Rotel RB-1590 Stereo Power Amplifier

$5,999.00

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The Rotel RB-1590 is the flagship stereo power amplifier in Rotel's acclaimed 15 Series, engineered to deliver commanding power, exceptional control, and breathtaking musical realism. Designed for discerning audiophiles and demanding loudspeakers alike, the RB-1590 combines immense dynamic capability with the refinement and transparency that have defined Rotel for more than 60 years.

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Specifications

Amplifier Type Class AB Stereo Power Amplifier
Continuous Power Output (8Ω) 350W per channel (20Hz–20kHz, <0.03% THD)
Continuous Power Output (4Ω) 648W per channel
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <0.03% (20Hz–20kHz)
Intermodulation Distortion (IMD) <0.03% (60Hz:7kHz, 4:1)
Frequency Response 10Hz–100kHz (±0.5dB)
Damping Factor 300 (1kHz, 8Ω)
Minimum Speaker Impedance 4Ω
Rated Speaker Impedance 8Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 120dB (A-weighted)
Channel Separation (Crosstalk) >50dB
Input Sensitivity RCA: 2.2V / XLR: 3.5V
Input Impedance RCA: 12kΩ / XLR: 100kΩ
Voltage Gain RCA: 27.5dB / XLR: 23.5dB
Power Consumption 800W
Standby Power <0.5W
Cooling Passive convection (no fan)
Inputs 1 × Balanced XLR, 1 × RCA
Speaker Outputs Dual pairs of 5-way binding posts (bi-wire capable)
Trigger Connections 12V Trigger In/Out
Protection Thermal, over-current, over-voltage, soft-start relay
Power Supply Twin custom toroidal transformers with eight British-made slit-foil capacitors
Dimensions (W × H × D) 431 × 237 × 454mm
Front Panel Height 221mm (5U rack height)
Weight 38.1kg

The Rotel RC-1590 preamplifier and RB-1590 amplifier are an impressive duo.

Home Technology Review

Designed Without Compromise

Delivering an impressive 350 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 648 watts per channel into 4 ohms, the RB-1590 effortlessly drives even the most challenging speaker loads. Whether reproducing the delicate nuances of an intimate acoustic performance or the explosive dynamics of a full-scale orchestral recording, it maintains absolute composure and precision.

At the heart of the RB-1590 lies Rotel's renowned Balanced Design Concept. Twin custom-built toroidal transformers feed an oversized power supply featuring eight premium British-made slit-foil capacitors, providing enormous current reserves and rock-solid stability under demanding conditions. This carefully engineered foundation allows the amplifier to respond instantly to musical transients while maintaining exceptional low-frequency authority and effortless headroom.

350 Watts of Pure Class AB Performance

The fully discrete Class AB output stage has been meticulously voiced through extensive listening tests, ensuring a presentation that is both powerful and remarkably refined. A true dual-mono internal layout minimises crosstalk between channels, producing a wider, more stable soundstage with pinpoint imaging and remarkable separation of instruments.

Connectivity is equally uncompromising, with both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, dual pairs of heavy-duty 5-way speaker binding posts for bi-wiring, 12-volt trigger support, comprehensive protection circuitry, and a robust 38kg chassis designed to eliminate vibration and maximise long-term reliability.

Who is this for?

The RB-1590 is perfect for listeners who have invested in premium speakers and source components, and who want to hear everything their system is capable of. These buyers prioritise musical realism, expansive soundstaging, and effortless dynamics over convenience features like streaming or built-in DACs.

If your listening space is open-plan or larger than around 30m², the RB-1590 has the power to reproduce realistic concert levels without strain. Instead of sounding louder, it sounds more effortless, maintaining clarity even during demanding musical passages.

What is the RB-1590?

It's Rotel's flagship Class AB stereo power amplifier, built for two-channel audiophile systems and demanding loudspeaker loads.

How much power does it deliver?

350 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 648 watts per channel into 4 ohms, with both channels driven at the 8-ohm rating.

What's the distortion and noise performance like?

Total harmonic distortion is rated at 0.03%, with a damping factor of 300. Signal-to-noise ratio is 120 dB.

What's the frequency response?

10Hz to 100kHz.

What kind of power supply does it use?

Twin massive toroidal transformers custom made by Rotel, paired with eight special British-made BHC capacitors known for low loss and fast response, so voltage and current requirements are met even under difficult load conditions.

What inputs and outputs does it have?

XLR balanced and RCA input connections, two pairs of 5-way speaker binding posts, and 12-volt trigger control for automatic power on/off with a compatible preamp or processor.

Is it a fully balanced, dual-mono design?

It's not completely dual-mono inside, though it's close — separate toroidal transformers serve each channel, but the two sides share some power supply components. It also has balanced inputs but isn't a fully balanced design end-to-end.

What protection circuitry is built in?

Thermal protection, overcurrent and over-voltage protection circuitry, and a dual-staged power-on relay to reduce inrush current and extend the amp's lifespan.

What's the input sensitivity and gain?

Gain is 27.5 dB, with input sensitivity of 2.2V.

How big and heavy is it?

It ships in a 5U chassis with included rack ears for rack mounting, and weighs around 84 lbs.

Is it fan-cooled?

No — the amplifier is not fan-cooled, relying on passive heatsinking instead.

What kind of speakers is it suited for?

Given its power reserves, it's built to power almost any speaker in almost any room, including larger rooms or less sensitive speaker designs that need extra current to sound their best.