The new RS250A features an upgraded DAC, opamps and word clock. The chassis gets an upgrade too, as it is now available in silver or black.
With a large touchsreen display, terrific user interface, and the ability to operate the RS250A with a remote one can fully configure and operate this network music streamer without a tablet or phone. The RoseApp is available for iOS and Android devices, and is also super intuitive to use. There are a ton of features and connectivity options with the RS250A as well. One can use it as a streaming DAC with volume control, driving a pair of powered speakers, or monoblock amps. Or use your own preamp for a full analog volume control. Last there is the option to use the RS250 as as a streamer only, keeping one's existing preamp and DAC in the system.
The Streamer
The streamer can connect via Ethernet or Wi-fi. It has a powerful Hexa Core CPU with an Android based operating system. This also means you have compatibility with Android AND iOS devices. One can add up to 4tb of internal storage, connect an external drive via USB, or access your music library on your home network's NAS.
The DAC
The RS250A uses a new DAC and clock with proprietary processing that offers a low-noise, low-distortion, ultra-high-resolution sound with rich analog density. Sampling rates go up to PCM 32bit/768KHz and native DSD512 (22.5792Mhz). In addition, there are 5 filters one can choose from for tailoring the sound to one's individual preference if using the Ethernet input. The USB input is limited to just one filter however. Additionally, oversampling can be implemented as well if desired.
Linear Power Supply
The RS250A is designed with a low-noise toroidal linear power supply. Something that is difficult to find at this price point.
Flexibility
One thing we found very interesting about the HiFi Rose products is the ability to set the analog output voltage. There is of course the variable setting if one wishes to use as a volume control. But there are several fixed settings one can use to optimize the gain for ones preamplifier or amp.
