1. Home
  2. digital
  3. 198327-150821

Does America Have Something That Will Beat the HiFi Rose RS151 Gen. 2?

I used to own a McIntosh DS200. I wanted it to replace my Cambridge CXNV2.  The DS200 really didn't replace it since it has a poor User Interface in my opinion, plus there were some things it should have done... interfacing with Qobuz for example, and didn't.  So... I looked for great sounds with a very good UI, in my opinion I found it in the HiFi Rose RS151 Gen. 2.  Build quality is excellent.  Sound reproduction is very resolving... and the UI is very accommodating, intuitive and performs as advertised.  Only thing is... I would have preferred purchasing an American streamer with all of the qualities and virtues of the RS151 and haven't been able to find anything even remotely close in performance and price.  We need to do better. Are there options?

mkreg
decathlon1991
229 posts
 

To give you a taste, I run Vitus Audio Monoblock amplifiers, Boulder Preamp along with Boulder Phono Preamp, Cary Audio Streamer, Esoteric for the CD/ Digital side.  American, European, and Japanese is in my system.  If I talk about the Cary is because I truly own one.  Had anyone on this thread truly listened to or so much as owned one. From the recent participants in this thread, I believe I can count on one hand who has. 

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
984 posts
 

These guys posted an ad today on the forum.
https://share.google/3vBgS9cgsY8BC1UNV

mitch2
4,731 posts
 

People typically weigh audio equipment purchases on a variety of factors such as sonics, features, esthetics, performance specs, price, and reliability/servicability.  The hierarchy or ranking of each factor, and any deal-breakers, is usually based on personal preferences and resources. Country of origin can be a factor for some.  On the basis of sound quality, and considering USA based companies, I have found Sonore (FL) streamers, particularly their top model, to sound quite good, and more than a few here enjoy Baetis (MT) servers/streamers.  If you add the need for screens and other frills, the Cary (NC) line-up is supposed to be pretty good too.  However, if the HiFi Rose floats your boat, I see no reason you shouldn't purchase one.  South Korea (a.k.a., ROK) has been a key ally and strategic partner with the USA for over 70 years.

dz13
308 posts
 

I don't use a streamer but there are some who really like the stuff at Small Green Computer. I've looked at that stuff and I think it would be competitive price-wise and quality-wise. It does probably take some more technical knowledge or at least the willingness to learn. 

treebeard1
149 posts
 

I asked Gemini this question and came up with several options: 

American made streamers
 

Also, I don’t think you mentioned your DAC, but a few have Ethernet card options like the Bricasti and PS Audio. Both manufacturers recommend the card over their own streamers. Maybe this is an option?

More to discover