Nowadays, most mid- to high-range headphones are capable of delivering very good sound. However, if you’re an audiophile that’s serious about sound quality, then a headphone amplifier is a complete game-changer. This is because standard headphone jacks often don’t provide enough power to fully drive high-impedance or premium headphones, which can limit audio clarity and detail. Having a dedicated headphone amplifier can unlock the full potential of your headphones, as these devices provide clean, powerful audio signals that help enhance audio clarity, depth, and dynamic range, allowing for a richer, more immersive listening experience. Whether you’re enjoying your favorite tracks, mixing music, or gaming, a headphone amplifier ensures you hear every sound exactly as intended. For a headphone amplifier that can deliver audiophile quality sound, check out the Rotel DX-3.
The Rotel DX-3 is a high-performance desktop headphone amplifier, preamplifier, and DAC, which features an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC (32-bit/768kHz) that offers exceptional digital-to-analog conversion, an in-house manufactured toroidal transformer, which ensures music is delivered with the ultimate resolution and an ultra-low distortion, and an audiophile-grade NJW1195A analog controller that provides precise volume attenuation as refined as 0.5dB.
It also integrates a user-friendly control panel with a full-color graphic display, a large volume dial, user-selectable gain levels of Low, Medium, and High, and multiple connectivity options, including a 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended headphone output, XLR balanced outputs, RCA analog inputs and outputs, Coaxial and Optical (24-bit/192kHz) digital source inputs, a PC-USB (32-bit/384kHz) input with DSD 4X support, and wireless aptX HD and AAC Bluetooth.
Engineered to deliver an exceptional and immersive audio experience, this high-end headphone amplifier, preamplifier, and DAC, is the ultimate audio companion for audiophiles seeking to enjoy music with high-resolution sound.
Here’s our in-depth review of the Rotel DX-3, where we have a closer look at it and discuss all its standout features.
DESIGN & SPECS
Starting with its size, this headphone amplifier, preamplifier, and DAC has a compact footprint, measuring just 8.5 inches long by 9.75 inches deep by 3 inches tall (215 x 247 x 76 mm). The device is also rather lightweight, weighing exactly 7.1 lbs. (3.2 kg).
The Rotel DX-3 also sports a stylish and sophisticated design, meaning it seamlessly blends in with your desk space or living room. For our review unit, the company was kind enough to provide us with the Black color model, which looks awesome (also available in Silver).
Moreover, the device also packs a premium-quality construction, as its chassis is built of solid, industrial-grade aluminum, meaning it’s built to last.
AUDIO SPECS & AUDIO QUALITY
Moving on to the device’s sound different components and its audio specifications. At its core, the Rotel DX-3 is driven by an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC with 32-bit/768kHz internal processing, which delivers state-of-the-art digital-to-analog conversion engineered for superior audio performance.
Its internal headphone amplifier features a fully balanced circuit topology that’s powered by a custom in-house manufactured, shielded toroidal transformer with high current drivers and high-quality capacitors. This combination of high-grade components ensures music is reproduced with stunning clarity and depth, and with an ultra-low distortion of <0.004% THD, allowing for a highly immersive sound stage with the best possible audio resolution.
In addition, its volume attenuation is controlled by an audiophile-grade NJW1195A analog controller that provides precise volume adjustments as refined as 0.5dB. The unit’s analog and digital power supplies have been meticulously engineered and crafted, fully isolated from each other to ensure minimal noise interference.
For additional audio performance, the Rotel DX-3 also integrates custom-engineered and critically tuned low pass filters utilizing a full balanced, fully differential signal path that further reduces unwanted noise and sound distortion.
The DX-3 is rated to have a sound frequency response varying between 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
INTERFACE / CONTROL PANEL
For controlling its operation, the Rotel DX-3 features a simple control panel with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy and straightforward to use.
Starting at its front, there’s a full-color graphic display at the center that provides intuitive feedback on which connection option you’re using, along with a source button for selecting your preferred audio source.
At the left side, we have its power button, and directly below it, a headphone gain level switch that offers three user-selectable gain levels between Low, Medium, and High.
On the right side, there’s a large diamond knurled volume dial that’s used for controlling its volume level (i.e. volume attenuation) in 0.5dB increments, as mentioned before.
When it comes to its connectivity options, know that the Rotel DX-3 supports an array of both modern and legacy source inputs. Its front panel integrates a 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended headphone output, which ensures support to a wide selection of wired headphones, from low- to high-impedance models.
As for its back panel, the DX3 features a pair of XLR balanced outputs and dual RCA analog inputs and outputs, which enable it to function as a standalone DAC and fully functional preamplifier. These connection ports extend its flexibility of installation to directly drive external amplifiers, powered speakers or feeding an existing audio system.
Lastly, it also features a Coaxial and Optical (24-bit/192kHz) digital source inputs, a PC-USB (32-bit/384kHz) input with DSD 4X support, and wireless aptX HD and AAC Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you can also stream audio wirelessly.
REMOTE CONTROL
The device also comes with an aluminum extruded remote control that makes it easy to access and configure all its different functions.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether used as a high-performance headphone amplifier, a Preamplifier, or a high-performance DAC, the Rotel DX-3 redefines personal audio with outstanding sound performance and a wide array of connection options, making it the ultimate audio solution for discerning audiophiles.
The Rotel DX-3 is available in two sleek color options: Black and Silver.
If you’re interested in purchasing it, know each unit is priced at $1,699. You can order it online from one of Rotel’s authorized online dealers, including ListenUp, World Wide Stereo, Audio Advice, Audio Advisor, Crutchfield, SKY by Gramophone, among other selected retailers.
