ROTEL RMB-1585 Five Channel Power Amplifier Owner’s Manual

RMB-1585MKII
Five Channel Power Amplifier

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the unit to moisture or water. Do not expose the unit to dripping or splashing. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the unit. Do not allow foreign objects to get into the enclosure. If the unit is exposed to moisture, or a foreign object gets into the enclosure, immediately disconnect the power cord from the wall. Take the unit to a qualified service person for inspection and necessary repairs.
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use with caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip- over.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposedto rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
The apparatus should be used in non tropical climate. The unit should be used in the temperature below 40 degree centigrade.
The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items, such as newspapers, table-cloths, curtains, etc. No open flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus. Touching uninsulated terminals or wiring may result in an unpleasant sensation.
You must allow a minimum 10 cm or 4 inches of unobstructed clearance around the unit.

WARNING: The rear panel power cord connector is the mains power disconnect device. The device must be located in an open area that allows access to the cord connector.
The unit must be connected to a power supply only of the type and voltage specified on the rear panel (USA: 120 V/60Hz, EC: 230V/50Hz).
This is Class I product, protective earthing is used as a safeguard, power cord should be connected to a socket-outlet with earthing connection. Connect the component to the power outlet only with the supplied power supply cable or an exact equivalent. Do not modify the supplied cable. Do not use extension cords.
The mains plug is the disconnect of the unit. In order to completely disconnect the unit from the supply mains, remove the main plug from the unit and the AC power outlet. This is the only way to completely remove mains power from the unit.
Use Class 2 wiring for speaker connections to ensure proper installation and minimize the risk of electrical shock.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following to conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
APPLICABLE FOR USA, CANADA OR WHERE APPROVED FOR THE USAGE
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT. INSERT FULLY.
****This symbol is to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltages inside the product’s enclosure that may constitute a risk of electric shock.
This symbol is to alert the user to important operating and maintenance (service) instructions in this manual and literature accompanying the product.
Rotel products are designed to comply with international directives on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment and the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The crossed wheelie bin symbol indicates compliance and that the products must be appropriately recycled or processed in accordance with these directives.

Pin Assignments
Balanced Audio (3 pole XLR):
Pin 1: Ground / Screen
Pin 2: In phase / +ve / Hot
Pin 3: Out of phase / -ve / Cold
Figure 1-1: Controls and Connections  1: Power Button and Power LED Indicator Activate the unit or put it into standby mode.
Figure 1-2: Controls and Connections 2: 12 Volt Trigger Connections
Send or receive a 12V trigger signal.
3: Fan Switch
Select Fan Off or Fan Auto.
4: Input Signal Connect
RCA input and Balanced input connectors.
5: Bi-Amp Switch
Enable or Disable Bi-Amp signal routing through the amplifier.
6: Speaker Connectors
7: AC Power Inlet
Figure 2: Analog Inputs and Speaker Outputs Connections Figure 3: Balanced (XLR) Input Connection Figure 4: Bi-Amping Connection Important Notes
When making connections be sure to:
  Turn off all the components in the system before hooking up any components, including loudspeakers.
  Turn off all components in the system before changing any of the connections to the system.
It is also recommended that you:
Turn the volume control of the amplifier all the way down before the amplifier is turned on or off.

About Rotel

Our story began over 60 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.
Rotel’s 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 Rotel’s own factory.
We all have concerns about our environment. And, as more and more electronics are produced it is especially important for a manufacturer to do all it can to engineer products that have a minimum impact on the environment.
At Rotel, we are proud to do our part. We have reduced the lead content in our products by using special lead-free ROHS solder and components. Our engineers continually strive to improve power supply efficiency without compromise to quality. When in standby mode Rotel products use minimal power to meet global Standby Power Consumption requirements.
The Rotel factory is also doing their part to help the environment through constant improvements to product assembly methods for a cleaner and greener manufacturing processes.
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 RMB-1585MKII power output is quoted as 340 watts for each channel into 4 ohms, when five channels are operating together at full power.
Rotel has chosen to specify the power output in this way because, in Rotel’s experience, it gives the truest value of the receiver or amplifier’s 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.
A loudspeaker’s 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 both channels.
This can be important for your enjoyment, too. When watching movies, it’s nice to have the amplifier able to reproduce full power into all the channels at the same time, especially in the case of a volcano exploding!

Getting Started

Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RMB-1585MKII Five Channel Power Amplifier. When used in a high-quality music or home theater system, your Rotel product will provide years of musical enjoyment.
The RMB-1585MKII is high-power amplifier, providing the highest level of audio performance. Discrete output devices, a massive power supply, premium components, and Rotel’s Balanced Design ensure superb sound quality. High current capability allow the RMB-1585MKII to drive the most demanding loudspeakers.
Be aware that the RMB-1585MKII is capable of high power levels, in excess of 340 watts respectively per channel. Make sure that your speakers can handle the power of the amplifier. If in doubt about your speakers, ask your local Rotel audio dealer for advice.
The amplifier is straightforward in the installation and operation. If you have experience with other stereo power amplifiers, you shouldn’t find anything perplexing. Simply plug in the associated components and enjoy.

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 until you are sure all the connections are correct and secure. Pay particular attention to the speaker wires. There must be no loose strands that could contact the other speaker wires, or the chassis of the amplifier.
Please read this manual carefully. In addition to basic installation and operating instructions, it provides valuable information on various unit system configurations as well as general information that will help you get optimum performance from your system. Please contact your authorized Rotel dealer for answers to any questions you might have. In addition, all of us at Rotel welcome your questions and comments.
Save the shipping carton and all enclosed packing material for future use. Shipping or moving the amplifiers in anything other than the original packing material may result in severe damage to your unit.
If included in the box please fill out and send in the owner’s registration card or register on line. Also be sure to keep the original sales receipt. It is your best record of the date of purchase, which you will need in the event warranty service is ever required.
Placement
Like all audio components that handle low level signals, this amplifier can be affected by its environment. Avoid placing the unit on top of other components. Also avoid routing audio signal cables near power cords. This will minimize the chance it will pick up hum or interference.
The RMB-1585MKII generate heat as part of its normal operation. The heat sinks and ventilation openings in the amplifier are designed to dissipate this heat. The ventilation holes in the top cover must be open. There should be 10 cm (4 inches) of clearance around the chassis, and reasonable airflow through the installation location, to prevent the amplifier from overheating.
Remember the weight of the unit when you select an installation location. If you are not using the included rack ears make sure that the shelf or cabinet used can support the unit. We recommend installing the unit in furniture designed to house audio components. Such furniture is designed to reduce or suppress vibration which can adversely affect sound quality. Ask your authorized Rotel dealer for advice about component furniture and proper installation of audio components.
Cables
Be sure to keep the power cords, digital signal cables and analog audio signal cables in your installation away from each other. This will minimize the chance of the analog audio signal cables picking up noise or interference from the power cords or digital cables. Using only high quality, shielded cables will also help to prevent noise or interference from degrading the sound quality of your system. If you have any questions see your authorized Rotel dealer for advice about the best cable to use with your system.

AC Power Control

AC Power Input 7
Your amplifier is configured at the factory for the proper AC voltage in the country where you purchased it, either 120 volts or 230 volts. The AC line configuration is noted on a decal on the back panel.
NOTE: Should you move your amplifier to another country, it may be possible to reconfigure it for use on a different line voltage. Do not attempt to perform this conversion yourself. Opening the enclosure of the amplifier exposes you to dangerous voltages. Consult a qualified service person or the Rotel factory service department for information.
NOTE: Some products are intended for sale in more than one country and as such are supplied with more than one AC cord. Please use only the cord appropriate for your country/ region.
Because of its high power rating, the amplifier can draw considerable current. Therefore, it should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. The RMB-1585MKII must be plugged into a 3-pin polarized outlet. Do not use an extension cord. A heavy duty multi-tap power outlet strip may be used if it (and the wall outlet) is rated to handle the current demanded by the amplifier and all the other components connected to it.
Be sure the POWER SWITCH 1 on the front panel of the amplifier is turned off (in the “out” position). Then, connect the supplied power cord to the Power Connector 7 on the rear of the unit and the AC power outlet.
If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time such as a month-long vacation, it is a sensible precaution to unplug your amplifier (as well as other audio and video components) while you are away.
Power Switch and Power Indicator 1
The power switch is located on the front panel of your amplifier. To turn the amplifier on, push the switch in. The ring around the switch will light  up, indicating that the amplifier is turned on. To turn the amplifier off, push the button again and return it to the “out” position.
NOTE: Place the self adhesive ring over the light surrounding the Power switch if the blue light is too bright.
12 Volt Trigger Input and Output 2
The jack labeled IN is for connecting the 3.5mm mono Plug/ Cable carrying a +12 volt trigger signal to turn the amplifier on and off. When the trigger is connected to the IN the amplifier automatically uses the 12V trigger power control function. This input accepts any control signal (AC or DC) ranging from 3 volts to 30 volts.
The jack labeled OUT is for connecting another 3.5mm mono plug/ cable to provide a 12V trigger signal to other components. Any 12V Trigger signal at the INPUT jack will be passed through to the OUT jack.
Protection Circuitry 1
The RMB-1585MKII feature thermal and over-current protection circuits that protect against potential damage in the event of extreme or faulty operating conditions. Unlike many designs, these protection circuits are independent of the audio signal and have no impact on sonic performance. Instead, the protection circuits monitors the temperature of the output devices and the current they are handling and shuts down the amplifier if operating conditions exceed safe limits.
Most likely, you will never see this protection circuitry in action. However, should a faulty condition arise, the amplifier will stop playing and the Power Indicator on the front panel will blink.
If this happens, turn the amplifier off, let it cool down for several minutes, and attempt to identify and correct the problem. When you turn the amplifier back on, the protection circuit will automatically reset and the Power Indicator should light up, indicating that the amplifier is turned on normal.
In most cases, the protection circuitry activates because of a fault condition such as shorted speaker wires, or inadequate ventilation leading to an overheating condition. In very rare cases, highly reactive or extremely low impedance speaker loads could cause the protection circuit to engage.
If the protection circuitry triggers repeatedly and you are unable to isolate and correct the faulty condition, contact your authorized Rotel dealer for assistance in troubleshooting.
Input Signal Connections 4
See Figure 2 The RMB-1585MKII have conventional RCA type input connectors, the type found on nearly all audio equipment. The RMB-1585MKII also includes Balanced input connectors. Only one set of inputs should be connected. Never connected both Balanced and RCA inputs at the same time.
NOTE: To prevent loud potentially damaging noises, make sure the amplifier is turned off when you make any changes to the input signal configuration.
Select high quality audio interconnect cables. Connect each of the outputs from the preamplifier or signal processor to the corresponding inputs of the amplifier.

Speaker Outputs

See figure 2
Speaker Selection
We recommend using loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms or higher with the RMB-1585MKII. You should exercise some caution in driving multiple pairs of speakers in parallel configuration, because the effective impedance the amplifier sees is cut in half. For example, when driving two pair of 8 ohm speakers, the amplifier sees a 4 ohm load. When driving multiple speakers in parallel, it is recommended that you select speakers with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms or higher. Speaker impedance ratings are less than precise. In practice, very few loudspeakers will present any problems for the RMB- 1585MKII. See your authorized Rotel dealer if you have any questions.
Speaker Wire Selection
Use insulated two-conductor stranded wire to connect the amplifier to the speakers. The size and quality of the wire can have an audible effect on the performance of the system. Standard speaker wire will work, but can result in lower output or diminished bass response, particularly over longer distances. In general, heavier wire will improve the sound. For best performance, you may want to consider special high-quality speaker cables. Your authorized Rotel dealer can help in the selection of cables for your system.
Polarity and Phasing
The polarity ­ the positive/ negative orientation of the connections ­ for every speaker and amplifier connection must be consistent so all the speakers will be in phase. If the polarity of one connection is reversed, bass output will be very weak and stereo imaging degraded. All wire is marked so you can identify the two conductors. There may be ribs or a stripe on the insulation of one conductor. The wire may have clear insulation with different color conductors (copper and silver). There may be polarity indications printed on the insulation. Identify the positive and negative conductors and be consistent with every speaker and amplifier connection.
Speaker Connections 6
NOTE: The following text describes both binding post and plug-in connections. DO NOT use both connection methods in combination to connect multiple speakers.
Turn off all the components in the system before connecting the speakers. The RMB-1585MKII have two color coded binding posts, two for each channel. These connectors accept bare wire, connector lugs, or dual banana type connectors (except in the European Community countries where their use is not permitted).
Route the wire from the amplifier to the speakers. Give yourself enough slack so you can move the components to allow access to the speaker connectors.
If you are using dual banana plugs, connect them to the wires and then plug into the backs of the binding posts. The thumbscrews of the binding posts should be screwed in all the way (clockwise).
If you are using terminal plugs, connect them to the wires. If you are attaching bare wires directly to the binding posts, separate the wire conductors and strip the insulation from the end of each conductor. Be careful not to cut into the wire strands. Unscrew (turn counterclockwise) the binding post. Place the connector lug or wire around the binding post shaft. Turn the binding post clockwise to clamp the connector lug or wire firmly in place.
NOTE: Be sure there are no loose wire strands that could touch adjacent wires or connectors.
For each group of channels, follow the labels printed beside the output connectors. Make sure that the positive terminal of the speaker is connected to the + terminal on the amplifier. Make sure that the negative terminal of the speaker is connected to the ­ terminal of the amplifier.

Bi-Amping Speaker Outputs Connection 5

See figure 4 Connect speakers supporting Bi-Amping to improve quality of the bass and treble. To enable the Bi-Amping function slide 5 switch 5 to the ON position.
Connect speakers compatible with Bi-Amping to the OUTPUT 1, OUTPUT 2, OUTPUT 4 and OUTPUT 5 jacks. Make sure you remove the bridging copper bars fitted between the terminals of the speakers.
Speaker output connections must follow the diagram found in Figure 4 to ensure output power is properly wired from the unit to the speakers.
NOTE: Failure to following the Bi-Amping speaker wiring diagram will result in inefficient output and will not properly Bi-Amp the amplifier channels together.

Cooling Fans

The Rotel RMB-1585MKII amplifier is equipped with four cooling fans to help ventilate the internal components. The rear panel of the RMB-
1585MKII includes a 2-position fan selection slide switch 3 including
Fan Off and Fan Auto. Please select the fan selection that best suits the installation and cooling requirements.
NOTE: The RMB-1585MKII produces significant power and associated heat – even with the cooling fans in use. Appropriate installation and ventilation is required to ensure proper operation.

Troubleshooting

Most difficulties in audio systems are the result of incorrect connections, or improper control settings. If you encounter problems, isolate the area of the difficulty, check the control settings, determine the cause of the fault and make the necessary changes. If you are unable to get sound from the amplifier, refer to the suggestions for the following conditions:
Power Indicator Is Not Illuminated
No main power to the amplifier. Check the front panel power switch. Make sure that it is set to the on position. Check AC power connections at the amplifier and the AC outlet.
Fuse Replacement
If another electrical device works when plugged into the power outlet, but the Power Indicator of the unit does not light when plugged into the same outlet and the Power Switch is pushed in, it indicates that the internal power fuse may have blown. If you believe this has happened, contact your authorized Rotel dealer to get the fuse replaced.
No Sound
If the amplifier is getting AC power, but is producing no sound, check the Protection indicator on the front panel. If it is lit, see below. If not, check all of your connections and control settings on associated components.
Protection Indicator
The front panel POWER indicator is blinking when the amplifier protection circuits have shut off the amplifier. Typically, this occurs only when the ventilation openings are blocked, when there is faulty speaker wiring, or after a period of extreme use. Turn off the system and wait for the amplifier to cool. Then push the front panel power switch in and out to reset the protection devices. If the problem is not corrected or reoccurs, there is a problem with the system or the amplifier itself.

Specifications

All specifications are accurate at the time of printing. Rotel reserves the right to make improvements without notice.
The Rotel logo is a registered trademark of The Rotel Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan.

The Rotel Co. Ltd.
Tachikawa Bldg. 1F.,
2-11-4, Nakane, Meguro-ku,
Tokyo, 152-0031
Japan
Email: sales@rotel.com
Rotel USA
11763 95th Avenue North
Maple Grove, MN 55369
USA
Phone: +1 510-843-4500 (option 2)
Rotel Canada
Kevro International
902 McKay Rd. Suite 4
Pickering, ON L1W 3X8
Canada
Phone: +1 905-428-2800
www.rotel.com
RMB-1585MKII Owner’s Manual Ver A 090423

References

• Rotel

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