Rotel RC-1590MKII Reference Stereo Preamplifier

The Rotel RC-1590MKII Stereo Preamplifier is Rotel’s reference-level control center for a high-performance separates system. It combines an ultra-low-noise analog preamplifier with dual Rotel-manufactured toroidal transformers, balanced XLR connectivity, a Texas Instruments 32-bit/384 kHz DAC, Moving Magnet phono stage, high-resolution PC-USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs, Bluetooth, and flexible RCA/XLR outputs. Rotel

Designed for systems where source quality and signal integrity matter as much as amplifier power, the RC-1590MKII keeps its analog and digital power supplies physically and electrically isolated. Dual RCA and balanced XLR outputs also make it particularly well suited to high-powered stereo amplifiers, monoblocks, and bi-amplified systems. Rotel

Dual Toroidal Transformers & Isolated Power Supplies

A major distinction of the RC-1590MKII is its use of two in-house manufactured Rotel toroidal transformers rather than a single shared transformer. The transformers independently supply the analog and digital sections, helping prevent digital circuitry from contaminating sensitive analog stages. Rotel

Dedicated regulator circuits and low-ESR slit-foil capacitors further support the separate power domains, contributing to the extremely low <0.002% THD and <0.002% intermodulation distortion specifications. Rotel

Texas Instruments 32-Bit/384 kHz DAC

Digital conversion is handled by a premium Texas Instruments 32-bit/384 kHz DAC followed by Rotel's custom-engineered output-filter circuitry. Rotel

The asynchronous PC-USB connection supports USB Audio Class 2.0 up to 32-bit/384 kHz, while USB Audio Class 1.0 supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs accept LPCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz. The RC-1590MKII also supports MQA and MQA Studio up to 24-bit/384 kHz through PC-USB and is Roon Tested. Rotel

Reference Analog Signal Path

The RC-1590MKII's analog circuitry includes DIRECT-PATH bypass modes, removing unnecessary circuitry from the signal path when those functions are not required. This is intended to preserve signal integrity and minimize additional noise and distortion. Rotel

Its line-level performance reflects that design, with frequency response extending from 10 Hz to 100 kHz (+0/-0.1 dB). Signal-to-noise ratio reaches 117 dB through RCA and 115 dB through XLR. Rotel

Balanced XLR Connectivity

Balanced XLR inputs and outputs allow the RC-1590MKII to integrate directly with premium source components and high-performance power amplifiers.

Rotel provides dual RCA and dual XLR output connections, making the preamplifier especially flexible for systems using multiple amplifiers or bi-amplification. A dedicated subwoofer output is also included. Rotel

Moving Magnet Phono Stage

Vinyl playback is supported by a dedicated Moving Magnet phono input, eliminating the need for an external phono preamplifier with compatible cartridges.

The MM stage is rated at 2.5 mV sensitivity, 47kΩ input impedance and 64 mV overload, with frequency response of 20 Hz–20 kHz (+0.3/-0.2 dB) and an 80 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Rotel

Bluetooth & Multi-Source Capability

The RC-1590MKII supports aptX and AAC Bluetooth, adding convenient wireless playback alongside its extensive analog and wired digital connectivity. Rotel

This gives one preamplifier control over turntables, CD players, network streamers, external DACs, computers, digital transports and wireless sources without compromising the flexibility expected from a separates-based system.

Technical Details

Specifications are based on Rotel's current manufacturer product page and specification sheet. Rotel

Rotel RC-1590MKII at The Grid HiFi

The Rotel RC-1590MKII is designed for customers building a serious separates-based stereo system. Its dual-transformer power architecture, balanced XLR signal path, 32-bit/384 kHz DAC, MM phono stage, dual preamp outputs and subwoofer connectivity make it an exceptionally flexible control center for stereo power amplifiers and monoblocks.

It is a natural partner for Rotel's higher-powered amplifiers, including the RB-1582MKII and RB-1590, while its RCA and XLR connectivity also makes it easy to integrate with other premium amplification.

The Grid HiFi offers Rotel components to customers throughout the United States, with expert support for matching the RC-1590MKII to power amplifiers, loudspeakers, turntables, streamers, digital sources, subwoofers and complete two-channel systems. Customers can also arrange an in-person Rotel demonstration at our Houston showroom.

Build your reference Rotel separates system with the right component matching from the start. Call The Grid HiFi at (713) 218-8120 for expert system design and support.