Rotel RMB-1585MK2 5-Channel Amplifier

Rotel RMB-1585MKII 5-Channel Power Amplifier

Built for serious home theater and custom-install systems, the Rotel RMB-1585MKII is a high-current 5-channel Class AB power amplifier designed to deliver effortless dynamics, tight bass control, and clean detail across every speaker in your surround setup. Rotel’s MKII design architecture upgrades both the power supply and amplifier stages for ultra-low distortion, improved signal isolation, and high-gain output that stays composed when action scenes and complex soundtracks demand maximum headroom.

At the heart of the RMB-1585MKII is a massive, audiophile-grade power supply featuring dual in-house toroidal transformers and high-quality slit-foil energy storage capacitors that provide stable current delivery for demanding loudspeakers. With 210 watts per channel into 8 ohms (all 5 channels driven) and an impressive 340 watts per channel into 4 ohms (all 5 channels driven), it brings cinema-scale impact to your room while maintaining refined, musical clarity.

For system flexibility, it supports both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs for each channel, plus 12V trigger in/out for seamless integration with AV processors and automation. It also includes a selectable Bi-Amp mode for compatible speaker systems, thermostat-controlled cooling for long sessions, and rack-mount capability for professional installs. Available in black or silver, the RMB-1585MKII is a premium power foundation for high-performance multi-channel audio.

The Rotel RMB-1585MKII is part of ListenUp's Rotel Power Amplifiers Collection.

What It's Good At:

• Delivering cinema-level surround power with all channels driven for consistent, real-world performance
• Driving difficult 4-ohm speakers with high-current stability and confident dynamics
• Producing clean, detailed sound with ultra-low distortion and wide frequency response
• Enhancing bass authority and speaker control with a high damping factor design
• Integrating into premium theaters via XLR/RCA inputs and 12V trigger automation
• Supporting custom installs with rack-mount readiness, intelligent cooling, and flexible modes

Rotel RMB-1585MKII Full Specifications:

• Product Type: Multi-Channel Power Amplifier (5-Channel), Class AB amplification
• Channels: 5
• FTC Power Output: 230 W/Ch (5 channels driven, 8Ω); 270 W/Ch (2 channels driven, 8Ω)
• Power Output (Additional non-FTC ratings): 210 W/Ch (5 channels driven, 8Ω); 340 W/Ch (5 channels driven, 4Ω); 440 W/Ch (2 channels driven, 4Ω)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.03%
• Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz, 4:1): < 0.03%
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+0.1 dB, -0.3 dB)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A Weighting): 120 dB
• Gain: 26.9 dB
• Damping Factor (1 kHz, 8Ω): 223
• Crosstalk / Separation: > 55 dB
• Input Sensitivity: Unbalanced: 1.89 V; Balanced: 4.7 V
• Input Impedance: Unbalanced: 12 kΩ; Balanced: 50 kΩ
• Inputs: 5 x RCA (unbalanced), 5 x XLR (balanced)
• Speaker Outputs: 5 channels speaker binding-post outputs
• Bi-Amp Mode: Selectable (routes Channels 1+2 and Channels 4+5 to the same input signal for simplified bi-amplification)
• Cooling: Thermostat-controlled, variable-speed ultra-low-noise fan system (fan control switch: Auto/Off)
• 12V Trigger: Trigger In and Trigger Out
• Power Requirements: USA: 120 V, 60 Hz; EC/Europe: 230 V, 50 Hz
• Power Consumption: 1200 W
• BTU Rating (4Ω, 1/8th power): 3317 BTU/h
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 431 x 237 x 456 mm (17 x 9 1/3 x 18 in.)
• Front Panel Height: 5U / 221 mm (8 3/4 in.)
• Net Weight: 37.4 kg (82 lb.)
• Finish/Colors: Black, Silver
• Rack Mount: Rack ears included (rack mount kit included in some regions); rack-mount ready for standard 19" equipment racks

Rotel RMB-1585MKII Q&A:

What is the Rotel RMB-1585MKII designed for?

The RMB-1585MKII is a high-power 5-channel amplifier built for home theater and custom installation systems, providing clean, high-current Class AB amplification for surround speakers.

How much power does it deliver with all channels driven?

It delivers 210 watts per channel into 8 ohms (5 channels driven) and 340 watts per channel into 4 ohms (5 channels driven), providing real-world multi-channel headroom.

Does it support balanced XLR connections?

Yes. It includes balanced XLR inputs (plus unbalanced RCA inputs) for each channel to match a wide range of AV processors and preamp outputs.

Can it handle demanding 4-ohm speakers?

Yes. The amplifier is rated at 340 W/Ch into 4 ohms with all five channels driven, and it’s engineered with a high-current power supply to maintain control under load.

What is Bi-Amp mode and who should use it?

Bi-Amp mode lets you route the same input signal to paired amplifier channels (Channels 1+2 and Channels 4+5) for simplified bi-amplification of compatible speakers, improving dynamics and driver control when set up properly.

How does the amplifier integrate with home theater automation?

It includes 12V trigger input and output, allowing it to power on/off with your AV processor or automation system for a seamless theater experience.

How is cooling handled for long movie sessions?

The RMB-1585MKII uses thermostat-controlled, variable-speed ultra-low-noise fans and includes a fan control switch (Auto/Off) to balance cooling and quiet operation.

Is it suitable for rack mounting?

Yes. It’s designed for custom installation and is rack-mount ready, with rack ears included (with regional availability for the full rack kit).

Rotel RMB-1585MKII Downloads:

Rotel RMB-1585MKII Manual
Rotel RMB-1585MKII Specifications Sheet
Rotel RMB-1585MKII Drawing