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Otherwise the well-organized fascia makes usage quite intuitive. Most basic functions are accessed here whilst more specialized functions arranged very logically in the lower menu layers require the remote. Here one might wish for more size contrast of the most commonly used buttons like volume control but I for one didn’t encounter any real issues.

Over-the-air radio broadcast both analog and digital was fluid and balanced. With proper reception mainstream stations like the popular youth programme 1Live of the WDR exhibited minor midrange emphasis, powerful bass and somewhat recessed treble. This was no reflection on any Rotel voicing but broadcast compressors. As expected, Internet radio quality lived and died on data density. This spanned the gamut from awful coke-can drizzle (predominantly US university campus stations) to respectably fulsome Rock (www.radio-im-internet.de) to bona fide Aha! moments of certain Jazz and Blues stations which broadcast at a (for Internet radio high) 320kBit/s. To be honest, the tuner section here won’t be reason why punters opt for this receiver. That said, it’s certainly good enough for daily use and as such no better or worse than most competitors'.


Conclusion: The Rotel RCX-1500 is a heavy hitter on functionality, sound, design and price and in that sequence. On trim only a phono stage is missing but the rest is future proof. On sound there’s balance, transparency and excellent flow. Particularly network streaming was a true pleasure followed closely by the CD drive. The design is intuitive, elegant and living-room friendly. The price is competitive and fair. Arcam’s Solo Neo is pricier but basically no better. Naim’s Uniti does play slightly better but also commands commensurately more green. Those looking for reserved elegance in a multi-tasking receiver with a logical user interface and harmonically balanced sound ought to audition Rotel’s RCX-1500.


Psych profile:

  • Very clean, punchy and transparent.
  • Good structural sorting and localization of individual action.
  • Impressively large and particularly deep soundstaging.
  • Tight and well-articulated if not abysmal bass.
  • Attractive vocal intimacy that’s not overdone.
  • Clean highs that never bite or get nervous.
  • Good flow and rhythm.

Other:
  • Network streaming or CD spinning are senior to Internet radio, digital or analog broadcast but the latter are sufficient for office or household coverage.
  • There’s no power mains switch.
  • Connection to LAN/WLAN is unusually slow.
  • The use of USB dongles is somewhat inelegant.
Facts
  • Concept: All-in-one CD receiver (radio, CD, network player, Internet radio and DAB/FM tuner, LAN/WLAN streaming, USB input for memory stick, digital iPad/iPod/iPhone connection)
  • Trim: Silver or black
  • Dimensions and weight: 391 x 144 x 343mm (WxHxD), 8.1kg
  • Output power: 100wpc into 8 ohms
  • I/o ports: 1 x high-level, WLAN/LAN USB dongles, USB for memory media, 1 optical/coax digital input
  • Other: remote control, file compatibility with all common formats
  • Warranty: 2 years
redaktion @ fairaudio.de
Rotel website