HiFi Rose RD160 DAC

Has anyone here compare the sound of HiFi ROSE RD160 DAC and McIntosh MCD12000 (running as DAC)?

I am currently considering buying either the McIntosh MCD12000 (to be used as DAC for my Technics SL-G700M2)

or buying the HiFi ROSE RD160 DAC and pair it with their RS130 streamer.

The HiFi ROSE RS130 + RD160 combo looks to be technically superior when it come to connectivity with the Fiber USB, however, the McIntosh MCD12000 has the tube output.

Hoping someone here had listened to both of them and can give their perspective.

Good luck - hope someone responds to your query. But the RD160 is very new.

As for me, I got the T+A DAC 200.

I’ve been eying the DAC 200 for quite some time, as well as the M3, and Sonnet Pasithea. With the DAC 200 I’ve heard that HQ Player and DSD is the way to go, but I’ve also read extremely good things about PCM with this DAC. @milpai happy so far with the DAC 200 and how it’s integrated into your system? Curious what pushed you over to the DAC 200 vs the M3 as these are the top two DACs I’m currently considering.

@toro3 ,

”happy” is not the right word. “Ecstatic” would come close, along with joy. When I initially used it with Foobar, it easily trounced the Oppo I was using as a DAC. Then I decided to demo the HQ Player. It took me under 30 seconds to decide that it was time to move on from Foobar. Immediately placed order for the license. With HQ Player upsampling FAPLAC to DSD 256 or 512, this DAC is completely transformed.

At the same time I think users are doing disservice to this DAC, by saying it is optimized for DSD. In my experience it is an excellent PCM player as well. I play Spotify on this DAC and it is a completely different and pleasure-inducing machine. I am constantly surprised how a DAC can be so clear without sounding harsh. I had  previously associated “cleaner” with “sharper”. My perspective changed with this DAC.

As to why this one over the Bricasti - I am a huge fan of DSD and T+A’s DSD implementation is very unique. It also supports higher DSD rates compared to the Bricasti.

I play Spotify on this DAC and it is a completely different and pleasure-inducing machine. I am constantly surprised how a DAC can be so clear without sounding harsh. I had  previously associated “cleaner” with “sharper”. My perspective changed with this DAC.

Greatly appreciate this part of your response which says quite a bit about this DAC. Not too often that a component can literally change our perspective, especially amongst more experienced enthusiast like yourself. Very insightful data point for people like me attempting to make an informed decision.