Dear reader, the South Korean brand HIFI Rose is launching a new DAC full of new technology, but also carefully packaged in HIFI Rose’s special design that we all know from their existing models: RS130 network transport or the RA180 integrated amplifier. So, for sure that the new RD160 is a head turner – so let’s dive in and see if its sound is also groundbreaking as its design.
The most impressive aspect of HIFI Rose products is their tactile feeling, evoking long forgotten HIFI components of the 70s and 80s, with their big buttons and clunky switches. This is a thing I deeply miss from current components, and I would love for this to come back. So, when I see a RA180 amplifier for instance, I am keen to jump on it and do a “helicopter” start sequence, as I’ve seen in 70s movies, when the pilot is starting the helicopter by moving at least 20-30 rocker switches before the takeoff. So, the level of coolness of this RD160 DAC is high because it has these tactile functions and a big special “hidden” display on its front fascia.
Please note that the new RD160 is also a preamplifier together with the option of tweaking the output level from 1V to 9V. Under the hood we will find a fully balanced dual-mono DAC with two sets of AKM chips, using an OXCO clock. The processing of the two audio channels is done by the book, being completely separated, also we have a processing separation between the digital and analogue stages.
The RD160 includes no less than 3 linear supplies that power its internals fully independently. That’s a cool design! In terms of connectivity, we have fully balanced XLR outputs and RCA outputs, as per digital inputs we have two coaxial inputs, one optical input, an AES/EBU input, and an I2S connection via HDMI and USB input. The RD160 has a proprietary connection when paired with the HIFI Rose RS130 streaming transport, by using a SFP USB connection allowing for the transmission of pure data.
I must say that the RD160 is a very interesting package – the design is amazing, the fact that the chips are made by AKM is also an interesting choice, putting HIFI Rose a bit further away from the ESS train that is happening right now and its connectivity options, especially the SFP USB feature. I would be very curious to test it. The new HIFI Rose RD160 is already available and can be ordered for $5295.
