RD160 Analog Outputs

ROSE Products RD160
#1

Can I utilize the balanced and unbalanced analog outputs from the RD160 simultaneously? The balanced are connected to my 2 channel amplifier and I want to connect a separate headphone amp to the unbalanced outputs. The two would not operate simultaneously, but I want to be sure connecting both is permissible. I saw nothing in the manual for the RD160 regarding this. I’m exercising an abundance of caution here, I love this DAC.

Thanks!

#2

Yes this works. I currently use the XLR out to my RA180 and the RCA out to my subwoofer. You’ll naturally get half the power output on the RCA’s.

1 Like
#3

Thanks. Half the power, are you referring to the difference in voltage output between balanced and unbalanced?

#4

Exactly : -6 dB on the voltage, -3 dB with the power. :wink:

It’s best to:

  1. connect the XLR outputs to XLR inputs of an external preamplifier/amplifier, and adapt output level on the RD160.
  2. connect the subwoofers to the RCA outputs of RD160 and rebalance their volume using their internal potentiometer.
#5

My XLR connections are good from RD160 to McIntosh Integrated amp. My subs are connected to my McIntosh integrated amp. Currently, the RD160 unbalanced outputs are not in use. The only change I will be making is to connect a dedicated headphone amp to the unbalanced outputs of the RD160.

In the past I have owned products that allowed either Balanced or unbalanced, but not both simultaneously. That was the reason for my post.

Thanks for your help, much appreciated.