About The Rotel RMB-1555 Multi-Channel Power Amplifier
The Rotel RMB-1555 is a 120 watt per channel Class A/B multi-channel power amplifier that has been engineered to give five channels of powerful and robust sound while also offering the type of clarity and detail necessary to get the most out of even the most complex music or movie soundtrack. It has been engineered to provide high-resolution audio performance, yet it is also very affordable, as has been the tradition with Rotel electronics for over 50 years.
As well-received as Rotel's CD players have been over the decades, the company's power amplifiers have perhaps been even more admired and critically acclaimed. That's due to Rotel's insistence that "less is more" and proof that the company's renowned Balanced Design Concept, which emphasises simplicity and precise execution of proven engineering principles, honours its commitment to accurate and enjoyable musical reproduction. Now this same attention to detail – and the same vitality in sonic reproduction – is available for multichannel music aficionados as well as videophiles searching for the best in movie soundtrack recreation. Case in point: the remarkable RMB-1555 5-channel power amplifier. Whether used in a powerhouse home theatre system, as a distribution amplifier for several independent zones in your home, or as the foundation of a remarkably flexible multichannel music system, the RMB-1555 fulfills the promise of Rotel's heritage.
Although offering slightly less muscle than its big brother, the RM-1585, the Rotel RMB-1555 is a remarkable 5-channel amplifier with power output conservatively rated at 120 Watts per channel into 8 ohms – all channels driven! With all but the most demanding speakers located in extraordinarily large rooms, the RMB-1555 exerts the kind of precise control that presents both nuance and bombast correctly from the faintest flute overtones to the subterranean rumble of an approaching apocalypse. Its capability comes from a remarkably stable power supply based on a Rotel-designed and Rotel-built toroidal transformer that provide precise voltages at high current to subsequent circuit stages. In addition, the toroid shape itself reduces stray emissions that might otherwise interfere with signal transfer.
Other internal components are of equally high calibre. They're sourced from Rotel's global supply network only after detailed examination and exhaustive listening tests that separate "good enough" from the truly superlative. The RMB-1555 uses only discrete output transistors with their higher thermal stability and freedom from the designed-in compromises that characterize their integrated circuit cousins. The Class AB amplifier configuration assures the best balance between power output and thermal efficiency. Heavy duty speaker terminals complement the RMB1555's 12-volt remote control trigger, single-ended RCA inputs, and detachable IEC-type AC cord. Truly an amplifier for all uses, the RMB-1555 combines superb execution with maximum reliability to demonstrate Rotel's long devotion to satisfying consumer needs.
Powerful, High-Current Output: An oversized factory-built toroidal transformer and high efficiency capacitors drive an array of high current output transistors ensuring fast transient timing, accurate detail and controlled consistency across the frequency range. Maintaining crucial timing and energy while delivering effortless power is a signature trait of this amplifier. The power supply uses special "slit foil" capacitors to provide completely stable power to the output stage. Slit foil capacitors have the ability to charge and discharge extremely quickly, thereby assuring signal fidelity during orchestral crescendos or repetitive kick-drum impacts, for example.
Critical evaluation of the circuit design and meticulous selection of each acoustic audio components ensures accuracy, power and efficiency all coupled with an unsurpassed build quality ensuring this amplifier proudly wears the Rotel name.
Protection Circuitry: The RMB-1555 features thermal and over-current protection circuits that protect against potential damage in the event of extreme or faulty operating conditions. Unlike many designs, these protection circuits are independent of the audio signal and have no impact on sonic performance. Instead, the protection circuits monitor the temperature of the output devices and the current they are handling and shut down the amplifier if operating conditions exceed safe limits. Most likely, you will never see this protection circuitry in action. However, should a faulty condition arise, the amplifier will stop playing and the LED indicator on the front panel will light up.
Built-in Cooling Fans: The Rotel RMB-1555 amplifier is equipped with dual cooling fans to help ventilate the internal components. The rear panel includes a three-position fan speed selection switch including Fan Off, Fan Low Speed and Fan High Speed. Please select the fan speed that best suits the installation and cooling requirements, considering that the higher fan speed will provide more cooling.
Trigger On/Off Mode Selector: The RMB-1555 provides the option for manual or automatic power on/off operation. These modes are selectable using a toggle switch on the back panel. With the switch in the +12V Trigger On position, the amplifier is turned on automatically when a 12V trigger signal is present at the 3.5mm Trigger In jack on the rear panel. The amplifier will go into standby mode if the +12V signal is not present. The front panel Power Switch overrides this function and it must be on for the +12V trigger to work. Turning the switch off cuts power to the amplifier, regardless of whether or not a trigger signal is present.
In The News
This time, Rotel has got something for your home theatre. The RMB-1555 is a five channel, 120 watts per channel offering that should please all but the most demanding of users. For them, there is the 200 watt RMB-1585. The biggest change from the last generation of home theater amps from Rotel? The switch back from Class D to Class A/B. In our opinion this was a good move as linear amps tend to still provide the most reliable amplification for the widest range of loudspeakers. Even if you don't have the money for these babies, you probably want to see what they came out with. Check them out at your local Rotel dealer if you can and have a listen. Audioholics
Main Features & Specifications
- Product Description: Rotel RMB-1555 5 Channel Class A/B power amplifier
- Power Output: 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20kHz) at 0.03% THD with all channels driven simultaneously
- Low Impedance Capability: 4-ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers
- Circuitry: Rotel Balanced Design Concept circuitry
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.03% (20Hz–20kHz, 8Ω)
- Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100kHz ±1dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 116dB (IHF "A" Weighted)
- Gain: 26.5dB
- Intermodulation Distortion: <0.03%
- Damping Factor: >180
- Input Sensitivity: 1.5V
- Input Impedance: 12kΩ
- Output Stage: Includes high current transistors
- Class AB design
- Oversized, custom made toroidal transformer for stable, noise-free performance
- High quality slit foil capacitors made in Britain
- Fans: Built-in dual cooling fans
- Speaker Terminals: Five-way speaker binding posts on each terminal
- Analogue Inputs: Unbalanced RCA inputs for all five channels
- Protection Circuit: Thermal and over-current protection circuits
- Trigger: Switchable 3.5mm 12-volt trigger in/out
- Power Cable Input: Detachable IEC type that we recommend you upgrade over the basic one provided.
- Power Consumption: 650 Watts
- Standby Power Consumption: 0.5 Watt
- Available Finishes: Black or Silver
- Dimensions (W×H×D): 431 x 188 x 454mm
- Net Weight: 21.8kg
- Shipping Weight: 27.8kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE