Where Digital Seems More Like Analog: HiFi Rose RD160 DAC Plays with Arresting Transparency; Features Separate Modules for Each Channel, Three Power-Supply Units, and Fiber-Optic SFP USB Input

HiFi Rose waited seven years before it followed its multi-award-winning series of streamers and integrated amplifier units with a standalone DAC, the RD160. The company wanted to ensure every detail of the component was exactly right, engineered to stand up to devices far above its price point, and built to accommodate future upgrades and serve the needs of a growing audiophile community. RD160 hits on all those points and many more. 

Operating with reference-level balance, nearly immeasurable distortion, and a practically imperceptible noise floor, RD160 features separate DAC modules for each channel, fully isolates the DSP and analog conversion stages, and includes three independently customized linear power-supply units for the digital input and analog output stages. In short, this standout piece of hi-fi kit plays music with arresting degrees of transparency, precision, vibrancy, honesty, and emotion. Through RD160, digital seems like analog. 

It also gives you tremendous control and personalized options. Four upsampling modes (PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512, NOS, and ALL) complement six types of impulse responses on the digital filter. You can configure what works best for your setup (and experiment) simply by pressing a button on the left side of the front panel. For optimal converting functionality, a fiber-optic SFP USB input thoroughly blocks digital noise from the source device — resulting in absolute purity and transparency when connected to a device (like the HiFi Rose RS130) that supports SFP USB ports. An external master clock input, remote control, and copious connectivity (a total of seven digital inputs and four analog outputs) accompany a twin polycarbonate AMOLED hidden screen to give RD160 everything you need now — and in years to come. 

Anchored by ROSE CIM (Completely Isolated Modulated) architecture — extending to the balanced-design DACs (AK4191 for the digital filtering and AK4499EX for the DAC conversion), balanced symmetrical analog output circuit, and separation of the digital and analog domains — RD160 effectively shuts out all noise that can couple between channels, thereby increasing its capacity for broad dynamic range, pinpoint accuracy, and spot-on imaging. A ROSE NRA (Noise Reduction Analog) filter, J-FET input dual OP-amps, and high-precision OCXO clock, and high-level oxygen-free copper cabling further attest to the exceptional technology and construction. That extends to the outside, where a specially processed solid aluminum and rust-proof steel case with heat-sink side panels minimize vibration, keep everything stable, and let everything run cool.

Measuring 3.42 x 16.93 x 12.87 inches (HWD), RD160 will substantially elevate the performance of source components such as CD/SACD players, streamers, and transports — helping take your audio system to dream-level heights. The luxurious elegance of its appearance gives you just a taste of how amazing this standalone DAC sounds.

Want more information on RD160 or HiFi Rose? Every Music Direct audio consultant is fully versed in the company’s line. Reach out today at 312-433-0200. 

Linear Power Supply Units
HiFi Rose’s proprietary reference linear power supply units are designed using ultra-low-noise power chipsets to minimize noise. Each power supply unit is custom-designed for the digital input stage and the left and right analog output stages, providing independent power supply to each. As a result, RD-160 not only minimizes crosstalk and mutual interference between channels but also prevents digital noise from entering the analog domain, ensuring excellent clarity and superior dynamics.

J-FET Input Dual Op-Amps
In RD-160, high-purity oxygen-free copper lead frames are used to apply high-quality J-FET input dual op-amps with excellent responsiveness, dynamic range, and low distortion. Developed in collaboration with MUSES from the initial stages to extract the best performance, the op-amps in RD-160 are meticulously tuned to deliver a vibrant, lifelike sound.

NRA Filter
The analog stage, equipped with the NRA™ filter, implements flat frequency characteristics even in very low-frequency bands. Thanks to this, RD-160 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 the ambient details in the high-frequency range.

High-End Wiring
High-purity oxygen-free copper cables have been strategically used in places such as power and audio input/output sections, which have a decisive impact on sound quality. Particularly, in the analog unbalanced output stage, high-purity single-crystal Ohno Continuous Casting cables ensure signal transmission without distortion.

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.

Special Casing
RD160 utilizes a specially processed aluminum case, machined from high-purity aluminum as a single piece with minimized assembly joints, to minimize 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.