HiFi Rose RS520 - All-in-One Network Streamer

The HiFi ROSE RS520 is a true all-in-one product with each section finely-tuned to deliver a performance that rivals many separate based systems. Even when matched with larger or less sensistive speakers, it delivers a delicate and musical sound quality that is controlled and pleasing across the frequency range.

System on Solid Foundations

Four surfaces of the RS520’s elegant housing are made from one piece of highly durable aluminium, reducing the number of separate parts required to produce the case. This one piece production method dramatically reduces the risk of vibrations transferring through the body and significantly reduces standing-waves, which can affect the end sound quality.

Like all Rose streamers, the RS520 is most identifiable by its large multi-touch screen. Measuring 12.6” wide, the 1920 x 515 resolution LCD panel provides a crystal-clear display that is smooth and enjoyable to interact with for complete control of your listening experience. Core transport controls can also be found on top of the RS520, for ease of use.

Introduction to the Rose RS520 with RS780 CD Tranpsort - Video

ROSE OS - Propriatery Operating System

At the centre of the RS520 is ROSE OS, HiFi Rose’s Android-based operating system, which opens up a world of music and video to your streamer.

Rose OS allows users to play music and video files from a local storage device (USB, MicroSD or SATA), or access files elsewhere on your home network with a DLNA connection to any NAS drives or other storage devices. The Music app gives a clean presentation of all your connected music sources and is easy to navigate and use. Rose OS also features built-in apps for Tidal, Qobuz and Apple Music - giving complete access to their extensive streaming libraries.

The Tidal app even gives access to the service’s music video streaming content for playback on the RS520 screen or via the HDMI output. On top of this already impressive feature set, the RS520 is also an MQA decoder, for full playback of Tidal Masters tracks.

Elsewhere, the CD and CD Ripping apps allow you to attach any standard external CD-ROM drive for convenient CD playback, or to rip CDs in highest-quality to any local storage device in a quick and intuitive way, all through the touch-screen interface. The Radio and Podcast apps give you access to extensive live radio and podcast databases, while Rose Tube gives you access to YouTube for music and video playback. Rose OS also offers support for Roon Ready, Spotify Connect and AirPlay, effectively bringing your entire digital audio experience into one elegant system.

Connect Anything you want

The RS520 is designed to be the centre of your audio system, and as such it boasts a variety of inputs and outputs. In addition to the Line input, there are also digital coaxial, optical and USB inputs, as well as an HDMI eARC input for connecting your TV. For connection to a wider system, in addition to the speaker binding posts, there are also options to connect to an external amp or DAC, as well as the HDMI output for watching video content on a connected screen.

Engineered for Sound

Every aspect of the RS520 is engineered for high-quality sound. Internally, key functions are split across separate boards with individual power feeds for optimised operation. Within the digital stage, the use of the class-leading ES9038PRO DAC chip alongside an ultra-precise femto clock allows for optimised conversion and signal handling. Similarly, in the IV circuit HiFi Rose have employed their own, brand new discrete operational amplifiers to deliver a sound with a wide sense of space and a warm tone.

In the 250W per-channel power amplifier stage, the same Class AD technology found in the RA180 amplifier is used. By using Gallium Nitride FETs as opposed to more common Silicon FET technology the amplifier is capable of a far more natural tone, like a pure analogue amplifier.

Technical Specifications

Analogue Audio Specifications

Further Information

HiFi Rose RS520 - User Manual (PDF)