PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Lucette Nicoll
Nicoll Public Relations
781-762-9300 / lucette@nicollpr.com
Rotel Bows New Reference Stereo
Preamplifier and Power Amplifier
North Reading, MA—January 6, 2015—Rotel has been widely acknowledged for 50
years as a leader in affordable high-end electronics designed for serious audiophiles
and home-theater fans. "Our new reference RC-1590 stereo preamplifier and RB-1590
power amplifier advance Rotel to the forefront of high performance audio available
today, yet are priced thousands of dollars lower than ‘cost-no-object’ components,” says
Doug Henderson, President of B&W Group North America.
The RC-1590 Stereo Preamplifier has been engineered to the highest audio standards
while providing the user with an incredible level of control flexibility. It includes
extensive arrays of both analog and digital inputs, to accommodate the needs of a
modern music system.
The heart of any audio component is its power supply, and the RC-1590’s is
extraordinary. It is anchored by separate Rotel custom-built toroidal transformers for its
analog and digital circuits, and maintains individual, reference-grade analog and digital
regulator circuits with custom-made slit-foil capacitors. Slit-foil capacitors have very
quick charge/discharge times and low signal loss, to ensure tight bass performance.
The result is rock solid and exceptionally quiet power delivery to all audio stages and for
all sources.
Beyond the power supply, every aspect of the RC-1590’s component selection and
circuit topography was designed, and carefully evaluated in extensive listening
sessions, to ensure the highest fidelity. Analog and digital circuits were designed
separately by specialized Rotel teams, but evaluated together before finalization of the
design. The analog inputs boast very-low-noise circuitry, and include a high
performance phono stage that supports both moving magnet and photo stage. Digital
inputs are fully isolated, and feature a precision AKM, 34-bit/768kHz digital to analog
converter (DAC) that supports PCM and DSD decoding.
The RC-1590 offers extensive connectivity. The analog connections include a pair of
balanced XLR inputs and two sets of XLR outputs (for bi-amping, if desired) along with
single-ended RCA outputs and three sets of single-ended RCA inputs, a phono input,
and a pair of buffered subwoofer outputs. Digital inputs are also numerous, for full
flexibility with digital sources: three coax and three optical PCM, plus a front USB for
iOS devices and a rear PC-USB that supports up to 24 bit/192kHz and DSD signals,
along with an internal aptX Bluetooth receiver. There are even digital outputs on coax
and optical connectors. Volume is controlled by a Texas Instruments precision volume
control IC.
Other essential features include RS-232 and IP control options for automated system
integration, Internet-based software updates, two 12-volt trigger outputs, a dimmable
display, an automatic power-off function (configurable for 1, 2, 5, 12 hours, or disabled),
a detachable IEC power cord, an external IR remote input, and a 3.5mm headphone
jack on the front panel. A full function remote control is included.
For music enthusiasts who won't accept compromise, the RC-1590 preamplifier is in a
class by itself, at a price that belies its incredible performance.
Available Finishes: Black and Silver. Availability: April 2015
Suggested retail price: $1749.
RB-1590 Stereo Power Amplifier
Rotel's new Class AB stereo power amplifier is a powerhouse rated at 350 watts per
channel into 8 ohms, both channels driven. That is indeed a lot of power, but larger
listening rooms or less-sensitive loudspeakers require it to bring out the best possible
performance and attain realistic audio dynamics without compression. The impressive
capabilities of this amplifier begin with a solid foundation consisting of massive, twin,
toroidal transformers custom made by Rotel. These transformers are just part of a rocksolid power supply that includes eight special British made BHC capacitors, known for
their low loss and quick response times, thereby improving high energy signal transients
and dynamic bass performance. These components will continue to supply all voltage
and current requirements even under the most difficult load conditions.
But Rotel’s philosophy of Balanced Design has never been about raw power alone.
Extensive listening sessions have been used to carefully consider every aspect of circuit
design and to rigorously select each component, to ensure that power is combined with
nuance, detail, and overall musical performance. The circuit topography has been laid
out in true monoblock design, ensuring maximum signal separation and improved
stereo imaging.
Features include XLR balanced and RCA input connections, two pairs of 5-way speaker
binding posts, a 12-volt trigger control, thermal protection circuitry, over-current, and,
overvoltage protection circuitry, a dual stage power-on relay to reduce surge current
and extend longevity, and a detachable IEC power cord—all in a 5 U chassis with rack
ears included.
The RB-1590 has been designed for the most discerning audio enthusiast and will
provide the highest levels of audio performance.
Available Finishes: Black and Silver. Availability: April 2015
Suggested retail: $2,999
Digital images are available at: http://nicollpr.com/rotel_press.html. Or, contact: Lucette
Nicoll / Nicoll PR at 781-762-9300 or email: Lucette@nicollpr.com.
About Rotel Electronics
Rotel audio products are known worldwide for their quality, reliability, value, and, above
all, exceptional sound reproduction. Since 1961, Rotel has utilized the resources of its
formidable international design team and has manufactured its products in its own
sophisticated production facilities. Rotel proudly offers a complete range of electronics
that have consistently received critical acclaim and coveted industry awards. With
substantial investment in new technologies and manufacturing, Rotel is prepared to
meet the challenges of an evolving specialty electronics marketplace.