Henley Audio has announced the UK availability of the HiFi Rose RS250 network streamer, which is the latest addition to the Korean digital audio specialist’s range of premium hi-fi sources.
Featuring a high-performance DAC and linear power supply, the reference-grade network streamer allows users to get the best from their digital music, while its wide LCD multi-touch screen provides users with simple operation. Users can also watch streamed videos on the screen as well as use its HDMI to output 4K video to a TV.
The RS250 uses a full linear power circuit to deliver a clean and reliable power supply to the CPU and audio output circuits, which results in the minimisation of noise inflow significantly. The ideal circuit layout employed also eliminates electrical noise and creates improved sound quality without distortion.
A highly precise femto clock is used to help the RS250 deliver distortion-free sound with depth and quiet, clear background imaging. The RS250 delivers a low-noise, low-distortion, and ultra-high-resolution sound, thanks to the built-in ESS9038 flagship DAC.
For ease-of-use, customers can use the ROSE OS as an app on iOS or Android, or through the built-in 8.8” touchscreen. ROSE HIFI is a dedicated remote control app allowing users to access all of the RS250’s features without having to touch the device. A new desktop version is due for release later this year.
ROSE OS allows users to play music and video files from a local storage device, including USB, MicroSD, or SATA, or access files elsewhere on a home network with DLNA connection to any NAS drives or other storage devices. The MUSIC app allows users to see what connected music sources are available.
The RS250 also features built-in apps for TIDAL and QOBUZ, giving users complete access to its high-performance streaming libraries. The TIDAL app also gives access to TIDAL’s music video streaming for playback on the RS250’s screen or via the HDMI output. The network streamer is also an MQA Full Decoder, meaning it plays TIDAL Masters tracks at the highest possible sound quality.
A standard external CD-ROM drive can be attached using the CD and CD RIPPING apps for convenient CD playback or to rip CDs in highest quality to any local storage device. RADIO And PODCAST apps give access to extensive live radio and podcast databases, while ROSE TUBE gives access to YouTube for high-quality music and video playback. ROSE OS also offers support for Roon Ready, Spotify Connect and AirPlay.
The RS250 functions as a complete digital hub and pre-amplifier for a fully customised system set up. With an extensive array of hardware inputs and outputs, most of which can be customised or adjusted to suit the user’s exact requirements, they have more control options for their music system.
There is also the option to connect to the network by ethernet (the preferred option) or by Wi-Fi. The supplied Bluetooth remote control gives extensive control over most of the ROSE OS system.
The HiFi Rose RS250 has an SRP of £1949.