Rotel DX-3 High-Resolution Headphone Amplifier & DAC

The Rotel DX-3 is the ultimate audio companion, combining the sophistication of an ESS Sabre DAC with an integrated high-performance 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), Bluetooth with aptX™ HD wireless streaming, and an RCA analog connection.

At its core, the DX-3 is driven by an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC, ensuring exceptional digital-to-analog conversion, rendering music with ultimate 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 ensure support for low and high impedance headphones through convenient front panel 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended headphone connectors. Volume attenuation is controlled by an audiophile-grade NJW1195A analog controller, delivering precise steps as refined as 0.5dB.

The DX-3 also functions as a standalone DAC and preamplifier via XLR Balanced and RCA outputs. This extends flexibility for installation, allowing you to directly drive external power amplifiers, active speakers, or integrate seamlessly into an existing high-fidelity audio system. A full-colour front panel display provides all user feedback and simplifies access to a powerful array of setup options. The included extruded aluminium 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-end headphone amplifier, a feature-laden preamp, or a high-resolution DAC, the Rotel DX-3 redefines the personal audio space with performance, features, and value exquisitely packaged—ideal for discerning audiophiles.

Specifications

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

Analog 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 / 192kHz)
• PC-USB:
  • USB Audio Class 2.0 (up to 32-bit / 384kHz) – driver installation required
  • Support for DSD (up to 11.2 MHz) and DoP (up to 5.6 MHz)
  • Roon Tested for seamless high-resolution audio streaming