ROSE RS250A

HiFi ROSE RS250A – Music Server, Network Streamer, DAC and Preamplifier

HiFi ROSE RS250A is a high-end music server and network streamer designed to become the digital heart of a modern Hi-Fi system. An evolution of the previous RS250, it combines an ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DAC, an analogue preamplifier section, high-resolution network streaming, local music library management, 4K video playback and a large 8.8-inch touchscreen display.

The RS250A combines the functions of a streamer, DAC, preamplifier and music server in a single sophisticated component, making it particularly versatile for traditional Hi-Fi systems as well as configurations using power amplifiers or active loudspeakers.

Digital playback reaches up to 32-bit / 768 kHz PCM and native DSD512, with full MQA decoding. Connectivity includes Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, DLNA, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, digital and analogue inputs, and an HDMI 2.0 output supporting video content up to 4K.

ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DAC

At the heart of the digital section is the prestigious ESS SABRE ES9028PRO, an 8-channel DAC designed for high-performance audio applications.

The RS250A combines the converter with a 100 MHz ultra-low phase-noise Femto oscillator and an analogue section based on HiFi ROSE Discrete OP AMP technology, helping to minimise jitter and preserve signal integrity.

The analogue section also employs ten single operational amplifiers, contributing to low noise, high dynamic performance and extremely low distortion.

High-Resolution Playback up to DSD512

The RS250A is designed to handle virtually all modern digital audio formats, supporting up to 32-bit / 768 kHz PCM and DSD512.

It also features Full MQA Decoder functionality, while compatibility with the major lossless formats allows users to take full advantage of both local music libraries and high-resolution streaming services.

8.8-inch Touchscreen Display

One of the RS250A's most distinctive features is its large 8.8-inch Wide IPS multi-touch display.

The 1920 × 480 pixel resolution provides clear and detailed presentation of album artwork, track information, playlists and interface elements.

The display is not merely an aesthetic feature: it allows the unit to be operated directly and makes navigation through the music library particularly intuitive.

Rose OS and Powerful Hardware Platform

The RS250A runs Rose OS, a proprietary operating system based on Android and optimised specifically for multimedia playback.

The system is powered by a Hexa-Core CPU consisting of two Cortex-A72 cores running at up to 1.8 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores running at up to 1.4 GHz, together with a Mali-T864 GPU and 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory.

This hardware platform ensures smooth operation of the interface, music libraries and the numerous multimedia functions integrated into the player.

Streaming and Music Services

The RS250A offers broad compatibility with the leading streaming ecosystems.

• Tidal
• Qobuz
• Apple Music
• Spotify Connect
• Roon Ready
• AirPlay
• DLNA
• Bluetooth

Network connectivity is provided through Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

Music Server and SSD Storage

The RS250A can be transformed into a genuine local music server thanks to its internal SATA 3.0 SSD slot.

An SSD of up to 4 TB can be installed, allowing a large music library to be stored directly on the device without continuously relying on a computer or external NAS.

Two USB 3.0 ports are also provided for connecting external storage devices, with support for the major file systems.

Hi-Fi Preamplifier

Thanks to its variable-level RCA analogue output, the RS250A can be used directly as a digital preamplifier.

It can therefore be connected directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, eliminating the need for a separate preamplifier.

An analogue RCA input is also provided, together with optical, coaxial and USB Audio digital inputs.

4K Video Playback

The RS250A is not limited to audio. Its HDMI 2.0 output allows connection to a television or projector and supports video content up to 4K / 60 Hz.

Through the ROSE ecosystem, users can also access RoseTube for music videos, concerts and other multimedia content directly from the system.

Comprehensive Connectivity

The rear panel provides an extensive range of connections, allowing the RS250A to integrate into virtually any modern Hi-Fi system.

Inputs include RCA analogue, optical, coaxial and USB Audio. Outputs include RCA analogue, optical, coaxial, USB Audio and HDMI 2.0.

A 6.35 mm headphone output is also provided for personal listening directly from the unit.

Bluetooth, AirPlay and DLNA

Wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth 4.0, AirPlay and DLNA.

These technologies make it easy to send music from smartphones, tablets, computers and other compatible devices.

Low-Noise Power Supply

The power supply section has been designed to provide clean and stable power to both the analogue and digital circuits.

Its low-noise architecture is intended to minimise interference and preserve the performance of the DAC and analogue output stage.

Construction and Design

The chassis is constructed from machined aluminium, providing both thermal dissipation and protection against radio-frequency interference.

With dimensions of 278 × 231 × 83 mm, the RS250A can be easily integrated into both traditional Hi-Fi systems and desktop configurations.

Available Finishes

The HiFi ROSE RS250A is available in two finishes:

• Black
• Silver

Both versions share the same technical specification and differ only in their exterior finish.

Key Features

• Music Server / Network Streamer / DAC / Preamplifier.
• ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DAC.
• 100 MHz ultra-low phase-noise Femto oscillator.
• HiFi ROSE Discrete OP AMP.
• 10 single OP AMP configuration.
• PCM playback up to 32-bit / 768 kHz.
• Native DSD512 playback.
• Full MQA decoding.
• 8.8-inch Wide IPS multi-touch display.
• 1920 × 480 pixel display resolution.
• Rose OS based on Android.
• Hexa-Core CPU.
• 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM.
• Tidal.
• Qobuz.
• Apple Music.
• Spotify Connect.
• Roon Ready.
• AirPlay.
• DLNA.
• Bluetooth 4.0.
• Gigabit Ethernet.
• Dual-band 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
• SATA 3.0 slot for SSDs up to 4 TB.
• 2 × USB 3.0 ports for external storage.
• USB Audio input.
• Optical input.
• Coaxial input.
• Analogue RCA input.
• Variable/fixed RCA preamplifier output.
• 6.35 mm headphone output.
• Optical output.
• Coaxial output.
• USB Audio output.
• HDMI 2.0.
• Video playback up to 4K / 60 Hz.
• Bluetooth remote control included.
• Black and Silver finishes.

Why Choose the HiFi ROSE RS250A

HiFi ROSE RS250A is an exceptionally complete solution for users who want to consolidate the main functions of a modern digital source into a single component.

The combination of ESS ES9028PRO DAC, PCM 768 kHz and DSD512 support, Hi-Res streaming, Roon Ready, SSD-based music server functionality, analogue preamplification and 4K HDMI output makes it considerably more than a conventional network streamer.

The large 8.8-inch touchscreen provides an intuitive user experience, while the aluminium construction, dedicated analogue section and Femto oscillator contribute to making the RS250A a sophisticated digital source for high-quality and high-end Hi-Fi systems.

Technical Specifications