ЦАПы — HiFi Rose RD160

The RD160 is the first standalone digital-to-analogue converter from the Korean company HiFi Rose, whose catalogue otherwise centres on network streamers. It also works as a preamplifier with adjustable output. The US price is USD 5,995, the UK price GBP 4,700, and it is made in black or silver, with the RS130 digital-only streamer planned as its companion.

Key specs that matter

Each channel gets its own pair of AKM chips - AK4191EQ and one AK4499EXEQ. Seven digital inputs are fitted. USB through an SFP module, USB 2.0 Type-B and HDMI I2S accept PCM up to 32 bit and 768 kHz and DSD512, coaxial RCA or BNC and AES/EBU stop at 384 kHz and DSD128, and optical at 192 kHz and DSD64. Balanced XLR outputs deliver 9 Vrms and RCA outputs 4.5 Vrms, both from 300 ohm, and the level can be set anywhere from 1 V to 9 V. Signal-to-noise ratio is 124 dB, crosstalk -124 dB and THD+N 0.005% at 1 kHz. Response is 10 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.3 dB, to 50 kHz within 1.5 dB and to 73 kHz within 3 dB. The case measures 430 x 330 x 88 mm and weighs 10 kg.

Engineering and use context

The AK4191EQ acts as the delta-sigma modulator, upsampler and digital filter, leaving the AK4499EXEQ to perform the conversion itself. HiFi Rose calls its layout CIM, for Completely Isolated Module, meaning the digital and analogue sections are physically separated and each channel has its own DAC module. The SFP input converts USB to light, which breaks any electrical path from the source computer. Three custom linear supplies with toroidal transformers feed the digital input stage and the left and right analogue outputs separately. Timing comes from an oven-controlled crystal oscillator kept at constant temperature, and 10 MHz master clock inputs on BNC at 75 ohm and SMA at 50 ohm accept an external reference. Users choose between four upsampling modes, including NOS, and six digital filter responses such as Sharp, Slow and Short. The aluminium enclosure is cut from one solid block and carries two heatsinks, and a hidden AMOLED screen shows status. Power draw is 30 W in use and 0.3 W on standby.

Pairing

With 9 Vrms available and a variable output, the RD160 can drive a power amplifier directly through XLR or RCA, or feed a fixed-gain integrated amplifier at a lower setting. The HDMI I2S and coaxial inputs suit a separate transport, and an infrared remote is supplied.

Alternatives

HiFi Rose makes no other standalone DAC, as the RD160 is the brand's only converter sold without a streaming section.