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HiFi Rose RD160 DAC

Was starting to look for a new DAC to replace the Oppo UDP 205 that I have been using as a DAC, when I came across the HiFi Rose RD160. I am really interested because it uses a AKM chip rather than the same old ESS. Yeah, I know chip does not matter and implementation matters and yada yada....

But this along with the T+A DAC 200 and Bricasti M3 are interesting to me. Let’s keep this thread as a placeholder and report back when some folks demo it somewhere.

milpai
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
996 posts
 

@milpai 

I am still undecided but have narrowed down to 3 - this, T+A 200 and the Mola Mola Tambaqui. 

Decisions, decisions. 😁

milpai's avatar
milpai OP
2,496 posts
 

Ha ha ha...agreed. All the 3 seems like great choices. The USP for each is different T+A and Mola Mola for non-chip based design and the Rose for non-ESS chip based design.

If DSD is important to you, then these are some of the best choices. I understand that ESS chips internally convert DSD to PCM, but AKM chips do not.

Good luck to you and hope you are able to make a decision soon.

jon2020's avatar
jon2020
996 posts
 

Indeed, I am drawn to the Rose because of its AKM chip. My current Esoteric N-05 dac sports an AKM too.

In the end, it is all about system synergy. So, home auditions will allow for good decisions but not always available. :(

Will keep you posted. Thanks for the heads-up.

fishagedone
45 posts
 

I have an esoteric g05 connected to the rd160 and  rs130 with a matrix ss1 pro on the way.  The sound is totally sublime 

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