Rotel RC-1590MKII Stereo Preamplifier

Updated "Very Impressive" Full-Featured Preamp – Now with Built-in 32/384 DAC and Phono Stage

Everything you loved about the Rotel RC-1590 preamplifier and more is present in the new RC-1590MKII. The reference RC-1590MKII is in a class by itself, designed for music enthusiasts who won’t accept compromise. It relies on time-tested Rotel expertise along with cutting-edge features that audiophiles look for in a modern preamp, such as a built-in hi-res DAC for digital music streaming.

The new MkII version features a premium Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz DAC that converts incoming digital signals to analog with precision and clarity. And here's a great feature – it can now decode audiophile-quality MQA and MQA Studio files.

Engineered to the Highest Audio Performance Levels

The RC-1590MKII stereo preamplifier has been engineered to the highest audio performance levels and provides an incredible level of control and flexibility. That starts with a high-performance power supply consisting of two Rotel custom built toroidal transformers for maximum efficiency and low magnetic fields, these transformers provide low-noise isolation between the analog and digital signals.

These transformers are part of a reference grade power supply consisting of individual analog and digital regulator circuits with custom-made slit-foil capacitors. Slit-foil capacitors have very quick charge/discharge times and low signal loss ensuring tight bass performance.

"A Price Tag That's Hard to Beat"

"After spending some time with the RB and RC 1590, I was very impressed," reports Chris Groppi, in his Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity joint review of the RB-190 amp and RC-1590 preamp. "The soundstaging performance of the pair was excellent, amongst the best I’ve heard in my room with my loudspeakers. I would not hesitate to recommend this combo…."

"The Rotel RC-1590 preamplifier and RB-1590 amplifier are an impressive duo. The more time I spent with them, the more I grew to love them," notes Greg Handy at hometheaterreview.com. "The RC-1590 has a comprehensive set of modern inputs, supporting digital sources of both the wired and wireless variety. I could easily grab my MacBook Pro, log into Tidal, and instantly enjoy an incredible array of music. Streaming from my iPhone via Bluetooth was flashy and fun to demonstrate to friends. It's like having a Jukebox in your hand. All of this input flexibility and convenience, combined with the duo's excellent performance, comes with a price tag that's tough to beat."

Analog and Digital Circuits Designed by Specialized Teams

With the RC-1590MKII, Rotel engineers wanted to create a reference quality stereo preamplifier to match with its RB-1590 stereo power amplifier. Every aspect of component selection and circuit topography was designed and carefully evaluated during multiple listening sessions to ensure the highest fidelity. For example, analog and digital circuits were designed separately, by specialized Rotel teams. Analog inputs are all very low noise circuitry and include a high performance moving magnet phono stage. Digital inputs are fully isolated and feature a precision 32-bit 768kHz Digital to Analog Converter (DAC).

Built-in 32-bit / 768 kHz AKM DAC

The RC-1590MKII incorporates the superb Texas Instruments 32-bit / 384 kHz DAC circuits, featuring 12 new coupling capacitors with improved frequency response and even higher component tolerances. The DAC and surrounding circuitry supports a vast array of source inputs including MQA decoding and rendering via PC-USB, PCM PC-USB audio up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, 3 coaxial, 3 optical, integrated aptX® Bluetooth, and a front panel USB input for iOS devices.

Superb MM Phono Stage

In addition to expertly supporting digital music files, the RC-1590MKII also excels with analog sources. That makes it the perfect component for vinyl lovers, no matter if you are just starting out accumulating LPs or if you are a seasoned vinyl junkie.

The built-in high quality MM moving magnet phono stage lets you directly plug in your turntable and start listening to your favorite LPs. No outboard equipment is needed, and the low-noise built-in circuitry rivals the performance of many stand along phono stages.

Packed with Analog and Digital Connections

The RC-1590MKII is fully feature-laden in terms of its multiple digital and analog connections. It includes Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs, a TI precision volume control IC, a fixed volume line output, dual mono subwoofer outputs, digital outputs (Coax and Optical), digital inputs (3 Coax and 3 Optical), Aux, CD, and Tuner analog inputs, internal aptX Bluetooth (supports aptX and standard Bluetooth) with rear mounted external antenna, a front USB iPod with 2.1A charging input, and rear panel USB Type-B input for connecting a computer (PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution).

Other essential features include a remote control, 2 x 12-volt trigger outputs, a dimmable display, an automatic power off function (configurable), RS232 and IP control for automation system integration, internet based software updates, Rotel Link connection, a detachable IEC power cord, an external IR remote input, and a front mounted 3.5mm headphone output jack.

Overview

• New! Premium Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz Digital to Analog Converter
• Front panel USB for Apple iOS devices
• Rear panel USB Type-B input for connecting a computer (PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution)
• MQA decoding and rendering via USB
• Bluetooth with aptX
• High-quality MM phono stage
• Dual toroidal transformers isolate the analog and digital signal paths
• Transformers provide low-noise isolation between the analog and digital signals
• Individual analog and digital regulator circuits with custom-made slit-foil capacitors
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs

• 1 x pair of balanced XLR inputs
• 3 x pair of line level inputs
• MM phono input
• 3 x Optical digital inputs
• 3 x Coaxial digital inputs
• Bluetooth aptX wireless
• Ethernet port
• Front panel USB input for music playback from iOS devices
• 2 x pair of balanced XLR outputs
• 2 x pair of unbalanced RCA outputs
• Line out
• dual mono subwoofer outputs
• 2 x pairs of speaker output binding posts
• Rear panel PC-USB 24-bit 192kHz input
• RS-232 interface
• 2 x 12-volt triggers

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)(20Hz–20kHz): <0.002%
• Frequency Response: Line Level Inputs: 10Hz - 100kHz; ±0.1dB; Digital Inputs: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.5dB; Phono Input: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.2dB
• S/N Ratio (IHF "A" Weighted): Line Level Inputs: 112dB; Digital Inputs: 108dB; Phono Input: 80dB
• Input Sensitivity: Line Level Inputs (RCA): 150mV; Line Level Inputs (XLR): 250mV; Phono Input (MM): 2.5mV
• Input Impedance: Line Level Inputs (RCA): 100kΩ; Line Level Inputs (XLR): 100kΩ; Digital Inputs: 75Ω; Phono Input (MM): 47kΩ
• Input Overload: Line Level Inputs: 4V; Phono Input: 30mV
• Output Level: Unbalanced (RCA): 1V; Balanced (XLR): 2V
• Channel Separation: Line Level Inputs: >75dB; Phono Input: >75dB
• Tone Controls: ±10dB at 100Hz / 10kHz
• Coax/Optical Digital Input Signals: LPCM (Up to 24-bit/192kHz)
• PC-USB: USB Audio Class 1 (up to 24/96); USB Audio Class 2 (up to 32/384)
• Power Consumption: 45W
• Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 17" × 5.7" × 13.9"
• Weight: 20 lbs.

"The Rotel RC-1590MKII excels sonically in several ways, including providing an expansive, rock solid soundstage, a detailed-yet-smooth presentation in the midrange and upper frequencies, and dynamic bass that is precise and well-controlled. The Rotel RC-1590MKII has an extremely low noise floor and maintains its expansive soundstage even at very low listening levels."

"The combination of the Rotel RC-1590MKII preamplifier with the B&W loudspeakers was a terrific match, sonically speaking. Based on its performance characteristics, I would anticipate the Rotel RC-1590MKII preamplifier would be a great match with most loudspeakers. The robust feature set provided by the Rotel RC-1590MKII should meet the needs of most enthusiasts in the market for a stereo preamplifier/DAC and, at its price point, it represents a tremendous value to boot."

- Bob Barrett, hometheaterreview.com, July 20, 2021

Secrets Thumbs Up Awards 2021

"THE ROTEL RC-1590 MKII is one of the finest sounding preamps I’ve heard. It delivers high-end sound and build quality at a reasonable price."

- Jim Milton, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, July 19, 2021

RC-1590MKII Preamplifier Video