Did a Japanese Hi-Fi Great Just Make the Ultimate Desktop Amp?

Rotel is a more-than-60-year-old Japanese hi-fi company best known for its high-end amplifiers catered to serious audiophiles. And while its newest amp stays true to that ethos, it also marks a “first” for the storied brand.

The Rotel DX-3 is the brand’s first-ever headphone amplifier.

Rotel DX-3 Headphone Amplifier

Rotel

The “ultimate desktop audio companion”

Rotel is calling the DX-3 the “ultimate desktop audio companion,” designed for music lovers who want to listen to the best quality audio from an amplifier that doesn’t take up a lot of space. It measures 8.5- x 3- x 9.75-inches.

By definition, the Rotel DX-3 is a headphone amplifier … but it’s also way more than that. It can function as a preamplifier or a standalone DAC, in case you want to pair it with a separate amplifier or a set of powered or active speakers.

Rotel

Audiophile-grade DAC

The DX-3 is an audiophile-grade component. It features an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC, a custom ultra-low-noise toroidal transformer with high-current drivers, and high-quality capacitors.

According to the brand, this combination ensures that “music is delivered with the ultimate resolution, rhythm, and timing and on an immersive sound stage.”

The DX-3 has a wide range of analog and digital inputs. When using its digital coaxial and optical inputs, it supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. When using its USB type B input, it can play audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256.

Rotel

Wired and wireless headphones

The Rotel DX-3 promises to work with a wide range of wired headphones. It features 6.3mm and 4.4mm balanced headphone connectors on its front panel and, thanks to user-selectable gain, it can be adjusted to headphones with low, medium and high impedances.

Interestingly, the DX-3 also boasts built-in Bluetooth with aptX HD and AAC so that it can stream audio to wireless headphones. That said, if you’re paying this much for a desktop amplifier, you probably want higher-res audio than Bluetooth (even with its more advanced codecs) can deliver.

Rotel

Tactile and precise volume knob

The Rotel DX-3 has a premium industrial design with an aluminum body. It features a full-color graphic display that shows user information such as volume, gain control and the chosen source.

Additionally, it has an extra large volume knob with diamond-knurled edges, so adjusting volume is pleasant and tactile. The DXX-3 has an audiophile-grade NJW1195A analog controller so that volume can be adjusted in precise in 0.5dB increments.

Rotel

Price and availability

The Rotel DX-3 costs $1,499 and, thus, if featured in your desktop setup, will likely cost more than your computer. Rotel offers the DX-3 in two finishes: silver or black.

You’ll be able to purchase the Rotel DX-3 later this month.

Rotel

Rotel DX-3 Headphone Amplifier

• $1,400 at Rotel

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