Rotel RMB-1575 Review: Discussion Thread

15755 Views 52 Replies 9 Participants Last post by jjk43, Dec 14, 2015

recruit

Discussion Starter · Oct 30, 2009

[img]http://www.hometheatershack.com/images/rotelamp.jpg[/img]

Rotel RMB-1575 Amp Review: Discussion Thread

For the Full Review: Click Here!

Summary: Out of the many amps I have tried over the years I would say that the new Rotel RMB-1575 is just as good if not better, and allows the movies and music soundtracks to be played at very high levels with relative ease due to the huge amounts of power on tap. It also has the advantage of running extremely cool to the touch being class D. In this day and age where people are more conscious of the power we consume and how it affects global warming, this is a very energy efficient amp. I have no reservations in recommending this amp.

For the Full Review: Click Here!

1 - 20 of 53 Posts

Jon Liu

· #2 · Oct 30, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Very nice review, John! I like Rotel equipment a lot and they were one of top choices when I was looking into amplifiers.

recruit

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 30, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Thanks Jon, it really is a nice amp and I have had it for a little while now but it works so well in my system, considering its price point it really does deliver

Bob_99

· #4 · Oct 30, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

As previously mentioned, very nice review. I didn't realize Rotel equipment was priced so reasonably. In the past I always found it to be way beyond my price range.

I have read in the past objections to class D amps for music but it sounds like it's not an issue. I guess the technology has really improved.

Thanks.

Bob

recruit

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 30, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Hi Bob, yes it works extremely well and I also know of someone else who powers his B&W 803D in a 5.1 setup with great results, like I said it is neutral and allows the quality of my processor to shine through not colouring the sound at all...

It uses ICE modules in particular 2x ICEpower500ASP and 3x ICEpower500A modules...

http://www.icepower.bang-olufsen.com/en/solutions/speaker/A_SERIES

Jon Liu

· #6 · Oct 30, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

There seems to still be quite a bit of controversy with ICEPower in general. Back about 10 years ago, they really weren't very good for full frequency usage. ICE was primarily used for subwoofer ams and was especially popular among car audio enthusiasts. Technology has improved quite a bit now that they are fully capable of full frequency spectrum reproduction, though and while many still argue their sound quality, I can say that I honestly don't care what people say. ICE amps really sound amazing to me. My D-Sonic amp really serves me well and I cannot express how cheap they are for the amount of power they output to the speaker. Problems musically? Absolutely not. It certainly is a lot more musical sounding than my previous amplifier, the Emotiva MPS-2. The top end has more noticeable detail yet is not as harsh sounding. The midrange and low end both have more impact and resolve more texture as well. The amplifier opened up the sound stage quite a bit, too, and also improved on the three-dimensional depth of the sound.

Again, I urge people to listen to ICE amps and see what they think of them personally. For me, I am sold on the technology. On top of the sound quality I've experienced, it's also nice to know that they are so incredibly efficient, power consumption-wise.

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recruit

Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 30, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Could not agree more Jon

Jungle Jack

· #8 · Oct 31, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Hello,
John, another stellar review. You really are an excellent writer and reviewer and truly an asset to our Forum.
Cheers,
JJ

recruit

Discussion Starter · #9 · Oct 31, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Jungle Jack said:
Hello,
John, another stellar review. You really are an excellent writer and reviewer and truly an asset to our Forum.
Cheers,
JJ

Many thanks JJ :T It is a pleasure to be part of this great forum

Bob_99

· #10 · Oct 31, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Thanks John and Jon for filling in more details regarding the technology. I am definitely going to look into this amp as a replacement for my Outlaw.

Bob

recruit

Discussion Starter · #11 · Oct 31, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

I was pleasantly suprised when I first listened to this amp Bob, I have had experience of subs using Digital amps but never multi channel amps and the Rotel is a star performer, another amp also worth looking at is the NHT Power5 amp which also uses ICE technology and has had some very good feedback.

Jon Liu

· #12 · Oct 31, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

NHT and Rotel are great suggestions.

Less-known brands to look at are PS-Audio, Wyred4Sound, D-Sonic as well. There isn't too much variance between ICE power modules. I know that Wyred4Sound specifically is one company that alters the module just a bit, though. I don't remember the modificiations that they make to the modules, but you can probably find that information on their website. Most other companies just put the ICE power modules into their own specific chassis untouched.

Bob_99

· #13 · Nov 7, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Again, John and Jon thanks for the additional information. I located a store not too far away and plan on listening to the Rotel next week. I will also check out the other brands mentioned. I didn't realize there were that many class D amps on the market.

Bob

recruit

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 7, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Bob_99 said:
Again, John and Jon thanks for the additional information. I located a store not too far away and plan on listening to the Rotel next week. I will also check out the other brands mentioned. I didn't realize there were that many class D amps on the market.

Bob

Have fun next week Bob and let us know what you think about the Rotel and any other Class D amp you can get to listen to?

Lordoftherings

· #15 · Nov 8, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Cool review John. :T

* I recently read another review on this same very amp, and it was also very positive.

** My only distress, is at the price. At $2,799, I personally don't call it a bargain.
I guess it all depends on each one's point of view.
For that same amount of money, I'll go with a combination of Emotiva amps and a high-end SVS sub as a Bonus.
Remember, this is just my opinion.

recruit

Discussion Starter · #16 · Nov 8, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Thanks Bob :T my comment with it being a bargain comes from comparisons of other amps that are considerably more than what the Rotel costs...

Bob_99

· #17 · Nov 8, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Also, there are not a lot of amps that will deliver 500 watts into 4 ohms at that price level. But Bob makes a very good point and that's why recommending home theater equipment to another person is very tricky. If you think about it for a minute, here are what affects an individual's choice:

1) Source. Everyone listens to different things. How well is the source made in terms of acoustics?
2) Environment. Everyone is going to be listening in a different environment. How good or bad is it?
3) Speakers. Everyone has an opinion on speakers they like and dislike. Also, how well does the speaker fit into the environment?
4) Electronics. How good are the electronics driving the speakers?
5) Hearing. While most people have 'normal' hearing, some have issues at certain frequencies. Plus people like their music/sound certains ways (maybe a lot of bass or softer mids, etc).
and finally, the point that you touch upon
6) How much money does one put into all of it? I definitely think that there is a line to cross where the price increase does not yield enough improvement in the sound (to an individual) that warrants the extra cost.

I think the trap in this hobby is that once you hear good sound, you always are trying to see how much you can improve it and then you start buying into the advertising.

I want to look into the Rotel because I'm driving 4 ohm speakers and would like some headroom. Plus I'm interested to see if it does provide a better sound.

Anyway, this is how I see it and I'm sure there are other points of views.

Thanks all.

Bob

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recruit

Discussion Starter · #18 · Nov 8, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

Very true Bob and there is so many variables when choosing equipment, the biggest upgrade in SQ that I have made was buying the Arcam AV888 which has made a massive difference for both movie and music viewing/listening pleasure, the Rotel just slots in nicely but that may not always be the case for everyone, dependant on Room/Source Equipment/Preamp/Speakers...but it is good to have available reviews for comparisons and equipment used to then base what you may or may not require, one thing the Rotel has is plenty of power when needed....

Bob_99

· #19 · Dec 3, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

John,

I finally got around to listening to the RMB-1575 and it is everything that you say it is. The people in the store were even good enough to hook up speakers that came close to my LSi15 and have offered to let me take it home over a weekend so I can listen to it on my setup. I'll move forward with that in the very near future.

In the meantime, I updated my pre-pro from the Outlaw 990 to the Onkyo 5507 and should be receiving it on Saturday. The Arcam was just way out of my league. Also looking very hard at the Pioneer 141 plasma display but have to make a very quick decision as they are vanishing fast. Busy time.

Thanks again for the review.
Bob

recruit

Discussion Starter · #20 · Dec 3, 2009

Re: Rotel RMB-1575 Review

That's great to hear bob, and Rotel really have excelled with this poweramp :T

I look forward to your thoughts on the new Onkyo

1 - 20 of 53 Posts

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