Rotel RC-1590MKII

Rotel’s RC-1590MKII is a reference-class stereo preamplifier engineered to extract everything your sources can deliver—vinyl, high-resolution digital, and streaming alike. At its core is a serious, low-noise power supply with dual in-house toroidal transformers that keep analog and digital circuits electrically isolated for cleaner dynamics, deeper silence between notes, and better low-level detail. A premium Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz DAC and Rotel’s proprietary, acoustically tuned output filtering preserve imaging and timing, while DIRECT-PATH bypass modes maintain signal integrity by removing unnecessary circuitry when you want the purest route.

Connectivity is equally “reference”: Moving Magnet phono for turntables, balanced XLR and multiple RCA inputs for classic components, plus PC-USB up to 32-bit/384kHz with MQA decoding/unfolding and Roon Tested certification for modern libraries and desktop playback. With dual RCA and dual XLR pre-outs, two mono subwoofer outputs, line outputs, and automation-friendly control (network, RS232, triggers), the RC-1590MKII is built to anchor high-end systems and flexible multi-amp or sub-integrated setups—without sacrificing musicality.

The Rotel RC-1590MKII is part of ListenUp's Rotel Preamplifiers Collection.

What It's Good At:

• Delivering a wide, open soundstage with low noise and strong dynamic contrast (dual toroidal, isolated power rails)
• Bringing high-resolution digital to life with a Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz DAC and tuned output filtering
• Keeping analog playback pure with DIRECT-PATH bypass modes and a dedicated Moving Magnet phono stage
• Serving as a true system hub with extensive inputs for analog, digital, PC-USB, and Bluetooth streaming
• Powering flexible system builds with dual RCA + dual XLR pre-outs, plus dual mono subwoofer outputs
• Integrating cleanly into custom installs via network control, RS232, Rotel Link, and dual 12V triggers

Rotel RC-1590MKII Full Specifications:

• Model: RC-1590MKII
• Type: Stereo Preamplifier / Stereo Control Amplifier
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD, 20Hz–20kHz): < 0.002%
• Intermodulation Distortion (60Hz:7kHz, 4:1): < 0.002%
• Input Sensitivity / Impedance:
  • Phono Input (MM): 2.5 mV / 47k ohms
  • Line Level Inputs (RCA): 150 mV / 100k ohms
  • Line Level Inputs (XLR): 250 mV / 100k ohms
  • Digital Inputs: 0 dBFs / 75 ohms
• Input Overload:
  • Phono Input: 64 mV
  • Line Level Inputs (RCA): 4 V
  • Line Level Inputs (XLR): 5.5 V
• Output Level:
  • Line Level (RCA): 1 V
  • Balanced (XLR): 2 V
  • Preamplifier Output Level: 1.65 V (at -20 dB)
• Frequency Response:
  • Phono Input: 20 Hz–20k Hz (+0.3 dB, -0.2 dB)
  • Line Level Inputs (RCA): 10 Hz–100k Hz (+0 dB, -0.1 dB)
  • Line Level Inputs (XLR): 10 Hz–100k Hz (+0 dB, -0.1 dB)
  • Digital Inputs: 20 Hz–20k Hz (0 ± 0.5 dB, Max)
• Tone Controls:
  • Bass: ±10 dB at 100 Hz
  • Treble: ±10 dB at 10k Hz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighted):
  • Phono Input: 80 dB
  • Line Level Inputs (RCA): 117 dB
  • Line Level Inputs (XLR): 115 dB
  • Digital Inputs: 108 dB
• Channel Separation:
  • Phono Input: > 85 dB
  • Line Level Inputs (RCA): > 85 dB
  • Line Level Inputs (XLR): > 75 dB
• DAC: Texas Instruments premium 32-bit/384kHz Digital-to-Analog Converter
• Digital Support:
  • Coaxial/Optical Digital Signals: SPDIF LPCM (up to 24-bit / 192k Hz)
  • PC-USB: USB Audio Class 1.0 (up to 24-bit / 96k Hz)
  • PC-USB: USB Audio Class 2.0 (up to 32-bit / 384k Hz) *Driver installation required (Windows)
  • MQA and MQA Studio: up to 24-bit / 384k Hz
  • Roon Tested: Yes
• Inputs / Outputs / Connectivity:
  • Phono: 1 × MM RCA + Ground (GND)
  • Analog RCA Inputs: CD, Tuner, Aux, Line 1, Line 2
  • Balanced XLR Input: 1 × stereo pair
  • Digital Inputs: 3 × Coaxial (SPDIF), 3 × Optical (SPDIF)
  • Front USB Input: USB for iPhone/iPad/iPod playback
  • PC-USB Input: USB-B for computer audio
  • Bluetooth: Traditional Bluetooth, AAC, aptX™
  • Network: Ethernet (updates, IP control; static/DHCP)
  • Digital Output: Coax/Optical digital output
  • Line Output: Fixed/full line level (bypasses volume)
  • Preamp Outputs (RCA): 2 × stereo pairs
  • Preamp Outputs (XLR): 2 × stereo pairs
  • Subwoofer Outputs: 2 × mono sub outs (parallel; summed L+R)
  • Headphone Output: Front 3.5mm (1/8")
  • 12V Trigger Outputs: 2 × 12V triggers (3.5mm mini mono)
  • Control/Integration: RS232, Rotel Link, External Remote (IR) input
• Power Requirements: USA: 120 V, 60 Hz; Europe/EC: 230 V, 50 Hz
• Power Consumption: 45 W
• Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5 W
• BTU Rating: 78 BTU/h
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 431 × 144 × 348 mm (17" × 5 11/16" × 13 7/9")
• Front Panel Height: 3U / 132.6 mm (5 1/4")
• Net Weight: 10.1 kg (22.27 lbs.)
• Finish: Silver and Black

Rotel RC-1590MKII Q&A:

What makes the RC-1590MKII a “reference” preamplifier?

It uses a dual-toroidal, low-noise power supply with isolated analog/digital rails, plus a premium 32-bit/384kHz DAC and tuned output filtering to deliver an open soundstage, low distortion, and high clarity.

Does it support turntables?

Yes. It includes a dedicated Moving Magnet (MM) phono input and a ground terminal for cleaner vinyl playback.

How many digital inputs does it have?

It provides six total S/PDIF inputs—three coaxial and three optical—supporting PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Can I connect it to a computer for high-resolution audio?

Yes. The PC-USB input supports USB Audio Class 2.0 up to 32-bit/384kHz (Windows driver required), with Class 1.0 support up to 24-bit/96kHz.

Does it support MQA and Roon?

Yes. It supports MQA and MQA Studio up to 24-bit/384kHz (via PC-USB Audio Class 2.0) and is certified Roon Tested.

Can it run two power amps or a bi-amp setup?

Yes. It includes two sets of RCA pre-outs and two sets of balanced XLR pre-outs, giving you flexible options for multi-amp configurations.

Can I connect one or two subwoofers?

Yes. It has two mono sub outputs that are parallel and summed from the left and right channels, making dual-sub hookups simple.

Is it friendly for custom installation and automation systems?

Yes. It includes dual 12V triggers, RS232, network/IP control, Rotel Link, and an external remote input for integration.

Rotel RC-1590MKII Downloads:

Rotel RC-1590MKII Manual
Rotel RC-1590MKII Specifications Sheet
Rotel RC-1590MKII Drawing