Hifi Rose - USA RS250A
The clean, detailed RS250A blends streamer, DAC, and preamp duties into one polished hub, delivering taut bass, open mids, and crisp treble without glare. HiFi News and StereoNET United Kingdom praise its musical flow, wide flexibility, and engaging sound across everything from classical to rock.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
84/100
Features Usability
93/100
Value for Money
90/100
Pros
Delivers a clean, detailed, and engaging sound with taut bass, open mids, and non-fatiguing treble.
Handles a wide range of music confidently, from large-scale classical to heavy rock, while keeping the presentation lively and controlled.
Offers exceptional versatility with Roon Ready support, streaming services, local media playback, and broad digital/analog connectivity.
Cons
The interface can feel less polished than rivals, with software and touchscreen behavior described as wonky or more like a mobile phone than a hi-fi component.
Compared with more expensive competitors, it can sound a little less dynamic, slightly thinner, and less full-bodied.
As a preamp, its lower maximum output may be less ideal for some power amplifiers and speaker combinations.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
Reviewers consistently describe the RS250A as clean, musical, and engaging, with a presentation that stays civilized while still bringing real excitement. It is praised for taut bass, open mids, crisp but non-glary treble, and a sound that works well across everything from classical to heavy rock.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
The RS250A is repeatedly described as having a combination of civility and musical excitement. Reviewers mention taut bass, an open midband, crisp treble without glare, and a presentation that remains involving rather than sterile.
Resolution Detail
91/100
Reviewers call it clean and detailed, with fine stereo imaging and real insight into what is being played. One review says it brings 'waves of nostalgia' while keeping the main event centered on the musicianship, suggesting strong retrieval of musical detail without sounding overworked.
Digital Performance
90/100
The digital side is described as controlled, with good clarity, rhythmic acuity, and a black enough background to let recordings breathe. Reviewers note that it handles a wide range of source quality well and keeps rougher material listenable without obvious digital hardness.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
This is one of the RS250A’s strongest areas, with reviewers highlighting broad streaming support and flexible day-to-day use. The touchscreen, app control, network options, and wide input/output complement the player’s role as a digital hub.
Streaming Software
94/100
Reviewers praise the app and platform as a practical control center, and one notes full Roon Ready implementation. The unit is also described as handling content from multiple sources well, including Roon, Audirvana Studio, JPLAY, and built-in app playback, which points to a versatile and mature software experience.
Features Connectivity
92/100
The RS250A offers a wide spread of connections and playback options, including AirPlay, DLNA, Roon Ready, Bluetooth, USB audio in and out, optical and coaxial I/O, analog outs with fixed or variable levels, HDMI, and wired or Wi-Fi networking. Reviewers also mention CD playback/ripping, internal SATA storage support, and strong format compatibility, making it unusually flexible.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
84/100
The reviews and product description suggest a well-equipped, carefully engineered unit, but they say little about long-term mechanical solidity or internal construction beyond the feature set. There is some praise by implication in the improved power supply and output stage changes, but not much direct commentary on chassis feel or durability.
Value for Money
90/100
Reviewer sentiment is clearly favorable on value for a feature-rich digital source in this class. One review explicitly calls it excellent value, while another says the improvements help justify the price, even though the unit sits at a fairly ambitious asking price.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- Operating System
- Customized Android 7.1 based Rose OS Ver 1.22.4
- Dimensions
- 10.9" H x 7.9" W x 3" D
- Weight
- 7lbs
- Materials
- Aluminum Top Plate With Plastic Sides
- Display
- 8.8" Wide Viewing Angle Multi-Touch Panel
- CPU
- Hexa Core CPU Dual-core Cortex-A72 up to 1.8GHz Quad-core Cortex-A53 up to 1.4GHz
- GPU
- Mali-T864 GPU, OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0/3.0/3.1, OenVG1.1, OpenCL, DX11
- Memory
- LPDDR3 4GByte
- DAC Chip
- ES9028 Pro
- Output Level
- Max 2.3Vrms (Unbalanced)
- THD
- 0.0002% (1kHz 2.3Vrms Unbalanced output)
- THD + N
- 0.0003% (1kHz 2.3Vrms Unbalanced output)
- IMD
- -102dB (SMPTE 4:1, 60Hz:7KHz)
- Signal to Noise Ratio
- 116dB (A-wt)
- Dynamic Range
- Max 126 dB (CCITT filter)
- Stereo Crosstalk
- Better than -133dB, 20-20kHz
- Output Frequency Response
- 20Hz to 40,000 (+/-0.5dB)
- Output Impedance
- 100Ω
- Network Support
- Ethernet 10/100/1000 BASE-T WiFi (802.11 b/g/n/a/ac) 2.4Ghz/5Ghz Dual Band
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth supported (A2DP Sink, AVRCP v1.3)
- Streaming
- Airplay / DLNA / Roon Ready / MQA Full Decoder
- Music Service
- TIDAL / Internet Radio / Podcast
- Audio Input
- Line Input x 1, Optical In x 1, COAX x 1, USB Audio In x1
- Audio Output
- PreAmp Out (Unbalanced RCA) x 1, Optical Out x 1, COAX x 1, USB Audio Out x1, Headphone Out x1
- Video Output
- HDMI 2.0 x 1 ( up to 3840 x 2160 / 60Hz )
- Media Connection
- USB3.0 x 2 ( File System - NTFS/FAT32, Supported Capacity - Max. 10TB ) SATA3.0 SSD x 1 ( File System - NTFS, Supported Capacity - Max. 4TB ) Network Support Protocol - SMB/FTP/WebDav
- Audio
- MQA, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, DFF, DSF, AAC, CDA, AMR, APE, EC3, E-EC3, MID, MPL, MP2, MPC, MPGA, M4A PCM: 8KHz~768KHz (8/16/24/32bit per Sample) Native DSD: DSD64(2.8MHz)/DSD128(5.6MHz)/DSD256(11.2MHz)/DSD512(22.5792Mhz)
- Video
- ASF, AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 H.263, H.264, H.265, VC-1, VP9, VP8, MVC H.264/AVC, Base/ Main/High/High10 profile@level5.1 up to 4Kx2K@30fps H.265 /HEVC, Main/Main10 profile@ level 5.1 High-tier up to 4Kx2K@60fps
- Voltage/Power
- Input Voltage : AC100-120V,220-240V 50/60Hz Input Power : 50W
- Update
- SW update via Internet, USB OTA, Rose Store
- Remote Control
- Bluetooth remote control
- Remote App
- ROSE Connect (Android, iOS) / Google PlayStore, App Store
- Accessories
- Power Cord x 1, Bluetooth Remote Controller x 1 (AAA Battery x 2), Manual x 1, SSD Screw x 4
Manufacturer's Description — Hifi Rose - USA
RS250A At A Glance
- High-performance network audio and 4K video streamer
- 8.8" Touch Panel LCD Screen
- ESS flagship DAC (ES9028PRO)
- Native support for Rose Tube, Roon, Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Internet Radio, & 4K Video support
- Hi-Res Certified
- MQA Full Decoder
- Upgradeable internal storage for locally stored files
- Run completely wireless or wired with gigabit ethernet.
The HiFi Rose RS250A Network Streamer is your cutting-edge companion for audio and video entertainment. This streamer, DAC, and pre-amplifier allows you to immerse yourself in the sonic tapestries of timeless albums, as well as the engaging graphics and dynamic performances of the latest music videos. The RS250A is ideal for the voracious music fan who wants to access entertainment with a simple touch of the finger.
A Better Build For Better Sound
RS250A utilizes rigid aluminum panels to isolate micro-vibrations and maximize thermal efficiency.
Music You Can Touch
The RS250A's 8.8-inch touch screen makes it easy to operate, and you can move from audio to video with a simple swipe of your finger. The front panel can display album art and music videos (capable of video playback at 60 fps) or custom VU meters.
The Best Streaming Built-In
All your favorite streaming platforms are readily available via HiFi Rose's Rose Connect app with support for Apple Music, TIDAL, Qobuz, Bugs, Rose Tube, and internet radio stations. RS201E is Roon Ready with Spotify Connect, Airplay, Bluetooth A2DP, and DLNA support.
Watch Your Favorite Videos in Ultra HD 4K
Every HiFi Rose streamer goes beyond audio with a 4K capable HDMI output for video.
Our custom RoseTube app delivers YouTube content with a custom interface that is optimized for music lovers. You’ll find curated music videos, concerts, and be able to connect to your own YouTube account. TIDAL subscribers also have access to a large library of iconic music videos as well as unique TIDAL video content. The VIDEO app provides access to your locally stored media, whether on the internal storage, or networked drive.
Internal Storage Options and Local Digital Music Libraries
Easily add a 2.5-inch SSD hard drive inside your HiFi Rose to store your local music collection. This also unlocks additional functionality, including the ability to cache your most played music on TIDAL and videos on RoseTube to maintain error-free playback even when your internet connection isn’t at 100%.
Linear Power Circuit Design
The full linear power supply provides a clean, reliable power supply to the CPU and audio output circuits. The design blocks noise that could potentially affect the sensitive DAC; the result is crystal-clear playback.
CD Playback & CD Ripping
With the RS201E, you can play and rip music on a CD by connecting our optional RSA-780 external CD drive via USB. You can extract the sound source from CDs as WAV or FLAC files and save them to SSD or USB.
Operate with Your Mobile Device or Remote Control
The Rose Connect remote control app completes the ultimate user experience letting allows users to conveniently control and manage HiFi Rose devices. The remote control app works on various platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and PC. Additionally, you can control the device simply and easily using the provided Bluetooth remote control.
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Hifi Rose - USA RS250A
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- A Tube High Fidelity — online and in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
- A/V Solutions — in-store — Pleasanton, California, United States (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
and 176 more verified dealers