Integrated Amp Reviews

HiFi Rose RA180 integrated amplifier Associated Equipment

Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment

Analog sources: Clearaudio Performance DC Wood turntable with Tracer tonearm and Talisman V2 MC cartridge; MoFi Electronics UltraDeck turntable with tonearm and UltraTracker MM cartridge and weight.
Digital sources: MBL N31 DAC/CD player, MacBook Air (M1, 2020) as Roon Core.
Loudspeakers: MBL 120, Triangle Antal 40th Anniversary.
Cables: Power: AudioQuest Monsoon and NRG-Z3, Ansuz Acoustics. Ethernet: AudioQuest Vodka. Interconnect: Morrow Audio MA-3 and MA-6, Ansuz Acoustics. Loudspeaker: Ansuz Acoustics, Morrow Audio SP-6.
Accessories: Critical Mass Systems Maxxum equipment racks, AudioQuest Niagara 1200 Low-Z Power Noise-Dissipation System, Record Doctor VI record cleaning machine, AudioQuest antistatic record brush, Onzow ZeroDust stylus cleaner, Zanden Audio AT-1 bass traps/tubes, AP-1 foam acoustic panels.
Room: 18.5' × 17.5' × 12'.—Julie Mullins

COMPANY INFO
HiFi Rose
US distributor: MoFi Distribution
1881 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
(312) 841-4087
hifiroseusa.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on December 2, 2022 - 12:30pm

Hi

Indeed. I still recall my gourmet friend who goes for international foods on his offshore business trips, told me:

"Japanese cuisines are for the look (artistic-like display on the plate), Chinese food is for the taste & western cuisines are for the smell."

Yes, many auido fans like to "listen" with their eyes first. But not for me, in any audio shows, if the music does not sound right before I walk in the demo room, I don't even both to walk in at all.

If the music comes out from the demo room sounds OK, then I would walk in & sit down & listen for a few minutes. If it sounds really nice, then I would start to ask questions.

Otherwsie, I would just say thanks & walk out without further questions. That's it!

Likewise, for any audio studios ! Sound always comes first before I bother the look & price.

I design/built/upgraded audio rig at home looks like cheap crap, yet I love spend numberless hours of my leisure time there to enjoy the music masters re-performance there.

Listening with my own ears is believing

Jack L

JRT's picture
Submitted by JRT on December 2, 2022 - 2:16pm

Normal human brain function, in dealing with various cognitive dissonance, can place visual perception ahead of hearing perception, where visual perception can change hearing perception.

The McGurk effect provides example of some of this.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/McGurk_effect

As for the subject matter of this review, I would not want the gimmickry and whimsical aesthetics of this thing, as it reminds me too much of the old Rube Goldberg cartoons. I would rather have something far less integrated with cleaner functional aesthetics and better performance.

Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on December 2, 2022 - 6:15pm

Hi

OK. You don't have to throw me the book !

It's common sense for any mature music lovers, like yours truly.
That's why I use my ears only for gauging any audios to minimize "McGurk effect" & the likes.

It also has brought in the huge controversail audio blind tests.

Music is for my ears for my enjoyment gauging on live performance. I don't give a rat's ass to whoever saying whatever else.

Listening with my own ears to the music is believing

Jack L

Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on December 2, 2022 - 6:16pm

.

JHL's picture
Submitted by JHL on December 3, 2022 - 6:00am

...when needing erudition on (snort)

Quote:

normal human brain function

which I assure you I do all the damn time, is to hunt up the initials JRT in a comment thread.

LOL. The very pretense.

You even summarize like a drone, jeenyus, as if Normal Human Brain Function could appreciate art. Or "better performance". I have zero doubt now but that it'd McGurk both. Is that the term I want? McGurk?

"Self-delusion"? For years I watched gasbags vomit on normal human engagement in music and the technical arts and applied sciences, but now? Not so much.

Long-time listener's picture
Submitted by Long-time listener on December 3, 2022 - 6:20pm

Research has also shown that people with "normal brain function" can overcome biases when they are made aware of them. If we choose to consciously reject visual influence and concentrate on what we hear instead, we can do so. It's not a big problem for intelligent people.

Indydan's picture
Submitted by Indydan on December 3, 2022 - 7:39am

Hey Jack, crapping with your own butt is believing...

Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on December 3, 2022 - 4:00pm

.

Indydan's picture
Submitted by Indydan on December 3, 2022 - 4:10pm

Hey Jack, where you at? Your wife is looking for you...

Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on December 4, 2022 - 1:17pm

.

Julie Mullins's picture
Submitted by Julie Mullins on December 7, 2022 - 10:22am

Yes, many audio fans like to "listen" with their eyes first. But not for me, in any audio shows, if the music does not sound right before I walk in the demo room, I don't even both to walk in at all.

If the music comes out from the demo room sounds OK, then I would walk in & sit down & listen for a few minutes.

In general, I generally don't tend to enter rooms where the sound from outside doesn't capture my interest—unless something really captures my eyes (or I'm required to for an assignment).

Also, when I listen at home I usually close my eyes, especially for critical listening. So at that point, the aesthetics become irrelevant. BUT I prefer and enjoy having components that appeal to my visual/aesthetic sense as well; I'm living with them in my space and would simply rather have something attractive around.

Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on December 7, 2022 - 11:30am

Hi

Why not? Just like stylish furniture - lifestyle. Nobody can challenge it.

But my point is: sound always comes before the exterior design of the product. For yours truly, it is the sound dicates me to choose the right one for my budget & exterior design is only the bonus which is always welcome.

Listening is believing

Jack L

Archimago's picture
Submitted by Archimago on December 2, 2022 - 1:18pm

Hmmm. I appreciate the mechanics. The VU meters look nice. Strong nods to the '70s vintage esthetics, but obviously more "flowery".

IMO, this is clearly overdone; reminds me of the overwrought CGI effects in some Asian (primarily Chinese) movies which lack finesse. Much of it just screams "appearance for appearance sake" which I guess is OK if one has an affinity to it and truly "love" that look.

I fear that this kind of look will not age well though. I would suggest to HiFi Rose that "less is more". Aim for elegance rather than risk looking tacky as they're doing right now with this (again, IMO).

It would be interesting to see in a poll if the general audio-loving public likes this front panel!

Archimago's picture
Submitted by Archimago on December 2, 2022 - 5:26pm

Figured I'd poll the folks over on Steve Hoffman Forums here:
https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/poll-do-you-like-the-look-of-the-hifi-rose-ra180-front-panel.1161772/

Feel free to share your opinion!

Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on December 2, 2022 - 6:25pm

Hi

Is such polling necessary ?????

Any audio designers want to put their personality signature on the front panel designs. This is its value & presitige & should not be challenged.

Anybody ever ever challenged of the beauty of Mona Lisa ?

Come on, get real !

Jack L

Archimago's picture
Submitted by Archimago on December 6, 2022 - 4:26pm

Since when was this device some kind of "fine art" where one is supposed to respect the creative integrity of the design team?

Of course the appearance can be questioned! When you look at that thing, does it look like form follows function? Or maybe just a little too much flight of fancy?

It's consumer electronics. Consumers have an opinion and in fact the final say as to whether they care for it. Nothing wrong with having a poll on it and in fact, I hope the design team made sure to engage some consumer market research to make sure this targeted the intended audience.

Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on December 7, 2022 - 11:51am

Hi

Mona Lisa is a priceless historic fine art which has been open for appreciation to the public at large in Palace of Versailles near Paris. I still recall my wife & I got to line up for an hour or so to to get a view of the small painting from a fence-off distance of some 15 ft !!!!

Any commercial design is still some art - applied art. It may not suit everybody who always gets its own preference & like.

Like coffee, many love black & yet many love double (milk)/double (sugar) instead. So do we need to get a poll on it?

Jack L

windansea's picture
Submitted by windansea on December 2, 2022 - 9:47pm

Looks like an airline cockpit to me. I would have loved this as a child. But now I think it has too much surplusage and all I want is a power switch and volume knob.

But the active crossover and biamping option sound awesome to me. I love that idea. I've wanted to biamp my time windows with active crossovers but the expense and hassle have exceeded my limits. This all-in-one option could be perfect for me.

Julie Mullins's picture
Submitted by Julie Mullins on December 7, 2022 - 10:26am

There is a lot going on there: It's packed with knobs and switches. It does make kind of an "extreme" statement, but that's part of what makes it unique.

bhkat's picture
Submitted by bhkat on December 3, 2022 - 9:44am

Front panel looks like the guy who designs Nagra equipment took some magic mushrooms before designing the front panel.

MontyM's picture
Submitted by MontyM on December 4, 2022 - 5:35am

Hi Julie. The RA180 was set up in one of the rooms of my local HiFi store when I visited a couple weeks ago. I agree that the look and feel of the thing is great; a conversation starter for sure, if nothing else. Sonically, not my cup of tea, but visually it definitely stood out from the other integrated amps in its price range. I generally prefer a form follows function design aesthetic, but I certainly appreciate a bit of whimsy now and again. Thanks for the review.

Julie Mullins's picture
Submitted by Julie Mullins on December 7, 2022 - 10:31am

I generally prefer a form follows function design aesthetic, but I certainly appreciate a bit of whimsy now and again.

Although it is functional in its form: Almost everything is right there on the front panel. And I agree that a bit of whimsy in a hobby/industry that sometimes takes itself too seriously is a positive thing!

Electrophone's picture
Submitted by Electrophone on December 5, 2022 - 7:49pm

I had the opportunity to manually operate the RA-180's interesting volume control mechanism at the local dealer and am disappointed that the process is not as refined as expected. The gears don't run as smoothly as expected at this price point, leaving the impression of under-engineering.

PeterG's picture
Submitted by PeterG on December 5, 2022 - 6:58am

A fun description of a cool visual design, but the central question is left unanswered--how does the amp sound compared to competition? This is especially important when reviewing a Class D where conventional wisdom is that although they are more efficient/economical, they still cannot match A or AB for the serious listener

Julie Mullins's picture
Submitted by Julie Mullins on December 7, 2022 - 10:48am

Thanks for commenting, PeterG. In part because this differs from a "typical" Class D amp in that it's built around more modern Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors rather than silicon ones, I decided to talk about those sonic differences (and benefits) rather than focusing on direct comparisons or doing a "shoot-out." Also, I've only heard a few other GaN-based amps, such as the Technics SU-G700M2 integrated amp (and only briefly, at a show or two) that use GaN transistors—something I'd mentioned in an earlier draft of this review (that didn't appear in the final version).

windansea's picture
Submitted by windansea on December 7, 2022 - 10:49pm

keep writing these excellent reviews-- they are a breath of fresh air with zero snootiness and plenty of relevant observations for those of us considering whether to purchase the reviewed product.

Julie Mullins's picture
Submitted by Julie Mullins on December 20, 2022 - 1:46pm

I appreciate your kind words. More to come...

PeterG's picture
Submitted by PeterG on December 8, 2022 - 10:58am

Thanks, Julie. I guess we differ on the definition of competition. I am agnostic wrt architecture--I do not really care too much if an amp is A, AB, D, tubes, SS....But I care A LOT about an amp compares to other amps in its general price range. (BTW, I think we had a similar exchange on the marble(?) speakers you reviewed a few months ago) Rock on!

Julie Mullins's picture
Submitted by Julie Mullins on December 20, 2022 - 1:54pm

You make a fair comment. I'm also "agnostic" in the sense that I don't have a strong bias (pun intended) for or against tube amps or various solid-state types or topologies. Because I don't have a wide array of amps on-hand (just a few), I'd be going mostly from memory.
It's another good reason for me to keep visiting dealers, attending audio shows, checking out friends' systems, etc. to hear as much new and different gear as possible and keep staying up-to-date.
(BTW, those other speakers I reviewed that you mentioned were made of granite, made by Acora Acoustics.)

Glotz's picture
Submitted by Glotz on December 8, 2022 - 6:50pm

The review, of course.

Will you or another reviewer report on the Mytek Empire Monoblocks? GaN-based amplifiers are very intriguing...

mns3dhm's picture
Submitted by mns3dhm on December 5, 2022 - 10:40am

This is a component that, should a friend buy one and ask if I'd like to listen, I'd be 'shit yeah!'. I would probably wind-up annoying said friend by asking them to run through its myriad of setup and operational options. Kinda the opposite of straight wire with gain. Thanks for the review.

Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on December 5, 2022 - 11:29am

Hi

Agreed ! Who needs thousands of watts for decent music let alone the musicality of Class-Ds ? I don't & would never !!

FYI, my humble dirt-cheap home-brew zero local/global NFB class-A SET delivering only 5W per channel working hand-in-hand with 3 x100W active subwoofers (L, R, L+R) can deliver 103db(C) SPL musicality nooo sweat !

Be smartly ahead of the game !

Listening to class-A SET is believing

Jack L

barfle's picture
Submitted by barfle on December 15, 2022 - 11:05am

Like others, I’m reminded of a Nagra deck. Lots of meters and buttons and knobs, and I certainly appreciate design, but it might be a bit much and might not age well. But very, very groovy.

barfle's picture
Submitted by barfle on December 15, 2022 - 11:05am

Like others, I’m reminded of a Nagra deck. Lots of meters and buttons and knobs, and I certainly appreciate design, but it might be a bit much and might not age well. But very, very groovy.

barfle's picture
Submitted by barfle on December 15, 2022 - 11:05am

Like others, I’m reminded of a Nagra deck. Lots of meters and buttons and knobs, and I certainly appreciate design, but it might be a bit much and might not age well. But very, very groovy.

SocProf's picture
Submitted by SocProf on March 7, 2023 - 9:25pm

I just got the latest Recommended Components issue. I'm surprised that the RA 180 was given a Class B rating and not a Class A rating. I assumed it would be a step up from my much cheaper Marantz Model 30, which earned a Class A rating. What are its shortcomings?

Also, I wonder if the bi-amping function is better suited for a 2-way bookshelf (where the tweeter gets its own binding post) than a 3-way floorstander (where the tweeter is grouped with the midrange driver). The high pass filter might actually be able to accomplish something useful for the former--protecting the tweeter from anything other than high frequency signals.

steve59's picture
Submitted by steve59 on November 19, 2023 - 8:05am

The looks say swiss watch quality, the feel of the controls says, built to a price.

Markedly's picture
Submitted by Markedly on January 4, 2024 - 5:11am

Visually, the amp reminds me a little of the Simpson's episode where Homer designs his perfect car.

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