The RS520 is the perfect example of everything HiFi Rose can offer

HiFi Rose
The RS520 can be controlled via the touch-screen interface or with a free iOS/Android app. (Image credit: HiFi Rose)

If you’re in the market for a streamer, you’ve got to put the new RS520 all-in-one network streamer from the South Korean brand HiFi Rose on your radar, thanks to its robust feature set and the premium tech inside. What Hi-Fi? hasn’t reviewed the RS520 just yet, so stay tuned for that, but on paper, the RS520 looks to be a strong competitor.

Combining the features of HiFi Rose’s RS150 network streamer and RA180 integrated amplifier, the RS520 manages to offer up the best of both worlds, bringing the functionality of a network streamer, integrated amp, and DAC together in one device to provide an all-in-one ‘just add speakers’ experience. 

HiFi Rose

The RS520 opens up access to a number of music services as well as video playback through RoseTube. (Image credit: HiFi Rose)

The RS520 isn’t just feature-rich, either. Thanks to RoseOS, you’ve got an intuitive UX, too, that offers up local and network playback, 4K video support, CD playback and ripping support, streaming service integration (including Spotify Connect and Roon as well as MQA support), and hi-res audio playback alongside access to RoseTube for HD videos and Rose Radio for music from around the world.

Plus, you’re also getting premium performance with the RS520, according to HiFi Rose. Thanks to this streamer’s architecture, HiFi Rose promises it’s able to deliver “pure audio data to a DAC without loss” and realise an “advanced high fidelity audio service” thanks to Rose Audio Server’s caching tech, DSD and PCM audio decoder, and “bit-perfect transmission” of data. 

HiFi Rose

The RS520 has lots of connectivity options on its rear panel, including HDMI eARC. (Image credit: HiFi Rose)

Beyond its streaming architecture, the class-AD amp inside the RS520 uses a new gallium nitride (GaN) FET over a silicon FET in order to “dramatically reduce the ‘dead time’ by ⅓ to maximize linearity.” Altogether, on paper, the RS520 is primed to offer up solid features, intuitive operation, and premium performance, so if you’re in the market for a streamer, check out HiFi Rose’s new RS520 network streamer that’s shipping now

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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