Description

The Rose RS250A is one network streamer compact entirely designed and built in South Korea, which combines in a single frame digital source, DAC e preamplifier with volume control. Digital/analog conversion is handled by the chip ESS SABRE ES9028PRO 32-bit with eight-channel Hyperstream architecture, whose signals flow into an analog stage built around ten discrete op-amps developed by Rose: a choice that translates into a very low noise floor and a declared dynamic range of up to 135 dB. Upstream works a Femto Clock from 100 MHz to ultra-low noise fase, while the power supply is of the shielded linear type with an encapsulated toroidal transformer, an uncommon solution in this price range and useful for keeping the audio section separate from the noise generated by the digital part.

Playback is bit-perfect up to PCM 32bit/768kHz e DSD512 native (22,5792 MHz), with decoding MQA full decoder for Tidal Masters catalogs. The system operaThe tivo Rose OS, based on a customized Android 7.1 and powered by a hexa-core CPU with 4 GB of memory, integrates apps for Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Roon Ready, internet radio, and Rose Tube, as well as network playback from NAS and DLNA/UPnP servers via SMB, FTP, and WebDAV. Anyone wondering what the best network streamer is for listening to DSD and Qobuz files in high resolution without adding a computer to the mix will find a complete answer here, as library management is done directly on the display. 8,8-inch multi-touch IPS LCD (1920 x 480 pixels), showing cover art, metadata, virtual VU meters and full-screen video.

The RS250A is also a multimedia player: the HDMI 2.0 output supports video up to 3840 x 2160 pixels at 60 fps with H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9, and MPEG support. On the connectivity front, there's a USB Audio Class 2.0 input that allows you to connect your PC and use the device as an external converter, alongside coaxial and optical inputs, an RCA analog input, and a full set of digital outputs. An internal bay accommodates a 2,5-inch SATA SSD up to 4 TB, while the USB 3.0 Type-A port supports external drives up to 10 TB and allows for CD ripping by connecting the Rose RSA780 transport mechanism or any USB optical drive.

In practice, the RS250A fits seamlessly into an existing system: connected to a power amplifier or active speakers, it acts as a source and digital preamplifier, while with an integrated amplifier, simply setting the RCA output to a fixed level is sufficient. The headphone output on the front panel, with menu-selectable impedance, is designed for occasional listening rather than for particularly difficult-to-drive headphones. The aluminum and steel chassis, just 278 mm wide, allows it to be placed even on a desktop or narrow shelf. Available in black and silver finishes.

Specifications

PCM max	32 bit / 768 kHz
Integrated streaming	Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Roon Ready, Audirvana, DLNA/UPnP, Rose Tube, internet radio, podcast
Integrated DAC	sì
Digital inputs	USB 2.0 Type-B (32 bit/768 kHz, DSD512), S/PDIF coaxial RCA (24 bit/384 kHz, DSD128 DoP), Toslink optical (24 bit/192 kHz, DSD64 DoP)
Digital outputs	USB 3.0 Type-A, S/PDIF coaxial RCA, optical Toslink
Bluetooth	A2DP Sink, AVRCP v1.3
Dimensions (WxHxD)	278 x 83 x 231 mm
Weight	3.2 kg
Trim	Black, silver
country of origin	South Korea
Electricity consumption	50 W
DAC chip	ESS SABER ES9028PRO, 32 bit, Hyperstream, 8 channels
DSD max	Native DSD512
Frequency response	17Hz - 80kHz (+/- 1dB)
Rapporto S/N	122 dB
Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.00028%
Analog inputs	1x unbalanced stereo L/R RCA

About the brand

Rose Audio represents the pinnacle of South Korean high-end audio, founded in 2014 in Seoul by a team of engineers specializing in advanced digital technologies. The brand positions itself in the premium segment of the international hi-fi market, distinguishing itself with an innovative approach to music reproduction that combines analog tradition and the digital revolution.
Rose Audio's corporate philosophy stems from the belief that technology should serve musical emotion, not dominate it. Each product is designed following the "Digital meets Analog" principle, where cutting-edge digital processing merges with refined analog circuitry to preserve the naturalness of the sound. The company constantly invests in research and development, collaborating with university laboratories and international centers of excellence to develop proprietary solutions that redefine the standards of modern high fidelity. Production, entirely carried out in South Korea at the Incheon facilities, follows rigorous quality protocols that include individual testing.dualfor each individual component and final checks that can last up to 72 hours for the top-of-the-range models.
Rose Audio's distinctive technologies revolve around the revolutionary DSD Pro Engine, a proprietary processor capable of handling audio files up to DSD512 and PCM 32bit/768kHz while maintaining the purity of the original signal. The ARIA (Adaptive Room Intelligence Algorithm) system represents a unique innovation in the hi-fi scene, using artificial intelligence to analyze the room acoustics and automatically optimize the stereo system's frequency response. The analog circuitry is based on the patented Pure Class Circuit, a proprietary topology that eliminates the switching distortions typical of traditional circuits, while the power supply uses toroidal transformers.dali custom made with special alloys to minimize magnetic interference.
The Rose Audio product range includes hi-res network players, high-quality integrated amplifiers, DACs, and complete audio systems. The RS line represents the brand's entry-level offering, offering network streamers and solid-state integrated amplifiers with native support for all major streaming services and wireless protocols. The Rose HiFi series offers more refined solutions, with reference-level SACD/DVD CD players and hybrid amplifiers combining tube pre-amplification and solid-state power amplifiers. At the top of the range, the Signature collection features monoblock separates and pure Class A power amplifiers capable of driving any floorstanding or bookshelf speaker with absolute control.
Rose Audio's product series are divided into specific categories to satisfy every audiophile's needs. The RS150 and RS250 lines include all-in-one network players with integrated touchscreens, perfect for those seeking maximum versatility without compromising on sound. The RA180 and RA280 models represent the next generation of tube integrated amplifiers, while the RT series offers high-end turntables with a carbon tonearm and magnetic cartridge as standard. For the most demanding audiophiles, the RPS series preamps offer complete channel separation and independent power supplies, ideal for driving high-efficiency floorstanding speakers or professional studio monitors.
Rose Audio has received numerous international awards, including the prestigious CES Innovation Award 2023 for the RS250 network player and the What Hi-Fi Gold Award for the RA180 integrated amplifier. The trade press has consistently praised the build quality and sonic performance of Rose Audio products: Stereophile called the RS520 CD player "a new benchmark for digital playback," while Hi-Fi World awarded the RA280 amplifier five stars for "exceptional musicality and explosive dynamics." Reviews from AudioReview Italia have highlighted how Rose Audio products combine technological innovation with respect for audiophile tradition, characteristics rarely found simultaneously in modern hi-fi brands.
Rose Audio's target audience includes advanced audiophiles, hi-res digital music enthusiasts, and audio professionals seeking technologically advanced solutions without sacrificing musicality. The price range extends from €2.500 for the entry-level RS models to €25.000 for the Signature systems, positioning the brand in the accessible high-end segment. Rose Audio products are particularly aimed at those with high-quality digital music collections who want to fully exploit the potential of hi-res streaming and native DSD files.
The Italian distribution of Rose Audio is entrusted to Audiocostruzioni, a specialized distributor that guarantees qualified technical support and direct after-sales assistance. The products are available at the best specialized hi-fi retailers and through the online channel. Audiocostruzioni, with the option of in-home testing for higher-end models. Technical support includes free firmware updates, specialized telephone support, and scheduled maintenance to keep every Rose Audio stereo system performing at peak performance. The authorized service network covers the entire country with specialized centers in major Italian cities.

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