Power amplifiers stereo — Rotel RB-1590

The RB-1590 is a formidable stereo power amplifier from Rotel, sitting above the RB-1582 MkII with considerably greater output power. The RB-1590 brings Rotel's more accomplished current engineering to dedicated stereo power amplification.

Key specs that matter

Input sensitivity is 3.5mV via XLR or 2.2mV via RCA. Input impedance is 100,000 ohms balanced or 12,000 ohms single-ended. Output power is a substantial 350W into 8 ohms, rising to a staggering 648W into 4 ohms - considerably more than the RB-1582 MkII's 200W/323W. Gain is 23.5dBu via XLR or 27.5dBu via RCA. Signal-to-noise ratio is a strong 120dB. Total harmonic distortion plus noise is under 0.03% at 100% global feedback. Damping factor is an exceptional 300. At 431 x 237 x 454mm and 38.1kg, the RB-1590 represents a serious power amplifier commitment reflecting Rotel's more accomplished current engineering ambition.

Sound and use context

Expect extraordinary dynamic authority reflecting the staggering 648W-into-4-ohms output combined with the strong 120dB signal-to-noise figure, representing Rotel's more accomplished current stereo power-amplifier engineering.

Pairing

The staggering 648W into 4 ohms output handles demanding loudspeaker loads with considerable headroom.

Alternatives

Rotel's own RB-1582 MkII offers a more accessible alternative within the same broader power amplifier catalogue.