HiFi Rose RS250A

Hi Res Audio and 4K Video Network Streamer, DAC, Preamplifier

HiFi Rose RS250A

Hi Res Audio and 4K Video Network Streamer, DAC, Preamplifier
$2,695.00
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Overview

The HiFi Rose RS250A is a streamer and a preamp that comes with the same sized 8.8-inch touch capacitive display and the same dimensional form factor as the RS201E, but this model steps up the build quality inside and out for a greater emphasis on sound quality. For starters, stepping up to the RS250A will get you a higher-performance 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chip.

HiFi Rose RS250

The ES9038 Q2M DAC is ESS’s extremely quiet 2-channel DAC that features a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter with ultra-low noise for a smoother, more natural, resolute sound. In terms of audio file playback, the RS250A can handle more hi-res audio formats compared to the RS201E—up to 32-bit/768KHz (MQA, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, DFF, DSF, AAC, CDA, AMR, APE, EC3, E-EC3, MID, MPL, MP2, MPC, MPGA, M4A, AIFF, PCM, DSD).

The RS250A’s internal power supply uses a fully linear configuration rather than an external switch-mode system, which minimizes electrical noise and distortion from being transmitted to the high-performance DAC. A linear power supply can give you the best possible sound, since it shields the power system away from the audio signal, while also providing clean, reliable power to the CPU and the audio output circuits.

HiFi Rose RS250 - Close up

Doubling down on all the optimizations to the internal components and circuitry, the RS250A’s aluminum enclosure is also acoustically optimized. Its high-quality aluminum front-top plate was processed as an integral unit to maximize thermal efficiency and to reduce vibrations throughout the chassis, which also added an extra 2 lbs to the RS250A’s overall weight. Additionally, there is a very smooth rotary-style control right above the headphone jack for a premium feel that just looks fantastic with the RS250’s silver finish.

The rear panel has similar inputs & outputs as the RS201E for connecting devices and other gear, but in lieu of speaker outputs, there is a pair of single-ended analog outputs for connecting a power amp or a pair of active speakers, plus three digital audio outputs, including—coaxial, optical Toslink, one USB Type-A audio output, and one HDMI 2.0 port that will output video with a resolution up to 3840 × 2160 at 60Hz.

For connecting with sources, there’s a pair of single-ended RCA analog inputs plus all the digital inputs, including—coaxial, optical Toslink, one USB Type-B audio input that will let you connect a computer or a laptop, plus another USB 3.0 Type-A port for connecting USB storage devices, and an Ethernet port to connect it over WIFI. The RS250A will also do Airplay, DLNA, Roon, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, and more.

HiFi Rose RS250 - Back view

If you have a legacy DAC that you just love the sound of with only S/PDIF inputs, then the RS250A could act as a network bridge. Or, use the RS250A as a DAC/preamp with a variable output, which is ideal for a power amp. You could also connect a phono preamp to the RS250’s analog inputs and use it with a turntable.

If you don’t need a built-in integrated amp inside your streaming DAC, stepping up from the RS201E to the RS250A will give you ESS’s flagship single stereo DAC for the best sound reproduction on 2-channel music. As a streaming DAC, preamplifier, and Roon Endpoint, it’s designed to be an all-in-one hub for a high-end 2-channel audio system.


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