New Products

Rotel’s latest foray into the world of personal audio, the DX-3, is a compact but ambitious piece of kit. Designed in Tokyo and measuring just 8.5" x 3" x 9.75", this integrated headphone amplifier, pre-amplifier, and DAC contradicts the notion that high-end audio has to come in a bulky package.

The DX-3 brings plenty of connectivity to the table—supporting inputs like PC-USB (32-bit/384kHz with DSD 4X support), wireless aptX HD and AAC Bluetooth, as well as coaxial, optical (24-bit/192kHz), RCA analog, and an AUX input.

At its heart is an eight-channel ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC paired with a custom in-house toroidal transformer. It's engineered for ultra-low noise and high resolution. With an audiophile-grade NJW1195A fully differential analog volume controller offering 0.5dB steps, even the tiniest adjustment is precise.

Flexibility is also key. The DX-3 supports both balanced (via a front-panel 4.4mm connector) and single-ended headphone outputs (6.35mm), with user-selectable gain settings to accommodate headphones of varying impedances. And if that’s not enough, the device doubles as a standalone DAC or a pre-amplifier, offering XLR balanced and RCA outputs for those who might want to feed it into a larger system.

The DX-3’s full-color graphic display and knurled volume knob lend it a modern elegance. It contrasts nicely with its internal engineering. Plus, the option to use remote control allows you to adjust your sound from up to 20 feet away.

Retailing at $1,499, the DX-3 will hit European and UK markets in March 2025, with a global rollout expected shortly thereafter. It promises to be a premium, versatile, high-fidelity solution for personal audio.