HiFi Rose RA280 Integrated Amplifier

Introduction

As we mentioned in our review of the HiFi Rose RA180, it was described here at HF&MS as ‘bonkers conkers’, offering bi-amplification, an obscene amount of power, and ‘contemporary industrial retro’ styling. Receiving a Highly Recommended badge, we wished in the Love Like Wish section;

for a simpler 2-channel version.

Well, here it is, the HiFi Rose RA280.

Design

The HiFi Rose RA280 is an analogue integrated amplifier. It features the latest Gallium Nitride Field-Effect Transistors (GaNFETs) in the output stage, utilising a Class AD design that aims to retain the smoother Class A linear output characteristics. GanFETs can offer higher efficiency and faster switching in the amplification process, coupled with reduced harmonic distortion and improved signal-to-noise ratios associated with Class D switching amplification.

HiFi Roses’s GanFET technology claims to offer less distortion and deadtime (in the switching processes) over more widely used Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs).

This amplifier has a dual mono construction offering 250W/ch into 8 or 4 Ohms. It features a silicon carbide-based power supply that offers high output at controlled temperatures, minimising distortion.

A phono preamplifier is included on the input side, supporting a moving magnet cartridge. Other inputs include three other RCA inputs and a balanced XLR input. There is no digital component at all to this amplifier; it is pure analogue.

On the output side, as well as the loudspeaker terminals, there is a mono RCA subwoofer output; there is no preamplifier output or a headphone output.

On the control side, there is a remote control with power and volume control. There is a preamplifier tone control (like an EQ) at the front offering ±15dB of treble (10kHz) and bass (100Hz) adjustment tilted across the frequency range. This can be turned on and off as preferred.

Quality

The unit features a superior finish with an aluminium body and solid construction. The volume control knob is loose, apparently to isolate it, otherwise it is smooth in rotation and a pleasure to use. The volume knob lights up on powering to indicate its levels, the same happens with the tone controls if they are switched on.

Specification and Price

Performance

Review Equipment

The HiFi Rose RA280 has been mainly listened to with a pair of Jern 14DS loudspeakers that need a REL subwoofer to support the low end (by design) below 90Hz. Kudos Audio KS-1 loudspeaker cable has been used.

The source has been both a Wiim Ultra unbalanced input as well as a balanced input from the Eversolo DMP-A6. I’m using Tellurium Q Ultra Black II XLRs that are a perfect match, in this case.

Latterly, my Michell GYRO SE with an Exact MM cartridge has been handling the phono input stage duties, with the RA280 driving a pair of beautiful Kudos Audio Titan 505s, paired with Tellurium Q Ultra Silver II loudspeaker cable.

Physically

The unit is lumpy, heavy, but well-spaced at the back. Everything is quite intuitive at the rear. Balanced inputs are always lovely in my view; the Eversolo DMP-A6 remains a very quiet source with crisp delivery, housing my CD collection on an M.2 solid-state drive.

The volume control knob is smooth, but weirdly does not go to low volume/zero via the remote (however it mutes with the remote). The metal remote control is small and functional.

The VU meters are dimmable and can be turned off. Likewise, the tone control can be turned on or off. When turned on the tone control knobs for treble and bass light up to show you the levels, this is classy.

The input source selector is delicious; it chunks along, in a good way, with purpose, like the RA180.

HiFi Rose RA280 with Jern loudspeakers

The Jern 14DS loudspeakers still amaze with their clarity and precision. The REL T/zero III supports them perfectly using the HiFi Rose RA280 subwoofer output to deliver the signal, which is not the most efficient way to run the REL, but it is effective.

The Jern loudspeakers always have great energy, and this RA280 is a great partner. The midrange treble delivery is wonderfully precise; these loudspeakers are particularly suited to vocal tracks, leaving the low-end delivery to the subwoofer.

The Eversolo DMP-A6 is a fine companion, with its balanced output consistently offering a more refined delivery through a clean approach. The internal M. 2 SSD library version of Ray LaMontagne’s “Trouble” (a CD-quality WAV rip) is very affecting here, and the guitar detail in the title track is handled nicely. Switching to more dynamic music, there’s a punchy rhythm on standards like Pink Floyd’s pulsing Money (also a CD-quality WAV rip).

Having said that, a run through with the latest Wiim Ultra at half the price is decent enough, and the kids certainly used this stereo setup a bit more for its ease of use.

HiFi Rose RA280 with Kudos Titan 505 loudspeakers

Swapping the RA280 into the dedicated listening room was an enjoyable experience. Using an Auralic ARIES transport through a Melco switch and a T+A DAC/preamplifier, I had an effective and deep bass response that I was not quite ready for; the isobaric bass response was superb, controlled and precise without compromising the midrange delivery (there’s no subwoofer involved here). The Tellurium Q Ultra Silver II loudspeaker cable has significantly improved the response from the 505s, and the RA280 has the means and power to deliver.

The tone controls work here, but the bass response was thicker, and I didn’t like it at all. The treble turned up seemed to disrupt the balance as well, so I ended up turning these controls off; they’re not really needed for me.

HiFi Rose RA280 phono input – Rega Exact cartridge

Turning to the phono preamplifier stage in the RA280 from my standard Rega FONO MM (I think mine’s a Mk2) was a positive experience with timing, particularly on point with a solid dynamic response when I put on Ray LaMontagne’s Trouble (2004, RCA). A newly sourced, and cleaned before use, copy of Ryan Adams’ Gold was pure elation for me.  The phono preamplifier appears to be delivering a vivid and above-average response.  Again, the bass response was noteworthy.

Thoughts

We wanted it, and we got it: a more sensible RA180 at a more affordable price point of £ 3,000. The drive and power on offer are compelling. The phono preamplifier stage is outstanding, and I would have no hesitation in using it instead of a dedicated phono stage, saving several hundred pounds worth of outlay.

Overall

The RA280 can serve as the bedrock of a modern, contemporary two-channel setup if you are embarking on a musical journey.  The savings on offer with the phono stage are notable, as is the subwoofer output. The lack of a headphone output should not deter you from this unit, unless it is a priority for you.