Rotel RB-1590
The RB-1590 delivers commanding dynamics and high-current control, bringing crescendos, cinematic effects and difficult loudspeakers to life with effortless authority. Gramophone found its largely neutral, subtly lively balance clean and musical rather than harsh, while twin transformers, substantial capacitors and flexible connections make this a seriously accomplished Class A/B powerhouse for large-scale systems.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
89/100
Build Quality
93/100
Value for Money
92/100
Pros
Delivers exceptional headroom and control for demanding speakers, large rooms, crescendos and movie effects.
Clean, mostly neutral presentation remains detailed and musical without sounding harsh, cold or sterile.
Robust engineering includes twin toroidal transformers, large capacitors, solid internals and substantial speaker terminals.
Cons
Its subtly treble-forward, neutral voicing may be less suitable for systems seeking added warmth.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
The review finds the RB-1590 a highly capable and enjoyable music amplifier, combining a mostly neutral presentation with substantial power in demanding passages. Its slight tilt toward treble is described as distinctive rather than fatiguing, while the presentation remains free of harshness, coldness, or sterility.
Transparency Resolution
88/100
Gramophone describes very little added coloration and places the RB-1590 slightly on the neutral, subtly treble-forward side for a Class A/B design. Crucially, that character is not heard as harsh, cold, or sterile, suggesting a clean and controlled presentation rather than an abrasive one.
Tonal Balance Musicality
89/100
The amplifier is characterized as slightly brighter and more neutral than a warmer-sounding alternative, but only by a small margin. The reviewer still calls it “a very very good time” with music, indicating that its balance retains musical appeal rather than becoming analytical or thin.
Dynamics
93/100
This is a clear strength: the review says the power is there for demanding moments, including large movie effects and musical crescendos. With 350W per channel into 8 ohms and 648W into 4 ohms, the RB-1590 is presented as having the headroom needed for loud playback and difficult speaker loads.
Soundstage Imaging
85/100
The review does not directly assess stage width, depth, image placement, or layering. Its positive comments on clean, low-coloration sound support a solid overall impression, but there is little specific evidence about spatial presentation.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
The review provides unusually detailed praise for the engineering, citing twin massive toroidal transformers, eight large BHC capacitors, clean component placement, and solid internal boards and wiring. It also highlights the substantial speaker terminals, their compatibility with bare wire, bananas, and spades, and the well-finished chassis.
Value for Money
92/100
At just under $3,700 in the reviewed configuration, Gramophone calls the RB-1590 one of the most solidly positioned offerings in its segment. The praise is tied to both its specifications and real-world performance, particularly its unusually generous power delivery for the money.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Dimensions
- 431 × 237 × 456 mm 17" × 9.75" × 18"
- Front Panel Height
- 5U / 221 mm (8.75")
- Power Requirements
- 120 V, 60 Hz
- Power Consumption
- 800 W
- Standby Power Consumption
- 0.5 W
- Net Weight
- 38.1 kg (84 lbs.)
- BTU Rating
- 2100 BTU/h
- Power Output
- 350 W/Ch (8 Ω) 648 W/Ch (4 Ω)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- (20 Hz – 20k Hz) < 0.03%
- Frequency Response
- 10 Hz - 100k Hz, ± 0.5 dB
- S/N Ratio
- 120 dB
- Gain
- RCA: 27.5 dB XLR: 23.5 dB
- Intermodulation Distortion
- < 0.03%
- Damping Factor
- 300
- Speaker Impedance
- 4 Ω minimum
- Input Sensitivity
- Line Level Inputs (RCA): 2.2 V Line Level Inputs (XLR): 3.5 V
- Input Impedance
- Line Level Inputs (RCA): 12k Ω Line Level Inputs (XLR): 100k Ω
- Channel Separation
- > 50 dB
Manufacturer's Description — Rotel
The RB-1590 is at the top of its class as a 2 x 350 Watts stereo amplifier with dual toroidal transformers and special slit foil capacitors.
Power - refined, detailed, and plenty of it. Rotel’s new Class AB stereo power amplifier is rated at 350 Watts per channel into 8 ohms both channels driven. That is a lot of power, but larger listening rooms or less sensitive loudspeaker designs require it to bring out the best possible performance and attain realistic audio dynamics.
The impressive capabilities of this amplifier begin with a solid foundation consisting of twin massive toroidal transformers custom made by Rotel. These transformers are just part of a rock-solid power supply that includes eight special British made BHC capacitors, known for their low loss and quick response times. These components will continue to supply all of the voltage and current requirements needed, even under the most difficult load conditions.
But power unrefined has never been a Rotel design goal. Every aspect of circuit design has been carefully considered and each component has been rigorously selected after extensive listening sessions. The circuit topography has been laid out in a true monoblock design, ensuring maximum signal separation and improved stereo imaging.
Features include: XLR Balanced and RCA input connections, two pair of 5-way speaker binding posts, 12-volt trigger control, thermal protection circuitry, overcurrent, over-voltage protection circuitry, dual staged power on relay to reduce surge current and extend longevity, and a detachable IEC power cord all in a 5U chassis with included rack ears.
The RB-1590 has been designed for the most discerning audio enthusiast and will provide the highest levels of audio performance.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Rotel RB-1590
- 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)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
and 199 more verified dealers