Rotel RC-1590MKII: Reference stereo preamplifier

The Rotel RC-1590MKII has been designed as a stereo reference preamplifier that will be the ideal partner for the new RB-1590 power amplifier. The Rotel RC-1590MKII is an improved version of its predecessor RC-1590 and is equipped with a new high-quality Texas Instruments DAC with support for PCM formats (up to 32-bit/384 kHz) and MQA Masters containers used for broadcasting Hi-Res formats on the TIDAL streaming service.

At the same time, individually tuned output filters improve dynamic performance and provide expressive musical sound. According to the manufacturer, in the new version of MKII, 75 elements installed at the most critical points of the circuit were replaced. The circuitry itself has also been improved through the use of technologies borrowed from the top-end Michi brand line.

The Rotel RC-1590MKII preamplifier uses a power supply with two toroidal transformers – one for analog circuitry and the other for digital circuitry. Separate voltage regulators with low noise levels are equipped with filters on custom foil capacitors. They have very short charge/discharge times and low energy losses, which ensures good bass reproduction. The analog and digital circuits of the Rotel RC-1590MKII were developed by separate teams of Rotel engineers, but were combined during the final design stage. The analog input circuitry is very low noise and includes a high quality phono stage for the MM cartridge. The digital input block is completely isolated from the analog part.

The Rotel RC-1590MKII features balanced and unbalanced analog inputs and outputs, and digital S-PDIF (optical and coaxial) inputs and outputs. To fully exploit the capabilities of Hi-Res formats, the preamplifier is equipped with an asynchronous USB port (PC-USB), which allows you to receive digital audio in resolutions up to 32 bit/384 kHz and MQA formats. A USB is installed on the front panel of the case for connecting iOS devices, and another USB is built into the rear for charging gadgets, and thanks to the built-in Bluetooth receiver with support for the APTX codec, the preamplifier is able to receive a music signal from any compatible portable gadget. An interesting feature of this model is also the presence of a built-in headphone amplifier.

The Rotel RC-1590MKII has ample opportunities for connecting external control systems – it is equipped with RS-232 and Ethernet connectors (using the latter, the preamplifier firmware can be updated), two 12-volt trigger outputs, and the input and output of the proprietary Rotel Link system.

Specifications  Rotel RC-1590MKII

Inputs Phono, balanced, 3 line unbalanced, 3 optical, 3 coaxial, asynchronous PC-USB (PCM up to 32 bit/384 kHz, MQA/MQA Studio), LAN port for IP control and software updates
Outputs 2 PreOut, linear, for headphones, for 2 subwoofers, optical, coaxial
Additionally, a USB connector on the front panel, Rotel Link, for an external IR sensor, 12 V triggers, RS-232,
Texas Instruments Ethernet DAC (PCM up to 32 bits/ 384 kHz, MQA/MQA Studio up to 24 bit/384 kHz)
Built-in Bluetooth module with support for AAC and aptX codecs
Roon Tested certificate supported
Balance adjustment ± 10 dB (100 Hz/10 kHz)
Frequency range 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+/ – 0.1 dB, line-in)
Harmonic distortion less than 0.004%
Signal-to-noise ratio 110 dB (line-in), 80 dB (MM-in)
Stereo separation greater than 75 dB (line-in, MM-in)
Output signal 1 V ( RCA), 2 V (XLR)
MM input sensitivity/impedance 2.5 mV / 47 kOhm
Power consumption 25 W, 0.5 W (Standby)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 431 x 144 x 348 mm
Weight 9.2 kg