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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
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?

audio-b-dog's avatar
audio-b-dog
826 posts
 

I have a Moon Audio 280D from Canada, can't we count that as part of the U.S.? It feels like it is when I ask for service. They are very responsive. The 280D is a full streamer with its own DAC. Unfortunately they quit making them but they make other streamers. If I ever want to take the next jump, it will be over $10,000. I'll probably just stick with the Moon. Despite some obvious flaws like being soft on transcient attacks, it's very musical. Also, it has a ten year warranty.

longbowbbs's avatar
longbowbbs
27 posts
 

I have had the Cary Audio DMS-700 for a good while. It is an excellent steamer/DAC with an easy update process and a nice remote. I don’t see myself moving on any time soon.

cleeds
6,591 posts
 

audio-b-dog

I have a Moon Audio 280D from Canada, can’t we count that as part of the U.S.?

Oh, no, not at all. They are two very different countries. They’re both part of America, though.

It feels like it is when I ask for service. They are very responsive.

Agreed! I’ve received first-class service from Simaudio/Moon.

spearl8
47 posts
 

Sonore, PS Audio, and playback designs make streamers made in the USA just to name a few but I agree they’re mostly Asian. 

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