HiFi Rose RS250 Streamer - A Deep Dive

[@sonnyvarioni1654]

Really appreciated the part at the beginning about not wanting to have to use an iPhone or iPad to play music as this isn't really discussed when people talk about streaming. I'm honestly at the point where I'm thinking of switching from streaming to CDs. People are on their devices so much they don't think twice about staying on them to play music, but it just means you can never switch that part of your brain off and enjoy it.

[@tomooo2637]

I have this stream and really like it. Here are some things to add The wifi receiver is a little weak and needs a good signal to keep up with higher bit rates. I recommend you use a LAN connection for reliable connection I strongly recommend you go into the settings menu (the cog) for the analogue out view you showed. In here you can set 2 important things 1) The upsampling rate - default is none 2) The digital filter - the default is brick wall - definitely change this. There are a number filters to choose an you should try them out as they change the smoothness/sharpness etc of the output. Definitely use up-sampling (176 is a sweat spot), as this give more space for the digital filer to work without artefacts. I use this stream with a Luxman 505 and am very happy with the sound - very nice and clear and detailed.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Grat tips Tom. I will try it tonight and see if I can hear the difference.

[@NavVasudevan]

Appreciate this. I have almost the same set up but to a 150b to a lux 509x. My first 150b had to be repaired due to a fault with the power supply which was frustrating (really bad support) but has been solid since.

[@abbeygwayambadde3850]

Can you see the album art while the song/album is playing on your TV (whatever the HDMI is connected to)? I cannot see to get a clear answer on this... I am looking for a streamer that shows the album art on the TV while playing music from Tidal, Qobuz, etc

[@martynanstis1620]

Yes there is a small icon that sets the hdmi output to tv once you have set the display output for your tv. It’s not obvious but once you have done it you are ok. Don’t set the resolution higher than your tv can cope with or nothing will be shown on the tv.

[@davidcarter9156]

I have one and l like the fun it brings to my system ! Sounds like it’s not in the way of any source used with it. The silver does make a big difference! Nice work. Lastly, two thumbs up on the video!

[@rightslot1]

One thing is for sure, either you or someone who works for you or with you is very highly skilled! You say you painted the side panels? They look absolutely fabulous. They don't look like they were painted. They look like they came that way from the factory. WOW!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Hey thanks. I've always liked modifying and tweaking things to get them just like I like. Now I get to do that for a living. So much fun.

[@edbrumbaugh9202]

Great video as always ... wish I lived closer to your shop! Agreed on the price point, this looks to be exactly what I'm looking for. Very much enjoyed your teardown and explanation of the internals. Thanks again.

[@marks.2909]

I played around with the model up from the 250 the Rose 150-B for a week . Mostly important to me is sound signature quality, this particular unit has a SSD loaded up with music I am familiar with , the sound quality is excellent on par with much more expensive servers like the Rockna WaveDream Net server, a $9,500.00 , Innuos Zenith MK 2 a $7,000.00 server I had borrowed along with the Rose. I understand from the owner of the 250 the 150B have identical sound quality as it’s big brother, I wound say with confidence one could build a darn good long lasting system around the Rose 250 . I found the Rose a little clunky using it , the Rose Audio owners blog is full to the brim with questions and a number of complaints . The limited one year warranty for a completely new design with little track record I’m wary of owning this server myself. I’d like to have a second visit with the 250 a couple years from now if the owner still has it .,…..PS love your channel, been a subscriber for a long while .

[@SkyFiAudio]

Good point. Waiting a few years would certainly make sure the RS250 is fully cooked. Thanks for watching Mark. Cheers.

[@chrislj2890]

The silver side panels look great, and as you said should come stock.

[@juliancrun]

Gracias a su review lo he comprado aquí en España. Muchas gracias.

[@TimbreDynamics]

The new RS250A is out in a few weeks. I have mine ordered. Excited to hear it. If you are in the market waiting for the new model. It will also be available in black.

[@SkyFiAudio]

I understand they have made changes to the DAC too. I wonder if an improvement or for supply chain issues like most manufacturers are facing.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Really found this interesting, I'm not into these kind of devices. I'm dyed in the wool old audiophile..70's- 90's models.Nice features on the digital front.I agree at 2500 price point is as high as I would go..and it's all new modular streaming device so these days items change so quickly. Thank you for this post greatly appreciated.

[@adaboy4z]

Hardware in mind we have reached the point of transparency in Dacs. Wifi will be great for years to come and it has Ethernet. It has all the right I/O including HDMI which many Dacs don't have. I say you good for a long time as far as music is concerned.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Agreed, it has just about every connection I would want for now. Cheers.

[@gedmoody1629]

Can you please say more about the process and product used to paint the side panels?

[@stanislavshokurov6532]

The huge toroidal transformer promises really deep low frequencies response and lots of punch. I would recommend using Nagra meters for really silky mids on classical.

[@michaelb8171]

Kind of interested in this but I like Tidal connect with my Bluesound. But then again it's a PITA and switches to the BlueOS app 1-6 songs in anyway... maybe I need this and Qobuz?

[@2ridiculous41]

A streamer with internal storage??? Bluesound make the Vault, basically the Node with a 2 terabyte hard drive which allows you to rip CDs as well. You'd want to use your own DAC, but basically it is brilliant. I've had one for a year and after getting used t it, I loved the sound, love the BluOS and love the convenience.

[@marks.2909]

I had a number of servers / streamers mostly borrowed the Bluesound is a fabulous component for the price however it does not match the sound quality of the Rose Audio 250 .

[@2ridiculous41]

@@marks.2909 Can I ask if you mean for streaming or playback of stored files? These usually sound different to each other.

[@jeffreythurston1822]

Great deep dive. Thanks for going through that.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@balboahu]

Beautiful System. If you get bored of that Nagra stack let me know. I'll buy it from you :)

[@Tom_the_great]

Thanks for making this

[@whewett6654]

It must be nice to ave Celestion SL600s to use as equipment stands! Wonderful speakers in their day.

[@shadowofpain8144]

I have had mine for a few months, I have over loved it. I got a demo unit from store rs250a for 1,300.00. Only 2 complaints one don't bother me as much as the other. Ripping is simple as pushing rip and confirm but it doesn't always get the artwork this is the one that doesn't bother me. It rips old cds that my mac pro couldn't. I have low vision all the features on the screen are not on the app you can't select rip from the app where it would be easy for me to see. Features very between models you would not know what unless you read a crap ton of forums. If you have an issue its very hard to find a reply when it has been asked before. My rose fm does nothing but I found no answers as to why. If I select Chicago as region I returned to Korea even after confirming. Everything else works. You can select from 200mv to 2 watts output I would tread carefully if going to a tube preamp 200 or 300 at most unless you're certain it can take more or you will blow a tubes on the gain stage.

[@LS-ti6jo]

Funny you mention not wanting to use your cell phone at home, since Rose products all use an old but customized version of Android.

[@SkyFiAudio]

haha, thats irony for sure LS. I did notice it boots up as android, wonder it it will take my calls too :-). Thanks for writing.

[@LS-ti6jo]

@@SkyFiAudio Yah, Rose isn't good I traded my 150 in for an Aurender A20. Aurender, also a S Korean company, has local country support (critical for those who don't have millennials to help deal with Rose's many "quirks"). Am now searching for a decent A/D converter to digitize convert all my records. I love my Rega P10 & Gold Note PH10, but I'd like the option of "stream" my records too.

[@Cestmoi50]

@@LS-ti6jo you are joking right comparing it with a streamer of a price of 16000 or more, well hell it should be better for that kind of money

[@LS-ti6jo]

@@Cestmoi50 Yes, the Rose was so bad I traded it in for an Aurender. I was only going to get an equivalent unit (which was still much better than the 150B), but decided stepping up to the A20 was worth the price for its superior DAC, build quality, LOCAL COUNTRY SUPPORT(!) from people who speak english, and other features. So now I don't have to deal with the constant frustration of the Rose's very glitch software, poor customer support and never ending software patches Rose and all the so-called "reviewers" (who in reality are just shills trying to score points w/MoFi) try to pass off as "upgrades".

[@MrGfunk215]

I hear a lot of mixed reviews abour the hifi rose products on the audiophile forums

[@gerihifi]

Thanks a lot for sharing!! Quite interesting to hear, as a Vinyl guy you like those kind of displays ;-) i'm the exact opposite, streamer must disappear in my chain and dont wanna be distracted by this fancy touch screens and blinky & colours... as a software guy, those ui interfaces are always tricky to code.. lacks/delays are common. At the end, focus is on tidal & qobuz for me and native apps way better. Love my Lumin :-)

[@SkyFiAudio]

Fair enough, we do plenty of installs where the streamer is buried behind the electronics where this piece would make no sense. Cheers Gerald.

[@DNSWRLD]

Check out the VU Metres of this device

[@leungcls]

good video on RS250, moreover, I love the SL600 speaker too, are these speakers working and still sounds good?🙂

[@SkyFiAudio]

Good catch. Those SL600s are classic. Refinished them to an industrial look and I love them. Cheers Sam.

[@tigertiger1699]

Beautiful unit, best streamer I’ve seen - heard.. short of streamer in $1million AUD focal/ Naim Wish I had coin and needed to upgrade

[@SkyFiAudio]

Know what you mean, $2500 is a bit of a stretch for a streamer.

[@tigertiger1699]

@@SkyFiAudio Lol twice that if in 🇳🇿 😂… mind that’s just currency.., but yeah.. beautiful unit… It’s what I was saving for… but got a shop demo Auralic Altair g1 for $1000 USD.. Be interesting to heard the difference Great vid🙏

[@tigertiger1699]

@@SkyFiAudio Lol to be fair to the manufacturers.. the only problem is the lack of $ on my part…, the gear is excellent and worth it…

[@FranzVonFitzenstrahl]

Hi Skyfi. Do you have the color code for painting the sides? Thank you

[@Baerchenization]

You could get a pre-owned ps audio with FPGA for about that money. There is always a tonne on hifishark.

[@gluteus0maximus]

I recently saw a review of the RS520 that said HiFi Rose equipment really had no sound staging. What's your take on this comment? I am having trouble finding one near me to audition it.

[@brandonburr4900]

Really appreciated this video. Been curious about these as a streamer and how they stack up to Lumin, innuois , sonore etc. Streamers that have bucked that trend and lasted longer are based on some derivative of Logitech squeezebox software thats been around in some form since early mid 2000s. Even innuois is based on it with their own skin/look to it. I kinda agree on streamers basically being disposable. They all claim their upgradable for the future. A very limited future. Even dcs can't can't avoid this. Thought about the dcs network bridge for a while but it's been discontinued and wonder how long such a still $$$ component will be useable. Thanks for letting us look inside at the unit. This have a power amp? I would like to see a deeper look at your nagra system in a future video. Perhaps a tour of other personal systems also. Thanks for your great content!

[@SkyFiAudio]

This one is a bit higher in price than I like to call it "disposable" but its certainly close. I just cant see spending $10k on a streamer.

[@tylero8595]

I was on the fence with this unit and the Gold Note DS 10. I ended up with the gold note with the external power supply. Im pretty happy with it. But Im not 100% sure I made the right choice.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Hi Tyler. IM a big fan of the large display as you can tell so it was an easy choice for me. Cheers.

[@LIL-MAN_theOG]

You made a big mistake..I see so many audiophiles and or audiophile gear manufactueres using this during audio shows, then you know that this is the real deal

[@williamdwyer3856]

wow! this is the best review i have seen actually , would love to see you do other modern equipment breakdowns like this , but of course new equipment reviews isnt your bread and butter but your tech skills makes you a natural for reviewing internals of gear.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks William. I have a few more reviews planned... some Klipsch Heritage speakers and some T+A gear. Cheers.

[@fofocho71]

Can you control the screen (VUmeters etc) from the app?

[@net_news]

amazing review!!! Kudos to you!! Nice product a little bit plasticky to my taste but hey feature wise is amazing!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Its really just the sides that are plastic. I bet its because of the internal antennas.

[@net_news]

@@SkyFiAudio yeap but they look super plasticky... maybe in person is better

[@amosperrine1909]

Nice vid, I like the option of adding an SSD. But, it does look a bit chintzy. My Cambridge 851 looks more substantial, how do the DACs compare?

[@SkyFiAudio]

actually feels like a relatively high quality product. Not as nice as a a Sony Hap-Z1 but close.

[@ethimself5064]

Kinda off topic - Do you ever come across the old/vintage ESS AMT 1B Studio Monitor Towers? Has a pair back in the day and thinking perhaps again. Thanks

[@SkyFiAudio]

Never had a set but will be on the lookout for you.

[@ethimself5064]

@@SkyFiAudio Really hard to find rebuilt/Thanks

[@briancampbell7712]

Help me 2 Chanel hifi ...please tell me the best possible setup using my Dali rubicon 2 speakers...I'm presently using marantz model 40n, Rel T7x...class B to me sounds better than class D and I need ARC...I think I need more power do get the most out of these Dali rubicon 2 ...

[@chadkayser7010]

Does anyone know if the you can control the volume of streaming and inputs running digital out to an external dac?

[@voederbietels]

can i connect my nas to this device

[@chelillingworth9466]

What are you using for vibration dampeners under the unit?

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Bubble gum.

[@eblack8299]

What is that underneath the Hifi rose?

[@philipsieger5176]

I wish that's this place was by my house I would be living there

[@brianmoss5483]

See if you can get them to make 422A ‘s again

[@jarms40]

I'm a bit reluctant to post this because of ALL of the caveats (see below) but here goes... Perhaps not "vintage" in the true sense, but my Nativ Vita meets all of your requirements, Fernando, probably better than the Rose. Bigger display with all the touch controls you'll ever need AND large internal storage space for all your downloads... along with streaming. Now the multiple, MULTIPLE caveats. Nativ appears to be out of business. No more software updates. It runs a proprietary version of Android and thus sideloading of new streaming software is difficult-to-near-impossible. Its last update, before it went under, enabled Roon RAAT which made it a viable Roon endpoint (therefore potentially obviating the problem with lack of update-capable native - no pun - software), and that's how I use it... but.... it was never Roon certified and won't ever be so its use as an endpoint is "quasi-unofficial." Basically Roon took pity on us Vita users for a brief (grandfather) period and allowed us to attach the uncertified hardware to Roon during that period. Not sure that such access would ever be granted again. Anyhow, if you were lucky enough to save the restore and update files you downloaded (I did), AND you have Roon (I do), and you have a way to get Roon to recognize/attach to your uncertified RAAT implementation on the Vita (I did), then it really is your "dream" streamer the way you describe it, Fernando.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Sound like a nice machine also. Was looking for one that matches my Nagra closely so I think this is the way to go. Thanks for chiming in Michael.

[@ronlevine8873]

I love the design of the HiFi Rose too. But the meters are useless: meters are important on the amp, NOT on the front-end, because you want to know whether the amp can drive the speakers without clipping. I wouldn't consider this component "disposable." The DACs are decent on this machine and it gets most of the streaming services that you would want and at hi-rez levels. Probably the only limiting feature would be the file storage capacity. Famous last words, of course!

[@SkyFiAudio]

for me Meters=Happiness. I think you can add a drive to the unit which would solve your storage concern.

[@Hysteric2006]

The meters work well if you are using them from your stored files. It gives a true impression. I have a 1Tb ssd stored in unit and works well. Over 20000 flac files 👌

[@miroslavkelekovic2507]

Where exactly you see a "high quality" components in there? Everithing I see is reguar low cost parts. Alltoegether no more than $200-300 cost case included..

[@shadowofpain8144]

A file or folder can't be deleted from rose you have to connect to it from a computer. I no longer own a computer why I got the rose.

[@AlexReusch]

I don't really see the value of a massive front display. I had for many years various HTPC solutions using larger touch enabled front screens (OrigenAE), but in the end I had to realize that they don't really have much use. My equipment is in a HiFi rack, from which I usually sit several meters away. That's why the screen content is actually always too small to see anything from a distance and touch screen operation is not to be used in practice either (I prefer using a remote/app). The only thing I need to see is the volume and input source (but that's what my PreAmp is for). Streaming and control of streaming media is done via smartphone through the appropriate app (Roon in my case). I also don't think that touch screens are good for the life of high quality HiFi products. The Nagra Audio components are in stark contrast to this.

[@venus263]

Awesome piece. Does this come in black? This will match my mcintosh gear if it comes in black. Kindly let me know 🙏

[@SkyFiAudio]

No I think its only available in silver. Cheers.

[@venus263]

@@SkyFiAudio I made some investigation and I could get the RS150B in black. Thanks to your video I now know about Hifi Rose.👍

[@mariost-laurent3322]

In mid-december Hifi-Rose will launch the RS250B and will be available In black.

[@BobGeogeo]

Nice to see this and how it does the aesthetics with other brands. But why do you only discuss iOS devices? Once, I can live with. Twice is just iffy-negligent. Beyond 3x and the review being iOS exclusive looks like there's a group of users you don't care about. Do they or you even know if the device works outside of iOS?

[@SkyFiAudio]

Good point, should have tested the interface with another mobile platform. I bet its well covered in the forums though.

[@DJMikeron]

I like pressing buttons is a Justifikation for no remote control.

[@Fluterra]

You haven’t tried a Taiko Extreme, or you wouldn’t be choosing the Rose.

[@SkyFiAudio]

I haven't either, let us know if you do.

[@Fluterra]

@@SkyFiAudio I have, yes, with a Nagra HD DAC X. I don’t listen to vinyl anymore ;)

[@robertojuarez959]

😮😲😍😍💖👍‼️

[@ianjohnhorwood2605]

i have scrapped TIDAL music because the streaming quality has done a dive down on quality to what it was when it was first introduced. i have changed over to amazon high resolution music. AMAZON Streaming quality to my ears exceeds TIDAL music on the quality aspect. I just use a cayin N6ii TO1 with the twin mono burr brown pcm 1792a dacs 24 /192 capable, that cost a uk price of £1150 pounds.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Ill have to give Amazon music a test drive, thanks for the tip Ian.

[@twochaudiomg2578]

I want the feet it sits on Or If you think another model is better. I want that 3 +3 =6 Need 6

[@SkyFiAudio]

Those are vintage audio technica. I bet you can find them on ebay.

[@chilluminare]

no xlr for this price range? its a no

[@mikeeygauthier2959]

Upgrade the fuse to Synergistic Purple! It’ll nock ur socks off!

[@willpolr]

So you’re sick of your iPhone when you get home, which is why you like the display on this which is as sibilant to a smart phone as possible? Honestly I think you’re just finding stuff to like on that piece of equipment 🙄 £££

[@SkyFiAudio]

Perhaps I can make phone calls from the Rose. That would solve everything :-).

[@willpolr]

@@SkyFiAudio or perhaps you’ll do anything to make money? 🤣

[@jeffsussman9310]

As I understood him, holding a phone, with its other distractions, is the experience he prefers to set aside while listening to his system. The familiarity of the touch screen OS would not (for me) detract from the benefit of physically interacting with the component. I’m surprised you missed his point, or maybe you were just trolling…

[@willpolr]

@@jeffsussman9310 nope not trolling ffs. Is that what you always say when someone has an opinion of their own? Trolling is yet another word used to put down anyone who doesn’t play along. It’s not trolling. It’s being real. Are you trolling me? 🙄

[@dbmccoy12]

I want information on things in the immediate area. So what was the speaker the unit was sitting on when first pictured ????? You are overly talkative, too much commentary. You and your customer would benefit from getting to the point more quickly.

[@hifirulezzz]

I bet with this DAC circuitry it will sound cold, dry, non interesting. Eversolo did a better job. I believe Hifi Rose is way overpriced.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

don’t you think it’s a little risky making judgments like that? what if you’re really just coping over retail prices, for example

[@hifirulezzz]

@@WeeWeeJumbo I had a chance to try multiple capacitor series, OpAmps, and after all, I build my opinion, that price does not matter, it is possible that a $100 DAC will sound more live than a $5k DAC. And I was playing on stage for 7 years in my life. I know how instruments sound. Some modern DACs make a nice sound, which is not the same as the real sound of Trumpets or Drums. Hate this.

[@jessielubay8229]

You featured a lot of bells and whistle, but playing sound which is the main part of your presentation is not being done. Useless

[@SkyFiAudio]

Sounds just like every other streamer to me.

[@SkyFiAudio]

There are lots of reviews out there that talk and talk about how this streamer sounds. Perhaps reference those. To me its just a bunch of subjective opinions that dont provide much value. I tend to stick to the technical.

[@kadaad]

Все хорошо, кроме неадекватного ценника. Everything is good, except for the inadequate price tag.

[@SkyFiAudio]

What do you think it should cost?

[@kadaad]

@@SkyFiAudio Это может стоить сколько угодно, просто есть прекрасные альтернативы за ценники в разы меньше. It can cost anything, it's just that there are great alternatives for a fraction of the price.