They also released a network player that looks very promising.
Review here: https://tw-my--hiend-com.translate.goog/性能、聲音全方位滿足-matrix-audio-ms-1數位串流播放機/?_x_tr_sl=zh-TW&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=zh-TW&_x_tr_pto=wapp
I am the owner of an RS520, RS130 and RD160 and I love them all. Sure, I’ve had a few issues along the journey, but all have been rectified to my satisfaction. I enjoy these components so much and they take both of my 2 channel systems to great heights with the tech and sound quality. Admittedly, I utilize Roon 90%of the time and I do agree that Rose Connect needs some work. That said, I am dedicated to the HiFi Rose brand. Three years ago I purchased a Marantz Model 30 integrated amp and matching SACD 30N. Both have been serviced under warranty and the Model 30 has failed again now (out of warranty). My experience with Marantz has been terrible. Nothing I have encountered with HiFi Rose is even close to as bad as Marantz. I don’t mean to bash Marantz, but facts are facts and they are an extremely established company with no excuses for such failures with premium products. Rose has been much more responsive and MoFi has been a pleasure to work with on the one occasion I needed them. This hobby isn’t for everyone, certainly not the impatient. Some owners of this level of tech probably shouldn’t be. I’m 59 years old and I have been in this hobby for a very long time. My overall experience with Rose products has been wonderful. I interact with and thoroughly enjoy my three Rose products every single day.
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We’re truly honored to be part of your audio journey, and it’s great to hear that our products have brought such enjoyment to your systems.
Your feedback—both positive and constructive—is greatly appreciated and helps us improve continuously.
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HiFi Rose launched the RSA720 product without performing compatibility tests with the DACs of major brands (such as Holo Audio).
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Many RSA720 owners experienced compatibility issues (as discussed in this forum) and were unable to use the SPF port, which is the primary function of the product.
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Eventually, HiFi Rose released a firmware update. However, the firmware update manual was incorrectly written, resulting in failed firmware updates. In addition to the SPF port being unusable with the DAC, the USB port (which was functional before the update) also became unusable after the update.
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Now, HiFi Rose states that there is “no set update schedule for the RSA720.” This indicates that HiFi Rose is NOT taking responsibility for their faults. Customers paid for the product but are unable to use its primary function and have wasted significant time dealing with these issues.
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What a frustrating and disappointing experience!!! How can customers feel confident purchasing HiFi Rose products?
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DAC Compatibility Testing
HiFi Rose develops products with compatibility for major brand DACs in mind; however, unexpected compatibility issues may occur with certain DACs (e.g., Holo Audio). Our development team is currently analyzing the root cause of these issues and is continuously working to improve compatibility. -
SPF Port and Compatibility Issues
We have confirmed feedback from some users reporting that the SPF port could not be used properly. -
Firmware Update Manual Errors and USB Port Issues
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by errors in the firmware update manual. We are also preparing an urgent patch for issues with the USB port that arose after the update and will promptly provide a corrected update guide. -
Update Schedule
The statement “there is no set update schedule” does not mean that we are discontinuing customer support. It is due to the internal testing and stabilization process required before we can provide an exact schedule. However, we promise to prioritize customer feedback and deliver a stable update as soon as possible. -
Commitment to Customer Trust
We sincerely accept your valuable feedback and promise to implement more thorough testing and quality control as a result of this issue. We will take quick action to regain your trust through effective improvements.
3 Likes
Well said Sirpopealot! I am not as far along as you are on the HiFi Rose journey but I started with the 250a and now own the 520 and have been very pleased as well.If you don’t mind sharing,what other gear do you have to complement your Rose products?Thanks for sharing.
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2 Channel System
- McIntosh MA-352 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
- NOS Sylvania Gold Brand 12AX7 GB-5751 Vacuum Tubes
- Sylvania Gold Brand 12AT7 GB-6201 Tubes - Black Plates - Gold Pins
- The Classic by Pro-Ject (Turntable)
- Ortfon 2M Black Cartridge (6.25.25)
- HiFi Rose RS-130 Streamer Transport
- HiFi Rose RD-160 DAC (AKM)
- Amphenol SFP Copper Connection (Rose to Rose)
- Marantz SACD 30N Disc Player
- Musical Fidelity M2SCD CD Player
- Roon Nucleus One Server
- iFi Silent Power OMNI LAN
- Focal Kanta 3 Speakers - Matte Gray/Walnut
- SVS SB-3000 Subs (Pair)
- Pine Tree Audio - ALL cables/analog/digital/power (except SFP)
- Pine Tree Audio Power Supplies
- Pine Tree Audio Power Filters
Office System
- HiFi Rose RS520 Streamer/Amp/DAC
- Audiolab 6000CDT
- IFi Silent Power LAN Purifier Pro
- Geshelli Labs Dayzee DAC w/Sparkos 2590(s)
- PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC
- AudioQuest Power 3 Power Conditioner
- Monitor Audio Silver 300 6G
Thanks, I am 75 and a retired dentist who in the last 4 years has gotten back into 2 channel hifi after a long period of time. I remember the last purchase of mg 2s and a Linn Sondek turntable in 1975.Anyway I admire your taste in HiFi gear and was wondering what SQ differences you hear between rs130-160 combination compared to the rs520 that I have? I have a dedicated well-treated acoustically treated room although small(12x14x11H). I would love to hear back from you regarding your setup at your convenience.Thanks,Jay
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Welcome back to 2 channel HIFI! So the comparison in this scenario will be heavily influenced by your intended amplification and speaker selection. That said, the 130/160 combo is far more sophisticated than a 520 on its own and the sound quality will follow suit, especially if you utilize the SFP connection between the two. I love my 520, but there is no reasonable comparison between it and the 130/160, assuming your associated gear is in-line.
ChatGPT made a an accurate, but brief comparison…
If you have any specific areas of interest let me know and I will do my best to assist. The 130/160 combo is amazing.
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Although I didn’t use this copper SFP cable, I did test a fiber SFP connection, and
I preferred the I²S (Mode A) connection between RS130 and RD160 with this HDMI cable: https://www.audioquest.com/fr/products/vodka-48-hdmi-cable?srsltid=AfmBOornoFtopJzx-_cBRyPguEZ6fdbyAjsDbfbDLWjQZbfiV4MzZBMt
Maybe you should try it and compare ?
I currently have the Rose Fiber Kit installed for the SFP connection. I have been comparing fiber and copper for the SFP. I am favoring the copper ever so slightly for sound quality, but I’m still comparing. I also have a Finisar/Corning combination that I have not tried yet.
I do also have the I2S active and I do enjoy that option. I utilize a custom made I2S cable from Pine Tree Audio for that connection. Every cable in my system is from Pine Tree Audio, exception being whatever SFP option I’m using.
I really appreciate having so many configurations and options to try out with the Rose products.
The Finisar / Corning combo is a winner in my setup. I look forward to hearing your feedback once you try your setup with the same combo.
Is this the module that you went with?
- Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL
Finisar SFP 1G Single Mode SFP Modules (FTLF1318P3BTL) w/ Corning LC Duplex SM/LC Duplex (040402R5120002M)
I could be wrong on this but I think the RS130 can only be used with SFP modules not SFP+ thus the reason I went with (FTLF1318P3BTL). @ROSEHAN or other members of the forum can potentially verify. This version (FTLF1318P3BTL) was consistently rated the best in audio quality amongst audiophiles who use SFP in their systems (take that last comment with a grain of salt but for me they do sound great.)
Okay, good, I have a pair of the 1318 here. I’ll have to see which fiber I have available. I know I have Corning OS2 single mode duplex on hand.
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No joy, couldn’t get the 130 to see the 160 with the Finisar/Corning combo. Back to the Amphenol passive copper connection.
@rosehan, any updates to this “new found,” commitment???
@ROSEHAN wrote on 7/23/25:
- DAC Compatibility Testing
HiFi Rose develops products with compatibility for major brand DACs in mind; however, unexpected compatibility issues may occur with certain DACs (e.g., Holo Audio). Our development team is currently analyzing the root cause of these issues and is continuously working to improve compatibility. - SPF Port and Compatibility Issues
We have confirmed feedback from some users reporting that the SPF port could not be used properly. - Firmware Update Manual Errors and USB Port Issues
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by errors in the firmware update manual. We are also preparing an urgent patch for issues with the USB port that arose after the update and will promptly provide a corrected update guide. - Update Schedule
The statement “there is no set update schedule” does not mean that we are discontinuing customer support. It is due to the internal testing and stabilization process required before we can provide an exact schedule. However, we promise to prioritize customer feedback and deliver a stable update as soon as possible. - Commitment to Customer Trust
We sincerely accept your valuable feedback and promise to implement more thorough testing and quality control as a result of this issue. We will take quick action to regain your trust through effective improvements.
Any updates on this as of 8/19/25?
For the network connection I used Finisar SFP 1G (FTLF1318P3BTL) with Corning LC Duplex SM/LC Duplex. It is a 1G connection and 10G modules do not work.
For the other SFP port (the USB 3.0 fiber) a 10G module (Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL) with the same type of fiber is required.
Incidentally, the SFP modules provided by HiFi Rose for connecting the RSA720 USB hub are 10G as are those for connecting the RD160 via fiber optic.
Be careful when choosing the length of the Amphenol DAC cable!
The 1-3m lengths have a thickness of 30AWG, the 4m one has 28AWG, the 5m one has 26AWG, and the 7m one has 24AWG.
For best results, use a cable with as much thickness as possible.
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The kit provided by HiFi Rose for connecting the RS130 with the RD160 contains two 10G BiDi modules and a single-mode fiber.
I don’t understand the position of Hifi Rose which, despite being requested many times, refuses to provide the technical details of the two SFP ports and compatible modules.