Rotel DX-3 silver
Overview
The brand-new Rotel DX-3 brings together three essential functions: a high-performance headphone amplifier, an audiophile-grade DAC (digital-to-analog converter), and a versatile preamplifier. With its compact dimensions of 215 x 73 x 247 mm, it fits perfectly into a desktop environment without compromising the sound performance demanded by discerning music lovers.
Triple Functionality in a Compact Chassis
The DX-3 stands out for its exceptional versatility. Its digital core is built around an 8-channel ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC, capable of processing PCM signals up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD up to 11.2 MHz. Its preamplifier section offers balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs to drive active speakers or an external power amplifier. Finally, its headphone amplification section delivers impressive power through two front-panel connectors: a standard 6.35 mm jack output and a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn output.
Adaptive Power for All Headphones
The DX-3’s headphone amplifier delivers remarkable power, reaching 2.8 W at 16 ohms in balanced mode and 765 mW in unbalanced mode. This generous output allows it to efficiently drive the vast majority of audiophile headphones on the market, even the most demanding models. The three-position gain selector makes it easy to match different headphone impedances (from 16 to 300 ohms), ensuring optimal pairing with virtually any model.
Uncompromising Audiophile Design
The DX-3’s circuit topology adopts a fully balanced and differential configuration, an approach usually reserved for high-end devices. The power supply is based on a toroidal transformer manufactured in-house, ensuring stability and low noise, complemented by high-quality filter capacitors. The analog and digital power supplies are meticulously isolated from each other to minimize interference. Volume control is handled by an audiophile-grade NJW1195A differential analog component, offering exceptional precision with adjustment steps of just 0.5 dB.
Comprehensive Connectivity for All Sources
The DX-3 accommodates a wide range of digital and analog audio sources. On the digital side, there’s a PC-USB input supporting 32-bit/384 kHz with DSD 4X support, coaxial and optical inputs (24-bit/192 kHz), as well as Bluetooth technology with aptX HD and AAC codecs for high-resolution wireless audio. An RCA analog input rounds out the options, allowing integration of traditional sources.
Elegant Design and Intuitive Interface
The DX-3’s aesthetics combine minimalism and functionality. Its front panel is dominated by a color graphic display providing precise visual feedback on settings and selected sources. A large diamond-knurled rotary knob allows for precise volume control. The extruded aluminum remote control supplied with the unit lets you operate all functions from your listening position.
What the press says
The DX-3 is not just a headphone amplifier or a DAC; it's a versatile, all-in-one audio hub that easily serves as a preamp for powered monitors. The controls and remote are intuitive and well-designed, allowing you to switch sources, adjust the volume, and change settings effortlessly. Multiple screen dimming levels are a smart feature for use in the bedroom or shared spaces.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Technical Specifications
Headphone Output
- Output Power (THD+N < 1%)
- Unbalanced (6.35 mm)
- 765 mW (16 Ω)
- 383 mW (32 Ω)
- 41 mW (300 Ω)
- Balanced (4.4 mm)
- 2.8 W (16 Ω)
- 1.4 W (32 Ω)
- 150 mW (300 Ω)
- Unbalanced (6.35 mm)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (32 Ω, 1 kHz)
- Unbalanced: < 0.008% @ output = 70 mW
- Balanced: < 0.004% @ output = 270 mW
- Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz, 4:1)
- Unbalanced: < 0.01%
- Balanced: < 0.006%
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0 dB, -0.2 dB)
- Output Impedance
- Unbalanced: < 0.3 Ω
- Balanced: < 0.6 Ω
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighted)
- Unbalanced: > 100 dB
- Balanced: > 110 dB
- Gain
- 0 dB @ G = H
- -6 dB @ G = M
- -12 dB @ G = L
- Recommended Headphone Impedance: 16 Ω - 300 Ω
Analog Section
- Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Unbalanced (RCA): < 0.006%
- Balanced (XLR): < 0.003%
- Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz, 4:1): < 0.001%
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0 dB, -0.4 dB)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighted): > 107 dB
- Line Output Level / Impedance
- Unbalanced (RCA): 1 V / 100 Ω
- Balanced (XLR): 2 V / 200 Ω
- Input Sensitivity / Impedance: 1.2 V / 10 kΩ
- Input Overload Threshold: 5 V
- Channel Separation: > 86 dB @ 10 kHz
Digital Section
- Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Unbalanced (RCA): < 0.005%
- Balanced (XLR): < 0.003%
- Line Output Level
- Unbalanced (RCA): 1.6 V
- Balanced (XLR): 3.5 V
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 20 kHz (+0 dB, -0.5 dB)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighted): > 112 dB
- Input Sensitivity / Impedance: 0 dBFS / 75 Ω
- Digital-to-Analog Converter: ESS ES9028PRO DAC (32 bit / 768 kHz)
- Digital Inputs
- SPDIF LPCM (up to 24 bit / 192 kHz)
- PC-USB: USB Audio Class 2.0 (up to 32 bit / 384 kHz)*
- *Driver installation required
- DSD (up to 11.2 MHz) and DoP (up to 5.6 MHz) supported
- Roon Tested supported
General Information
- Power Supply
- United States: 120 V, 60 Hz
- Europe: 230 V, 50 Hz
- Power Consumption: 30 W
- Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5 W
- BTU: 100 BTU/h
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 215 x 73 x 247 mm
- Front Panel Height: 70 mm
- Weight (net): 3.2 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the DX-3’s balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs?
The 4.4 mm balanced output uses separate conductors for the positive and negative signals of each channel, thereby doubling the voltage and quadrupling the available power compared to the 6.35 mm unbalanced output. This results in better channel separation, improved signal-to-noise ratio, and significantly higher power (2.8 W vs. 765 mW at 16 ohms).
Can the DX-3 drive demanding planar magnetic headphones?
With its 2.8 W output at 16 ohms in balanced mode, the DX-3 can drive most planar magnetic headphones. However, some particularly demanding models like the HiFiMAN Susvara may require an even more powerful amplifier.
How does the DX-3’s gain selector work?
The gain selector offers three positions (H, M, L) corresponding to 0 dB, -6 dB, and -12 dB, respectively. This flexibility allows you to precisely tailor amplification to your headphones’ needs: H for high-impedance headphones (300 ohms), M for medium impedances, and L for low-impedance headphones (16-32 ohms) to avoid any distortion.
What digital audio formats can the DX-3 decode?
The DX-3’s ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC supports PCM formats up to 32-bit/384 kHz via USB (24-bit/192 kHz via coaxial and optical), as well as DSD up to 11.2 MHz (DSD256) and DoP up to 5.6 MHz. It is also Roon Tested compatible.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 672563794711
