HiFi Rose RSA720 Optical USB Hub at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The RSA720 is a fiber optic USB hub and galvanic isolator from HiFi Rose (Seoul, South Korea), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Designed as the ideal companion to the HiFi Rose RS130 network streaming transport, the RSA720 employs an SFP optical transceiver to provide complete electrical isolation between external USB storage devices and a connected audio system, eliminating the vibration and electrical noise that conventional USB connections allow to pass unimpeded. With two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports for simultaneous multi-device connectivity, and the ability to extend fiber optic transmission over hundreds of meters without speed loss, the RSA720 is both a practical hub and a precision audio accessory for any digital system where storage-induced noise is compromising sound quality.

SFP Optical Isolation: Blocking Noise at the Source

Consumer hard drives, SSDs, USB thumb drives, and computers are among the most electrically noisy devices in any audio environment. When connected directly to a streamer or DAC via a standard USB cable, these devices introduce electrical interference and vibrational noise into the audio signal path that can degrade resolution, dynamics, and low-level detail retrieval. The RSA720 addresses this by converting the USB data signal to fiber optic transmission via its SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) optical transceiver module, creating a complete galvanic break between the storage device and the audio system. The optical signal path carries no electrical current and is immune to electromagnetic interference, ensuring that music data arrives at the streamer or DAC in its original, uncontaminated form. The result is a measurably cleaner interface that removes the haze, distortion, and timing irregularities that conventional USB storage connections introduce.

Four Independent USB Ports and Plug-and-Play Operation

The RSA720 provides four independent USB ports in a single compact chassis: two USB 3.0 Type-A ports and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports. These allow simultaneous connection of multiple external drives, USB DACs, CD transports, or other USB audio peripherals without requiring any additional driver installation. A slide switch on the chassis selects between SFP optical mode and USB Type-B mode, making the RSA720 immediately usable with systems that do not have an SFP optical input, such as a USB DAC without an SFP port, via the included USB 3.0 Type-B cable. The USB Type-B input accepts a host device, while the four USB-A ports distribute connectivity to attached storage and peripherals, effectively functioning as both an audiophile-grade isolation device and a practical multi-device hub.

Extended Transmission Range and Flexible Placement

One of the defining practical advantages of the RSA720's fiber optic architecture is the ability to extend the connection between the hub and the audio system over distances far beyond what USB cables can achieve. While USB cables are limited to approximately five meters before signal degradation becomes a concern, the RSA720's SFP optical link is capable of transmitting data over hundreds of meters without any reduction in speed or data integrity. This enables listeners to locate hard drives, NAS units, computers, or CD transports in a dedicated storage area, equipment room, or separate space entirely, while the audio system remains free of the noise these devices generate. The included 1-meter SFP LC fiber optic cable provides an immediate connection for typical rack or shelf installations, and longer cables can be used where extended runs are required.

Optimized for the HiFi Rose RS130 and SFP-Equipped Systems

The RSA720 is engineered specifically to pair with the HiFi Rose RS130 network streaming transport, which features a USB SFP optical input that accepts the RSA720's fiber optic connection directly. In this configuration, the RS130 and RSA720 form a fully isolated digital front end: storage devices connect to the RSA720's USB ports, the data travels through the fiber optic link to the RS130's SFP input, and the RS130 performs its streaming and playback functions entirely free of the electrical interference that storage devices would otherwise inject via a direct USB connection. The RSA720 is also compatible with any other HiFi Rose streamer or DAC that accepts a USB connection, and with non-HiFi Rose equipment via the USB Type-B input, making it a versatile upgrade for a wide range of audiophile digital systems.

Key Features

• SFP Optical Transceiver Isolation: Converts USB data to fiber optic transmission via a 10G SFP module, providing complete galvanic isolation between external storage devices and the audio system, eliminating electrical noise and vibration interference.
• Four Independent USB Ports: Two USB 3.0 Type-A ports and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports for simultaneous connection of multiple external drives, DACs, CD transports, and USB audio peripherals with no driver installation required.
• SFP Mode and USB Type-B Mode: Slide switch selects between fiber optic SFP output for systems with an SFP input (such as the HiFi Rose RS130) and conventional USB 3.0 Type-B output for systems without an SFP port.
• Extended Optical Transmission Range: SFP optical link supports transmission over hundreds of meters without signal degradation, enabling flexible physical separation of storage devices from the audio system.
• Optimized for HiFi Rose RS130: Designed as the dedicated hub and isolator for the RS130 network streaming transport, with the included SFP modules and LC fiber optic cable enabling immediate plug-and-play optical connectivity.
• Plug-and-Play with No Additional Drivers: External USB devices connect and operate immediately across all four ports without any software installation or configuration required.
• Compact Silver Chassis: Durable, low-profile enclosure measuring 5.98" x 6.04" x 1.32" and weighing 2.65 lbs, designed for easy integration into any audio rack or equipment shelf.
• Comprehensive Accessory Kit: Includes two SFP modules, a 1-meter SFP LC fiber optic cable, a 1-meter USB 3.0 Type-B cable, DC power adapter, AC power cord, and manual for a complete out-of-box setup.

Technical Specifications

What's in the Box

• HiFi Rose RSA720 Optical USB Hub
• SFP Modules x 2
• SFP LC Fiber Optic Cable (1m)
• USB 3.0 Type-B Cable (1m)
• DC Power Adapter
• AC Power Cord
• Manual

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HiFi Rose RSA720?

The HiFi Rose RSA720 is a fiber optic USB hub and galvanic isolator from HiFi Rose, a specialist audio brand based in Seoul, South Korea. It uses an SFP optical transceiver to convert USB data from external storage devices into a fiber optic signal, completely eliminating the electrical noise and vibration interference that standard USB connections introduce into an audio system. The RSA720 provides four independent USB ports, supports both SFP optical and conventional USB Type-B connectivity, and is designed as the dedicated hub and isolator for the HiFi Rose RS130 network streaming transport.

How does the RSA720 compare to using a standard USB hub or a direct USB cable?

A standard USB hub routes power and data through a shared electrical conductor, meaning any noise generated by attached storage devices, including electrical interference and vibrational energy from spinning hard drives, is transmitted directly to the connected audio system. The RSA720 replaces this electrical path with a fiber optic link via its SFP transceiver, creating a galvanic break that completely prevents noise from crossing between the storage side and the audio system side. Audiophile-focused alternatives such as the iFi iSilencer or SOtM USB hubs address noise through filtering and re-clocking while remaining on an electrical conductor, whereas the RSA720's optical conversion provides a fundamentally different and more complete form of isolation. For systems with an SFP-equipped input such as the HiFi Rose RS130, the RSA720 represents the most thorough approach to USB storage isolation currently available.

Can the RSA720 be used with streamers or DACs that do not have an SFP input?

Yes, the RSA720 includes a USB 3.0 Type-B output and a slide switch that toggles between SFP optical mode and USB Type-B mode. In USB Type-B mode, the RSA720 functions as a conventional four-port USB hub, connecting to any streamer, DAC, or computer via the included USB 3.0 Type-B cable. In this configuration the galvanic optical isolation benefit does not apply to the connection between the RSA720 and the host device, but the hub still consolidates multiple USB sources and can be useful for organizing storage in any digital audio system.

How far can the RSA720 transmit over fiber optic cable?

The RSA720's 10G SFP optical modules support transmission distances of up to 20 kilometers over a compatible fiber optic cable, and stable data transmission at USB 3.0 speeds is achievable over hundreds of meters in practical audio installations. This is a significant advantage over standard USB cables, which are limited to approximately five meters before speed and reliability begin to degrade. In a home audio context, this range allows storage drives, computers, or NAS units to be located in a completely separate room or even a different floor of the building, keeping the noise these devices generate physically and electrically separated from the listening environment.

Does the RSA720 require any software or drivers to operate?

No, the RSA720 is fully plug-and-play and does not require any additional software or driver installation. External USB devices connect directly to the USB Type-A ports and are immediately recognized by the host system. The RSA720's four-port hub controller manages USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 device communication automatically, and the SFP optical modules are included in the box ready for immediate use with a compatible SFP-equipped host device such as the HiFi Rose RS130.

Where can I buy the HiFi Rose RSA720 in Toronto or Canada?

The HiFi Rose RSA720 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized HiFi Rose dealer in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the complete HiFi Rose ecosystem, including the RS130 network streaming transport that the RSA720 is designed to complement, and can provide expert advice on integrating the RSA720 into your existing system. Canadian customers outside Toronto are welcome to contact Vinyl Sound directly for availability and purchasing information.

Is the RSA720 compatible with HiFi Rose streamers other than the RS130?

The RSA720 is fully compatible with any HiFi Rose streamer or DAC that features a USB SFP optical input, and it also works as a conventional USB hub with any HiFi Rose product that accepts a USB 3.0 Type-B host connection. For HiFi Rose products without an SFP port, the RSA720 operates in USB Type-B mode via the included cable. Outside the HiFi Rose ecosystem, the RSA720 can serve as a USB hub for any computer, server, or streamer with a USB host input, making it a versatile addition to a broad range of digital audio and computer audio setups.