Power amplifiers stereo — Rotel RMB-1585MKII

The RMB-1585MKII is a comprehensive five-channel power amplifier from Rotel, built with substantial per-channel output and an exceptionally wide bandwidth. The RMB-1585MKII brings Rotel's considered engineering to serious multi-channel power amplification.

Key specs that matter

Input sensitivity is 4,700mV via XLR or 1,890mV via RCA, with input impedance at 50k ohms balanced or 12k ohms single-ended. Output power is 5 x 210W into 8 ohms, rising to 5 x 340W into 4 ohms - a substantial figure across all five channels. Gain is 26.9dBu. Frequency response spans an extraordinary 10Hz to 100,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio reaches 120dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise under 0.03% with full global feedback, maximum power consumption at 1,200W, and damping factor at 223. At 431 x 237 x 456mm and 37.4kg, the RMB-1585MKII represents a substantial five-channel amplifier commitment.

Sound and use context

Expect substantial, consistent power delivery across all five channels reflecting the strong 120dB signal-to-noise figure, suited to elaborate five-channel home-theatre applications requiring genuine per-channel authority.

Pairing

The five channels at 210/340W each suit a comprehensive 5.0 or 5.1-channel home-theatre speaker layout directly, and Rotel's own RC-1572MKII preamplifier shares the brand's coherent engineering philosophy.

Alternatives

Rotel's own RA-1592MKII integrated amplifier offers a two-channel alternative combining preamplification and power amplification for buyers with a stereo-only system.