RS151

The HiFi Rose RS151 is a reference-level network streamer with a full HD touchscreen, a sturdy aluminium construction and a digital-to-analogue converter for other digital sources. Its Android-based ROSE OS operating system is designed to integrate the RS151 with a high-quality audio system, while the touchscreen provides access to music and video functions.

The RS151 uses Rose’s Digital Processing Core (DPC) module, originally developed for the RD160 DAC. It synchronises digital signals received by the DAC with a high-precision Femto clock as an I2S signal, applying clock synchronisation and locking processes to minimise jitter. The DPC module is isolated from the wider CPU circuitry to reduce distortion and interference generated within the unit and outside the digital signal path. This supports accurate processing across a wide range of digital formats.

Its DAC section uses the ES9039PRO DAC chip with fourth-generation Hyperstream® technology. The digital and analogue signal paths are completely separated, allowing each circuit to operate independently with reduced interference. The analogue stage also incorporates Rose’s Noise Reduction Analogue (NRA) filter, designed to reduce noise and provide a flat response across the frequency range, including the lower ranges.

High-precision MELF resistors and WIMA film capacitors are used in the DAC stage, I/V conversion circuit and Op-Amp stage to improve linearity and minimise distortion. A single-point ground design reduces grounding loops and suppresses noise and interference, while the power supply design supports power stability and filters high-frequency noise.

ROSE OS supports local network music playback through Rose’s Music app, along with CD playback and ripping using a connected optical drive. The platform also supports internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz and Apple Music. The RS151 is Roon Ready and Plays with Audirvāna certified. Video playback is available from local sources and through the Tidal or Rose Tube apps.

The ROSE Audio Engine is an in-house development that delivers digital audio to the DAC without loss for precise signal processing. An upgraded 8-Core CPU provides 4 times the data processing performance and 8 times the graphics performance of previous Rose models, supporting larger music libraries and audio or video files within ROSE OS.

Connections include HDMI eARC, Hi-Res Coax, AES/EBU and USB inputs and outputs, Optical inputs and outputs, I2S output and an analogue line input. A new external Bluetooth module and antenna support Bluetooth® v5.4 through an advanced Qualcomm chipset, allowing wireless audio playback from a connected device.

The RS151 chassis is made from aluminium plates up to 30mm thick and CNC-machined for heat dissipation during extended use. Minimal assembly joints increase structural rigidity and help suppress vibration. A Full HD 15.4” display has a wide viewing angle and high resolution, with control provided through its multi-touch panel, the supplied IR remote control and the ROSE Connect application.