Rotel DX-3 Headphone Amplifier

A Headphone System in One Half-Width Box

The Rotel DX-3 is a DAC, a headphone amplifier and a preamp in one half-width chassis. It is Rotel's first fully balanced, Class-A headphone amplifier, and it carries the same in-house toroidal transformer and build standards as the company's full-size amplifiers.

The converter is an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO. Over USB it plays PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to 11.2MHz. Coaxial and optical inputs take 24-bit/192kHz. Bluetooth with aptX HD and AAC covers a phone, and an RCA input takes an analog source.

The balanced 4.4mm output delivers 1.4 watts into 32 ohms. The 6.35mm jack delivers 383 milliwatts. Three gain settings match anything from in-ears to 300-ohm headphones, and output impedance stays under 0.6 ohm.

More Than a Headphone Amp

Balanced XLR and RCA line outputs turn the DX-3 into a preamp for powered speakers or a power amp. A fixed-output mode lets it feed an existing preamp as a straight DAC. One box can run both your headphones and your speakers.

A full-color front display shows input and format. A diamond-knurled volume knob and an aluminum remote handle the controls. It is Roon Tested, so it slots into a Roon system without fuss. The chassis is aluminum, in black or silver.

It measures 8.5 inches wide, 2.75 tall and 9.75 deep, and weighs 7.1 pounds. Standby draw is under half a watt. Rotel backs it with a five-year parts and labor warranty.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Ketan Bharadia reviewed the DX-3 for What Hi-Fi? on February 13, 2026, scoring it five stars. He called it "a versatile and talented performer." His one caution: the sound leans slightly lean, and the menu font is small.

RudolfS of Headfonia gave it the site's Recommended award on September 18, 2025, writing that it is "a completely balanced package where neither can be faulted," meaning the DAC and the amp are equally strong.

Who Is This DAC/Amp Best For?

• You want one box for DAC, headphones and speakers — balanced and RCA outputs run powered speakers or a power amp, with a fixed-output mode for DAC-only use
• You own balanced headphones — the 4.4mm output delivers 1.4 watts into 32 ohms from a fully balanced Class-A stage
• You stream from a phone as well as a computer — Bluetooth with aptX HD sits beside USB, coaxial and optical
• You want gear built to last — Rotel's in-house transformer and a five-year warranty are rare at this price
• You want tube warmth — the DX-3 is a clean, neutral solid-state design, so a tube amp from our headphone amplifiers is the better fit

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect a computer to the USB input, a transport or streamer to coaxial or optical, and a phone over Bluetooth. An RCA input takes a tuner or external phono stage. Plug headphones into the 4.4mm balanced or 6.35mm jack and pick the gain that suits them.

To run speakers, connect the XLR or RCA outputs to powered monitors or a power amplifier and use the DX-3's volume control. To use it as a DAC only, set the outputs to fixed and feed your preamp.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Rotel DX-3:

• Headphones: Balanced 4.4mm cables get the most from it — see our Headphones
• Powered Speakers: Run them from the balanced or RCA outputs — see our Powered Speakers
• USB Cable: A quality cable from computer to DAC — see our USB Cables
• Interconnects: XLR or RCA to an amplifier — see our Interconnect Cables

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does it have?

Balanced, 2.8 watts into 16 ohms, 1.4 watts into 32 ohms and 150 milliwatts into 300 ohms. Single-ended, 383 milliwatts into 32 ohms. Rotel recommends headphones from 16 to 300 ohms.

Can I use it as a preamp?

Yes. Balanced XLR and RCA outputs with volume control drive a power amplifier or powered speakers.

Does it work as a DAC only?

Yes. A fixed-output setting bypasses the volume control so it can feed an existing preamp or integrated amp.

Which formats does it play?

PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to 11.2MHz over USB. Coaxial and optical handle up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Does it have Bluetooth?

Yes, with aptX HD and AAC for high-quality wireless playback from a phone or tablet.

What's the warranty?

Rotel covers the DX-3 with a five-year parts and labor warranty.

See It in Action

Rotel introduces the DX-3:

The Listening Post, a New Zealand dealer, unboxes the DX-3:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about DACs, balanced headphone amps, or building a desktop system? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.