ROSE RD160 DAC

Today we are telling you about the Rose RD160, a digital analog converter from a brand that is causing quite a stir among enthusiasts.

HiFi Rose is a relatively young company; it belongs to the new age of HiFi and immediately rode the wave of immaterial media, debuting with streamers characterized not only by excellent performance, but also by a curated aesthetic with the use of excellent materials. Then came some amplifiers, combo amps and streamers, and only now a stand-alone DAC, this RD160. Debut that is strongly characterized since Rose aimed high right away with a distinctive top product, not only aesthetically, but also through the adoption of many original solutions. First of all, ROSE abandons the ESS chipset used in previous streamer/DAC models, adopting for the first time the new top Asaki Kasei pair: AK4191 which processes the signal in the digital domain, also doing upsampler and digital filter functions, and 4499EX which does the actual D-A conversion. In the RD160 two pairs are used in a dual mono configuration arranged on separate printed boards. A clear direction, then, as opposed to the current market trend in hi-end DACs, which sees the adoption of R2R networks for conversion, rather than the use of chips.

Rose RD 160: an extremely refined aesthetic

It is the design, more than anything else, that captures attention from the first glance. With the Rose RD160, HiFi Rose continues in its mission to impress, offering an aesthetic that breaks with the traditional canons of the Hi-Fi world without sacrificing elegance. Even when turned off, the DAC stands out: on the left side of the front panel, ten small metal buttons line up neatly next to a large, seemingly empty area. A stylistic choice that might seem unusual, but hides a pleasant surprise. Indeed, when the RD160 is turned on, one of the RD160’s most distinctive elements comes alive: a display consisting of two separate OLED panels hidden behind translucent plastic that gives text and graphics a soft, almost velvety appearance. The visual effect recalls that of an e-ink reader, similar to a Kindle, and helps set a sophisticated tone for the interface. A single large knob, framed by a dimmable white LED ring, stands out on the right side of the panel, while there is no shortage of the manufacturer’s hallmarks, a sturdy top plate with a finely engraved logo, as well as large cooling fins that dominate the sides of the chassis. Although in this case they are more aesthetic than functional, they help give the DAC a premium look

The aluminum chassis, in classic black or silver finishes, is finished with obsessive care and ensures harmonious integration not only with the brand’s other products, but also with equipment from different brands. Where the RD160 is completely original is in the user interface. No scrolling menus or conventional screens: in the center is a flowchart that illustrates the digital audio signal path in real time, from the selected input to the active filter, to the output. It is an original visual language designed to immediately communicate the steps the signal takes, and one that proves not only aesthetically appealing but also surprisingly practical. To complete the picture, a curious arc graph shows the volume level when using the output in variable mode, offering a scenic but functional touch. But not everything is perfect. The readability of the screen from a distance of about ten feet leaves something to be desired, aided by the opaque effect of the cover, but the visual experience remains markedly more immersive than the static nature of a simple text display or a series of LEDs, as is the case with so many other DACs on the market. For the more traditionalists, a larger, clearer and more direct text interface is still available. During music playback, the display transforms again: two waveforms animate the surface in a slow, slightly blurred motion.

The effect is striking, although not everyone will like it-we did not-and fortunately it can be turned off. Finally, special mention to the remote control. Unlike what HiFi Rose has accustomed us to so far with minimalist and sometimes too basic accessories, that of the RD160 is full of buttons and allows complete control of the device even from a distance. It is one of the brand’s few products that can be conveniently operated from the couch, and in this context, usability takes a definite step forward. Indeed, interaction via remote control is often more intuitive and practical than direct use of the physical buttons on the device.

Japanese heart for the Rose RD 160

The Asaki Kasei chips that animate the Rose RD160 are Japanese; the manufacturer is a leader in making many integrated circuits not only, indeed not so much for the audio world, but for the industrial, defense and automotive sectors. There are many manufacturers from all backgrounds using the new AKM pair: SMSL, Topping and Eversolo, just to name three, but there are many others. However, HiFi Rose has added one more ingredient, actually three, namely the three toroidal transformers that power the digital stage and the left and right analog output stages independently, with great effort to keep the stages separate, in a proprietary architecture that the Korean designers call “Rose CIM” (Completely Isolated Modules). The DAC and the balanced analog output stages, which adopt the famous Muses02 op-amps, are separated on two mono PCBs for the left and right channels, while all digital processing, including the various PCM/DSD options, digital filters, upsampling, and everything digital-related is accommodated on the central PCB, OCXO clock included, although an external clock can even be connected to the machine with two connectors, one for 50Ω output generators and the other 75Ω.

Rose RD 160: connections for all

Speaking of connections, the Rose RD160 allows an extremely wide choice, in addition to XLR and RCA analog outputs with adjustable levels from 1V to 9V depending on whether you want to connect the DAC directly to a power amplifier, or to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier, there are trigger in/out, AES/EBU input, two coaxial, one on RCA and one on BNC, an optical, I2S, USB-B, clock with dual 50/75Ω inputs, and the SPF fiber optic input. The DAC is fully balanced, so a connection with amplification that is also balanced is recommended for best audio performance.

Listening

From the very first notes, the Rose RD160 impresses with its ability to render a wide, deep, and surprisingly well-organized soundstage. The feeling of spaciousness is tangible, with each instrument finding its natural place within the stereophonic image, never overlapping the others. It is a DAC that knows how to bring order to musical complexity, returning even the densest orchestral performances with great lucidity and coherence. Dynamics, both macro and micro, is one of its strengths: the most energetic passages are reproduced with momentum and impact, without ever becoming aggressive, while the most delicate and nuanced moments are revealed with a rare grace, in a balance that is always respectful of the nature of the sound event. Timbral homogeneity throughout the frequency range contributes to a compact, fluid overall vision, free of disconnects or tonal surges. An element that adds further appeal to the experience with the RD160 is the ability to actively intervene in the sonic character through a range of digital filters and oversampling options. Although these are features that are quite common among high-end DACs today, the RD160’s approach stands out for its transparency and ease of use: thanks to the clear and easily readable front-facing OLED display, every variation is immediately understandable and controllable, enticing the user to experiment in a conscious and focused way. The most pronounced differences between the various filters are particularly noticeable in PCM mode, where upsampling allows the user to appreciate tonal nuances and greater airiness. In DSD mode, however, the overall impression is of an even silkier and smoother sound, with a sweetness that envelops the listener without ever sacrificing detail. The RD160, does not just reproduce faithfully: it interprets with intelligence and refinement, offering the audiophile a wide margin of customization and an absolute level of listening quality marked always by a strong tonal contrast. In short, to be listened to carefully first, since in the listening room Giancarlo liked it a lot and Giulio a little less, who prefers instead a more “rounded” reproduction to strong contrasts.

Technical characteristics: