The HIFi Rose RS130 Flagship Music Streamer Thrills! My full review!

Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @hifihuff
#HiFi #Audiophile #Stereo
My Website: www.stevehuffph...
Today I talk about my experience over the last 5 weeks with the HiFi Rose RS130 Digital Music Streamer. This one has tremendous build quality, style and premium parts inside to make for one refined sounding and looking music streamer. I talk about the build, the features that set it apart and the sound quality from this beautiful box. Enjoy!
Enjoy!
My Digital Stills Camera: bhpho.to/3JPSa8Y
My Video Camera: bhpho.to/3JPSa8Y
My Lighting: bhpho.to/3E5uoSV
My Soft Box: bhpho.to/45AhV5H
My Main Video Lens:bhpho.to/3QcCIYy
My Main Photo Lens: bhpho.to/3EiykAd
The best bang for the buck TUBE HiFi on Amazon Prime: amzn.to/3OJzBXa
Media Contact/Review Contact: [e-mail]

[@barrypatterson1154]

I’ve had my RS150B for over 2 years and I absolutely love it. I had to send it in and they had to replace the CPU. Got it back quickly and it works great now. Sounds fantastic and looks great. The app is the best I’ve seen on any streamer.

[@socratesliriano9852]

Finally, as of yesterday it is Roon Ready & Certified!!!!!

[@fredcostas1945]

About time someone reviewed MELCO AUDIO

[@brainache555]

Nice review! It would look even better in Rose gold or champagne color 😊

[@AF-rd2vf]

Nice review. I’m using an Innuous Zennith MK3 with a built in 2Tb drive with a built in CD ripper. It doesn’t look as nice as the HiFi Rose but it sounds fantastic. My DAC is the Holo Audio May KTE. Happy!

[@badgerdms]

I've got a Zenith MK3 as a server and Roon end point (and really like it), but the Rose RS130 is a better streamer, especially using the fiber connection. I've always wanted to hear the Holo May DAC!

[@enniol8043]

I am in the market for a higher-end streamer. Would you go Hi Fi Rose over Innous?

[@iansgalaxy]

​@@enniol8043that's going to depend on which Inneos product you are looking at... I was wondering the same thing.

[@socratesliriano9852]

I have the Rose RS 130 and also had RS 150B. The VU meters do actually work with the music on both. You must have had a bug, which happens once in a blue where VU meters are lagging behind. But other than that, they work most of the time. This unit sounds even better using the I2S output. Also, using the fiber sfp connection will improve the sound with a quieter background.

[@HiFiHuff]

Mine still do not match up to the music and never have. Have done all updates. I do not see this as a glitch as the 150B did the same for me, as does the Eversolo. The VU meters make for a nice light show but accurate they are not. Never saw a Rose piece be accurate in this area. If I turn off my stream, the meters go for another 20 seconds after the music stops. I also saw this with a 150 at a dealer no less. Im hardwired with 1GB fiber internet at this time.

[@socratesliriano9852]

I agree that it does lag. But mine does work. When I pause it stops on the spot, when press play it moves right away. It moves according to the music. But yes, it gets very laggy sometimes. Wish I was able to show it to you.

[@svampebob8226]

@@HiFiHuff I have a new rs130 with Rose cc 4.17.04, it is in sync

[@ducmoto1975]

my problem with a streamer is that this one is still a digital process which will be outdated probably in 3-4 years. From that perspective it`s not really a sustainable invest. But for everyone who is capable to invest the 5k easily without looking back this could be a nice enjoyment.

[@bigjohn6887]

and? This is what we do as audiophiles. We constantly upgrade to the next best thing. Whats the problem?

[@jamesrobinson9176]

very fair and accurate observation. in just a small amount of time the newest wiim or node for example will surpass this product.

[@bigjohn6887]

Not a chance!@@jamesrobinson9176

[@JasperSteenWinkel]

Outdatet; how? Can you explain a bit?

[@erics.4113]

I haven't kept the "anything" I love for more than a few years

[@MrMarcinPacyna]

Hi. When you use USB output, you don't use internal clock in Rose RS 130. I asked Rose, they confirm that. The same is in Lumin U2. When using USB output, you use clock which is in DAC. If you want to use internal clock from Rose, you should use another input, for example coaxial or AES/EBU.

[@ComplexityBenz]

Wow, that means if I use USB output I should not care about this oxco clock from any steamers anymore

[@gmp203]

Excellent content thank you very much. You've got a great presentation style and a voice that is very listenable

[@Stevie-F]

Great review. I had never heard of Hifi Rose. Would be great if you could review the Auralic Aries G2.2

[@ricosplace1]

The RS130 is now “really” Roon Ready. Using it now!

[@topside3]

I’ve been waiting for a review of this, as I’m looking to replace my Sonore OpticalRendu. It’s between this and the U2.

[@badgerdms]

This handily beats the Optical Rendu. I have an RS130 that replaced an Optical Rendu with the Deluxe Optical Module.

[@AudiolandCH]

If u use USB to your DAC. Get the U2.

[@nicka7248]

Burning question, how was this vs the Grimm MU 1 though?

[@viraljasubhai7747]

Grimm is a roon streamer and so very different. This one is a stand alone streamer

[@mrpmj00]

Why would you spend $5k+ on a highend DAC then cripple the sound quality with compressed Spotify?? Instead, get a lossless source like Apple Music.

[@paulstebbing1171]

Did you review this using Spotify only?

[@Pete.across.the.street]

It's Bedazzled😅

[@williamkobling8397]

Does this device have a Roon app that gets loaded on it via software update? How would one start using this with Roon? Perhaps it connects to an Ipad or Macbook with Roon software loaded on it? Via USB cable?

[@ptg01]

Gorgeous !!!!..Defintiely jewelry category as I never quite understood multi-thousand dollar network streamers....

[@i2ambler2002]

I do wonder.. what makes this 5200 dollars?

[@ericjohnson829]

I use Spotify because I prefer it's UI and have a large catalog there, but in a high resolving system I'm surprised that you still choose Spotify with it's max 320kbps mp3 quality stream ?

[@jedknutson8373]

That's what I was thinking...

[@tms372]

I know somebody trying to return a RS130, lots of issues.

[@Bill.K]

Can you please provide further details on what kind of issues? Hardware related, software regarding the user interface, etc. TIA

[@ovidiuvaduva2957]

They messed up in the last firmware....it should be resolved soon,i hope.Problems with Tidal and Qobuz,every time when u use them u need to login again....Rose firmware was very stable and bug free before....they will solve this bugs

[@lonecrowaudiollc.9050]

Never have had this issue.. I have had many RS130's in my store. People keep buying the floor model. I use both Tidal and Qobuz all day every day for my demos. No issues. @@ovidiuvaduva2957

[@HiFiHuff]

This one has had no issues. Zero. Nada. Ive had it for a couple of months now, daily use. Not one glitch, slowdown, power down, misconnect, disconnect, etc. It's been updates twice since I have had it. I also now own it as it was just such an amazing match to the Amber system. No other streamer I have here gets close to the sound this one has when it comes to rendering spatial cues and the depth of the sound. I have a hard time listening to other streamers now! With that said, I am not sure I will keep it for long term only because it is pricey for me, I am not a wealthy guy. If it ever leaves me it's one I would miss. One thing that I find a negative though is there is no Tidal connect. The Eversolo DMP series has Tidal connect. It's still not Roon certified (though neither is the Eversolo DMP A8) so they should have waited to release. Even so, it's such a great streamer here in my system. If I had issues though, I would not have even reviewed it let alone made the jump. Hope your friend gets his issues figured out. I recommend hard wire if possible to internet.

[@paulapridy6804]

I'm happy for you to have found a lucrative direction for your research. I look forward to discovering at some point n the future how that worked out for you❤

[@IvanMusicMan]

Have you compare it against Eversolo ?

[@robertthurston6858]

What about the Aurender N20 streamer ? Any plans to review or compare it ? Or their more expensive models ?

[@HiFiHuff]

Ive reviewed streamers in the $200 to $15k price range. I can only review what I am sent as I can not buy everything and so far I haven't heard a streamer like the Rose; ) No, I do not get paid a cent for my review. No I do not make commissions. Since I do not "play the game" I have to miss out on some gear and reviews. I have had to turn down some reviews of pretty nice gear lately because I wouldn't play that game. If I did, I could make some nice money but I got out of the camera review word due to having top play that game. I just cant do it. What is the game? One example. I had a big end speaker company who wanted me to review their new set of towers. I told them what I tell all who request a review (which helps their sales) "Send them along, usually takes me 3-4 weeks to get a review out as I have to listen, test, etc". I also do not allow companies to see my reviews before they post (many do, so they can ask me to make changes if they do not like what I say, DJI did this to me years ago so I was blacklisted by them for being honest and not changing my review). As for this high end speaker company, they wanted to come to my house (in a remote middle of nowhere area, 45 minutes from the closest gas, groceries or motel in the middle of the woods) and set them up and hang with me for a few hours. This is done so they can tell me all of the talking points they want me to cover in the review, also to try and be my friend so I feel bad if I say anything negative. Have dealt with this for 15 years in the review game. When I said I do not do the talking points thing, they refused to send me speakers and ceased all communication. They were worried they could not control what the narrative would be. So I said "so long suckers" and knew I wouldn't want to review anything from a company that does this. Little did I know just a couple of years ago but many companies do this and many even offer to pay for reviews. That is all well and good but I feel that would make me only say good things. I have taken discounts on dealer demos I review as I am doing marketing for them when I say good things. That is how I get paid, I get a discount if I want to spend. Lol. Anyway, I am not a "corporate" reviewer who takes gear in every couple days and has an agreement with the manufactures. It's why I do not just review everything. I only review what I try and only when I love it and would but it myself. A couple of reviews for some real budget gear was done for those asking for more affordable products. At the end of the day though this channel is not a business for me as it is for many others. I do not sell products. I am not a dealer. I do not make commissions. I do not get paid for reviews. It's why I also say what is on my mind, because I can and without fear or worry of saying the wrong thing.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

How does it sound compared to the Eversolo dmp-a6?

[@guillermomartin8248]

😂

[@manny2230]

🤦‍♂️

[@badgerdms]

A lot better, but depends on your system. I demoed the Eversolo against the RS150 and the RS150 was clearly the better streamer. The RS 130 is better still in the same system.

[@ovidiuvaduva2957]

RS130 is so much better...as it should with this difference in the price point...i tested it ...Hope it helps

[@caroltremblay3123]

Hello I'm curious if you ever tried Linn streamer/DAC and what you think about it.

[@maroz73]

hello sir, nice review : what about apple music . Is it possible to have playlists with different songs from tidal spotify etc .. thanks

[@robcaputo9708]

How does this compare to the Grimm and the Magna Mano?

[@Speccy48k]

Is this streamer compatible with the I2s input as well as external clock of the Denafrips Terminator II / Plus? I’m using the Soundaware D300Ref which is but I would be interested in a more versatile product like this one. Thanks

[@HiFiHuff]

Should be as it has a configurable I2s out and external clock connection.

[@jamesrobinson9176]

was using a dedicated laptop and smsl 8(something). got a wiim on amazon day. love it. pretty much all around better. now i can use my laptop for it's intended purpose, sh*t posting on the internet. 😆😆😂😂🙃🙃

[@mrvr6turbo]

I gather this one does not have EQ as it is just a streamer transport correct? Manual does not go through menus. This is in my short list.... ;)

[@jastorino]

Does it work as a Roon endpoint? Does it do DSD?

[@guygil]

yes and yes

[@craigosterberg5045]

Thanks

[@ziyichen6097]

Can rs130 play Apple music bit perfectly？that‘s very important，thank you very much！

[@andreschanes2770]

I prefer 4 Eversolo Master edition than 1 HifiRose, at the same cost.

[@mariopenzo]

You can build a Raspberry Pi based streamer/transport with parts from IanCanada including SC-cut clocks that will probably rival the performance of the Hifi Rose for under a thousand dollars. Heck, if you run volumio you can attached an apple superdrive and rip all your CDs.

[@badgerdms]

Then stop posting and go build it.

[@bigjohn6887]

Hahahaha Facts@@badgerdms

[@obscurazone]

Orchard Audio also. Top notch DAC streamer for around $800. No bells n whistles. No screen. Which is exactly what I want in a dac streamer.

[@thomashancock4987]

Thanks!

[@christoum74]

NO BUGS??? you cannot see the library rescan issue IF you have 50k+ tracks that takes forever to finish??? No DSD gapless palyback and many nany other bugs. You are true reviewing products??

[@baronofgreymatter14]

It is Roon ready now

[@HiFiHuff]

Yep, for a while now. Written review was updated a while back; with updates. Still own and love this streamer. Don’t know of any other I’d want in its place.

[@andreiskaldin7585]

Isn't a streamer supposed to just download compressed audio data, say FLAC, convert it to PCM, and send over to a DAC? It looks like such assumption is not correct because RS130 sounds better than other streamers. Does it mean the source is being somehow processed and the resulting PCM is not identical to the original?

[@YuengsNwings]

It doesn't sound better than other streamers. It doesn't even sound different than other streamers. Unless it's tailoring the frequency response in some way.

[@bigjohn6887]

🤦‍♂@@YuengsNwings

[@Fauxtonics]

The general public thinks that a streamer just pushes 1s & 0s, thus they should all sound alike. But as you pointed out, they do not. Why is a rather complicated answer. Suffice it to say that a digital signal is actually an analog square signal. The vertical “legs” of the signal are never perfectly straight. Some devices will produce straighter “legs” than others, thus resulting in fewer errors which is, in part, why not all streamer or DACs sound alike. Of course, there are other factors such as internal software (Grimm Audio uses proprietary in-house software installed on their programmable chips), quality of hardware, and type of power supply.

[@backrack01]

Looks nice, and I'm sure it sounds better, but based on what i got from your review.. it doesn't sound $5000-4400 better.

[@paulstebbing1171]

The 150 VU metres are in real-time, your 130 sounds like it has a fault.

[@badgerdms]

As are the 130. You just need to set them for the input and adjust it accordingly rather than output which will always be too high as most folks output at full volume.

[@ron101346]

Please, don't show any more VU meters! They only have value for monitoring the input of recorders and the output of amplifiers. Elsewhere they are useless decorations.

[@HiFiHuff]

I’ll show them if a device I decide to talk about has them. Many, and I mean many LOVE the look of them. I enjoy them. I do not care if they are “useless decorations”.

[@mrk8212]

One man's useless decoration is another man's eye candy

[@oohora]

Agree with useless.

[@Fauxtonics]

If anything, the various faux VU meters allow the user to have continuity between their other devices. Hifi looks matter.

[@peternilsson1645]

🎯👏👍🙏❤

[@-Gustavo.]

Placebo effect

[@svampebob8226]

Rofl. Why are these comments filled with children?

[@blairsprague8112]

Software continually blows up...stay away from HIFI Rose

[@JingoLoBa57]

What crap music intro starts a hi-fi review? This does 💁🏼‍♂️

[@bigjohn6887]

Toxic! Go play minecraft. lol

[@dtracy03ss]

​@bigjohn6887 no page can get away !

[@nickolaymiltenov]

These videos are annoying. You better buy a nice pair of microphones and start recording and uploading the sound. It is thousands of times better to hear once than to have descriptions from somebody.

[@HiFiHuff]

Wow, you are annoying yourself. Take a nap, maybe you will feel better. Smile, life is good,

[@nickolaymiltenov]

@@HiFiHuff Hahaha, it is always a great fun when someone tries to teach master Yoda how to use the Force. Hahahaha 😂😂😂