The DX-3 is a headphone amplifier by Rotel. It was released in March 2025. It has a built-in DAC (32-bit ESS), so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. The DX-3 has an MSRP of $1,699.
Performance Specs
The DX-3 drives headphones rather than loudspeakers, so its power is quoted into headphone impedances instead of into 8 ohms: Balanced 2.8 W @ 16 ohms, 1.4 W @ 32, 150 mW @ 300; single-ended 765 mW @ 16, 383 mW @ 32, 41 mW @ 300. Its output impedance is 0.3 ohms - a low figure keeps the frequency response of a low-impedance headphone from being altered by the amplifier. Rotel quotes a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of Single-ended < 0.008% @ 70 mW, balanced < 0.004% @ 280 mW (32 ohms, 1 kHz) (lower is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 110dB Signal to Noise Ratio
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the DX-3, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Inputs
Outputs
- Preamp Outputs
- 1/4 Headphone Output
DAC and Digital Music
The DX-3's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the DX-3 is the
32-bit ESS.
DX-3 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Output impedance of 0.3 ohms is low enough that it will not alter the frequency response of low-impedance headphones.
- ✓Delivers 1,400 mW into 32 ohms, comfortably more than most headphones need.
- ✓A preamp output means it can also feed active speakers or a power amplifier, so it is not limited to headphone listening.
- ✓A built-in DAC takes a digital source directly, with no separate converter to buy or find space for.
- ✗It has no speaker terminals - this drives headphones, not loudspeakers.
DX-3 External Dimensions and Weight
DX-3 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 2-7/8 x 8-1/2 x 9-3/4 inch (73 x 215 x 247 mm ). The unit weighs
3.2 kg (7.1 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the DX-3 is approximately 531.1cm2 / 82.3inch2.
- Width: 215.0mm (8-1/2")
- Height: 73.0mm (2-7/8")
- Depth: 247.0mm (9-3/4")
- Weight: 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~531.1cm2 / 82.3inch2
- Volume: ~3.9 liter / 1.0 gallon
| General |
| Brand |
Rotel |
| Full Model Name |
Rotel DX-3 |
| Release Date |
March 2025 |
| Amplifier Type |
Headphone Amplifier |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Headphone Output Power |
Balanced 2.8 W @ 16 ohms, 1.4 W @ 32, 150 mW @ 300; single-ended 765 mW @ 16, 383 mW @ 32, 41 mW @ 300 |
| Output Impedance |
0.3 ohms |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| THD |
Single-ended < 0.008% @ 70 mW, balanced < 0.004% @ 280 mW (32 ohms, 1 kHz) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
110 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
Yes |
| DAC Specs |
32-bit ESS |
| Bluetooth |
|
| WiFi |
|
| CONNECTIONS |
| Preamp Outputs |
Yes |
| Headphone Output |
1/4 |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
73.0mm (2-7/8") |
| Width |
215.0mm (8-1/2") |
| Depth |
247.0mm (9-3/4") |
| Weight |
3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
Does the DX-3 use vacuum tubes?
No. The DX-3 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
Does the DX-3 have a built-in DAC?
Yes. The DX-3 has a built-in DAC (32-bit ESS), so you can feed it a digital source directly without buying a separate converter.
Does the DX-3 have a headphone output?
Yes. The DX-3 has a 1/4-inch headphone output on the front panel for private listening.
How much does the DX-3 cost?
The DX-3 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,699.
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