Software dealbreaker for me

ROSE Products RS451
#1

Hello all , and very specific the Rose development team.
I bought a R451 a month ago after reading a few magazines where it was praised for its sound and capabilities.
First of all a very small introduction on my usage of the unit. It is set up in a pro environment with a a ultra high end listening system ( mastering level ) as a auditoring playback system. It is connected direct into a digital environment ( speaker system processor full FIR 40bit 192KHz)
On the sound side , I’m actually quite impressed with it. A I’m not using the analog path, I will not be concerned with that.
BUT the software … what a mess. It’s just a clutter of suggestions/sources etc… But the MOST important is missing . Just a simple find my source folder… then play it . Just so simple that is is just completely absent.
I’m not interested in what other people are liking or playing , or what is new…NO , I will open spotify, Tidal of Qubus for that, If i’m in to that. I just want to SEE AND PLAY MY MUSIC on my extensive NAS library.
PLEASE fix this … I would be very happy to see this simple interface…Please.
I’m very stressed by this clutter . And I’m considering to sell the unit again and go back to my PRO Industrial computer based system.

My very best.
Udo.

#2

Are you using RoseConnect ONE?

I agree that the software is a bit awkward.
It is designed for people who want to use the software to listen to music first, before control and even here its a bit primitive.

I think what you’re suggesting is that you want to be able to configure the start up to go to your defined sources. In your case, its to go to your stored folder.

For me, I don’t use Qobuz or Tidal just use RoseTube… yet I can’t get it to start w RoseTube and filter everything out of their options. Like suggestions. (What good does suggesting something on Tidal when i don’t have a Tidal subscription or the Tidal app installed? )

I think it would be better if you could frame your vision into what you’d like rather than just complain?
Does that make sense?

#3

Hello Smegel,
You are absolutely right about me complaining and not being constructive in this case. Lets call that frustration . My apologies.
To answer your question , Yes I’m using Roseconnect ONE , but I tried all the versions before , leaving them, as we ran into the same “awkwardness”.
For me as a very structured , almost to the point of awkwardness too , I’m all but impressed with the layout and functionality.
What I like to see; Hmm,

When starting the system in sequence:

  1. Welcome screen ( if not ,also ok)
  2. My settings page with a) the audio settings
    b) the network discovery Ok/Nok
    c) if Ok , sync of folders / if Nok , search network options
    d) Global visible source options
  3. My playout page with a) The chosen sources as , network NAS , Local disk , Rose Tube , Tidal , etc. All in icon format like on main screen RS451
    b) the functionality , like play folder from first to last , play at random, stop after played song , etc…
  4. as an option …all the gizmos stuff like propositions etc… like now , for people who actually want that . And there is the registration/ Login for the account.
  5. for the few that actually like that stuff… sharing etc.

But for all , I just want to get rid of the clutter and I do not like the " you need to be ONLINE as a community"

Maybe that clarifies things?

My very best,
Udo.

1 Like
#4

Also just for the info
And I’m writing this not for bashing any of the Rose developers.
I’m quite certain that if Rose makes it a simple interface, An easy and clear layout , it will persuade a lot of potential buyers . The whole “streamer” thing is complex as it is in the minds of potential users. And if the user interface reflects that kind of mindset, it plainly puts people off of buying and giving it a try.
As a side note,
I saw quite a few complaints about instability . If the layout is awkward/chaotic, probably the coding is too. Start with the basic , make it strong and usefull. The add layers to it, if and when, they are needed.
Again , I like the hardware , I almost like the software on the unit itself, but there is much room for improvement… But i “hate” the app.

This from a point of view as a person/ company that set up ( and still do) the most complex broadcast/mastering/studio setups that are out there.

Again my sincere apologies to any people that find this writing in any way offending or inappropiate. It’s not intended to be read that way , but as a push to make things just plain better/more simple with less energy.

But I stay with my opinion, on selling the Rose on , as this is not sorted. As for me the interaction on user interface is just frustrating.
My very best,
Udo.

1 Like
#5

I never saw anything in your writing that I viewed as a complaint. The Rose software is kludgy. You want to use your NAS library and it is not self evident how to do it easily. The manuals are abysmal and we are reliant on this community get simple information.

Now THIS is a complaint.

But I am an Apple (Music / iTunes) guy and I like how that works. But that is a high bar for Rose so we get what we get.

1 Like
#6

I mean seriously, how many manuals have you had that the first 10 pages or so are marketing for the other products in the line before you get to the “instructions” on how to use the device?

2 Likes
#7

I have to agree here completely.
Love the sound, the new app is indeed better BUT simplify everything please.
When I log in, I want to see MY Qobuz, Apple albums, playlist or whatever.
There is way to much clutter and unneeded information and options in my eyes (make this an option for those who want it).

Oh yes, and have a look at some translation mistakes (in Dutch in my case)

2 Likes
#8

Dear HiFi Rose users

HiFi ROSE aims to deliver not only outstanding sound quality but also a user experience that matches it, and we take the need to improve our software—especially app usability—very seriously.

We will continue to strive to provide a better user experience through ongoing updates.

Your feedback is extremely important in guiding our development direction.

2 Likes
#9

Hello Rosehan,

It’s been a few months and a few updates on firmware and app versions further.
As I agree on outstanding audio quality ( there is a sidenote never the less) and build quality. The software structure still is an major issue , and actually, its worse then before.

The app is even more cluttered and only showing , what I call adds…meaning pushing me to music on paying platforms.
My intended use of the device = playing my NAS files , but that is even more burried into that clutter. This to the point it is completely unusable for my application. I have to search the files on the screen of the device itself ( luckily ,this is still more or less doable) Maybe then I could open up the app to remote the unit. Frustrating experence to say the least.

As the side note: I do have a TIDAL account, for years , as I do have a Qubus and Spotify .
When I play the TIDAL on my linux based hardware with broadcast quality conversion, it sounds very good. As do Qubus. ( Spotify is Lower quality as it is compressed.) This is correct. The files sound the same as downloaded and checked as streamed. BUT when I open the stream on the ROSE , they sound less defined, more muddy in the frequency reponse with a boosted low . This is confirmed with audioanalysis ( SMAART 9 in 32bit 192KHz ) I have checked that there is NO EQ present in the path of the ROSE , and there is none.
When I play direct files from the NAS ( the same HiRes 24/96 for example ) through the ROSE they sounds just fine.
So for now I just want to play the files from my NAS !!!
Btw. The ROSE is connected digital only , no analog connections involved.

What can be done to solve the frustrations here? I would like to give it a go before I’m forced to sell it on when the frustrations get me to upset.
I’m open for discussion.

My best ,
Udo.