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Rotel RC-1590MKII
Reference audio systems deserve reference audio equipment. Rotel’s RC-1590MKII reference preamplifier renders audio with natural expression, an open sound stage and dynamic clarity. Analog, Digital, Bluetooth and Turntable sources are supported by a bespoke acoustic tuning process inviting you to bring your favorite music allowing the RC-1590MKII to immerse you.
Reference audio systems deserve reference audio equipment. The Rotel RC-1590MKII is exactly that -- a reference preamplifier rendering analog and digital sources with natural expression in a wide and open sound stage in stunning clarity.
The heart of the RC-1590MKII begins with the power supply featuring dual in-house manufacture toroidal transformers. The transformers are physically and electrically isolated supplying dedicated analog and digital supply voltages to all critical circuits through low ESR slit-foil capacitors eliminating unwanted distortion and an extremely low noise floor.
Digital source inputs are processed utilizing an audiophile grade Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz Digital to Audio Converter (DAC) with custom engineered, proprietary acoustically tuned external output filter circuits rendering even the finest details with exceptional clarity and exact positioning.
Analog signal paths feature DIRECT-PATH bypass modes eliminating unnecessary circuits maintaining signal integrity and further eliminating unwanted noise and distortion drawing you even closer and immersing you in the music.
The RC-1590MKII supports a full array of inputs ensuring connection to your favorite sources including a Moving Magnet Phono input for vinyl lovers, Analog, Digital, XLR Balanced, high quality aptXTM and AAC wireless Bluetooth, and PC-USB (32-bit/384kHz) supporting MQA unfolding and rendering as well as certified Roon Tested
Dual RCA and XLR output connection provide the ultimate flexibility including bi-amplification installations. A subwoofer output is also included.
The RC-1590MKII proudly continues Rotel’s 60-year legacy and heritage with our ongoing promises of performance, value, and unwavering commitment to quality. Authentic, engaging, and spacious – the RC-1590MKII proudly represents this iconic brand.
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Professional Reviews 85/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
84/100
Build Quality
85/100
Features Connectivity
90/100
Value for Money
85/100
Silence, control and flexibility define the RC-1590MKII: its clean, low-noise presentation and separate analogue/digital power supplies give mixed-source systems a composed foundation. Gramophone highlights its expansive input count, balanced connectivity, phono stage and high-resolution DAC support, while the dual toroidal transformers and RCA/XLR pre-outs make it a seriously adaptable control centre.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally clean, quiet sonic character supported by separate analogue and digital power supplies.
Extensive connectivity includes balanced XLR, multiple analogue and digital inputs, USB, Bluetooth, phono, and RCA/XLR pre-outs.
Dual toroidal transformers provide purposeful isolation between digital and analogue sections.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 84/100
The available review describes a notably clean, low-noise Rotel presentation and says this MkII version delivers “more of everything” than earlier models. It offers strong evidence of clarity, but provides little direct listening commentary on dynamic expression or stereo imaging.
Transparency Resolution
91/100
Gramophone calls the sound “squeaky clean” and says the RC-1590MKII takes that familiar Rotel character to another level. Its reported 117dB signal-to-noise ratio supports the reviewer's impression of a very quiet, clear presentation.
Tonal Balance Musicality
88/100
The reviewer favors the clean and refined character, finding the larger design an advance over previous Rotel preamps. There is no detailed discussion of warmth, tonal color, instrumental timbre, or long-session listening character.
Dynamics
78/100
The reviewer says the upgraded circuitry and power-supply arrangement bring “more of everything,” which suggests a more substantial presentation. However, the review does not directly address macro impact, microdynamic shading, or drive into demanding power amplifiers.
Soundstage Imaging
78/100
The review does not offer specific observations about stage width, depth, image focus, or layering. Its comments instead concentrate on cleanliness, low noise, and the broader improvement over earlier Rotel designs.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
85/100
Gramophone highlights the use of separate dual toroidal transformers for the analog and digital sections, indicating thoughtful power-supply engineering and separation of potentially noisy circuits. The available review says little about chassis finish, controls, internal fit and finish, or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
90/100
Connectivity is unusually comprehensive: three unbalanced analogue inputs, balanced XLR input, three optical and three coaxial digital inputs, USB audio, Bluetooth, and an MM phono input. RCA and XLR pre-outs add useful system flexibility, while the onboard DAC supports high-resolution PCM, MQA, and Roon Tested operation.
Value for Money
85/100
The review lists a price of $2,099, within the stated $1,749–$2,699 range, but does not directly judge value against competing preamplifiers. Its extensive analogue and digital connectivity nevertheless makes it a well-equipped option for listeners wanting one central control unit.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Rotel RC-1590MKII
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Ahead Stereo — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Altitudo Audio — online and in-store — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (website)
and 197 more verified dealers