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Balanced Audio Technology - BAT REX 3 DAC
Available in silver or black
The BAT third-generation SuperPak is now standard
REX 3 DAC now incorporates BAT’s third-generation SuperPak as standard. For the first time, the BAT SuperPak features hybrid construction that incorporates two capacitors built and potted into each individual shell. An additional silver-in-oil capacitor—arguably the finest-quality capacitor offered at any price—is used as part of the Gen 3’s construction. The two capacitors are then assembled into a new low-resonance shell. The REX 3 DAC SuperPak assembly features the largest SupoerPak ever offered by BAT in a preamp or source component. REX 3 DAC’s Gen 3 SuperPak dramatically adds to the open and transparent sound from this world-class DAC.
Zero negative feedback for supreme purity and six 6C19 vacuum tubes
REX 3’s analog output stage follows the Balanced Audio Technology purist approach of using zero negative feedback to achieve the desired goals of wide bandwidth and circuit linearity. No buffers or followers are used anywhere in the signal path. REX 3 also features a high-current output stage with a total of six 6C19 vacuum tubes. One pair of 6C19 tubes serves as current sources for the power supply of the elegant, trademarked Unistage design. Just as in BAT’s REX 3 preamplifier, REX 3 DAC also employs amorphous-core second-generation transformers for output coupling. No capacitors are utilized in the signal path.
Proprietary DAC module runs at an ultra-high clock rate, uses custom filters
With REX 3 DAC, BAT wanted to create the most compellingly natural reproduction of the musical source. Ringing from filters that provide a perceived albeit false excitement in playback have no place in REX 3’s design. Instead, the proprietary DAC module runs at an ultra-high clock rate while employing custom filters to reconstruct the analog signal in a way that specifically complements REX 3 DAC’s unique high-current vacuum-tube output stage.
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
86/100
Features Connectivity
90/100
Value for Money
88/100
Open, fast, and immersive, the REX 3 DAC turns digital playback into a spacious, life-like performance, with crisp transients, strong dynamic drive, and effortless separation. HiFi News and Audiophilepure both highlight its ability to pull listeners into the music, while its balanced outputs and wide-format support make it a serious reference-grade hub.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Spacious, immersive sound with excellent instrument separation and a natural sense of musical flow.
Crisp transients, strong speed, and convincing dynamic punch keep music lively and engaging.
Well-equipped connectivity with AES, coaxial, optical, USB, and balanced XLR outputs plus PCM and DSD support.
&
Cons
Runs hot because of its six-tube output stage and needs generous ventilation.
Its very high price places it firmly in the ultra-premium tier.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers describe the REX 3 DAC as special, with a sparkling, fresh presentation that still feels effortless and natural. It is repeatedly praised for drawing the listener into the performance and making music feel alive without sounding forced.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
93/100
HiFi News calls the presentation "sparkling" and full of "freshness and vitality" while also maintaining "total ease," which points to a highly engaging and unforced sound. Audiophilepure likewise describes the sonics as "marvellous" and "simply glorious," with a strong sense of being drawn into the musical flow.
Resolution and Detail
92/100
The REX 3 DAC is said to give "every instrument" and "every line" plenty of breathing space, letting the listener focus on individual performers or the whole sonic picture. That suggests excellent separation and low-level clarity, though the reviews stop short of repeatedly using true top-tier detail superlatives.
Digital Performance
92/100
Reviewers emphasize speed, dynamic power, and an overall sense of ease rather than any digital hardness or glare. The sound is described as clean and involving, but the supplied reviews do not explicitly mention a black background or measurement-led proof of exceptional digital silence.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
86/100
The chassis is substantial at 32 pounds and the design uses six output tubes, which signals a serious, heavy-duty component. Reviewers do note that it runs hot and needs good ventilation, but they say little else about long-term construction details or internal parts quality.
Features Connectivity
90/100
This is a very well-equipped DAC: AES, two coaxial inputs, two optical inputs, USB, and balanced XLR outputs, plus 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD support. That puts it well beyond a basic standalone DAC and gives it the kind of connectivity expected from a flagship product.
Value for Money
88/100
At around $20,000, reviewers are clear that this is an expensive DAC, but they frame the cost as part of a serious high-end proposition rather than a flaw in itself. HiFi News explicitly calls it "unashamedly expensive," yet the overall tone suggests the performance is strong enough to justify the asking price for buyers shopping in this bracket.
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Authorized dealers for Balanced Audio Technology - BAT REX 3 DAC
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- A/V Solutions — in-store — Pleasanton, California, United States (website)
- Atelier 13 Audio — in-store — Forest Hills, Tennessee, United States (website)
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- Glenn Poors AV — in-store — Champaign, Illinois, United States (website)
- Guildford Audio Ltd — in-store — Guildford, England, United Kingdom (website)
- HiFi Handyman — in-store — Anacortes, Washington, United States (website)
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