Rotel RC-1590 MKII
Rotel hi-fi preamplifier fitted with an MM phono input, a built-in digital converter and RCA/XLR outputs, designed for demanding analogue and digital installations.
Description
The RC-1590 MKII is a hi-fi preamplifier from Rotel, designed to act as the control hub of a system combining analogue and digital sources. It centralises input selection and voltage amplification ahead of the power stage, with the aim of preserving the finesse of the original signal, whether it comes from a turntable, a digital player or a wireless connection.
The power supply relies on two separate toroidal transformers, electrically and physically isolated, each dedicated to the analogue and digital circuits respectively. This separation limits interference between the two domains and is complemented by low-ESR capacitors intended to reduce background noise. The stated measurements bear this out: total harmonic distortion and intermodulation distortion both below 0.002% across the 20 Hz to 20 kHz band, with frequency response held to ± 0.5 dB across the same spectrum.
The digital section houses a Texas Instruments 32-bit/384 kHz converter paired with specifically tuned output filters. The unit is Roon Tested certified and supports MQA playback via its PC-USB input, in addition to Bluetooth aptX and AAC connectivity. On the analogue side, the MM phono input accepts a sensitivity of 2.5 mV at an impedance of 47 kOhms, while the RCA and XLR line inputs offer signal-to-noise ratios of 117 dB and 115 dB respectively, against 80 dB for the phono input.
The outputs, available in both RCA (1 V) and balanced XLR (2 V), allow for bi-amplification configurations, complemented by a dedicated subwoofer output. This connection flexibility suits a system already built around separate power amplifiers, where the preamplifier acts as the conductor between several sources.
This type of unit suits a user with a hi-fi system built up piece by piece, combining a turntable and digital sources, who is looking for a central control point capable of handling both worlds without noticeable signal degradation.
Technical specifications
| Total harmonic distortion (20 Hz – 20 kHz) | <0.002 % |
| Intermodulation distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz, 4:1) | <0.002 % |
| Phono input (MM) | 2.5 mV / 47 kOhms |
| Line inputs (RCA) | 150 mV / 100 kOhms |
| Line inputs (XLR) | 115 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio, phono input | 80 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio, line input (RCA) | 117 dB |
| Line output (RCA) | 1 V |
| Balanced output (XLR) | 2 V |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (± 0.5 dB, Max) |
| Signal to noise ratio (A weighted) | 108 dB |
| Input sensitivity/impedance | 0 dBFS / 75 Ohms |
| Preamplifier output overload threshold | 1.65 V (at -20 dB) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 431 x 144 x 348 mm |
| Weight | 10.1 kg |
What to check before buying used
On this preamplifier, the presence of two separate toroidal transformers makes the unit noticeably heavy: check that the feet and chassis have not suffered from careless transport. Test each input (MM phono, RCA and XLR lines, USB) as well as the volume knob and source selector, which can develop crackling or intermittent contact after several years of use. It is also recommended to check that the TI 32-bit/384 kHz DAC and USB/MQA recognition are working properly before purchase.
Looking for this reference: RC-1590 MKII ?
Tell us what you are looking for: our merchants are notified, and one of them may have it in stock.