Rotel RA-1592 MKII Integrated Amplifer

There has never been a better time to be a music lover. Today’s source options provide limitless audiophile quality music. CD-or-better quality streaming, high resolution download sites, inexpensive mass storage devices, the still resilient CD and the resurgence of classic vinyl are all providing a wealth of content at impressively high fidelity. To hear all this music as the artist intended requires an extraordinarily flexible, sonically capable component.

The RA-1592 MKII Integrated Amplifier is exactly that component. As the flagship integrated amplifier in Rotel’s 15 Series, the RA-1592 MKII delivers 200 Watts of Class AB output power into 8 Ohms and now delivers an even higher level of audio performance with upgrades to all critical circuits.  The Texas Instruments 32bit/384kHz DAC circuits feature 12 new coupling capacitors with improved frequency response and even higher component tolerances.  Upgraded capacitors are also used in critical signal paths totalling over 28 changed components with additional changes in the power supply circuits.  Dynamic, controlled bass energy, exceptional detail, and reproduction of every nuance of sound with exacting positioning ensure the innovations in the RA-1592 MKII are deserving of the MKII designation.

The RA-1592MKII is replete with source inputs including aptX and AAC high quality wireless Bluetooth streaming, MQA decoding and rendering via PC-USB, PCM PC-USB audio up to 32bit/384kHz, Moving Magnet Phono Stage, Analogue, Digital, XLR Balanced and front panel USB for iOS devices.

Meanwhile, the impressive Rotel manufactured toroidal transformer is a key element in the power supply design which also includes custom slit-foil storage capacitors and a dual-monoblock topology. All of this helps to ensure the amplifier performance stands up to even the most complex music and real world playback conditions.

To complement the amplifier section, the RA-1592 MKII’s preamplifier incorporates the latest Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) and analogue stages of the highest quality. The DAC and surrounding circuitry supports a vast array of digital files including 32-bit/384 kHz PCM & MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) via the USB-B input. Digital connections also include 3 coaxial digital, 3 optical digital, integrated aptX Bluetooth and a front mounted USB iOS friendly input. In recognition of the faithful analogue music lovers, there is a phono stage input (MM), XLR balanced input and 3 analogue RCA source inputs.

User selectable A-B speaker outputs with 5-way binding posts, RCA pre-output and dual subwoofer outputs provide the ultimate flexibility in installation. The amplifier protection circuits monitor DC offset, overcurrent, short circuit and temperature to protect both the electronics and attached speakers.

Custom integration features include RS232 and Ethernet IP control, 2 trigger outputs, remote IR input and automated digital signal sense power control for easy integration with streaming sources and control systems.

A Word About Watts

This amplifier’s power output is rated as 200 watts for each channel, when both channels are operating together at full power. Rotel has chosen to specify the power output in this way because, in Rotel’s experience, it gives the truest value of the receiver or amplifier’s power capability.

When comparing specifications for different products, you should be aware that power output is often specified in other ways, so you may not be comparing like with like. For example, the power output may be quoted with only one channel operating, giving a higher maximum figure.

A loudspeaker’s impedance rating indicates the electrical resistance or load it offers when connected to the amplifier, usually 8 Ohms or 4 Ohms. The lower the impedance, the more power the speaker will need. In effect, a 4 ohm speaker will require twice as much power as an 8 ohm speaker.

However, Rotel amplifiers are designed to work into any speaker impedance between 8 and 4 Ohms, and with all the channels working up to their full power. Because Rotel designs are optimized for use with all channels operating together, Rotel is able to specify the true power output for both channels.

Rotel RA-1592 MKII Integrated Amplifier Review

“What makes the Rotel 1592 MKII the recipient of one of our Exceptional Value Awards for 2021 is its high level of overall competence. Even buying gently used pre owned components, it’s doubtful that you could come up with a fully functioning preamplifier, DAC, headphone amplifier, MM phonostage and a 200 watt per channel power amplifier of this quality for anywhere near the cost of the 1592 – that’s it’s beauty.

For many, the mix of components is the thrill in assembling a music system, however if you happen to be a serious music lover that doesn’t want to go through the myriad of choices (and potential non synergistic ones), call it a day with the Rotel. You won’t regret it.” Tone Magazine

Our Take On The Rotel RA-1592 MKII Integrated Amplifier

Rotel has been designing and manufacturing high fidelity, high quality, high performance audio products for over 60 years with the express aim of accurately rendering audio with exceptional detail and stunning clarity. The 200 Watt RA-1592 MKII proudly continues in the tradition and heritage of this iconic brand. With all the power and connectivity you could want the Rotel RA-1592 MKII really ‘does it all’ and may be everything you need in an amplifier.

Specifications

Design: 200 Watt Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Audio Inputs: MM Phono, Balanced XLR, CD, Tuner, Aux 1, Aux 2, Coaxial Digital x 3, Optical Digital x 3, USB-B for computer audio, Bluetooth aptX dongle for audio streaming, front panel USB-A compatible with Apple iOS products

Audio Outputs: A & B Speakers, Headphone, Preamp, Subwoofer x 2

General Inputs/Outputs: External Remote, 12V Triger In/Out, RS232, Ethernet

Continuous Power Output: 200 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms

Maximum Power Output: 350 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms

Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.008%

Intermodulation Distortion: < 0.03% (60 Hz: 7kHz, 4:1)

Frequency Response

Line Level Inputs: 10Hz - 100kHz, ± 0.5dB

Phono Input: 20Hz - 20kHz, ± 0.5dB

Digital Inputs: 10Hz - 90kHz ±2dB

Input Sensitivity / Impedance

Line Level Inputs (RCA): 340 mV / 100k Ohms

Line Level Inputs (XLR): 540 mV / 100k Ohms

Phono Input (MM): 5.2 mV / 47k Ohms

Digital Inputs: 0 dBFs / 75 Ohms

Input Overload

Line Level Inputs (RCA): 3.5 V

Line Level Inputs (XLR): 5.5 V

Phono Input: 52 mV

Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighting)

Line Level Inputs: 103 dB

Phono Input: 80 dB

Digital Inputs: 102dB

Damping Factor: 600 (20 - 20,000 Hz, 8 Ohms)

Preamp Output / Impedance: 1.9 V / 100 Ohms

Tone Controls: ±10dB at 100Hz / 10kHz

Coaxial & Optical Digital Inputs

SPDIF LPCM (up to 192kHz 24 bit)

PC-USB Input

USB Audio Class 1.0 (up to 24bit / 96kHz)

USB Audio Class 2.0 (up to 32bit / 384kHz - Driver installation required)

MQA & MQA Studio (up to 24-bit / 384kHz )

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) Support

Roon Tested

Power Consumption: 500 watts

Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5 watts

Finish: Silver

Dimensions (WxHxD): 431 x 144 x 425mm

Weight: 17.63kg

Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years 

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE