RD160

The HiFi Rose RD160 is a high-end digital-to-analogue converter with separate digital and analogue signal paths, a fully balanced architecture and 3 independent linear power supply units. Its design is intended to process and convert digital signals accurately and transparently, while the analogue noise filter preserves fine detail and the power supply arrangement supports clear, dynamic sound.

ROSE DPC (Digital Processing Core)™ Module
The RD160 uses the ROSE DPC™ module for its digital processing stage. Each processing block is designed to maintain signal accuracy and precision. Digital signals received through the various inputs are synchronised to a high-precision OCXO clock and aligned as I2S signals. When handling high-resolution audio, clock synchronisation and locking processes minimise jitter for accurate processing and clean, natural sound.

The user interface and GUI configuration circuit are completely isolated from the digital audio signal path, reducing signal distortion and interference. This allows the RD160 to support various digital formats while maintaining digital signal quality.

DAC Module with Complete Separation of Digital & Analogue

ROSE CIM™ architecture separates and modularises the digital and analogue sections. The RD160 uses a 2-chip DAC solution, with the AK4191 handling digital filtering and the initial delta-sigma conversion stages, while the AK4499EX carries out digital-to-analogue conversion. Separating the digital and analogue circuits in this way provides noise isolation during the respective processing stages, a high signal-to-noise ratio and analogue characteristics with a high level of accuracy.

Fully Balanced DAC Modules and Analogue Output Stage
Each channel has its own DAC module, while the analogue output stage uses a fully balanced, symmetrical design. This limits noise coupling between channels and supports a wide dynamic range, detailed reproduction of the original signal and clear, precise stereo imaging.

ROSE NRA (Noise Reduction Analogue)™ Filter

The analogue stage incorporates the ROSE NRA™ filter, which maintains flat frequency characteristics into the very low-frequency range. The RD160 therefore provides a consistent response across the full frequency spectrum without roll-offs, reproducing high-resolution audio information from deep, powerful sub-bass through to ambient detail in the high-frequency range.

3 Customised Reference Linear Power Units

ROSE developed the RD160’s reference linear power supplies in-house around ULTRA LOW NOISE power chipsets. Separate supplies feed the digital input stage, the left analogue output stage and the right analogue output stage. This reduces crosstalk and interference between sections, while suppressing noise in the digital processing, clock and analogue output circuits.

Stable power is delivered according to the requirements of each stage, supporting the DAC’s dynamic range and resolution and preserving subtle musical detail. The reduction in jitter also improves the spatial characteristics of the soundstage, with a wider and more precise presentation and sharp imaging. This power supply arrangement supports clarity and dynamics across the RD160’s output.