6
RB-1581 Bridged Mono Power Amplifi er
(not digital) amplifiers are up to five times more efficient than our legacy
designs and still deliver power and performance. These products run cool,
give minimum wasted energy, are good for the environment and give better
sound too.
Finally, we have printed this brochure on recycled paper stock.
While we understand that these are small first steps, they are still important
ones. And we continue to pursue new methods and materials for a cleaner
and greener manufacturing process.
All of us at Rotel thank you for buying this product. We are sure it will bring
you many years of enjoyment.
A Word About Watts
The RB-1581 power output is quoted as 500 watts in 8 ohms load, when
it is operating at full power.
Rotel has chosen to specify the power output in this way because, in RotelÊs
experience, it gives the truest value of the receiver or amplifierÊs power
capability.
When comparing specifications for different products, you should be
aware that power output is often specified in other ways, so you may not
be comparing like with like.
For example, the power output may be quoted with only one channel
operating, giving a higher maximum figure. The highly regulated power
supplies of the Rotel amplifiers ensures that they will produce the full specified
power output to one or all channels.
A loudspeakerÊs impedance rating indicates the electrical resistance or
load it offers when connected to the amplifier, usually 8 ohms or 4 ohms.
The lower the impedance, the more power the speaker will need. In effect,
a 4 ohm speaker will require twice as much power as an 8 ohm speaker.
However, Rotel amplifiers are designed to work into any speaker impedance
between 8 and 4 ohms, and with all the channels working up to their full
power. Because the Rotel design is optimized for use with all channels
operating together, Rotel is able to specify the true power output for all
channels.
Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RB-1581 Bridged Mono Power Amplifier.
When used in a high-quality music or home theater system, your Rotel
product will provide years of musical enjoyment.
The RB-1581 is a high-power amplifer, providing the highest level of audio
performance. A massive power supply, premium components, and RotelÊs
Balanced Design ensure superb sound quality. High current capability allows
the RB-1581 to drive the most demanding loudspeakers.
A Few Precautions
WARNING:
To avoid potential damage to your system, turn off ALL the
components in the system when connecting or disconnecting the loudspeakers
or any associated components. Do not turn the system components back on
Contents
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Figure 1: Controls and Connections
3
Figure 2: Hook-up Illustration
4
Important Notes
5
About Rotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
A Word About Watts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
A Few Precautions
6
Placement
7
AC Power and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
AC Power Input
8
7
Power Switch and Power Indicator
1
7
Protection Indicator
2
7
Trigger On/Off Mode Selector
5
7
12V Trigger Input and Output
4
7
Input Signal Connections
3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Input Selector Switch
8
Speaker Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Speaker Selection
8
Speaker Wire Selection
8
Polarity and Phasing
8
Speaker Connection
6
8
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Power Indicator Is Not Illuminated
9
Fuse Replacement
7
9
No Sound
9
Protection Indicator Is Illuminated
9
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
About Rotel
Our story began over 50 years ago. Over the decades, we have received
hundreds of awards for our products and satisfied hundreds of thousands
of people who take their entertainment seriously- like you!
Rotel was founded by a family whose passionate interest in music led them
to manufacture high-fidelity components of uncompromising quality. Through
the years, that passion has remained undiminished and the family goal of
providing exceptional value for audiophiles and music lovers, regardless
of their budget, is shared by all Rotel employees.
RotelÊs engineers work as a close team, listening to, and fine tuning, each
new product until it reaches their exacting musical standards. They are
free to choose components from around the world in order to make that
product the best they can. You are likely to find capacitors from the United
Kingdom and Germany, semiconductors from Japan or the United States,
while toroidal power transformers are manufactured in RotelÊs own factory.
We all have concerns about our environment. And, as more and more
electronics are produced and later discarded, it is especially important for
a manufacturer to do all it can to engineer products that have a minimum
negative impact on landfill sites and water tables.
At Rotel, we are proud to do our part. We have reduced the lead content
in our electronics by using special ROHS solder, while our new Class D
