HiFi Rose RD160 Digital-to-Analog Converter

HiFi Rose's First Standalone Converter

HiFi Rose built its reputation on streamers with large screens. The RD160 is the company's first DAC on its own, and the brief was different: no display to design around, no app to run, just conversion and the power supplies that serve it.

The converter pairs AKM's AK4191 processing chip with the AK4499EX. Three separate transformers feed the digital section, the left and right output stages, and the volume control, so each part draws from its own supply rather than sharing one.

An OCXO oven-controlled oscillator handles timing. If you own a master clock, a 10MHz reference can be fed in over BNC or SMA so the RD160 locks to the rest of your system.

Seven Inputs, and a Dial That Does Real Work

The input list runs to seven. Optical takes 192kHz and DSD64 over DoP. Two coaxial inputs and AES/EBU each reach 384kHz and DSD128. HDMI/I2S, USB-B and SFP fibre all go to 768kHz and DSD512.

That SFP input is the unusual one. Fibre carries no electrical connection at all, which removes a path for noise that ordinary network and USB cables cannot avoid, and it is rare to find at any price.

The front dial sets output level anywhere from 1V to 9V. That is a wide range, and it means the RD160 can drive a power amplifier directly and be matched to its input sensitivity rather than simply turned down.

Who Is This DAC Best For?

• You want to remove a box, not add one — output from 1V to 9V on a front dial means the RD160 can feed a power amplifier directly, so the preamplifier becomes optional.
• Your sources are all digital — seven inputs covering optical, two coaxial, AES/EBU, HDMI/I2S, USB and SFP mean nothing gets unplugged to make room for something else.
• You are chasing noise — the SFP fibre input carries no electrical path at all, and three transformers keep the digital section off the same supply as the output stages.
• You own or plan a master clock — a 10MHz reference input on BNC or SMA lets the RD160 join a clocked system rather than running on its own timing.
• You want conversion done by a dedicated box — add one of our music streamers on USB, I2S or SFP and you get the interface too

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run the balanced XLR outputs to your power amplifier, or the RCA pair if it is single-ended, and set the output level on the front dial to suit that amplifier's sensitivity.

A streamer or computer connects over USB, I2S or SFP for the highest rates. A disc player uses coaxial or AES/EBU, and a television optical. An external clock, if you have one, goes in on BNC or SMA.

Pairs Well With

Building around the RD160? Here are some great companions:

• Music Streamer: The interface the RD160 leaves out — see our Music Streamers.
• Power Amplifier: The dial means you can go direct — see our Amplifiers.
• CD Transport: For the coaxial or AES/EBU inputs — see our CD Players & Transports.
• Interconnects: Balanced XLR onward — see our Interconnect Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it drive a power amplifier directly?

Yes. The front dial sets output between 1V and 9V, so it can be matched to a power amplifier and used without a preamplifier.

Which converter does it use?

AKM's AK4191 processing chip with the AK4499EX converter, supported by three separate transformers.

What are the maximum sample rates?

768kHz and DSD512 over HDMI/I2S, USB-B and SFP. Coaxial and AES/EBU reach 384kHz and DSD128; optical reaches 192kHz and DSD64.

What is the SFP input for?

Fibre network audio. Because fibre carries light rather than current, there is no electrical connection between the source and the DAC at all.

Can I use an external clock?

Yes. A 10MHz master clock input is provided on BNC and SMA, alongside the internal OCXO oscillator.

What outputs does it have?

Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA, with the output level adjustable on the front panel.

See It in Action

Watch this product-focused video:

HiFi ROSE examines this model:

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