HiFi Rose RS150 Network Streamer Review

**joeinid** · June 24, 2021, 07:02 PM

This looks awesome!

HiFi Rose RS150 Network Streamer Review - HomeTheaterHifi.com

**MRJAZZ** · June 24, 2021, 09:56 PM

Does look very interesting, especially at that price point.......

**imprezap2** · June 25, 2021, 04:17 AM

My dealer has a demo unit, feels like a quality product, did not do a comparison yet to Aurender SQ wise, nice feature is being able to stream youtube, great for finding new music. (it has a display that shows youtube video also)

**Hear Here** · June 25, 2021, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by joeinid

This looks awesome!

HiFi Rose RS150 Network Streamer Review - HomeTheaterHifi.com

By coincidence I visited a showroom today on my way back from a visit to my brother's. They pointed me towards their demo Rose RS-150. It looked pretty impressive and I'll probably borrow it for a home trial soon. They did say that a new version will soon be released by HiFi Rose that will be similar but without preamp at a lower cost. They suggested as a possible amp, the MacIntosh MA252 with valve pre but ss power amplification. They will call me when they have this in stock so I can home trial both units.

Peter

**Mr Peabody** · June 25, 2021, 01:42 PM

I predict this to be a hot item, the only streamer to my knowledge to actually do video. After reading the first of the article I was surprised at how reasonable the price is. Roon & MQA, they did their homework. Although more aps to come they still only have Tidal & Qobuz. The reviewer used Apple Air but that isn't the best way in my experience.

**Hear Here** · June 25, 2021, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

I predict this to be a hot item, the only streamer to my knowledge to actually do video. After reading the first of the article I was surprised at how reasonable the price is. Roon & MQA, they did their homework. Although more aps to come they still only have Tidal & Qobuz. The reviewer used Apple Air but that isn't the best way in my experience.

The guy at the showroom today was using HiFi Rose's own app for control of Tidal, so that should be as good as anything - perhaps? The app appeared quite intuitive on an iPad. He said he controlled it from his PC as well, though Rose's site only mention Android and iOS. He said that "getting rid" of the Korean junk (radio services, etc) was a bore but could be done. Sound quite interesting. Peter

**Mr Peabody** · June 25, 2021, 03:33 PM

Typically the control aps are good to use. I meant to say Airplay which is similar to Bluetooth but supposed to be better. A friend and I compared Airplay to just using an ap, playing from the internet using the ap was noticeably better. YMMV

Originally Posted by Hear Here

The guy at the showroom today was using HiFi Rose's own app for control of Tidal, so that should be as good as anything - perhaps? The app appeared quite intuitive on an iPad. He said he controlled it from his PC as well, though Rose's site only mention Android and iOS. He said that "getting rid" of the Korean junk (radio services, etc) was a bore but could be done. Sound quite interesting. Peter

**TommyC** · June 26, 2021, 11:31 AM

Did the price increase by $1,000 recently? It used to be 4K, now it's 5K?

**Hear Here** · June 27, 2021, 05:35 AM

Can't help there but it's current UK price is £3899 including 20% VAT

**joeinid** · July 6, 2021, 09:07 AM

New model

HiFi Rose adds a third premium streamer to its UK lineup | What Hi-Fi?

**Projectman** · December 13, 2021, 07:36 PM

Stereophile has a review in last month’s issue for the HiFi Rose RS250 streamer/DAC/Preamp

**HifiHandyman** · December 21, 2021, 08:43 PM

I just had my first opportunity to try out the Hifi Rose 150B I have to say it was awesome. I tried it connected directly to a Parasound JC5 as a DAC Preamp and it really sounded nice. It was probably equal to the DAC built into the Classe Delta PRE I just tried out. But that screen! OMG I couldn’t take my eyes off of it and really enjoyed the information and cover art displays. It was easy to use and gives many options. IF it had a built in crossover with sub outs, it would be better, but we can’t have everything. It’s a product that exudes quality and looks and feels every bit it’s price tag. I did get some “popping” through my speakers when changing sources and on/off, so I called them and they said it would be addressed with Firmware. Good job HifiRose!

**MRJAZZ** · December 21, 2021, 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by HifiHandyman

I just had my first opportunity to try out the Hifi Rose 150B I have to say it was awesome. I tried it connected directly to a Parasound JC5 as a DAC Preamp and it really sounded nice. It was probably equal to the DAC built into the Classe Delta PRE I just tried out. But that screen! OMG I couldn’t take my eyes off of it and really enjoyed the information and cover art displays. It was easy to use and gives many options. IF it had a built in crossover with sub outs, it would be better, but we can’t have everything. It’s a product that exudes quality and looks and feels every bit it’s price tag. I did get some “popping” through my speakers when changing sources and on/off, so I called them and they said it would be addressed with Firmware. Good job HifiRose!

Wait till you get around 200 hours on the 150....the DAC will open up and get more relaxed.
It’s a huge bang for the buck at the asking price ( 5 K MSRP), ...heck, even at double (10 K ).
Love mine.....

Cheers.....

**Randy Myers** · December 22, 2021, 10:10 AM

I think The Absolute Sound also did a review. I read both reviews and it sounds interesting but probably not my cup of tea so to speak. Then again, I am not in to streaming.... soooo....

**thyname** · December 22, 2021, 10:26 AM

Here is a most recent review of Rose RS250: Spending Time With The HiFi Rose RS250 - Reviews - Audiophile Style

The comment from a user sums it all up for me: Too expensive for a casual user and not audiophile enough for this crowd.

**Mike** · May 11, 2022, 09:58 PM

A couple of months ago, a customer brought his Hi-Fi Rose into the store. We hooked it up, and were all super impressed with the sound, the screen, fit and finish and value!! After that visit, I was sold.

The original RS150 was released with an AKM chip. The current version has the SABRE ES9038Pro, a chip used in much more expensive streamers. Add to this, a high precision Femto clock and a Linear Power Supply and you have all the goodies in one box.

For those who like their audio by the pound, the RS150 has some real weight to it. Solid built, milled from a solid block of high purity aluminum. Excellent fit an finish. The connections at the back are plenty and easy to reach.

Add the Hi-Fi Rose RSA780 and you have a CD player for your RS150 and a ripper. Add SSD storage into the bottom of the RS150 for ripping those CD’s.

The high-resolution screen is outstanding, 14.9 inches wide and has an immediate “WOW” affect when people walk in the store and see it. Yes, it can be turned off if that’s your thing. All unused inputs and outputs can also be turned off to improve sound quality as well.

The digital outputs allow the connection to an external DAC, although, I must say, the one in the RS150 is excellent.

The front screen is a touch screen, specifically, an IPS Multi-Touch panel. It comes with a remote standard as well. The HiFi Rose software is excellent, but they are currently experiencing a bit of a bug with the QoBuz integration. Tidal is working flawlessly. Yes, it does MQA too. Yes, it’s a Roon endpoint too. It even has HDMI 2.0.

Believe it or not, you can even watch videos on the screen. There is a Rose Connect app for iPhone as well. The HiFi Rose app called Rose Connect is beautiful to use and look at. Reminds me a lot of the Innuos app.

The RS150 has plenty of filter options as well, which I haven’t even begun to experiment with.

Play/watch YouTube videos if that’s your thing. Loads of internet radio stations. Even an old fashion “tuner” type option for local stations. The screen is also completely adjustable for displaying album artwork, VU meters and so much more. It’s got some heavy duty graphics for whatever mode you’re in. If that’s not your thing, you can turn off the display.

There is so much to unpack here in this $5000 package, I am having a hard time getting through it all in this post. Does it sound awesome? Yes. Does it sound better than double, maybe even triple it’s price? Yes.

The bottom line is this: Hi-Fi Rose has put the competition on notice. They are here to stay. They are creative, thinking outside the box and moving the needle and providing tremendous value.

If that wasn’t enough, the new Hi-Fi Rose RA180 integrated amp (due to be shipping soon) also stands to set a new benchmark with the use of GaN FET technology. I’ve heard it. It’s ballsy, musical and smooth sounding.

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**Music Man** · May 12, 2022, 04:39 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Does it sound better than double, maybe even triple it’s price? Yes.

I have to respectfully disagree, I had a Rose R150B on loan and found it good for the price but both my old Linn Selekt DSM with Katalyst and Naim NDX2 sounded better in every way.

My advice is to audition before purchase in your own system.

**Music Man** · May 12, 2022, 05:24 AM

Originally Posted by thyname

Here is a most recent review of Rose RS250: Spending Time With The HiFi Rose RS250 - Reviews - Audiophile Style

The comment from a user sums it all up for me: Too expensive for a casual user and not audiophile enough for this crowd.

Exactly how I would sum up the RS150B I had.

**Mike** · May 12, 2022, 06:13 AM

Originally Posted by Music Man

I have to respectfully disagree, I had a Rose R150B on loan and found it good for the price but both my old Linn Selekt DSM with Katalyst and Naim NDX2 sounded better in every way.

My advice is to audition before purchase in your own system.

Did yours have the AKM chip?

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**Music Man** · May 12, 2022, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Did yours have the AKM chip?

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ESS

**Mike** · May 12, 2022, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by Music Man

ESS

Very surprising. Jazzman above tends to agree with my findings. I’m quite surprised you didn’t find the same. Did you demo it or did you own it, allow full break in, etc.?

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**Music Man** · May 12, 2022, 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Very surprising. Jazzman above tends to agree with my findings. I’m quite surprised you didn’t find the same. Did you demo it or did you own it, allow full break in, etc.?

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I had a demo unit so not sure on hours. To be clear it is very good for a $5k piece, my issue is with you saying it is better then a $10k-$15k streamer because in my experience it is not.

**Mike** · May 12, 2022, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by Music Man

I had a demo unit so not sure on hours. To be clear it is very good for a $5k piece, my issue is with you saying it is better then a $10k-$15k streamer because in my experience it is not.

Not sure that’s a fair comparison. You sure it was ESS? That model is very new. Did you do things to improve the sound like turn off unused inputs/outputs, turn off the screen, etc. Burn in is also key with this unit.

We can agree to disagree, but in my experience with streamers, I think it’s a superb unit, especially for the price.

It may not beat a Linn Klimax DSM (which I have coming for eval), ND555 (I own), Esoteric N-01XD (I own) or one’s at that level, but to my ears, it beats a lot, including my NDX2. If you compare this to something like a $10K Meitner MA3, the the RS150 is night and day better. Better sounding, WAY better build quality, far more features and functionality and half the price. It’s just insanely good.

On the Korean forums, according to my Korean friend Paul, the talk is that the new ESS is a lot better than the AKM version and hence they don’t really make the AKM version any more.

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**Randy Myers** · May 12, 2022, 11:45 AM

Obviously not comparing use in the HiFi Rose; but I have always been told that the chip itself it not so much the key, but how it is used and implemented. I would believe that probably there were other changes, not just the chip. I do know in my portable, which has both AKM and ESS chips, I very much prefer the sound of the AKM.

However, I have also heard that many companies are switching off AKM chips and it has nothing to do with performance, but instead availability because of the AKM plant burning down.

**Mike** · May 12, 2022, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Obviously not comparing use in the HiFi Rose; but I have always been told that the chip itself it not so much the key, but how it is used and implemented. I would believe that probably there were other changes, not just the chip. I do know in my portable, which has both AKM and ESS chips, I very much prefer the sound of the AKM.

However, I have also heard that many companies are switching off AKM chips and it has nothing to do with performance, but instead availability because of the AKM plant burning down.

That is true. In this case, folks reported the ESS sounding better. This is one fantastic little piece. Maybe it just doesn’t cost enough for some folks. Oh well.

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**Remi** · May 12, 2022, 02:25 PM

Hi Mike,

How do you compare the sound quality of Rose to the Aurender N200 or N20? You stated it performs 2x-3x its price. Is it in the N20s league?

Thanks!

**lostinla** · May 12, 2022, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by Remi

Hi Mike,

How do you compare the sound quality of Rose to the Aurender N200 or N20? You stated it performs 2x-3x its price. Is it in the N20s league?

Thanks!

Or A15 the new streamer

**Music Man** · May 12, 2022, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Obviously not comparing use in the HiFi Rose; but I have always been told that the chip itself it not so much the key, but how it is used and implemented. I would believe that probably there were other changes, not just the chip. I do know in my portable, which has both AKM and ESS chips, I very much prefer the sound of the AKM.

However, I have also heard that many companies are switching off AKM chips and it has nothing to do with performance, but instead availability because of the AKM plant burning down.

Indeed. the most important parts of D/A conversion are power supply and analog processing, the DAC chip is only a small part of the chain, and with modern chips make very little difference.

**Music Man** · May 12, 2022, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by Remi

Hi Mike,

How do you compare the sound quality of Rose to the Aurender N200 or N20? You stated it performs 2x-3x its price. Is it in the N20s league?

Thanks!

I really look forward to Mike's reply on this!

**Mike** · May 12, 2022, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by Remi

Hi Mike,

How do you compare the sound quality of Rose to the Aurender N200 or N20? You stated it performs 2x-3x its price. Is it in the N20s league?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Music Man

I really look forward to Mike's reply on this!

The N200 and N20 don’t have a DAC. Different product category in my opinion. The N200 and N20 need a DAC.

N200/N20 = Network Transport
RS150 = Network Streamer

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**Mike** · May 12, 2022, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by lostinla

Or A15 the new streamer

RS150.

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**Music Man** · May 12, 2022, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

RS150.

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Damn, that dealer margin must be sweeeeeeeet!

**Mike** · May 12, 2022, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by Music Man

Damn, that dealer margin must be sweeeeeeeet!

Really? If you think that’s what motivates me, you’re a fool. That has nothing to do with it. You obviously can’t recognize a product that hits way above its price point.

Too bad.

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**Paul** · May 12, 2022, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by Music Man

Damn, that dealer margin must be sweeeeeeeet!

I really don't understand this post. Also, it's none of your business.

I have known Mike for a long time. He's not the dealer guy like you may have experienced. He is a true music lover and passionate about the audio gear. He was a music lover like you and me and decide to expand his audio journey with Suncoast Audio. If he doesn't like the sound of gear he wouldn't carry the line even if it has a 90 % margin/profit . I can tell you that much.

Let's move back to the main topic here.

Mike, are you getting the int amp as well? If so, I would love to hear about the speaker paring

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**Mike** · May 12, 2022, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Paul

I really don't understand this post. Also, it's none of your business.

I have known Mike for a long time. He's not the dealer guy like you may have experienced. He is a true music lover and passionate about the audio gear. He was a music lover like you and me and decide to expand his audio journey with Suncoast Audio. If he doesn't like the sound of gear he wouldn't carry the line even if it has a 90 % margin/profit . I can tell you that much.

Let's move back to the main topic here.

Mike, are you getting the int amp as well? If so, I would love to hear about the speaker paring

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Thanks Paul. I know a lot of dealers ask “what’s the margin?” as their first question before they take on a line. It’s my last. My thinking has always been: if the product and company are great, the money will take care of itself.

I’m going to do a YouTube video soon on “how do dealers pick lines?” and discuss the various examples. For me, it’s having great folks like you to encourage me to look into something. I wouldn’t be selling Kharma without your raves after every listening session! So, thanks for that!

I will be getting the integrated. It has the same tech as those awesome sounding AGD amps (GaN technology). 200 watts a channel and a cool and funky look. Can’t wait.

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**MPW** · May 12, 2022, 06:15 PM

I would love to understand how it compares to pieces like the Lumin X1 and Esoteric N-05XD. Any insight?

**Mike** · May 12, 2022, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by MPW

I would love to understand how it compares to pieces like the Lumin X1 and Esoteric N-05XD. Any insight?

After break in, I plan on doing just that! My point is this: this might just be the best audio product (not just network streamer) under $5k given its sound, features, functionality and fit and finish (in my opinion).

In a year from now, people will be referring back to this thread saying “damn, Mike was right!”

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**Ritmo** · May 12, 2022, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by Music Man

Damn, that dealer margin must be sweeeeeeeet!

This comment is very disappointing. A personal and ethical attack without any merit.

Mike has been a friend for many years. He’s a trustworthy with the highest levels of integrity. I doubt very much that his initial comments of this particular model of the Rose RS150 are in any way related to profitability. He just calls it the way he “hears it”!

Lastly, in a world in which many dealers try to push people to the uber expensive gear, isn’t it refreshing to have one that has been impressed with a very affordable piece?

**Arcman** · May 16, 2022, 05:45 AM

Mike, I appreciate your thoughts on the HiFi Rose. The unit looks fantastic. Of course, what is better is subjective. However, How does the internal dac compare to a similar priced T2 if one doe not need all the features, like video screen, etc, of the HiFi Rose? One thing I do like about the HiFi Rose is that I believe it has a VU meter screen. I'm a sucker for VU meters

**Mike** · May 16, 2022, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by Arcman

Mike, I appreciate your thoughts on the HiFi Rose. The unit looks fantastic. Of course, what is better is subjective. However, How does the internal dac compare to a similar priced T2 if one doe not need all the features, like video screen, etc, of the HiFi Rose? One thing I do like about the HiFi Rose is that I believe it has a VU meter screen. I'm a sucker for VU meters

The VU meters are cool. So is the classic radio graphics and other stuff. But turning off unused inputs and outputs, along with the screen, elevates the sound even further.

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**nc42acc** · May 18, 2022, 05:28 PM

Can this be use similar to an Aurender using the RS150 USB out?

Originally Posted by Mike

The N200 and N20 don’t have a DAC. Different product category in my opinion. The N200 and N20 need a DAC.

N200/N20 = Network Transport
RS150 = Network Streamer

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**Mike** · May 18, 2022, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by nc42acc

Can this be use similar to an Aurender using the RS150 USB out?

Yes sir!

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**nc42acc** · June 3, 2022, 10:41 AM

Mike have you had the opportunity to try using the RS150 USB out into a DAC direct? The more I read on this option the cloudier it gets. Thanks

**Mike** · June 3, 2022, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by nc42acc

Mike have you had the opportunity to try using the RS150 USB out into a DAC direct? The more I read on this option the cloudier it gets. Thanks

Yes. It’s not quite as good as an N200 feeding the dac, but still very good and close.

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**thyname** · June 4, 2022, 10:50 AM

For people who already have a good DAC, wouldn’t it be nice Rose came up with a Streamer only, no DAC built in, cheaper model? Same gorgeous screen, and streaming quality & capability, digital out, no DAC.

**Mike** · June 4, 2022, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by thyname

For people who already have a good DAC, wouldn’t it be nice Rose came up with a Streamer only, no DAC built in, cheaper model? Same gorgeous screen, and streaming quality & capability, digital out, no DAC.

HiFi ROSE

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**thyname** · June 4, 2022, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

HiFi ROSE

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Ahhhhh….. this must have been launched recently. Admittedly, I had not checked the lineup in months, but when I did, they did not have such thing. Thanks Mike

On a close look: speaker outs? Preamp outs? I was thinking something like a streamer only. Digital out to DAC, and nothing else. No DAC, no amp. Just a streamer

**Darrel** · June 5, 2022, 06:11 PM

I'd say this is a pretty good explanation of the RS150b. Mine has been playing for about two weeks and is now settling into my system. There is a lot of energy and detail and the soundstage is improving from what I first noticed. I usually listen with the display off and I haven't used any of the apps.I'm either watching TV, playing Youtube from my main computer or streaming Tital/Qobuz with Roon from my Ipad. I left the screen film on so finger prints aren't a issue. I use the app on my iPhone to run and switch inputs and settings. That's one of the best parts for me. I haven't used the supplied remote except to set it up for the first time.

**kimchee411** · June 23, 2022, 04:53 AM

Better sounding than MSB Discrete with Network Renderer? I briefly had a Lumin X1 and while the massive soundstage, detail, and liquidity impressed, I found the tone to be not as natural as others. More homogeneous and in a way analytical. I think in the end the character of the Sabre chip came through, so I'm looking at this RS150 with a dose of skepticism.

**Mike** · June 23, 2022, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by kimchee411

Better sounding than MSB Discrete with Network Renderer?

No.

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Thread: HiFi Rose RS150 Network Streamer Review