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Be aware that the RMB-1555 and RMB-1585 are capable of high power 
levels, in excess of

120 watts and 200 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.

These amplifiers are straightforward in their 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 installation and operating 
instructions, it provides valuable information on various 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 amplifier in anything other than the original packing 
material may result in severe damage that is not covered by the warranty.

If included in the box please fill out and send in the owner`s registration 
card. 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 required.

Placement

The RMB-1555 and RMB-1585 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 slots 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 amplifier when you select an installation location. 
Make sure that the shelf or cabinet can support it. 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.

AC Power and Control

AC Power Input 

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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-1555 
and RMB-1585 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 

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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.

Trigger ON/OFF Mode Selector 

5

The amplifier provides the option for manual or automatic power on/off 
operation. These modes are selectable using a toggle switch on the back panel.

With the switch in the +12V TRIGGER ON position, the amplifier is turned 
on automatically when a 12V trigger signal is present at the 3.5 mm 
Jack of TRIGGER IN on the rear panel. The amplifier will go into standby 
mode if the +12V signal is not present. The front panel POWER SWITCH 
overrides this function. It must be ON for the +12V trigger to work. Turning 
the switch OFF cuts power to the amplifier, regardless of whether or not a 
trigger signal is present.

12 Volt Trigger Input and Output 

5

The jack labeled IN is for connecting the 3.5mm Plug/Cable carrying a 
+12 volt trigger signal to turn the amplifier on and off. To use this feature 
the toggle switch must be set to the ON position. 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 plug/cable to 
provide a 12V trigger signal to other components. The 12V output signal is 
available whenever a +12 volt trigger signal is applied to the IN connector.

Protection Circuitry

 1

The RMB-1555 and RMB-1585 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.