how much it draws us in. Just close your eyes, sit back and enjoy.

The last Album we listened to was Yello's Album "Touch Yello". We put on "Till Tomorrow" or "Kiss in Blue " and we loved the controlled big bass we heard.

So what's not to like?
All in all we think this is a great sounding music system that makes us want to listen to more music. Please feel free to book a demonstration or just come in for a chat and a listen.

We are always happy to talk to you.

Thanks you very much for reading our blog and we hope to see you soon.

Stefan & Andy - Audio-T Swindon

Bowers & Wilkins Hi-Fi products are available from the following branches of Audio T:
Brentwood, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Enfield, Manchester, Oxford, Portsmouth, Preston, Reading, Southampton, Swansea, Swindon