If you want to get the Rotel integrated amp, you should get the RA-1592 ($2500). The RA-1592 is a big step up sonically from the RA-1570. I didn't like the RA-1570.
I've never listened to any Hegel products before but always heard great things about their products. Heard from other people that even their entry level integrated amps are quite good.
Generally, Rotel and Hegel aren't on the same leagues sonically and price wise. Sonically, Hegel is a clear step up from Rotel but quite a bit more expensive than Rotel too. Except maybe Hegel's entry level integrated such as the H80 would be on the same league as the Rotel RA-1570 or Rotel A14.
Besides the Rotel and Hegel I highly recommend the following integrateds :
* Parasound Halo Integrated of the new HINT6 ($2500 & $3k).
* Classe Sigma 2200i stereo integrated amp ($5500).
* Rega Elicit-R analog integrated (no DAC/digital inputs) $3k.
* Naim Uniti Nova ($7500). It is basically a streamer/DAC/integrated amp all in one box. Superb sound, highly musical. Highly recommended.
* NAD M32.
* Some Simaudio Neo-Moon integrated.
I've never listened to any Hegel products before but always heard great things about their products. Heard from other people that even their entry level integrated amps are quite good.
Generally, Rotel and Hegel aren't on the same leagues sonically and price wise. Sonically, Hegel is a clear step up from Rotel but quite a bit more expensive than Rotel too. Except maybe Hegel's entry level integrated such as the H80 would be on the same league as the Rotel RA-1570 or Rotel A14.
Besides the Rotel and Hegel I highly recommend the following integrateds :
* Parasound Halo Integrated of the new HINT6 ($2500 & $3k).
* Classe Sigma 2200i stereo integrated amp ($5500).
* Rega Elicit-R analog integrated (no DAC/digital inputs) $3k.
* Naim Uniti Nova ($7500). It is basically a streamer/DAC/integrated amp all in one box. Superb sound, highly musical. Highly recommended.
* NAD M32.
* Some Simaudio Neo-Moon integrated.