HiFi Rose RS151 Network Streamer at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The RS151 is a high-performance network streamer and DAC from HiFi Rose (Seoul, South Korea), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Built around the ESS SABRE ES9039PRO DAC chip with 4th-generation Hyperstream technology, the proprietary ROSE DPC (Digital Processing Core) module with Femto clock, and an 8-core processor delivering four times the computing power of its predecessor, the RS151 achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 131.4 dB and supports DSD upsampling to DSD512. Combining a 15.4-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs, a full digital output suite including I2S HDMI, and HDMI eARC input, the RS151 sets a new benchmark for all-in-one network streaming in a single chassis. It is available in Canada through authorized HiFi Rose dealers including Vinyl Sound.

ROSE DPC Module and Femto Clock

The most significant technical advancement in the RS151 is the introduction of the ROSE DPC (Digital Processing Core) module. This proprietary circuit precisely synchronizes all incoming digital signals to a Femto clock reference before aligning them as I2S signals for delivery to the DAC stage. A Femto clock operates at a level of precision measured in femtoseconds, far beyond the capability of standard crystal oscillators or the TCXO clocks found in most competing network streamers. Every processing block within the DPC module is designed to maintain maximum signal accuracy. Critically, the circuitry handling the user interface and GUI is completely isolated from the digital audio signal path, ensuring that the computational activity of the touchscreen and operating system generates zero interference in the audio circuit. This dual function of precision clock alignment and circuit isolation is the primary reason the RS151 achieves a 10.4 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio over its predecessor, the RS150B.

ESS SABRE ES9039PRO DAC with 4th-Generation Hyperstream Technology

The RS151 uses the ESS SABRE ES9039PRO, the current flagship DAC chip from ESS Technology, featuring 4th-generation Hyperstream modulation technology. In its fourth generation, Hyperstream combines with the Femto clock reference to suppress jitter and extend linearity during digital-to-analog conversion to levels that previous chip generations could not achieve. The ES9039PRO's 8-channel architecture operates with fully independent processing for each channel, meaning no shared circuitry exists between the left and right channels at any point in the conversion stage. The result is a signal-to-noise ratio of 131.4 dB, channel separation that contributes to a wide and precisely defined stereo image, and a soundstage with genuine depth and spatiality.

ROSE NRA Filter and Complete Analog Stage Isolation

Following the DAC stage, the RS151's analog output passes through the proprietary ROSE NRA (Noise Reduction Analog) filter. This circuit eliminates residual noise and maintains a flat frequency response across the entire audible range, including extremely low frequencies where conventional analog filters typically introduce roll-off. The NRA filter ensures that the full information content of high-resolution audio sources is faithfully reproduced at the analog outputs without coloration or attenuation at frequency extremes. Combined with the physical separation of the digital and analog domains throughout the RS151's circuit topology, this filter represents the final stage in a signal chain engineered from input to output around the principle of maximum signal accuracy.

RS151 vs RS150B: A Generational Leap

The RS151 is not an incremental update to the RS150B. The ROSE DPC module and Femto clock are entirely new additions absent from the RS150B, as is DSD upsampling support which now reaches DSD512 versus none on the previous model. The DAC chip advances from the ES9038PRO to the ES9039PRO with independent 8-channel processing replacing shared circuits, and the signal-to-noise ratio improves from 121 dB to 131.4 dB. Processing power increases fourfold via the new 8-core CPU, RAM doubles to 8 GB, and internal storage quadruples to 32 GB. Connectivity gains include HDMI eARC for uncompressed audio, Trigger In and Out for system automation, and Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX.

Key Features

• ROSE DPC Module with Femto Clock: Proprietary Digital Processing Core synchronizes all input signals to a Femto clock reference and aligns them as I2S before DAC conversion, minimizing jitter and maximizing signal accuracy with complete GUI circuit isolation from the audio path.
• ESS SABRE ES9039PRO DAC: Flagship ESS DAC chip with 4th-generation Hyperstream technology, 8-channel independent processing, and Femto clock integration delivering a signal-to-noise ratio of 131.4 dB.
• DSD512 Upsampling and PCM-to-DSD512 Conversion: Native DSD playback and upsampling to DSD512, plus real-time PCM-to-DSD512 conversion for enhanced playback of standard PCM sources including CD-quality content.
• ROSE NRA Analog Filter: Proprietary Noise Reduction Analog filter maintains flat frequency response across the full audible range including extremely low frequencies, eliminating roll-off and residual noise at the analog output stage.
• Complete Digital and Analog Path Separation: Physical isolation between digital and analog circuits prevents noise and jitter from the conversion stage from influencing the analog output.
• 8-Core Processor, 8 GB RAM, 32 GB Storage: Next-generation processing platform running Android 12, four times faster than the RS150B with doubled RAM and quadrupled internal storage for smooth, responsive operation.
• 15.4-Inch Full HD IPS Touchscreen: Full HD resolution LCD with wide viewing angle and multi-touch input, supporting high-definition album art display and video playback at up to 4K/60 Hz.
• Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA Analog Outputs: Both output types available simultaneously for flexible system integration with any integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
• Full Digital Output Suite: Optical, coaxial SPDIF, AES/EBU, HDMI, USB, and I2S HDMI digital outputs covering virtually every DAC connection standard.
• HDMI eARC Input: Accepts uncompressed audio from televisions and AV processors via HDMI eARC for whole-system audio integration.
• Trigger In and Out: 12V trigger connectivity for automated system power management and integration with amplifiers and processors.
• Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX: Latest Bluetooth standard with aptX codec support for high-quality wireless audio streaming and remote control.
• COAX and AES/EBU up to PCM 384 kHz and DSD128: High-resolution digital output capability on both SPDIF coaxial and AES/EBU outputs.
• High Purity Aluminium Chassis: Milled from a solid block of high purity aluminium to minimize vibration and noise, available in Black or Silver, measuring 16.9 x 4.8 x 12.4 inches and weighing 24.3 lbs.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Analog In: Unbalanced RCA x1, Balanced XLR x1
• Analog Out: Unbalanced RCA x1, Balanced XLR x1
• Digital In: Optical x1, Coaxial x1, AES/EBU x1, HDMI eARC x1, USB x1
• Digital Out: Optical x1, Coaxial x1, AES/EBU x1, HDMI x1, USB x1, I2S HDMI x1
• Video Out: HDMI 2.0 x1 (up to 4K/60 Hz)
• Trigger In and Out (12V)
• Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet network connectivity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HiFi Rose RS151?

The HiFi Rose RS151 is a high-performance network streamer and DAC from HiFi Rose of Seoul, South Korea, featuring the ESS SABRE ES9039PRO DAC chip, the proprietary ROSE DPC module with Femto clock, a signal-to-noise ratio of 131.4 dB, DSD512 upsampling, an 8-core processor running Android 12, and a 15.4-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen. It is available in Canada through authorized HiFi Rose dealers including Vinyl Sound in Toronto.

How does the HiFi Rose RS151 compare to the Aurender A200 and Lumin X1?

The HiFi Rose RS151 competes directly with reference-class streaming DACs including the Aurender A200 and Lumin X1. The Aurender A200 uses an AKM AK4191 and AK4499EX DAC combination with a quoted SNR of 130 dB and includes a built-in CD drive, but does not offer I2S output or PCM-to-DSD conversion. The Lumin X1 uses an ESS ES9038PRO in dual-mono configuration with a quoted SNR of 130 dB and supports fiber network input, but does not include a Femto clock or DPC module for jitter reduction. The RS151 differentiates itself with the newer ES9039PRO chip, a dedicated ROSE DPC module and Femto clock, DSD512 upsampling and PCM-to-DSD512 conversion, I2S HDMI output, HDMI eARC input, and a measured SNR of 131.4 dB that exceeds both competitors.

What is the ROSE DPC module and what does it do?

The ROSE DPC (Digital Processing Core) module is a proprietary HiFi Rose circuit that acts as the signal processing hub between the network input and the DAC chip. It synchronizes all incoming digital audio signals to a Femto clock reference and converts them to I2S format before they reach the ES9039PRO. The DPC module also physically isolates the GUI and user interface circuits from the audio signal path, preventing the computational activity of the touchscreen and operating system from generating noise or jitter in the audio chain. This dual function of precision clock alignment and circuit isolation is the primary reason the RS151 achieves a 10.4 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio over its predecessor, the RS150B.

Can the HiFi Rose RS151 upsample PCM to DSD?

Yes, the HiFi Rose RS151 supports both native DSD playback up to DSD512 and real-time PCM-to-DSD512 conversion. This allows standard PCM audio files, including CD-quality 16-bit/44.1 kHz content, to be converted to DSD512 on the fly before being processed by the ES9039PRO DAC. DSD512 operates at a sampling frequency of 22.5792 MHz, pushing quantization noise well above the audible range and delivering a smoother, more analog-like presentation favored by many high-resolution audio listeners.

What makes the HiFi Rose RS151 better than the RS150B it replaces?

The HiFi Rose RS151 represents a fundamental redesign rather than a revision of the RS150B. Key improvements include the addition of the ROSE DPC module and Femto clock, an upgrade from the ES9038PRO to the ES9039PRO DAC with independent 8-channel processing, a jump in signal-to-noise ratio from 121 dB to 131.4 dB, DSD512 upsampling support where the RS150B had none, four times the processing power via the new 8-core CPU, doubled RAM, quadrupled internal storage, a larger Full HD display, HDMI eARC input, Trigger In and Out, and Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX.

What amplifiers pair well with the HiFi Rose RS151?

The HiFi Rose RS151 is a complete streaming DAC with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs, making it compatible with any integrated amplifier or preamplifier. Its balanced XLR output pairs naturally with amplifiers such as the HiFi Rose RA180 or RA280, both of which accept balanced XLR input and are available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto. For listeners who prefer to use the RS151 purely as a transport, its I2S HDMI, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical, and USB digital outputs connect to virtually any outboard DAC on the market.

Is the HiFi Rose RS151 Roon Ready?

The HiFi Rose RS151 runs Android 12 and supports a wide range of streaming platforms and protocols through the Rose Connect ecosystem. For the most current Roon Ready certification status of the RS151, prospective buyers are encouraged to confirm directly with Vinyl Sound, HiFi Rose's authorized dealer in Toronto, Canada, who can provide up-to-date compatibility information and arrange an in-store demonstration.

Where can I buy the HiFi Rose RS151 in Toronto or Canada?

The HiFi Rose RS151 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized HiFi Rose dealer in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the complete HiFi Rose product range and provides in-store demonstrations, expert guidance on system matching, and authorized Canadian warranty support for all HiFi Rose products.