NEW HiFi Rose RS130 vs RS150B - a deep dive into high end streaming!

[@Puroplatino]

Can you please try both from the same external DAC. This way we can see if the 150b can stream in a similar capacity as the 130. If there is a world of difference between them using the same DAC then it would show many of us who are looking for a quality streamer how good this may be. Also comparing it to Aurender Auralic Innuos and Lumen and the like. Cheers

[@auditeacoustics1139]

Really informative video Lee. Being a traditional two channel man myself, streaming technology has left me behind somewhat but this is the sort of detailed look at equipment that's often missing from reviews.

[@ioniolivegrove2885]

Superb session, thank you for a very valuable comparison which I needed.

[@michaelp7185]

You have a new subscriber in me from the States! I have had the RS150B for well over a year and am happy with it. However, I will now try to bypass the internal Dac with my Schitt Bifrost 2/64 that I use for my head phone set up. If I can hear a difference I would probably just upgrade the Bifrost instead of upgrading to the RS130. Thank you

[@Keith-p5j]

Hi Lee I would pair the Hifi Rose RS130 with the Hifi Rose RD160 with the Silent Angel Genesis GX World Clock and Forester F2 Linear Power Supply & Smallgreencomputer Sonictransporter i9 which is a Roon/Plex server with fiber optical and much more

[@wwolfram33]

@ 21:22 ... How did you get most of the screen to display the album art? Also the kbps data as well? I have a RS130 and cannot figure out how to do this?

[@mrforbes74]

At the top of the screen where you see the track that is playing as a single line of text, just press it. That will expand into a full-screen view of the track.

[@Joe-ux2vy]

Picked one of these up around 10 days ago (Thanks for the fast delivery Lee)! and it replaced my 250A. I've finally been able to combine everything I love about the Rose and its streaming ability with my own high end DAC and the results are astounding. Really happy. I also opted for the Fibre Optic kit to use with the SFP port. Instantly noticeable upgrade Vs standard ethernet and the wireless dongle,

[@michaelp7185]

What DAC do you use?

[@Joe-ux2vy]

@@michaelp7185 a Chord Dave with MScaler

[@sgcancer]

What dac ?

[@Joe-ux2vy]

Chord DAVE with Mscaler

[@MotownAudio]

What is the fiber optic kit ?

[@edbrumbaugh9202]

Very informative, thank you. I'm considering pulling the trigger on a HiFi Rose for streaming, but haven't gotten past using my iPad Pro to stream Qobuz and Apple Music via USB to a DDC and then AES into my PrimaLuna EVO100 Tube DAC ... I haven't seen/read what the advantage to changing is? First world problems, Ha! My only comment on the video format is I think the segment transition is a bit harsh, I didn't need to see/hear that after every segment, especially with the sudden increase in volume. Thanks again.

[@YorkshireAV]

Thanks Ed for the feedback - agree on the transitions! For some reason it didn't show like this on our PC at home but have already adjusted i for next time. Regarding the benefits - you're using a source with the RS130 designed for super quiet noise floor, improved digital connectivity which is centred around "low noise". Couple with an appropriate DAC (via AES in your case) and you have a streaming solution that delivers on performance as well as aesthetics. Add in the other features if they're of interest (Rosetube for example) and one can enjoy another side of music too :)

[@jimfarrell4635]

Handy video. I have just ordered a 130 to replace an Aries G2. I could have gone for a G2.2, but my DAC is a Terminator Plus, so the I2S out was important to me, as were the fiber inputs. Also the large buffer and supercapacitor power supply are attractive. It's just a shame that, and I await confirmation of this, you can't synchronise clocks with the T Plus. I very much look forward to playing with it, hopefully sometime next week.

[@YorkshireAV]

Thanks Jim - glad you enjoyed the video! Enjoy your RS130 :)

[@baronofgreymatter14]

The cut scene music is VERY LOUD

[@matthewhoult1350]

Great video thank you. I was at Munich High End show this year where they launched this great producyt and I have to say it generated allot of interest I seem to remember ROSE was demoing the RS130 with the HOLO Audio MAY KTE DAC using there own intergrated amplifier into a pair of B&W 801 speakers the sound was rich and involving they was also taking advantage of the SFP fiber ethernet port. I also agree that the next product launch from ROSE has to be a stand alone DAC to partner with the RS130 and then maybe even a stand alone clock and then maybe even mono block amplifiers some time down the road, one thing is for sure the Koreans move quick on new product launches so I expect new products to be rolled out during the next 12 Months, exciting times.........

[@YorkshireAV]

Thanks for your message! So next up is the RA280 which lands in the next few days as well as (one assumes!) a NEW DAC! Very excited - stay tuned for the next video on this ;)

[@matthewhoult1350]

Looking forward to the next video keep up the good work 👍

[@trajan350]

Does the 130 have upgraded Apple Music capabilities? I read that there might be a separate HiFi Rose app for Apple Music to get HiRes. Is that true and/or is there an enhanced all-encompassing app to get hi-res Apple Music? Thanks a TON in advance!

[@nelsonclub7722]

Apple in standard res only

[@paulstebbing1171]

Lee, it would have been interesting if you had tried the external dac on both of the.

[@YorkshireAV]

Yeah I’ve done that as the next video. It’s not a common implementation but the results are very interesting. I also test optical vs wired copper networking. Just need the time ti edit it now!

[@TheDude818]

Did you get different performance coming out them via optical? Considering both of these but bypassing DACs to run digital directly into active speakers & I don't see the video you're referring to posted. Thx @@YorkshireAV!

[@YorkshireAV]

@@TheDude818 - hi there. Optical is a connection I never "go to" so to speak. I would always go Coax or USB if I had the opportunity to. The use case with optical into active speakers (assuming a DAC AMP on board?) is an interesting one - as longer lengths would likely provide better performance. What speakers do you have? I'll have Jenson test it on tuesday and I'll reply back here or email me [e-mail] and I'll give you the results there :)

[@TheDude818]

Optical wasn't my point specifically; just wondering about differences in output between the two if bypassing the RS150B's DAC.@@YorkshireAV

[@YorkshireAV]

@@TheDude818 - the RS130 was noticeably (and continues to be) the product of choice as a transport only. Improved noise floor with great dynamic range are the two immediate elements that individuals pick out. When you start "listening" using the RS150B in DAC bypass - you do hear slightly more compression in the audio - by that I mean, the overall imaging and soundstage / distance between objects close in somewhat and the background isn't as quiet.

[@fernandopiresmarques899]

Why HI FI Rose do not made a SACD Player?

[@noturnleftunstoned72]

I still use an X5ii as a transport to my Schiit stack😆

[@cundare3555]

Question: The Ayre EX-8 integrated's DAC has a TosLINK clock output. Is there a good way to connect that to the 130's clock input -- which seems to be, what, a copper BNC connector?

[@maroz73]

Very nice review. However , I am very dubious about the loudness of the music . May be it would be nice to protect the ears of people who are into Hifi . Cheers

[@stevewithrow]

Great video. I am looking at the 130. Can you please tell me the hub to use to convert my cat6 from the router to fiber ? Thank you!

[@pistopit7142]

I have a high quality external DAC connected to iPad Pro. Could someone tell me why would it still be beneficial for me to purchase dedicated streamer such as HIFI Rose? Thanks.

[@zaldam]

Best to try it yourself. I was using my Mac Studio into the Tambaqui dac via USB. Including Hifi Rose the sound gained more of an analog quality, more spatial information with performers presented in a truly 3D fashion. Very addictive! I would not want to be without it now.

[@OzSteve]

With the screen comparison section, are there dead pixels? If so, not what I'd expect for the price

[@YorkshireAV]

Nope - no dead pixels here and never had one back in for repair with them either 👍

[@CogitareEstVivere]

Amazing video ! How you’d compare the 130 to Aavik and Esoteric ? Thank you

[@YorkshireAV]

Sorry! Never tried the Aavik yet. Next video in production is Innuos Pulsar vs RA130 :)

[@CogitareEstVivere]

Thanks ! What audio rack you’re using ?

[@YorkshireAV]

Hi! It’s a SolidSteel Hyperspike. It’s the HY-4 model :)

[@thomastoochal2133]

Thank you for the informative video. I’m currently shopping for a streamer and dac to accompany my Aric Audio Custom 300b and Audio Note e/lx speakers. I’m currently demoing an Audio Note dac and looking at the Terminator 2. My shopping is focused on a standalone streamer and the Hifi Rose rs130 came out at the right time. Going to wait to hear some reviews of the sound before I decide. My other streamer option is the Lumin u2. I was a bit confused regarding the Ethernet sps connection. Does it take a standard Ethernet lan line? Thanks in advance for your help.

[@YorkshireAV]

Hi - thanks for your comment. The SFP is a universal standard port. It's down to the end user to decide what termination they wish to use in their equipment. You can get a CAT6 SFP (GBIC) but it's not recommended due to latent noise in the circuit. We use an LC Single Mode SFP here (comes with the MC01 kit we are using) which provides us with the connectivity. I wouldn't recommend relying on reviews for your purchase - it should provide you with a list of candidates to try. See if you can get a demo somewhere if possible? We've been running it all day with AudioQuest during an instore event and it's performed and sounded great :) Reliable - 10+ hours of playback without a power cycle/glitch!

[@thomastoochal2133]

@@YorkshireAV Thank you for the reply. Glad to hear it’s run flawlessly for hours. Glitches usually show up pretty quickly in new products. As far as reviews are concerned, you are correct. There are a few guys on a particular forum who review and my tastes seem to correspond to theirs. As far as demoing from a nearby dealer, afraid that’s probably not an option. An in store listen of course but they don’t really tell you much on different equipment. But, it’s better than nothing. I will contact them again and ask when they will receive a unit. Thanks again and good luck with the new Hifi Roses.

[@Pinio7063227]

which output is best to connect rs130 to hegel h390?

[@stevenromero4882]

I didn't realize how massive these are 😮

[@leeshelford8381]

Hey Lee, nice video… if you have an open line to HiFiRose can you help the MANY people like myself who want to invest in the RS130 by asking HiFiRose WHEN they will implement Tidal Connect… just a level of commitment on short or mid term roadmap would trigger a flurry of RS130 sales, but no Tidal Connect commitment is the biggest purchase blocker for customers ready to invest in this level of Streamer! Cheers mate

[@christoum74]

Don't forget to address the serious software bugs. Rescan library takes forever to finish and no true DSD gapless playback and many mone. In the ROSE community page you can find anything

[@YorkshireAV]

@@christoum74 I’m aware there’s a big update (major release) which will resolve the scanning issues once and for all. Not aware of DSD gapless issues (that’s as I don’t have a DSD library) but I’ll take a look. Thanks 👍

[@markchristopher8515]

Yorkshire HiFi. Lee I just want to Convey That your Video of the 130 and 150B with all of the differences and explanations is EXEMPLARY Over any other KZbin Video that I have viewed to date, So a BIG Thank you. I am on the Market to Purchase a High End Streamer and the Rose 130 and or 150B are on my to purchase list. I am Currently Listening to music through Sound Cloud and Bandcamp, so my question is will this streamer accommodate these. You will have to Excuse my ignorance with Regards my lack of Education on streamers, so any help would be Deeply Appreciated. Kindest Regards, From Mark

[@rbyington22]

Does the 150b support Deezer

[@YorkshireAV]

Sure does!

[@timobi_1604]

Fantastic video. I just picked up an RS150b 3 weeks ago but now seriously considering returning it. I have a high end Esoteric DAC. I’m assuming this has all the video goodies to play? Like RoseTube & such?

[@YorkshireAV]

Thank you. Yes - the software and features in that respect are identical 👍

[@BT-gv7pi]

The music transition is too loud.

[@zaakchalal]

Exactly !!! Same case. Excellent video, but your intervals/cuts between sequences make for a very loud, ear-splitting sound. Try to put the same volume level between the lyrics and the musical cuts to avoid being surprised when listening with headphones!!!

[@nudebaboon4874]

Yet ANOTHER channel about audio with RUBBISH audio, guitar is way to loud and the voice audio way to low. Other non hifi channels, e.g mechanical engineering, can get their levels right in editing, likewise should apply here!

[@YorkshireAV]

​@@nudebaboon4874 thanks for the feedback. Still new to video editing - will check it out next time. Thanks!

[@YorkshireAV]

thanks for the feedback. Still new to video editing - will check it out next time. Thanks!

[@SirMountainpass]

The 150B and the shortcomings of the app (work in progress…) makes it an overrated / overhyped package.

[@blairsprague8112]

Anything from Hifi Rose is a disaster waiting to happen...over rich feature set with a ton of useless bells and whistles that needs to be maintained by wonky software that continues to blow up