I gave a Meitner MA3 a try. But it was not in all aspects better and focused than my PS Audio DSD MK2. Then I gave Rose’s RD160 a chance in my listening room. And I was blown away. Absolutely dramatic and moving sound, 3D image and superb soundstage with much room around all instruments with Baroque Music for instance. PS Audio DSD MK2 was sold in the meanwhile. Rose RD160 took place instead of it. Great Job by Rose Engineering! Thank you very much indeed.
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Wow, really stunning in black!
Good evening. I’m about to buy some hi-fi equipment, but I’m still debating whether to buy the RA180 or the RA280. I’ll definitely buy the RD160. I also have an Aurender N200 that I plan to keep using for now. I also have fairly new Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G speakers. I’m hoping someone can give me some advice. It’s not easy to listen to the equipment anywhere near me. Sincerely, Arjan.
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If you need the power, then the RA180 is a great choice. Just don’t get seduced by the bi-amping with the active crossover, as it is useless unless your speakers have an internal crossover at 600Hz, which almost no speaker does. I found the volume control to be a little noisy, and the subwoofer output does not change with the volume at all (could be the same with the RA280), so that’s a definite design flaw. My solution to all that is to use the RD160 as a preamp, with XLR into the RA180. The RD160 RCA’s go to my subwoofer. I set the RA180 to around 80% volume and leave it there. Unfortunately you cannot bypass the RA180 preamp unless you use single-ended, which is silly since its a balanced amp. I do find it does sound superior this way, so win-win.
I’m still in love with the look and the performance of the RA180, and have overcome the shortcomings so I have no regrets.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’ll definitely buy the RD-160, but I’m not sure which amplifier yet. The Luxman 509z is also another option, but I’m a bit worried about the high power bill. It runs at up to 6 watts in Class-A. I don’t have a subwoofer.
As i think about it now the RA-280 together with the RD-160 dac is the best option for me.
Another option is to use the RD-160 as pre-amp and keep my Wadia a340 mono blocks.
I don’t know about you, but most of the fun in this hobby is trying new setups and configurations. If you don’t try the RD-160 with your wadia’s, then you are skipping over part of the fun. I’d say live with those together for a bit and spread out the good times. If you choose to upgrade the amps later you might also have a better idea of what kind of amps to want to pair it with.
Thanks for your advice. It’s important for me to spar with people who have experience with Hifi Rose equipment. I got a good offer if I buy the RA280 and RD160 together, I’ll consider it. But yes, trying the RD-160 with my Wadia power amplifiers first is also an option i can try first👍
Ah yes, I see where you are going with that. I got an incredible deal buying the RS130 + RD160 + RA180 together. Too good to pass up. I bought them all sight-unseen, and don’t regret it at all.
I think I will too. I already have an Aurender N200, which I think I’ll keep for now.
I bought the RD160 and RA280, I will receive them next week 
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Now the hardest part, waiting!