HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer – Streaming, DAC and Preamplifier

With the new HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer, the successor of the HiFi Rose Audio Network Streamer RS250 is ready, whereby this streaming client, which can also be upgraded to a music server in the proven manner with integrated D/A converter and preamplifier. So nothing has really changed in terms of functionality and flexibility with the generation change, but it has changed in terms of decisive features such as the converter, the clock, and the OP amps used in the output stage. The manufacturer Citech Co. Ltd. cites these decisive features of the latest solution of the HiFi Rose brand as decisive factors for an even higher quality level.

HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer – The high-end media player

The special feature of the new HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer is first and foremost that it is an immensely flexible solution, which is not only suitable for audio streaming, but also understands how to play videos.

This is due to the manufacturer’s high-performance hexa-core processor architecture, which is actually a dual-core ARM Cortex A72 with 1.8 GHz and a quad-core ARM Cortex A53 with 1.4 GHz, which is supported by an ARM Mali-T864 GPU and 4 GB of DDR4 RAM. Google Android 7.1 is used as the operating system, although this only serves as the basis for a platform developed by HiFi Rose itself, namely Rose OS

Rose OS – The flexible software platform

Rose OS is the platform that ensures the playback of music in all conceivable formats up to hi-res audio, directly from internal storage media or USB, via UPnP as a dlna-certified streaming client over the network or from streaming services such as TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify or Apple Music. Rose OS also provides access to Internet Radio and allows CD playback as well as CD ripping via external USB drives, ensures that the new Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer is designated as Roon Ready and compatible with Apple AirPlay as well as Spotify Connect, and also allows video playback including content in 4K.

D/A converter with precise clocking and new discrete output stage

Signal processing is based on an ESS ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC from specialist ESS Technology Inc. clocked using high-precision Femto 100 MHz ultra-low phase noise OSC. The analog output stage relies on discrete operational amplifiers specially developed by HiFi Rose. The converter of the HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer is capable of processing signals in Linear PCM up to 32 bit and 768 kHz as well as DSD up to and including DSD512 and content encoded in MQA.

Numerous interfaces

The HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer has numerous interfaces, the first of which is of course a Gigabit Ethernet interface for integration into the network at the back. Of course, a WiFi module that complies with the IEEE 802.11ac standard is not missing.

Appropriate storage media and CD drives can be connected via a USB 3.0 Type A interface, another USB port designed as USB 2.0 Type B serves as an interface for direct connection to a PC or Mac. A third USB port, designed as USB 2.0 Type A, is designated as USB Audio Out and is thus used to integrate external D/A converters.

Digital inputs and outputs are also available in the form of coaxial and optical S/PDIF interfaces, and an HDMI 2.0 interface is also not to be missed, via which video content up to 4K can be played back via a corresponding display.

Besides a pair of RCA jacks as analog input, there is also a pair of RCA jacks as analog output.

It should also be mentioned that the front of the new HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer has a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack ready for connecting headphones.

If desired, the new HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer can be upgraded with a 2.5 inch SATA 3.0 hard drive or SSD, which turns it into a music server.

Generous display

Once again, the most remarkable thing about the new HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer is that a very generously sized display of 8.8 inches takes up almost the entire front. It is an IPS multi-touch display that serves for a particularly intuitive control and can display cover artwork and even movies in addition to the clearly structured menu navigation of Roon OS.

Speaking of simple control, there is of course also a suitable app available, namely the Rose Connect app for Apple iOS and Google Android, and you can also control the HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer via Bluetooth Remote Control, which is part of the scope of delivery.

The new HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer measures 278 x 231 x 83 mm and weighs in at 3.2 kg with its solid aluminum chassis.

Prices and availability

The new HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer should be available in stores within the next few days. This is offered in the versions silver and black. The recommended retail price is € 2.599,-.

Getting to the point

Variety, that stands also with the new HiFi Rose RS250A HiFi Network Streamer and thus the newest solution of the mark HiFi Rose completely above in the specification. This is not only a streamer that can essentially play back all relevant audio data including hi-res audio, also has access to various streaming services, even acts as a music server if desired, is particularly easy and convenient to control, and can also be used as a D/A converter and preamplifier.