So the techs at the dealer that distributes Rose in my city scoffed when I showed them this review. They're constantly getting returns for repair. Display stops working, main board problem. Across the board for HF Rose. They have pretty components but inside major quality control problems.
Thank you very much for your transparent and candid review. It was very valuable that you introduced the Analogue Bridge product and combined it with this product and made very simple and understandable comparisons with Nagra's dacs. I especially liked your use of percentages in the comparison sentences and decided to buy the RD 160 and the Analogue Bridge. Regards from Turkiye
I hear VERY clear differences in the filters -- when listening to highly resolving headphones. Much greater differences than the filter choices associated with the recent Sabre chips.
I’d be interested to know how the Nagra hd x dac is achieving 30% more compared to this hifi rose dac ( assuming the downstream amp and speakers remain the same )? In my experience, higher price point DACs really shine when the downstream components are at a similar level ( and usually price ).
@@IronHorsey3 Teac UD-701N, Gustard A25, SMSL D400EX. The Teach in particular has engineering specs that match or beat the Hiif Rose RD150 (e.g. four toroids versus three) , and is cheaper is well. Just less spectacular to look it.
Do you plan to test the Nagra Classic DAC II? I'm really curious to know how close it gets to the Nagra Tube DAC and how much better it sounds compared to the HiFi Rose RD160
The issue I have with these fancy gizmo boxes is that those little LCD displays all need to be independently clocked and galvanically isolated so as not to induce vibration/noise. It's not an insignificant problem All that noise aside, they're kinda cool but not necessarily a true high-end dac.
@@PaulFauteux-i7t So we’re talking about paying about a couple grand more for streaming content? Isn’t that like using a fancy wine decanter to serve Bud Light?
you are calling this a preamp but that is incorrect it has no analog inputs. this has a pre function but it is not a preamp in the way you tried to pass off
@@Nugglashine as stated it’s a preamp for the sole digital source. For those who want a single digital source. Be sure to see the written and full video ;)
@@pacificateur3630 sure all of them. This is the first DAC I’ve ever called a “giant killer” - as it is. I never call DACs or much of anything a “giant killer”. Maybe you confuse me with someone else. As I’ve stated for years, I only review the stuff that comes in that I love. 1/3 goes back without review. Ever notice some brands I don’t touch? Yea. I also never say “this is the best” and this DAC is surely not that either. The “best” doesn’t exist in audio. Have a great day!
Great Review. Why not get a decent DAC without preamp and hook it up to a tube preamplifier. Wouldn't that be a better way to go?
Eversolo A8 is a giant killer. This is a giant at 5k. Same dac chips aswell.
So the techs at the dealer that distributes Rose in my city scoffed when I showed them this review. They're constantly getting returns for repair. Display stops working, main board problem. Across the board for HF Rose. They have pretty components but inside major quality control problems.
Thank you very much for your transparent and candid review. It was very valuable that you introduced the Analogue Bridge product and combined it with this product and made very simple and understandable comparisons with Nagra's dacs. I especially liked your use of percentages in the comparison sentences and decided to buy the RD 160 and the Analogue Bridge. Regards from Turkiye
How can a product that sells for $5.500 be a „giant killer“? Because it beats 10k dacs or 20k dacs. It’s really a bit of a stretch
Excellent review as always glad to see some Modwright gear great little company from Washington state
That display is very unique. Great review!!
Great review
@@jeffinnh76 thanks!
You should put a warning on your videos saying "Only for rich people"
Great comment, that is so so true. 😂
I agree. It’s like $8k in Singapore 😢
What are you talking about? It is only $5300
They get much more expensive than this
Well said my friend. Once you get over the gear, you really don't need that much to really enjoy music😂.
What about the T+A 200 in the same range price ?
Thanks
I hear VERY clear differences in the filters -- when listening to highly resolving headphones. Much greater differences than the filter choices associated with the recent Sabre chips.
It’s not a very well tested DAC on the Internet, but it can be your taste. Very expensive too!
For 5300 us it better be special
That display is sweet.
Review Geshelli DACs next,
especially the Dayzee.
How does this compare to the dac in the Rose 150b?
I’d be interested to know how the Nagra hd x dac is achieving 30% more compared to this hifi rose dac ( assuming the downstream amp and speakers remain the same )? In my experience, higher price point DACs really shine when the downstream components are at a similar level ( and usually price ).
I notice AKM is back and kicking the butt of ESS Dacs at every price point.
Very interesting. Examples of late you would point to?
@@IronHorsey3 Gustard A26, SMSL D400EX. Next update of A26 with the better clock and analogue section of X26 III, should be amazing.
@@IronHorsey3 Teac UD-701N, Gustard A25, SMSL D400EX. The Teach in particular has engineering specs that match or beat the Hiif Rose RD150 (e.g. four toroids versus three) , and is cheaper is well. Just less spectacular to look it.
@@IronHorsey3the Douk Audio Q11 has both the AKM and ESS built in. You can switch between them with the remote control. And it’s $160.
Would it sound different if the DAC chip was the AKM Suede?
Glad you're into complimentary colorations.
Would love to see you review the BAACH-SP DAC/DSP
another DAC - $7,695.00 CAD$ really?
Do you plan to test the Nagra Classic DAC II? I'm really curious to know how close it gets to the Nagra Tube DAC and how much better it sounds compared to the HiFi Rose RD160
beautiful t-shirt color!
I got to get one of these :)
It's special all right... Cost more than my custom tube amp and preamp.😮
Is there a remote that comes with that or an option?
You’re forgetting the holo audio DACs for around 3/4k and at 10k the chord Dave. How does it compare to the Dave?
Did you use a network switch and do you believe in them ?
Does it have a sub out? Also Pontus 15th was $1,860 at Christmas. A lot less.
I found my DAC Nuprime AMG DAC no other DAC transfers the signal into a similar signal like SACD.
I wonder how it would compare to the Mola Mola tambaqui
Or my Scottish Linn Klimax DS streamer....
Not really a giant killer considering the $5300 price tag 😂
The issue I have with these fancy gizmo boxes is that those little LCD displays all need to be independently clocked and galvanically isolated so as not to induce vibration/noise. It's not an insignificant problem All that noise aside, they're kinda cool but not necessarily a true high-end dac.
This sounds a lot like a Eversolo dmp-a8 ...except more than twice the price.
No streamer so not the same.
@@PaulFauteux-i7t True, but the software in the Eversolo works when compared to HiFi Rose streamer.
I am betting if you upgrade the power supply and clocks in the A8 it will be very close to this.
@@PaulFauteux-i7t So we’re talking about paying about a couple grand more for streaming content? Isn’t that like using a fancy wine decanter to serve Bud Light?
@@CohibaJoe I have the RD160 and the software works fine and the sound is absolutely great!
you are calling this a preamp but that is incorrect it has no analog inputs. this has a pre function but it is not a preamp in the way you tried to pass off
@@Nugglashine as stated it’s a preamp for the sole digital source. For those who want a single digital source. Be sure to see the written and full video ;)
@@HiFiHuff It is just a dac with digital volume controol, nothing new and not a preamp
The RD 160 screen, what's the point? Rose should have just went with basic leds and put more into the sound.
They started as a screen company. So, screens.
5300 $ In case anyone was wondering...
very happy with my Pontus 2 thank you. i'm done
you are wlcome
Overthinking, overanalyzing, separates the body from the mind...
hmmmmm tempting...this or laiv?
I tried the laiv versus the 160. The 160 won by a mile
@@leepitt3355 not very hard job for 160. ;)
I'm very happy with my LAIV Harmony DAC. No plans to "upgrade".
Giant killer ma fanny!.
Stick to photography
Did you ever review a dac which is not a giant killer ? 😅
Spot on!!
@@pacificateur3630 sure all of them. This is the first DAC I’ve ever called a “giant killer” - as it is. I never call DACs or much of anything a “giant killer”. Maybe you confuse me with someone else. As I’ve stated for years, I only review the stuff that comes in that I love. 1/3 goes back without review. Ever notice some brands I don’t touch? Yea. I also never say “this is the best” and this DAC is surely not that either. The “best” doesn’t exist in audio. Have a great day!
@ Ok fair enough. Thanks for the answer.
In all fairness, I have a RD160 and RS130 via SFP. It's sublime and all praise well warranted.
@@HiFiHuff It's the same chip set as the Eversolo dmp-8 you reviewed, right?