Rotel RMB-1585 5-Channel Power Amplifier
The Rotel RMB-1585 is a stunning 200 watt per channel Class A/B multi-channel power amplifier that has been engineered to give five channels of massively powerful sound while also offering the type of hear-through clarity and detail necessary to get the most out of even the most complex music or movie soundtrack. It has been engineered to provide high-resolution audio performance, yet it is also very affordable, as has been the tradition with Rotel electronics for over 50 years.
Of all the products Rotel has released over the decades, the company's power amplifiers have perhaps been the most admired and critically acclaimed. That's due to Rotel's insistence that "less is more" and proof that the company's renowned Balanced Design Concept, which emphasizes simplicity and precise execution of proven engineering principles, honours its commitment to accurate and enjoyable musical reproduction. Now this same attention to detail – and the same vitality in sonic reproduction – is available for multichannel music aficionados as well as videophiles searching for the best in movie soundtrack recreation. Case in point: the remarkable RMB-1585 multichannel power amplifier. Whether used in a powerhouse home theatre system, as a distribution amplifier for several independent zones in your home, or as the foundation of a remarkably flexible multi-channel music system, the RMB-1585 fulfills the promise of Rotel's heritage.
Offering a lot more muscle than its little brother, the RM-1555, the Rotel RMB-1585 is a remarkable 5-channel amplifier with power output conservatively rated at 200 Watts per channel into 8 ohms with all 5 channels driven simultaneously! With even the most demanding speakers located in extraordinarily large rooms the RMB-1585 exerts the kind of precise control that presents both nuance and bombast correctly from the dynamics of a Hollywood blockbuster to the musical nuances of acoustic instruments. Its capability comes from a quite remarkable power supply based on dual Rotel-designed and Rotel-built toroidal transformers that provide precise voltages at high current to subsequent circuit stages. In addition, the toroid shape itself reduces stray emissions that might otherwise interfere with signal transfer.
Other internal components are of equally high calibre. They're sourced from Rotel's global supply network only after detailed examination and exhaustive listening tests that separate "good enough" from the truly superlative. The RMB-1585 uses only discrete output transistors with their higher thermal stability and freedom from the designed-in compromises that characterize their integrated circuit cousins. The Class AB amplifier configuration assures the best balance between power output and thermal efficiency. Heavy duty speaker terminals complement the RMB1585's 12-volt remote control trigger, single-ended RCA inputs, and detachable IEC-type AC cord which allows for an easy upgrade. Truly an amplifier for all uses, the RMB-1585 combines superb execution with maximum reliability to demonstrate Rotel's long devotion to satisfying consumer needs.
In summary, you could describe the RMB-1585 as a "brute" that provides a full kilowatt of power. Or you might regard it as an exacting conveyer of the most subtle aspects of music or a movie soundtrack. In either case, you'd be correct. You'd also be correct if you simply said that the RMB-1585 is the win-win answer for everyone seeking authoritative yet nuanced control of the speaker array of your choice.
Powerful, High-Current Output: Dual oversized factory-built toroidal transformers and 8 high efficiency 15,000 µF capacitors drive an array of high current output transistors ensuring fast transient timing, accurate detail and controlled consistency across the frequency range. Maintaining crucial timing and energy while delivering effortless power is a signature trait of this amplifier. The power supply uses 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 assuring signal fidelity during orchestral crescendos or repetitive kick-drum impacts, for example. Critical evaluation of the circuit design and meticulous selection of each acoustic audio components ensures accuracy, power and efficiency all coupled with an unsurpassed build quality ensuring this amplifier proudly wears the Rotel name.
Protection Circuitry: The RMB-1585 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.
Built-in Cooling Fans: The Rotel RMB-1585 amplifier is equipped with dual cooling fans to help ventilate the internal components. The rear panel includes a three-position fan speed selection switch including Fan Off, Fan Low Speed and Fan High Speed. Please select the fan speed that best suits the installation and cooling requirements, considering that the higher fan speed will provide more cooling.
Trigger On/Off Mode Selector: The RMB-1585 provides the option for manual or automatic power on/off operation. These modes are selectable using a toggle switch on the back panel. With the switch in the +12V Trigger On position, the amplifier is turned on automatically when a 12V trigger signal is present at the 3.5mm Trigger In jack on the rear panel. The amplifier will go into standby mode if the +12V signal is not present. The front panel Power Switch overrides this function and it must be on for the +12V trigger to work. Turning the switch off cuts power to the amplifier, regardless of whether or not a trigger signal is present.
In The News
"This time, Rotel has got something for your home theater. The RMB-1585 is a five channel, 120 watts per channel offering that should please all but the most demanding of users. For them, there is the 200 watt RMB-1585. The biggest change from the last generation of home theater amps from Rotel? The switch back from Class D to Class A/B. In our opinion this was a good move as linear amps tend to still provide the most reliable amplification for the widest range of loudspeakers. Even if you don't have the money for these babies, you probably want to see what they came out with. Check them out at your local Rotel dealer if you can and have a listen." Audioholics
"I was pleased with how convincingly Rotel's RMB-1585 managed to reproduce the warmth, tonal color, and three-dimensionality of music-only recordings. The stout RMB-1585 proved equally appealing with movies, providing endless reserves of power, arresting dynamics, wicked levels of transient control, and rich yet well-fleshed-out voices, all painted on vast soundstages. With a build quality and industrial design that push envelopes at this price, and if you're in the market for a five-channel power amp for south of $5000, Rotel's RMB-1585 is a must-hear." Sound Stage Access
Main Features & Specifications
- Product Description: Rotel RMB-1585 5 Channel Class A/B power amplifier
- Continuous Power Output: 200 Watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20kHz) at 0.03% THD with all channels driven simultaneously
- Low Impedance Capability: 4-ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers
- Circuitry: Rotel Balanced Design Concept circuitry
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.03% (20Hz–20kHz, 8Ω)
- Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100kHz ±1dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 116dB (IHF "A" Weighted)
- Gain: 26.5dB
- Intermodulation Distortion: <0.03%
- Damping Factor: >260
- Input Sensitivity: 1.5V
- Input Impedance: 12kΩ
- Output Stage: Includes high current transistors
- Class AB design
- Dual oversized, custom made toroidal transformers for stable, noise-free performance
- High quality slit foil capacitors made in Britain
- Fans: Built-in dual cooling fans
- Speaker Terminals: Five-way speaker binding posts on each terminal
- Analogue Inputs: Unbalanced RCA inputs and balanced XLR inputs for all five channels
- Input Sensitivity: Line Level Inputs (RCA): 1.9V; Line Level Inputs (XLR): 3.8V
- Input Impedance: Line Level Inputs (RCA): 12kΩ; Line Level Inputs (XLR): 100kΩ
- Protection Circuit: Thermal and over-current protection circuits
- Trigger: Switchable 3.5mm 12-volt trigger in/out
- Power Cable Input: Detachable IEC type that we recommend you upgrade over the basic one provided.
- Power Consumption: 1,100 Watts
- Standby Power Consumption: 0.5 Watt
- Available Finishes: Black or Silver
- Dimensions (W×H×D): 431 x 237 x 454mm
- Net Weight: 36kg
- Shipping Weight: 42.2kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE