Rotel, the boutique audio brand based in Tokyo, has announced the launch of a premium micro hi-fi system designed for the kind of living spaces that are the norm in Japan’s congested capital city.
Even when space is at a premium, music lovers still insist on having high-quality sound from their audio system. To address this specialist market, Rotel has designed its new DX-3, a micro audio system that brings together a well-specified, high-performance headphone amplifier, pre-amplifier and stand-alone Digital-to-Audio Convertor, all in a single component that measures just 215 x 76 x 247mm.
The Rotel DX-3 is described as “the ultimate desktop audio companion” and supports an array of modern and legacy source inputs including USB (32-bit/384kHz) with DSD 4X support, coaxial and optical digital inputs (24-bit/192kHz), wireless aptX HD and AAC Bluetooth, plus an RCA analog input for legacy sources like a turntable or FM tuner.
Rotel says it has used only the highest-grade electronic components in the DX-3, including the ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC. There is an ultra-low noise toroidal transformer that’s been manufactured in-house by Rotel. The DX-3 has high current drivers and uses high-quality capacitors to ensure the music has the ultimate resolution, rhythm and timing, as well as an immersive soundstage.
The volume levels on the Rotel DX-3 are controlled by an audiophile-grade NJW1195A fully differential analog controller with steps as precise as 0.5dB. Analog and digital power supplies have been engineered so they are fully isolated from each other, ensuring minimal noise interference. To boost the performance further, the DX-3 has critically tuned, low-pass filters with a fully balanced, differential signal path that reduces unwanted noise and distortion levels.
The DX-3 can adapt and enhance a wide range of wired headphones, including high, medium and low-impedance models. The headphone amplifier has a user-selectable gain setting. Headphone connectivity is supported through convenient front-mounted 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended headphone jacks.
The Rotel DX-3 can also functions as a standalone DAC and has a fully functional pre-amplifier with XLR Balanced and RCA outputs. This means the unit can directly drive an external power amplifier, powered active speakers or feed into a user’s existing audio audio setup.
The industrial design and build quality on the DX-3 are well up to Rotel’s usual high standards and the unit features a full-color graphic display on the front panel that provides full user feedback. The front also sports the large, diamond-knurled volume knob. The DX-3 can be operated with controls on the front panel or by using the supplied remote control made from extruded aluminum.
Pricing and Availability:
The new Rotel DX-3 will be available in Europe and the UK from March 2025 with the rest of the world following soon after. The recommended retail pricing will be $1,499 / £1,399 / €1,499.
