Rotel has been creating audio components for more than 46 years that have all been designed with the goal of bringing high-end audio technology to the more discriminating audiophile. Rotel's RA-1520 integrated amplifier retains the same focus, as this amplifier contains features such as a moving magnet phono input for crystal clear turntable audio and a brushed aluminum front panel that brings professional elegance to its appearance. The old school has met the new school all in one chassis.

The RA-1520 also saves a lot of space for someone who does not want four or five separate components cluttering up their living room or media room. While this amplifier delivers outstanding audio that reproduces musical performances with great acuity, the RA-1520 also does a great job of allowing the user to hook up a variety of digital/analog audio sources to the amplifier using the five inputs included in the rear panel of this audio component.

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With that type of adaptability factor built into this well designed integrated amplifier, it's no wonder that the RA-1520 retails for just under $1,000. But when you consider that this amplifier will dramatically increase the overall audio clarity of your current speaker configuration, the higher price tag is definitely worth it.

Looking at the front panel of this amplifier, you will notice how easily accessible and attractive the front button set-up design is. The panel consists of a very large volume knob surrounded by a light blue undercoating, a smaller power button that lights up around the button when the amplifier is powered up, treble, bass, tone controls all set up close by and source/output controls that can all be accessed with ease.

While listening to various musical groups using a CD player as the primary audio source, I noticed that the RA-1520 was able to replicate instrumental interludes with a natural-sounding smoothness that was truly 'alive' at all times during the song's progression.

A cassette player was then used as the next audio source connected to this integrated amplifier, and again the RA-1520 did an extremely good job of boosting the cassette's audio quality to such a high degree, it was amazing that the music I was listening to was emanating from an analog audio cassette instead of a digital audio source. Most of the vocals I heard during this demonstration sounded vibrant and clear, while the drums, bass and guitar were all replicated with highly detailed tonal structures that really breathed new life into the audio cassette's sound quality.

No matter what type of musical style used during this demonstration and no matter which audio source used as the main playback component, to experience what the RA-1520 could achieve, the sound stage was always filled with precise audio that exploded with amazing sound clarity. For the serious audiophile who is looking to purchase an integrated amplifier that drastically improves any CD, cassette or phonograph's audio capabilities, the RA-1520 is highly recommended.

Competition and Comparison
Compare Rotel's RA-1520 against its competition by reading our reviews for the Bel Canto e. One S300iu integrated amplifier review and the Arcam FMJ A18 integrated amplifier review. You can learn more about Rotel by reading our article Rotel's New 15 Series Audiophile Two-Channel Componenets or visiting our Rotel brand page.