HIFI ROSE LAUNCHES RD160 DAC AND PRE-AMPLIFIER IN THE UK

Henley Audio has announced the upcoming availability of the HiFi Rose RD160 DAC and pre-amplifier in the UK, marking the Korean company’s entry into a new product category.

The HiFi Rose RD160 aims to deliver high-quality digital-to-analogue conversion through its sophisticated design and use of innovative technologies.

HIFI ROSE RD160 DAC AND PRE-AMPLIFIER

Featuring a fully balanced, dual-mono DAC design, the RD160 promises a clear, noise-free sound experience. It also incorporates separate power supplies for different components to reduce interference and crosstalk.

PROPRIETARY TECH

Key features of the RD160 include HiFi Rose’s proprietary technologies, such as the ROSE DPC™ (Digital Processing Core), which ensures signal accuracy by synchronising the DAC’s digital signal with a high-precision OCXO clock. The RD160 also uses ROSE CIM™ (Completely Isolated Module) architecture, which isolates digital and analogue processes using two separate DAC chips per channel, resulting in minimal noise. Meanwhile, the ROSE NRA™ (Noise Reduction Analogue) filter delivers a flat frequency response even in the lower frequencies.

The device is equipped with premium components, including J-FET op-amps and specialised cabling, all housed within a solid aluminium chassis for durability and aesthetic appeal.

DIGITAL FILTERS

In terms of usability, the RD160 offers a variety of features to customise the listening experience. Users can choose from four sampling options (Bypass, PCM, DSD, and Upsampling) and six digital filters, all adjustable via the front screen. It also includes SFP USB input for optical USB conversion, making it compatible with other HiFi Rose products like the RS130 streaming transport.

HIFI ROSE RD160 TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Input Sensitivity: 0dBF / 1kHz

Output Impedance: 300Ω

Max. Output Level: 4.5Vrms (RCA), 9Vrms (XLR)

THD +N: 0.005% (RCA), 0.005% (XLR)

Signal to Noise Ratio: 124dB (RCA), 124dB (XLR)

Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20kHZ (-0.3dB)

10HZ – 50kHz (-1.5dB)

10Hz – 73kHz (-3.0dB)

DAC Chips: 2 x AK4499EXEQ + 2 x AK4191EQ

PSU: 3 x Linear Toroidal

CPU: RK3128 Quad-Core Cortex A7mp

RAM: DDR3 1866MHz 1GB

Flash: 8GB eMMc

Oscillator: High-Precision OCXO

Display: AMOLED (hidden screen)

Inputs: USB SFP Module (PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512)

USB 2.0 Type B (PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512)

HDMI I2S (PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512)

Coaxial RCA (PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD128 DoP)

Coaxial BNC (PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD128 DoP)

Optical (PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD64 DoP)

AES/EBU (PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD128 DoP)

External Clock Input: BNC 75Ω (10MHz)

BNC 50Ω (10MHz)

Analogue Outputs: Unbalanced RCA

Balanced XLR

PCM Filters: Sharp, Slow, Short Sharp (Default), Short Slow, Super Slow, Low Short

Pre-Out Level: 1V – 9V (fixed or variable switchable)

Power Consumption: 0.3W Standby / 30W Max.

Size (W x D x H): 430 x 330 x 88mm

Weight: 10.0kg

Body: Solid Aluminium / Rust-Proof Steel

Remote Control IR Input: 38kHz Infrared Ray (Within 10m)

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The RD160 is expected to be available in November 2024 in black or silver finishes, priced at £4,699. Available through Henley Audio’s dealer network.

HiFi PiG Says: HiFi Rose is one of the true modern HiFisucess stories, their products always gain a lot of interest from our readers.