High Points
• This integrated amplifier's ability to increase the sound quality of
any audio source component it is hooked up with should be applauded by
any fan of stellar audio component design.
• The modern-looking yet classical structure of the RA-1520's front
panel will make your friends green with envy when they first gaze upon
this beauty.
• With five inputs located in the back panel, this integrated amplifier
will allow any consumer full access to their entire musical catalogue,
no matter what type of audio format that happens to be.
• The compact design and weight of the RA-1520 (just under eight pounds)
means you can easily place this integrated amp in almost any audio rack
or shelving space you have in your listening area or media room.
Low Points
• While this amplifier's ability to reproduce the mid-range and high-end
audio frequencies of any audio CD or cassette was done extremely well, I
was disappointed with the dispersion quality of the low-end on too many
occasions.
• For the consumer who is looking to buy an integrated amplifier that
can do a superb job of delivering THX-certified theater surround-sound
or DTS sound, he should pass on buying the RA-1520.
• If you happen to own speakers that already possess an outstanding
ability to deliver very bright audio, you might want to pass on
purchasing this amplifier, as it might bring too much brightness to your
overall listening experience. For speakers like Vandersteen or Magnepan
many others - this amp is a strong performer.
Conclusion
The Rotel RA-1520 is a sonically dynamic integrated amplifier and the
sound quality that this amplifier disperses speaks volumes about Rotel's
dedication in designing high-quality audio components year after year.
This amplifier breathes new life into audio formats that most critics
have long ago left for dead, such as the audiocassette and the
phonograph. With it's innate ability to process analog audio signals
into something resembling the crisper quality of digital signatures, the
RA-1520 should be looked at as the wave of the future when it comes to
integrated amplifier design technology.
At a price of $1,000, the average consumer would certainly balk at paying such a high price for most any audio component that does not come with speakers, a CD player, etc. But for the audiophile who is well aware of Rotel's prestigious reputation as one of the premiere audio manufacturers in the world today, the $1,000 price tag is completely justified.
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