Rotel RB-1590
350 Watts of raw, untamed power
RB-1590 is a power amplifier in a league of its own, which with its nice finish and mastodon-like looks, is not trying to hide what it really is: a powerhouse with almost unlimited power reserves, which will drive almost anything with enormous control.
Despite this it still has very delicate sound quality, which is primarily due to the dual-mono assembly and the balanced circuits. The weight of 38kg speaks its own language about the resources RB-1590 has at its disposal. Here is power and performance en mas; the gigantic barrel of a toroidal transformer in the middle of the chassis is not just for looks! Rotel is applying the exclusive slit foil capacitors, which distinguishes themselves by being very fast and responsive.
The audio quality is as what you would expect; in a very high class. The transparency of the sound image is striking and all the instruments really get a chance to breath as the room is big and well-defined. Overall you could say the RB-1590 manages to define both instruments, space and the singing voices with an unprecedented amount of authority, but also with a certain lightness and air, just as has control over the bass in a whole other way than other amplifiers are capable of. If it says “Boom” it says “Boom”, but if there is not any bass, the Rotel keeps itself back.
It simply is what it needs to be. This sobering and high fidelity playing style is something you will come to appreciate over time the more you listen to it! RB-1590 is with other words a musical and holographic power monster., which in its own way lets the artists draw the music’s form and shape, and refrains from setting its own mark on the replication. Actually you would think that because of its agility, it would be a much smaller amplifier, but this illusion only holds up till the more demanding passages and the deep bass kicks in, where you will hear exactly how precise and powerful this power amplifier truly is!
| Measurements | BxHxD 43,1 × 23,7 × 45,4 cm |
| Weight (net) | 38.1 kg |
| Input, Stereo RCA | 1 |
| Input, Stereo XLR | 1 |
| 12v. trigger input | Yes |
| 12v. trigger output | Yes |
| Power at 8Ω (per channel) | 350 Watt |
| Number of channels | 2 |
| Amplifier type | Class A/B |
| In the box | Power cable, Users guide |