About The Rotel DX-3 Headphone Amplifier, Preamplifier, DAC
The Rotel DX-3 is a well thought out audio companion combining the sophistication of an ESS Sabre DAC with an integrated Headphone Amplifier packaged in an elegant, size-efficient chassis. Audio is rendered with precision and performance supporting an array of both modern and legacy source inputs including PC-USB (32-bit / 384kHz) with DSD 4X support, Coaxial and Optical (24-bit / 192kHz), wireless aptX HD Bluetooth and an RCA analogue connection.
At its core the DX-3 is driven by an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC ensuring exceptional digital-to-analogue conversion rendering music with high resolution maximized on an immersive soundstage. The internal headphone amplifier is powered by a custom in-house manufactured, shielded toroidal transformer with high current drivers to deliver dynamics with an ultra-low distortion of < 0.004%.
Variable user selectable headphone gain levels of High, Medium and Low ensures support for low and high impedance headphones through convenient front panel 4.4 mm balanced and 6.35 mm single ended headphone connectors. Volume attenuation is controlled by an audiophile grade NJW1195A analogue controller delivering precise steps in refined 0.5dB increments.
The DX-3 also functions as a standalone DAC and fully functional Preamplifier via XLR Balanced and RCA outputs. This extends the flexibility of installation to directly drive external amplifiers, powered speakers or feeding an existing audio system. A full-colour front panel display provides all user feedback and simplifies a powerful array of setup options with ease. The included aluminium extruded remote control puts the power of the DX-3 in your hands providing access to all runtime and setup functions.
Whether used as a high-performance Headphone Amplifier, feature laden Preamplifier or high performance DAC, the DX-3 redefines the personal audio space with performance, features and value exquisitely packaged; ideal for discerning audiophiles.
Our Take
The Rotel DX-3 is a sophisticated headphone amplifier that integrates an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC for exceptional digital-to-analogue conversion, delivering high-resolution audio with an immersive soundstage. Supporting a range of modern and legacy inputs, including PC-USB (32-bit/384kHz), Coaxial, Optical, aptX HD Bluetooth, and RCA analogue, it ensures versatile connectivity. The built-in headphone amplifier, powered by a custom toroidal transformer, provides ultra-low distortion (<0.004%) and dynamic performance. With selectable gain levels and balanced (4.4 mm) and single-ended (6.35 mm) headphone outputs, it accommodates a variety of headphones. Additionally, the DX-3 functions as a standalone DAC and preamplifier, featuring XLR and RCA outputs, a full-colour display, and a precision volume controller. Housed in an elegant, compact chassis with an aluminium remote, it is an ideal choice for discerning audiophiles.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Desktop Headphone Amplifier, Preamplifier and DAC
- ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-Channel DAC
- PC-USB Input (32-bit / 384kHz) with DSD 4X support
- Coaxial Digital Input (24-bit / 192kHz)
- Optical Digital Input (24-bit / 192kHz)
- Wireless aptX HD Bluetooth Input
- RCA Analogue Input
- RCA Single Ended Outputs
- XLR Balanced Outputs
- 4 mm Balanced Headphone Output
- 35 mm Single Ended Headphone Output
- Aluminium Extruded Remote Control
- Front Panel Volume Control delivering precise steps in refined 0.5dB increments
- Low, Medium, High Gain Control allows use with a wide range of Headphones
Headphone Section
- Power Output (THD+N < 1%):
- Single-ended (6.35 mm): 765 mW (16 Ω), 383 mW (32 Ω), 41 mW (300 Ω)
- Balanced (4.4 mm): 2.8 W (16 Ω), 1.4 W (32 Ω), 150 mW (300 Ω)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (32 Ω, 1k Hz):
- Single-ended: < 0.008% @ Output = 70 mW
- Balanced: < 0.004% @ Output = 270 mW
- Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7k Hz, 4:1)
- Single-ended: < 0.01%
- Balanced: < 0.006%
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20k Hz, (+0 dB, -0.2 dB)
- Output Impedance:
- Single-ended: < 0.3 Ω
- Balanced: < 0.6 Ω
- Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF "A" weighted):
- Single-ended: > 100 dB
- Balanced: > 110 dB
- Gain: 0 dB @ Gain = H, -6 dB @ Gain = M, -12 dB @ Gain = L
- Recommended Headphone Impedance: 16 Ω - 300 Ω
Analogue Section
- Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz– 20k Hz):
- Unbalanced (RCA): < 0.006%
- Balanced (XLR): < 0.003%
- Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7k Hz, 4:1): < 0.001%
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20k Hz (+0 dB, -0.4 dB)
- Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF "A" weighted): > 107 dB
- Line Output Level / Impedance:
- Unbalanced (RCA): 1 Vrms / 100 Ω
- Balanced (XLR): 2 Vrms / 200 Ω
- Input Sensitivity / Impedance: 1.2 V / 10k Ω
- Input Overload: 5V
- Channel Separation: > 86 dB @ 10k Hz
Digital Section
- Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz– 20k Hz):
- Unbalanced (RCA): < 0.005%
- Balanced (XLR): < 0.003%
- Line Output Level:
- Unbalanced (RCA): 1.6 Vrms
- Balanced (XLR): 3.5 Vrms
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20k Hz (+0 dB, -0.5 dB)
- Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF "A" weighted): > 112 dB
- Input Sensitivity / Impedance: 0 dBFS / 75 Ω
- Digital Inputs: SPDIF LPCM (up to 24-bit / 192k Hz )
- PC-USB:
- USB Audio Class 2.0 (up to 32-bit / 384k Hz ) Driver installation required
- Support DSD (up to 11.2 MHz) and DoP (up to 5.6M Hz)
- Roon Tested
General
- Power Consumption 30 W
- Standby Power Consumption < 0.5 W
- Included Accessories: Power Cable, Remote Control
- Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance
- Available Finishes: Black, Silver
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 215 x 76 x 247 mm
- Weight 3.2 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.