Rotel has recently introduced the DX-3, marking the company’s inaugural headphone amplifier. Accompanying the DX-3 is the DX-5, an integrated amplifier designed in a similar aesthetic. All Rotel amplifiers, including the DX-5, operate in class AB mode.
While the new DX-5 may not be a high-powered option, it appears that was not the goal of its design. It delivers a power output of 25 watts per channel at eight ohms and 33 watts at four ohms. The power supply features a factory-manufactured toroidal transformer, and high-current transistors are utilized to ensure clear high frequencies, a detailed midrange, and robust bass performance. A TFT information display is prominently positioned on the front panel.
The emphasis is on connecting digital sources. The ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M Sabre DAC chip can process digital music signals up to a resolution of 768 kHz. The specified S/N ratio is better than 100 dB and the specified frequency response is from 10 Hz to 100 kHz (±0.19 dB).
The dimensions of the DX-5 are 215 x 76 x 251 millimeters (W x H x D) and therefore there is no room for an abundance of connections. There is a single stereo cinch line input, a subwoofer output (cinch) and a headphone jack for private music listening. The other connections are digital, namely USB-B for connection to a computer (32-bit/384 kHz PCM, DSD 4x), optical and coaxial cinch (24-bit/192 kHz) and finally Bluetooth with support for aptX HD and AAC.
The volume control works in 0.5 dB steps. Roon users will be pleased to know that the DX-5 has Roon Tested certification.
Available in black or silver, the DX-5 weighs 4.1 kilograms and comes with an aluminum remote control.
The DX-5 will be available for delivery in April 2025. The suggested retail price is just under $1,500, the same as the DX-3.
