Hifi Rose RS520 network amplifier – A robust and versatile all-in-one music center, but for whom?

The Hifi Rose collection mainly consists of various media/network players, but there are also two all-in-one network player and amplifier combinations. We tested the most powerful of these, the RS520, which promises a power of no less than 2 x 250 watts. It costs a whopping 3790 euros, meaning that the target group is clearly music lovers who value higher quality. On the other hand, the closest competitor with fairly identical features is the NAD M33, which costs 5799 euros, so the price is relative.

The relatively high price also comes with a visual and physical reward: the RS520's design and construction are convincing, and the device is elegant in all its simplicity. The entire front panel is dominated by a 12,6-inch 1920 x 515 resolution LCD touchscreen. The RS520 does not contain traditional buttons or controls, but all control is done via the touchscreen. However, the top edge of the lid contains traditional buttons: power switch, volume and mute. A stylishly simplified remote control is also included.

The device's downright rugged casing is made from a single piece of milled aluminum, with cooling fins on the sides and large ventilation openings in the lid. The total weight is 8,1 kg. In terms of dimensions, the RS520 is slightly narrower than traditional device dimensions. Despite the impressive total power, the amplifier stays quite cool, thanks to a good efficiency ratio. The overall quality of work is of a high standard and convincing.

You can spend an entire evening exploring the menus with the device, and if you feel like you've entered a scary, cryptic engineering zone, you can easily return to the previous view.

The device comes with a very clear and simple remote control, which nevertheless has all the most important basic functions for everyday use. However, the user should definitely download Hifi Rose's own app to their phone - it allows you to access all the device's features.

The Hifi Rose app is extremely versatile, but also a bit difficult to use. The device also has an equalizer with several presets. This may not exactly be the feature a hifi enthusiast would want.

Hifi Rose plays almost every imaginable audio format, there are hardly any limits. Music services include AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music and a few others.

The device also has an ad-free RoseTube music service with videos. Yes, you can watch music videos from the front panel of the device! Here it is worth taking advantage of the Hifi Rose's HDMI output and

watch videos on the TV screen. You can also connect an external CDROM drive to the Hifi Rose and you can, so to speak, rip or transfer the material from a CD to the amplifier's memory - a rare treat. You can also listen to CDs in real time via the CD-ROM drive. On the other hand, the online radio application does not support Finnish radio channels, which can be a clear disadvantage for domestic users.

The Hifi Rose is also rich in terms of connections, but not perfect: the rear panel offers both optical and coaxial inputs and outputs, pre-amp outputs, HDMI in, RCA and out, and three USB connections. What we would have missed is a headphone jack and subwoofer output. On the other hand, these potential problems can be solved with a separate headphone amplifier that has a digital input and the subwoofer output can be taken from the pre-out connection.

The biggest strength – or weakness, depending on your perspective – of the HiFi Rose RS520 is its number of features and menus. It feels like the software development team wanted to include everything possible. There are so many functions that the user has to learn the operating logic and dig through deep menus to find settings. In places, the user interface feels unfinished and inconsistent.

The target audience for the device is probably not the traditional hi-fi enthusiast, but rather a consumer looking for a high-quality, versatile and attractive all-in-one device. For such a user, ease of use would be important – and unfortunately the RS520 does not offer that without familiarization.

Lots of delicious features and a gorgeous, large display - but it would all be just bling bling if the handsome shell didn't deliver high-quality sound. Fortunately, that's not the case: the RS520 offers tight and confident control and dynamics for even the most demanding tastes. The generalization is somewhat on the bright side, so so-called warm-sounding repeaters are also suitable as speakers. The RS520 is one of the most robust of these single-box combo devices on the market, meaning it has enough power to drive even slightly more difficult, more demanding speakers.

The HiFi Rose RS520 combines a network player, DAC and powerful power amplifier in one package, offering an exceptionally wide range of features. In addition to streaming services and format support, the device has special functions such as video playback and CD ripping via an external drive. The striking appearance and large touch screen support the high-end impression, but the user interface is unclear in many places and requires familiarization.

Very wide range of features
Quality feel and stunning display
Powerful and controlled sound
CD playback and ripping capabilities
HDMI output for videos

User interface is partly unclear and complicated
No Finnish online radio stations
No headphone or subwoofer output
Not suitable for the user looking for ease of use