HiFi Rose RA280 Integrated Amplifier

Top-notch Master Integrated Amplifier RA280

HiFi Rose's RA280 offers a remarkable listening experience that empowers you to feel the true essence of music.

The RA280 is an integrated amplifier that inherits the innovative technologies used in the widely acclaimed HiFi Rose RA180. Enjoy pure natural sound as close to the original source as you can get. It offers sound that transcends the boundaries between digital and analog technologies with excellent linearity.

Form Follows Sound

The design of the RA280 reflects its inner purity in terms of overall solid finish and functionality. At the same time it achieves harmony between the interior and exterior through a design that focuses on acoustic excellence. The sturdy aluminum chassis and elaborate arrangement of ventilation grooves satisfy both functionality and progressive exterior design. Additionally, the front buttons and control panel embody vintage elegance and sophistication.

Class AD Amplifier with Next Generation GaN FET

Hi-fi amplifier technology has continued to evolve in the order of Class A, Class AB, and Class D. The latest Class D designs that utilize the latest technology are outstandingly superior in efficiency compared to Class A or AB amplifiers and have achieved significant improvements in signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and total harmonic distortion (THD). However, despite these advantages, Class D amps can suffer from a lack of sound quality compared to premium analog amplifiers.

To overcome these limitations, HiFi Rose independently developed Class AD amplifier technology using GaN (gallium nitride) FETs and applied this technology to the RA280. It achieves sound quality comparable to analog while maintaining the efficiency and power amplification of existing Class D amplifiers - which are known for their high efficiency, low total harmonic distortion rate, and theoretical topology of perfectly linear output. The speed and accuracy of switching operations are essential to achieve perfect Class D design theory. However, conventional products lack linearity compared to Class A and AB amplifiers due to the limitations of silicon FETs.

To improve on these problems, RA280 uses the innovative new material gallium nitride (GaN) to replace the previously used silicon FET (field effect transistor). This dramatically improves 'dead time' to 1/10 of the previous level and implements linear output with a switching speed close to zero. This improvement in linearity is the result of pushing the limitations of Class D amplifiers, allowing smooth, natural reproduction of sound quality with the fluidity of an analog amplifier.

Two Completely Separated Mono Amplifier Modules

The RA280 boasts two separate amplifier modules that operate like a mono amplifier, supporting 250 W (into 4 ohms and 8 ohms) for the left and right amplifier respectively, outputting 500 watts on a stereo channel. The RA280 applies two-stage analog filter technology designed by HiFi ROSE to achieve the best sound quality.

HiFi Rose's LC filter provides excellent frequency response by offering -1 dB attenuation in the frequency band up to 65 kiz and -3 d attenuation in the 85 kHz range. This technology dramatically reduces carrier noise caused by the inherent switching of Class D amplifiers, providing clearer and cleaner sound quality in all bands. The spatial description and resolution have been greatly improved, creating an evolved sound with an analog feel.

High-Efficiency Power Supply

The RA280 uses a unique power supply circuit independently developed by HiFi Rose. It uses silicon carbide FET instead of silicon FET. Silicon carbide FET is a power semiconductor device with high voltage and high heat resistance. It has higher efficiency and generates less heat than silicon FET, enabling an optimal power supply.

Based on innovative design of the materials and structure, the RA280 reliably provides high output while minimizing heat generation to deliver the best sound quality. In addition, the RA280 applies a 2.5 kW power factor correction (PFC) circuit independently designed by HiFi Rose and introduces a high-capacity condenser to maintain excellent performance even under rapid load situations This allows for a stronger response in terms of stability and reliability.

Built-in MM Phono Preamplifier

The RA280 supports your turntable with a built-in MM moving magnet phono preamp, selectable with the flip of a switch. It amplifies the very weak audio signal captured by the cartridge, processes it without distortion, and uses high-precision compensation circuitry developed by HiFi Rose to deliver sound as close to the original source as possible.

In essence, it offers the best sound quality without compromising the fine details of the audio signal and the original impression of the music. The RA280's phono amplifier perfectly provides the essential elements for high-quality music playback, taking the performance of your audio system to the next level and allowing you to enjoy richer, more vivid sound.

Balance Control for Treble and Bass

The default output of the RA280 can be shaped with a defeatable tone control, allowing for 15 dB adjustment of bass (100 Hz) and treble (10 kHz). The tone control circuit is equipped with a high-fidelity active EQ (OP-AMP: 12 dB slope) instead of passive (CR), with a gentle 6 dB slope.

Product Features

Overview

Class AD Amplifier with next generation GaN FET output technology
LC filter independently developed by HiFi ROSE
Highly efficient and stable power supply
Powerful 250W output
Built-in phono preamplifier for MM cartridges
Bass/Treble controls (can be bypassed)
Illuminated analog level meters
Dimming for front-panel illumination
Solid aluminum and rust-proof steel construction
Remote control included

Inputs/Outputs

1 x stereo analog XLR input
3 x stereo RCA inputs
1 x stereo RCA MM phono input
1 x mono RCA output for a powered subwoofer
1 x stereo binding posts for LR speakers

Product Specs

Power output: 250W × 2ch at 4 ohms; 250W × 2ch at 8 ohms
Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz signal-to-noise ratios: 109dB balanced; 109dB unbalanced; 85dB MM phono
Dimensions: 17" wide x 4-1/16" high x 14" deep
Weight: 21 lb.

Product Warranty

2 Years

Parts & Labor

HiFi Rose Warranty Information

Product Manual

HiFi Rose 280 Manual (PDF Format)

"Power suggests authority and assuredness. Soft specifies that rather than flashy, show-off macho or edgily muscular, this power was more relaxed and—dare one say it—natural. That segues back at misguided notions of ‘high resolution’ which can seem a bit needly on transient sharpness and overplay the blackground card as though recorded space was a vacuum. It’s not.'

"A good recording will contain ambient cues which, like connective tissue, appears between images as reverb captured by the microphones or injected at the mixing console. Either way, we shouldn’t face an abject nothing between our virtual performers that feels like outer space wherein you can’t breathe. No such effect here. The RA280’s excellent no-noise performance didn’t swallow up recorded ambience like a black hole. In fact, I didn’t hear any class D attributes per se, just good relaxed transistor sound."

"Hifi Rose gives the informed shopper a fully legit alternative to the established brands then throws proprietary solutions, fine workmanship, and skillful styling into the mix. As a brand newbie previously exposed only through adverts, webpages and reviews done by others, my first Hifi Rose encounter by way of their RA280 really left a very – uh, rosy impression."

- Srajan, darko.audio, May 6, 2024