Rotel Launches 2 new components with Internet Radio and Streaming Media support

[Ajani]

Rotel introduces two new components with
Internet Radio and Streaming Media support

North Reading, MA—September 2009—For nearly fifty years, home electronics manufacturer Rotel has been known globally for creating components that deliver top-notch audio and video performance, at affordable prices. Joining the critically acclaimed 15 Series, Rotel has unveiled two new audio components that provide even more entertainment options with the addition of Internet Radio and streaming media capability.


RDG-1520—A Digital Internet Tuner for the 21st Century
RDG stands for Rotel Digital Gateway. The RDG-1520 Digital Internet Tuner certainly opens the gate wide for all that streaming media can offer, plus it includes an FM radio and offers a USB input for direct digital connection of an iPod or other USB class 2 devices, bypassing the inexpensive analog output stage in favor of a Wolfson DAC and high-end analog stage. The receiver’s tuner section includes both terrestrial FM and Internet radio so listening options are virtually limitless! There are presently over 15,000 Internet radio stations listed. In order to help keep favorite stations handy, the RCX-1500 includes 30 possible presets for instantaneous access to both FM and Internet broadcasts. A lap top can also be connected directly to the RDG-1520. Or owners can stream from a PC using Windows Media Player 11 over a wireless or wired Ethernet connection. A USB to WiFi Ethernet dongle is included. Supported codecs include RealAudio®, WMA, MP3, AAC & AAC+ (non DRM), AU, WAV and AIFF.

The RDG-1520 can be controlled via bi-directional RS-232, as well as discrete IR. Custom integrators will appreciate that the chassis is a standard 2U size and it works with Rotel’s RFK rack kits for an easy, clean installation.

Welcome to the future of music delivery
“The way in which we access music has changed profoundly in the past few years, with the iPod being the most visible symbol of the change” says Rotel’s V.P. Sales & Marketing Doug Henderson. “But even the ubiquitous iPod may have met its match in the fast growing wave of Internet music delivery.”

“Truly, the world of music is now open to all who want to listen,” adds Henderson. “There are more than 15,000 stations broadcasting via the web so go and pick your favorite genre or artist—it’s all there. Music delivery services like Rhapsody and Pandora let you personalize your on-line music experience.”

“And a great many of us have built a music library on our home PCs, which we’d like to have high fidelity access to through our primary stereo or home theater system. At Rotel, we intend to be fully involved in this growing revolution in music listening with components that will get the best out of these sources today and, as the sources gets better, our components will deliver even better fidelity tomorrow.”



RCX-1500 Streaming Media/CD/FM Stereo Receiver
While the RCX-1500 is an all-in-one model, it has been engineered using components that you would find in more expensive separates. The DAC is the high-performance Wolfson used in the acclaimed RCD-1520 CD player with 24 bit / 192kHz decoding. The amplifier uses our innovative Class D design that is highly efficient, runs cooler than older A/B designs and provides plenty of voltage and current to easily drive lower impedance speakers down to 4 ohms. With 100 watts per channel available, even large power hungry speakers will shine when connected to the RCX-1500. Of course, we expect it will be often partnered with high quality bookshelf models for stealthy but still very high quality single room applications.

The receiver’s tuner section includes both terrestrial FM and Internet radio so listening options are virtually limitless! Presently there are more than 15,000 Internet radio stations available and the RCX-1500 includes 30 possible presets for instantaneous access to both FM and Internet broadcasts. A wireless USB to Ethernet dongle (802.11) is provided for network connection or owners may choose to use a wired connection.

The RCX-1500, like the RDG-1520, supports UPnP technology. UPnP devices are "plug-and-play" which means when connected to a network they automatically announce their network address and supported device and services types, enabling clients that recognize those types to immediately begin using the device. The RCX-1500 will stream music files using Windows Media Player 11. Supported codecs include RealAudio®, WMA, MP3, AAC & AAC+ (non DRM), AU, WAV and AIFF.

As if all that isn’t enough, an RS-232 port provides system control and bi-directional feedback. In addition, the RCX-1500 is also a very high quality CD player, based on our outstanding RCD-1520.

The RCX-1500 is without doubt, one of the most flexible, high performance, single chassis stereo components available today.

RDG-1520 Digital Internet Tuner
Availability: Late October 2009
Suggested Retail Price: USD $999.00

RCX-1500 Streaming Media CD/FM Stereo Receiver
Availability: November 2009
Suggested Retail Price: USD $1,500.00

[Ajani]

Here you'll find a high resolution image of the RDG-1520 (looks as sweet as the rest of the of the 1520 series - same price of $1K as well):

http://www.nicollpr.com/ROTEL/Files/...ront-Hires.jpg

[Ajani]

Interesting about these 2 new products are that the RCX-1500 is essentially a low cost alternative to the NaimUniti (minus just a touch of the DAC functionality) and the RDG-1520 is a unique approach to a music streamer (normally these devices are either standalone possibly with Digital inputs to access their DAC - such as the Logitech Transporter... instead Rotel has linked it to an FM Tuner, treating it as kind of an ultimate Radio)