HiFi Rose RD160 DAC and pre-amplifier: beautiful (and expensive) new digital-to-analogue converter

You've got to ask yourself one question: do I feel like an audiophile? (Well do ya, punk? Sorry.) The thing is, only a dedicated, dyed-in-the-wool audio

If you're looking for the best possible hi-res audio experience from your collection of hi-fi separates, then you'll want to take a closer look at the HiFi Rose RD160 DAC and pre-amp. It's not cheap, but it's packed with cutting-edge technology and boasts an exquisite build quality that's sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.

The RD160 uses several new and proprietary HiFi Rose technological acronyms, including ROSE DPC, ROSE NRA, and ROSE CIM. Let's quickly break those down:

ROSE DPC (Digital Processing Core) Module guarantees signal accuracy and precision regardless of the source thanks to using an OCXO clock, says the company.

ROSE CIM (Completely Isolated Module) architecture uses a two-chip solution. Yes, this is a fully balanced, dual-mono DAC design with complete mechanical separation between channels.

ROSE NRA (Noise Reduction Analog) filter achieves, says the hi-fi specialist, a "flat frequency response, even in the very low-frequency range". Impressive.

Three customized reference-level linear power supplies drive the two channels and the main digital processing board independently, in a bid to reduce interference and crosstalk, HiFi Rose tells me. Again, RD160 uses two DAC chips per channel; the Asahi Kasei AK4191 handling digital filtering and initial delta-sigma modulation stages and the AK4499EX handling the final digital-to-analog conversion.

Alongside the usual connectivity options, the RD160 also features an SFP USB input, which supports optical USB conversion, and for further compatibility with a wider high-end system, the RD160 also offers 50Ω and 75Ω external clock inputs.

HiFi Rose's RD160 also features an output level setting option, allowing you to select from fixed output levels between 1V and 9V. Why is that good? It allows you to connect to a wide range of amplifiers and avoid either low output or too much gain and clipping.

Lastly, we need to talk about that solid aluminum chassis. It's a full-width HiFi Rose product (which means it can be part of your hi-fi 'stack', although you really do need to invest in a proper hi-fi rack at this level) and you get an IR remote control in the box. There's also something the company's calling a "hidden screen" front panel, to relay all key playback information, plus some front-panel buttons and a reassuring hi-fi knob to help you control things.

Through that front screen, you can access four sampling options (Bypass, PCM, DSD, and Upsampling) and six digital filters to find the sound that suits your tastes. And when sat back in your listening position, your multiple screen display options include a live soundwave of each channel, so you can see what you're hearing too.

It's so elegant, no? It comes in black or silver and will arrive in November 2024. And now the delicate topic of coin: HiFi Rose RD160 is officially £4,699 in the UK, which means it'll come in at around $6,180 or a cool AU$9,000.

If you're after something a little more portable but still have a bit of cash to burn, then be sure to check out the iFi xDSD Gryphon. You won't regret it.