The Rotel DX3 Announced!
Add something else to the list of things I didn’t expect!
The new Rotel DX-3, a Headphone Amplifier, Pre-Amplifier and stand-alone DAC in a cute little package.
The Rotel DX-3 is touted as the ultimate desktop audio companion with support for 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 and AAC Bluetooth and an RCA analog connection. It comes equipped with an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC, an ultra-low noise, custom in-house manufactured (of course), toroidal transformer with high current drivers and high-quality capacitors.
More from the press release:
‘…Volume attenuation is controlled by an audiophile grade NJW1195A fully differential analog controller delivering precise steps as refined as 0.5dB. Analog and digital power supplies have been meticulously engineered and crafted, fully isolated from each other ensuring minimal noise interference. For additional performance, the DX-3 also includes custom engineered and critically tuned low pass filters utilizing a full balanced, fully differential signal path further reducing unwanted noise and distortion.
The DX-3 readily adapts to and enhances a wide selection of wired headphones, including high, medium and low impedance models with user selectable amplifier gain. Connectivity is supported through convenient front panel mounted 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single ended headphone connectors. The DX-3 also functions as an excellent standalone DAC and a fully functional pre-amplifier via XLR Balanced and RCA outputs. This extends the flexibility of installation to directly drive external amplifiers, powered active speakers or feeding an existing audio system.
Industrial design and build quality are both to Rotel’s exceptional standards with a full-color front panel graphic display providing all user feedback and a single, large, diamond knurled volume attenuator. Alternatively, the DX-3 can be operated via the included, intuitive aluminum extruded remote control.’
It’s available in a humdrum gray, and silver. But for me, the big take away is that it looks completely different than their current line up. It’s cute!
According to their release:
‘Rotel is stepping into a new era with the launch of our latest headphone amplifier, a product that marks a bold and adventurous departure from our traditional design ethos. This model embodies modern elegance and class, exuding a contemporary aesthetic that seamlessly blends form and function. After meticulously refining from over a dozen prototypes, we've settled on a look that stands out in its beauty, harmoniously blends in perfectly in any environment, and ensures simplicity of operation. We believe this new direction resonates with our loyal years-long Rotel customers as well as opening doors for newcomers to high-performance audio.’
If this is truly a sign of things to come, I’m all here for it.
Suggested Retail Pricing: USD $1,499.00
Shipping and Market Availability:
Products will be available in Europe and the UK in March 2025 with the rest of the world to follow soon after.