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"Very Impressive" Full-Featured Preamp with Built-in Hi-Res DAC and Phono Stage
For music enthusiasts who won’t accept compromise, the reference RC-1590 preamplifier from Rotel is in a class by itself. 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 RC-1590 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."
"You Are Getting a Lot of Value for Your Money"
"The preamp features truly ruler-flat frequency response and microscopic levels of distortion, meaning that it just gets out of the way of the music," observes imagic in a joint review of the RB-1590 amp and RC-1590 preamp for avsforums.com. "The simple operation and stereo-purist feature set are not necessarily going to thrill DSP addicts used to the digital bells and whistles of AVRs and pre/pros, but 2-channel audio aficionados should find much to like in the way the RC-1590 goes about its business."
"Ultimately, the Rotel RB-1590 amp and RC-1590 preamp combination creates a killer 2-channel rig that gives you the power and the precision needed to get the most out of a great pair of speakers, so you can enjoy the music. Of that, I am certain."
Analog and Digital Circuits Designed by Specialized Teams
With the RC-1590, Rotel engineers wanted to create a reference quality stereo preamplifier to match with its new 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-1590 is fully up to the task of making beautiful music from digital sources available today. It includes a built-in state-of-the-art 32-bit / 768 kHz AKM digital-to-analog converter (DAC) plus analog stages of the highest quality. The DAC and related circuitry support a vast array of source inputs including DSD capable PC-USB (32-bit / 384 kHz).
A front panel USB input is provided for easy connection of a wide variety of music storage devices including Apple iPods, iPhones, and iPads for music streaming. The Bluetooth input supports aptX for superior performance with compatible devices. In addition, three each coaxial (RCA) and optical (TOSlink) inputs provide easy connections for LPCM music sources including popular streaming devices with up to 24-bit word lengths sampled at 192 kHz.
Superb MM Phono Stage
In addition to expertly supporting digital music files, the RC-1590 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-1590 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 PC-USB 24-bit 192kHz input supporting DSD (Windows) and DoP (MAC computers DSD over PCM).
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.
