RD160 – Firmware Version & DSD Channel Issue (L/R reversed)

ROSE Products RD160
#1

Hello everyone,

I would like to know which firmware version you are currently using with your RD160 – and whether you experience reversed left/right channels during DSD playback.

Questions:

  1. Which firmware version are you currently using with your RD160?

  2. Do you experience reversed L/R channels during DSD playback? (Yes / No)

  3. Which source are you using?

Background:
I am using the RD160 together with the RS130 as source and currently have firmware 1.20 installed. This issue occurs on my setup.

Many thanks to everyone who participates and shares their experience!

Philipp

#2

Please refer to the site below.

#3

@shim
Thanks for your reply – I’m aware of the download section and the available firmware versions.
My intention with this post was not to ask where to get them, but to gather feedback from other RD160 users about which versions they are currently using and whether the DSD L/R channel issue occurs in their setup.
This way, we can see if the problem is widespread or linked to specific versions.

From my own tests, this issue occurs with firmware versions 1.20, 1.26, and 1.34.

#4

Could you share how the RS130 and RD160 are connected? USB or I2S ?

#5

@shim
They are connected via SFP (optical network connection), not via USB or I2S.

#6

SFP connection Sampling Bypass seems to work fine when playing DSD music stored on USB.
(Tested version : 1.26, 1.34)

Please refer to the test music below.

#7

@shim
Thanks for your effort in sharing a test file – however, that music track cannot reliably confirm if the L/R channels are swapped, because it lacks any clear spoken or audible cue for channel identification.

I have two proper test files that are identical in content but in different formats:

PCM_Basischeck.wav (44.1 kHz / 16-bit PCM)

DSD_Basischeck.dsf (DSD version)

Both files contain a spoken voice announcing “Links” (Left) and “Rechts” (Right) for each respective channel. Even though the announcements are in German, “Links” = Left and “Rechts” = Right – so it’s very easy to follow for everyone.

You can download them here:

With these files, it’s possible to check unambiguously whether the RD160 outputs the channels correctly during DSD playback – and to compare results across firmware versions.

#8

The YouTube video below is the original video of the file I sent. You can test it by watching the video.

1 Like
#9

Let’s base this on clear and reproducible results.
I ask you – and all other readers – to use the test files I linked in my previous post, as they are specifically designed to verify left/right channel assignment unambiguously.

Once we have feedback from those tests, we can continue the discussion with solid data.
The YouTube link is, in my opinion, too cumbersome and not professional enough for precise channel verification.

P.S.: I also invite @ROSEHAN @ROSELOA to run this test.

#10

The test file you provided above also plays normally.

O TEST VERSION

  1. RS130 : Ver 5.9.07
  2. RD160 : Ver 1.34
#11

Thank you for running the test and sharing your results.

With firmware 1.20 on my RD160, the outcome is clearly reproducible and not “normal” in my case:

PCM test file → channels play correctly.

DSD test file → channels are swapped.

This already shows that the test is indeed meaningful, as it can reveal differences depending on firmware and format.
It would therefore be helpful if other users also stated their firmware version when reporting their results, so we can identify whether the issue is version-specific.

#12

Thanks for sharing your results.
If possible, could you test it with the current final version, V 1.34?

#13

Yes, I will definitely test this with the current version 1.34 as soon as I have time.

#14

I have now installed firmware 1.34 on my RD160.

I have already performed these tests several times in the past – back then with my previous RD160 unit. In the meantime, that device was replaced by a brand-new RD160 (not because of this channel issue, but due to a defective display panel).

This means we can rule out any RD160 hardware defect as the cause.
Yet, with firmware 1.34, the behaviour is still exactly the same:

PCM test file → channels play correctly

DSD test file → channels are swapped

I therefore expect an explanation from @ROSEHAN and/or @ROSELOA on why this is happening.

I’m honestly a bit disappointed that, apart from @shim, no one else has given feedback so far.
Since @shim claims not to have this problem, it would be very helpful if more RD160 users could run the test to narrow down the cause.
The new DAC – like my defective one – is from production cycle 11/24 and presumably still equipped with the MUSE OPAMPs.

P.S.: The RS130 is connected to the RD160 via SFP, and the RD160 is connected to the preamplifier via XLR outputs.

#15

Thanks to your help, I think I found the cause.
It looks like you need an RD160 audio firmware update.
If you forward me your email, I’ll send you the update instructions.

#16

Thanks for your reply.
Just to clarify: I’m already on the latest official firmware (CPU v1.34 / MCU v1.0.1) and have performed the tests multiple times, also with a replacement RD160 from the same production cycle (11/24, MUSE OPAMPs). I’m fully aware of the regular update process and no additional “audio firmware update” has ever been communicated to customers.

If you’re referring to an internal or separate firmware for the DAC section, please provide the exact version number, download source, and installation instructions – otherwise I have to assume we’re talking about the same firmware I’ve already installed.

20250814_063847
20250814_0638474000×2252 1.11 MB

#17

Hello @Philsisch ,

Would you check the message I sent you?

Best Regards,

#18

Yes, I’ve just replied to your message. Please let me know once you have received my email address.

#19

Thank you for your prompt reply, I sent an email to you.

#20

I haven’t received your email yet (also checked spam folder).