The Rotel DX-3 is a fully balanced Class A headphone amplifier. It is equipped with analog and digital inputs and numerous technologies allowing for highly versatile use.
Rotel DX-3: Front Panel
The front panel features a color graphic display that allows for monitoring inputs and device status. It also provides access to the complete Rotel DX-3 setup menu.
A superb extruded aluminum remote control provides access to sources and facilitates navigation within the amplifier's menu.
Under the power button, there is a 3-position gain switch that allows for adjusting the headphone output level. It also features a source selector and, of course, a rotary volume potentiometer.
Rotel DX-3: Connections
The rear of the device is well-appointed and offers a multitude of connections. It features Toslink optical, coaxial S/PDIF, and USB digital inputs. Additionally, there is a Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD antenna.
The Rotel DX-3 offers unbalanced RCA analog outputs and balanced XLR outputs, as well as a 100% analog unbalanced RCA input.
Power is supplied via an IEC-C13 power cable, which allows for the use of an excellent power cord.
Rotel DX-3: Technology
The Rotel DX-3 is equipped with an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC. Downstream of this digital-to-analog converter (DAC), analog output filters are implemented externally using custom-designed discrete components by Rotel to achieve exceptional musical precision. It can process signals up to 32-bit/384 kHz from the PC-USB input, 24-bit/192 kHz via the coaxial and optical inputs, and Bluetooth aptX™ HD.
Headphones can be connected unbalanced to the DX-3 via a 3.5mm Jack or balanced via a 4.4mm Jack.
The DX-3 can also be used as a preamplifier by connecting it directly to a pair of active powered speakers via XLR or RCA. The fully balanced circuit topology is powered by an in-house manufactured Rotel toroidal transformer.
It is paired with filter capacitors and a very low-noise power supply.
Rotel DX-3: Performance
The Rotel DX-3 offers a feel and sound worthy of a much higher-end audio device. The power offered by the Rotel DX-3 is sufficient to drive almost all headphones well beyond recommended listening levels. The Rotel DX-3 provides a neutral and very natural reproduction.
The dynamics are excellent and very realistic. With an excellent dynamic headphone, one obtains a sound of exceptional depth and resolution, without distortion and without any harshness.One also notices excellent transparency and surprising precision.All of this is achieved through meticulous design, using high-end components.
The Rotel DX-3 is certainly the best "all-in-one" headphone amplifier currently available! The DX-3 is truly a high-performance audiophile device that also offers a magnificent aesthetic.
Highly recommended
FranckPower Output (THD+N < 1%)
Unbalanced (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, 1 kHz) : < 0,004 %
Frequency Response :
- Headphone Output : 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +0 dB, -0,2 dB
- Digital : 10 Hz – 20 kHz, +0 dB, -0,5 dB
- Analog : 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0 dB, -0,4 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF « A » Weighted) : > 110 dB
DAC : ESS9028 Pro 32 bits / 384 kHz
Digital Inputs : Optical and Coaxial 24 bits / 192 kHz
USB Input : Class 2.0 32 bits / 384 kHz
Bluetooth : 5.0 aptX HD
Roon Tested : Yes
Unbalanced Outputs : RCA
Balanced Outputs : XLR
Analog Input : RCA
Dimensions : 215 x 73 x 247 mm
Weight : 3,2 kg
