RC-1090Stereo Control Amplifier
The RC-1090 has both XLR (balanced) and RCA cable main output and CD input connec- tions. The printed circuit boards (PCB) are de- signed with Symmetrical Circuit Traces. This insures that the precise timing of the music is maintained and faithfully recreated. The RC-1090 circuitry uses metal film resistors and polystyrene or polypropylene capacitors in im- portant signal paths. All aspects of this de- sign have been examined with the final goal being faithful reproduction of music.
The RC-1090 has a superb phono preamp stage, derived from Rotel’s finest phono pream- plifier, the RHQ 10. The preamp stage can be used with either a moving magnet (MM) or a moving coil (MC) phono cartridge. This shows our commitment to phono sound quality and our interest in the recreation of fine mu- sic.
The RC-1090 is straightforward in its instal- lation and operation. If you have experience with other stereo systems, you shouldn’t find anything perplexing. Simply plug in the as- sociated components and enjoy.
A Few Precautions
Please read this manual carefully. It provides complete information on how to incorporate the RC-1090 into your system as well as gen- eral information that will help you get opti- mum sound performance. 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 com- ments.
Save the RC-1090 shipping carton and all en- closed packing material for future use. Ship- ping or moving the RC-1090 in anything other than the original packing material may re- sult in severe damage to your amplifier.
Fill out and send in the owner’s registration card packed with the RC-1090. 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.
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Placement
Like all audio components that handle low- level signals, the RC-1090 can be affected by its environment. Do not stack the RC-1090 on top of a power amplifier. This will minimize chance it will pick up hum or interference. We recommend installing the RC-1090 in furni- ture designed to house audio components. Such furniture is designed to reduce or sup- press 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 sig- nal cables and regular audio signal cables in your installation away from each other. This will minimize the chance of the regular au- dio signal cables picking up noise or inter- ference 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
RR-969 Remote Control
The RC-1090 includes a full-function learn- ing remote control that can operate up to nine other components, in addition to the RC-1090.
A separate manual, included with the remote, gives detailed instrctions on programming and using the RR-969 to replace all of the remote controls in your system. To avoid duplication, we provide only basic information about us- ing the RR-969 to operate the RC-1090.
Most of the RR-969 functions duplicate the front panel controls. In this manual the remote con- trol functions are covered in the same section as the front panel control operation. Numbers in gray boxes such as 
indicate items on the front and rear panel control and connec- tion illustrations. See Figure 1 on page 3. Letters in gray boxes such as 
indicate items on the RR-969 illustration. See Figure 2 on page 3.
Using the RR-969 
To operate the RC-1090 with the remote, activate the AUDIO mode, if necessary, by
pressing the AUD button 
. The AUDIO mode will remaine selected until another DEVICE button is pressed.
Controlling Other
Components 
To control other components with the RR-969, press the appropriate Device Selection but- ton. See the RR-969 manual for more infor- mation.
Programming the RR-969 
The RR-969 is pre-programmed to operate the RC-1090. Should the AUDIO mode of the RR-969 not operate the RC-1090, the pro- gramming may have been changed. To re- store the original programming, press the recessed Preload button 
on the remote with the tip of a ball point pen.
NOTE: Pushing the PRELOAD button will
erase all custom programming and learned commands, restoring the
RR-969 to its factory settings.
AC Power and Control
AC Power Input 
Connect the supplied power cord to the AC Input receptacle on the rear panel. Do not connect the power cord to the power outlet until all the audio input and output connec- tions have been made.
It is usually best to plug the RC-1090 directly into a 2-pin polarized wall outlet. Avoid the use of extension cords. 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 components connected to it.
Your RC-1090 is configured at the factory for the proper AC line voltage in the country where you purchased it (either 115 volts AC or 230 volts AC with a line frequency of either 50 Hz or 60 Hz). The AC line configuration is noted on a decal on the left side.
