RS520

The HiFi Rose RS520 is an all-in-one network streamer with an integrated network player, DAC and amplifier. Its DAC section uses the ESS ES9038PRO, while the Class AD amplifier employs a gallium nitride GaN FET design developed with new materials. The RS520 brings these core functions together using HiFi Rose’s design and development work from many years of experience with all-in-one streamers.

The housing is made from high-durability 6000 class aluminium. Its 4 sides are manufactured as a single part, avoiding vibration between separate sections and significantly reducing noise waves that could affect sound quality. A large ventilation opening supports heat dissipation, while the overall design is intended to retain its appearance over time.

Audio and system information is shown on a 12.6-inch wide, multi-touch LCD touchscreen with a wide viewing angle. The panel measures 309*82.9 (㎜) and has a resolution of 1920*515, providing a smooth and clear display.

ES9038PRO DAC

The ES9038PRO is ESS Technology’s highest-level DAC chip, with total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) of -122 ㏈ and a dynamic range (DNR) of 140 ㏈. The RS520 supports PCM up to 768 ㎑ and 32 bit, together with DSD512. ESS Technology’s dedicated jitter canceller is also included to improve audio clarity.

GaN-based Class AD amplifier

The Class AD amplifier uses a gallium nitride GaN FET to reduce dead time by 1/3 and maximise linearity. It delivers 250 W per channel, with the operating speed and accuracy required for the Class D amplifier structure.

Discrete OP AMP

HiFi Rose’s discrete operational amplifier is used in the IV circuit required for current-output DACs. It is designed around high open-loop gain, with low open-loop distortion, low noise, low drift and low offset. Its wide bandwidth and power supply range support analogue audio amplification, while the circuit is intended to reproduce bass and treble detail and the resonance between frequency bands.

ACTIVE PFC

Active power factor correction improves efficiency, with Active PFC efficiency of 95% compared with 68 - 80% for Passive PFC. The RS520 accepts AC input from 80 - 265 V, helping to improve power quality and avoid audible audio hum noise.

Equalizer

The RS520 includes a parametric equalizer that can boost or attenuate a chosen frequency band in the audio signal. Frequency bands can be selected arbitrarily, with the bandwidth adjusted using the Q-factor. 5 frequency bands are available, and each can be adjusted by up to ±10 ㏈.