Rotel RMB-1585 MKII Five Channel Amplifier

High Power, Audiophile Performance Amplifiers for Multi-Channel System

The new RMB-1585MKII 5-channel amplifier continues Rotel’s heritage of producing high power, audiophile performance amplifiers for multi-channel systems.

The RMB-1585MKII delivers unparalleled performance with five channels of Rotel Class AB amplification rated at 210 Watts per channel into 8 ohms and an impressive 340 Watts per channel into 4 ohms with all channels driven.

But it isn’t just pure output power that distinguishes the RMB-1585MKII. It’s the ability to reproduce both the dynamics of a Hollywood blockbuster and the musical nuances of acoustic instruments that sets it apart. Where does this balance come from? It’s a direct result of Rotel’s celebrated Balanced Design Concept in which circuit topology and parts selection meld in the pursuit of sonic excellence.

"An Exceptional Listening Experience"

"Rotel continues its tradition of audio excellence with the launch of two multi-channel amps, RMB-1587MKII and RMB-1585MKII, built for power and precision," reports hometheaterreview.com September 6, 2023.

"With the ability to deliver 210 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 340 watts per channel at 4 ohms, even with all channels driven, this amplifier promises an exceptional listening experience."

"Outstanding Sound"

"Judging from playing the DFF mastering file of Mahler's Symphony 5, in the recording by Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra (SACD/CD, Channel Classics CCS SA 34213), the RMB-1585 had plenty of muscle," notes Kalman Rubinson in his review of the original-model RMB-1585 for Stereophile. "I like to really turn up the volume on this powerful performance in outstanding sound—when I did, there was no sense of congestion or dynamic limits, even with the brass in full cry."

Rubinson concludes, "I want to get my excitement from the music, and the Rotel RMB-1585 is more than capable of delivering that. It's a really nice amp."

"Warmth, Tonal Color, and Three-Dimensionality"

"I was pleased with how convincingly Rotel’s RMB-1585 managed to reproduce the warmth, tonal color, and three-dimensionality of music-only recordings," reports Aaron Gerrecht in his review for soundstageaccess.com. "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."

MKII Circuit and Component Upgrades

Following Rotel's updated MKII design architecture, the RMB-1585MKII incorporates both circuit and component upgrades in the power supply and amplifier stages to delivering ultra-low distortion, superior signal isolation, and high-gain output power efficiently packaged in a single, multi-channel amplifier chassis.

Purpose-Built for Home Theater and Custom Installation

The RMB-1585MKII is purpose built for home theater and custom installation. Convenient auto-switching XLR Balanced and RCA inputs ensure compatibility with any AV Processor or Home Theater receiver preamp output, and a 12 V trigger input and output provides simplified power control. Detachable rack mount ears are included for mounting in standard 19” equipment racks.

Five-Channel Mode and Bi-Amp Mode

The RMB-1585MKII features a rear panel switch to select normal 5-channel mode, or Bi-Amp mode. In Bi-Amp mode, Channels 1+2 and Channels 4+5 are wired to receive the same input signal, allowing for simple bi-amplification.

This unique configuration allows the use of a separate amplifier channel for the Left and Right channel High Frequency (HF) and Low Frequency (LF) drivers, resulting in improved dynamics, and enhanced resolution from compatible loudspeakers.

Driving Your Speakers with Ease

An oversized factory-built power supply using dua toroidal transformer and high efficiency capacitors drive an array of high current output transistors ensuring fast transient timing, accurate detail and controlled consistency of low frequency regardless of the loudspeakers load rating or cable run distance. 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 ensuring 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-1585MKII 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 Fan

The Rotel RMB-1585MKII amplifier is equipped with four cooling fans to help ventilate the internal components. The rear panel includes a 3-position fan selection slide switch, including Fan Off and Fan Auto.

Trigger ON/OFF Mode Selector

The RMB-1585MKII 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 3.5 mm Jack of TRIGGER IN 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. 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.

Choose Black or Silver Finish

The RMB-1585MKII is available in your choice of a stylish black finisgh or silver finish.

Product Features

Overview

5 x 340 Watts of robust power, 4 Ohms
Class AB amplifier design
Massive power supply using dual toroidal transformers
High quality slit foil capacitors
Four built-in cooling fans
Rack mount rack ears included
Choose black or silver finish

Connections

5 x Unbalanced RCA analog input
5 x Balanced XLR analog input
5 x 5-Way speaker binding posts
12-volt trigger input and output

Product Specs

Power Output: 210W/Ch (5 channels driven, 8Ω); 340W/Ch (5 channels driven, 4Ω); 440W/Ch (2 channels driven, 4Ω)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.03%
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100kHz, +0.1, -0.3dB
Signal To Noise Ratio: (A Weighting) 120dB
Gain: 26.9dB
Intermodulation Distortion (60Hz:7kHz, 4:1): <0.03%
Damping Factor (1kHz, 8Ω): 223
Crosstalk/ Separation: >55 db
Input Sensitivity: Unbalanced: 1.89V; Balanced: 4.7V
Input Impedance: Unbalanced: 12kΩ; Balanced: 50kΩ
Consumption: 1200W
Dimensions (W × H × D): 17" × 9.4" × 18"
Weight: 82 lb.

"Rotel continues its tradition of audio excellence with the launch of two multi-channel amps, RMB-1587MKII and RMB-1585MKII, built for power and precision."

"The RMB-1587MKII incorporates circuit and component upgrades in both the power supply and amplifier stages, demonstrating Rotel's commitment to enhancing audio quality."

"With the ability to deliver 210 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 340 watts per channel at 4 ohms, even with all channels driven, this amplifier promises an exceptional listening experience.'

- hometheaterreview.com September 6, 2023

"Judging from playing the DFF mastering file of Mahler's Symphony 5, in the recording by Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra (SACD/CD, Channel Classics CCS SA 34213), the RMB-1585 had plenty of muscle. I like to really turn up the volume on this powerful performance in outstanding sound—when I did, there was no sense of congestion or dynamic limits, even with the brass in full cry."

"I want to get my excitement from the music, and the Rotel RMB-1585 is more than capable of delivering that. It's a really nice amp."

- Kalman Rubinson, Stereophile, September 4, 2014

"I was pleased with how convincingly Rotel’s RMB-1585 managed to reproduce the warmth, tonal color, and three-dimensionality of music-only recordings while sacrificing little in terms of overall resolution, detail, space around instruments, and microlevel nuances. Such a balancing act is not easy for any amp to pull off, and the fact that Rotel has managed to produce a multichannel powerhouse with such an alluring list of sonic characteristics is an achievement at this price."

"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."

- Aaron Gerrecht, soundstageaccess.com, October 15, 2016

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