HiFi Rose RD160 DAC

The design of the RD160 reflects the sleek aesthetic of HiFi Rose's full-width streaming products, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology within an elegant chassis. The luxurious and durable metallic case, along with the "hidden screen" front panel, not only provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance but also relays essential playback information. Control is intuitive through the front-panel buttons and knob, or the supplied remote control, offering a high-end and futuristic user experience.

ROSE DPC™

The digital stage of the RD160 incorporates the innovative ROSE DPC™ (Digital Processing Core) module, which ensures the highest level of signal accuracy across all processing blocks. This module synchronises any digital signal received by the DAC with the high-precision OCXO clock as an I2S signal, minimising jitter and enabling accurate processing for a natural, clear sound performance. Additionally, the module isolates the digital audio stages from the circuits controlling the RD160's user interface, preventing interferences.

ROSE CIM™

HiFi Rose's ROSE CIM™ architecture separates the digital and analog processes of a DAC for maximum sound quality through complete isolation and modularity. The RD160 utilises two DAC chips per channel, with the Asahi Kasei AK4191 handling digital filtering and initial delta-sigma modulation stages, followed by the AK4499EX for the final digital-to-analog conversion. This design eliminates the noise regular DAC chips generate and allows for an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in a pure and natural sound.

Customisable Experience

The RD160 offers a range of options and settings accessible through the front screen, including four sampling options (Bypass, PCM, DSD, Upsampling) and six digital filters to customise the sound to suit individual preferences. Users can also choose from multiple screen display options, including a live soundwave of each channel when in the listening position.

In addition to standard connection options, the RD160 features an SFP USB input supporting optical USB conversion, which, when combined with the RS130 streaming transport's SFP USB output, allows for the transmission of pure digital data in a clean and noise-free manner. Furthermore, the RD160 offers 50Ω and 75Ω external clock inputs for enhanced compatibility with high-end systems.

Quality Throughout

The RD160 encompasses quality component choices and materials, from purpose-chosen J-FET input dual op-amps to superior OCXO clock and specially prepared OFC and OCC cabling, ensuring high-performance audio. The analogue stage features HiFi Rose's ROSE NRA™ (Noise Reduction Analogue) filter, achieving a flat frequency response and faithfully conveying the original sound information within a recording. Additionally, the RD160 includes three custom-designed reference-level linear power supplies, independently supplying power to the main digital section and the left and right channels, thereby maintaining high signal integrity and increasing the resolution and dynamic range of the DAC.

Hi-Fi Choice Magazine - May 2025

5* Star product - Hi-Fi Choice Recommended
"HiFi Rose’s RD160 is a class act and one of the best DACs we’ve heard at this price point. Its excellent sound is nice enough, but it also has a welter of facilities, excellent connectivity, great build and a class-leading display. All things considered, it is impossible not to recommend" - Nick Tate

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UK Orders

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