Rotel rolls out reference grade DX-3 headphone amp DAC

Rotel is looking to upgrade personal audio with the launch of the DX-3, its first all-in-one headphone amplifier, pre-amplifier, and standalone DAC component.

Measuring just 215mm x 76mm x 247mm, the DX-3 caters for both contemporary and legacy sources. Digital options range from PC-USB input (handling up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD 4X) to coaxial and optical digital audio inputs (both at 24-bit/192kHz), along with Bluetooth streaming with support for aptX HD and AAC. Analogue aficionados aren’t left out either, thanks to a traditional RCA phono input for older gear.

Rotel’s signature build quality comes as standard. The unit features a full-colour front panel graphic display and diamond-knurled volume attenuator. It ships with an extruded aluminum remote control.

At the heart of the DX-3 sits an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC, known for delivering pristine resolution, expansive dynamic range, and pinpoint timing. To back it up, Rotel has equipped the DX-3 with a custom-built, ultra-low-noise toroidal transformer, hand-assembled in-house, high-current driver stages and premium capacitors. This focus on power purity helps preserve micro-detail and stabilise complex dynamic swings, says the brand.

Volume control is handled by a NJW1195A analogue volume controller, a fully differential design that steps volume in precise 0.5dB increments, giving surgical control over output levels. Both analogue and digital power supplies are fully isolated, avoiding noise bleed between the circuitry.

For extra refinement, Rotel includes custom-tuned low-pass filters with a balanced, fully differential signal path, further stripping unwanted noise and distortion from the signal. This all feeds into dual front-panel headphone outputs: a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn connector and a traditional 6.35mm single-ended jack, which should cover the gamut from high-impedance reference cans to easy-driving modern headphones. Gain settings are user-selectable, making match output to headphone sensitivity.

When it comes to applications, the DX-3 can act as either a dedicated DAC or a fully functional preamp; the unit provides balanced XLR and RCA outputs, allowing it to directly drive external power amps, active monitors, or a full rack-based music system.

The Rotel DX-3 retails for £1,399 (€1,499 / $1,499).