Hi all,
I’m experiencing an issue with my Rotel RA-1592 integrated amplifier and wanted to ask if anyone here has run into a similar situation or found a solution.
🔧 Issue Description:
This issue began right after I enabled the “AC Power Option” in the settings menu. The feature was introduced in a recent firmware update and described as:
“Implemented AC Power Option to allow the unit to remain in standby mode in the event of a power failure to avoid the unit powering on to operating mode after the AC power is restored.”
Overnight, the amp turned back on in this new behavior and has remained non-functional since.
❓What I’ve Tried:
I’m experiencing an issue with my Rotel RA-1592 integrated amplifier and wanted to ask if anyone here has run into a similar situation or found a solution.
🔧 Issue Description:
- Upon powering on, the power LED starts blinking blue immediately (once every ~2 seconds).
- The amp does not make the usual relay “click” that you hear during normal startup.
- On Screen Display is empty.
- All buttons, except for power button, is non-responsive
This issue began right after I enabled the “AC Power Option” in the settings menu. The feature was introduced in a recent firmware update and described as:
“Implemented AC Power Option to allow the unit to remain in standby mode in the event of a power failure to avoid the unit powering on to operating mode after the AC power is restored.”
Overnight, the amp turned back on in this new behavior and has remained non-functional since.
❓What I’ve Tried:
- I have checked the internal fuses, and none are blown or damaged.
- Tried multiple power outlets — same behavior regardless of location.
- All inputs and speaker outputs have been disconnected to eliminate external shorts.
- The on-screen display is not accessible, so I cannot perform a factory reset via the menu.
- I haven’t yet attempted a USB firmware reload as I haven’t been provided recovery instructions from Rotel.
- I tried the “SPEAKER B” + “PHONO” + “CD” buttons pressed at the same time while in the powered ON position. All it did was stop the power led light from blinking.
- Has anyone experienced this same blinking LED issue with a Rotel unit?
- Is there a known hardware reset sequence for the RA-1592 that doesn’t rely on the OSD?
- Has anyone successfully forced a firmware recovery via USB on this model?
- Could this be a firmware lock-up, or does it sound more like a hardware fault (e.g., power rail detection failure)?
Anyone have any suggestions?
UPDATES:
I know someone else had the same exact problem here: (same exact model and root cause which is enabling that 'Standby' setting which was a feature Rotel added.
UPDATES:
- I attempted to do a firmware update using the 'ROTEL YModem Upgrade Manager' software tool from Rotel's website. Unfortunately, the amp is not getting recognized upon pressing the "connect" button. Its supposed to set the baud rate automatically.
When I move forward anyway and set the baud rate manually and continue with the process, there is no file being transferred to the amp and then the software upgrade tool just closes after a minute or so. - I also attempted to do a firmware update using 'Tera Term' after receiving instructions from Rotel's technical support. Same issue. The amplifier does not respond back when it is supposed to send a message so I can initiate a transfer.
- I've tried 3 RS-232 cables already and also using a null modem RS-232 adapter in hopes that would allow to progress forward but no luck.
- I confirmed that there is +3.3V DC being applied to the STM32 MCU as noted on the instructions provided by Rotel which states:
"After set baud rate 115200, push [Front Power Toggle] button on front panel to turn on the amplifier, to provide Standby_+3.3V DC power to STM32 MCU, check and see if you can get below message on dialog window:"
I am not able to getting the message on the terminal window which would have allowed me to move forward to the next step and send the file to the MCU to upgrade.
I know someone else had the same exact problem here: (same exact model and root cause which is enabling that 'Standby' setting which was a feature Rotel added.
Does the amplifier turn on arrangement include a low voltagesupercacitor to charge the microprocessor. If so is it still storing any charge these things have been used in computers, there are plenty of service agents around who may be able to help with a microprocessor if that is what you would be dealing with. Chances are that might be your case since you have mentioned firmware. I you can identify a model for the micro you might do some research on that to see if there is any reset function.
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Thanks for the response. I’m not too familiar. I do have some electrical engineer friends that would understand this question 😆
If I take some detailed photos of the inside, would that help you answer your question and maybe move forward with next steps?
If I take some detailed photos of the inside, would that help you answer your question and maybe move forward with next steps?
Looking on line it appears your microprocessor is an STM32 these are in plentiful supply if yours is faulty.. The device could also monitor the voltage on the output line to prevent large voltages damaging your speakers. If the voice coils in these burn out the cones could catch fire and start a house fire.
I suggest measuring the voltage output of both channels witn no signal input. These should be near zero or less than 50 mv. if there is much more than this your could have a faulty output transistor in one or the other channels. Do this before the relay clicks on the amplifier output line entry to the relay.
I suggest measuring the voltage output of both channels witn no signal input. These should be near zero or less than 50 mv. if there is much more than this your could have a faulty output transistor in one or the other channels. Do this before the relay clicks on the amplifier output line entry to the relay.
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l suspect there could be an excess dc voltage on the output line in one or the other channel. If the light illuminates when the relay click closes but drops opens but drops out more or less instantly that is typical of a dc protection circuit. To check for this possibility you can use a multimeter on the dc range. You can put the red and black probes into the corresponding screw terminals at the back of the amplifier make sure these are tight. You can then do a dynamic voltage check by observation of the meter and the blue light in the background and see if there is any variation in the readings and if this action is in step with what sound you hear from the relay. from power up to click off.
You will have to do this excercise for both channels.. Note the dc max values for each.
You will have to do this excercise for both channels.. Note the dc max values for each.
There are no relay clicks. I also checked the DC OFFSET voltage and they were around 0.0mV to 1.6mV which is near perfect.
I looked for an answer re the blue light the answer was it is to protect the amplifier in fault conditions including overheating as could occur with constricted ventilaltion. It appears the amplifier is a high power one. There is a mk2 version is the subject amplier an example of this?
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If it was in protect mode, that would mean the amplifier can actually destroy itself just by selecting the AC power option, which seems a bit unlikely given that the OP didn't find any obviously blown fuses etc.
Seems more like a firmware issue to me - buggy software. If there's a small EEPROM in the circuit somewhere, might be worth replacing it with a new one so all the stored settings have to be reset to their defaults by the MCU.
Also have you tried doing anything with the remote control? It may behave differently than the front panel buttons.
Another thing to try - feed an audio signal into it, it might 'wake up' from standby.
Seems more like a firmware issue to me - buggy software. If there's a small EEPROM in the circuit somewhere, might be worth replacing it with a new one so all the stored settings have to be reset to their defaults by the MCU.
Also have you tried doing anything with the remote control? It may behave differently than the front panel buttons.
Another thing to try - feed an audio signal into it, it might 'wake up' from standby.
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can’t quote a reply.
But correct, it is likely a firmware/software issue that’s locking it up. Normally when the amp is on protection mode, the light would be steady and “AMP PROTECTION” would be displayed on the on screen display.
I have tried the remote and replaced the batteries on it as well to check. Also tried sending audio signals in all ports to see if it wakes up. None of it worked during my attempts.
But correct, it is likely a firmware/software issue that’s locking it up. Normally when the amp is on protection mode, the light would be steady and “AMP PROTECTION” would be displayed on the on screen display.
I have tried the remote and replaced the batteries on it as well to check. Also tried sending audio signals in all ports to see if it wakes up. None of it worked during my attempts.
Is there by any chance a recessed button on the back of your rotel amplifier that can be pressed with the sharp end of a pencil or similar with the power on.? some research shows these buttons on other amplifier brands for reset to factory settings in fault situations This could be a common provision fingers crossed.
In image 0742 there are two momentary?? push button switches near a microprocessor. Do you know what these arefor? There is a manual you might download to invesrigate these in terms of functions, and any others if there are such. Check these switches are momentary with the power off to see if they are spring loaded and rebound when the finger is removed. dont do this before knowing what function they serve.
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yes, those are for programming the microcontrollers. It’s a BOOT0 and RESET switches but doesn’t actually reset the unit. The reset switch acts as a power switch. Pressing it powers on the unit (power light blinks similar to pressing the power button switch on the front). Pressing it again also does the same thing the power button does.
The BOOT0 I believe allows you to program or get access to the bootloader. Dont wanna go in too much details but neither of the buttons actually resets the unit.
The BOOT0 I believe allows you to program or get access to the bootloader. Dont wanna go in too much details but neither of the buttons actually resets the unit.
It could be you need to press and hold I am suggesting this from experience a few days ago when my laptop would not turn on and required a hard reset of holding the power button down for 10 seconds after which it returned to life with most content still available. I have been experiencing e a lot of difficulty with windows 11 and am getting some expert to sort this out. I would have preferred to stick with windows 10 with which I was familiar until the old laptop ceased to work. I can understand your frustration. Recently our landline was not working and the television developed a fault. Until it comes back from the service agent Grrrr we are stuck wih music for entertainment.
Yea. I’ve tried multiple combinations of each buttons and both buttons simultaneously, holding for a set and long amount of time. etc.
Right now I am waiting on a part that I can use to further troubleshoot. I have greater confidence of fixing this now. Will update once I am able to do additional troubleshooting to help others who might encounter similar issues.
The fix isn’t as simple as pressing buttons to reset. It’s going to be something that’s more technical. But ill post my findings once I get this resolved.
Right now I am waiting on a part that I can use to further troubleshoot. I have greater confidence of fixing this now. Will update once I am able to do additional troubleshooting to help others who might encounter similar issues.
The fix isn’t as simple as pressing buttons to reset. It’s going to be something that’s more technical. But ill post my findings once I get this resolved.
If the fault occured after downloading new firmware and theamp was fully functional prior to this one could conclude the firmware is corrupt and since this was provided by Rotel regardless of warrantee expiry for the amp the company should provide a fix since you are not the only buyer who experienced the same fault.
Yea I agree. But ultimately we don’t have a choice and it’s really to their discretion. But the right thing is definitely it would be fixed on their dime. Good companies do recalls all the time for faulty firmware. Like that Samsung one recently with their top of the line soundbar.