About The Rotel RB-1590 Stereo Power Amplifier
The Rotel RB-1590 is a 350 watt per channel Class A/B power amplifier that is engineered to sound brutally powerful with massive dynamics, yet at the same time extract the smallest nuance out of even the most complex music. It has been engineered to provide ultra-high-resolution audio performance, yet considering the substantial performance on offer, is still very affordable, as has been the tradition with Rotel electronics for over 50 years.
Power - refined, detailed, and plenty of it. Rotel's new Class A/B stereo power amplifier is rated at 350 watts per channel into 8 ohms both channels driven. That is a lot of power, but larger listening rooms or less sensitive loudspeaker designs require it to bring out the best possible performance and attain realistic audio dynamics.
Rock-Solid Power Supply: The impressive capabilities of the RB-1590 amplifier begin with a solid foundation consisting of twin massive toroidal transformers custom made by Rotel. These transformers are just part of a rock-solid power supply that includes eight special British made BHC capacitors, known for their low loss and quick response times. These components will continue to supply all of the voltage and current requirements needed, even under the most difficult load conditions.
But power unrefined has never been a Rotel design goal. Every aspect of circuit design has been carefully considered and each component has been rigorously selected after extensive listening sessions. The circuit topography has been laid out in a true monoblock design, ensuring maximum signal separation and improved stereo imaging.
Sophisticated Protection Circuitry: The RB-1590 has been designed for the most discerning audio enthusiast and will provide the highest levels of audio performance. To keep your amp running at the highest performance levels, it includes thermal protection circuitry, overcurrent, over-voltage protection circuitry, and dual staged power on relay to reduce surge current and extend longevity.
XLR Inputs & Other Features: For no compromise sound quality, the RB-1590 includes XLR balanced inputs which allows you to take full advantage of the true monoblock design, along with standard unbalanced RCA input connections. Also onboard are two pair of high quality 5-way speaker binding posts, a 12-volt trigger control, a detachable IEC power cord all in a 5U chassis with included rack mounts.
A Heritage of High Quality Design: The excellence of the RB-1590 reflects Rotel's heritage. Over fifty years ago, Rotel was founded by a family whose passionate interest in music led them to manufacture high-fidelity components of uncompromising quality. Through the years, that passion has remained undiminished and the family goal of providing exceptional value for audiophiles and music lovers, regardless of their budget, is shared by all Rotel employees.
Rotel's engineers work as a close team, listening to, and fine tuning, each new product until it reaches their exacting musical standards. They are free to choose components from around the world in order to make that product the best they can. You are likely to find capacitors from the United Kingdom and Germany, semiconductors from Japan or the United States, while toroidal power transformers are manufactured in Rotel's own factory.
In The News
"Rotel's new preamp and power amp combo, the RB-1590 and RC-1590, offer up very impressive specifications for a modest asking price. In particular, the RC-1590 preamp is loaded with features most every sub-$3000 preamp could only dream of. The RB-1590 amplifier offers 350WPC of class AB power for $5000. But, as we all know, features and specifications are worth only the paper they're printed on. What matters is how the components perform in the listening room. After spending some time with the RB and RC 1590, I was very impressed.
The RB-1590 power amp has lots of power capable of controlling virtually any loudspeaker, while still being able to deliver a subtle, detailed presentation. The soundstaging performance of the pair was excellent, amongst the best I've heard in my room with my loudspeakers. I would not hesitate to recommend this combo for anyone looking to spend about $8000 on a complete set of stereo audio electronics." Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity
"The Rotel RC-1590 preamplifier and RB-1590 amplifier are an impressive duo. The more time I spent with them, the more I grew to love them. I learned quite a bit about Rotel during this review, and all I can say is that the company has made a fan out of me." Home Theatre Review
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 350 Watt Stereo Class A/B power amplifier
- Class AB amplifier design
- Massive power supply using dual toroidal transformers
- High quality slit foil capacitors made in Britain
- Balanced XLR inputs
- Thermal protection circuitry
- Overcurrent and over-voltage protection circuitry
- Dual staged power on relay to reduce surge current and extend longevity
- Two pair of 5-way speaker binding posts
- 12-volt trigger control
- Detachable IEC power cord
- 5U chassis with included rack mounts
- Continuous Power Output: 350W/Ch (All channels driven, 8Ω)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)(20Hz–20kHz): <0.03%
- Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100kHz ±0.5dB
- S/N Ratio (IHF "A" Weighted): 120dB
- Gain: RCA: 27.5dB; XLR: 23.5dB
- Intermodulation Distortion (60Hz:7kHz, 4:1): <0.03%
- Damping Factor: 300
- Speaker Impedance: 4Ω minimum
- Input Sensitivity: Line Level Inputs (RCA): 2.2V; Line Level Inputs (XLR): 3.5V
- Input Impedance: Line Level Inputs (RCA): 12kΩ; Line Level Inputs (XLR): 100kΩ
- Channel Separation: >50dB
- Power Consumption: 800W
- Standby Power Consumption: 0.5W
- Available Finishes: Black & Silver
- Dimensions (W×H×D): 431 x 237 x 454mm
- Weight: 38.1 kg
- Shipping Weight: 43.8 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.