HiFi Rose RD160 DAC at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY USA

The RD160 is a reference digital-to-analog converter from HiFi Rose (Seoul, South Korea), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York, USA. Engineered around HiFi Rose's proprietary ROSE DPC (Digital Processing Core) module and ROSE CIM (Completely Isolated and Moduled) architecture, the RD160 employs a dual-chip DAC solution pairing the AK4191EQ for digital filtering and delta-sigma conversion with the AK4499EX for final digital-to-analog conversion, achieving complete structural separation of digital and analog circuits. Three independently customized reference linear power supply units feed the digital input stage and left/right analog output stages independently, and a high-precision OCXO (Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator) clock delivers stable, near-zero-jitter signal processing. The RD160 offers a pre-out voltage range of 1V to 9V for compatibility with any amplifier, and its variable output mode allows direct connection to a power amplifier without a preamplifier.

ROSE DPC Module and CIM Architecture: Complete Digital-Analog Isolation

The ROSE DPC (Digital Processing Core) module synchronizes all incoming digital signals to the OCXO clock, converting them to I2S format before passing to the DAC stage. The user interface and GUI circuitry are completely isolated from the audio signal path, eliminating a common source of digital interference. The ROSE CIM (Completely Isolated and Moduled) architecture takes this further by assigning separate physical DAC modules to each channel in a fully balanced symmetrical configuration. The AK4191EQ handles digital filtering and the initial stages of delta-sigma modulation, while the AK4499EX performs the final conversion. This two-chip solution, sourced from Asahi Kasei Microelectronics, separates noise-generating digital processes from the sensitive analog output stage at the silicon level, enabling an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio and exceptional channel separation. The fully balanced analog output stage assigns individual DAC modules per channel, effectively eliminating inter-channel coupling noise for precise stereo imaging.

Three Reference Linear Power Supplies, OCXO Clock, and NRA Filter

The RD160 incorporates three independently designed reference linear power supply units developed in-house by HiFi Rose. One supplies the digital input stage, while the left and right analog output stages each receive their own dedicated supply, minimizing crosstalk between sections and ensuring stable power delivery tailored to the specific noise and current requirements of each circuit. The power chipsets are specified as ultra-low-noise types. The high-precision OCXO clock maintains a constant internal temperature, eliminating the oscillation drift caused by ambient temperature changes that introduce jitter in conventional crystal oscillators. High-purity Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) internal wiring is used throughout power and audio sections, and Ohno Continuous Casting (OCC) single-crystal copper cable is applied in the analog unbalanced output stage for maximum signal purity. The ROSE NRA (Noise Reduction Analog) filter in the analog output stage achieves flat frequency response into the very low-frequency range without roll-off, ensuring faithful reproduction of sub-bass content in high-resolution recordings.

Key Features

• Dual-Chip AK4191EQ + AK4499EX DAC Solution: Structurally separates digital filtering and delta-sigma conversion (AK4191EQ) from final D-to-A conversion (AK4499EX) for perfect noise isolation between stages.
• ROSE CIM Architecture: Fully balanced, symmetrical DAC modules assigned per channel eliminate inter-channel coupling and deliver exceptional dynamic range and stereo imaging.
• ROSE DPC Module: Synchronizes all digital inputs to the OCXO clock in I2S format with GUI circuitry completely isolated from the audio path.
• High-Precision OCXO Clock: Temperature-stabilized oven-controlled crystal oscillator eliminates jitter caused by ambient temperature fluctuation, unlike conventional crystal references.
• Three Independent Reference Linear Power Supplies: Separate supplies for digital input stage and each analog output channel minimize crosstalk and noise across all sections.
• ROSE NRA Filter: Analog noise reduction filter achieves flat frequency response into the sub-bass range without roll-off for complete fidelity to high-resolution source material.
• J-FET Input Dual OP-Amps with OFC Lead Frames: High-quality J-FET input operational amplifiers selected for dynamic range, low distortion, and natural sound character.
• OFC and OCC Internal Wiring: High-purity Oxygen-Free Copper throughout, with single-crystal OCC copper in the analog unbalanced output stage.
• Variable Pre-Out Level (1V to 9V): Wide output voltage range accommodates amplifiers of any sensitivity; variable mode enables direct connection to a power amplifier.
• Hidden Front Display: Elegantly integrated screen provides real-time visualization of digital signal processing status through multiple display modes.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Digital Inputs: USB (Fiber-compatible via RSA720/RS130 optical USB), Coaxial, Optical, AES/EBU, I2S
• Analog Outputs: Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA
• Pre-Out Level Control: 1V to 9V fixed or variable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HiFi Rose RD160?

The HiFi Rose RD160 is a reference DAC from Seoul, South Korea, built around a dual-chip AK4191EQ plus AK4499EX converter architecture with complete structural isolation of digital and analog circuits, three independent linear power supplies, and a high-precision OCXO clock for near-zero-jitter conversion. It is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York, USA.

How does the RD160 compare to the Chord Electronics Qutest?

The HiFi Rose RD160 and the Chord Electronics Qutest (from Guildford, England) represent different engineering philosophies. The Qutest uses Chord's proprietary FPGA-based WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filter and a pulse array DAC architecture with no output stage op-amps. The RD160 uses a conventional but premium AKM dual-chip solution with AK4191EQ handling digital filtering and AK4499EX performing conversion, supported by three independent linear power supplies and an OCXO clock. The RD160 adds a variable pre-out level (1V to 9V) enabling direct power amplifier connection, while the Qutest offers fixed outputs only. The RD160's OCXO clock and CIM architecture specifically target jitter suppression and inter-channel noise isolation.

What is an OCXO clock and why does it matter in a DAC?

An OCXO (Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator) is the highest grade of crystal oscillator, housed in a temperature-controlled enclosure that eliminates the frequency drift caused by ambient temperature changes. In a DAC, clock accuracy directly affects jitter, which is timing uncertainty in the digital signal. Even small amounts of jitter cause audible coloration, smearing of stereo imaging, and a reduction in low-level detail. Conventional crystal oscillators drift with temperature and contribute jitter; the OCXO in the RD160 maintains a stable, precise clock signal regardless of the operating environment, maximizing the accuracy of digital-to-analog conversion.

Can the RD160 connect to the HiFi Rose RS130 via optical USB?

Yes. The RD160 is specifically designed to pair with the RS130 Network Transport via the HiFi Rose USB 3.0 SFP Fiber Connection Kit (RSA780 fiber modules and cable). This optical USB connection electrically isolates the DAC from the streamer, eliminating ground loops and high-frequency interference that conventional USB cables can introduce. Vinyl Sound in Buffalo carries both the RS130 and the RD160 for customers building a reference-level separates system.

Does the RD160 have a volume control for direct power amplifier connection?

Yes. The RD160 includes a variable pre-out level function that allows free adjustment of output voltage using the front-panel knob, covering a range from 1V to 9V. This eliminates the need for a separate preamplifier when the RD160 is connected directly to a power amplifier, and ensures compatibility with power amplifiers of any input sensitivity without risking clipping distortion.

Where can I buy the HiFi Rose RD160 in Buffalo or the USA?

The HiFi Rose RD160 DAC is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York, an authorized HiFi Rose dealer serving customers across the USA. Vinyl Sound carries the full HiFi Rose lineup, including the RS130 transport and RSA720 Optical USB Hub for customers building a complete reference source system.