Rotel’s New DX-3 DAC/Headphone Amp Is The ‘Ultimate Desktop Companion’

Rotel has announced the new DX-3 ($1,499), which the company calls “an exceptionally well specified, high-performance headphone amplifier, preamplifier, and stand-alone DAC in a superbly-designed single component.” Measuring a tidy 8 ½ inches wide, 3 inches tall, and 9 ¾ inches deep, the desktop-friendly DX-3 is designed to deliver no-compromise audio quality where space is at a premium, according to Rotel. The DX-3 does not include network connectivity nor built-in streaming (though adding something like a WiiM streamer or Bluesound Node would be easy enough). Instead, it is designed as “the ultimate desktop audio companion,” intended to be connected to a desktop or laptop computer via its USB input, which accepts resolutions up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and 4X DSD.

Its coaxial and optical digital inputs are limited to 24-bit/192kHz, which is still sufficient for 99% of the digital files out there. I can’t imagine that the built-in aptX HD and AAC Bluetooth will get tons of use in most setups, but the RCA analog input will allow users to connect a phono preamp or the analog source of their choosing.

Those who stick with digital sources will be treated to the DX-3’s DAC section built around the highly capable ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC chip, in which the 32-bit digital processing block cleverly compensates for the THD produced by the analog outputs on the chip. We’ve seen this chip put to use in a number of very fine DACs, including those from Benchmark Media Systems. As always, though, it’s important to remember that the sound of a DAC is not dictated by the chip alone. The unit’s power supply and analog output stage will contribute greatly to the overall sound of the product. To that end, the Rotel DX-3 includes other high-grade components, such as an “ultra-low noise, custom, in-house manufactured, toroidal transformer with high current drivers and high-quality capacitors, (which) combine to ensure music is delivered with the ultimate resolution, rhythm, and timing, …on an immersive sound stage,” according to Rotel.

Rotel tells us that the DX-3’s volume attenuation is controlled by an audiophile-grade NJW1195A fully differential analog controller made by Japan’s Nisshinbo Micro Devices. This is a high-quality part delivering precise 0.5dB steps. According to Rotel, the company’s team meticulously engineered the analog and digital power supplies, which are fully isolated from each other in order to minimize noise and interference. The DX-3 attributes additional performance gains to “custom engineered and critically tuned low pass filters utilizing a full balanced, fully differential signal path.”

Naturally, Rotel wants the DX-3 to play nice with a wide range of headphones, and the company says that the amp “readily adapts to and enhances” headphone models with low, medium, and high impedance. The user-selectable gain control also contributes to the DX-3’s versatility. A deep dive into the available technical specs reveals that the recommended headphone impedance for the DX-3 ranges from 16 ohms to 300 ohms, which does indeed cover the vast majority of high-end headphones out there. (It’s worth pointing out, however, that some in-ear monitors might have impedances lower than 16 ohms, and some over-ear headphones, such as the Beyerdynamic DT 880, might have impedances as high as 600 ohms. The DX-3 also might not be powerful enough for certain power-hungry planar-magnetic headphones, such as the HiFiMAN Susvara.) Headphones can be connected via the 6.35mm single-ended jack or the 4.4mm balanced jack, both of which are on the DX-3’s front panel beneath the display.

Though clearly designed with headphone users in mind, the DX-3 is equally well-equipped to be used as a standalone DAC or as a DAC/preamp. It features both RCA outputs and balanced XLR outputs, which can be connected to a pair of active desktop monitors, or to an external power amp feeding a traditional audio system. It’s certainly attractive enough to be left out on display, thanks to its compact form-factor, full-color front panel graphic display, and large diamond-knurled volume knob. The unit will be available in black and silver finish options. While the DX-3 will never be out of reach for desktop users, those installing the DX-3 into a living room system will appreciate the included extruded aluminum remote control. Available now in Europe and the UK, the DX-3 is expected soon here in the US and elsewhere.

More information: Rotel DX-3

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