Power amplifiers stereo — Rotel RMB-1555

The RMB-1555 is a versatile multi-channel power amplifier from Rotel, suited to both high-end home-theatre systems and multiroom applications, built with five amplifier channels each delivering 120W into 8 ohms via high-current output stages. The RMB-1555 brings Rotel's considered engineering to a serious, five-channel power-amplification format.

Key specs that matter

Input sensitivity is 1,500mV, with input impedance at 12,000 ohms single-ended. Output power is 5x120W into 8 ohms, rising to 5x170W into 4 ohms. Gain is 26.5dBu. Frequency response spans a wide 10Hz to 100,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is a solid 116dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise under 0.03% at 100% global feedback. Maximum power consumption is 650W, with damping factor at 180. At 431 x 188 x 454mm and 21.8kg, the RMB-1555 maintains a substantial five-channel power-amplifier chassis.

Sound and use context

Expect a dependable, high-current performance reflecting the solid 116dB signal-to-noise ratio combined with the high-current output stages, with the five-channel configuration suited equally to comprehensive home-theatre surround setups or distributed multiroom applications.

Pairing

The five-channel configuration accommodates a full home-theatre surround system or a multiroom distribution setup from a single chassis, and Rotel's own preamplifier and processor catalogue offers natural, brand-coherent pairings.

Alternatives

Rotel's own broader multi-channel amplifier catalogue offers related alternatives at different channel counts within the same considered engineering philosophy.