HiFi Rose RS250A Network Streamer / DAC / Digital Preamplifier

HiFi Rose builds in Korea and the RS250A is their most-discussed product for one reason that's hard to argue with: the 12.8-inch touchscreen on the face makes every other streamer in the category look like it was designed in 2012. Beyond the display, there's a real machine underneath it — ESS Sabre DAC implementation, Roon Ready, native TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay 2, PCM support up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256. The digital preamplifier stage gives you volume control in the digital domain before the signal hits your power amplifier — which makes this a legitimate endpoint in a system where the source and amplification are separated. Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs. HDMI out for those running a display. The inputs cover optical, coaxial, and USB, so it also works as a standalone DAC for additional sources. The touchscreen is fast and intuitive in a way that most manufacturer UI efforts are not. For someone who wants to run a serious system from one box — stream, control volume, feed a power amp — the RS250A is a coherent answer that doesn't require apologizing for the interface. $2,500 MSRP