HiFi Rose RS520: A versatile network player, DAC and amplifier

The Rose RS520 is a versatile network player, DAC and amplifier, featuring the brand’s premium design. Simply connect speakers and you’ll have a full-fledged, powerful audio system. The Rose RS520’s digital-to-analog conversion section uses the ES9038Pro DAC, which is found in the brand’s top-of-the-line models. The Class AD amplifier uses new GaN FETs. The Class AD amplifier in the Rose RS520 uses a new type of GaN (gallium nitride) FET, which significantly reduces dead time by a third, thus maximizing linearity. Moreover, with 250 watts per channel, this amplifier is suitable for many audio systems.

The Rose RS520 is equipped with a parametric equalizer for adjusting the level of specific frequency bands. Each frequency band can be adjusted within a gain range of ±10 dB. Predefined equalization profiles are also available. With its extensive connectivity options, the Rose RS520 can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you want to connect other devices and peripherals or enjoy wireless streaming via Bluetooth or WiFi, everything is possible. Your music has never been so accessible.

The Rose RS520 can be controlled directly via the ROSE Connect mobile app. This app allows you to remotely access all the functions of the device and control music playback as you wish. The Rose RS520 case is made from extremely strong 6000-grade aluminum using a technology that allows all four sides of the case to be made from a single element. This method is ideal for the chassis to be able to block vibrations that may occur between individual components.

Equipped with the flagship ES9038Pro DAC chip from ESS Technology, the Rose RS520’s digital-to-analog conversion stage achieves a very low THD+N of -122dB and a dynamic range of 140dB. This DAC also enables playback of high-resolution audio streams, supporting PCM up to 32-bit 768kHz and Native DSD up to DSD512. In addition, it features ESS’s exclusive jitter reduction technology, delivering incredible audio clarity.

The main reason for using power factor correction (PFC) is to improve efficiency. By using the active PFC method, the energy saving efficiency can reach 95%. In addition, it allows a wider range of supply voltage, from 80 to 265 VAC, while limiting the noise level.

The design of the Rose RS520 is focused on unchanging values. Refined aesthetics and robust construction with ample ventilation for optimal heat dissipation. The perfect combination of functionality and attractive appearance.

With a large 12.6-inch LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 1920*515 pixels, the Rose RS520 is an indispensable device. It provides intuitive navigation thanks to the ergonomic interface and offers a quality display for enjoying artwork or clips of your favorite albums and songs. Discrete OPAs developed by Rose are used in the IV circuit required for the DAC. The brand focuses here on an open circuit with high gain to achieve low distortion and noise. In addition, this OPA model has a wide bandwidth and power supply range required for high-quality analog amplification, adding a pleasant depth to the sound.

Rose RS520 Specifications

Inputs: 1x RJ45 Ethernet 10/100/1000 BASE-T/ 1x optical Toslink/ 1x coaxial/ 1x stereo RCA line-in/ 1x USB-B/ 1x HDMI eARC/ 3x USB-A (USB Host).
Outputs: 1x Optical Toslink / 1x Coaxial / 1x RCA Pre-out / 1x HDMI 2.0 (up to 3840 * 2160px 60Hz)
Wireless connection: WiFi 802.11ac Dual Band / Bluetooth 4.2
OS: Custom Android 7.1
Touchscreen: LCD TFT 12.6 ”
CPU: Cortex-A72 Dual-Core 1.8GHz / Quad-Core Cortex-A53 1.4GHz
GPU: Mali-T864, OpenGL ES1.1 / 2.0 / 3.0 / 3.1, OpenVG1.1, OpenCL, DX11
RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
DAC: ESS ES9038Pro
Supported streaming services: TIDAL / Qobuz / Apple Music / Bugs / ROSE Tube / Webradios / ROSE Podcast
Supported WiFi protocols: AirPlay/ DLNA/ Roon Ready/ Spotify Connect
Supported file systems for storage devices (USB Host): NTFS/ exFAT/ FAT32
Supported network file transfer protocols: SMBv1/ FTP/ Webdav
Supported sampling rates: PCM up to 32-bit 768 kHz/ DSD Natif up to DSD512
Supported audio codecs: MQA, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, DFF, DSF, AAC, CDA, AMR, APE, EC3, E-EC3, MID, MPL, MP2, MPC, MPGA, M4A, ALAC, PCM
Supported video codecs: ASF, AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV, MPEEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.263, H.264, H.265, VC-1, VP9, ​​VP8, MVC, H.264/AVC, Bas
Control app: ROSE Connect (Android, iOS, PC)
Output power: 2x 250W
Sensitivity: Line in: 2Vrms / Pre-Out : 2Vrms
Frequency response: 10Hz ~ 83kHz (+1/-3dB)
THD+N: Pre-Out : 0.00033% @ 1kHz, 600 Ohm, 2Vrms / Speaker output: 0.007% @ 50W, 8 Ohm / 0.01% @ 100W, 8 Ohm / 0.1% @ 250W, 8 Ohm
Input impedance: 100k Ohm
Output impedance: 50m Ohm
SNR: Pre-Out : 124dB @ 1kHz, 600 Ohm, 2Vrms / Speaker Output: 109dB @ 1kHz, 8 Ohm, 250W
Power Supply: AC100-240V 50/60Hz Power
Consumption: 150W
Breaking Current: 6A
Body Material: Aluminum
Color: Black
Dimensions (WxDxH): 346x328x127 mm
Weight: 8.1 kg