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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HiFi Rose RS150 Network Streamer Review
- Thread starter joeinid
- Start date
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.
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
Well-known member
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.
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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lostinla
Member
Or A15 the new streamer
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.
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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Damn, that dealer margin must be sweeeeeeeet! :skeptical:
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
Senior Member
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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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
Member
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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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
New member
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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