Rotel RB-1552 MkII Stereo Power Amplifier
The Rotel RB-1552MKII is a 130 watt per channel Class A/B amplifier that is engineered to be powerful and robust, yet able to extract every last nuance out of even the most complex musical score. It has been engineered to provide high-resolution audio performance, yet it is very affordable, as has been the tradition with Rotel electronics for over 50 years.
Rotel engineering's fanatical attention to detail means the sum is greater than the parts in the RB-1552 Mk II. It is what they call their Balanced Design Concept. Each aspect of design is carefully considered holistically to result in maximum audio performance - from the selection of an over-sized power supply featuring a highly efficient, low magnetic field toroidal transformer to multiple, high-current bipolar output transistors. Circuit topology is planned, implemented, evaluated, and adjusted to achieve optimum results. The RB-1552MKII features independent left and right power rectification stages and decoupling, and is essentially a mono block design. Further evidence of design over-spec is in the selection of premium "slit-foil" capacitors, which provide plenty of reserve energy for extremely dynamic audio passages and are able to quickly replenish themselves due to the nature of their unique design.
The Rotel RB-1552 MkII stereo power amplifier is built upon the same platform as the 200 Watt RB-1582 MkII and offers a very impressive power output capability of 2 x 130 Watts. It is engineered to be powerful and robust, yet able to extract every last nuance out of even the most complex musical score.
Extremely High Performance Power Supply: The RB-1552 MkII's high-end performance begins with an extremely large toroidal transformer using special "slit foil" capacitors to provide completely stable power to the output stage. Slit foil capacitors have the ability to charge and discharge extremely quickly, thereby ensuring signal fidelity during orchestral crescendos or repetitive kick-drum impacts, for example.
Dual Monoblock Design: Both left and right channel construction are laid out in a dual monoblock design (after the toroidal transformer) and all grounding is terminated in a star pattern on a copper grounding plate to ensure low signal to noise. The powerful output stage is a discrete design that consists of high current bipolar transistors.
Input & Output Options: Input options consist of both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors. A toggle switch in the rear panel selects the type of input signal to use. The RB-1552 MKII has four pairs of color-coded speaker binding posts, two for each channel – allowing you to run two pairs of speakers at the same time, if you wish. These connectors accept bare wire, spades, or banana plugs. (Note that there is no speaker selection switch, so both pairs of connected speakers will play if you use two pairs.)
Protection Circuitry: The RB-1552 MKII features thermal and over-current protection circuits that protect against potential damage in the event of extreme or faulty operating conditions. Unlike many designs, these protection circuits are independent of the audio signal and have no impact on sonic performance. Instead, the protection circuits monitor the temperature of the output devices and the current they are handling and shut down the amplifier if operating conditions exceed safe limits. Most likely, you will never see this protection circuitry in action. However, should a faulty condition arise, the amplifier will stop playing and the LED indicator on the front panel will light up.
The RB-1552 MkII stereo power amplifier is yet another outstanding example of Rotel's Balanced Design Concept and will form the heart of a very impressive stereo or home theatre system for years to come.
In The News
"Modestly priced audio products may not be able to produce the 'absolute sound,' but the best of them can fully deliver the heart of the high end. Rotel's 1570/1552 stack falls decisively into this category, forming an incredibly affordable, versatile system that conveys all the music you could want – and more – with very few trade-offs. Rotel is back, my friends. And it is good." The Absolute Sound
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 130 Watt Stereo Class A/B power amplifier
- Rotel Balanced Design Concept circuitry
- Powerful output stage with high current bipolar transistors
- Extremely large toroidal transformer
- High quality slit foil capacitors made in Britain
- Two pairs of speaker binding posts
- XLR and RCA inputs
- Thermal and over-current protection circuits
- Rack ears included
- Trigger ON/OFF Mode Selector
- Continuous Power Output: 130W/Ch (All channels driven, 8Ω)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)(20Hz–20kHz): <0.03%
- Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100kHz ±0.5dB
- S/N Ratio (IHF "A" Weighted): 120dB
- Gain: RCA: 26.5dB; XLR: 22.5dB
- Intermodulation Distortion (60Hz:7kHz, 4:1): <0.03%
- Damping Factor: 450
- Speaker Impedance: 4Ω minimum
- Input Sensitivity: Line Level Inputs (RCA): 1.5V; Line Level Inputs (XLR): 2.5V
- Input Impedance: Line Level Inputs (RCA): 12kΩ; Line Level Inputs (XLR): 100kΩ
- Power Consumption: 400W
- Standby Power Consumption: 0.5W
- Available Finishes: Black & Silver
- Dimensions (W×H×D): 431 x 144 x 340mm
- Weight: 12.25kg
- Shipping Weight: 14.40kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE