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 Rotel designs are optimized for use with all channels operating together, Rotel is able to specify the true power output for both channels.
Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RA‑1520 Stereo Integrated Amplifier. When used in a high-quality music audio system, it will provide years of musical enjoyment.
The RA‑1520 is a full featured, high performance component. All aspects of the design have been optimized to retain the full dynamic range and subtle nuances of your music. The RA‑1520 has a highly regulated power supply incorporating a Rotel custom-designed toroidal power transformer and custom-made slit foil capacitors. This low impedance power supply has ample power reserves, which enables the RA‑1520 to easily reproduce the most demanding audio signals. This type of design is more expensive to manufacture, but it is better for the music.
The printed circuit boards are designed with Symmetrical Circuit Traces. This insures that the precise timing of the music is maintained and faithfully recreated. The RA‑1520 circuitry uses metal film resistors and polystyrene or polypropylene capacitors in important signal paths. All aspects of this design have been examined to ensure the most faithful music reproduction.
In addition the RA‑1520 has independent input signal selectors for listening and recording. They allow you to listen to one signal source while recording another.
The main functions of the RA‑1520 are easy to install and use. If you have experience with other stereo systems, you shouldn’t find anything perplexing. Simply plug in the associated components and enjoy.
A Few Precautions
Please read this manual carefully. In addition to basic installation and operating instructions, it provides valuable information on various RA‑1520 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 RA‑1520 shipping carton and all enclosed packing material for future use. Shipping or moving the RA‑1520 in anything other than the original packing material may result in severe damage to your amplifier.
Fill out and send in the owner’s registration card packed with the
RA‑1520. 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, the RA‑1520 can be affected by its environment. Avoid placing the RA‑1520 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 RA‑1520 generates 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 RA‑1520 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.
The RA‑1520 is supplied with an RR‑AT94 remote control and must be placed where the infrared signal from the remote can reach the front panel Remote Sensor.
Cables
Keep power cords, digital cables, and audio cables away from each other. This will minimize the chance of the audio signal cables picking up noise or interference from the power cords or digital cables. Using high quality, shielded cables will also help to prevent noise or interference.
If you have any questions see your authorized Rotel dealer for advice about the best cable to use with your system.
Remote Control
The RA‑1520 includes an RR‑AT94 remote control that operates many of the controls of the RA‑1520. In addition, the remote operates basic features of some Rotel CD players, DVD players, and AM/FM tuners.
Audio Controls ABCE
The RR‑AT94 duplicates the basic audio functions of the RA‑1520 front panel. When a function is available on both the front panel and the remote, a number (see front panel illustration) and a letter (see remote control illustration) are shown in the instructions. For example, to change the volume level, you can either turn the control on the front panel or use the buttons on the remote. When only one identifier appears, that control is available only on the front panel or the remote, but not both.
CD Functions DG
The PLAY, STOP, PAUSE, TRACK and RANDOM buttons, and NUMERIC keys (0-10) operate many Rotel CD players after the CD button on the remote has been pressed.
DVD Functions G
The PLAY, STOP, PAUSE, and TRACK ±, buttons operate Rotel DVD players, after the AUX1 button on the remote has been pressed.
Tuner Functions DF
The BAND, TUNING, and additional tuning feature buttons operate Rotel tuners, after the TUNER button on the remote has been pressed.
Note: By default, the RR-AT94 operates the Rotel RT-1080/ RT‑1082/RT-1084 tuners. The remote can be reprogrammed to operate the RT‑940AX tuner. This programming only needs to be done once:
