Rotel is adding two new devices to its catalog: the Rotel DX-3 headphone amplifier and the Rotel DX-5 compact stereo amplifier. These models share a unique format, a wide range of digital connectors and a design in keeping with the brand’s hi-fi standards. By focusing on compactness, ease of use and modernity, with their front-panel color display, Rotel is offering a coherent and contemporary range, aimed at discerning users looking for discreet yet powerful equipment.
A new format, a new identity
The first thing one notices when discovering the Rotel DX-3 and DX-5 is their brand-new format. Developed specifically for these two models, this compact chassis is both modern and minimalist, with a slim, horizontal shape and a discreet color display that animates the front panel. The latter isn’t touch-sensitive, but displays the volume or selected input. The aluminum chassis is a far cry from typical hi-fi devices, which are usually more imposing. With a width of only 21cm, the DX-3 and DX-5 can easily be installed on a desk, on a shelf or in a TV cabinet without imposing their presence. Rotel is introducing a new aesthetic and functional language, which could very well influence its future projects.
While the Rotel DX-3 and DX-5 share the same design and many characteristics, they are nonetheless two products with very different uses. The Rotel DX-3 is a high-end headphone amplifier equipped with a new generation DAC, while the Rotel DX-5 is a compact stereo amplifier with a DAC and advanced digital connectivity.
What connects them, aside from the format, is their technical approach: both feature a sophisticated ESS Sabre converter, carefully selected components, and a circuit layout designed to respect the integrity of the signal. Rotel is capitalizing on decades of experience in amplification and digital conversion, while adapting its expertise to new constraints: space, ergonomics and intimist listening experiences.
Rotel DX-3: a powerful headphone amp
The Rotel DX-3 is the first headphone amplifier from the brand to adopt this new format. And it doesn’t do things by halves. With a focus on neutrality and musicality, it is equipped with an ESS ES9028Q2M DAC, capable of processing PCM streams up to 32-bit/384kHz, as well as DSD files up to DSD256. Connections include an asynchronous USB-B input compatible with Windows and macOS computers, a coaxial input, an optical input, and even a Bluetooth aptX HD connection for wireless playback from a smartphone.
Designed to offer accurate and distortion-free headphone playback, it develops up to 1.4W into 32 ohms per channel. Enough to drive the majority of audiophile headphones, including high impedance models, efficiently. A balanced 4.4mm jack headphone output joins the traditional 6.35mm unbalanced output to get the best performance from the most demanding headphones.
Rotel DX-5: a compact stereo amp
For its part, the Rotel DX-5 takes the main principles of the DX-3, but adapts them to a classic stereo configuration. It incorporates a class AB amplifier developing 2 x 33 watts into 4 ohms or 2 x 25 watts into 8 ohms, making it ideal for use with a pair of bookshelf speakers or small floorstanding speakers. Once again, Rotel has opted for a simple and rigorous architecture, with an in-house toroidal transformer, carefully selected discrete components and a short signal path, guaranteeing a clean sound reproduction.
The integrated DAC is the ESS ES9039Q2M, a more recent and even more powerful model than the one used in the DX-3. It supports PCM streams up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD files up to DSD256. Connectivity is particularly comprehensive for a device of this size: there’s a USB-B input for direct connection to a computer, an HDMI ARC input to connect a TV, as well as optical, coaxial, analog RCA and Bluetooth aptX HD inputs.
The DX-5 stands out for its versatility: it can be used as a DAC for a digital source, a central hub for a home installation (thanks to the HDMI ARC), or simply a small hi-fi amp for daily listening sessions.
With the DX-3 and DX-5, Rotel offers a new form of high fidelity, both compact and high-performance. They respond to a contemporary reality: many music lovers listen to their music in confined spaces, often with headphones, sometimes on small speakers, and want equipment that is simple to use but powerful. Rotel has managed to innovate without abandoning its values, making a remarkable entry into the world of compact hi-fi.
