HiFi Rose RS451 Network Streamer at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY USA

The RS451 is a next-generation network streamer and DAC from HiFi Rose (Seoul, South Korea), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York, USA. Positioned between the RS250A and the flagship RS151, the RS451 deploys two independent ES9027PRO DAC chips from ESS Technology in a dual-DAC architecture that physically separates the pre-out analog path from the headphone output analog path, achieving a pre-out SNR of 129 dB (XLR balanced) and a headphone SNR of 128 dB (XLR and 4.4mm balanced). A powerful headphone amplifier section using four parallel high-performance amplifier ICs handles impedances from low-sensitivity in-ear monitors to 600-ohm planar and dynamic headphones, while the octa-core RK3588 CPU with 8 GB RAM and 32 GB storage delivers smooth playback of large high-resolution audio files and 4K HDR video on the 8.8-inch IPS touchscreen.

Dual ES9027PRO DAC Architecture and Innovative Headphone Stage

Each ES9027PRO in the RS451 operates as a 32-bit, 8-channel DAC based on ESS's HyperStream architecture, offering a dynamic range of up to 124 dB and THD+N of 114 dB. In the RS451, the eight channels of each chip are configured in a parallel 4-channel structure for stereo output, widening the effective dynamic range and further reducing noise versus a standard 2-channel configuration. The pre-out DAC and headphone DAC each have their own independent power supply and grounding scheme, preventing interference between the two output stages. The headphone amplifier uses four individually controlled amplifier ICs in parallel for stable output across all impedance loads, with a slew rate of 1,300 V/microsecond for extremely responsive transient reproduction. THD+N at 16 ohms is 0.00065% and at 600 ohms is 0.00030%, confirming consistent low-distortion performance across headphone types. Seven user-selectable digital filters allow tonal and transient response customization. The ROSE NRA (Noise Reduction Analog) filter in the analog output stage ensures flat frequency response into the sub-bass range without roll-off.

RK3588 Processor, 8.8-Inch Display, and Connectivity

The RS451 uses the same RK3588 octa-core CPU and 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM as the flagship RS151, providing four times the processing power and eight times the graphics performance of the preceding processor generation used in the RS250A. Internal eMMC storage is 32 GB, and the media library capacity reaches over one million tracks. The 8.8-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen delivers a wide viewing angle and vivid color for album art and interface navigation. Digital inputs include USB-B, coaxial, optical, and HDMI eARC, and digital outputs cover USB-A, coaxial, and optical. Headphone outputs include balanced 4-pin XLR, balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn, and unbalanced 6.35mm, covering all major headphone connection standards. Network connectivity spans Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi via USB dongle, and Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX. Streaming support includes Roon Ready, AirPlay, DLNA/UPnP, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth. An internal 2.5-inch SSD bay and three USB 3.0 Type-A ports provide substantial local storage options.

Key Features

• Dual ES9027PRO DAC Architecture: Separate DAC chips with independent power and grounding for the pre-out and headphone output stages, eliminating inter-stage interference.
• 129 dB Pre-Out SNR (XLR Balanced): Reference-grade noise floor for the balanced analog output stage with 10 Vrms output capability.
• Quad Parallel Headphone Amplifier: Four parallel high-performance amplifier ICs for stable drive at all impedances from in-ear monitors to 600-ohm headphones, with a slew rate of 1,300 V/microsecond.
• Balanced Headphone Outputs: 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced outputs alongside 6.35mm unbalanced for comprehensive headphone compatibility.
• ROSE NRA Filter: Analog noise reduction filter delivers flat frequency response throughout the sub-bass range without roll-off for high-resolution source fidelity.
• Seven Selectable Digital Filters: User-adjustable digital filters alter transient response and tonal balance to match personal preference or headphone character.
• Octa-Core RK3588 CPU with 8 GB RAM: Flagship-level processing power for smooth 4K HDR video, large library management, and simultaneous streaming and processing tasks.
• 8.8-Inch IPS Touchscreen: Wide-angle, vivid display for album art, interface navigation, and media control.
• Roon Ready and Bluetooth 5.4: Full Roon endpoint certification and latest Bluetooth aptX support for broad ecosystem compatibility.
• Toroidal Linear Power Supply: Internal toroidal PSU for ultra-low noise and high current stability.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HiFi Rose RS451?

The HiFi Rose RS451 is a network streamer and DAC from Seoul, South Korea, featuring two independent ES9027PRO DAC chips in a dual-DAC architecture with separate analog paths for the pre-out and headphone output, a 129 dB SNR balanced pre-out, a quad parallel headphone amplifier, an octa-core RK3588 CPU with 8 GB RAM, and a 8.8-inch IPS touchscreen. It is Roon Ready, supports DSD512 and PCM 32/768 kHz, and is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York, USA.

How does the RS451 compare to the RS250A?

The HiFi Rose RS451 replaces the RS250A's single ES9028PRO DAC and 4 GB RAM / 8 GB storage platform with dual ES9027PRO DACs, 8 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, and RK3588 CPU processing. The RS451 adds balanced headphone outputs (XLR and 4.4mm), HDMI eARC input, balanced XLR pre-out at 10 Vrms, and a 129 dB SNR versus the RS250A's 8.8-inch display and more compact single-DAC design. The RS451 is the clear choice for headphone enthusiasts and those seeking expanded connectivity.

Can the RS451 drive demanding headphones like the Sennheiser HD 800 S or HiFiMAN Susvara?

Yes. The RS451's headphone amplifier uses four parallel amplifier ICs maintaining stable, low-distortion output up to 600-ohm loads. THD+N at 600 ohms is 0.00030%, and the slew rate of 1,300 V/microsecond ensures fast transient response. The 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced outputs also provide the higher voltage swing needed for efficient drive of high-impedance or low-sensitivity headphones such as the Sennheiser HD 800 S (300 ohms) or HiFiMAN Susvara (60 ohms, 83 dB sensitivity).

What is the ROSE NRA filter?

The ROSE NRA (Noise Reduction Analog) filter is HiFi Rose's proprietary analog output stage filter that achieves a flat frequency response extending into the very low frequency range without the high-pass roll-off common in simpler analog filter designs. It ensures that sub-bass content in high-resolution recordings is reproduced accurately and at full level, contributing to the RS451's 10 Hz to 80 kHz frequency response specification.

Does the RS451 support Roon?

Yes. The RS451 is fully Roon Ready certified, appearing as a network endpoint in Roon for streaming playback controlled from a separate Roon Core. It also supports AirPlay, DLNA/UPnP for NAS access, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX.

Where can I buy the HiFi Rose RS451 in Buffalo or the USA?

The HiFi Rose RS451 Network Streamer is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York, an authorized HiFi Rose dealer serving customers across the USA. Vinyl Sound carries the full HiFi Rose range, including the RA280 and RA180 amplifiers that pair naturally with the RS451.