Unboxing ROTEL RC-1572 MKII preamp. What a beautiful beast!

[@TriAmpMyFi]

Hello Normcore Greg, There's some issues here with the subwoofer claims.................................. 1. The Rotel doesn't play subwoofer frequencies. It's frequency response (with 1 exception) is partially down 1dB from 20Hz to 20KHz. The Rotel does not, can not play very low. 2. Subwoofers playing frequencies you can't hear is not proof they are "omnidirectional", however I do accept human hearing to be 20/20. Point being, even at frequencies below 20Hz, the time difference does matter. Place an "omnidirectional" 10,000 watt subwoofer 100 yards away & see if it's in time with the tweeters. It won't be. A single mono sub should always have it's voice coil marginally ahead of the tweeters from the front wall and always be centered between the mains. Two mono subwoofers go to the same spot but one gets stacked upon the other. (edit add) Two 2 mono subs, meaning they are both playing identical frequencies, coming from two different directions absolutely ensures huge nulls in cancellation interference. It's the textbook case of distortion. 3. L&R stereo subwoofers do provide instrument imaging and soundstage because 99.9% of sub users crossover way up the frequency to 60-80Hz range. Definitely audible. That's the range of kick drums and lots of bass guitar notes. This is the case where audiophiles should set aside their stands & place their 2-way mains on top of the subs. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@TriAmpMyFi]

. PS, do you know the symbol on your T-shirt?

[@NormcoreGreg]

Thanks for the comment! You're right - sub placement is not irrelevant. From what you're saying, I guess the optimal setup would be with monoblocs each hooked up to L&R subs (and main speakers). I bought this preamp exactly for the reason of testing monobloc config. Right now I have two Fosi Audio ZA3 that also have sub outs. But it also means now I'd have to invest in two subs ;-D

[@NormcoreGreg]

@@TriAmpMyFi , as for my T-shirt - I know it's Captain America's symbol, but I don't give it any extra meaning, if that's what you mean. I'm just childish and like superheroes, Lego bricks and audio equipment :)

[@TriAmpMyFi]

@@NormcoreGreg Your new Rotel is almost 1db down at 20Hz. Return it quick. You need a preamp with a frequency response of about 5Hz to 100KHz range to do what you're looking to do. They are available!

[@TriAmpMyFi]

@@NormcoreGreg Cool! I was just curious.

[@TriAmpMyFi]

The Parasound P5 Preamplifier & above are 3db down 10Hz to 100KHz.

[@johntucker5994]

For some reason, I always thought Rotel was headquartered in the UK, rather than Japan. That kind of makes more sense given that Rotel is known for more precision/detail and less warmth/coloration.

[@NormcoreGreg]

I was also surprised when I first learned that Rotel is Japanese. But then again so is Leben. Maybe it was their way of mimicing European brands with more heritage. After all, in the 60s and 70s Japan used to be to electronics what China is now. Of course they came a long way since then.

[@paradoxstudios6639]

I heard that to long ago, but Rotel use to brag about British slit foil capacitors in their equipment so maybe that's how folks got confused.

[@crBudgetWatches]

I think it’s Chinese owned now and made in China. Great brand.

[@Christopher-l3l]

We would like to send you a product to test and try, how can I contact you?

[@NormcoreGreg]

@user-gm4lz1bv3n, for review enquiries please contact me at [e-mail]. Thanks!