RD160

RD160

The RD160 takes every single detail of your digital sound to a new level. The precise and innovative technologies of HiFi Rose combine within the RD160 to deliver a DAC that looks, sounds, and functions like nothing else available today. With the RD160, listeners can enjoy a pure sound reproduction that is free of noise and totally engaging. Featuring new HiFi Rose technologies, including ROSE DPC™, ROSE NRA™, and ROSE CIM™, the RD160 still strikes the balance that HiFi Rose fans have come to expect of the company. The new DAC is a joy to experience thanks to its sound, innovation, usability, and aesthetic appeal.

Sound Design 

The overall design of the RD160 matches that of HiFi Rose’s full width streaming products, perfectly masking the cutting-edge technology on offer behind an aesthetically pleasing chassis. The sophisticated metallic case is luxurious and durable, while the “hidden screen” front panel relays all key playback information. Control is simple through the front-panel buttons and knob, or the supplied remote control, all of which give the feeling you’re handling an elegant, high-end, futuristic device.  

 

ROSE DPC™ 

The RD160’s digital stage features the new ROSE DPC™ (Digital Processing Core) module, which is designed to ensure that all processing blocks maintain the highest level of signal accuracy. This module precisely synchronizes any digital signal the DAC receives with the high-precision OCXO clock as an I2S signal. It applies clock synchronization and locking processes to minimise jitter, allowing for accurate processing and a natural, clear sound performance. This module also isolates the digital audio stages from the circuits used to control the RD160’s user interface, to avoid interferences.

 

ROSE CIM™ 

HiFi Rose’s ROSE CIM™ architecture consists of a module that completely separates the digital and analogue processes of a DAC. To maximise sound quality through complete isolation and modularity, the RD160 uses two DAC chips per channel, with the Asahi Kasei AK4191 handling digital filtering and initial delta-sigma modulation stages, followed by the AK4499EX, which performs the final digital-to-analogue conversion. This design means that the RD160 avoids the noise regular DAC chips generate due to their mutual processing of multiple stages within one chip, while the dual-mono layout further allows for minimal crosstalk. The result is an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio, allowing the RD160 to sound totally pure and natural. 

 

Customisable Experience 

The RD160 features a variety of options and settings, all controllable through the front screen. There are four sampling options (Bypass, to PCM, to DSD, Upsampling) and six digital filters to choose from to allow you to achieve the sound that suits your ears best. When sat back in your listening position there are multiple screen display options to choose from, including a live soundwave of each channel. 

As well as the usual suite of connection options, the RD160 also features an SFP USB input, which supports optical USB conversion. When combined with the RS130 streaming transport, which boasts an SFP USB output, you can transmit pure digital data in the cleanest and most noise-free manner. For further compatibility with a wider high-end system, the RD160 also offers 50Ω and 75Ω external clock inputs. 

The RD160 features an output level setting option, allowing you to select from fixed output levels between 1 and 9V, meaning you can connect to a wide range of amplifiers and avoid low output or too much gain and clipping. When this feature is turned off, the front-panel volume dial takes over and allows for systems where the RD160 can also function as a pre-amplifier for direct connection to a power amplifier.  

 

Quality Throughout 

The RD160 features quality component choices and materials throughout. From the purpose-chosen J-FET input dual op-amps, through the superior OCXO clock and even on to the specially prepared OFC and OCC cabling – every element of the design has been considered with high-performance audio in mind.  

The analogue stage of the RD160 makes use of HiFi Rose’s new ROSE NRA™ (Noise Reduction Analogue) filter, which achieves a flat frequency response even when entering the very low frequency bands. This gives the RD160 a wide, fixed frequency response without roll-off, so it can clearly and faithfully convey the original sound information contained within a recording. 

The RD160 also features three custom-designed reference-level linear power supplies. Based on an ultra-low noise power chipset, the power supply is designed to independently supply power to the main digital section and the left and right channels. By stably supplying power according to the dynamic requirements of each stage, the power supply maintains high signal integrity, therefore increasing the resolution and dynamic range of the DAC.  

 

Absolute True Fidelity 

The RD160 is an effective combination of class-leading engineering, innovative technologies and a user experience that puts music lovers first. Whether tried as a stand-alone addition to an existing system, or set-up in partnership with the flagship HiFi Rose RS130 streaming transport and RA180 integrated amplifier, it guarantees to offer an experience like nothing else available today.