Rose now offers RA 80

@ROSEHAN

I just learned thru the grapevine that you announced a new product in the RA80.

What can you share?
It looks like you split the RA280 into the mono blocks.

Any other product announcements?

BTW it would be really great if you had posted an announcement here when you released them at the Vienna show.

Thx.

RA80 was on Vienna High End 2026 audio show and… well, it’s a big NO for me. Why there are big LCD screens on it??? I guess Rose wants to be different, but that’s a questionable choice. I hope there will be a version without it…

The LCD: Because Hifi Rose is branded from Citech and they are producing the LCD Touch screens…

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Thanks for letting me know you won’t be buying it.

You’re welcome, that’s what the forum is for. I bought the RS520 mainly because it was one of the first to support Apple Music, which I’m a user of. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until after I bought it that I realized streaming was limited to AAC 256kbps, and using AirPlay, the sound was somewhat “thin.” Only when using players connected via USB or eARC is the quality satisfactory for me. That’s why I’ve been thinking for some time about switching and separating the streamer/DAC function from the amplifier and buying something that supports Apple natively. The RA80 would be a great product for me because I really like the sound of the ROSE, but unfortunately, the look doesn’t suit my taste at all. It’s a shame.

You do realize that you can put other things on that screen or even turn it off. (Assuming that it follows the same pattern of the other Rose products. )

I don’t know what’s on the backside , but based on other Rose products, I’m hoping for both RCA and XLR inputs.

I am still running and planning on keeping my RS520. I’m set up in a near field listening where much of what I play comes thru my Mac via USB. The only time I use my RS520 as a source is RoseTube. Which is kinda nice. (The TosLink goes to my MB20 which I use for BT in.)

I’m going to wait until I can see one up close and in person. One of the few stereo stores near me is a Mofi dealer so they can get one in. Would also love to see if Old Guy Hi-Fi will get one in for review.

To your point about the large LCD screen…
Yes, for many its a head scratch-er.

I could see this paired w separates or the RS451 and use XLRs to put these near the speakers and then run short speaker cables.

There’s no need to rush to judgement… although I was kinda hoping for more product releases. :frowning:

Rose products are as much about being seen as being heard. I find it kind of attractive to look at but its form factor is impractical for anyone with space considerations. I suppose that two of them can be placed side by side on the lowest shelf of a rack or stand in the center of the room, otherwise they need their own space on the floor next to the speakers. In a single source system say using the 151 this could work, but with multiple sources it seems unwieldy to me.

I do realize, that Rose is „about looks” as well, but I was hoping for something more like RA180 which is a beauty for me. Putting an LCD these days is just being lazy - thats what automotive is doing as well without much applause from the audience.

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Just wait until Rose officially unveils the monoblocks.

You already mentioned that you’re waiting, but why are you speculating?

It’s also not a split RA180, as you’ve speculated again. The monoblocks have much more power! Wait and see, as you so nicely put it, and don’t make everyone crazy again. :crazy_face:

And if you can’t wait, check out the video (RA80 Monoblock Amplifier + Master PIEGA Master Line Source 2 Gen2).

P.S.
The RW 800 is also being unveiled.

Cheers!

So you liked the RA180 design… yet the design is a bit polarizing. Some found it too much. Hence the restrained design of the RA280.

Take a look at other mono bloc designs. You can see AGD, Laiv, and a host of Class A and AB mono blocs . Not much different.

IMHO the reason you get mono blocs is to place them close to the speakers.

@Bonte
One of the instagram short videos shows the back side.
RCA/XLR in.
12v Trigger in /out.
Ground terminal, including what looks to be a ground terminal for the speaker cable.
(Some suggest grounding the speaker wire to the amp,) The grounding terminal helps when you have REL subs that use the audio out via their speakon connection (3 wire).

As to the power… I tried to search for Rose’s statement… nothing as of yet. Just someone posting a comment on one of the instagram videos.

And if we assume it to be true… its not a leap to take the current amp design and boost the power.
Again, you’re right and it doesn’t pay to speculate.

My comment was that the RA280 was marketed as having both channels separated internally… aka split.
This is similar to Orchard Audio’s stereo where the same board is in the mono blocks along w some of the Purifi boards where they could be placed in either a mono bloc, or in the same chassis sharing a power supply. (OA’s DIY kit along w a couple of the Purifi based kits. ) Note that Hypex does the same thing too.

Also note in one of those videos that they had some other stuff on the front screen than the VU meter. BTW many of the reviewers who post on YT rave about how they love to see VU meters.
So I’m sure some will rave about this too.

As to the RW800 it was announced a while ago.
One comment someone made was that none of the spotify connect devices could have spotify lossless, just the spotify apps could so it wasn’t just Rose. Not really interested in the RW800 since I could use my DX180 to do the same thing, or use USB in from my Macbook or any PC for that matter.

Good find on that video… weird AI voice over for auto translation…

What I was talking about on the RA280 was this from Rose’s marketing:

The RA280 stands out with its two completely separated mono amplifier modules, each delivering 250 W (4 Ω and 8 Ω) to the left and right channels, for a total of 500 W in stereo mode.

Also while I talked about the RA280…
To your point… Rose said this about their RA180

Each channel of the RA180 amplifier is equipped with an AMP module specialized for stable bass and balance and a module specialized for soft treble and super tweeter area, with two modules. Each AMP module supports 200W (8 Ohms) and can output up to 400W per channel, for a total output of 800 watts. There are two independent modules that divide the high and low frequencies respectively, so that the speaker and, when connected, Bi-Amping has a driving force which is increased without being affected by the back electromotive force. RA180 also features BTL Mode which combines the output of two independent modules to produce a thicker and more balanced sound.

So that’s a good point on what you were saying.

Again my point is that its not a far stretch to release a mono and I’m sure they are going to sound good.

[Edit] From the video he said that its possible to have both displays on different mono blocs be sync’d . Not sure how because there’s just the input (RCA/XLR) and a small USB C port that is labeled as a service port. (firmware upgrades.)
Maybe there’s a bit more to be seen.

Thanks for the video. And wow, those numbers on the back of those monos are impressive, especially when the price was unveiled. Still not in my taste when it comes to how they look, but… well, I’ll give them a try next year. Hopefully Rose will release a new streamer/dac combo to match those monos with RW800 already integrated :wink:

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Dear HiFi Rose users

The RA80 is HiFi ROSE’s first flagship monoblock power amplifier, designed to deliver exceptional power, precision, and visual engagement. Powered by next-generation GaN FET amplification technology, it delivers an impressive 500W at 8Ω, 1,000W at 4Ω, and up to 2,000W peak power at 2Ω, allowing it to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers with ease while maintaining ultra-low distortion and outstanding control.

What truly sets the RA80 apart is its 11.2-inch OLED display, which visualizes music signals in real time and brings HiFi ROSE’s “Visible Audio” philosophy to life. More than just a power amplifier, the RA80 combines high-end performance, innovative technology, and immersive visual artistry into a unique listening experience.

With its fully balanced architecture, high damping factor, and seamless integration with other HiFi ROSE products, the RA80 establishes a new reference for customers seeking both uncompromising sound quality and a visually captivating audio system.

While pricing has not yet been finalized, the RA80 is currently expected to be released around October.

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Ok, have to ask what is meant by next-gen GaN technology?
Do you mean GaN as in its next gen class D, or that you’ve improved upon your current generation of GaN amps?

If its the latter, can you say how you improved upon it?

Thx

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@Smegel

The term “Next-Gen GaN Technology” does not simply refer to replacing conventional Class D amplification devices with GaN components. Rather, it represents our next-generation design that further advances and refines our existing GaN-based amplifier technology.

At this time, however, there is limited information that we can publicly disclose regarding the detailed design and specific technical improvements of the product.

We expect to be able to provide more detailed information once the official product announcement and technical documentation are released.

Within the scope of what we can currently share, improvements have been made in several areas, including power supply design, signal processing, noise control, and overall sound quality performance. These enhancements were developed with the goal of delivering improved performance and sound quality compared to the previous generation.

We will share additional technical details through our official channels as they become available.

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@moderators Thank you for the additional information and for being transparent about what can and cannot be disclosed at this stage. The improvements you mention in power supply design, signal processing, noise control, and overall sound quality are certainly encouraging, and I look forward to learning more once the official technical details are released.

As a longtime Rose owner, I believe one of HiFi Rose’s greatest strengths has always been its industrial design and user experience. The displays across the product lineup are among the most visually impressive in the industry and have become a defining part of the Rose brand identity.

That said, I would like to offer some constructive feedback for consideration. While the display is unquestionably a differentiator, it also appears to be one of the areas that creates the greatest concern among some owners. Over the years there have been a number of reports of screen-related failures across various Rose products, and unfortunately I experienced a display failure myself on my RS130.

For that reason, I would encourage HiFi Rose to consider offering a display-free version of the upcoming monoblocks, or at least making the display optional. Many audiophiles place these amplifiers in racks where the screens are rarely viewed after initial setup, and I suspect there would be a meaningful segment of customers who would gladly trade the visual appeal for increased simplicity, potentially improved long-term reliability, and the peace of mind that comes with having one less component that could affect the ownership experience.

This is not intended as criticism of Rose’s design philosophy. Quite the opposite. The displays are a major reason many of us were initially attracted to the brand. Rather, it is simply a suggestion that offering customers a choice between a display-equipped and display-free version might broaden the appeal of the product while addressing a concern that some existing owners have expressed.

Regardless, I am excited to see Rose continue to invest in amplifier development and look forward to learning more about the next generation of GaN technology as additional details become available.

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I don’t think they’ll do it.
The ultra large touch screen is kind of their signature feature.

IIRC, they do have the option that lets you turn off the screen.

That said… I was kind of curious about the screen since there isn’t any sort of digital in other than a firm ware update. Thought that was a missed opportunity to add features to the screen. Like displaying album art of what’s playing. (ie a remote screen to the pre-amp.)

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Honestly, I don’t quite understand it. ROSE makes great-sounding devices, the sound is truly superb. However, there have been identified issues with software quality and LCD screen failures. Knowing this, ROSE wants to release monoblocks with… LCD screens and advanced software. The two don’t really mesh well, but of course, I don’t run a company… just as a consumer and music lover, I simply want a great-sounding set. The idea of ​​a version of the monoblocks without screens is great!

I hear you.
Sometimes KISS (Keep it Simple (stupid) ) should apply.
However the big touch screens are Rose’s thing.

This just popped up in my YT feed.

Its from the Vienna show… Rose w Piega speakers.