Rose RS451 silver

The RS451 is a new-generation network player designed by HiFi Rose. It inherits several technical elements from the RS151 while being tailored for desktop use. It features an advanced headphone section and offers extensive processing capabilities in a compact form factor.

A dual-DAC design

The RS451 employs an unconventional 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 ground, 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 have an output impedance of 1.5 Ω and can deliver up to 10 Vrms, while the unbalanced RCA outputs provide 5 Vrms with an impedance of 1.3 Ω. The 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 subtlest dynamic shifts. 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 controlled analog signature

The analog output stage integrates the proprietary ROSE NRA (Noise Reduction Analog) filter, developed specifically to maintain a perfectly linear frequency response right down into the lowest registers. This technology eliminates the roll-off phenomenon commonly observed at the extremes of the spectrum, preserving the entirety 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 next-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 of previous models, while the Mali-G610 MC4 graphics processor multiplies display capabilities by eight. The 8 GB LPDDR4X RAM and 32 GB eMMC storage enable smooth handling of even the largest music libraries, with a theoretical capacity exceeding one million tracks.

This abundance of power translates into a responsive interface and stutter-free playback of the heaviest audio files, whether PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz or native DSD512. The 8.8-inch IPS touchscreen provides intuitive navigation through menus and streaming services, while enabling 4K HDR video playback via the HDMI 2.0 output.

Exhaustive connectivity for every use

The RS451’s rear panel reveals a wealth of connections, underscoring its universal vocation. 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, as well as coaxial and optical outputs. The device also supports installation of a 2.5-inch SSD internally via a SATA 3.0 connection, allowing you to build a substantial local music library. Network connectivity 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 access to NAS servers, 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 refined interface reminiscent of Roon’s ergonomics.

A chassis built for performance

The RS451’s mechanical construction shows an attention to detail rarely seen at this price point. The brushed aluminum chassis, available in silver or black, combines structural rigidity with effective heat dissipation. With its compact dimensions of 430 × 337 × 92 mm and a weight of 7 kg, the device naturally fits on a desk or in a traditional audio rack.

The linear power supply with toroidal transformer, protected by a 3-amp thermal circuit breaker, ensures stable, low-noise 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) occupy the left side, offering maximum compatibility with all types of headphones on the market.

Technical Specifications

Processor and Storage

• Processor: RK3588 (Quad-core Cortex-A76 + Quad-core Cortex-A55)
  • Computing power: +4x compared to the previous generation
• Graphics processor: Mali-G610 MC4 (OpenGL, Vulkan, OpenCL)
  • Graphics performance: +8x compared to the previous generation
• RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4X
• Internal storage: 32 GB eMMC
• External storage: 3 × USB 3.0 + 1 × 2.5” SSD (SATA 3.0, NTFS / exFAT)

Audio Performance

• Digital-to-analog converters: ES9027PRO (x2, ESS Technology)
  • Configuration: one dedicated to the preamp, one to the headphone amp with separate analog paths
• Advanced architecture: ROSE NRA filter for a flat, noise-free frequency response
• Preamplifier output
  • Outputs: balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA
  • Impedance: 1.5 Ω (XLR) / 1.3 Ω (RCA)
  • Output level: 10 Vrms (XLR) / 5 Vrms (RCA)
  • THD+N: 0.00025% (1 kHz)
  • Dynamic range: 130 dB
• High-power headphone amplifier
  • Architecture: 4 independent amplifiers
  • Headphone outputs: XLR, 4.4 mm (balanced), 6.35 mm (unbalanced)
  • Power: up to 2700 mW @ 16 Ω, 1300 mW @ 300 Ω, 350 mW @ 600 Ω
  • Capability: headphones up to 600 Ω
  • THD+N: < 0.0009%
  • Dynamic range: 140 dB (balanced), 120 dB (6.35 mm)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 80 kHz (±1 dB)

General Features

• Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, DLNA / UPnP, Bluetooth aptX 5.4
• CD ripping via external USB drive
• Media playback up to 4K HDR
• Intuitive user interface with high-resolution touchscreen

Connectivity

• Digital inputs: USB-B 2.0, coaxial, optical, HDMI eARC
• Digital outputs: USB-A 3.0, coaxial, optical, HDMI 2.0 (4K UHD / 60 Hz)
• Analog input: line (unbalanced)
• Network: Ethernet (Gigabit), Wi‑Fi via USB dongle, Bluetooth 5.4 aptX
• Universal compatibility: Roon Ready, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, DLNA / UPnP

Supported Formats

• PCM: up to 32-bit / 768 kHz
• DSD: up to DSD512 (22.6 MHz, native or DoP depending on input)

Power and Consumption

• Power supply: linear with toroidal transformer
• Input voltage: AC 110–120 V / 220–240 V, 50 / 60 Hz
• Power consumption: 0.5 W (standby) / 5 W (idle) / 20 W (playback)
• Protection: 3 A thermal circuit breaker

Design and Build

• Display: 8.8” capacitive IPS LCD touchscreen for intuitive control and immersive multimedia
• Materials: aluminum, anti-corrosion treated steel, ABS
• Build: premium aluminum chassis, compact and elegant design
• Dimensions: 430 × 337 × 92 mm
• Weight: 7 kg
• Available finishes: silver, black