HiFi Rose distributed by Henley Audio might be a small brand, but it offers up some great HiFi components such as the RS130 Network Streamer, RS520 Streaming Amplifier, and RS201E Media Player we have previously reported on.
For 2024, HiFi Rose is offering a new integrated amplifier, the RA280 which will first be available in the UK market first before its North American distribution begins.
The RA280 is built on the foundation of the HiFi Rose RA180 flagship amplifier ($6,995), first released in 2022. The RA280 offers a lot of power from a relatively small chassis and utilizes the core technologies of the RA180; with fewer features and a much lower price.
Using HiFi Rose’s innovative Class AD design, featuring GaN FET technology, the RA280 is a rather important addition to the HiFi Rose amplifier lineup. The RA280 retains the core look of the RA180, with a more minimalist approach.
Key Features
- Amplification: The RA280 incorporates a Class AD (Advanced D) amplifier with 250W per-channel output.
- FETs: Gallium Nitride FETs in the amplification stage deliver perfect linear output
- Phonostage: Built-in moving magnet phono stage
- Neutral Output: Neutral output design, complemented by Bass and Treble tone controls with bypass selector.
- Power Supply: Purpose-designed high-efficiency power supply with Silicon Carbide FET technology
- Construction: Distinct, retro-industrial aesthetic with high-purity aluminum construction
- Status Display: Dimmable VU meters
- Control: IR remote control included
Amplification
HiFi ROSE independently developed Class AD amplifier technology using GaN (gallium nitride) FETs and applied this technology to the RA280. The company claims to have achieved sound quality comparable to analog while maintaining the efficiency and power amplification of existing Class D amplifiers.
The RA280 uses the innovative new material gallium nitride (GaN) to replace the previously used silicon FET (field effect transistor). This material is said to dramatically improve dead time to 1/10 of the previous level and implements linear output with a switching speed close to zero. This improvement in linearity is the result of pushing the limitations of Class D amplifiers, allowing smooth, natural reproduction of sound quality with the fluidity of an analog amplifier.
The RA280 is designed with two separate amplifier modules that operate like a mono amplifier, supporting 250 W (4 ohm and 8 ohm) for the left and right amplifiers respectively, outputting 500-watts on a stereo channel.
HiFi Rose’s LC filter claims to provide excellent frequency response by offering -1 dB attenuation in the frequency band up to 65 kHz and -3 dB attenuation in the 85 kHz range. This technology also claims to dramatically reduce carrier noise caused by the inherent switching of Class D amplifiers, providing clearer and cleaner sound quality in all bands. HiFi Rose says spatial description and resolution have been greatly improved, creating an evolved sound with an analog feel.
Power Supply
The RA280”s power supply circuit was independently developed by HiFi Rose. This circuit uses silicon carbide FET instead of silicon FET to stably provide high output while minimizing heat generation. In addition, RA280 applies a 2.5 kW power factor correction (PFC) circuit and a high-capacity condenser to maintain excellent performance even under rapid load situations.
MM Phono
The RA280 supports moving magnet input with a simple switch selection, but does not seem to support moving coil (MC) phono cartridges. Additionally, it utilizes a high-precision correction circuit independently developed by HiFi Rose said to deliver audio signals as close to the original sound as possible.
RA180 vs RA280
| RA180 | RA280 | |
| Released | 2022 (flagship) | 2024 |
| Cabinet Construction | High Purity Aluminium | Body-Solid Aluminium / Rust-Proof Steel |
| Amplifier Out (4Ω) | 200W x 4ch (800W) | 250W x 2ch (500W) |
| Amplifier Out (8Ω) | 200W x 4ch (880W) | 250W x 2ch (500W) |
| Amplifier Output: BTL Mode On | 400W x 2ch (400W) | |
| Input Sensitivity Balanced Input (XLR) | 2000mV | 600mV |
| Unbalanced (Line 1,2,3) Input (RCA) | 1000mV | 300mV |
| Phono (MM) Input | 5mV / 0.5mV | 5mV |
| Impedance Input Balanced Input | 44k Ohms | 47kΩ |
| Impedance Unbalanced (Line 1,2,3) Input | 47k Ohms | 47kΩ |
| Impedance Phono (MM) Input | 47k | 47kΩ |
| THD | 0.005% (50W) | 0.007% (@ 125W) |
| Damping Factor | >150 | >250 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 107dB (Balanced) 105dB (Unbalanced) | 109dB |
| Phono MM (S/N) | 80dB | 85dB |
| Phono MC (S/N) | 60dB | – |
| Output Impedance | 53m Ohm | 30mΩ |
| Tone Control | Bass (100Hz) / Treble (10kHz) +- 15dB | (Bass (@100Hz) / Treble (@10kHz)) ±15dB |
| Phono Turnover | Flat300Hz (+7.7dB @100Hz)400Hz (+11.7dB @100Hz)500Hz (+13dB @ 100Hz)700Hz (+14.5db @ 100hz) | 500Hz (+13dB @100Hz) |
| Phono Roll-off | Flat1.6kHz (-16dB @ 10kHz)2.1kHz (-13.7dB @ 10kHz) 3.18kHz (-11dB @ 10kHz3.4kHz (-8dB @ 10kHz)6.36kHz (-5dB @ 10kHz) | 2.1kHz (-13.7dB @10kHz) |
| Trigger | 3.3v ~12V | 3.3v ~12V |
| Power Supply (Switched Mode) | 800W | 500W |
| Dimensions (WDH) | 430 x 348 x 109.2mm/16.9 x 13.7 x 4.3-inches/ | 430 x 355 x 103mm/16.9 x 13.9 x 4.1 inches |
| Weight | 16.7 kg/36.8 lbs | 9.5 kg/21 lbs |
| Price (SRP) – Dealer Locator | $6,995.00 USD (£5,543) | USD price pending (£2,999) |
For more information: hifirose.com/RA180
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ORT
February 13, 2024 at 1:29 am
Aaaaaaagh!! Now that I got the “Charlie Brown” moment out of the way…This is a thing of desirable beauty. Alas that my current problems prevent me from getting one.I
Curse my metal body!
ORT-3PO
Ian White
February 13, 2024 at 4:50 pm
ORT,
I knew you would love the meters. 😉
If this sounds even close to the flagship model for 1/2 the price…very much worth the money.
Ian White