Analogue and digital control for a separate stereo chain
Rotel RC-1590 MKII is a stereo preamplifier with RCA and balanced XLR inputs with DIRECT-PATH mode, PC-USB, coaxial and optical inputs with MQA, dual RCA outputs, balanced XLR outputs and a subwoofer output, designed to drive external power amplifiers.
Two isolated toroidal transformers with separate analogue and digital supplies power the different sections with particular attention to noise. A premium 32-bit/384 kHz Texas Instruments DAC handles digital sources, while the MM phono stage and line connections retain support for analogue sources. Output management enables a separate chain that is more flexible than an integrated amplifier.
Key features
- Two isolated toroidal transformers with separate analogue and digital power supplies.
- Premium 32-bit/384 kHz Texas Instruments DAC.
- PC-USB, coaxial and optical inputs with MQA.
- RCA and balanced XLR inputs with DIRECT-PATH mode.
- MM phono stage.
- Bluetooth aptX/AAC and Roon Tested certification.
- Dual RCA outputs, balanced XLR outputs and subwoofer output.
- THD below 0.002%.
Power supply
Two isolated toroidal transformers provide separate analogue and digital supplies. This separation limits noise transfer between the two sections and provides a stable reference for the line stages, particularly important because a preamplifier works with signals far lower in level than a power amplifier.
DAC and digital sources
A premium 32-bit/384 kHz Texas Instruments DAC works with PC-USB, coaxial and optical inputs with MQA. Players, computers and streamers can use internal conversion and reach the analogue outputs without an external DAC, keeping source selection and volume control concentrated in the preamplifier.
Analogue inputs
RCA and balanced XLR inputs with DIRECT-PATH mode allow an entirely analogue path for sources that have already been converted, while balanced inputs reduce sensitivity to noise over longer cable runs where available.
Phono stage
An MM phono stage allows a compatible turntable to enter the system directly without an external phono preamplifier, sharing volume control and the same outputs used by line and digital sources.
Wireless and integration
Bluetooth aptX/AAC and Roon Tested certification complement the wired connections, providing a more immediate route for smartphones and digital libraries without changing the main architecture of the chain.
Outputs to power amplifiers
Dual RCA outputs, balanced XLR outputs and a subwoofer output allow the preamplifier to drive stereo or monoblock power amplifiers and active subwoofers according to the system, keeping source selection separate from power amplification and simplifying future upgrades.
Chassis and performance
Declared THD is below 0.002%. The chassis measures 431 x 144 x 348 mm and weighs 10.1 kg, with an internal layout focused on separating the power supply, digital section and analogue path to keep noise low before power amplification.