Ready for Any System: Versatile HiFi Rose RS520 Network Streamer/Integrated Amplifier Is an Audiophile-Grade One-Box Solution That Gets Everything Right
You should have the same control over the music you play as your amplifier has driving your speakers. The HiFi Rose RS520 streamer/integrated amplifier gives you both — and plenty more. Outputting a powerful 250Wpc, this one-box hub comes with an ESS ES9038PRO DAC, discrete op amp, and support for all major streaming services. It merges the fundamentals of HiFi Rose’s RS150 and RA180 models into a single unit that syncs with traditional stereo systems, home theaters, and sleek setups with active speakers. And it rocks.
Connectable to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, RS520 benefits from active power factor correction (for efficiency) and gives you the option to employ equalization. It also processes 4K video via its HDMI 2.0 output and interfaces with TVs by way of an on-board HDMI eARC input, meaning you can use it as the go-to anchor of an AV setup. Apple AIrPlay and DLNA ability, WiFi and Bluetooth interfacing, app controllability, and a provided remote control further allow you to enjoy RS520 with splendid ease. Intuitive organization of TIDAL, Spotify, Qobuz, and your local files adds to the convenience factor.
Apart from its standout functionality, connectivity, and appearance — cue the customizable, 12.6-inch-wide, full-color, high-def touchscreen LED display — RS520 plays with warm, smooth, rich sound distinguished by uncommonly low distortion and revealing quiet. Full MQA, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, and DSD512 playback attest to the nearly 18-pound device’s prowess with high-res streams and files. A trio of USB 3.0 inputs invite you to hear your disc collection through its premium DAC; just connect your CD or DVD player. RS520 can also connect to an external DAC, computer, NAS, phone, and/or tablet.
Housed in a highly durable aluminum case in which all four sides were produced as one part to cut down on vibration and noise, RS520 shirks on nothing. Whether you’re looking to stream music in audiophile fidelity; organize your collection; explore radio and podcast options; upgrade your AV experience; or simply control over your entertainment — RS520 can do it all (and do it extremely well).
Please reach out to a Music Direct audio consultant if you have any questions on this 5 x 13.625 x 12.92-inch (HWD) hub or are interested in a risk-free in-home audition.
“The RS520 strikes a smart balance between liquidity and detail. On almost every track, the soundstage was wide and convincing, not only left to right, but also front to back. …It’s a serious piece of cutting-edge technology, uniquely outfitted with a user interface that’s infused with playfulness.”
— Stereophile
“Having delivered fine-sounding network players and an amplifier, HiFi Rose brings it all together in this highly accomplished all-in-one unit. There's plenty to play with, or you can just connect your favorite speakers and get on with enjoying the music.”
—Hi-Fi News, Outstanding Product
"What makes the RS520 streaming amplifier interesting is that it blends technology from two of [the company's] existing products: the RS150 streaming DAC and RA180 integrated amplifier....
—Ian White, Ecoustics
Superb Engineering for Terrific Sound
The discrete HiFi Rose operational amplifier is designed for low noise and infinitesimal distortion. The result is playback with clear, astonishing dynamics, featuring shimmering treble notes, authentic midrange, and ultra-deep bass.
Powerful, Cool, Quiet, and Efficient
Power factor correction (PFC) is applied for tremendous efficiency improvement, enabling the unit to respond to a wide range of input power, and to run cool, without noise or hum. The Class AD amplifier in the RS520 uses the GaN (gallium nitride) FET to dramatically reduce "dead time" by one third. RS520's equalizer function can set the frequency band for amplification and attenuation, and can adjust the bandwidth of the Q-factor for each frequency. Five frequency bands can be set, and each can be adjusted up to ±10dB.
Innovative HiFi Rose OS System
HiFi Rose performance is officially certified as High-Resolution Audio by the Japan Audio Society. HiFi Rose's proprietary OS system provides a unique listening environment, as well as the flexibility to seamlessly incorporate multiple HiFi Rose products into your system. In addition to playing and streaming high-res music, this ecosystem offers a variety of services, including 4K high-definition video playback, music-oriented YouTube listening, podcasts, various radio stations from around the world, CD playback, and CD ripping.
Operating System: Customized Android 7.1
Display: 12.6" Wide Viewing Angle Multi-Touch Panel
Output power: 250W (8 or 4 ohms)
Speaker impedance: 4~8 Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 109dB at 1kHz (250W into 8 ohms)
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
Supported Codec:
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 H.26
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
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)
Dimensions (WDH): 13.6" x 15" x 5"
Weight: 17.86 lbs.
Accessories: Power Cord x 1, Bluetooth Remote Controller x 1 (AAA Battery x 2), Manual x 1, SSD Screw x 4