- Thread Author
- #1
HiFi Rose RS150 Network Streamer Review
- Thread starter joeinid
- Start date
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
Active member
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
Active member
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
- Thread Author
- #10
Projectman
Member
Stereophile has a review in last month’s issue for the HiFi Rose RS250 streamer/DAC/Preamp
HifiHandyman
Member
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
Member
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2013
- Messages
- 201
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
Active member
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....
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.
The comment from a user sums it all up for me: Too expensive for a casual user and not audiophile enough for this crowd.
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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.
Exactly how I would sum up the RS150B I had.
ESS