About the HiFi Rose RS201E
High-fidelity sound at your fingertips
High-fidelity sound at your fingertips
Connect your favorite speakers and feel your way around the full color 8.8-inch touchscreen display.
After a few minutes experimenting with HiFi Rose's RS201E, you may wonder why more streaming components don't have touchscreens. It has easy app control, but all you need to get started is this unit and your favorite set of speakers.
This versatile component is an integrated amp, streamer, DAC, and preamp, all rolled into one. And HiFi Rose's onboard customized Android™ OS gives it a user-friendliness that will feel familiar to mobile users in general. Audiophiles will appreciate its authoritative but smooth sound. I also love the cool touchscreen features, like the functional virtual back panel for switching inputs and outputs and the virtual VU meters.
Easy control
I grew up playing vinyl, and then CDs. Streaming was a hard sell, but at this point I see it as an amazing — sometimes overwhelming — and necessary asset. App control across the different platforms isn't always intuitive — it's still the main reason my wife rarely opts for streaming music when she's picking out something to play.
The RS201E feels different. It connects to your internet via Ethernet or built-in Wi-Fi. The interface is user-friendly whether you're using its front-panel touchscreen apps and volume/mute toggle, or the free RoseConnect Premium app for Apple® and Android devices. It organizes your different sources — from streaming services including TIDAL, Qobuz, and Spotify, to music files stored in one of its onboard options or your NAS server — in a way that feels almost Roon-like. (By the way, this player is also a Roon endpoint.)
You can also use Apple AirPlay® to control the streamer, or the included Bluetooth remote. Free automatic updates make sure it keeps pace with evolving tech and its expanding capabilities.
High-res down to the femtosecond
What I really love about the RS201E is that it stays out of your way. It's true of the interface, and also true in how it treats audio signals, which it delivers in articulate detail with a quiet noise floor and low distortion.
It runs on a snappy six-core CPU with a high-performance ESS SABRE DAC capable of 32-bit/384kHz resolution. Also key to its impressive sound is its digital clock, which drastically reduces the distorted edges inherent in digital music transmission by aligning the spaces between the data. The RS201E's femto clock measures time down to the femtosecond — one quadrillionth of a second — for exceptionally smooth, precise audio.
4K video rabbit hole
Endless video digressions await you, thanks to the RS201E's 4K video decoding via its HDMI 2.0 output. The RoseTube app lets you peruse and play YouTube videos that you can watch on the unit's full color screen or — even better — on your TV. And its digital audio inputs let you get beautiful soundtrack audio from whatever you might be watching.
Flexible connections and local storage options
On the back panel you have ample digital connections, unbalanced analog preamp output for connection to an outboard amplifier, and an RCA stereo analog input. You could connect a USB drive, HiFi Rose RSA780E CD drive, or another CD player — even a turntable with a phono preamp.
The RS201E has USB connections and a microSD card slot for local access to external digital music files. And all HiFi Rose models include an internal bay on the bottom panel for adding optional SSD storage. The '201E will recognize drives up to 4TB, which is much more than you'll probably ever use.
Product highlights:
- Featured in our article: Best integrated amplifiers for 2024
- integrated amp with network audio and 4K video streaming
- 50 watts x 2 into 4 ohms
- solid aluminum-panel chassis
- 8.8-inch wide high-def touchscreen LCD display
- built-in dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- customized Android operating system
- control with touchscreen, RoseConnect Premium app for Apple® and Android™ devices, or Bluetooth remote
- front-panel volume control/mute knob
- six-core ARM® 64-bit processor, up to 2.0GHz
- ESS SABRE ES9018 K2M DAC
- maximum resolution: 32-bit/384kHz
- supports Apple AirPlay, DLNA, and MQA
- supports TIDAL, Spotify, Qobuz, RoseTube (YouTube), internet radio stations, and RosePodcast
- works as a Roon player (requires Roon subscription and Roon Core running on your network
- Roon Core is a media server software that runs on your computer, NAS drive, or other compatible hardware
- supported audio formats include MQA, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, OGG, M4A, and more
- PCM decoding up to 32-bit/384kHz
- native DSD decoding up to DSD256 (11.2MHz
- supported video formats include ASF, AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and more up to 4K resolution
Connections:
- Ethernet port for connection to your home network
- HDMI video output with up to 4K resolution
- USB-C
- five-way speaker binding post outputs
- digital inputs:
- Toslink optical
- USB 3.0 audio input for connecting the HiFi Rose RSA780E CD drive (sold separately) or other external drive
- analog input:
- stereo RCA unbalanced line in
- digital outputs:
- Toslink optical
- USB 3.0 audio output for connecting to an external DAC
- analog outputs:
- stereo RCA unbalanced preamp out
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- storage interface:
- USB 3.0
- microSD card slot
- enclosed bay for optional 7mm SSD (solid-state drive) up to 4TB
Other specs:
- total harmonic distortion + noise:
- amp: 0.006%
- preamp: 0.005%
- headphone: 0.01%
- signal to noise ratio:
- amp: 100 dB
- preamp: 108 dB
- headphone: 98 dB
- 11"W x 3-5/16"H x 9-7/16"D
- 5.07 lbs.
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # RS201E SLV
What's in the box:
HiFi Rose RS201E owner's manual
- Integrated amplifier
- AC power adapter (attached 6' DC cord)
- 6' AC power cord
- Remote control
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- 4 Screws
- Screwdriver
- Simple Manual
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More details on the HiFi Rose RS201E
Features & specs
| Performance Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) | 50 | |
| Watts RMS per Channel (6-ohms) | Not given | |
| Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) | 50 | |
| Frequency Bandwidth | 20-20k | |
| THD | 0.006% | |
| Minimum Impedance | 4 ohms | |
| Amplifier Class | D | |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 100 | |
| DAC Bit Depth | 32-bit | |
| DAC Sample Rate | 384 kHz | |
| Features | ||
| Built-in DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) | Yes | |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | |
| Built-in Radio Tuner | None | |
| Room Correction | No | |
| High-res Audio Playback | ||
| From Network | Yes | |
| From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) | Yes | |
| From Computer (USB-B) | No | |
| Bluetooth | ||
| Version Info | Built-in | |
| Receiver Mode | Yes | |
| Transmitter Mode | No | |
| AAC Playback | No | |
| aptX Playback | No | |
| aptX-HD Playback | No | |
| LDAC Playback | No | |
| Connections | ||
| RCA Line-level Inputs | 1 | |
| XLR Line-level Inputs | No | |
| Phono Input | No | |
| Optical Digital Inputs | 1 | |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs | No | |
| USB Input | Yes | |
| HDMI Inputs | 0 | |
| Stereo Preamp Outputs | Yes | |
| Subwoofer Outputs | No | |
| Recording Output | No | |
| HDMI Output | 1 | |
| Home Theater Bypass | No | |
| Pre-out/Main-in Loop | No | |
| Headphone Output | 3.5mm | |
| Removable Power Cord | AC power adapter | |
| Streaming Compatibility | ||
| Apple AirPlay | Yes | |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | No | |
| DTS Play-Fi | No | |
| Chromecast built-in | No | |
| Roon | Ready | |
| HEOS | No | |
| BluOS | No | |
| Dimensions and Warranty | ||
| Width (inches) | 11 | |
| Height (inches) | 3-5/16 | |
| Depth (inches) | 9-7/16 | |
| Weight (pounds) | 5.07 | |
| Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
| Labor Warranty | 1 Year | |
Product Research
Network & Bluetooth Integration
Intuitive User Interface
Audio/Video Section
High Performance Stereo Amplifier: The HiFi Rose RS201E is a two-channel stereo integrated amplifier featuring an embedded Pure Path Ultra HD Power Amp with a High Speed Driver Variation Technique for studio mastering quality playback with dynamic full-range sound and ultra-low distortion. The RS201E integrated amplifier is rated at 50 watts x 2 channels into 4-ohms.
ESS Sabre Reference ES9018 K2M DAC: The HiFi Rose RS201E integrated amp employs an audiophile-grade ESS Sabre Reference ES9018 K2M DAC that supports Hi-Res PCM audio files (up to 32-bit/384kHz), Native DSD music files (up to 11.2MHz), MQA Technology, plus many other audio formats.
- MQA: The integration of MQA technology enables you to playback MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. MQA is a revolutionary end-to-end technology that captures and delivers master quality audio in a file that's small enough to stream or download. MQA lets you hear your streamed digital music files exactly like the way the artist intended you to hear it when it was approved in the studio.
- Native DSD: DSD is high-resolution digital audio format that uses a single bit to deliver a high resolution signal. Instead of sampling the information several thousand times a second, this single bit samples 2.8 million times a second to generate the audio signal. The result is still a Hi-Res audio signal that clean and pure. The RS201E supports DSD64 (2.8MHz), DSD128 (5.6MHz), and DSD256 (11.2MHz).
- PCM: The HiFi Rose RS201E also supports linear PCM audio files with a bit depth of 16- / 24- / 32-bits, and a sampling frequency of 8Hz to 384kHz.
- Other File Types: Other supported audio file type include WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, APE, DFF, DSF
Analog Line-Level Input: The HiFi Rose RS201E features one analog stereo RCA line-level input for connection of an external source device with an analog output. The integrated amp does not have a Phono input. If you want to connect a turntable, you'll need an external phono preamp (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) or a turntable with a built-in preamp.
Optical Digital Input/Output: The RS201E integrated amp is equipped with an optical (toslink) digital input and output. The optical digital input allows you to connect a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player. The optical digital output lets you connect an external DAC, AV receiver, or soundbar. The optical digital input and output support up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM audio (not compatible with Dolby Digital, DTS, or other multichannel surround formats).
Dual USB-A Ports: The HiFi Rose RS201E is outfitted with two rear-panel USB-A ports; there is one USB-A 2.0 port and one USB-A 3.0 port. Both USB-A ports support connection of a USB MSC (mass storage class) device - up to 512GB, or HDD (hard disk drive) - up to 10TB. The USB MSC device or HDD must be formatted in NTFS or FAT32. Some HDD's will require an external AC power supply.
- Audio Files: The unit supports playback of a variety of audio files via USB including MQA, PCM (up to 32-bit/384kHz) , DSD (up to 11.2MHz), WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, APE, DFF, and DSF.
- Video Files: Video file playback is also supported; including ASF, AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 H.263, H.264, H.265, and more (up to 4K).
Notes:
- Video is transmitted through the RS201E's HDMI output to a connected TV or projector.
- The USB-A ports do not support media playback from an Apple iOS or Android OS device.
- There is also a rear-panel USB-C port that is used for service purposes only.
Dual Media Card Slots: The HiFi Rose RS201E integrated amp offers a rear-panel microSD card slot and a bottom panel SSD (Solid State Drive) slot. The unit supports playback of a variety of audio and video files via microSD and SSD; including MQA, PCM (up to 32-bit/384kHz), DSD (up to 11.2MHz), WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, APE, DFF, and DSF. Video file playback is also supported; including ASF, AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 H.263, H.264, H.265, and more (up to 4K).
- microSD Card Slot: The RS201E integrated amp features a rear-panel microSD card slot that will accept microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC memory cards (up to 400GB). The microSD memory card must be formatted in NTFS or FAT12. microSD memory cards sold separately (see Accessories Tab).
- SSD (Solid State Drive): The RS201E allows you to connect an external SSD (Solid State Drive) to its bottom panel. It can support SSD's up to 4TB and 7mm tall. A screwdriver and 4 screws are included for installation of an external SSD (sold separately - not available at Crutchfield).
Note: Video is transmitted through the RS201E's HDMI output to a connected TV or projector.
Optional CD Drive: Connecting the optional HiFi Rose RSA780E CD drive (sold separately) to the RS201E's USB-A 2.0 port allows you to rip Audio CD's to a connected USB MSC device, HDD (hard disk drive), microSD card, or SSD (solid State Drive).
HDMI Video Out: The HiFi Rose RS201E's rear-panel HDMI out will transmit a video signal from the RoseTube (YouTube client), a USB MSC device, HDD (hard disk drive), microSD memory card, SSD (Solid State Drive), or DLNA network device to your connected TV or projector. Compatible video files include MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 H.263, H.264, H.265, VC-1, VP9, VP8, MVC (up to 4K @ 30fps or 60fps).
Note: The HDMI output supports video transmission only and does not support audio transmission (it is not ARC/eARC compatible).
Binding Post Speaker Outputs: The HiFi Rose RS201E integrated amplifier is outfitted with a set of binding post terminals to connect a pair of 4 to 16-ohm loudspeakers. The binding post terminals will accept bare wire (up to 10AWG), pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and banana plugs (single only).
Stereo RCA Preamp Output: The HiFi Rose RS201E is equipped with a set of stereo RCA preamp outputs to connect an external power amplifier.
3.5mm Headphone Output: The HiFi Rose RS201E integrated amp features a front-panel 3.5mm (1/8") headphone jack for connecting a set of headphones so you can privately listen to your favorite music. The unit's speaker and preamp outputs are muted when headphones are connected.
Network & Bluetooth Integration
Wired or Wireless Network Connection: The HiFi Rose RS201E integrated amplifier offers a wired (Ethernet) and wireless (WiFi) network connection to your router and ISP (internet service provider). The RS201E features a rear-panel Ethernet (RJ45) LAN jack for a wired connection to your network router. It also features 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band WiFi (802.11ac) for a wireless connection to your WiFi enabled network router.
Online Entertainment Services: The HiFi Rose RS201E integrated amplifier gives you access to a variety of online video and music services - including RoseTube (YouTube client), Rose Podcasts, Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, and Internet Radio.
- RoseTube: RoseTube is a YouTube client developed by the Rose development team using the YouTube API provided by Google. Unlike YouTube, you can watch content without any advertisements before watching the content, and it provides a list of recommended contents suitable for HiFi enthusiasts. And regardless of the video quality, the highest quality audio tracks are always selected for playback, allowing you to enjoy YouTube in high quality.
- Rose Podcast: Rose Podcast (provided by iTunes) offers the most popular channels that are organized by topic. You can create your own subscriptions, playlists and favorite content.
- Rose Radio: You can listen to a variety of internet radio channels from USA to Germany with a Favorite (preset) feature, using Rose Radio.
- Tidal: Tidal is a global streaming service that offers millions of songs in high-fidelity CD sound quality. Tidal has two pricing tiers; either $9.99 or $19.99 a month. Both pricing levels allow you to access Tidal 's entire music library. The $19.99 tier has the added benefit of high-fidelity sound at CD-level quality.
- Qobuz: Qobuz offers the biggest catalog of HiFi and Hi-Res albums in the world, both for new releases and specialized genres. For hundreds of thousands of albums, Qobuz includes all the information you need to recreate the appeal of a real CD - the names of musicians, producers, lyrics (everything you need to know to appreciate your favorite albums). Qobuz offers MP3, CD, and Hi-Res quality subscriptions.
- Apple Music: Apple Music is a subscription-paid streaming service with over 100 million songs ad-free. Easily find your favorite artists, discover new music, listen to curated playlists, and get exclusive artist content and interviews.
Note: RoseTube video is output through the RS201E's HDMI output jack to your connected TV or projector, while audio is played through the RS201E and your connected speakers.
Spotify Connect: The integration of Spotify Connect will enable Spotify Premium users (subscription required) to instantly select and wirelessly stream music to the RS201E integrated amp from within the Spotify app (Apple iOS or Android). Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of the largest music libraries in the world with millions of songs available.
Apple AirPlay: AirPlay lets you stream your favorite songs directly from your Apple iOS (4.3.3+) device or from your iTunes (10.2.2+) library on your Windows PC or Mac computer to the HiFi Rose RS201E, over your home's wireless network connection. From your Apple iOS device you are able to stream stored music on your device, downloaded music apps, and music on your iCloud to the RS201E integrated amplifier. From your Windows or Mac you can stream your stored iTunes music library on your computer to the RS201E; you can even download Apple's free Remote App onto your compatible iOS device to browse and control playback functions of the music stored in your iTunes music library on your computer that is being streamed to the integrated amplifier. With AirPlay you also get to see song/artist information and album art via the RS201E's front-panel LCD touchscreen.
Note: The RS201E is currently not compatible with Apple AirPlay 2.
DLNA Compliant: Through a wired or wireless network connection, the HiFi Rose RS201E can be used as a DLNA Digital Media Renderer and play back a variety of audio and video files from a Windows PC, DLNA server, and NAS (Network Attached Storage) device.
- Audio Files: Compatible music files include MQA, PCM (up to 32-bit/384kHz), DSD (up to 11.2MHz), WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, APE, DFF, and DSF.
- Video Files: Video file playback is also supported; including ASF, AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 H.263, H.264, H.265, and more (up to 4K).
Note: Video is transmitted through the RS201E's HDMI output to a connected TV or projector.
Roon Ready: Roon is a feature rich music library and playback application that compiles all the music files available to your network and makes them easily available to play across the HiFi Rose RS201E and other Roon enabled audio devices. Roon manages digital music files (including FLAC, WAV,, and DSD) collected on hard drives and networked storage. It can also access your Apple Music and iTunes library, as well as optionally integrate with the Tidal and Qobuz music streaming service. Roon is available for mobile, laptop or desktop devices. When you open the Roon app, it will display your complete audio library together with its metadata and artwork along with the RS201E integrated amplifier and all other Roon enabled devices. Simply select the music you wish to play and the RS201E or Roon device in which you want to hear it on.
Note: To use Roon you will need a Roon Core running on the same network as the HiFi Rose RS201E. The Core is media server software that runs on your computer, NAS, or player (sold separately) located on the network within your home.
Bluetooth 4.0: The HiFi Rose RS201E features built-in Bluetooth 4.0 with support for wireless music streaming (A2DP) and control (AVRCP). You'll be able to wirelessly stream stored music, music apps and other audio content on your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer to the RS201E integrated amplifier. You'll also be able to control basic playback functions Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, and Volume Up/Down from the included remote. In addition, song/artist/album information (no album art) will be displayed on the integrated amp's front-panel LCD screen.
Note: You can pair multiple Bluetooth source devices with the RS201E integrated amp, but only one source device can be connected and used for playback at a time.
Intuitive User Interface
8.8" Capacitive Touchscreen: The HiFi Rose RS201E integrated amplifier features a full-color 8.8" TFT capacitive touchscreen LCD panel for an intuitive user interface with simple operation. In addition to simple touchscreen operation, the 8.8" LCD panel displays song/artist/album information (including album art) from select online music services and your network music collection. The LCD touchscreen will also display time, date, and weather.
Note: The 8.8" LCD touchscreen does not support video playback. Video source content will be output via HDMI to your TV or projector.
Remote Control: The HiFi Rose RS201E comes with a Bluetooth remote controller for wireless operation of the integrated amplifier. Because the remote is Bluetooth (and not IR), you don't need to point the remote directly at the RS201E integrated amp. The Bluetooth remote control has to be initially paired and connected to the RS201E integrated amplifier.
Note: The remote only provides basic control of the RS201E; you'll need the Rose Connect app (see below) for complete control of the integrated amplifier.
RoseConnect Premium App: The RoseConnect Premium App (for Apple iOS 15.0+, Android OS 8.0+, Windows 7-up, and Mac OS X) allows you to conveniently setup and operate the HiFi Rose RS201E integrated amplifier from your compatible Apple iOS device, Android OS device, Windows PC, or Mac computer.
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Excellent streamer.
Edwin from Burbank, CA