Rotel RA-1592MKii Integrated Amplifier

Key Features

• 2 x 350 Watts of robust Class AB power, 4 Ohms
• 2 x 200 Watt into 8 Ohms
• Certified Roon Tested
• Supports MQA and MQA Studio
• Moving Magnet Phono input for turntable connection
• Wireless aptX™ and AAC Bluetooth
• Texas Instruments premium 32-bit/384kHz Digital to Analog Converter

The RA-1592MKII is the latest integrated amplifier to come from Rotel, building on their 60 years of hifi experience. In building the MKII version, Rotel's engineers have implemented a number of changes including 12 new coupling capacitors in the digital section, that improve frequency response. Upgrades throughout the amplifier include 28 upgraded capacitors in the signal path and further enhancements to the customised power supply all of which are made with Rotel-specific parts. One major thing to note is that Rotel has used the knowledge gained from the construction of its high-end "Michi" range in the design and build of the 1592MKII, even stating it's the shadow of the Michi X3 with identical power output amongst other things.

The RA-1592MKII offers 2 x 200 Watts into 8 ohms of class AB power (2 x 350 watts into 4 ohms) and all the connections you are likely to need to access your music, including 3 x Digital Optical, 3 x Coaxial, 3 x RCA, 1 x MM phono stage, 1 x Balanced XLR input, 1 x PC/USB and aptX™ and AAC wireless Bluetooth connection. Using a new Texas Instruments premium DAC (32-bit 384khz) with a precisely tuned output filter helps in giving you an unrivalled audio performance. Also including a 2 x mono subwoofer output and 1 x pre-out to allow connectivity to your subwoofer or additional power amplifier, connectivity isn't something you are short of.

The RA1592MKII is both MQA and MQA Studio-encoded certified, this means files are supported via USB and the amplifier is also 'Roon Tested', so it will operate with your computer running Roon software. The RJ45 Ethernet socket on the rear panel is there for software updates and for IP control of the amp in custom installations. It is part of the control options that include the brand's 'Rotel Link' connections for unified operation with the RR-AX150 remote; an input for an external remote IR receiver; 12V trigger outputs; and an RS232 port for computer control.

What all this gives you is an incredibly capable amplifier, offering a class-leading sound stage, with superb detail, midrange and depth no matter your musical taste.

Selectable A-B speaker outputs allow you to run 2 sets of speakers if you wish or to Bi-wire you're speakers, depending on your wiring preference.

One of our favourite big amplifiers in Hifi Gear, the Rotel RA-1592MKII is a powerhouse of connectivity, amplification and performance. When paired with a quality source and speakers the sound is nothing but engaging with excellent depth and presentation. One of my favourite combos (jamie@hifigear.co.uk) with this amplifier is the one below.

Rega Planar 8 - Exact Cartridge - Taking inspiration from Rega's top-of-the-range Naiad deck the Planar 8 has the same skeletal design which is to reduce mass and increase its rigidity. Rega believes that mass absorbs energy which in turn can affect the sound you get, taking some of the life away from it. When paired with Rega's top-of-the-range Moving magnet cartridge, the sound produced is incredibly easy to listen to, offering one of the most musical performances you will find for the money, probably not the final word in detail but a lot of fun.

PMC Twenty5 24i - This two-way, floorstanding speaker is beautifully designed and memorable for its sloped-back cabinet. The speaker delivers a tight, open sound with a lively and full bass that blends in effortlessly without distortion. So long as you input a quality signal into the speaker it will give it to you back with authority and depth.

Who is Rotel?

Rotel has been designing and building, high-performance audio products for over 60 years accurately rendering audio with exceptional detail and stunning clarity. Rotel has over half a century's worth of experience in designing, developing and constructing audio equipment to the finest standards, retaining an affordable price and impressive performance. Rotel design and construct everything from the core components to the finished products themselves, in their own factories under their own high standards of quality control.