The RS520 is more than just a source device with a built-in amplifier. It is a true all-in-one product with each stage expertly specified to deliver a performance that rivals multi-box systems. Even when matched with larger or more “difficult” speakers, it delivers a more delicate and elegant sound quality that is controlled and uniform across the frequency range.
Solid Foundations
Four surfaces of the RS520’s elegant housing are made from one piece of high-durability aluminium, reducing the number of separate parts required to produce the casework. 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.
ROSE OS
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.
But in addition to offering extensive music access, Rose OS is also engineered for high-performance sound. The Rose Audio Architecture within Rose OS can deliver pure audio data to a DAC without loss, thanks to the RoseAudioServer, developed in-house by HiFi Rose to utilise various signal processing technologies. These technologies effectively involve separating the audio data from all other processes required to run the operating system, meaning the audio signal is never affected when you are controlling other aspects of the RS520.
Connect what you need
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.
Do it all with HiFi Rose
The RS520 is a true full-feature product, but designed in a way to deliver a pure, warm sound that can typically only be experienced from an expensive separates system. With the added benefit of Rose OS, it is not just a series of convenient features forced together, it is a meticulously engineered device that offers every feature in the highest possible quality.
