ROSE RD160

The Rose RD160 is a D/A converter designed for high-end Hi-Fi systems, featuring a digital and analog architecture developed to handle high-resolution sources while maintaining a high degree of separation between the different signal stages. The core of the digital processing is the proprietary ROSE DPC™ (Digital Processing Core), combined with a high-precision OCXO clock for signal synchronization and jitter reduction. The converter supports PCM signals up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512.

The ROSE CIM™ architecture adopts a dual-mono configuration with separate digital processing and D/A conversion stages. Digital processing is handled by the AK4191 chip, while analog conversion is performed by two AK4499EX chips, one dedicated to each channel. This configuration keeps the left and right signal paths separate and helps limit interference between the different circuit sections. The specified signal-to-noise ratio reaches 124 dB.

The power supply uses three linear sections specifically developed for the RD160, dedicated respectively to the digital inputs and the two analog channels. The toroidal transformers and independent power supplies help isolate the different circuit sections, limiting contamination between the digital and analog stages while maintaining stable power delivery to the conversion and output circuits.

The analog section uses a dual high-quality J-FET operational amplifier with OFC copper conductors and incorporates the proprietary ROSE NRA™ (Noise Reduction Analog) system, designed to reduce noise in the analog section. The frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 73 kHz at -3 dB.

The RD160 allows the selection of several digital processing modes, including bypass, PCM, DSD and upsampling, as well as six digital filters with different impulse-response characteristics. These settings allow the processing behavior to be adjusted according to the digital signal and the characteristics of the recording.

Connectivity includes an optical USB SFP input, designed to transfer digital signals via optical fiber and particularly suitable for use with compatible sources such as the ROSE RS130. Additional inputs include HDMI i2S, BNC and RCA coaxial, optical and AES/EBU XLR, allowing connection to a wide range of digital sources.

The analog outputs include balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections. The RD160 also incorporates a volume control function with an adjustable output level from 1 V to 9 V, allowing it to be used as a digital preamplifier and connected directly to a power amplifier without the need for a separate preamplifier.

An external master clock input is also provided via 75 Ω BNC or 50 Ω SMA connections, allowing the converter to be synchronized with a compatible external clock source.

The front panel incorporates two AMOLED displays that show information relating to the signal, conversion parameters, filters and operating settings. The interface allows the main functions of the converter to be controlled and its operating status to be monitored.

System processing is handled by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, supported by 1 GB of DDR3 memory and 8 GB of eMMC storage. The hardware and software platform is designed to support the evolution of the device's digital functions.

The chassis is made of aluminum and is available in Black or Silver finishes. With a weight of 10 kg, its construction is designed to provide mechanical rigidity and isolation for the internal circuits.

Technical specifications:

• D/A converters: 2 × AK4499EXEQ + 2 × AK4191EQ (AKM)
• Architecture: ROSE CIM with complete separation between digital and analog sections
• Clock: ultra-high-precision OCXO for minimizing jitter
• Power supply: 3 custom-designed and independent toroidal transformers
• Digital processing: ROSE DPC (Digital Processing Core)
• Analog filter: ROSE NRA (Noise Reduction Analog)
• Supported PCM formats: 8 kHz–768 kHz; 8/16/24/32-bit
• Supported DSD formats: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
• Digital inputs: USB SFP, USB 2.0, HDMI i2S, RCA/BNC coaxial, optical, AES/EBU XLR
• Analog outputs: unbalanced RCA; balanced XLR
• Adjustable Pre Out level: 1–9 V
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.005% (RCA/XLR) at 1 kHz, 0 dBFS
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 124 dB (RCA/XLR)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz–20 kHz (-0.3 dB); 10 Hz–50 kHz (-1.5 dB); 10 Hz–73 kHz (-3.0 dB)
• Display: integrated, concealed AMOLED displays in the front panel
• Control: Bluetooth remote control included
• Available finishes: Black or Silver
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 430 × 330 × 88 mm
• Weight: 10 kg