ROTEL DX-3 HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER, PRE-AMPLIFIER AND DAC LAUNCHES

Rotel has announced the Rotel DX-3, a high-performance headphone amplifier, pre-amplifier, and DAC designed for personal audio enthusiasts.

Housed in a compact 215mm x 76mm x 247mm chassis, the DX-3 is designed as an ideal desktop audio companion.

ROTEL DX-3 HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER, PRE-AMPLIFIER AND DAC

The Rotel DX-3 supports a variety of modern and legacy sources, ensuring broad compatibility. It features PC-USB input with 32-bit/384kHz and DSD 4X support, along with coaxial and optical (24-bit/192kHz) inputs. Wireless connectivity is also available via aptX HD and AAC Bluetooth, alongside an RCA analogue input for additional flexibility.

HIGH-END COMPONENTS

At the heart of the DX-3 is the ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC, ensuring high-resolution audio playback. A custom in-house manufactured toroidal transformer, high-current drivers, and premium capacitors contribute to exceptional rhythm, timing, and soundstage immersion. The volume attenuation is managed by an audiophile-grade NJW1195A fully differential analogue controller, allowing precise 0.5dB adjustments.

MINIMISING NOISE AND DISTORTION

Rotel has engineered the DX-3 with meticulous isolation of analogue and digital power supplies, minimising interference. The unit also incorporates a carefully tuned low-pass filter with a fully balanced, fully differential signal path, further reducing noise and distortion for a cleaner audio experience.

SUPPORT FOR A WIDE RANGE OF HEADPHONES

The Rotel DX-3 is built to accommodate headphones with varying impedance levels. Users can select amplifier gain to optimise performance across high, medium, and low impedance models. The front panel features convenient 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended headphone outputs for easy connectivity.

FLEXIBILITY AS A STANDALONE DAC AND PRE-AMPLIFIER

Beyond headphone listening, the DX-3 functions as a standalone DAC and a fully capable pre-amplifier. Balanced XLR and RCA outputs allow it to drive external amplifiers, active speakers, or integrate seamlessly into an existing HiFi setup.

PREMIUM BUILD AND USER EXPERIENCE

Rotel maintains its high standards in design and build quality with the DX-3. A full-colour front panel graphic display provides clear user feedback, while a large diamond-knurled volume control ensures precise handling. The unit also comes with an intuitive aluminium remote control for added convenience.

ROTEL DX-3 HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER, PRE-AMPLIFIER AND DAC PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The Rotel DX-3 will be available in Europe and the UK from March 2025, with wider international availability to follow. The suggested retail price is £1,399 / €1,499 / $1,499.

HiFi PiG Says: Compact and with Rotel signature qualities, this looks like a very nice option for HeadFi and desktop systems.