HiFi Rose's RA180 integrated amplifier has been teased since the start of the year when we first noticed it appear on the company's website. However, the speculation could well be over as we have news that the intriguing component is expected to land imminently.
Signalling a new category for the Korean brand, the RA180 boasts one of the most comprehensive feature sets we've seen for quite some time, and, naturally, HiFi Rose suggests it's the ideal partner to their Applause Award-winning music streamers such as the RS201E or RS250.
We cannot ignore its striking, semi-exposed aesthetic, backlit VU meters or its comprehensive array of inputs and outputs. However, it's the RA180's Class AD (Advanced D) amplifier design with 800W output that should keep most people happy. In addition, HiFi Rose states that the Gallium Nitride FETs in the amplification stage deliver perfect linear output.
The RA180 boasts two 200W amplifier modules per channel. We're informed that one amp is optimised for stable mid-bass and balance, while the other is designed to deliver smooth, clean power to the high frequencies, spanning up into the super tweeter area - well beyond 20kHz, says HiFi Rose. The upshot is that you get a sophisticated bi-amplification solution from a single box.
Furthermore, the RA180 is equipped with a user-adjustable active crossover. The H/F crossover section enables you to set the base high-frequency output from 600Hz to 6,000Hz; the high-frequency amplifier module will then support playback up to 100kHz (@ -3dB) to "help shape a wide and deep sound stage that feels natural and without limitation."
Finally, the two amplifier modules per channel can also be set to Bridge Tied Loads (BTL) mode, allowing for a single pair of speaker cables to connect to each speaker while still benefiting from 400W of output.
The impressive list continues with bass and treble tone controls, allowing for a flat frequency response at 100Hz and 10kHz, respectively, with ±15dB gain for a fully tailored sound. The finely adjustable balance control slider also serves to precisely set the signal split between both channels. Alternatively, the Bypass Power Amp mode links the source connected to the LINE 3 input directly to the power amplifier stage without going through the pre-amplifier, which is handy for home theatre applications.
Vinylistas will rejoice in the news that the HiFi Rose RA180 is also equipped with a built-in MM and MC compatible phono stage – which is fitted with low-band bass turnover and high-band roll-off selection dials.
The RA180 features one balanced and three unbalanced inputs alongside the built-in phono stage. There's also support for subwoofer output, a trigger connection and two grounding points alongside the 16 speaker output terminals (yes, sixteen!), which support two sets of stereo speakers.
The HiFi Rose RA180 is priced at £5,499 (SRP) and will be available from May 2022.
Visit HiFi Rose for more information
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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