The RS451 is a next-generation network player designed by HiFi Rose. It carries over several technical elements from the RS151 while being tailored for desktop use. It features a sophisticated headphone section and offers extended processing capabilities in a compact form factor.
A dual-DAC design
The RS451 adopts an unusual technical configuration with two ES9027PRO converters operating completely independently. This ESS Technology chip, based on fourth-generation HyperStream technology, delivers a dynamic range of +124 dB and a total harmonic distortion of -114 dB. Each converter has its own power supply circuits and dedicated grounding, eliminating any form of mutual interference.
The first DAC is dedicated exclusively to the preamplified outputs, ensuring seamless integration into traditional high-fidelity systems. The balanced XLR outputs feature a 1.5 Ω output impedance and can deliver up to 10 Vrms, while the unbalanced RCA outputs provide 5 Vrms with a 1.3 Ω impedance. Signal-to-noise ratio reaches 129 dB in balanced configuration, with a linear frequency response from 10 Hz to 80 kHz.
The second converter works exclusively for the headphone section, where it is paired with four amplifier circuits configured in parallel. This topology maintains constant power even with high-impedance headphones exceeding 600 Ω. The exceptional slew rate of 1300 V/µs ensures precise reproduction of transients and the most subtle dynamic changes. Measurements reveal substantial power: 2700 mW into 16 Ω balanced, 650 mW into 300 Ω, and still 350 mW into 600 Ω, all with total harmonic distortion kept below 0.0009%.
The ROSE NRA filter: a mastered analog signature
The analog output stage incorporates the proprietary ROSE NRA (Noise Reduction Analog) filter, developed specifically to maintain a perfectly linear frequency response all the way down into the lowest registers. This technology eliminates the roll-off typically observed at the extremes of the spectrum, preserving the integrity of the original signal from high-resolution sources. Precision MELF components and WIMA film capacitors contribute to this sonic transparency, minimizing distortion while improving signal linearity.
Tenfold computing power
At the heart of the RS451 beats the new-generation RK3588 processor, an octa-core chip combining four Cortex-A76 cores and four Cortex-A55 cores. This configuration offers four times the processing power compared to previous models, while the Mali-G610 MC4 graphics processor multiplies display capabilities by eight. 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage enable smooth handling of the largest music libraries, with a theoretical capacity exceeding one million tracks.
This sheer power translates into a responsive interface and seamless playback of the heaviest audio files, whether PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz or native DSD512. The 8.8-inch IPS touchscreen offers intuitive navigation through menus and streaming services, while allowing 4K HDR video playback via the HDMI 2.0 output.
Comprehensive connectivity for every use case
The rear panel of the RS451 reveals a wealth of connections, underscoring its universal calling. Digital inputs include USB-B 2.0 (compatible up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD512), coaxial and optical (up to 384 kHz and DSD128 in DoP), as well as an HDMI eARC input for integration into a home theater system. An analog line input rounds out the set for traditional sources.
Digital outputs include three USB-A 3.0 ports for external storage, along with coaxial and optical outputs. The unit also accepts the installation of a 2.5-inch SSD internally via a SATA 3.0 connection, enabling the creation of a substantial local music library. Networking relies on a Gigabit Ethernet port, Wi-Fi via USB dongle, and Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX support.
Software compatibility covers all modern protocols: Roon Ready for users of this premium platform, AirPlay for the Apple ecosystem, Spotify Connect, DLNA/UPnP for NAS server access, as well as native integration of Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Music. The Rose Connect app, available on iOS and Android, centralizes control with a particularly polished interface, evoking Roon’s ergonomics.
A chassis engineered for performance
The mechanical construction of the RS451 reflects an attention to detail rarely seen in this price range. The brushed aluminum chassis, available in silver or black finish, combines structural rigidity with efficient heat dissipation. With compact dimensions of 430 × 337 × 92 mm and a weight of 7 kg, the unit naturally fits on a desk or in a traditional audio rack.
The linear power supply with a toroidal transformer, protected by a 3-amp thermal circuit breaker, ensures stable and quiet power delivery. Power consumption remains controlled at just 20 watts during playback, 5 watts at idle, and 0.5 watt in standby, reflecting an energy-conscious design.
The clean front panel highlights the 8.8-inch capacitive touchscreen, flanked by a large volume knob and an output selector. The three headphone connectors (balanced XLR, balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn, and unbalanced 6.35 mm jack) sit on the left side, offering maximum compatibility with all types of headphones on the market.
Build: premium aluminum chassis, compact and elegant design
Dimensions: 430 × 337 × 92 mm
Weight: 7 kg
Available finishes: silver, black
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the RS451 replace a high-end external DAC?
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With its two independent ES9027PRO converters and ROSE NRA analog filter, the RS451 delivers performance comparable to external DACs costing several thousand euros. The 130 dB dynamic range and distortion below 0.00025% place it among the market’s top references.
What’s the difference from the flagship RS151?
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The RS151 remains superior with its ES9039PRO converter, 15.4-inch display, and fully balanced construction. The RS451 is positioned as a more compact and affordable alternative, particularly geared toward headphone listening with its four dedicated amplifiers. The two models nevertheless share the same octa-core processor and identical streaming capabilities.
Does the device require an external headphone amplifier?
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The RS451’s headphone section, with its four amplifiers in parallel configuration, is more than sufficient to drive the vast majority of headphones on the market, including the most demanding models up to 600 ohms. The available power and amplification quality make any external addition superfluous.
How does the CD ripping mentioned in the specifications work?
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Via an external USB CD drive (such as HiFi Rose’s optional RSA780 or any compatible USB drive), the RS451 can rip your CDs directly to internal or external storage. Files are encoded losslessly and automatically indexed in the music library.
Does the RS451 support native DSD or only DoP?
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The device handles native DSD up to DSD512 (22.6 MHz) via the USB input, while the coaxial and optical inputs are limited to DSD128 and DSD64 respectively, in DoP (DSD over PCM) mode only.
Can the preamp outputs and headphone outputs be used simultaneously?
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Since the two sections have completely independent converters and circuits, there is no technical obstacle to using them simultaneously. The front-panel output selector lets you quickly switch between different options as needed.
Is the touchscreen essential for daily use?
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The Rose Connect app offers full remote control, making the touchscreen optional on a daily basis. Nevertheless, its presence greatly facilitates menu navigation, album art display, and quick access to settings. An infrared remote control also comes with the unit for basic commands.
User reviews
Jean Paul
The Rose RS451 is a well-designed versatile unit for complete HiFi / TV setups. Performance, ergonomics, and headphone power are all there. The downside, not explicitly stated by Rose, is that Spotify Connect lossless is not supported. This limits Spotify's audio quality to 320 Kbits/s; quite a letdown given the price and performance of this device.
Comment from April 02, 2026 — Experience from March 22, 2026
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Le Rose RS451 est polyvalent bien pensé pour les installations complètes HiFi / TV.
Performances, ergonomie, puissance casque sont au rendez-vous.
Point noir et non indiqué explicitement par Rose, Spotify Connect lossless n'est pas supporté. Ce qui limite la qualité audio de Spotify à 320 Kbits/s; un comble au vu du prix et de la performance de cet appareil.
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