The Rotel DX-3 headphone amplifier features digital and analogue inputs, a DAC, and Bluetooth connectivity. The brand is pitching its new compact (7.6cm x 21.5cm x 24.7cm) creation as "the ultimate desktop audio companion," no less.

Remarkably, this is Rotel's first swing at a stand-alone head-amp. Thanks to its 6.3mm and 4.4mm balanced headphone connectors on the front panel and the promise it will drive high, medium, and low impedance cans alongside selectable gain levels, it should suit most headphones.

Moreover, the DX-3 also caters for wireless streaming from your mobile device, thanks to the inclusion of Bluetooth, with AAC and higher-quality aptX HD codecs supported.

Rotel's new head-amp looks neat, too. The Centre stage is occupied by a full-colour display showing the volume level and source chosen, while a large, knurled volume dial delivers precise steps in 0.5dB increments.

Crunching the numbers is an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO eight-channel DAC capable of handling hi-res audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256. We're told that it delivers maximum full native resolution using the USB type B input, while the digital coaxial and optical inputs natively support 24-bit/192kHz files.

The rear panel also houses balanced XLR and stereo RCA analogue outputs, so you can use the Rotel DX-3 as a preamplifier in an existing hi-fi set-up with a power amplifier or drive active speakers in a neat, desktop system. There are also a pair of RCA line-level analogue inputs, which is a handy inclusion.

Rotel is proud to have used the "highest-grade components" to construct the DX-3, including an audiophile-grade NJW1195A fully differential analogue volume controller, delivering precise steps as refined as 0.5dB. 

Elsewhere, a low-noise custom-made toroidal transformer is manufactured in-house, while high-quality capacitors are used. We are also told that the analogue and digital power supplies are isolated to reduce interference, while custom-engineered low pass filters and a fully balanced signal path further help to minimise unwanted noise and distortion from affecting the music.

Rotel says all of this delivers music with "the ultimate resolution, rhythm and timing and on an immersive soundstage."

The Rotel DX-3 comes in a choice of silver or black finishes for £1,399 / US$1,499 / €1.499 / A$2,199. It will be available in the UK and Europe from the end of March, with the rest of the world following shortly after.

Visit Rotel for more information