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  1. Home
  2. Rotel Amplifiers
  3. Power Amplifiers
  4. Rotel RB-1552 MkII
Rotel RB-1552 MkII Review
Rotel RB-1552 MkII - Front View

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Main Features

  • 130 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • 2-channel
  • Class A/B
  • Minimum impedance: 4 ohms
  • Weight: 27.00 lbs / kg
MSRP: $1,699 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›
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Rotel RB-1552 MkII Review
Rotel RB-1552 MkII Rotel RB-1552 MkII
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Rotel · Japan · since 1961 · sold through dealers

The RB-1552 MkII is a stereo power amplifier by Rotel that delivers 130 watts x 2. It is a 2-channel design using a Class A/B output stage. Speakers connect via binding posts. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. The Rotel RB-1552 MkII has an MSRP of $1,699.

There are 3 Rotel amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

Rotel Power Amplifier Series
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Bluetooth
Rotel RB-1582 MkII
Compare
2004Ω——
Rotel RB-1552 MkII
1304Ω——
Rotel RB-1590
Compare
3504Ω——

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Rotel RB-1552 MkII is rated at 130 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Rotel provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.03% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 130 watts into 8-ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.03%
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)

How loud will 130 watts actually play in your room? →

Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →

Which speakers suit the Rotel RB-1552 MkII?

130 W into 8 ohms, rated down to 4 ohms. We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current delivery.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Need more power?

Rotel RB-1552 MkII is rated at 130 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 121 to 180 watts band. The next band up is Over 180 watts, which is worth about 2.3dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.

  • Schiit Tyr F – 200 watts, $1,699 compare
  • PS Audio Stellar M700 – 350 watts, $1,749 compare
  • Schiit Wotan – 200 watts, $1,999 compare

Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the 91 to 120 watts band and better speakers.

When pairing the Rotel RB-1552 MkII with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Rotel RB-1552 MkII, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. Rotel RB-1552 MkII has total of 2 Analog inputs .

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2

Outputs
  • Speaker Outputs

Rotel RB-1552 MkII Pros and Cons

Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.

  • ✓130 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
  • ✓5-year parts warranty, longer than most of the market.
  • ✓Detachable mains lead (IEC 2-prong).
  • ✗A power amplifier has no volume control and no input selection - it needs a preamplifier, or a source with a variable output, in front of it.

Rotel RB-1552 MkII External Dimensions and Weight

Rotel RB-1552 MkII has external dimensions of (H x W x D) . The unit weighs 12.25 kg (27 lbs).

  • Width: mm (17-1/16")
  • Height: mm (5-11/16")
  • Depth: mm (14-7/16")
  • Weight: 12.25 kg (27 lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~cm2 / 0.0inch2
  • Volume: ~0.0 liter / 0.0 gallon

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the Rotel RB-1552 MkII by the manufacturer.

Rotel RB-1552 MkII Detailed Specifications

General
Brand Rotel
Full Model Name Rotel RB-1552 MkII
Amplifier Type Power Amplifier
Number of Channels 2
Amp Class Class A/B
Amplifier Technology Solid State
Performance
Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 130 watts
Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms N/A
Frequency Bandwidth 20 Hz-20 kHz
THD 0.03%
Minimum Impedance 4
Signal to Noise Ratio N/A

CONNECTIONS
Total Analog Inputs 2
Removable Power Cord IEC 2-prong
Speaker Connectors Binding posts
Speaker Outputs 4
Level Controls No
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height mm (5-11/16")
Width mm (17-1/16")
Depth mm (14-7/16")
Weight 12.25 kg (27 lbs)
OTHER
Parts Warranty 5 Years
THX Certification No
Labor Warranty 5 Years
Rotel RB-1552 MkII Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Phono
Rotel RB-1582 MkII
Compare
2004Ω——
Rotel A14 MKII
Compare
804ΩYesMM
Audiolab 9000P
Compare
1004Ω——
Rotel RB-1590
Compare
3504Ω——
Schiit Tyr F
Compare
200—NoNo
Rotel RA-1572 MKII
Compare
1204ΩYesMM
Schiit Wotan
Compare
200—NoNo
Frequently Asked Questions about Rotel RB-1552 MkII

How much power does the Rotel RB-1552 MkII have?

The Rotel RB-1552 MkII delivers 130 watts x 2.

Does the Rotel RB-1552 MkII use vacuum tubes?

No. The Rotel RB-1552 MkII is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.

What amplifier class is the Rotel RB-1552 MkII?

The Rotel RB-1552 MkII uses a Class A/B amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.

How much does the Rotel RB-1552 MkII cost?

The Rotel RB-1552 MkII has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,699.

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