Hi @TomT , can you tell me more about the sound of the RD 160? No one talks about a device that costs more than 6000 euros
This is a rather brief test, but I confirm that this DAC is incredible, endless details, without the inconveniences of hearing tiredness. The sound is truly analog.
Contrary to what is written in the test, you can completely turn off the screen (maybe the tester didnât have the right firmware version).
The RS130 - RD160 combo is certainly expensive, but damn, it sounds good⌠No regrets for the hardware, hoping that the software team will start by stabilizing the software before adding other functions that we donât really care aboutâŚ
Advantages
Absolutely natural, thrilling and dynamic sound
Wide selection of digital connections
Outstanding workmanship
Disadvantages
Clear cracking noise when switched on
Display cannot be switched off completely
Do you also hear the cracking noise when switched on?
I have no cracking, neither when turning on nor when turning off.
You can choose to turn off the screen completely from the menu, in the screen save submenu
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I use a ground box for all my devices, maybe thatâs why I donât have any crackingâŚ
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My unit has no cracking noise when switch on or off. I have no ground box.
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Hi @Bonte, I donât have a ground box and I donât hear the cracking noise (except the clicking sound of the relay of the device) during ON and OFF. My screen can turn off completely as well when standing by.
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Hello boys,
thanks for your answers. 
Once again you can see what to think of such reviews or tests. It might be a little reading on the side, but as always itâs better to try it yourself and with your system.
Have a good start to the new year everyone
Firmware bug detected in the RD-160 or RS-130 or both !
After many tests I confirm that the FTP connection between the RD-160 and the RS130 via FTP is unstable.
Firmware version:
RD-160 CPU: v1.17, MCU: v1.01
RS-130 version v5.7
I am using two FTP+ from H!.Fiber, type AXS85-192-M3 10GBase-SR SFP+ 850nm 300 meters.
The fiber is an Elfcam OS2-LC-LC-D1 simplex, but I can indifferently use also a 10GTex OS2 LC-LC.duplex
The first connection takes more or less 4 minutes (not 1 as the firmware states) but after the link is synchronised it remain stable for the full. session.
The problem arise when the systems are set in stand-by.
By following these sequences, most of the times the link continue to work:
A) Turning OFF
A1) RD-160 OFF first
A2) RS 130 OFF when the RD-160 OFF cycle is completely done
B) Turning ON
B1) RD-160 ON first
B2) RS-130 ON when the RD-160 ON cycle is complete.
Even so, randomly the link at power ON (from stand-by) fails:
This is clearly a firmware bug in one of the two systems or both.
Hoping that ROSE will spend some time to solve this annoying defect, unacceptable on devices so expensive.
Now I can compare four links between RD-160 and RS-130
Link1: the I2C in A mode
Link 2: the standard USB connections
Link 3: the H!Fiber DAC SFP+ 10GB/s 1 m Twinax-Copper
Link 4: the H!Fiber AXS85-192-M3 10Gbase-SR SFP+ 850nm 1m
After hours of listening I have no doubts: the best link is the number 4, optical fiber link
Very soon I will test the fiber link by means of two Finisar FTLX1475BTL
Donât forget to order a Corning fiber !
Or Phoenix Contact fiber optic. Is fiberglass (see attached).
Corning are fiber glass as wellâŚ
Wrong!
Not all Corning optical fibers are glass!
Likewise, Phoenix Contact optical fibers are not all glass models!
Tom, where can I buy the USB SFP and cable you recommend for rd160?
I am using the same SFP and cable from RSA720. They sound good to me and not expensive.
If you donât have the RSA720, you can ask your dealer for them. HiFi Rose sell the SFP and cable individually.
You may try other brands as well.
BTW, some users recommend DAC cable to connect the RS130+RD160. I tried but I still prefer optic fiber.
Canât say they are wrong or I am right. Itâs just we all have different preferences.
Final judgement still depends on our own listening.
Thank you. do you know how much they cost?
I donât know the exact price since I am using the set from the RSA720. I heard something around USD70. Price may vary from location to location.