The HiFi Rose RA180 integrated amplifier has arrived marking a bold new direction for the Korean company.
Having previously engaged the market with their RS201 and RS250 streamers, HiFi Rose has turned its attentions to amplification with this new first release. a striking design in itself, the RA180’s semi-exposed look is sure to catch the eye, but it’s how it sounds could be its biggest asset.
It is designated as the “next generation, Class AD (Advanced D) amplifier, using Gallium Nitride FETs in the amplification stage to deliver “perfect” linear output. To quote the company from its press release: “In terms of power amplifier design, Class D is theoretically a topology that provides a completely linear output at 0% distortion and 100% power efficiency.
“To achieve the perfect Class D design theory, the switching operation speed and accuracy must be secured. To improve this problem, RA180 implemented a perfect linear output by applying a Gallium Nitride FET instead of a Silicon FET to dramatically improve the Dead Time, which affects switching speed and accuracy, to less than 1/10. The perfect linear output goes beyond the existing Class D limits and creates a natural sound like an analog amplifier.”
The RA180 has four amplifier modules, with one amp optimized for outstanding bass/mid and another for a clean delivery in the higher frequencies, “well beyond 20kHz”. To support this, the model also comes with an adjustable active crossover, enabling the user to set the base high-frequency from 600Hz to 6,000Hz to perfectly align with connected speakers.
Other features include Bass and Treble tone controls to adjust the flat frequency response at 100Hz and 10kHz respectively, with a ±15dB gain, and a balance control slider to set the signal split between channels. The built-in MM and MC-compatible phono stage is equipped with low-band bass turnover and high-band Roll Off options to tailor the RA180 to suit any EQ filter, providing even more flexibility.
At the back, the RA180 comes with one balanced and three unbalanced inputs, plus subwoofer output, trigger connection, and two grounding points along with its 16 speaker output terminals. It also has an exclusive power supply using Silicon Carbide FET technology to provide a high-output, low-heat solution that “responds to the need of the system, while always allowing the amplifier to sound as clean and natural as possible”.
The HiFi Rose RA180 will be available from May, priced at $6895.00 (£5,499.) To find out more, including its regional retailers, head to the company website . It’s certainly a fascinating postulation, with an acute look and a feature list to match!
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