Pure DAC RD160 from HiFi Rose is demonstrated in the High End Munich 2024.
Looks pretty nice.
Photo credits to feverSound.com
Photo credits to feverSound.com
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It will be interesting to hear/see some reviews. Delta Sigma based Dacs have not been among the most favored in the past.
" Why NOS R2R DAC designs tend to sound more natural than Delta Sigma
The R2R DAC design with special emphasis on Non-Oversampling (NOS, without digital signal filter or manipulation of any kind) sounds completely different to the same DAC but with digital filtering or noise-shaping Delta Sigma, digital signal processing (DSP) type (also in form of FPGA) of digital circuit. In the right design, a great R2R DAC in non-oversampling mode presents music in way more deeper, more organic and natural way than any DS type of DAC. The analogy is akin to comparison of pictures taken with a) a camera equipped with proper optical lens (non-oversampling R2R DAC) and b) with a camera taken with a digital zoom and a lot of DSP post-processing, done by the software and hardware of a camera (DS DAC). Pictures taken with a) have sense of depth, are more natural in their textures and are smoother in their transients. There is no post-processing and all original data is presented more or less as captured. Pictures taken with b) are flatter, textures are more synthetic and are edgier in the transients as post-processing was applied to interpolate the missing data and all results heavily depends on post-processing algorithm chosen. The same pretty much applies to the sonic presentation. There is obviously more to it than whether the DAC is DS or R2R type but overall it is a valid analogy as long all other variables are kept equal."
SWNX Audio Design
Thoughts on a bunch of DACs (and why delta-sigma sucks)
I am told it uses the AKM Velvet chipset introduced two years ago The VELVET SOUND™ | VERITA™ AK4499EX features a new design with a complete separation of digital and analog circuitry solution that brings the sound experience to the next level.
The AK4499EX is based upon the world-class predecessor AK4499 Current Output DAC. Its design uses the latest high-quality sound technology and a separate digital/analog solution to achieve a sound experience as close to the original as possible.
When used in conjunction with the delta-sigma modulator AK4191, the AK4499EX is the ideal analog conversion solution for playback of ultra-high-resolution sound sources with a sample rate of up to 1536kHz in the 64-bit PCM frequency and a 44.8MHz sample rate DSD.
An unprecedented level of natural sound
With a signal-to-noise ratio of 135 dB per channel (A-wtd.) and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of -124 dB, the AK4499EX achieves world-class analog characteristics that exceed those of its predecessor, allowing users to experience an unachieved level of natural sound. This is realized through the newly developed “DWA (Data Weighted Averaging) Routing Technology”, that suppresses noise caused by manufacturing process factors.
The two-chip solution with the AK4499EX and the AK4191 provides high-precision D/A conversion with a low-jitter clock. The new “asynchronous operation mode” featured in the AK4191 makes it possible to completely separate the digital and analog portions of the clocking. In addition, the design was further refined based upon AKM’s latest high-quality sound design techniques. This enhances the sound experience while at the same time achieving further noise suppression. The system reproduces all musical information, down to the most minute detail.
Maybe Rose has a new twist.
We shall see.
Amir’s followers say you get no better processing and conversion once you spend over $100.00 on a Dac. FWIW, I don’t agree but I still respect Amir’s test measurements.
StandardModel
Seems designed to match the 130
Flash,
Yes, it looks absolutely stunning.
I’d love to hear what a credible reviewer thinks of it.
StandardModel
I have just ordered an RS130, it should arrive at my home in the next days.
We are now in August: any update regarding the availabilty of the RD160 DAC ?
Currently, the RD160 will be released in Korea on September 1st.
Other countries besides Korea will be able to purchase in 2 to 3 weeks.
Well said. I prefer R2R too. I just bought the new Laiv Harmony. Very impressive.
I have been convinced by R2R 12 years ago after extensive modifications of my tube CD-Player and a simple old Philips based 4x TDA1543 sounded far more natural.
That doesn’t mean sigma delta DACs can’t sound good. There is a lot of difference in quality in the power supply, input processing and I/V output stage.
Amir on ASR has a lot of brainwashed acolytes who think that a couple of measurements are a definitive statement on how it will sound. But they never think of what it is they are not measuring… The are oblivious of what is outside of their limited physical understanding. Amir is just another false prophet of scientism.
I’m a bit baffled by the look of the 160. It’s so different to the RS130 or RA180. It’s nice but somehow it doesn’t fit in with the rest.
Ah, yes, sure, the good old canard that people who spent their lives studying something have no idea what they are doing, but some deaf clown on the interwebs who does not even “believe” in blind tests (because said tests would show quite convincingly that he can’t hear any difference between his Laiv and a $100 AVR from Walmart) can “hear” some immeasurable differences. Not that he even could tell what they are, and where one should look to find out where they come from. 
You’re an idiot. Go to ASR.
I know the difference because I made several DACs. The output filter is the most important part of a dac. And since R2R DACs already have an output level voltage it makes the circuit very easy and simple. That’s why a simple R2R dac can sound great. But going past that you need to invest a lot more.
Obviously it makes little sense to argue with a moron so stupid he thinks his sighted listening to some crap he assembled means anything, but purely for benefit of people who might have at least a double-digit IQ but not enough technical knowledge, a cheap R2R DAC is quite bad for 2024 (in 1985 it would have been OK). A very expensive, very well-0made R2R DAC could be almost as good as a mass-produced delta-sigma one. I could see getting one purely for the appreciation of the craftsmanship. For the sound quality… no. Neither could you, but then you have never even compared them, so you wouldn’t know anyway.
Why don’t you stick to trolling watch forums, telling everyone that a $100K IWC tells time better than a $15 Casio.
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Once again, very good arguments…Boris…tell it to the sleepers 
.
All just to make cash…that’s where voodoo comes in…and what do you say - or call it again - over there across the pond…oh yes, Snake Oil “Audio” too.
For manufacturers it’s voodoo they are trying to sell. For end-users, like we have here, it is Dunning-Kruger effect in action, coupled with the need to persuade somebody (mostly themselves) that they haven’t wasted their money on useless crap, but rather that they ears are so golden that they can absolutely hear even the things that aren’t there!
Sure, I can see how someone, especially when that someone knows squat about psychoacoustics, wants to believe that he’s smarter than anyone who had spent years studying it, and that their ears are so good that they can “hear” something that can’t be measured (never mind that we can image planets orbiting distant suns, measure a single electron flying by, and that in any controlled experiment all those things they “hear” disappear completely). Makes them feel good about themselves.
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Boris, write the definition of the Dunning-Kruger effect here, maybe a few sheep will wake up. I agree with you and have confirmed this to you several times in my answers.
With all due respect to your ambition: But maybe such people do NOT want to be helped.
Everyone here should forgive me for the way Boris expresses his technical knowledge and certainly his own listening experiences here. But I like these direct answers and yes, the truth can and should hurt sometimes and not judge the person who says it. Look inside yourself and ask yourself: Could Boris possibly be right, am I missing something or have I not done my research properly and only trust those who want to take money out of my pocket.
But I keep reading that some - or unfortunately too many - people have fallen victim to brainwashing.
So, stay peaceful everyone and everyone should start with themselves before passing judgment on other people. Everyone has enough of their own rubbish to sweep away in front of their door.
You’re a complete moron. What have you ever accomplished?
Why do you come here bashing the site owner?
That is absolutely the case. Believing oneself to be smarter (and goldenearier) than everyone else makes them feel good about themselves. God knows, they do not have any other reasons for that.
I usually get accused of being a shill for HiFi Rose so this is totally out of the left field. But then reading comprehension has never been your strong suit. But seriously, lay off the sauce. Maybe you will manage to write something that makes sense and is not a complete lie one day.
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OK, RD160 is coming soon, but when ?
Bonne question !!!
Gil
Is available now. Even sub $1500 DAC’s have gotten really good so I would be curious to hear from the community if the premium is worth it. The only standout feature to me is the direct connection to the RS130 via SFP vs having to use the RA720. Gorgeous yes and using high quality components but I could say the same about a dozen sub $3000k DAC’s. I look forward to hearing the feedback from this group.
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Please help!
When will hifirose r160 finally be available EU?
Thx
Hello,
I read the negative comments about R2R dacs above. I would like to share my experience to contribute to the subject. I have used many DS type DACs so far. I am an audiophile for 25 years. I also have Lector r2r DAC experience in the past. I bought a new DAC about 2 weeks ago. Denafrips Terminator Plus. I use it with RS130. The sound is very different, very warm, very musical and very analog. So I don’t think I will use a DS DAC again. There was someone above who said there was no difference or that the performance would be worse. This guy is “HIFI IGNORANT” I laughed at that guy for a long time. He is really a blind and deaf person who has no idea about the world. In short, R2R dacs are not devices to be ignored. When you use a turntable instead of a CD player, whatever you feel, warmth, musicality and analog sound comes. You can reach my videos from “Youtube:Tweakhabe” and “Instagram: hifi_dailys” pages and hear the difference even with headphones. But don’t let that “hifi ignorant” come. 