RD160

The RD160 offers a digital processing core module that precisely processes digital signals, an architecture to separate digital and analogue signals and convert them transparently and precisely without distortion, a fully balanced design to maintain the highest signal purity, three power supply units to independently supply power to each circuit for clearer and more dynamic sound, and even a noise filter to vividly convey the finest details of the sound.

ROSE DPC(Digital Processing Core)™ Module
The digital stage of the RD160 is equipped with the ROSE DPC™ module, where all processing blocks are designed to maintain optimal signal accuracy and precision, ensuring the delivery of high-fidelity sound. This module precisely synchronizes digital signals input from various methods to a high-precision OCXO clock, aligning them as I2S signals. Especially when processing high-resolution audio signals, the module applies clock synchronization and locking processes to minimise jitter, resulting in accurate signal processing and natural, clean sound. Additionally, the circuit for the user interface and GUI configuration is completely isolated from the digital audio signal path, thoroughly eliminating signal distortion and interference. Through this design, the RD160 guarantees superior digital signal quality and ensures high-quality sound with compatibility across various digital formats.

DAC Module with Complete Separation of Digital & Analogue

The ROSE CIM™ architecture is designed to maximise sound quality through complete isolation and modularization. The RD160’s DAC module employs a 2-chip solution, where the AK4191 handles digital filtering and initial delta-sigma conversion stages, while the AK4499EX performs digital-to-analogue conversion. By structurally separating the digital and analogue circuits, the RD160 achieves perfect noise isolation during the mutual processing stages, an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the highest level of analogcharacteristics.

Fully Balanced DAC Modules and Analogue Output Stage
Furthermore, by assigning individual DAC modules to each channel and employing a fully balanced symmetrical design for the analogue output stage, the RD160 effectively eliminates noise that could be coupled between channels. This design allows the RD160 to boast an exceptional dynamic range and to accurately reproduce even the most intricate details of the original sound with clear and precise stereo imaging.

ROSE NRA(Noise Reduction Analogue)™ Filter

The analogue stage, equipped with the ROSE NRA™ filter, achieves flat frequency characteristics even in the very low frequency range. As a result, the RD160 boasts a consistent frequency response across the entire spectrum without roll-offs, delivering clear and faithful reproduction of the original sound information in high-resolution audio, from deep and powerful sub-bass to the ambient details in the high-frequency range.

Three Customised Reference Linear Power Units

The reference linear power supplies in the RD160, developed in-house by ROSE, are engineered to achieve the highest sound quality using ULTRA LOW NOISE power chipsets. These power supplies independently feed the digital input stage and the left and right analogue output stages, minimising crosstalk and interference between sections. This design effectively suppresses noise across the digital processing, clock, and analogue output circuits, ensuring signal integrity. By delivering stable power tailored to the specific needs of each stage, it enhances the DAC’s dynamic range and resolution, faithfully conveying even the most subtle details of the music. Additionally, the reduction of jitter maximizes the spatial characteristics of the soundstage, resulting in a wider and more precise soundstage with sharp imaging. Through this power supply design, the RD160 elevates audio clarity and dynamics, offering a deeply immersive listening experience.