Rotel just released the high performance RB-1582MKII (200-watt x 2) and RB-1552MKII (120-watt x 2) class A/B stereo power amplifiers. Each amplifier is built with an engineering philosophy called Balanced Design Concept, which is a disciplined synthesis of physics, electronics, and mechanical engineering. Balanced Design Concept revolves around three major areas: parts selection, circuit topology, and critical evaluation. These aspects influence final sound quality significantly and illustrate Balanced Design’s holistic approach to product development.
RB-1582MKII Stereo Power Amplifier
The RB-1582MKII is Rotel’s largest stereo amplifier at 200 watts per channel that provides the massive current needed to effortlessly drive even the largest hi-fi systems. It has been designed to excel at resolving the subtle details in music as well as supplying the brawn required for extremely dynamic passages. The RB-1582MKII is able to achieve this difficult dual requirement because of the meticulous attention paid to circuit design and parts selection.

The RB-1582MKII’s high-end performance begins with an extremely large toroidal transformer combined with a total of 60,000uF storage capacity in 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. Both the left and right channel construction are laid out in a mono block 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 output stage is a discrete design that consists of 10 high current bipolar transistors per channel. Input options consist of both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors.
RB-1552MKII Stereo Power Amplifier
The RB-1552MKII is a 120-watt per channel class A/B amplifier that delivers a musical performance as the artist intended. It’s engineered to be powerful and robust, yet able to extract every last nuance out of even the most complex musical score. And it’s engineered to provide high-resolution audio performance at an affordable price—a tradition with Rotel Electronics for over 50 years.

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. Input options are balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA connectors.
Price and Availability
Both are available now in Matte Black or Brushed Silver finish.
- Rotel RB-1582MKII is $1,599.
- Rotel RB-1552MKII is $999.
