Notice Regarding Spotify Lossless Support

ROSE NOTICE
#1

Dear HiFi Rose customers,

Thank you for your continued support and for using HiFi Rose products.

For years, HiFi Rose has participated directly in the Spotify Developer Program and utilized the official Android NDK–based SDK to independently develop and maintain Spotify Connect, ensuring the highest possible sound quality.
Unlike many other brands that rely on third-party solutions, this approach allowed us to deliver HiFi Rose’s unique audio processing technologies and an enhanced user experience.

However, with the recent launch of Spotify’s new HD service, Spotify has officially announced that the Android NDK–based Spotify Connect SDK is no longer available and that the new HD service cannot be supported through this method.
In other words, Spotify now requires manufacturers—including HiFi Rose—to support Spotify Connect (including HD) only through designated third-party system integrators.

Currently, no third-party provider exists that offers the updated Spotify Connect SDK for Android NDK devices.
This situation also applies to Tidal Connect, which follows a similar policy structure.

Due to these changes, it is unfortunately not possible to support Spotify Connect HD through a simple software update at this time. We kindly ask for your understanding.

Alternative Solution in Development

HiFi Rose places the highest priority on customer experience, and we are actively preparing the following solution:

  1. Development of an External Connect Module

• We are developing an external module designed to provide stable support for Spotify Connect HD and Tidal Connect.
• This module will connect to existing HiFi Rose devices and is planned to support both Spotify Connect HD and Tidal Connect.
• The product will be offered at a reasonable price while incorporating high-quality circuit design that meets HiFi Rose’s audio standards.

  1. Release Schedule

• Detailed specifications and features will be announced soon through our official channels.
• The external module is planned for release early next year.

HiFi Rose remains committed to delivering the highest quality streaming experience.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by recent changes in the service environment and will continue doing our best to provide better technology and products.

Thank you.

1 Like
**Open Letter to HiFi Rose: The Community Deserves Better — Before It’s Too Late**
Problem with loseless
#2

I’m glad I only use Roon, how is it possible you need an external device next to a 4500 euro streaming device to get Spotify hd and Tidal connect.
How do other brands do this???
I think HiFi Rose did use the wrong hardware inside their streamers from the start.
I think a lot of customers do not like this :grimacing:

1 Like
#3

Dear HiFi Rose team,

Thank you for your update and for explaining the situation regarding Spotify’s policy changes.

As an owner of the RS130 — a product marketed as an “Ultimate Network Transport” and priced at 59,000 SEK— I must admit that the news is disappointing. Many of us chose HiFi Rose because of the strong promises around long-term performance, advanced design, and future-proof streaming support.

Introducing an external module for Spotify Connect HD and Tidal Connect feels somewhat at odds with this vision, especially for customers who believed that a flagship product would handle such developments internally.

I fully understand that Spotify’s decision is outside your control, and I appreciate the challenge you are facing. Still, I kindly ask that HiFi Rose considers offering the upcoming module free of charge or at a very reasonable cost for existing RS130 and RD160 customers. This would show true commitment to your high-end users and maintain confidence in your brand.

Thank you for listening, and I appreciate your continued efforts.

Best regards,

Göran

3 Likes
#6

The only reasonable price I can think of is for free. Not having heard of any other brand reporting these problems you write about. Truly regret me spending so much money on an incapable device, team and company. Disappointed and angry I am. A perfect way to loose (current and future) customers once this attitude becomes widely known on fora and hifi sites.

2 Likes
#7

Well, that’s not going to happen. That means new hardware… Rose’s little magic box.

For me, as a non-Spotify user, it’s simply ridiculous.

Rose, please give me an RS520 for $500 and I’ll consider getting a Wii M or Eversolo instead.

It’s just laughable, so much money for these devices and they’re practically paperweights.

1 Like
#8

No, I disagree!

All Rose devices that can stream Tidal Connect and Spotify. There are a few more devices than just your 130/160 nonsense.

5 Likes
#9

I wonder if the users agree with this statement.

1 Like
#10

Thank you for your comment — and just to clarify, I completely agree with you.

When I mentioned the RS130 and RD160, it was only as an example because those are the models I own.

Of course, all HiFi Rose devices that currently support Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect should be included and treated equally. Every customer, regardless of model, is affected by this situation and should benefit from a fair solution.

My intention was never to exclude other products or users. We are all in the same situation and want HiFi Rose to take care of all their customers.

2 Likes
#11

Everything’s okay. I didn’t feel attacked by your post either.

Thanks for your feedback.

:v:t2:

#12

Just to see what the competition (NAD) is doing and compare their policy on upgrades.

Take note. NAD updates its software once every one to three months vs. once or twice a year AND incorporated the Connect Streamer features free with existing hardware vs. HiFi Rose requiring new hardware and offering one or two software updates per year.
To be clear, I love my four HiFi Rose devices. I just wish for better.

StandardModel

1 Like
#13

Some might. Some also believe in tooth fairy.

In the meanwhile, if you check Spotify’s official list of Connect partners, funny enough, there are even some now defunct companies (like Cocktail Audio, the original inspiration behind both Rose and EverSolo form factors) but… no Rose.

Of course other companies can apply whatever “unique audio processing” :rofl: they have to Spotify just fine.

#14

I bought the rs250a 2 days ago on special, is this why is was reduced price?, to me this is already useless, so what you are telling me is that we have to get another streaming device and plug into the rose, we could have bought a different product from the start knowing this, I just want to return it for money back, completely deceptive marketing not informing people of this. The whole idea of paying top $$$ for a quality product is for the better sound quality. This is like saying here is a v12 engine that’s got the potential to be fast, but in the meantime only run it on a fumes till we sort out how to make it work on premium fuel

2 Likes
#15

And a amazon app would be good. Look at wimm. Cheap product updates nearly monthly. Has all the music apps. Sometimes i think i shouldve just kept that instead of upgrading a fortune to a glory box. Cmon rose step up to the plate!!!

2 Likes
#16

I don’t understand when I paid 10 x price of a basic steamer there isn’t Spotify and Amazon app installed in the system , even the most basic systems have these , I’m not expert can’t be cause of hardware , cause how does tidel work ? , or is it there are licensing fees the hifi rose doesn’t want to pay apps solve the problem such as Spotify with lossless , why is it that it has to Spotify connect and not a app , $$$$

1 Like
#17

Can you read? You’ll have to resign yourself or get an external device. Anyway, for me, Spotify is crap. If someone likes it, they’ll buy it. I recommend Qobuz if you really want to spend some money on it.

2 Likes
#18

You could still bring it back… :slight_smile: :sweat_smile:

#19

I bought two!!! RS520’s in the past two years and now I have to buy two devices to finally have Spotify Lossless?? Really? Please Rose, you really have to come up with something else! I was told this was the ultimate streamer and now it cannot even do Spotify Lossless???

7 Likes
#20

Ik ben bang van niet

#21

How to explain that a 4000 euros device needs one more equipment to work normally? For exemple a phone doesn’t need additional device to support spotify lossless… amazing…

1 Like
#22

Everyone wants something for free.