Henley Audio has announced the imminent UK availability of the HiFi Rose RA180 integrated amplifier, signalling a new category for the Korean brand.
The RA180 is said to boast one of the most comprehensive feature-sets of any high-end amplifier in the current market, and serves as the ideal partner to the brands award winning music streamers. With its striking, semi- exposed aesthetic, reassuringly sturdy mechanical controls and extensive array of inputs and outputs, it promises to be a joy to use and own, says the makers UK distributor.
The RA180 is designed to bring to amplification, what the HiFi Rose streaming products bring to digital audio; consolidating connection options that are varied enough to suit any premium audio system, so
users can focus on the most important thing – musical enjoyment.
Key features include:
- Next-generation Class AD (Advanced D) amplifier design with 800W output
- Gallium Nitride FETs in the amplification stage deliver perfect linear output
- Four amplifier modules to support Bridge Tied Loads or Bi-Amping speaker connections
- Frequency range spans up-to 100kHz to deliver a wide and deep sound stage
- Separate outputs for two sets of stereo speakers
- Built-in moving magnet and moving coil phono stage with simple switch selection
- Phono stage has adjustable EQ to accommodate any vinyl record with faithful reproduction
- Active crossover for high frequency output to support Super Tweeter frequencies
- Tonally flat output design, complemented by Bass and Treble tone controls
- Bypass Power Amp mode suits more complex system configurations
- Purpose-designed high-efficiency power supply with Silicon Carbide FET technology
- Distinct, retro-industrial aesthetic with high-purity aluminium construction in silver finish
- Dimmable VU meters
- IR remote control and wi-fi control (via RoseAmpConnect app) included
The HiFi Rose RA180 is expected to be offered at £5,499.00 (SRP) and is available now.
Sound Design
The overall design of the RA180 perfectly complements the award-winning RS150B music streamer in its overall impression. However, its semi-exposed, retro-industrial aesthetic is one that is designed to sit at home in any premium audio system. Constructed from high-purity aluminium, the chassis houses a wealth of complex engineering inside.
The RA180 is based around a new concept Class AD Amplifier technology offering higher efficiency and higher output, as well as improved noise and distortion measurements. However, many Class D designs in the past have suffered in sound quality, due to limitations in the digital circuitry, argues the maker. HiFi Rose’s state-of-the-art Class
AD amplifier resolves these problems with the use of innovative new materials/components including Gallium Nitride FETs as opposed to more common Silicon FET technology. The result of this design is a high-speed, perfectly accurate amplification stage with almost no dead time, allowing it to perform more naturally, like a pure analogue amplifier.
Multi-Output Design
The RA180 boasts two 200W amplifier modules per-channel. One amp is optimised for stable midbass 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. The result is a sophisticated bi-amplification solution from a single box, where, when the two modules per-channel are connected to a speaker’s high and low-frequency inputs separately, the driving force to the speaker is clean, controlled and directed without interference.
To help control the high frequencies, the RA180 is also equipped with a user adjustable active crossover.
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
rich, balanced sound.
Customisable Experience
The RA180 boasts a host of other customisable features. The Bass and Treble tone controls allow users to adjust the flat frequency response at 100Hz and 10kHz, respectively, with ±15dB gain for a fully
tailored sound. There’s also the finely adjustable balance control slider 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. This is particularly useful for home cinema applications, allowing the RA180 to power the front speakers without having to manage multiple volume dials.
Elsewhere the built-in MM and MC compatible phono stage provides greater flexibility than most stand-alone phono stages are able to offer claims the maker.
Quality Throughout
The RA180 features one balanced and three unbalanced inputs alongside the built-in phono stage. There’s also support for a subwoofer output, a trigger connection and two grounding points alongside
the 16 speaker output terminals, which support the connection of two different sets of stereo speakers. But the wide array of features, technologies and connectivity options are all able to perform optimally thanks to the new power supply design.
The power supply was developed exclusively for the RA180 and employs Silicon Carbide FET technology, with its high voltage support and heat resistance, to provide a high output in an efficient manner
with low heat generation. It also responds to power delivery fluctuations well with its 2.5kW class PFC circuit, oversized capacitors and damping factor above 200.