Rotel DX-3: A Reinvented Approach to High-Fidelity Audio
By HiFi Editorial17 October 2025
Key Highlights
Rotel's DX-3 marks its debut in headphone amplification with robust input options, including digital, analog, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The DX-3 features ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC, supporting Hi-Res audio up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256 with advanced codec support like aptX HD.
Fully differential analog volume control, versatile outputs (RCA and XLR), and 0.5 dB adjustments enhance audio precision and integration options.
Rotel has entered the headphone amplifier arena with the launch of the DX-3, marking their first foray into this segment after nearly sixty years in the audio industry. Manufactured in Japan, the DX-3 boasts a comprehensive selection of inputs, including digital, analog, and Bluetooth connectivity, catering to both wired and wireless headphone users. The front panel features a standard 6.35 mm jack alongside a 4.4 mm balanced connection, allowing for versatile compatibility with various headphone models.
At the heart of the DX-3 lies the ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC, an eight-channel chip that supports Hi-Res audio files up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256. The USB-B input is optimized for the highest resolution, while the coaxial and optical inputs handle up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Bluetooth functionality includes support for AAC and the higher-end aptX HD codecs, ensuring high-quality wireless audio streaming. The color information screen on the front panel displays the current source and volume level, enhancing user interaction.
The DX-3 features a large knurled volume knob that adjusts in 0.5 dB increments, utilizing the NJW1195A fully differential analog volume control for precise audio management. Multiple output options, including RCA and XLR, enable seamless integration with power amplifiers or active speakers, making the DX-3 a versatile addition to any audio setup. The device also offers a stereo RCA line input, further expanding its connectivity options.
Powering the DX-3 is a custom toroidal transformer designed and manufactured in-house by Rotel. The amplifier benefits from separate power supply lines for analog and digital circuitry, along with custom low-pass filters and a fully balanced signal path to minimize noise and distortion. These design choices ensure a clean and accurate sound reproduction, maintaining the integrity of the audio signal across all inputs and outputs. The compact dimensions of 3″ x 8.5″ x 9.75″ make the DX-3 both stylish and functional, fitting comfortably into various audio environments.
Set to become available at the end of March, the Rotel DX-3 will be released in an elegant silver and black finish, priced just below 1,500 euros. Combining advanced technical specifications with a refined industrial design, the DX-3 is poised to appeal to audiophiles seeking high performance and aesthetic sophistication in their headphone amplification solutions.
