News

Following the addition of its 14 Series of components in October last year, Rotel has been hard at work on models further up its hi-fi hierarchy with three new stereo-only 15 Series components – plus a multi-channel surround amplifier, the RAP-1590 (£3,395) – aimed at aficionados looking to make the next step up. First up, the RC-1572 two-channel preamplifier (£945) is ideally suitedto match with one of the company's existing 15 Series stereo power amplifiers. The new preamp is fitted with relay switching for analogue sources (rather than IC based), which claims to ensure the integrity of the signal path for analogue inputs that include XLRs, 4x RCA and a moving-magnet phono stage. Its 32-bit AKM4495 DAC handles optical and coaxial inputs (up to 24-bit/192kHz), and USB up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM as well as DSD128.

Elegant compact system dresses to impress

Meet the company's fourth-generation DAB/ Bluetooth radio

Music centres are the perfect solution for those that are short on space, and Ruark Audio has become something of a master of the form (see its R4 Mk3 on theGroup Test in HFC 411), so the news that the British manufacturer has upgraded its R7 is very welcome. We reviewed the original R7 in HFC 384, commenting on its styling cues taken from the classic radiogram, which updates the traditional ‘wireless’ by including digital, analogue and internet tuners, along with a slot-loading CD player. Ruark Audio tells us that the updated R7 benefits from further audio enhancements to its amplifiers and speaker crossovers that results in a smoother and more extended frequency response with improved soundstage, making the listening experience even more realistic and enjoyable. The revised model still offers DLNA wi-fi and aptX Bluetooth connectivity for streaming of music from smartphones, laptops and network storage devices, as well as more traditional analogue and digital connectivity hookups – and a charging port for smartphones and tablets.

Ruark’s R4 Integrated Music System (IMS) incorporates a CD player, aptX Bluetooth connectivity, DAB/DAB+/FM tuners with a 2. 1 speaker system. The third-generation R4 IMS looks familiar but, says Ruark, it has a sleeker profile, an OLED display, RotoDial controller and an ergonomically designed remote. The updated slot-loading CD mechanism provides CD text info with compatible discs, and the rear panel has a USB playback port for MP3, AAC and WMA files (which also doubles as a mobile charge port) along with optical digital and RCA analogue inputs.

UK entertainment system upgrade