- HiFi Rose caused quite a stir with the HiFi Rose RA180 Absolute Pure Sound Integrated Amplifier. With the new HiFi Rose RA280 Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier, a solution that is just as technologically advanced but somewhat more discreet in appearance is now available.
Citech Co. Ltd., the company behind the HiFi Rose brand, is known for its extremely versatile streaming solutions, so it was all the more surprising when they presented the HiFi Rose RA180 Absolute Pure Sound Integrated Amplifier, a truly exceptional stereo integrated amplifier. It was not only the use of the latest amplifier technology, but above all the design that was truly exceptional.
Now the new HiFi Rose RA280 Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier is being presented, which is also said to feature the latest amplifier technology, thus directly following on from the aforementioned HiFi Rose RA180, but with a much more restrained appearance.
HiFi Rose RA280 – With the technologies of the HiFi Rose RA180
According to Citech Co. Ltd, the new HiFi Rose RA280 is a stereo integrated amplifier that incorporates the innovative technologies of the HiFi Rose RA180, with the aim of achieving an unadulterated, natural sound, overcoming the boundaries between digital and analogue technology and ensuring outstanding linearity.
Class AD amplifier with next-generation GaN FET technology
According to the manufacturer, the focus here is on a so-called Class AD amplifier in which GaN FET technology is used, whereby the focus is on GaN FETs – FETs that rely on galium nitride instead of silicon. This achieves a sound quality that combines the sound quality of analogue Class A amplifiers with the efficiency of Class D. In addition, such amplifier circuits are said to be characterised by the fact that they work much more accurately, as they are faster and therefore more precise.
Tone control in the preamp stage
In order to customise the performance of the new HiFi Rose RA280 Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier according to your own wishes, a tone control is available in the preamp stage in the form of a control for treble and bass, whereby a boost or cut of 15 dB can be made at 100 Hz and 10 kHz respectively. A balance control should also be mentioned in this context.
Two mono amplifier modules as power amplifiers
Another key feature of the new HiFi Rose RA280 Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier is that it relies on two completely separate mono amplifier modules, offering 250 watts into 4 ohms per channel.
The power supply is also explicitly emphasised as being particularly efficient, meaning that the new HiFi Rose RA280 Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier features a high-efficiency power supply.
Flexibility thanks to numerous inputs
The new HiFi Rose RA280 Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier has no shortage of connections for external sources, as there are three Line In inputs on the rear panel, designed as pairs of RCA sockets, as well as a further input for balanced players, designed as an XLR. A phono preamp is also on board, although this is designed solely for MM cartridge systems.
In addition to solid screw terminals for connecting the speaker systems, this HiF Rose brand stereo integrated amplifier has an RCA connection for a subwoofer at the rear and 12 V triggers for integration into corresponding control solutions are also included.
Form follows function
As we have already mentioned, the front of the new HiFi Rose RA280 Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier is much more restrained than that of the HiFi Rose RA180 Absolute Pure Sound Integrated Amplifier. Form follows function is how the manufacturer describes the intention behind the design of the new HiFi Rose RA280, which is intended to present itself as clearly and neutrally as it sounds.
Well, they didn’t want to completely abandon the exquisite controls, so the input selector switch, the tone control and the volume control are also presented here as components that shine with independence. There is also a pair of VU metres, the intensity of which can be adjusted using a toggle switch.
Finally, it should be mentioned that the new HiFi Rose RA280 Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier measures 430 x 355 x 103 mm and thus – made of aluminium – weighs an impressive 9.5 kg.
Prices and availability
According to the manufacturer, the new HiFi Rose RA280 Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier will soon be available from specialist retailers. The recommended retail price is listed at € 3.299,-. This solution is available in either black or silver.
Getting to the point
Citech Co. Ltd. first announced a HiFi Rose brand stereo integrated amplifier based on the technologies of the flagship HiFi Rose RA180 Absolute Pure Sound Integrated Amplifier at High End 2023, but with a slightly more discreet appearance: the HiFi Rose RA280 Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier. Now the time has come, the new HiFi Rose RA280 Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier is now available from specialist retailers and boasts impressive performance data. And although it is indeed a little more restrained than its big brother, this new stereo integrated amplifier is by no means lacking in independence.
| PRODUCT | HIFI ROSE RA280 TOP-NOTCH MASTER INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER |
|---|---|
| Price | € 3.299,- |
| Brand | HIFI ROSE |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Citech Co. Ltd. |
| Distribution Austria | Audio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH |
| Distribution Germany | audioNEXT GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
