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Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RB-1090
Stereo Power Amplifier. When used in a high-
quality music or home theater system, your
Rotel amplifier will provide years of musi-
cal enjoyment.
There is nothing understated about the
RB-1090. It is a massive two-channel power
amplifier, capable of providing extremely
high power output in the most demanding
applications. In fact, the limiting factor in
the RB-1090’s output levels will often be the
capacity of your home’s electrical supply.
Discrete output devices, a massive power
supply with dual toroidal transformers, pre-
mium components, and Rotel’s Balanced De-
sign ensure superb sound quality. High cur-
rent capability allows the RB-1090 to drive
difficult speaker loads with ease, including
2 ohm speakers.
Be aware that the RB-1090 is capable of high
power levels, in excess of 400 watts per chan-
nel into 8 ohms and 700 watts into 4 ohms.
Make sure that your speakers can handle
the power of the RB-1090. If in doubt about
your speakers, ask your authorized Rotel
dealer for advice.
The RB-1090 is straightforward in its instal-
lation and operation. If you have experience
with other stereo power amplifiers, you
shouldn’t find anything perplexing. Plug in
a pair of high-quality RCA cables from your
preamp into the amplifier inputs, wire up your
speakers, and enjoy.
Alternatively, the RB-1090 provides an op-
tional pair of balanced inputs for use with
preamps or processors that offer these low-
noise XLR-connections. If you choose this op-
tion, you will need to reset a back panel
switch selecting the balanced inputs. Again,
nothing very confusing.
A Few Precautions
Please read this manual carefully. In addi-
tion to basic installation and operating in-
structions, it provides valuable information
on various RB-1090 system configurations
as well as general information that will help
you get optimum performance from your sys-
tem. 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.
About Rotel
A family whose passionate interest in mu-
sic led them to manufacture high fidelity com-
ponents of uncompromising quality founded
Rotel over 30 years ago. Over the years that
passion has remained undiminished and the
goal of providing exceptional value for au-
diophiles and music lovers regardless of their
budget, is shared by all Rotel employees.
The engineers work as a close team, listen-
ing to, and fine tuning each new product
until it reaches their exacting musical stan-
dards. 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, semi-conductors from Japan or the
United States, and toroidal power transform-
ers manufactured in Rotel’s own factory.
Rotel’s reputation for excellence has been
earned through hundreds of good reviews
and awards from the most respected review-
ers in the industry, who listen to music ev-
ery day. Their comments keep the company
true to its goal – the pursuit of equipment
that is musical, reliable and affordable.
All of us at Rotel thank you for buying this
product and hope it will bring you many hours
of enjoyment.
RB-1090 Stereo Power Amplifier
Contents
About Rotel ...........................................6
Getting Started ......................................6
A Few Precautions 6
Placement 7
About THX Ultra™ ...................................7
AC Power and Control ............................7
AC Power Input 7
Power Switch
Power Indicator 7
Protection Circuitry 7
Input Signal Connections .........................8
Input Selector Switch 8
RCA Inputs (unbalanced) 8
XLR Inputs (balanced) 8
Speakers................................................8
Speaker Selection 8
Speaker Wire Selection 8
Polarity and Phasing 8
Connecting the Speakers 8
Troubleshooting......................................9
Front Panel Power Indicator Is Not Lit 9
No Sound 9
Protection Indicator Is Lit 9
Specifications .........................................9