Hifi Rose - USA RS520
With deep, tight bass, a wide soundstage, and a warm, non-fatiguing balance, the RS520 sounds as polished as it looks. Jim Milton and HiFi News both praise its control, power, and detail, while Audiophilepure calls it a benchmark all-in-one for serious systems.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
89/100
Features Connectivity
93/100
Value for Money
87/100
Pros
Delivers powerful, controlled sound with deep bass, strong dynamics, and a relaxed, spacious presentation.
Exceptionally flexible all-in-one design combines streaming, TV integration, digital/analog inputs, and touchscreen control.
Solid aluminum build and responsive, customizable display give it a premium feel and easy everyday usability.
Cons
Lacks a subwoofer output and headphone jack, which limits flexibility for some system setups.
Some streaming behavior can interrupt seamless playback, especially on classical tracks that flow between movements.
App and on-screen English labeling are occasionally awkward, suggesting the software still has rough edges.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers consistently describe the RS520 as rich, controlled, and very engaging, with a warm, non-fatiguing presentation that still keeps fine detail and clarity intact. It comes across as powerful yet relaxed, with enough resolution and insight to satisfy audiophile listeners without sounding etched or sterile.
Transparency Resolution
90/100
Reviewers repeatedly praise the amp’s clarity and insight, saying it reveals a lot while still sounding musical. The language is strong but not extreme; they emphasize clean retrieval of detail and a low-fatigue presentation rather than reference-level microscope-like resolution.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
The RS520 is described as warm, rich, and analog-like, with a pleasing lightness of touch and a sound that makes music feel convincing and enjoyable. Reviewers specifically note that it is not analytic or sterile, which points to an easy long-term listen rather than a dry or sharp one.
Dynamics
94/100
Dynamics are a clear strength, with reviewers repeatedly noting that it never seems to strain, captures quiet and loud passages without compression, and has the power to bring out scale and presence. The amp is also described as tightly controlled and full of energy, especially with bass and drums.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
The RS520 is credited with a relaxed, wide presentation and good depth, plus an enveloping, dramatic soundscape. Reviewers highlight space between players and a convincing sense of scale, though the language stops short of suggesting truly benchmark-level holography.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
89/100
Reviewers are clearly impressed by the solid all-aluminum construction, clean design, and overall sense of confidence it gives at first contact. That said, most of the commentary stays at the level of finish and solidity, with little deeper discussion of internal craftsmanship or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
93/100
This is an exceptionally well-equipped all-in-one, with streaming, Roon Ready support, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, HDMI video output, digital and analog inputs, USB audio, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, app control, and a touchscreen front panel. Reviewers clearly value the breadth and convenience, and the unit also adds practical extras like preamp outs and internal SSD support.
Value for Money
87/100
The RS520 is repeatedly presented as premium and expensive, but reviewers also say it delivers a highly accomplished and flexible package that competes strongly in its class. The value case is positive, though the language is more about justified premium pricing than being a bargain or a steal.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Operating System
- Customized Android 7.1
- Size
- 13.6" W x 12.9" D x 5" H
- Weight
- 17.8lbs
- Finish
- Milled From Solid Aluminum
- Display
- 12.6" Wide Viewing Angle Multi-Touch Panel
- FTC Power Output Rating (RMS)
- 250W x 2ch (8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz, THD 0.05%)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- 0.05% (8Ω, 1W to 250W, 1kHz)
- Frequency Range
- 10Hz~85kHz (8Ω, 1W)
- Load Impedance
- 8Ω
- Network
- Ethernet: 10/100/1000 BASE-T WiFi: 802.11ac Dualband USB Wireless LAN Card (Dongle)
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 4.2 (Via USB Dongle)
- Streaming
- Airplay / DLNA / Roon Ready / Spotify Connect / Bluetooth
- Audio input
- Optical x 1, Coaxial x 1, Line-In x 1, USB DAC x 1,eARCx1
- Audio output
- Optical x 1, Coaxial x 1, Preamp-Out x 1
- Video output
- HDMI 2.0 x 1(up to 3840 x 2160 / 60Hz)
- Media connection
- File System : NTFS / exFAT / FAT32 Network Protocol : SMBv1 / FTP / WebDav Storage Interface : USB3.0 x 2, SATA x
- Audio
- MQA, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, DFF, DSF, AAC, CDA, AMR, APE, EC3, E-EC3, MID, MPL, MP2, MPC, MPGA, M4A, ALAC, PCM : 8kHz~768kHz(8/16/24/32bit per Sample), Native DSD : DSD64(2.8MHz)/ DSD128(5.6MHz)/DSD256(11.2MHz)/DSD512(22.4MHz) ASF, AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4
- 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 @ level 5.1 up to 4Kx2K @ 30fps H.265/HEVC, Main/Main10 profile @ level 5.1 High-tier up to 4Kx2K @ 60fps
- Input power
- AC100-240V, 50/60Hz
- Output power
- DC 24V, 5.0A
- Standby power
- Standby mode<0.5W
- Update
- SW update via internet, manual update via USB
- Remote control
- BT Remote controller
- Remote App
- ROSE Connect (Android, iOS)
- 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
RS520 At A Glance
- Integrated amp with network audio and 4K video streamer
- 12.6" Touch Panel LCD Screen
- 200 watts x 2 into 8 ohms
- ESS SABRE ES9038PRO DAC
- Native support for Apple Music, 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 RS520 is an advanced, high-performance integrated amplifier and network streamer combo packing the main functions of existing all-in-one streamers into a single component with a powerful output of 200 watts per channel.
Solid Build Quality
The RS520's chassis is milled from a solid highly-durable aluminum block. This process creates an extremely rigid frame that significantly reduces noise-generating micro-vibrations that can degrade sound quality.
Connect With Your Audio
The RS520's 12.6-inch touchscreen does away with knobs and dials while HiFi Rose's native ROSE OS software creates a completely immersive interface letting you control your music with just the swipe of a finger. The front panel can display album art and music videos (capable of video playback at 60 fps) or custom VU meters.
Powerful, Cool, Quiet, and Efficient
Offering 200 watts per channel, the RS520 is all you need to build a true audiophile system. Utilizing the same GaN FET technology found in HiFi Rose's flagship RA180 amplifier "dead time" is dramatically reduced by one-third. To increase efficiency Power factor correction (PFC) is applied enabling the unit to respond to a wide range of input power, and to run cool, without noise or hum.
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. RS520 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%.
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
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Authorized dealers for Hifi Rose - USA RS520
- 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