Lewis CaliburnHenley Audio has confirmed that the latest HiFi Rose network streamer is making its way to the UK this autumn. First unveiled at Munich High End 2025, the RS451 combines the recognisable HiFi Rose aesthetic with a new variety of headphone output options and is said to be an ideal solution for music lovers looking to expand their traditional hi-fi system or their desktop headphone system.
Featuring trickle-down technology from the flagship RS151 network streamer, the RS451 simultaneously brings HiFi Rose to a wider range of customers thanks to its competitive pricing, while also setting its own high standard for sound performance thanks to its sophisticated internal design.
Featuring separate DAC circuitry for the pre-out and headphone-out options, this device is optimised to suit different types of listening.
The RS451 is a next-generation network streamer, combining HiFi Rose’s advanced digital audio tech-nologies with a new variety of output options and a reduced footprint that’s ideal for both traditional hi-fi systems and desktop headphone listening.
Advanced DAC Architecture
The ES9027PRO used in the RS451 is a high-end 32-bit, 8-channel DAC chip designed with ESS’s HyperStream architecture, delivering precise performance optimised for hi-fi audio applications.
Supporting PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512, it ensures compatibility with high-resolution audio formats. The variety of digital filters also offer a degree of sound customisation, to suit different styles of music or listening preferences.
Advanced Headphone Architecture
By utilising two DAC chips within its advanced circuitry, the RS451 can deploy one chip for the traditional pre-out stage, and a separate one for the headphone output stage. In this way, the two signal paths are completely separated.The high-performance headphone stage further consists of four individually driven amplifiers that provide strong and stable output, even for low-impedance headphones. Further clarity and performance are guaranteed by the isolated power supply design for each channel.
Innovative Signal Processing
The RS451 makes use of Rose’s Digital Processing Core (DPC) Module, which was originally developed for the RD160 DAC and further employed in the RS151. This module precisely synchronises any digital signal the DAC receives with a high-precision Femto clock as an I2S signal.
It applies clock synchronisation and locking processes to minimise jitter, allowing for accurate processing and a natural, clear sound performance. By isolating this module away from the wider CPU circuitry, it’s possible to eliminate signal distortion and interference that’s generated within the unit from the digital audio path. The result is accurately processed data, resulting in a natural and clean sound across a wide range of digital formats.
ROSE OS
At the centre of the RS451 is ROSE OS, HiFi Rose’s Android-based operating system, which opens a world of music and video content to a streamer. ROSE OS supports local network music playback within Rose’s Music app, as well as CD playback and ripping via a connected optical drive.
There is also support for internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz and Apple Music. The RS451 is also Roon Ready and Plays with Audirvāna certified. In addition, the operating system offers support for video playback, either locally or within the Tidal or Rose Tube apps.
As well as ROSE OS, the RS451 makes use of the ROSE Audio Engine, an in-house development that ensures all digital audio is delivered to the DAC without loss for precise signal processing. The upgraded 8-Core CPU used in the RS451 boasts data processing and improved graphics performance.
The RS451 offers a well-organised rear panel layout with intuitive port placement, tailored for real usage scenarios. It includes only the essential input and output options for high-fidelity playback, arranged for both simplicity and connection stability. The spacing between ports is carefully considered to reduce interference between devices, making installation more convenient and flexible across various environments.
With support for high-quality Bluetooth playback, USB playback, a hi-res coaxial input (supporting up to 32-bit / 384kHz PCM and DSD128), an optical input, HDMI eARC connection and a traditional RCA input, as well as balanced and unbalanced outputs – there’s very few systems the RS451 is not at home in, claims the manufacturer.
The RS451 is engineered to deliver high-fidelity audio performance from a slim and space-efficient form factor. The new high-resolution, wide-angle 8in display offers the same intuitive control as other HiFi Rose streamers but is now flanked for the first time by the various headphone connections on one side and the precisely machined volume knob on the other side, for a sense of visual balance as well as practical usability.
HiFi Rose RS451 is shipping in a black and silver finish during September 2025 for a suggested retail price of £2,699.