Presentation of the HiFi ROSE RD160 Audio DAC Converter
The HiFi ROSE RD160 enhances sound quality using advanced technologies. It is designed to deliver purer and more precise sound, thanks to a digital processing module, separation of digital and analog signals, and a balanced circuit to preserve signal quality. With three independent power supplies and a noise filter, it reproduces sound details clearly, bringing a new dimension to the audio experience.
Elegant and Innovative Design
The HiFi ROSE RD160 stands out with its unique and refined design. Its fully aluminum casing, machined from a single piece, minimizes joints to reduce vibrations. Available in silver or black finishes, it features the famous HiFi ROSE symbol embossed on the top panel. The side panels incorporate heat sinks for optimal cooling of internal components.
The sleek front panel conceals an OLED screen that lights up when powered on, displaying real-time information such as a DAC operation flowchart, a volume curve, and sound waves. The buttons and rotary encoder offer direct and latency-free control, providing an intuitive analog experience despite the device’s digital foundation.
Comprehensive Connectivity for Extended Compatibility
The RD160 offers a full range of digital connections to accommodate all types of sources:
USB Type-B 2.0 and USB optical fiber: up to 32 bits / 768 kHz, native DSD512
I2S (HDMI): up to 32 bits / 768 kHz, native DSD512
Optical S/PDIF (Toslink): up to 24 bits / 192 kHz, DoP64
Coaxial S/PDIF (RCA and BNC): up to 32 bits / 384 kHz, DoP128
AES/EBU (XLR): up to 32 bits / 384 kHz, DoP128
This variety of connections ensures compatibility with almost all current digital sources, from vintage CD players to the latest streamers. The balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs allow integration into any hi-fi system.
Optical USB for Pure and Noise-Free Signal
The optical USB connection is a remarkable feature of the RD160. It converts the USB electrical signal into a light signal, thus eliminating noise and distortions generated by the source device. Coupled with the HiFi ROSE RS130 streamer, which also features this connection, the RD160 delivers exceptionally pure sound.
ROSE CIM Architecture for Cutting-Edge Audio Performance
The ROSE CIM (Completely Isolated and Moduled) architecture aims to maximize sound quality through complete isolation and modularization. The RD160 uses separate DAC modules for each channel and a 2-chip solution that completely isolates the digital signal processing and analog conversion stages. This ensures faithful and transparent reproduction of original hi-res audio information without alteration.
Additionally, three independent reference linear power supplies, specially designed for the digital input and analog output stages, effectively block noise from the power source. With exceptional balance, extremely low distortion, and noise floor, the RD160 provides realistic and dynamic sound.
Timing at the Heart of Performance
In digital audio, timing precision is essential for optimal sound quality. The RD160 features a high-precision OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator), ensuring remarkable clock stability and accuracy. It can also be synchronized with an external master clock, just like the RS130 streamer. Connecting all digital components to the same reference clock completely eliminates jitter and allows for an unparalleled purity in digital audio signal transfer.
What are the benefits of the ROSE CIM architecture?
The ROSE CIM™ architecture offers several advantages: complete isolation of digital and analog stages through separate DAC modules per channel, the use of three dedicated power supplies for effective noise blocking, and ultimately a pure and dynamic sound with very low distortion and an extremely low noise floor.
Why is the optical fiber USB connection interesting?
The optical fiber USB converts the electrical signal into a light signal, eliminating noise and distortions from the source. Combined with the RS130 streamer, which also features this connection, the RD160 benefits from a highly pure digital signal transfer, resulting in optimal sound quality.
What is the benefit of using an external master clock with the RD160?
Connecting the RD160 and other digital components to a common master clock allows for perfect synchronization. This completely eliminates jitter in S/PDIF or AES/EBU digital connections and ensures an unparalleled purity in digital audio signal transfer, for optimal sound reproduction.
What are the connection possibilities of the RD160?
The RD160 offers numerous digital inputs: USB, optical fiber USB, I2S, optical S/PDIF, coaxial, and AES/EBU. It is thus compatible with almost all digital sources on the market. Its balanced and unbalanced analog outputs allow it to connect to any hi-fi system.
Key points to remember about the RD160 from HiFi ROSE:
An elegant and innovative design with a hidden OLED screen and intuitive interface
Comprehensive digital connectivity for extended compatibility
Optical fiber USB for a pure signal, free from noise and distortion
ROSE CIM architecture for exceptional audio performance
Precise timing thanks to the integrated OCXO oscillator and the option to use an external master clock
Very high-level technical specifications
What the press says
Bolstered by the promise inspired by the integration of two flagship AKM DACs, the RD160 is clearly not an ordinary product. In practice, it delivers on its promises, offering a smooth and detailed sound while favoring a wide soundstage over precise positioning. Moreover, its unique design is not only visually appealing but also adds a touch of fun and exploration to its use. And there's nothing to complain about that!
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Fort de la promesse inspirée par l'intégration de deux DAC phares d'AKM, le RD160 n'est clairement pas un produit ordinaire. En pratique, il tient ses promesses, offrant un son fluide et détaillé, tout en privilégiant une scène sonore large plutôt qu'un positionnement précis. Par ailleurs, son design unique est non seulement attrayant visuellement, mais ajoute également une touche de plaisir et d'exploration à l'utilisation. Et il n'y a rien à redire là-dessus !
Pulse-code modulation (PCM): 8 kHz to 768 kHz (up to 32 bits)
Direct Stream Digital (DSD): DSD64 (2.8 MHz) to DSD512 (22.6 MHz)
Embedded System
Processor: RK3128 Quad core Cortex-A7
RAM: DDR3 1866 MHz 1 GB
Storage: eMMC 8 GB
Oscillator: High-precision OCXO clock
Connectivity
Digital Inputs
USB (SFP Module and 2.0 Type-B)
HDMI I2S
Coaxial (RCA and BNC)
Optical
AES/EBU
Outputs and Synchronization
Analog outputs: Unbalanced and balanced
External clock: BNC 75 Ω and SMA 50 Ω (10 MHz)
Features and Control
PCM filters: 6 options (Short Sharp by default)
Pre-output level: 1 V to 9 V
Screen: Hidden AMOLED
Infrared (IR) receiver: 38 kHz
General Information
Dimensions (W × D × H): 430 × 330 × 88 mm
Weight: 10 kg
Materials: Solid aluminum, stainless steel
Power and Temperature
Input voltage: 110-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption: 0.3 W (standby), 30 W (playback)
Operating temperature: 0 to 40 °C
Storage temperature: -10 to 50 °C
User reviews
Jean-Pierre
Just perfect! The pairing with the 180 amplifier and the Rose RS 130 streamer is truly magical. I get enormous pleasure from listening to my favorite playlists. Everything works wonderfully, no bugs, smooth listening that suits me perfectly.
Comment from April 24, 2026 — Experience from April 10, 2026
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Juste parfait ! Le mariage avec l’ampli 180 et le streamer Rose RS 130 est vraiment magique. J’ai énormément de plaisir à écouter mes playlist favorites. Tout fonctionne à merveille, pas de bugs, une écoute fluide qui me convient parfaitement.
Showroom near Paris 430 products available for demo 6 auditoriums + 8 demo areas
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