24/10/2026
HIFI Rose RS130 Flagship Streaming Transport. Boxed and in excellent condition. Includes optical connection adaptor and a 1TB SSD hard drive for the storage of music.
£3195 inc 1 year warranty. This is an extremely highly regarded product and sounds fantastic.
Check out some of the reviews. Specs -
The HiFi Rose RS130 Streaming Transport is a flagship digital source designed to deliver high-quality audio data to an external digital-to-analogue converter. Combining advanced noise-reduction technologies with comprehensive streaming capabilities, it provides a sophisticated foundation for a dedicated digital HiFi system.
Unlike a conventional network player with built-in analogue outputs, the RS130 concentrates on transporting digital audio to the listener’s chosen DAC. Optical connectivity, precision clocking and carefully isolated internal circuitry are employed to minimise interference throughout the signal path.
A substantial aluminium enclosure, expansive touchscreen and intuitive ROSE OS interface bring together premium construction and everyday convenience. From streaming services to locally stored music, the RS130 offers extensive playback flexibility while allowing the connected DAC to determine the final analogue output.
Optical Connectivity for Reduced Electrical Interference
The RS130 incorporates optical network connectivity using Small Form-factor Pluggable transceivers, enabling compatible fibre connections that provide electrical isolation between network equipment and the transport. This approach helps prevent unwanted electrical noise from travelling along the network connection.
Its dedicated USB 3.0 fibre input offers another route for electrically isolated data transfer. Operation requires a suitable SFP module, optical cable and compatible external fibre USB hub, such as the HiFi Rose RSA720, rather than a conventional USB connection alone.
Fibre transmission is particularly useful in complex audio installations where connected equipment may introduce unwanted electrical interference. By supporting both fibre and conventional connection options, the RS130 allows listeners to tailor its digital infrastructure to their existing system and installation requirements.
Precision OCXO Clocking and Stable Power Delivery
A high-precision 10MHz oven-controlled crystal oscillator forms an important part of the RS130’s digital architecture. Designed to maintain stable operation despite temperature variations, the OCXO clock helps minimise timing fluctuations and supports accurate digital signal delivery to compatible external DACs.
External master clock inputs provide additional flexibility for systems using a separate reference clock. Supporting both 50-ohm and 75-ohm connections, these inputs allow the RS130 to synchronise with suitable equipment as part of a carefully configured digital audio system.
Internally, the AC supply, DC supply and audio-processing circuitry are physically separated to reduce interference. A shielded linear power supply incorporates high-capacity supercapacitors and delivers 15V at 6.67A, providing stable power and substantial headroom for the transport’s digital electronics.
ROSE OS and Extensive Streaming Capabilities
HiFi Rose’s proprietary ROSE OS provides an intuitive platform for accessing digital music and entertainment. Supported services include Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, RoseTube and Rose Podcast, alongside internet radio and Apple AirPlay for convenient playback from compatible devices.
Roon Ready compatibility enables integration with an existing Roon system, while MQA Renderer support accommodates suitable encoded material. The RS130 also plays a broad selection of audio formats, including WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF and DSF files.
Music can be accessed through network services or compatible USB and SATA storage devices. A hexa-core processor, 4GB of memory and an ARM Mali-T860 graphics processor support the operating system, providing responsive navigation through music libraries and playback applications.
Comprehensive Digital Outputs and System Integration
The RS130 offers a versatile selection of digital audio outputs for connection to an external DAC. Coaxial, optical and balanced AES/EBU connections are complemented by dedicated USB audio and selectable I²S outputs, accommodating a wide variety of compatible conversion equipment.
An HDMI output allows video content and playback information to be displayed on a connected screen. USB connections accommodate compatible local storage, while Ethernet connectivity supports suitable SFP fibre or copper modules, with Wi-Fi available through an optional dongle.
The extensive connection options make the RS130 adaptable to both traditional digital HiFi systems and more elaborate installations. By concentrating on high-quality digital transport rather than incorporating its own DAC, it allows listeners to retain their preferred external conversion equipment.
Premium Aluminium Construction and Touchscreen Control
The RS130 features a substantial aluminium chassis designed to combine structural rigidity with effective thermal management. Integrated side heatsinks and ventilation within the top-panel HiFi Rose logo help dissipate heat, supporting stable operation during extended listening sessions.
Its wide-angle 15.4-inch capacitive touchscreen features a distinctive 1920 × 382 resolution, providing an expansive interface for music browsing and system control. Crystal-topped buttons on the upper panel add a refined finishing touch to the transport’s contemporary industrial design.
Measuring 430mm wide, 125mm high and 317mm deep, the RS130 weighs approximately 12kg. Finished in black, with control also available through the ROSE Connect application, it combines an elegant physical presentation with comprehensive functionality for demanding digital audio systems.
