HIFI Rose merely a hobby brand or a serious business, that is the question?

#184

Funny how nobody can possibly hear any difference between brands of optical fiber, or, indeed, between fiber and copper (because none exists) but that does not stop people from investing tons of time and money into swapping them around. And mid-market vendors do find it profitable to add SFP jacks to their products.

Spotify Lossless per se may not be worth much, compared to whatever they did before (and company sucks anyway) but being the most popular streaming service it is a major selling point. And an indicator of company’s approach to software engineering.

Using fancy-sounding but misunderstood words like “backporting” does not help here. The SDK is compatible. Full app does need newer Android, but the full Spotify app won’t run on a Rose anyway so its a moot point.

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#185

There also people here who have run businesses and who are experienced enough to have a pretty informed point of view on all this talk (because, in the inevitable absence of any hard business numbers - costs, losses, headcount, investments, profitability, margins, etc. - this will always remain just ‘talk’).

IMHO, it all boils down to what HiFi Rose believes is its business’ ambition and overall stance (and this is reflected very well in the original question at the heart/heading of this thread…).

Business experience and best practice suggest that - over time and with on-going use - consumers/customers will also have a set level of tolerance and can be pretty unforgiving when it comes to indulging companies as they (struggle to) get their house/product experience in order.

The inevitable development of the new Rose One app (years and years after HiFi Rose’s launch of its premium products…) which is inextricably linked to the brand’s User Experience might well be the ultimate test for the business.

New ‘value’ entrants in this market segment have shown that there are viable (and much cheaper and user friendly) alternatives to HiFi Rose’s shortfalls.

If this (much delayed) step is not executed properly, new HiFi Rose customers might be unlikely to go along the same kind of painful nightmare users have had to put up with Rose Connect Premium for all these years.

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#186

I’ll be honest with you that based on a lot of the comments here. I can tell you that many have no clue on what it takes to get a software product out the door.

But to your point about Rose One…

It actually works. Is it perfect no. There are still some quirks.

Like if I filter on RoseTube since I don’t use Tidal … Rose will still recommend music on Tidal. (Really? Then why filter?)

Little things like that.

Again my point about the Android 11 is one that Rose will have to face sooner or later.
Even as they release new products. Note that they could release a new product on Android 12 or later… then migrate older hardware that isn’t discontinued.

The other issue. Support for discontinued products.
For example RS201 is discontinued. In the future RS520 which is their AIO product could be discontinued … will they support it even though they no longer sell it? If not… there goes the resale value.

Note too that the are fixing the PIN thing. Can’t wait for that to happen.

#187

Think Eversolo’s software is flawless? Read the dedicated forum and you’ll understand. You’re free to choose and prefer, of course! Of course, but the perfect, bug-free software has yet to be invented.

#188

Does this apply to everyone, like Auralic? Soon, devices will only be useful as door stops.

#189

There are two issues.
The product being discontinued… and then the company going tits up.

When products are discontinued, there are no more software updates.
For your typical amp, pre-amp, that’s not a major concern so they will last and can be repaired to a point.
Its when you have DACs, or anything that are software controlled where you start to run into issues.
In theory they will still run, however some features may no longer work.

Here’s an example. I have an older model Sony 45" flat panel TV that is over 15yrs old… (I think)
It was a smart TV but now apps like Netflix no longer work. So if you want features you need to buy a fire stick or some other TV app device. The rest of the TV works fine.

When the company goes belly up… the same thing applies, however trying to get spare parts or manuals, diagrams etc… goes away too. Also some companies may do a discount trade in on their older products as a way to keep the customer a customer. No company… that’s not an option.

#190

I don’t think that any things of Eversolo or software ever being bug free or without flaws.

Its just that they happen to have the best UI out there.

The interesting thing… its also probably one of the easier things to fix too.
Within reason. (E.g. migrating up a major release in some software is a total pain.

#191

On paper, I have the Rose and the Eversolo, I assure you it’s not all roses and flowers. :grinning:
There are pros and cons on both sides
It would be more accurate to say which device best meets your expectations. Based on this, everyone can decide which one they prefer.

#192

Oh absolutely.
The WiiM and Eversolo Play may have a more intuitive UI, and would probably be graded a little higher.

And yes, to your point… the Rose RS520 offers better hardware. Although on paper, it could be a toss up outside of the amp. Yet the AIO is a sum of all of its parts and it seems to work well together…

I like the RS520 … warts and all. Works as advertised.

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#193

I consider the Rose RS520 to be an excellent machine.

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#194

Agreed, I love my RS520 as my office system with a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 3006G.

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#195

I agree 100% with the OP.

Today --after ZERO responses from Hifi Rose for RS130 and RS160 support-- I am returning both and leaving honest reviews on various forums. My experience with the RS130 is ABSOLUTELY MISERABLE.

When these two devices did work together they sounded very good playing through several of my high-end amplifiers and speakers.

However – They are UNRELIABLE and Hifi Rose support is NON-EXISTENT in my experience. To date – they have not yet replied to my repeated asking for support in this forum and through their distribution channel. THAT IS NOT PROFESSIONAL and indicates a complete DISREGARD for the CUSTOMER.

I performed 8 factory resets by myself to get the two to communicate through fiber and coax. 8 resets with the absurd and time consuming mandatory configuration after each reset. I am not new to high-end audio so I am especially disgusted with the lack of support by THIS COMPANY.

The RD160 is a beautiful device that sounds great, but it is now replaced with the easy to setup and reliable-in-operation PS Audio PMG 512 DAC.

The RS130 is a stupidly designed device (PIN??? wtf?) that appears designed by multiple teams without coordination. Changing contexts (such as CD playback) stops playback (wtf?) and configurations are idiotic. If these were developed by actual software developers – you are in trouble as a company.

Over $12,000 US for what has proven to be unreliable jewel encrusted un-supported and excessively expensive at that…

…good luck. Oh, I should add that these forums are infested by prepubescent fools polluting what should be adult discourse. What their motivation could possibly be is beyond me, but the lack of “policing” by the owner of the forum is a further inexcusable insult to paying customers. Well, I’m getting my money back as soon as these are received by the vendor.

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#196

There absolutely is BUG FREE software in audio appliances. But this company is unable to play at that level. I know I am correct.

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#197

I am returning my RS130 and RD160 today because these connections are UNRELIABLE. The same is true for the COAX and I2S connection between them.

This isn’t HW it’s software.

I got ZERO support from HIFI ROSE – which is the insulting part: To be successful with a sub-par product, try supporting your customer.

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#198

Part 2: Hifi Rose merely a hobby brand or a serious business, that is the question, part 2

#199

I support you, duffer5. Unfortunately, I am still having trouble obtaining information about the burnt part in my ROSE device. The manufacturer does not provide this data, even though they most likely have it in their systems or documentation. I also contacted the authorized ROSE distributor in my country, even offering to pay for the service information, but I have not received any response for about three weeks.

Honestly, this is a very disappointing situation for me, as equipment worth 4,399 euros, purchased two years ago, may end up being unusable due to the lack of such basic information, which forces me to consider replacing it with a new one.

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#200

I don’t think Rose is alone in not providing the schematics.

I agree that I’d be miffed if a local authorized repair center couldn’t be of help.
Did they offer to take the unit in and of course since its out of warranty charge you for the repair?

Have you tried other DIY sites? You know a friend of a friend sort of thing?

#201

I first sent my unit to an authorized service center, where I was quoted €1,800 for the repair. Naturally, I felt that was far too expensive.

Later, an independent electronics technician identified the exact component that had failed. I contacted the authorized service center again and simply asked if they could provide the part number, name, or marking of the burnt component. I even offered to pay for this information. Unfortunately, I have not received any response for more than three weeks.

Since my unit is no longer under warranty, I decided to have it repaired by an independent repair company instead. They estimate the repair will cost around €400 , which seems much more reasonable.

I find it disappointing that obtaining such basic information has been so difficult. I had hoped that the manufacturer or the authorized service center would be willing to help.

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#202

I think the independent repair guy would have a better chance of getting the info that you.

Did he try to reach out to anyone?

#203

Hi. I’m trying with different people.