DETAILS
PRODUCT HiFi Rose RA180
ORIGIN South Korea
TYPE Integrated amplifier
WEIGHT 16.7kg
DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 430 x 110 x 350mm
FEATURES
● Claimed power output: 4x 200W (8ohm)
● Inputs: 3x RCA line-level; balanced XLR; MM/MC phono stage
● Outputs: subwoofer; 16x 4mm speaker binding posts
DISTRIBUTOR Henley Audio Ltd.
WEBSITE hifirose.com henleyaudio.co.uk
Say what you will about HiFi Rose, the fledgling brand hailing from Seoul in South Korea, it sure knows how to capture the attention of audiophiles. First by launching a range of remarkable do-it-all streaming players featuring huge touchscreens and options galore, and now this 'steampunk' integrated amplifier, which left internet forums speechless for about 15 seconds. Quite an achievement in this day and age... and those pundits hadn't even seen the baffling rear of the RA180 with its 16 loudspeaker terminals!
But unlikely as it seems, the slick RS150 (HFC 477) network player, with its massive 14-in display, and this brand-new all-analogue RA180 amplifier both share a common denominator. The giveaway is the 17 buttons, knobs and sliders on the front fascia, together with some VU meters and cogs thrown in for good measure. Whatever industrial design eccentricities HiFi Rose might embrace, the brand is all about offering a multitude of features and functions. However, with its £5,500 price tag, the RA180 also marks a significant move upmarket.
Class of its own
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Old boys network
As the lineups start to emerge for this summer's festivals, Nigel Williamson investigates where the problem lies for the continuing dearth of female headliners
DESTINATION: LEITH
Welcome to a friendly haven of Californian cool in the creative heart of a former Edinburgh port. Simon Berkovitch samples the sunshine on Leith
Core values
Apple’s revamped HomePod smart speaker off ers attractive sound quality, but its Apple-centric focus remains frustrating for Cliff Joseph
Forty something
Creek Audio is celebrating its big four-o with the release of the new 4040 A integrated. Nick Tate lights the candles and listens in
One for all
German high-ender AVM wants to make top all-in-one performers. David Vivian takes a listen to its all-singing integrated amp
Three for all
The 700 Series receives a helping of tech from the flagship 800 models. Ed Selley sees how the smallest speaker fares
All in one
DAP, DAC, amplifier and streaming device, is there anything A&K’s new Acro can’t do? Cliff Joseph finds out
Wooden wonder
Better known for its speakers, ELAC’s range of electronics now has a new flagship turntable. Ed Selley takes it for a spin
System matching
Why finding the perfect synergy between your chosen integrated amplifier and favourite speakers holds the key to maximising your system’s potential
Game on!
At times the hi-fi and gaming industries might seem like they’re worlds apart, but Cliff Joseph reckons they both share a love of high-quality sound
