Rotel RC-1590 MKII Stereo Preamplifier

About The Rotel RC-1590 MKII Stereo Preamplifier

Reference audio systems deserve reference audio equipment. The Rotel RC-1590 MKII is exactly that -- a reference preamplifier rendering analogue and digital sources with natural expression in a wide and open sound stage in stunning clarity. With a new DAC section and upgraded components in key areas inspired by the acclaimed Rotel Michi series, the RC-1590 MKII has been engineered to provide high-resolution audio performance, yet, for what it offers, it is very affordable, as has been the tradition with Rotel electronics for over 60 years.

The heart of the RC-1590 MKII begins with the power supply featuring dual in-house manufactured toroidal transformers. The transformers are physically and electronically isolated supplying dedicated analogue and digital supply voltages to all critical circuits through low ESR slit-foil capacitors eliminating unwanted distortion and providing an extremely low noise floor.

Digital source inputs are processed utilising an audiophile grade Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC) with custom engineered, proprietary acoustically tuned external output filter circuits rendering even the finest details with exceptional clarity and exact positioning.

Analogue signal paths feature Direct-Path bypass modes eliminating unnecessary circuits maintaining signal integrity and further eliminating unwanted noise and distortion drawing you even closer and immersing you in the music.

The RC-1590 MKII supports a full array of inputs ensuring connection to your favourite sources including a Moving Magnet Phono input for vinyl lovers, analogue, digital, XLR balanced, high quality aptX and AAC wireless Bluetooth, and PC-USB (32-bit/384kHz) supporting MQA unfolding and rendering as well as certified Roon Tested. Dual RCA and XLR output connections provide the ultimate flexibility including bi-amplification installations. Dual subwoofer outputs are also included.

The RC-1590 MKII proudly continues Rotel's 60 year legacy and heritage with ongoing promises of performance, value, and unwavering commitment to quality. Authentic, engaging, and spacious – the RC-1590 MKII proudly represents this iconic brand.

Bullet Proof Power Supply: Like other Rotel preamplifiers, the RC-1590 MKII's circuitry draws on a high capacity power supply based on two Rotel custom designed and in-house manufactured toroidal transformers. These are physically and electronically isolated and supply dedicated analogue and digital supply voltages to all critical circuits through low ESR slit-foil capacitors eliminating unwanted distortion and providing an extremely low noise floor. In addition to providing an abundance of voltage and current for all operating stages, the transformer's toroidal shape helps prevent stray radiation patterns from corrupting audio signals as they pass through adjacent circuit stages.

Built-In Texas Instruments 32-bit/384 kHz DAC: The RC-1590 MKII's input section is substantially more flexible than that found in most preamplifiers. In recognition of the predominance of digital sources available today, the RC-1590 MKII has a built-in state of the art Texas Instruments 32-bit/384 kHz digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) and analogue stages of the highest quality. The DAC and surrounding circuitry supports a vast array of digital files including 32-bit/384 kHz PCM & MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) via the USB-B input.

A front panel USB input is provided for easy connection of a wide variety of music storage devices including Apple iPods, iPhones, and iPads while the Bluetooth input supports aptX for superior performance with compatible devices. In addition, three coaxial (RCA) and three optical (Toslink) inputs provide easy connections for LPCM music sources including popular streaming devices with up to 24-bit word lengths sampled at 192 kHz.

Importantly, it is possible to fix the level and set an auto-on option with digital inputs for use with devices that provide their own volume control for convenient "hands-off" use.

Superb for Analogue Sources Too: Traditional analogue sources get the royal treatment from the RC-1590 MKII as well. The built-in high quality MM moving magnet phono stage lets you directly plug in your turntable and start listening to your favourite LPs. No outboard equipment is needed, and the built-in circuitry rivals the performance of many stand-alone phono stages.

Analogue inputs include a pair of balanced XLR connectors that let you get the best out of balanced source components such as the Rotel RCD-1572 CD Player. Three pairs of conventional unbalanced RCA inputs are provided, too.

User convenience features include two 12-volt triggers to control on/off operation of other components, a highly visible VFD display for set-up, internet-based software updates, as well as RS232 and IP control capabilities.

Our Take

Inspired by their acclaimed Michi series, Rotel has pulled out all the stops to ensure the RC-1590 MKII is worthy of its flagship status. Versatility is key, with the RC-1590 MKII offering analogue, digital, XLR, aptX and AAC wireless Bluetooth and moving magnet phono stage inputs ensuring this masterful preamp is able to competently handle all your favourite music sources. It also offers dual XLR and RCA preamplifier outputs to make it easy to bi-amp your speakers with any power amps you care to name. Of course we heartily recommend the Rotel power amps as your first choice with the RC-1590 MKII. With its wonderful new Texas Instruments 32-bit/384 kHz DAC and a host of upgraded components in key areas the RC-1590 MKII has been engineered to provide super high-resolution audio performance, yet it is very affordable, as has been the tradition with Rotel electronics for over 60 years. The inclusion of MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) decoding and the ability to integrate with Roon is surely icing on the cake. Highly recommended.