HiFi Rose RD160 specifications

[deltasigma]

Hi folks,

Searching through the forum, it doesn't look like there's been any discussion of the new-ish HiFi Rose RD160 DAC. The unit is marketing a cost-no-object topology with a AK4191EQ doing initial delta-sigma conversion and then feeding into a AK4499EX for the actual D/A conversion, duplicated for a dual mono setup:

However, the posted specifications are surprising:

This seems to indicate a SINAD of 86dB or 94dB in the "regional version" (not sure what that is), neither of which seems like what you'd expect to see in a flagship $5k unit from an otherwise-reputable manufacturer. Am I misunderstanding something? Has anyone tested one of these units?

 

[BlackTalon]

I doubt any regular forum members would be surprised.

 

[Doodski]

Who needs a $5k DAC when any decent thumb drive DAC or $100 and up model will suffice?

 

[JSmith]

JSmith

 

[Doodski]

View attachment 424349


JSmith

It certainly has power supply overdose. I'm not sure if that is 8 main rails or 10 rails.

 

[Jserp]

Their website has different SNR (132) and .0002 THD. Maybe these were early numbers.

 

[deltasigma]

Their website has different SNR (132) and .0002 THD. Maybe these were early numbers.

The 132 dB SNR measurement on their USA page (here) is listed as A-weighted and not yet confirmed ("TBC"), whereas the 124dB measurement on their global page (here) appears unweighted. Still, those numbers are further apart than makes sense, as are the THD+N and THD numbers on those two pages. I sent them an e-mail 3 days ago inquiring about this but haven't yet heard back; I'll update the thread if they respond.

 

[nate122]

A $5K DAC with an 86-94dB SINAD? That’s not what you'd expect from a so-called flagship. Then their own website has different SNR and THD numbers, which makes it even weirder. Either these are early, inaccurate numbers, or there’s some funny business with how they're measuring.

 

[Jserp]

A $5K DAC with an 86-94dB SINAD? That’s not what you'd expect from a so-called flagship. Then their own website has different SNR and THD numbers, which makes it even weirder. Either these are early, inaccurate numbers, or there’s some funny business with how they're measuring.

I’ve tried the toppings and the smsls lauded here and to my ears they’re brittle and thin.

Pointless to say so, and I won’t argue back. I have an Eversolo a10 which measures within the gestalt of this website. I also have the RD160 and to my ears it’s far better. I won’t waste time with the audiophile words - space, depth. It’s just better and more like live music to me. I’ve also had the Tabaqui, the Dave, and MSB Premier and others lauded and ridiculed here.

So, I can handle the sarcastic replies and the observations about the magic of apple dongles. that’s ok. It’s beyond silly to argue about these things. I’m in it for the enjoyment of music.

 

[deltasigma]

The company confirmed in writing that 0.005% THD+N (86dB SINAD) is the correct measurement, and they have updated the USA product page which previously had an incorrect number.

 

[Jserp]

The company confirmed in writing that 0.005% THD+N (86dB SINAD) is the correct measurement, and they have updated the USA product page which previously had an incorrect number.

Thanks. Not great numbers at all.