Rotel RSP 1570 Audio/Video Processor Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity 10/1/09 12:16 PM

The SECRETS Primers | The SECRETS DVD Player Benchmark | rss

First Name: Email: *
Enter the letters shown:* SUBMIT
Home
Reviews
Press
A/V Resources
Community
Technical Articles

search...

Home Processors Rotel RSP 1570 Audio/Video Processor

Processors
Rotel RSP 1570 Audio/Video Processor
Written by Jared Rachwalski
Thursday, 01 October 2009 00:00
Article Index
Rotel RSP 1570 Audio/Video Processor
Page 2: Design of the Rotel RSP 1570
Page 3: Set up of the Rotel RSP 1570
Page 4: Rotel RSP 1570 In Use
Page 5: Conclusions about the Rotel RSP 1570
All Pages

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/processors/682-rotel-rsp-1570.html?showall=1 Page 1 of 11
Rotel RSP 1570 Audio/Video Processor Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity 10/1/09 12:16 PM

Introduction

The latest processor from Rotel looks to improve upon the solid quality of the previous RSP-1069. The
biggest change is that the RSP-1570 now features four HDMI 1.3 inputs with 1080p / 24 Hertz compliance
which also supports the new “Deep Color” and xvYCC video options.

This is a 9 channel (single-ended) home-theater processor with multi-zone (analog only) capabilities, video
switching and up conversion. It also is capable of decoding the new HD surround formats. There is still no
room correction, networking or USB capabilities. For some that will kill the deal, for those that prefer
simplicity over bells and whistles this may be the processor you have been looking for.

Specifications
Decodable input signals: DD, DD-EX, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS ES 96/24, 192k LCPM,
Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master
MFR Audio Frequency response: 10 Hz - 120 kHz, +/- 3 dB (Analog bypass)
MFR Audio Frequency response: 10 Hz – 95 kHz, +/- 3 dB (Digital input)
MFR Video Frequency response: 3 Hz - 10 MHz, +/- 3 dB (Composite and S-Video)
MFR Video Frequency response: 3 Hz – 100 MHz, +/- 3 dB (Component Video)
Audio Inputs: 3 coaxial, 4 optical, 8 analog stereo, 1 analog multi channel (7.1 with bass
management)
Video Inputs: 4 HDMI (ver. 1.3) 3 component, 3 composite, 3 s-video
Audio Outputs: 1 coaxial, 1 optical, 3 analog stereo
Video Outputs: 1 HDMI, 1 Component, 3 composite, 3 s-video
Pre-Outs: 10 at 1v (dual center outputs, dual subwoofer outputs)
RS232 Port
4 independent Zones
Dimensions: 5.625" H x 17.0" W x 13.25" D
Weight: 22 Pounds
MSRP: $2,199 USA, $2,499 CDN

Design

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/processors/682-rotel-rsp-1570.html?showall=1 Page 2 of 11
Rotel RSP 1570 Audio/Video Processor Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity 10/1/09 12:16 PM

The most noticeable change from the 10 series to the new 15 series is the front panel. The front corners are
now rounded, the red leds are now blue, bright blue and the unit is 15/8” taller than the 1069. The rear
panel is identical, and we find no changes to the inputs and outputs. There are plenty of analog and digital
inputs. Lacking from this unit is however, is any form of a second HD output (you cannot use both the
component and HDMI at the same time), and no digital multi-zone capabilities. The multi-zones are stuck
with analog audio and composite video, yet have ample 12volt and IR inputs and outputs. The unit is heavy
and solid, with a strong chassis and secure posts and jacks.

The remote is almost identical to the previous RSP-1069’s and while square and rather old looking, is a
powerful and flexible remote in terms of programming. It can be programmed with codes, learn commands,
do macros and more. Unfortunately there are some control issues, if the remote is not facing directly at the
RSP it will not respond. Unlike my Denon remote that will bounce the signal off the ceiling and still
respond.

Set Up

In my system the RSP 1570 was connected to a 5ch Rotel RMB-1085 powering Raw Acoustics OB3x’s in
the front, Raw Acoustics OB2x’s in the rear and a Paradigm CC330 center. All bass from 60Hz and down
was directed to a Velodyne in-ceiling 12” subwoofer with built in room correction. For SD DVD and
SACD I used an Oppo 981-HD, and my HTPC handled music and HD video. All video was sent from the
Rotel via HDMI to an Optoma HD 200x 1080p projector.

Sadly they did not make any change to either the OSD or the remote control and both seem stuck in the
1990’s. There are two ways of configuring the options, either through the menu or a computer interface, yet
there is still no way to configure anything using only the processor’s display. The rear panel bi-directional
RS-232 ports finally support a computer setup menu and allows to you configure all the options on one
screen. You need a Serial-Ethernet cable, which should be in your box or with your local dealer. Oh and
you need a serial port on your computer, remember those? Connecting through your computer allows you
to configure everything that you could using the main menu. This includes crossover points for different
surround formats, assigning the 12v triggers, and setting the speaker levels. You can configure the input
names and connections. For example, with my HTPC I renamed the Video3 input to Computer, Audio set
to HDMI and Video set to HDMI 1.

In Use

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/processors/682-rotel-rsp-1570.html?showall=1 Page 3 of 11
Rotel RSP 1570 Audio/Video Processor Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity 10/1/09 12:16 PM

First thing I did was to swap out the RSP-1069 so I could do a direct comparison. Using the Cowboy
Junkies Whites Off Earth Now played through my HTPC I was unable to detect any sonic differences
between the two units. Both were able to convey the sense of space and the dynamic range of the
recording. Try as I might, I could not detect anything that was different. This is not a bad thing, as the
RSP-1069 is a fantastic processor for music.

Playing the SD DVD Kung-Fu Hustle from an Oppo 981HD presented no discernible difference from the
1069, and again this is a good thing. The 1080p video Planet Earth in x.264 format played from my HTPC
also showed no noticeable difference in either audio or video over the 1069. The video portion is the one
area that could have improved. The difference was slight when comparing the Oppo’s up-conversion to the
Rotel’s, but noticeable once detected. The Rotel softened the picture just slightly, and blacks were slightly

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/processors/682-rotel-rsp-1570.html?showall=1 Page 4 of 11
Rotel RSP 1570 Audio/Video Processor Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity 10/1/09 12:16 PM

better when bypassing the Rotel’s scaler. The issues were hard to detect and if you did not know what you
were looking for you would not notice any. Ignorance is bliss in this hobby sometimes. The good news is
that the processor passed 1080p material without any processing. It should also be noted that this processor
will not pass the HDMI signal when turned off.

For comparative analog audio I put the processor up against a Marantz PM-8003 integrated amplifier. The
Marantz was used as a pre-amp only and amplification came from the Rotel RMB-1085. Source for this
test was a Onix XCD-88 HDCD player playing Lateralus By Tool. This disc is a torture test for dynamics
and control with intense drum-work laid over electric guitar and solid bass lines. At normal (loud) volumes
the difference was not worth mentioning. At louder levels, ok, very-loud levels, the Rotel had a slight
upper-hand with mid-bass control, noticeable with the kick-drum and bass-lines. It was at soft volumes
that the difference was clear. The Marantz kept its warm and lush tone yet the Rotel seemed to lose its
impact and sounded flat compared to the Marantz.

Conclusions

Overall the build quality is great and the audio is flawless. The video up-conversion is still not the best
with all displays, fortunately 1080p is passed without any processing. There is no room-correction system
as Rotel feels this is more effective when performed by a qualified professional rather than the end-user. It
does seem strange that features available in a $500 receiver are missing from this unit; keep in mind, the
target market for this processor is more likely to want separate video and room correction processors. This
is not a “bells & whistles” product. With receivers and processors features will drive the decision. In my
setup I do not require room correction with my main speakers, nor do I need extra video processing and
therefore lacking these features was not a problem for me.

If you want all the latest connectivity and configuration abilities the Rotel will leave you wanting more. If
you want great sound, a solid build and ease of use the RSP-1570 should be on your audition list.
Tags: Processors

Comments (0)

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/processors/682-rotel-rsp-1570.html?showall=1 Page 5 of 11