The Rotel RB-1590 is a flagship Class AB stereo power amplifier delivering 350W per channel into 8 ohms and 648W per channel into 4 ohms for commanding, audiophile-grade performance. Its massive dual-toroidal power supply and premium British-made capacitors provide fast current delivery, deep bass control, and effortless dynamics. Balanced XLR and RCA inputs, dual speaker binding posts, and 12V trigger support make it easy to integrate into high-end two-channel or custom-installed systems. With low distortion, wide frequency response, and robust protection circuits, the RB-1590 is built to power demanding speakers with clarity and confidence.
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Rotel RB-1590 Stereo Power Amplifier

Rotel’s RB-1590 is a flagship Class AB stereo power amplifier built for listeners who want effortless authority, control, and scale from their two-channel system. Delivering 350 watts per channel into 8 ohms (and 648 watts per channel into 4 ohms), it’s engineered to drive demanding speakers with ease—especially in larger rooms where clean headroom and realistic dynamics matter most. At the heart of the design is a massive, ultra-stable power supply featuring dual Rotel custom toroidal transformers and eight British-made BHC capacitors, chosen for low loss and fast response so the amplifier stays composed even under tough loads.

Beyond raw power, the RB-1590 is laid out in a true monoblock-style topology for stronger channel separation and more precise stereo imaging. Connectivity is equally serious, with both balanced XLR and RCA inputs, plus dual pairs of 5-way binding posts to support flexible speaker connections. Protection and long-term reliability are built in with thermal, over-current, and over-voltage safeguards, as well as a dual-staged power-on relay to reduce surge current and extend component life. The result is a high-current, audiophile-grade amplifier that brings impact, nuance, and clarity to the full frequency range—without sounding strained.

The Rotel RB-1590 is part of ListenUp's Rotel Power Amplifiers Collection.

What It's Good At:

• Delivering effortless dynamics and clean headroom for large rooms and power-hungry speakers
• Producing tight, controlled bass with a high damping factor (300)
• Preserving stereo imaging and separation thanks to monoblock-style circuit topology
• Supporting premium system integration with balanced XLR and RCA inputs
• Offering flexible speaker hookup with two pairs of 5-way binding posts
• Running reliably with robust protection circuits and surge-reducing power-on design

Rotel RB-1590 Full Specifications:

• Type: Stereo Power Amplifier
• Amplifier Class: Class AB
• Continuous Power Output: 350 watts/channel (8 ohms)
• Continuous Power Output: 648 watts/channel (4 ohms)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz–20 kHz, 8 ohms): < 0.03%
• Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz, 4:1): < 0.03%
• Frequency Response (±0.5 dB): 10 Hz – 100 kHz
• Damping Factor (1 kHz, 8 ohms): 300
• Minimum Speaker Impedance: 4 ohms minimum (8 ohms rated)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighting): 120 dB
• Crosstalk / Separation: > 50 dB
• Input Impedance / Sensitivity (Unbalanced RCA): 12k ohms / 2.2 V
• Input Impedance / Sensitivity (Balanced XLR): 100k ohms / 3.5 V
• Gain (Unbalanced RCA): 27.5 dB (±0.5 dB)
• Gain (Balanced XLR): 23.5 dB (±0.5 dB)
• Inputs: Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA
• Speaker Outputs: Two pairs of 5-way binding posts
• Trigger: 12-volt trigger control
• Protection: Thermal protection, over-current protection, over-voltage protection
• Power-On Design: Dual-staged power-on relay (surge reduction / longevity)
• Power Cord: Detachable IEC power cord
• Chassis / Rack: 5U chassis with included rack ears
• Power Requirements (USA): 120 volts, 60 Hz
• Power Requirements (EC): 230 volts, 50 Hz
• Power Consumption: 800 watts
• Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5 watts
• BTU (4 ohms, 1/8th power): 2100 BTU/h
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 431 x 237 x 454 mm
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 17 x 9 3/8 x 17 7/8 in
• Front Panel Height: 5U / 221 mm / 8 3/4 in
• Net Weight: 38.1 kg / 84 lb

Rotel RB-1590 Q&A:

What kind of system is the Rotel RB-1590 best suited for?

It’s ideal for high-performance two-channel systems needing substantial power, especially with large rooms or low-sensitivity speakers that benefit from extra current and headroom.

How much power does the RB-1590 deliver per channel?

It outputs 350 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 648 watts per channel into 4 ohms for confident control over demanding loudspeakers.

Does the RB-1590 have balanced inputs?

Yes. It includes balanced XLR inputs for low-noise connections, along with standard unbalanced RCA inputs for broad compatibility.

Can it handle 4-ohm speakers safely?

Yes. The amplifier is rated for 4-ohm operation (4 ohms minimum) and is designed with a robust power supply and protection circuits to maintain stability.

What makes the RB-1590 sound precise rather than just powerful?

Its monoblock-style circuit layout improves channel separation and imaging, while carefully selected components and a high-current supply help preserve detail at any listening level.

Does it include protection features?

Yes. It incorporates thermal, over-current, and over-voltage protection, helping safeguard the amplifier and connected speakers.

Can I integrate it with a home audio control system?

Yes. A 12V trigger connection supports automatic power on/off with compatible preamps, processors, or control systems.

Is it rack-mount friendly?

Yes. It uses a 5U chassis and includes rack ears for custom installations or equipment racks.

Rotel RB-1590 Downloads:

Rotel RB-1590 Manual
Rotel RB-1590 Specifications Sheet
Rotel RB-1590 Drawing