RS250A

The HiFi Rose RS250A is a digital music streamer, DAC and pre-amplifier with an integrated 8.8" IPS multi-touch screen. Its Android-based Rose OS provides access to local, networked and streamed music, along with video, radio and podcasts.

The digital section uses an ES9028 PRO DAC chip and an ultra-low phase noise oscillator, supporting PCM up to 32 bit / 768kHz and Native DSD512 at 22.5792MHz. HiFi Rose’s discrete op-amp technology is used in the output stage, together with a full linear power circuit and other premium technologies and materials. The design provides low noise and distortion, with a sound performance that retains its character.

Rose OS presents connected music sources through its Music app. Files can be played from USB or SATA storage, or from other devices on the home network through DLNA, including NAS drives. Built-in apps provide access to Tidal, Qobuz and Apple Music. Tidal music videos can be played on the RS250A screen or through the HDMI output, while the unit’s MQA decoder supports full playback of Tidal Masters tracks.

The CD and CD Ripping apps allow a standard external CD-ROM drive to be connected for CD playback or for ripping CDs to local storage. Both functions are controlled through the touch-screen interface. Radio and Podcast apps provide access to live radio and podcast databases, while Rose Tube provides YouTube music and video playback. Rose OS also supports Roon Ready, Spotify Connect and AirPlay.

Rose OS is designed to maintain the audio signal independently from the other processes required to run the operating system. Its Rose Audio Architecture uses the in-house Rose Audio Server and various signal processing technologies to separate audio data from those processes, allowing pure audio data to be delivered to a DAC without loss. Controlling other functions of the RS250A does not affect the audio signal.

The RS250A operates as a digital hub and pre-amplifier for a customised system. It has a wide range of hardware inputs and outputs, including a headphone output, and most connections can be customised or adjusted to meet the requirements of the system. Network connection is available through Ethernet, which is preferred, or Wi-Fi. The supplied Bluetooth remote controls most of the Rose OS system.

The compact unit has a premium aluminium enclosure and an 8.8" IPS multi-touch screen with a wide viewing angle. The screen provides an intuitive interface for browsing and controlling the music library, while the RS250A design and Rose OS allow the system to be adjusted for the required performance.

HiFi Rose RS250A combines network streaming, digital conversion, pre-amplification and system control in a single hi-fi component, with its hardware connections, touch-screen interface and Rose OS allowing the system to be configured around a wide range of digital sources.