The HiFi Rose RDC DAC boasts a ROSE DPC™ Module. This module’s processing blocks are meticulously designed to maintain optimal signal accuracy and precision, ensuring high-fidelity sound delivery.  It precisely synchronises digital signals from various sources to a high-precision OCXO clock, aligning them as I2S signals. This synchronisation is crucial for high-resolution audio, where clock synchronisation and locking minimise jitter. This results in accurate signal processing and a natural, clean sound.  Furthermore, the user interface and GUI configuration circuit are completely isolated from the digital audio signal path, eliminating distortion and interference. This design guarantees superior digital signal quality and high-quality sound across various digital formats.

The ROSE CIM™ architecture maximises sound quality through complete isolation and modularisation. The HiFi Rose RD160’s DAC module employs a 2-chip solution. The AK4191 chip handles digital filtering and initial delta-sigma conversion while the AK4499EX chip performs digital-to-analogue conversion.  By structurally separating the digital and analogue circuits, the RD160 achieves perfect noise isolation during mutual processing, an exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio and the highest level of analogue characteristics.

Furthermore, by assigning individual DAC modules to each channel and employing a fully balanced symmetrical design for the analogue output stage, the HiFi Racks RD160 DAC effectively eliminates noise coupling between channels. This design allows the RD160 to boast exceptional dynamic range and accurately reproduce even the most intricate details of the original sound with clear and precise stereo imaging.

The RD160 DAC’s analogue stage boasts the ROSE NRA™ filter, ensuring flat frequency characteristics even in the very low frequency range. This results in a consistent frequency response across the entire spectrum without roll-offs, delivering clear and faithful reproduction of the original sound information in high-resolution audio. From deep powerful sub-bass to the subtle details in the high-frequency range, the RD160 faithfully captures every nuance.

Developed in-house by ROSE, the RD160’s reference linear power supplies utilise ULTRA LOW NOISE power chipsets to achieve the highest sound quality. These power supplies independently feed the digital input stage and the left and right analogue output stages, minimising crosstalk and interference. This design effectively suppresses noise across the digital processing clock and analogue output circuits, ensuring signal integrity. By delivering stable power tailored to each stage’s specific needs, the RD160 enhances its dynamic range and resolution, faithfully conveying even the most subtle musical details. Furthermore, the reduction of jitter maximises the spatial characteristics of the soundstage, resulting in a wider and more precise soundstage with sharp imaging.

The RD160 features a hidden AMOLED screen displaying circuit diagrams and sound waves, along with responsive controls. The ROSE CIM™ architecture incorporates AK4191 and AK4499EX chips for noise isolation and high Signal-to-Noise Ratio. Balanced DAC modules and a JFET output stage provide dynamic range and clear stereo imaging. Independent linear power supplies minimise noise and crosstalk. An external master clock input ensures perfect synchronisation and reduces jitter. A high-precision OCXO clock enhances audio accuracy by reducing jitter. This power supply design elevates the RD160’s audio clarity and dynamics, offering a deeply immersive listening experience.

Technical Specifications

Input Sensitivity: 0dBF 1kHz
Output Impedance: 300Ω
Output Level: 4.5Vrms(RCA), 9Vrms(XLR)
THD + N: 0.005%(RCA), 0.005%(XLR) (1kHz 0dBF)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 124dB(RCA), 124dB(XLR)
Residual Noise: 0.3mV(RCA), 0.4mV(XLR)
Stereo Crosstalk: -124dB(RCA), -124dB(XLR) (1kHz 0dBF)
Frequency Response: 10Hz ~ 20kHz (-0.3dB), 10Hz ~ 50kHz (-1.5dB), 10Hz ~ 73kHz (-3.0dB)
DAC: 2 x AK4499EXEQ + 2 x AK4191EQ
PSU: 3 x Independently Customised Reference Linear Toroidal
CPU: RK3128 Quad core Cortex-A7mp
RAM: DDR3 1866MHz 1GB
Flash: 8GB eMMc
Oscillator: High Precision OCXO clock
Inputs Digital: USB SFP Module (PCM 32bit/768kHz, DSD512(22.6MHz)), USB 2.0 Type-B (PCM 32bit/768kHz, DSD512(22.6MHz)), HDMI I2S (PCM 32bit/768kHz, DSD512(22.6MHz)), Coaxial RCA (PCM 32bit/384kHz, DSD128(5.6MHz) (only DoP)), Coaxial BNC (PCM 32bit/384kHz, DSD128(5.6MHz) (only DoP)), Optical (PCM 32bit/192kHz, DSD64(2.8MHz) (only DoP)), AES/EBU (PCM 32bit/384kHz, DSD128(5.6MHz) (only DoP))
External Clock: BNC 75Ω(10MHz), SMA 50Ω(10MHz)
Analogue Outputs: Unbalanced, Balanced
PCM Filter: Sharp, Slow, Short Sharp (default), Short Slow, Super Slow, Low Short
Pre-Out Level: 1V~9V
Power Input Voltage: 220V-240V~, 50/60Hz
Standby: 0.3W
Playback: 30W
Physical Display: AMOLED hidden screen
Dimension (W x D x H): 430 x 330 x 88 mm
Weight: 10kg
Material: Solid Aluminium / Rust-proof Steel
Finish: Silver or Black
Infra Red: 38kHz IR Receiver