About the HiFi Rose RA280 and RS151

Product highlights:
- bundle includes RA280 integrated amplifier and RS151 network streamer
RA280 integrated amplifier features:
- Class AD amplification uses super-efficient GaN (Gallium nitride) FET output switching for smooth, accurate sound
- 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.007% THD, with 2 channels driven (FTC Power Output Rating)
- frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz (or 10-85,000 Hz @ -3dB)
- signal-to-noise ratios: 109dB (balanced), 109dB (unbalanced), and 85dB (MM phono)
- large volume knob and illuminated analog level meters
- 1 balanced analog stereo XLR input, 3 line-level analog stereo RCA inputs, and 1 analog stereo RCA phono input for moving magnet cartridges
- binding posts for connecting a pair of speakers and a mono RCA output for connecting a powered subwoofer
- 16-15/16"W x 4-1/16"H x 14-15/16"D
- weight: 20.95 lbs.
RS151 music and 4K video streamer features:
- customized Android operating system
- 15.4-inch-wide high-definition capacitive touchscreen LCD display
- ESS SABRE ES9039PRO DAC provides up to 32-bit/768 kHz resolution
- HDMI video output with up to 4K resolution and HDMI ARC audio input
- digital inputs include: Toslink optical, coaxial, USB Type-B, and AES/EBU digital XLR
- digital outputs include: Toslink optical, coaxial, I2S-HDMI, and AES/EBU digital XLR
- stereo XLR balanced and stereo RCA unbalanced preamp outputs
- 16-15/16"W x 4-7/8"H x 12-9/16"D
- weight: 24.25 lbs.
Other info:
- warranty: 1 year
- Item # 700RS151S
What's in the box:
- HiFi Rose RS151:
- Network streamer
- 6' AC power cord
- Remote control
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- Wireless/USB dongle
- 4 Screws
- Owner's Manual
- HiFi Rose RA280:
- Integrated amplifier
- AC power cord
- 6' AC power cord
- Remote control
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- Owner's Manual
More details on the HiFi Rose RA280 and RS151

Features & specs
Performance Specs | ||
---|---|---|
Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) | 250 (FTC Power Output Rating) | |
Watts RMS per Channel (6-ohms) | Not given | |
Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) | 250 | |
Frequency Bandwidth at Rated Power | --- | |
THD at Rated Power | Not given | |
Minimum Impedance | Not given | |
Amplifier Class | --- | |
Signal to Noise Ratio | Not given | |
DAC Bit Depth | 32-bit | |
DAC Sample Rate | 768 kHz | |
Features | ||
Built-in DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) | Yes | |
Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | |
Built-in Radio Tuner | None | |
Room Correction | --- | |
High-res Audio Playback | ||
From Network | Yes | |
From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) | Yes | |
From Computer (USB-B) | Yes | |
From Computer (USB-C) | No | |
Bluetooth | ||
Version Info | 5.4 | |
Receiver Mode | Yes | |
Transmitter Mode | No | |
AAC Playback | No | |
aptX Playback | Yes | |
aptX-HD Playback | No | |
LDAC Playback | No | |
Connections | ||
RCA Line-level Inputs | 3 | |
XLR Line-level Inputs | --- | |
Phono Input | Yes | |
Optical Digital Inputs | 1 | |
Coaxial Digital Inputs | 1 | |
USB Input | Yes | |
HDMI Inputs | eARC | |
Stereo Preamp Outputs | RCA, XLR | |
Subwoofer Outputs | Mono-RCA | |
Recording Output | --- | |
HDMI Output | --- | |
Home Theater Bypass | No | |
Pre-out/Main-in Loop | No | |
Headphone Output | No | |
Removable Power Cord | --- | |
Streaming Compatibility | ||
Apple AirPlay | Yes | |
Apple AirPlay 2 | No | |
DTS Play-Fi | No | |
Google Cast | No | |
Roon | Ready | |
HEOS | No | |
BluOS | No | |
Sonos | No | |
Dimensions and Warranty | ||
Width (inches) | 16-15/16 | |
Height (inches) | 4-1/16 | |
Depth (inches) | 14-15/16 | |
Weight (pounds) | 20.95 | |
Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Labor Warranty | 1 Year |
Product Research
HiFi Rose RS151 Network Streamer
HiFi Rose RA280 Integrated Amp
Class AD Amplification: The HiFi Rose RA280 employs a state-of-the-art Class AD Amplifier which combines the benefits of Class A, Class AB, and Class D amplifier technologies without any of the limitations. The Class AD Amplifier uses a new GaN FET material instead of the commonly used Silicon FET to solve the limitations of previous amplifier designs. Power damping and dead times were reduced to 1/10 or less, dramatically improving linearity to create a near-perfect sound that exceeds the boundaries between digital and analog amplifier technologies. As a result, all you'll hear is a smooth and natural sound from your music. The stereo integrated amp is rated 250 watts into 8-ohms @ 20-20kHz with 0.007% THD and 2-channels driven (FTC Power Output Rating).
Two Separate Mono-Amplifier Modules: The RA280 is designed with two separate amplifier modules that operate like a mono amplifier, supporting 250W (into 4-ohm or 8-ohm) for the left and right amplifiers respectively for a 500 watt total stereo output. The RA280 applies 2-stage analog filter technology designed by HiFi Rose to achieve the best sound quality. HiFi Rose's LC filter provides excellent frequency response by offering -1dB attenuation in the frequency band up to 65kHz and -3dB attenuation in the 85kHz range. This technology dramatically reduces carrier noised caused by the inherent switch of Class D amplifiers, providing clearer and cleaner sound quality in all bands.
High-Efficiency Power Supply: The RA280 features a custom-designed power supply circuit independently developed by HiFi Rose. This circuit uses silicon carbide FET instead of Silicon FET. Silicon carbide FET is a power semiconductor device with high voltage and high heat resistance. It offers higher efficiency and generates less heat than silicon FET, enabling optimal power supply. Based on innovation design of the material and structure, the RA280 stably provides high output while minimizing heat generation to deliver the best sound quality. In addition, the RA280 applies 2.5kW power factor correction (PFC) circuit independently designed by HiFi Rose and introduces a high-capacity condenser to maintain excellent performance even under rapid load situation. This allows for a stronger response in terms of stability and reliability.
Balanced & Unbalanced Analog Line-Level Inputs: The HiFi Rose RA280 has both balanced & unbalanced analog line-level inputs. There are three unbalanced stereo RCA line-level analog inputs and one balanced stereo XLR line-level analog input. Balanced XLR connections guard against induced noise and allow long cable runs without compromising sound quality.
Phono MM Input: The RA280 features a built-in phono amplifier with a MM (moving magnet) input and simple switch selection. The RA280 amplifies the very weak audio signal captured by the turntable's MM cartridge, processes it without distortion, and then uses high-precision compensation circuitry developed by HiFi Rose to deliver audio as close to the original sound as possible.
Binding Post Speaker Outputs: The HiFi Rose RA280 integrated amplifier is outfitted with a set of high-quality binding post terminals to connect a pair of 8-ohm or 4-ohm loudspeakers. The binding post terminals will accept bare wire (up to 10AWG), pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and banana plugs (single only). The binding posts are gold-plated for excellent audio signal transmission and resistance to corrosion.
Mono-RCA Subwoofer Output: The HiFi Rose RA280 is outfitted with a mono-RCA subwoofer output for connecting a powered subwoofer (sold separately). The subwoofer output is full-range, so your external powered subwoofer will need a built-in low pass crossover.
Front-Panel Controls & Display Meters: The RA280 includes a variety of front-panel controls that include Power, Source Selection, Volume, Dimmer, Bass & Treble, plus Tone Bypass. The integrated amp also features left and right VU (volume unit) Meters with three dimmer settings.
- Tone Controls: The RA280 integrated amplifier features independent Bass (100Hz) & Treble (10kHz) controls with balance adjustment. The Bass & Treble can be adjusted from -15 to +15 dB.
- Tone Bypass: You can bypass the RA280 integrated amplifier's tone circuitry (including Bass & Treble) for purer sound quality reproduction.
Remote Control: The included IR remote provides wireless operation of the RA280 integrated amplifier. The remote only provides limited operation of the integrated amp. Wireless remote control functions include Power On/Off, Volume Up/Down, and Mute.
12V Trigger In/Out: The RA280 is outfitted with a 12V trigger in (3.5mm) and 12V trigger out (3.5mm) to link power on/off functions between components that also feature 12V trigger inputs and outputs. .
Auto Standby: When the Auto Standby function is activated, the RA280 integrated amplifier will turn off and go into standby mode when there is no audio signal and operation for a custom set amount of time.
Detachable AC Power Cord: The HiFi Rose RA1280 comes with a detachable 3-prong IEC power cord that plugs into the back of the integrated amplifier and a AC power outlet or surge protector/line conditioner (sold separately).
HiFi Rose RS151
8-core Processor: With an upgraded 8-core processor (4x faster than its predecessor), 8GB RAM, and 32GB storage, the HiFi Rose RS151 network streamer delivers a smooth and intuitive user experience. This advanced architecture ensures that you can browse and play high-resolution files without lag, while support for ROON Ready and full MQA decoding unlocks the best digital playback possible. Plus, streaming services such as Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and internet radio load extremely fast and operate more efficiently.
- Toroidal Linear Power Supply: The built-in toroidal linear power supply of the HiFi Rose RS151 network streamer provides a clean and reliable power supply to the CPU and audio output circuits. The fully linear power supply and extra shielding block out noise that may be transmitted to the sensitive DAC for the best possible sound reproduction.
- Aluminum Chassis: A high-purity, one-piece aluminum chassis maximizes the RS151 network streamer's thermal efficiency. By minimizing the assembly area of the chassis, vibration that can affect sound quality is greatly reduced, creating a profound and ideal sense of space.
ESS Sabre DAC (ES9039PRO): The HiFi Rose RS151 employs an ESS Technology SABRE DAC (ES9039PRO) featuring 4th generation Hyperstream technology, plus a ROSE DPC module and upgraded Femto Clock for low noise, distortion-free, ultra-high-resolution sound and analog rich playback. Within the DAC section, the digital and analog signal paths are completely separated, ensuring that each circuit operates independently and with reduced interference. The result is a more precise soundstage with excellent channel separation and beautiful imaging.
- ROSE DPC Module: The Digital Processing Core (DPC) module is a technology developed by HiFi Rose that synchronizes digital signals and reduces jitter. By isolating this module away from the main CPU, it's possible to eliminate signal distortion and interference that's generated within the unit from the digital signal path. The result is accurately processed data, resulting in a natural and clean sound across a wide range of digital formats.
- Upgraded Femto Clock: The Femto Clock in combination with the DPC module precisely synchronizes any digital signal the DAC receives. The highly precise Femto clock applies clock synchronization and locking processes to minimize jitter, allowing for accurate processing and a natural, clear sound performance.
Hi-Res Audio Formats: Thanks to its state-of-the-art ESS Sabre DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and proprietary ROSE DPC processing with upgraded Femote Clock, the RS151 supports Hi-Res PCM audio files (up to 32-bit/768kHz), Native DSD music files (up to 22.6MHz), MQA Technology, plus many other audio formats.
- MQA: The integration of MQA technology enables you to playback MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. MQA is a revolutionary end-to-end technology that captures and delivers master quality audio in a file that's small enough to stream or download. MQA lets you hear your streamed digital music files exactly like the way the artist intended you to hear it when it was approved in the studio.
- Native DSD: DSD is high-resolution digital audio format that uses a single bit to deliver a high resolution signal. Instead of sampling the information several thousand times a second, this single bit samples 2.8 million times a second to generate the audio signal. The result is still a Hi-Res audio signal that clean and pure. The RS151 supports DSD64 (2.8MHz), DSD128 (5.6MHz), DSD256 (11.2MHz), and DSD512 (22.6MHz).
- PCM: The HiFi Rose RS151 also supports linear PCM audio files with a bit depth of 16- / 24- / 32-bits, and a sampling frequency of 8Hz to 768kHz.
- Other File Types: Other supported audio file type include AAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, APE, DFF, DSF
Balanced & Unbalanced Analog Connectivity: The HiFi Rose RS151 network streamer offers both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) connectivity. The RS151 features one analog stereo RCA line-level input for connection of an external source device with an analog line-level output. The network streamer is also equipped with a balanced XLR stereo analog output and an unbalanced RCA stereo analog output for connection to an AV receiver, integrated amplifier, or power amp.
- The balanced XLR & unbalanced RCA outputs can be set to Fixed or Variable to accommodate the volume adjustment needed for your audio system.
- The network streamer does not have a Phono input. If you want to connect a turntable, you'll need an external phono preamp (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) or a turntable with a built-in preamp.
Digital Audio Inputs/Outputs: The RS151 network streamer is equipped with an optical (toslink) digital input and output, a coaxial (S/PDIF) digital input and output, plus an AES/EBU (XLR) digital input and output.. The digital inputs allow you to connect a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player; while the digital outputs let you connect an external DAC. The digital inputs and outputs support 2ch stereo PCM audio (not compatible with Dolby Digital, DTS, or other multichannel surround formats). There is also an I2S output that allows connection to an external DAC.
- Optical (Toslink) In/Out: supports 2ch stereo PCM (up to 24-bit/196kHz) and DSD64/2.8MHz (using DoP)
- Coaxial (S/PDIF) In/Out: supports 2ch stereo PCM (up to 24-bit/384kHz) and DSD128/5.6MHz (using DoP)
- AES/EBU (XLR) In/Out: supports 2ch stereo PCM (up to 24-bit/384kHz) and DSD128/5.6MHz (using DoP)
- I2S Out: supports 2ch stereo PCM only (up to 24-bit/192kHz).
HDMI Connectivity: The RS151 network streamer is outfitted with a HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) jack and a HDMI 2.0 video output.
- HDMI eARC In: The HDMI eARC jack receives a 2ch stereo audio signal (up to 24-bit/192kHz) from your connected TV's HDMI eARC or ARC input. This allows you to watch TV, while listening to the audio signal through the RS151 and your connected audio system. *The HDMI eARC in does not support Dolby Digital, DTS, or other multichannel audio formats.
- HDMI Video Out: The HDMI 2.0 video out lets you transmit up to a 4K/60Hz video signal from the RS151 network streamer to your TV's HDMI input. You'll be able to watch video from RoseTube, USB-A, and SSD on the big screen.
USB Ports: The HiFi Rose RS151 is outfitted with two rear-panel USB-A 3.0 ports and a rear-panel USB-B port. The USB-A and USB-B ports support playback of a variety of audio files including MQA, PCM (up to 32-bit/384kHz) , DSD (up to 22.6MHz), WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, APE, DFF, and DSF. The USB-A port also support video file playback including ASF, AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 H.263, H.264, H.265, and more (up to 4K).
- USB-B (Audio Only): The USB-B port allows you to connect a Windows PC (7-up) or Mac (OS X) computer for playback of your stored digital music library on the RS150 network streamer. A separate USB audio driver will need to be installed on your Windows PC. A mac computer will not require a separate USB driver.
- USB-A (Audio/Video): Both USB-A 3.0 ports support connection of a USB MSC (mass storage class) device - up to 512GB, or HDD (hard disk drive) - up to 10TB. The USB MSC device or HDD must be formatted in NTFS or FAT32. Some HDD's will require an external AC power supply.
Notes:
- The USB-A ports do not support media playback from an Apple iOS or Android OS device.
- There is a third USB-A port (labeled "WiFi") that allows you to add WiFi and Bluetooth support through the included Wireless/USB adapter.
External Drives: The HiFi Rose RS151 allows connection of an external SDD or optional CD drive.
- SSD (Solid State Drive): The RS151 allows you to connect an external SSD (Solid State Drive) to its bottom panel. It can support SSD's up to 4TB and 7mm tall. A screwdriver and 4 screws are included for installation of an external 2.5" SSD (sold separately - not available at Crutchfield). The unit supports playback of a variety of audio and video files via SSD; including MQA, PCM (up to 32-bit/384kHz), DSD (up to 11.2MHz), WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, APE, DFF, and DSF. Video file playback is also supported; including ASF, AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 H.263, H.264, H.265, and more (up to 4K). *Video is transmitted through the RS151's HDMI output to a connected TV, projector, or computer monitor.
- Optional CD Drive: Connecting the optional HiFi Rose RSA780E CD drive (sold separately) to the RS151's USB-A 2.0 port allows you to rip Audio CD's to a connected USB MSC device, HDD (hard disk drive), or SSD (solid State Drive).You can even play CDs from the RSA780E in real time, effectively turning the RS151 into a high-end CD player with advanced digital processing.
Wired or Wireless Network Connection: The HiFi Rose RS151 network streamer offers a wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi) network connection to your router and ISP (internet service provider). The RS151 features a rear-panel Ethernet (RJ45) LAN jack for a hardwired gigabit speed connection to your network router. It also comes with a wireless/USB dongle that plugs into the rear-panel USB port (labeled "WiFi") for a wireless connection to your network router. The wireless/USB dongle supports dual-band 2.4GHZ/5GHz and 802.11ac.
- Spotify Connect: The integration of Spotify Connect will enable Spotify Premium users (subscription required) to instantly select and wirelessly stream music to the RS151 network streamer from within the Spotify app (Apple iOS or Android). Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of the largest music libraries in the world with millions of songs available.
- Apple AirPlay: AirPlay lets you stream your favorite songs directly from your Apple iOS (4.3.3+) device, Apple Music, or your iTunes (10.2.2+) library on your Windows PC or Mac computer to the HiFi Rose RS151, over your home's wireless network connection. From your Apple iOS device you are able to stream stored music on your device, downloaded music apps, and music on your iCloud to the RS151 network streamer. From your Windows or Mac you can stream your stored iTunes music library on your computer to the RS151; you can even download Apple's free Remote App onto your compatible iOS device to browse and control playback functions of the music stored in your iTunes music library on your computer that is being streamed to the network streamer. With AirPlay you also get to see song/artist information and album art via the RS151's front-panel LCD touchscreen. *The RS151 is currently not compatible with Apple AirPlay 2.
- Roon Ready: Roon is a feature rich music library and playback application that compiles all the music files available to your network and makes them easily available to play across the HiFi Rose RS151 and other Roon enabled audio devices. Roon manages digital music files (including FLAC, WAV, and DSD) collected on hard drives and networked storage. It can also access your Apple Music and iTunes library, as well as optionally integrate with the Tidal and Qobuz music streaming service. Roon is available for mobile, laptop or desktop devices. When you open the Roon app, it will display your complete audio library together with its metadata and artwork along with the RS151 network streamer and all other Roon enabled devices. Simply select the music you wish to play and the RS151 or Roon device in which you want to hear it on. * To use Roon you will need a Roon Server running on the same network as the HiFi Rose RS151. The Server is media software that runs on your computer, NAS, or player (sold separately) located on the network within your home.
Online Entertainment Services: The HiFi Rose RS151 network streamer gives you access to a variety of online video and music services - including RoseTube (YouTube client), Rose Podcasts, Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, and Internet Radio.
- RoseTube: RoseTube is a YouTube client developed by the Rose development team using the YouTube API provided by Google. Unlike YouTube, you can watch content without any advertisements before watching the content, and it provides a list of recommended contents suitable for HiFi enthusiasts. And regardless of the video quality, the highest quality audio tracks are always selected for playback, allowing you to enjoy YouTube in high quality.
- Rose Podcast: Rose Podcast (provided by iTunes) offers the most popular channels that are organized by topic. You can create your own subscriptions, playlists and favorite content.
- Rose Radio: You can listen to hundreds of Internet radio broadcasts from around the world with a Favorite (preset) feature, using Rose Radio.
- Tidal: Tidal is a global streaming service that offers millions of songs in either Hi-Res (up to 24-bit/192kHz), CD-quality (up to 16-bit/44.1kHz), or standard low-res (up to 320kbps). Tidal offers individual and family subscriptions.
- Qobuz: Qobuz offers the biggest catalog of HiFi and Hi-Res albums in the world, both for new releases and specialized genres. For hundreds of thousands of albums, Qobuz includes all the information you need to recreate the appeal of a real CD - the names of musicians, producers, lyrics (everything you need to know to appreciate your favorite albums). Qobuz offers MP3, CD, and Hi-Res quality subscriptions.
- Apple Music: Apple Music is a subscription-paid streaming service with over 100 million songs ad-free. Easily find your favorite artists, discover new music, listen to curated playlists, and get exclusive artist content and interviews.
Network Sharing: The HiFi Rose RS151 allows you to share your network digital music libraries via DLNA and UPnP. Compatible music files include MQA, PCM (up to 32-bit/768kHz), DSD (up to 22.6MHz), WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, APE, DFF, and DSF.
- DLNA Compliant: Through a wired or wireless network connection, the HiFi Rose RS151 can be used as a DLNA Digital Media Renderer and play back a variety of audio files from a Windows PC, DLNA server, and NAS (Network Attached Storage) device.
- UPnP (Universal Plug-n-Play): The RS151 is UPnP compatible, which enables you to play your digital music library stored on UPnP servers (such as a network server with integrated UPnP software,Windows PC, or Mac OS X computer) through the HiFi Rose network streamer.
Bluetooth 5.4:The HiFi Rose RS151 features built-in Bluetooth 5.4 (through the use of the included wireless/USB dongle) with support for wireless music streaming (A2DP 1.4) and control (AVRCP 1.6.2). You'll be able to wirelessly stream stored music, music apps and other audio content on your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer to the RS151 network streamer. You'll also be able to control basic playback functions Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, and Volume Up/Down from the included remote. In addition, song/artist/album information (no album art) will be displayed on the RS151''s front-panel LCD screen. SBC and aptX audio codecs are supported.
- SBC: The SBC (Sub-Band Coding) is Bluetooth's standard audio codec that is universally compatible with all Bluetooth-enable devices. SBC supports up to 320kbps.:
- aptX: Qualcomm's aptX is an audio codec that can provide "CD-quality" music (up to 16-bit/44.1kHz). The RS151 will automatically utilize aptX when connected to a source (such as Android) that supports aptX.
Note: You can pair multiple Bluetooth source devices with the RS151 network streamer, but only one source device can be connected and used for playback at a time.
15.4" Capacitive Touchscreen: The HiFi Rose RS151 network streamer features a full-color 15.4" TFT capacitive touchscreen LCD panel for an intuitive user interface with simple operation. In addition to simple touchscreen operation, the 15.4" LCD panel will playback HD video from RoseTube, USB, and SSD. The front-panel 15.4" LCD also displays song/artist/album information (including album art) from select online music services and your network music collection. The touchscreen UI (User Interface) is customizable and includes advanced visual elements like VU meters. The LCD touchscreen will also display time, date, and weather.
Remote Control: The HiFi Rose RS151 comes with an IR remote control, supports the Rose Connect Premium App, and offers a 12V Trigger In/Out.
- IR Remote: The HiFi Rose RS151 comes with an IR (infrared) remote controller for wireless operation of the network streamer. However, the remote only provides basic control of the RS151 and you'll still need the Rose Connect app (see below) for complete control of the network streamer.
- RoseConnect Premium App: The RoseConnect Premium App (for Apple iOS 15.0+, Android OS 8.0+, Windows 7-up, and Mac OS X) allows you to conveniently setup and operate the HiFi Rose RS151 network streamer from your compatible Apple iOS device, Android OS device, Windows PC, or Mac computer.
- Trigger In/Out: The addition of Trigger In/Out (3.5mm) also enables seamless power synchronization with other HiFi components, making the RS151 an even better fit for your audio system.
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