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HiFi Rose RS150 Network Streamer Preview

The HiFi Rose RS150 Network Streamer is a premium audio component that not only streams music but also functions as a preamp and even shows video.

With a large front touchscreen and a Bluetooth remote, you can stream music through AirPlay or straight from Tidal and Qobuz. You can watch video from RoseTube, HiFi Rose’s own curated music video library, through an HDMI 2.0 port. A premium Asahi AK4499EQ DAC promises fantastic sound quality through its balanced outputs.

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Though HiFi Rose calls the RS150 a streamer, it is far more than that. A powerful preamp section with volume control, toroidal power supply, and balanced output means you can hook it directly to your favorite power amp. I’ve just received one for review and right off the bat, I can see it’s premium all the way. The chassis is made from milled aluminum and weighs nearly 30 pounds. It’s the heaviest source component I’ve encountered although to be fair, it is a fully functional preamp.

It’s easy to set up too, with AirPlay that works right out of the box. I’ve already hooked it up to an Emotive XPA-5 and once I connected to my home network with the included WiFi dongle, I was listening to a Vivaldi bassoon concerto within a few minutes. The front touchscreen is super cool and something I’ve not seen before. It’s very responsive as is the Bluetooth remote.

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The RS150’s capabilities are extensive, and I’ll be spending quite a lot of time experimenting over the next couple of weeks. Watch this space for my full review!

Chris Eberle

Chris' passion for audio began when he took up playing the bassoon at age 12. During his third year at the New England Conservatory of Music, he won a position with the West Point Band where he served for 26 years as principal bassoonist. He retired from the Army in 2013 and is now writing full time and performing as a freelance musician in Central Florida. As an avid movie lover, Chris was unable to turn away the 50-inch Samsung DLP TV that arrived at his door one day, thus launching him irrevocably into an obsession with home theater. Dissatisfied with the image quality of his new acquisition, Chris trained with the Imaging Science Foundation in 2006 and became a professional display calibrator. His ultimate theater desires were realized when he completed construction of a dedicated cinema/listening room in his home. Chris is extremely fortunate that his need for quality audio and video is shared and supported by his wife of over 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys riding his recumbent trike at least 100 miles per week, trying out new restaurants, going to theme parks and spending as much time as possible watching movies and listening to music. Chris enjoys bringing his observations and discoveries about every kind of home theater product to as many curious and well-informed readers as possible. He is proud to be a part of the Team and hopes to help everyone enjoy their AV experiences to the fullest.

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