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Breakthrough DAC Designed for an Unequaled Listening Experience
HiFi Rose scores another breakthrough with its first ever standalone DAC. 'Exceptional' isn't a strong enough word for this must-have component. Once again, HiFi Rose has gone its own way with brilliant internal and external design that is distinctive and second to none for an unequaled listening experience.
HiFi Rose held nothing back with its no-compromise approach. Designed with separate DAC modules for each channel and utilizing a state-of-the-art two-chip solution, the RD160 completely isolates the digital signal processing and analog conversion stages. This ensures transparent and precise reproduction of the original sound information contained in Hi-Res music files without any alteration – bringing you closer to the original studio master than you would ever have imagined.
With exceptional balance, extremely low distortion, and noise floor, the RD160 delivers a vibrant, lifelike sound. Three customized reference linear power supplies for the digital input and analog output stages effectively block noise that might otherwise arise from the power source. Additionally, the RD160 has been meticulously tuned using the latest technology from AKM and MUSES for peak musicality.
A Thoroughly Enjoyable Control Experience
The RD160 is designed with simplicity and sophistication in the manner of HiFi ROSE network devices. This elegant DAC not only enhances the pleasure of listening, but it also adds an important layer of visual satisfaction and a thoroughly pleasurable control experience.
The RD160 features a hidden screen on its front panel. Power it on and enjoy the show as a circuit-like flow chart, sound waves, and volume curve come into view. These displays intuitively present several levels of information at a glance. Immediately responding to button pushes and dial twists without any delay, the RD160 boasts a smooth, intuitive sensation of controlling an analog device. Use the front panel controls or the included wireless remote.
Complete Digital and Analog Separation for Intricate Sonic Details
Proprietary ROSE CIM™ architecture maximizes sound quality through complete isolation and modularization. The DAC module takes maximum advantage of a two-chip solution. The AK4191 handles digital filtering and initial delta-sigma conversion stages, while the AK4499EX performs digital-to-analog conversion. By structurally separating the digital and analog circuits, the RD160 achieves perfect noise blocking during processing of both stages. It delivers extremely high signal-to-noise ratio along with highly desirable analog characteristics.
By allocating DAC modules for each channel and employing a balanced symmetrical design for the analog output circuit, the RD160 also eliminates noise that could otherwise emerge between channels. This design enables exceptional dynamic range, accurately representing the most intricate details of the original sound with clear stereo imaging.
Upsampling, Filtering, and Analog Sophistication
Upsampling can really make your music come alive. Four options are provided: NOS, PCM, DSD, and ALL. PCM supports up to 32bit/768kHz, and DSD supports up to DSD512. Additionally, six selectable digital filter let you sculpt the sound precisely to your liking. These two features are easily configured using a button on the left side of the front panel, and the changes are instantly reflected on the hidden screen without delay.
The all-important analog stage is fully equal to the digital technology. The exclusive ROSE NRA™ filter implements flat frequency characteristics even in very low frequency bands. Thanks to this, the RD160 boasts an extensive, consistent frequency response across the entire spectrum without roll-offs, allowing it to faithfully reproduce the original sound information contained in Hi-Res music files – from deep and resonant bass to ambient details in the high-frequency range.
Developed in collaboration with MUSES to extract the best performance, the OP-AMPs in the RD-160 are meticulously tuned to deliver a vibrant, lifelike sound.
Comprehensive Range of Hi-Res Digital Inputs
The RD160 offers numerous capabilities for connecting to digital sources via a wide range of inputs. The USB 2.0 Type-B, HDMI I2S, and USB SFP Module inputs provide up to PCM 32bit / 768kHz, DSD512 (22.6MHz). The Coaxial RCA, Coaxial BNC, and AES/EBU inputs deliver up to PCM 32bit / 384kHz, DSD128 (5.6MHz), while an optical input delivers up to PCM 32bit / 192kHz, DSD64 (2.8MHz).
The SFP USB features optical converting functionality. It completely blocks digital noise from a source device. When connected to the HiFi Rose RS130 network transport, which supports SFP USB ports, you can receive pure data without any noise interference, ensuring the cleanest transmission possible.
Balanced and unbalanced analog outputs connect to your amp or other gear.
High-Precision OCXO
OCXO is the most accurate and stable clock available, unaffected by temperature changes. Conventional crystals may introduce jitter to audio signals due to changes in temperature, resulting in fluctuations in oscillation. The high-precision OCXO employed in the RD160 enhances the precision of digital inputs, providing more accurate clock signals and suppressing jitter.
External Master Clock Input
Audio sources require a master clock input that outputs synchronized audio data with the master clock. By applying this method, jitter from optical, coaxial, and AES/EBU connections from the audio source to the DAC can be eliminated, supporting perfect synchronization between devices tailored to the operating environment.
Premium Internal Wiring
High-purity Oxygen-Free Copper wiring has been strategically used in power and audio input/output sections, which have a decisive impact on sound quality. The analog unbalanced output stage benefits from high-purity single-crystal Ohno Continuous Casting wires with excellent conductivity, ensuring signal transmission without distortion.
VHigh-purity Oxygen-Free Copper lead frames provide high-quality J-FET input dual OP-AMPs with excellent responsiveness, dynamic range, and low distortion.
Specially Processed Aluminum Case
The RD160 utilizes a specially processed aluminum case. Machined from high-purity aluminum as a single piece with minimized assembly joints, it minimizes vibrations that could adversely affect sound quality. Additionally, the side panels with heat sink design efficiently dissipate heat, ensuring stable operation even during prolonged use.
