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Rose Technics QT-X
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GREQ
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: Design!
Excellent Bass response
V-shaped Signature is great for low-volume listening
Surprisingly Comfortable
Sound Fatigue is lower than average
Accessory Rich
Build Quality
Carry Case Quality
Above average sound quality
Excellent Bass response
V-shaped Signature is great for low-volume listening
Surprisingly Comfortable
Sound Fatigue is lower than average
Accessory Rich
Build Quality
Carry Case Quality
Above average sound quality
Cons: Bad Packaging left glue residue on Carry Case
Packaging is too big
Very long nozzles
Air-Gap between shells and ear amplifies wind noise
Not the highest objective sound quality at this price
Packaging is too big
Very long nozzles
Air-Gap between shells and ear amplifies wind noise
Not the highest objective sound quality at this price
Rose Technics QT-X
The angriest looking IEM, in the world.
If you don't like reading, here's the video version of this review:
Disclaimer & Foreword
Rose Technics asked if I would be interested in reviewing their new CERAMICS X, I replied that I would normally only be interested in trying out their higher end products like the QT-X... so they sent me both ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I received the upgrade-Deluxe version with the Blue Rose Pro Cord 4.4mm balanced cable and RS9039 dongle DAC.
The Value version without the DAC is around $340, and the Deluxe version is $440 USD.
The only thing they want in return is my opinion, so here it is.
Build
Only once the packaging arrived did I finally understand that the logo on the face of these is not an angry emoji, but in fact a stylized letter X.
Of course, I won't ever stop getting Minecraft Creeper vibes from these and that's something that brings me a little bit of joy every time I use them.
The resin shells are also something to behold, as they are packed with glitter that constantly catches the light. Their shape is vaguely reminiscent of the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite, but with some of the longest nozzles you’ve ever seen.
I think if the nozzle was significantly shorter, I might achieve a very good fit with these, but on the other hand I also very weirdly experienced no problems wearing these and also find them to be among the most comfortable I've ever worn, which might also because of the air gap between the shells and my ears – the only part that touches are the tips and cable.
The QT-X comes with a set of unique small size foam tips that appear to be designed for a deeper insertion depth. I found that these tips provided the best bass seal and superior isolation over the silicone tips, without any change in comfort or overall sound quality. I appreciate the strong consistency despite the change in tips, however the silicone tips provided a more secure fit, so that’s what I ended up using the most.
The shells are vented, which means that there should be no problem in getting a deep insertion and struggling with air pressure problems.
The shells house 7 drivers per side, a single 10mm dynamic Liquid Crystal Polymer driver and 6 BA drivers.
Having only just recently reviewed the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro, I can't ignore the fact that it appears that the QT-X houses the exact same dynamic driver (only appears to be the same, I actually have no idea).
Of course, hardware is only half the story. There are also only so many balanced armature drivers out there too, and many products at different price brackets share identical transducers, so I'll try not to let this skew my impressions.
The 2-pin royal blue cable is beautifully finished with copper coloured connectors and reaches near the peak of the less common cable-building philosophy of using fabric sheathed cables.
It's significantly more unwieldy than the best woven silver cables I've used, as it has quite a strong coil memory, but once properly unravelled, it does a fair job. I think the thinner Star City 5 Pro cable is actually more functional in terms of being flexible and getting out of the way, but I think the goal here is to also make a stronger and more reliable cable. I don't hate it at all, and despite the extra shape memory, I seldom got annoyed with it.
The sheaths for the ear-hooks have a milky appearance, which is a bit of a shame. I would have preferred to see something more transparent, but with how thin these cables are, this may have been a necessary compromise to increase rigidity.
The leatherette case is as excessive as you might expect at this price point. It has similar vibes to the Simgot EA1000 jewellery box case, but is even bigger and heavier with a magnetic seal to keep it closed. It is also finished extremely well.
It's not as functional as I prefer, but it does give the feeling of a high-end experience every time you use it.
Unfortunately, the case became stuck to the glue inside the foam packaging where two pieces of foam were adhered together.
This left two permanent marks on my case, so I have to take some points off there.
Speaking of the packaging, I think it's well into the excess.
They definitely could have put this all into something a lot smaller, saving on materials, especially the amount of foam used.
In future products, I would prefer to see more easily recycled materials like cardboard.
In the packaging you get:
• a set of 4 sizes of silicone tips
• 4 sets of small foam tips
• a few sets of spare nozzle dust filters
• and of course the dongle DAC (Deluxe-version only)
The ESS9039 Dongle DAC
The ESS9039 dongle DAC is perfectly fine, especially when used with a laptop or PC. Is it weird that I think the detachable cable is the stand-out feature of this dongle? It’s super high quality and prevents twisting due to it's asymmetrical shape lengthways.
Aside from the awesome cable and very acceptable build quality, it is extremely lightweight at 14.5g without the cable, and able to play up to a sample rate of 384000hz @32 bits.
However, using it with my smartphone the QT-X is not recommended.
The QT-X is so sensitive, that on the lowest volumes, a single change in volume is far too big of an increment, and very often I found that it was almost always either too loud or too quiet.
When using the QT-X with my smartphone, I have deferred to using other dongles with their own volume controls with more volume increments.
ESS9039 Dongle DAC Sound
Measuring a Sennheiser HD650 seated in the same location on the miniDSP EARS with three different amps, the Rose Technics ESS9039, Fosi Audio SK02 and audio-GD NFB11.28 TCXO reveals that it is neutral and does not impart any tonal characteristics of it’s own.
(graphs overlay almost perfectly)
However, since output impedance is a thing, let’s see how the QT-X differs on the same 3 amps.
Interestingly, the ESS9039 causes the QT-X to deviate slightly from the other 2 amps, with a 2dB rise in the base and a 1dB reduction in the treble peak.
It’s a very small change, but may be a welcome one nonetheless, and something to consider if you want to use this combination with a laptop, which would be one of the more ideal scenarios.
Sound
Sound impressions were made using the
• Rose Technics ESS9039
• Fosi Audio DS2
• Fosi Audio SK02
Connected to my phone and PC.
As they are, I can't fully get behind the frequency response.
Of course, on one hand I don't want all my headphones and IEMs to sound the same, that would be boring, but it's also too far outside of my acceptable tonal range.
Pinna gain, or canal gain is far too present, as is the treble.
These present almost a perfect V-shaped signature going by the miniDSP EARS graph, so on the other hand, their stock sound is also extremely well tuned for low-volume listening, as it has something of a strong loudness curve applied.
Going back to the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro, I feel like I can't continue without making this comparison.
The overall timbre and texture between these two is quite similar, although the Star City 5 Pro is actually the more neutral of the two, it is also the more calm and pure sounding.
The QT-X sounds like it is following a similar philosophy in it's tuning but with more 'fun' added in with the extra bass.
Bass is of course thumpier than neutral, and while I wouldn't consider it a basshead IEM, there is enough to satisfy those who listen to all genres.
The midrange timbre and tone is actually overall very good. I think some people might think these are a little on the cold side, but I think there is just enough bleed from the upper bass into the mids to give enough warmth to vocals which are more boosted on the upper end. A fine balance has been achieved.
Treble and upper mids I think could have been reigned in a bit.
Of course not all recordings are equal, and there are some that sound perfectly balanced, detailed and articulate with this level of treble, but then there are others which do sound piercing, bright and uncomfortable.
On the whole I've been listening to these with only a very small small sub-bass boost, which has worked very well for the most part in satisfying my bass needs, especially for noisy outdoor use and for balancing out the slightly boosted upper mids and treble.
Occasionally I have only reduced the pinna gain around 4KHz, especially for some older recordings and rock music.
I'm very happy to report that the staging is on the larger side with a very precise stereo image that puts things mostly in front of you, with a good amount of width. It's mostly locked into the typical head-space, with the occasional sound appearing from outside.
Detail is excellent, but not the main focus of the QT-X. I feel like there is a slight veil holding them back from being truly transparent.
On the positive side, the venting and softer bass texture makes these quite non-fatiguing, which is of course good for long listening sessions.
As for separation, they are good, but not good enough at this price point.
Also tip rolling yielded very poor results for me.
The stock tips are quite short with very wide bores and switching them out to use full foams or anything with narrower bores ruined the staging and bass presentation.
Finally, to summarize:
• the bass is deep and can be thunderous as it’s tuned just north of neutral. It’s not a basshead bass, but enough to satisfy most ears in most situations.
• the mids have mostly great tone and timbre, but this is where it’s missing some detail and finesse in this price bracket compared to the most brutal competition.
• treble is the weakest part of the sound with a darker splashy, almost plastic timbre that takes away from the otherwise detailed and somewhat airy presentation.
Conclusions
Of course, that’s my harshest, most unfiltered opinion. In the grand scheme of audio, these still sit comfortably above the sea of IEMs under 200 EUR, but above that, things get more complicated.
On it’s own, I can’t confidently say that it’s worth it’s entire asking price. The combination of an unusually long nozzle with a specific tuning that I know won’t suit all tastes makes these stand out as having quite a unique personality.
Perhaps there was a specific target, or there is an experimental aspect that Rose Technics wanted to try out; of course I can only guess, but it’s those quirks and ultimately the sound quality vs price that prevents me from being able to comfortably offer a strong recommendation.
I believe that there are many out there who would enjoy these, making a direct comparison with my current benchmark, the Orchestra Lite, they are basically on par with soundstage, imaging and detail.
Even the subjective musical performance of both is very similar, with the Orchestra Lite edging into the lead with slightly more convincing dynamics.
The biggest obstacles holding the QT-X back are the nozzle length and the price, because they’re not objectively bad IEMs.
On the flipside, if you’re looking for a very particular tuning that does tastefully smooth everything over while adding some forwardness and a kind of sweetness to vocals and upper mids, these are still a strong contender, especially if you’re willing to EQ to taste.
By far, the QT-X sounded it’s best to me during low-volume listening sessions at home or the office.
The V-shaped sound behaves somewhat like a loudness curve, so at lower volumes, you still get the emphasis of lower bass and upper treble, making them sound more energetic and enjoyable than many others at similarly low volumes.
In the end, I do personally rank them among the better IEMs I’ve ever heard, and compared to the sea of options out there, I think they often do present a decent value proposition, but ultimately I think this is going to be one of those Marmite IEMs that will divide opinions.
The angriest looking IEM, in the world.
If you don't like reading, here's the video version of this review:
Disclaimer & Foreword
Rose Technics asked if I would be interested in reviewing their new CERAMICS X, I replied that I would normally only be interested in trying out their higher end products like the QT-X... so they sent me both ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I received the upgrade-Deluxe version with the Blue Rose Pro Cord 4.4mm balanced cable and RS9039 dongle DAC.
The Value version without the DAC is around $340, and the Deluxe version is $440 USD.
The only thing they want in return is my opinion, so here it is.
Build
Only once the packaging arrived did I finally understand that the logo on the face of these is not an angry emoji, but in fact a stylized letter X.
Of course, I won't ever stop getting Minecraft Creeper vibes from these and that's something that brings me a little bit of joy every time I use them.
The resin shells are also something to behold, as they are packed with glitter that constantly catches the light. Their shape is vaguely reminiscent of the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite, but with some of the longest nozzles you’ve ever seen.
I think if the nozzle was significantly shorter, I might achieve a very good fit with these, but on the other hand I also very weirdly experienced no problems wearing these and also find them to be among the most comfortable I've ever worn, which might also because of the air gap between the shells and my ears – the only part that touches are the tips and cable.
The QT-X comes with a set of unique small size foam tips that appear to be designed for a deeper insertion depth. I found that these tips provided the best bass seal and superior isolation over the silicone tips, without any change in comfort or overall sound quality. I appreciate the strong consistency despite the change in tips, however the silicone tips provided a more secure fit, so that’s what I ended up using the most.
The shells are vented, which means that there should be no problem in getting a deep insertion and struggling with air pressure problems.
The shells house 7 drivers per side, a single 10mm dynamic Liquid Crystal Polymer driver and 6 BA drivers.
Having only just recently reviewed the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro, I can't ignore the fact that it appears that the QT-X houses the exact same dynamic driver (only appears to be the same, I actually have no idea).
Of course, hardware is only half the story. There are also only so many balanced armature drivers out there too, and many products at different price brackets share identical transducers, so I'll try not to let this skew my impressions.
The 2-pin royal blue cable is beautifully finished with copper coloured connectors and reaches near the peak of the less common cable-building philosophy of using fabric sheathed cables.
It's significantly more unwieldy than the best woven silver cables I've used, as it has quite a strong coil memory, but once properly unravelled, it does a fair job. I think the thinner Star City 5 Pro cable is actually more functional in terms of being flexible and getting out of the way, but I think the goal here is to also make a stronger and more reliable cable. I don't hate it at all, and despite the extra shape memory, I seldom got annoyed with it.
The sheaths for the ear-hooks have a milky appearance, which is a bit of a shame. I would have preferred to see something more transparent, but with how thin these cables are, this may have been a necessary compromise to increase rigidity.
The leatherette case is as excessive as you might expect at this price point. It has similar vibes to the Simgot EA1000 jewellery box case, but is even bigger and heavier with a magnetic seal to keep it closed. It is also finished extremely well.
It's not as functional as I prefer, but it does give the feeling of a high-end experience every time you use it.
Unfortunately, the case became stuck to the glue inside the foam packaging where two pieces of foam were adhered together.
This left two permanent marks on my case, so I have to take some points off there.
Speaking of the packaging, I think it's well into the excess.
They definitely could have put this all into something a lot smaller, saving on materials, especially the amount of foam used.
In future products, I would prefer to see more easily recycled materials like cardboard.
In the packaging you get:
• a set of 4 sizes of silicone tips
• 4 sets of small foam tips
• a few sets of spare nozzle dust filters
• and of course the dongle DAC (Deluxe-version only)
The ESS9039 Dongle DAC
The ESS9039 dongle DAC is perfectly fine, especially when used with a laptop or PC. Is it weird that I think the detachable cable is the stand-out feature of this dongle? It’s super high quality and prevents twisting due to it's asymmetrical shape lengthways.
Aside from the awesome cable and very acceptable build quality, it is extremely lightweight at 14.5g without the cable, and able to play up to a sample rate of 384000hz @32 bits.
However, using it with my smartphone the QT-X is not recommended.
The QT-X is so sensitive, that on the lowest volumes, a single change in volume is far too big of an increment, and very often I found that it was almost always either too loud or too quiet.
When using the QT-X with my smartphone, I have deferred to using other dongles with their own volume controls with more volume increments.
ESS9039 Dongle DAC Sound
Measuring a Sennheiser HD650 seated in the same location on the miniDSP EARS with three different amps, the Rose Technics ESS9039, Fosi Audio SK02 and audio-GD NFB11.28 TCXO reveals that it is neutral and does not impart any tonal characteristics of it’s own.
(graphs overlay almost perfectly)
However, since output impedance is a thing, let’s see how the QT-X differs on the same 3 amps.
Interestingly, the ESS9039 causes the QT-X to deviate slightly from the other 2 amps, with a 2dB rise in the base and a 1dB reduction in the treble peak.
It’s a very small change, but may be a welcome one nonetheless, and something to consider if you want to use this combination with a laptop, which would be one of the more ideal scenarios.
Sound
Sound impressions were made using the
• Rose Technics ESS9039
• Fosi Audio DS2
• Fosi Audio SK02
Connected to my phone and PC.
As they are, I can't fully get behind the frequency response.
Of course, on one hand I don't want all my headphones and IEMs to sound the same, that would be boring, but it's also too far outside of my acceptable tonal range.
Pinna gain, or canal gain is far too present, as is the treble.
These present almost a perfect V-shaped signature going by the miniDSP EARS graph, so on the other hand, their stock sound is also extremely well tuned for low-volume listening, as it has something of a strong loudness curve applied.
Going back to the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro, I feel like I can't continue without making this comparison.
The overall timbre and texture between these two is quite similar, although the Star City 5 Pro is actually the more neutral of the two, it is also the more calm and pure sounding.
The QT-X sounds like it is following a similar philosophy in it's tuning but with more 'fun' added in with the extra bass.
Bass is of course thumpier than neutral, and while I wouldn't consider it a basshead IEM, there is enough to satisfy those who listen to all genres.
The midrange timbre and tone is actually overall very good. I think some people might think these are a little on the cold side, but I think there is just enough bleed from the upper bass into the mids to give enough warmth to vocals which are more boosted on the upper end. A fine balance has been achieved.
Treble and upper mids I think could have been reigned in a bit.
Of course not all recordings are equal, and there are some that sound perfectly balanced, detailed and articulate with this level of treble, but then there are others which do sound piercing, bright and uncomfortable.
On the whole I've been listening to these with only a very small small sub-bass boost, which has worked very well for the most part in satisfying my bass needs, especially for noisy outdoor use and for balancing out the slightly boosted upper mids and treble.
Occasionally I have only reduced the pinna gain around 4KHz, especially for some older recordings and rock music.
I'm very happy to report that the staging is on the larger side with a very precise stereo image that puts things mostly in front of you, with a good amount of width. It's mostly locked into the typical head-space, with the occasional sound appearing from outside.
Detail is excellent, but not the main focus of the QT-X. I feel like there is a slight veil holding them back from being truly transparent.
On the positive side, the venting and softer bass texture makes these quite non-fatiguing, which is of course good for long listening sessions.
As for separation, they are good, but not good enough at this price point.
Also tip rolling yielded very poor results for me.
The stock tips are quite short with very wide bores and switching them out to use full foams or anything with narrower bores ruined the staging and bass presentation.
Finally, to summarize:
• the bass is deep and can be thunderous as it’s tuned just north of neutral. It’s not a basshead bass, but enough to satisfy most ears in most situations.
• the mids have mostly great tone and timbre, but this is where it’s missing some detail and finesse in this price bracket compared to the most brutal competition.
• treble is the weakest part of the sound with a darker splashy, almost plastic timbre that takes away from the otherwise detailed and somewhat airy presentation.
Conclusions
Of course, that’s my harshest, most unfiltered opinion. In the grand scheme of audio, these still sit comfortably above the sea of IEMs under 200 EUR, but above that, things get more complicated.
On it’s own, I can’t confidently say that it’s worth it’s entire asking price. The combination of an unusually long nozzle with a specific tuning that I know won’t suit all tastes makes these stand out as having quite a unique personality.
Perhaps there was a specific target, or there is an experimental aspect that Rose Technics wanted to try out; of course I can only guess, but it’s those quirks and ultimately the sound quality vs price that prevents me from being able to comfortably offer a strong recommendation.
I believe that there are many out there who would enjoy these, making a direct comparison with my current benchmark, the Orchestra Lite, they are basically on par with soundstage, imaging and detail.
Even the subjective musical performance of both is very similar, with the Orchestra Lite edging into the lead with slightly more convincing dynamics.
The biggest obstacles holding the QT-X back are the nozzle length and the price, because they’re not objectively bad IEMs.
On the flipside, if you’re looking for a very particular tuning that does tastefully smooth everything over while adding some forwardness and a kind of sweetness to vocals and upper mids, these are still a strong contender, especially if you’re willing to EQ to taste.
By far, the QT-X sounded it’s best to me during low-volume listening sessions at home or the office.
The V-shaped sound behaves somewhat like a loudness curve, so at lower volumes, you still get the emphasis of lower bass and upper treble, making them sound more energetic and enjoyable than many others at similarly low volumes.
In the end, I do personally rank them among the better IEMs I’ve ever heard, and compared to the sea of options out there, I think they often do present a decent value proposition, but ultimately I think this is going to be one of those Marmite IEMs that will divide opinions.
NymPHONOmaniac
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: -Phenomenal bass performance
-textured, punchy, well rounded and define mid bass
-well layered and speedy sub bass
-energic W shape signature
-above average clarity
-good macro layering and imaging
-fast and snappy treble
-clear fowards mids that aren’t super thin
-different and engaging musicality
-great technical performance for the price
-beautiful design
-good passive noise isolation
-deep fit design
-excellent cable and accessories
-more than decent dongle with ES9039 DAC
-Good sound value
-textured, punchy, well rounded and define mid bass
-well layered and speedy sub bass
-energic W shape signature
-above average clarity
-good macro layering and imaging
-fast and snappy treble
-clear fowards mids that aren’t super thin
-different and engaging musicality
-great technical performance for the price
-beautiful design
-good passive noise isolation
-deep fit design
-excellent cable and accessories
-more than decent dongle with ES9039 DAC
-Good sound value
Cons: -lack of sparkle-brilliance
-not cleanest or crispest treble
-upper mids can be overly intense
-timbre isn't most natural
-vocals aren't lush nor very charming
-bundle mean extra cost not all consumers will benefit from
-not cleanest or crispest treble
-upper mids can be overly intense
-timbre isn't most natural
-vocals aren't lush nor very charming
-bundle mean extra cost not all consumers will benefit from
TONALITY: 7.8/10
TECHNICALITIES: 8.8/10
TIMBRE: 7.8/10
SOUNDSTAGE: 7.5/10
IMAGING: 8.5/10
MUSICALITY (subjective): 8.2/10
CONSTRUCTION: 9/10
ACCESSORIES: 10/10
SOUND VALUE: 8.5/10
INTRO
Rose Technics is an IEM company based in China that create IEMs for near 10 years. They specialize in hybrid earphones and make their come back lately with the release of QT9 MK3, a 5 drivers hybrid IEM which I review and enjoy.
Today I will review their flagship hybrid IEM call QTX, which consist of 7 drivers hybrid IEM.
Priced 340$ (or 440$ for deluxe bundle), the QTX use a 10mm LCP diaphragm with tesla magnet dynamic driver plus 6 knowles balance armature.
They describe their sound ideal as ‘’ smooth and dense vocal reproduction, lively string instruments, and a rich atmospheric ambiance.’’
The QT-X being the flagship IEM from this company, we should expect even greater technical performance than the excellent QT9 MK3 which cost 185$ right now.
Now the Roses enter higher end market, let see if both the performance and musical appeal are up or above their asking price.
CONSTRUCTION&ACCESSORIES
The QT-X have a prime construction quality made of high grade resin plastic that feel thick and sturdy, it's smooth too with a ergonomic design that is thinked for deep fit due to ear canal like shape which is long , yet the metal nozzle is rather small, thinked for short bore eartips, as included in package.
Shallow fit to is possible, but IEM will be more proeminent, yet still comfortable since I use it both way.
Isolation can go excellent, up to -26db with deep fit, which i comfirm since even bikers on the street can't distract me from my sacred music with those.
Then we have a 2pin connector, not recessed but protuberant, at it's side their a venting hole, this is wise placement since it can't be block by deep fitting.
The glossy sparkly colorful purple color is really beautiful, not too exuberant yet very eye catchy too. The overall craftmanship of QT-X scream quality and is on par of what we can't truely expect for this price range.
The cable included in Delux version is excellent, it might not look thast fancy like this but what's inside is what count and this Blue Rose Pro cable is a 4 cores single crystal copper and single crystal silver. i've try plenty of cables with QT-X and this one is excellent and deliver clean dynamic bodied sound that don't mess up tonal balance nor negatively affect resolution or attack control, it's a Pro cable that don't color anything yet unlock lively musicality of your IEMs.
The packaging experience is luxurious and sober, this deluxe version include a rather surprising dongle, the RS9039 which is a quite capable and powerful (300mW) dac-amp using the latest saber ES9039 dac. Then we have a good amount of eartips thinked for deep fit, which are short wide bore and memory foams models. Then we have a nice quality carrying case, with enough space for the IEM and cable and even an extra cable and ear tips. All in all, this is excellent accessories, construction and packaging design.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
The tonality of QT-X can be summarized as bright, energetic and well balanced W shape, it’s both a technical and headbanger set without going basshead route. This is something I notice with Rose IEMs: they offer energetic punchy low end with super speedy and controlled attack, the tesla DD used is no joke and here it complements well other high end balanced armature both in textured timbre and macro dynamic intensity.
This is all but a boring set, yet not a ‘’treble head only’’ niche one, while bright, we aren’t in shouty or trebly fest.
But for warmer and more laid back tuning, we already have the QT9 MK2 in Rose catalog, so here it’s the logical upgrade to a bassier and more V shape QT9 MK3, another IEM that impresses me with both its technical performance and speedy textured bass response.
So as said, while not basshead level big thunderous low end delivery, these QT-X will certainly impress bass quality lover, we are into bass-fi territory with expeditious transient free of sustain bleed and super hard and tight punching with clean sub bass that has plenty of texture and fast release that avoid muddyness of all type.
The mid bass is thicker than sub bass which rumble in a lean way, don’t feel compressed nor boosted in resonance, bass lines are quick in delivery with nice bite to it, both kick and bass line can cohabitate without mixing each other sustain-release.
I’m rarely satisfy with mid bass, and i can say this for a lot of legit basshead IEM too where point of impact is missed and slip into sub bass, feel thin in proper impact weight or too sloppy and slow, here we have the speed, the round and textured acoustic kick drum having both presence definition and thumpy physicality, this make QT-X as good for jazz than rock because of good layering of bassline and kick as well as speedy control for drummer virtuoso and proper punch for metal head.
Unlike other IEM with bright bass, the QT-X don’t go thin or dry nor compress all the natural resonance release which has good headroom without embracing the whole stage or bleeding on mid range.
The magic of multi drivers is well used here and bass stay clear and clean in the back of multi staged mids and treble that are more upfront.
Bass loving without guilty pleasure, how not to be impressed by this? This is really among best bass quality i've heard in sub-100$ price range, to get both the dynamic weight and presence texture for proper definition of kick and bass line is truely captivating, yet the tesla magnet is no joke in term of transient push, which is super speedy and well controled, permiting excellent layering within an energic macro dynamic.
The mid range is bright, forwards, edgy, clear and focused in the middle stage in a slightly compressed way. This isn’t lush laid back mids yet it doesn’t go plain thin due to a notch of balanced armature euphony mixing with otherwise very textured timbre. This tends to polish definition edges without stealing definition of presence envelope.
The vocals are clear and highly intelligible, their lower mids for even fullness that don’t put forward texture grain too much, timbre is brightened a bit but realist, transparency is medium, like seeing through a textured fog as sound layers.
I’m not the biggest fan of the female vocal here which I find a bit too loud and upfront, it tends to overshadow other mid range instruments a bit which isn’t that great for 7 drivers IEM.
The good news is that male vocals are better, presence is wider and fuller, but sibilance might be more noticeable too if the recording doesn't manage it well enough.
When it comes to win instruments like saxophone, it’s similar to vocal, higher range will sound more shouty and upfront with compressed presence but textured and realist tone, baritone will sound fuller and more natural.
Then for piano, it’s a bit more recessed and light in note weight in lower range then louder and sharper in higher range, this shows the dominance of higher harmonic when it comes to certain instruments. It seems the QT-X tuner listens a lot to rock due to male vocal and thumpy textured bass that favor this music style.
After the bass, the treble is another highlight of the QT-X since for hybrid with BAs we have good amount of sparkle and brilliance as well as air on top.
We have great lower treble energy too that add attack bite to instrument like violin, electric guitar yet can make saxophone or high pitched female vocal a bit aggressive in loudness.
For violin, it benefit fast playin due to textured presence and fast agile attack of knowles balanced armature, sens of transparency is preserve too so orchestra will have good macro layering too. Timbre wise, it’s on the bright slightly dry side but very realist and not metallic sounding like with cheaper ba, violin has non colored tone, texture is clean and crisp without unpleasant noise artefact, it’s noth thicken with euphony or lower mids warmth, so for more romantic playin it might lack a bit of lushness, but i find it more problematic for vocals an winds instruments than strings instruments.
All those BA’s are for good use with the QT-X and don’t goes overtone or euphonic, it’s very generous in micro details and enter the analytical territory when it come to complex percussions with multiple tone and timbre like in Nok Cultural Ensemble which mix electronic beat with live instrument and tribal tabla and percussions, suddenly i can’t pick up each of them in a very well layered macro resolution. To get this treble performance under 400$ is quite a tour de force in it’s on hybrid IEM right.
I need to underline the fact QT-X use high end knowles BA, this mean timbre texture is rich and realist, attack is speedy and controled with a clean release unlike more noisy or euphonic budget BAs.
If you like fast snappy highs that doesn't sound thin nor extend too long in release to avoid boosted splashyness, the QT-X treble will impress you with it's vivid yet cohesive balance that don't stole the show of mids and bass even if it's most energic part of spectrum with lower treble region being more fiercefull and lively.
The soundstage isn't the biggest, it's rather closed on listener, it's taller than wider but have good sens of depth still. It surround you in an holographic way, it doesn't feel like frontal speakers sound, more like intimate surround system with 2 woofer in front and one tweeter each side.
The imaging is excellent, from bass line to vocal, saxo or piano to percussions, the separation is effortless in layering yet not widest in lateral spacing. Positioning is accurate yet compressed in term of spatiality openess.
SIDE NOTE
The included dongle is quite impressive because I was expecting a very entry level one and we get a capable dac-amp using latest sabre ES9039q2m DAC, promising high resolution and good performance.
This is stated as 300mW@32ohm, but this isn't most powerful dongle i heard in term of dynamic and I don't feel it drive properly planar IEMs which sound a bit too lean and can have bass distortion pass certain loudness level, which will not happen with a 1W dac-amp for ex, so this isn't driver fault but lack of current swing fault.
For sensitive IEMs like QT-X, the rendering is clean but i don't think it's balanced output has low enough impedance for purest sound reproduction.
Sound wise, this is a bright neutral tonality, with textured timbre, good micro details retreival and high sens of transparency. Dynamic is lean, this isn't thick sounding musicality, bass punch is in fact tamed and get extra texture, which go dryer. Vocals and mids presence is upfront and clear, but not very wide nor lush, it's not a colored sounding dongle. Macro dynamic isn't the most open and multi staged, sound layers are close to each other which mean you don't get holographic magnification of sound experience. This is focused and highly resolved musicality, it's colder than warmer and treble is sharp but not spiky or unbalanced, we can dig in highs and find tremedous amount of sound info, this dongle isn't limite in resolution.
All in all, it's a very good dongle, a logical upgrade to something like Fiio KA3 that use a bighter and noisier ES9038q2m, this one is more organic in balance and more realist and smoothen in timbre. This is a 100$ priced dongle performing good for it's price so unless you already have a good dongle this inclusion will be very valuable.
VS Letshuoer DT03
The DT03 use dual sabre ES9219C which is more entry level DAC-AMP chip without independant amping section, yet since it use 2 chip, final output should be 4vrms and while it's stated to deliver 200mW@32ohm and RS9039 300mW@32ohm, it's evident that DT03 is more powerfull whatever the specs are legitimate or not.
I can't pass 50% volume aat high gain with hard to drive planar IEM while i need to go 80% with RS9039, with all IEM I try it do the same, and this translate is more dynamic swing and livelier holographic layering and more open spatiality.
The DT03 have a volume control that work perfectly and a low and high gain switch. The dongle size is a bit bigger, about 15% bigger. Both 3.5mm and 4.4mm jack are gold plated with RS9039 while it's just the 4.4mm jack that is gold plated with DT03.
Sound wise, these are very different.
DT03 is warmer, bassier and lusher sounding, instrument and vocal have more substance but are less transparent and textured in presence. Resolution is inferior and background is less clean.
RS9039 is leaner, and more neutral, it's brighter, more transparent and crisp. Bass is more textured but less dynamic, less round and impactfull. Overall musicality is colder, more analytical. Vocal are more prompt of sibilance accent, spatiality is more intimate and closed.
Attack has cleaner and less euphonic sustain-release, it make percussions more define and snappier.
DT03 is less technical sounding, more musical and laid back, RS9039 is superior in clarity, imaging, attack definition, yet less holographic and 3D, and dryier-thinner in timbre as well as leaner in dynamic rendering.
EXTRA NOTES
You can wear QT-X deep or shallow fit. Deep fit permit cleaner crisper sound, but soundstage is more ''in-your-head''. With shallow fit, spatiality is wider though not as clean, we have notch of warmth in bass sustain release which make it thicker, rounder in punch but not as textured.
The QT-X are easy to drive and don't like source with too much gain since it can create euphony and negatively impact resolution as if both DD and BAs get over excited and create more harmonic distortion. This is very typical of hybrid IEMs with BAs.
The QT-X are sensitive to cable, unlike single DD unless high in sensitivity, these IEM benefit from the stock cable which is excellent, cable that add loudness gain isn't suggested since it will do like source with high impedance and color with euphony the transient sustaint-release.
COMPARISONS
VS SOUND RHYME SR9 (1DD+8bas=300$)
The QTX is brighter, more W shaped, more technical and crisp sounding.
The bass is more textured, speedier, cleaner and more controlled in mid bass punch, less thick and rumbly, less warm and dominant than the more bassy SR9.
Mids are more compressed in presence and centered with QTX, yet clearer and edgier in definition, it’s more speedy and controlled in attack, less prompt to macro muddyness and can deal way better with busy track in terms of macro layering readability. SR9 has lusher darker mids, vocals are more pleasant and colorful, timbre has more substance but less texture details and transparency, it’s smoother too.
Treble is notably more vivid, snappy and crisp with QTX, level of micro details is higher, separation of percussions is clearer and sharper, their less hazy euphony on top and cleaner air around the instrument. Balance is more spiky, less fully rounded and smoothed with QTX.
Soundstage is wider and taller with SR9, while deeper but more compressed with QTX.
Imaging is a notch superior with QTX due to crisper layering and higher clarity, as well, their less bass bleed that darken background which permit more precise positioning even if in smaller spatiality.
All in all, technical performance sur go to QTX and this is most likely due to superior drivers from tesla DD that is super speedy and controlled to sonion and knowles BA that offer less euphonic transient and more resolved clarity which benefit imaging readability. Tonality wise, SR9 is more relaxed and mid centric, vocals are lusher and more enjoyable, everything sounds thicker too and overall bass is more fun (and guilty pleasure).
VS ORIVETI OH700VB (1DD+6BAs=700$)
The OH700VB is more U shape, bassier and warmer with notably more boosted and thicker, rumblier sub bass. It makes QTX sound even more W shaped and crisp, cleaner and more technical too.
VB bass is juicier and less textured and hard punching in mid bass, it offers bigger wider slam and adds more resonance warmth, kick drum is less well defined and not as speedy, we have creamier sloppier sustain-release too with VB. Instruments like cello sound less dry and thin while electric bass has more textured presence and grunt with QTX. Bass quality goes to QTX, while lushness, slam weight and fun appeal goes to VB.
Mids are notably brighter and more forwards in upper mids presence with QTX, it’s clearer with more compressed and centered vocal and instrument, VB timbre is less textured and more colored, vocals are less shouty and more laid back with wider more buttery presence. No doubt I prefer the vocals of VB.
The treble is more vividly detailed with QTX, it's more snappy for percussions, it deals better with busy track but it can go more splashy and trebly since it’s more aggressively bright than more laid back and darker and less crisp OH700VB.
Soundstage is notably wider and taller with VB, while we have a greater sense of depth with QTX.
Imaging is superior with QTX, separation is cleaner, layering more transparent and more textured definition permit better readability of sound info.
All in all, QTX is superior in technical performance with it’s speedier more textured bass, clearer mids and more detailed treble but the smoother bassier musical appeal of OH700VB is more even to me due to lushest vocal, more buttery timbre and less fatiguing upper mids.
CONCLUSION
The Rose QT-X take me by surprise in term of sound performance prowess, and I can't get enough of it's speedy textured punchy bass even if I wouldn't say no for a bit more boost.
It's one of those rare IEM I can see both treble head and bass quality lover enjoy.
The QT-X deliver a very competitive technical performance for it's asking price (340$), the clarity is excellent as well as macro layering is effortless and holographic.
In term of musicality, I don't think those are the best choice for mid centric lover nor those seeking warm or dark laid back signature, this is engaging and energic musicality which is bright and want to rock your socks off with it's punchy and urgent sound delivery.
This W shaped balance isn't too extreme or spiky, it's overall well rounded and avoid overly sharp treble boost that could make micro details or percussions feel detached from the rest of spectrum, and being able to achieve a 7 drivers cohesion with such dynamic authority is very impressive.
I've try alot of 500-1000$ IEMs, and the QT-X can handle most of them easily in term of technical performance, then for tonal balance it will be more subjective, again I wouldn't suggest those to people that are very sensitive to upper mids gain, which can make vocal and saxophone a bit too agressive in intensity.
For all the other, these are very highly recommended and among the best sound value in 300$ price range.
----------------------------------
PS: I want to thanks Rose for sending me this review sample. As always, those are my independant minded subjective impressions and I have no incencitive to write positive review. The Qt-X will not take part of my 300 IEMs collection.
You can order the QT-X for 340$ (normal) or 440$ (deluxe) here: https://rosetechnics.com/products/qtx-hifi-hybrid-wired-headphones-1dd-6ba-iem-ess-9039q2m
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lazyears
New Head-Fier
Pros: - Good bass texture
- Quick bass response
- Clear mid-centric tuning
- Well balanced tonal
- Outstanding resolution, separation, and imaging
- High quality resin with nice color
- Good DAC sound quality
- Quick bass response
- Clear mid-centric tuning
- Well balanced tonal
- Outstanding resolution, separation, and imaging
- High quality resin with nice color
- Good DAC sound quality
Cons: - Lacks mid bass thump
- Not bass beast quality, need a little boost
- DAC included minimum features (no physical button)
- Lacks note weight on instrumen just a little bit
- Not bass beast quality, need a little boost
- DAC included minimum features (no physical button)
- Lacks note weight on instrumen just a little bit
𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐬/𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐀 𝐐𝐓-𝐗 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐱𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
*Disclaimer this review is personal opinion and not sponsored by any company, on this item is my private collection, and please forgive my bad photography and languange*
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
- Impedance: 18Ω
- Sensitivity: 108dB
- Frequency Response Range: 20-20000Hz
- Connector Type: 0.78mm (2-pin)
- Driver Configuration: 1 dynamic driver (10mm LCP tesla diaphragm dynamic)+ 6 balanced armature drivers
- two 30018 for mid-lows , two 29689 for mid-highs , and two 30019 for highs
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐱 :
- QTX Unit
- Blue Rose Pro Cable with 4.4mm balanced plug
- Leather Box
- Eartips
- RS9039 Dongle
𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 & 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝:
Let’s start with how this product looks and feels. Rose Technics or ROSESELSA features 7 hybrid configuration (1DD+6BA) and I believe the BA drivers come from sonion (Because on the website mentioned use Danish Drivers). Using resin material with 3D printed technology with metal nozzle (probably alumunium with gold color). As far as build quality is really fair with its price tag.
𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 & 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:
Tonal is neutral to bright, Separation is quite amazing for 7 driver configuration you can hear each instrument are precise and quite clear on busy tracks. Stage quality give you sensation of little bit outside your head.
𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:
Using 10mm LCP tesla coil dynamic really helps this IEM to produce such powerfull but really well controlled bass. Clean, quick, and detail these three word can describe how the low quality its delivered.
The bass is not really big in quantity, and not so pronounce in mid-bass, but it can give you really punhy sensation without bleed to mid frequencies.
𝐌𝐢𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:
Clear, mid centric tuning that deliver you clear vocal and instrument details, with little bit forward sensation. You will heard clear and unveiled voice with minimum sibilance.
𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:
Very clear, but lacks in weight in upper frequencies. Very well extended but not fatiguing, You still can feel the airiness from treble decay.
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 & 𝐅𝐢𝐭:
Comfort is key, especially for long listening sessions. But since this IEM has bigger shell and longer nozzle, so it may be discomfort to smaller ears. But in my test I don’t feel any discomfort from it. My suggestion is to pick your preference tips since the included tips are not really great in isolation.
𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲:
Is it worth? QTX Deluxe is priced at $450 (Deluxe version) still worth the price, but can it beat other products on there price range? You will be the judge by your own preference. In my opinion it’s still competitive with the Deluxe version that include you a dongle.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
𝐋𝐨𝐰 = 𝟖
𝐌𝐢𝐝 = 𝟖
𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 = 𝟕,𝟕𝟓
𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 =𝟖
𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 = 𝟖,𝟓
𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 = 𝟕
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 = 𝟕,𝟖𝟕𝟓 (𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝)
𝐋𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 :
𝟔.𝟎𝟎 – 𝟔.𝟕𝟓 = 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝
𝟕.𝟎𝟎 – 𝟕.𝟕𝟓 = 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝
𝟖.𝟎𝟎 – 𝟖.𝟕𝟓 = 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝟗.𝟎𝟎 – 𝟗.𝟕𝟓 = 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲
Thanks for checking out our review of Rose Technics/ROSESELSA QTX Deluxe!
*Disclaimer this review is personal opinion and not sponsored by any company, on this item is my private collection, and please forgive my bad photography and languange*
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
- Impedance: 18Ω
- Sensitivity: 108dB
- Frequency Response Range: 20-20000Hz
- Connector Type: 0.78mm (2-pin)
- Driver Configuration: 1 dynamic driver (10mm LCP tesla diaphragm dynamic)+ 6 balanced armature drivers
- two 30018 for mid-lows , two 29689 for mid-highs , and two 30019 for highs
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐱 :
- QTX Unit
- Blue Rose Pro Cable with 4.4mm balanced plug
- Leather Box
- Eartips
- RS9039 Dongle
𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 & 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝:
Let’s start with how this product looks and feels. Rose Technics or ROSESELSA features 7 hybrid configuration (1DD+6BA) and I believe the BA drivers come from sonion (Because on the website mentioned use Danish Drivers). Using resin material with 3D printed technology with metal nozzle (probably alumunium with gold color). As far as build quality is really fair with its price tag.
𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 & 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:
Tonal is neutral to bright, Separation is quite amazing for 7 driver configuration you can hear each instrument are precise and quite clear on busy tracks. Stage quality give you sensation of little bit outside your head.
𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:
Using 10mm LCP tesla coil dynamic really helps this IEM to produce such powerfull but really well controlled bass. Clean, quick, and detail these three word can describe how the low quality its delivered.
The bass is not really big in quantity, and not so pronounce in mid-bass, but it can give you really punhy sensation without bleed to mid frequencies.
𝐌𝐢𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:
Clear, mid centric tuning that deliver you clear vocal and instrument details, with little bit forward sensation. You will heard clear and unveiled voice with minimum sibilance.
𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:
Very clear, but lacks in weight in upper frequencies. Very well extended but not fatiguing, You still can feel the airiness from treble decay.
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 & 𝐅𝐢𝐭:
Comfort is key, especially for long listening sessions. But since this IEM has bigger shell and longer nozzle, so it may be discomfort to smaller ears. But in my test I don’t feel any discomfort from it. My suggestion is to pick your preference tips since the included tips are not really great in isolation.
𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲:
Is it worth? QTX Deluxe is priced at $450 (Deluxe version) still worth the price, but can it beat other products on there price range? You will be the judge by your own preference. In my opinion it’s still competitive with the Deluxe version that include you a dongle.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
𝐋𝐨𝐰 = 𝟖
𝐌𝐢𝐝 = 𝟖
𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 = 𝟕,𝟕𝟓
𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 =𝟖
𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 = 𝟖,𝟓
𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 = 𝟕
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 = 𝟕,𝟖𝟕𝟓 (𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝)
𝐋𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 :
𝟔.𝟎𝟎 – 𝟔.𝟕𝟓 = 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝
𝟕.𝟎𝟎 – 𝟕.𝟕𝟓 = 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝
𝟖.𝟎𝟎 – 𝟖.𝟕𝟓 = 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝟗.𝟎𝟎 – 𝟗.𝟕𝟓 = 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲
Thanks for checking out our review of Rose Technics/ROSESELSA QTX Deluxe!
alexandros a
1000+ Head-Fier
Pros: - open wide sound field with substantial depth and air among the instruments
- linear sound signature with reference mid-centric tuning
- textured and enganging elevated sub bass response
- transparent and lively midrange
- lush spacious and heartbreakingly emotional vocals
- stellar image of instruments across the stage
- seemless transition from upper midrange to lower treble
- vinyl analogue like organic timbre
- top notch detail retrieval
- non fatique tuning and representation of music, most suitable for longer listenings sessions
- TOTL packadge presentation
- linear sound signature with reference mid-centric tuning
- textured and enganging elevated sub bass response
- transparent and lively midrange
- lush spacious and heartbreakingly emotional vocals
- stellar image of instruments across the stage
- seemless transition from upper midrange to lower treble
- vinyl analogue like organic timbre
- top notch detail retrieval
- non fatique tuning and representation of music, most suitable for longer listenings sessions
- TOTL packadge presentation
Cons: - not for bassheads (that's personal no offense)
- abscense of mid bass thump (personal prefference)
- abscense of mid bass thump (personal prefference)
DISCLAIMER - A FEW WORDS
Guys ...I think it's about time after having spend too much time over the Discovery Thread (among others) to testify my personal and completed experience with QT-X.
after havind read a couple of positive reviews over the net i decided to contact my self ROSE TECHNICS asking for a discount over the QT-X in exchange of course of my personal honest opinion-testimony.kindly enough those guys provided a discount coupon and i purchased this set luckily enough i did not regret it...on the contrary this one proved to be one of my most favorite sets for 2024 thus far......
I purchased the Deluxe Edition (Nebula Purple color) which includes Roseselsa the latest dongle/dac from Rose Technics equipped with the lastest ESS9039Q2M chip ,a 32-bit DAC with 300mW thrust.this dongle comes with two options (both included) a 4.4 balanced and a 3.5 single ended....just thought it was a really good deal overall using the discount kindly provided...............in any case any of you gets interested after all here's a link directly to their shop :
Rose QT-X
otherwise you are always free to check their products on AlieExpress & Amazon as well :
AlieExpress - Rose QT-X
Amazon Roseselsa Audio
A Brief Introduction to Rose Technics History (Then & Now)
Rose Technics is no stranger to the audio industry and has been proving themselves as a brand name for more or less 10 years now in a row....Recently they have renamed the company to ROSESELSA but everyone at the audio business till now knows them as Rose Technics
If my memory doesn't trick me.. it must had been somewhere around 2015 when “Rose Technics” was originally founded by LongYu a Head Sound Engineer and a very talented person as it looks. He is the one responsible for designing , tuning and manufacturing all of their monitors. One or two years later i was about to experience the elegance and the beauty of BR5 one of Rose's all 5BA sets by that time great monitors as far as vocal reproduction goes. I was during my first steps at this hobby (been a member heres since 2016) and everything seemed (by that time) unique and magical to my ears. Straight after this purchase of mine and a year later BR5 was about to transform to the well knowned BR5 MKII which gathered multiple positive reactions among the audiophile community and easily was pursuaded to get that one as well...........Well it certainly has been long ago but still remember the spaciouness and especially the wide open feeling of the later ( BR5 MKII ) to my ears.....at those early stages of the brand there had been som QC issues occuring from time to time especially towards their connectors (of that time ,MMCX connectors) but all this stuff belong for years now to the long gone past if i may use this term. Since then Rose Technics has prooved their point in proffecional sound engineering in many different ways / with many different products....(the QT9 MK2S or the later QT9 Mk3 are solid hybrid sets which easily gained recognition in this game.
BTW.........I still have the original BR5 and i must admitt that still after 7 years sounds absolutelly T R A N S P A R E N T to my ears.....(was looking for a right word to describe this 7 years old set and the right word is this one just because back at those early days this one was one the very first trully transparent monitors i had the chance to get.....)
(ROSE BR5)
ROSE QT-X FLAGSHIP
Specifications:
- Impedance: 18Ω
- Sensitivity: 108dB
- Frequency Response Range: 20-20000Hz
- Connector Type: 0.78mm (2-pin)
- Driver Configuration: 1 dynamic driver (10mm LCP tesla diaphragm dynamic)+ 6 balanced armature drivers
- two 30018 for mid-lows , two 29689 for mid-highs , and two 30019 for highs
Gear used for the purpose of this review : iBASSO DX 160/170 / Shanling M3X / HIBY R5 GEN II
Just for the record.. ROSE QT-X as of now has allready completed a total burn in period of 90 hours or so before any kind of critical listening.
Have used the superb stock cable provided there and Tri Clarion ear tips for the purpose of this review,all thoughts following below are completely and absolutely subjective,,,,
PACKAGE - DESIGN / FIT & COMFORT / TECH INFO
thi is the latest hybrid earphone , a flagship product, featuring a golden ratio of 1 low-frequency dynamicdriver, 2 mid-low frequency drivers, 2 mid-high frequency drivers,and 2 ultra-high frequency drivers. According to Rose Technics always ...this configuration ensures a significantly reduction of phase difference distortion and delivers a highly detailed sound quality.
QT-X is ergonomically designed, resembling a custom-fit in-ear monitor with a deep second bend design. This greatly optimizes the information capacity and distortion rate of the QT-X. The shell is manufactured using medical-grade 3D printing technology and hand-sprayed with imported Russian nebula paint, making it both beautiful and profound. There are four colors available for selection or combination.i choosed the purple one it was closer to my liking...in pure terms of comfort i find this one nothing less than ideal for my ears at least.There is a secure and deep insertion of the nozzles ,and using the right tips the isolation from any external source of noise is perfect !! in this case i found Clarion Tri silicone tips actually doing the best job among others like Spiral Dots, Final E silicone tips,Dunu candy tips etc......
it was the closest i had ever tried in terms of custom fit ...but anyone's ear canals are quite different so please take this with a grain of salt..Take a notice here guys........... Its absolutely important for you to achieve a deep insertion with QT-X in order to appreciate it's sub bass power and thumb.. In most of the ocassions a small sized silicone tip will do the job, for me it was Clarion TRI silicone ear tips that provided the deepest and the more secure one..
Now about the cable ....along with the Deluxe Edition ROSE TECHNICS is providing the Blue Rose Pro a Mixed Dual-braided 4-Core headphones cable of 6N Single-crystal Copper & Single-crystal Silver wire. Aesthetically speaking ..a work of unique craftmanship....
The whole presentation of the package is generous quite luxurious dare i say so ,as you can see in the pictures below there are plenty sets of silicone ear tips along with memory foams so for everybody to get the closest he/she can get to a secure fit with perfect isolation.
SOUND PROFILE / FR ANALYSIS
A substantial amount of energy (pinna gain) is culmulating upon the upper midrange/lower treble region but not in the cost of naturalness of the sound.On the contrary this "expansion of energy" brings vocals upfront towards the rest of the FR and at the center of the stage .Upper treble seems subdued, leaving enough space for the midrange to shine.Another crucial characteristic of QT-X's unique tuning is the elevation over the sub bass region wich is certainly providing all the necessary foundation for any kind of bass line to come out with authority and create this way the atmospheric ambiance QT-X is absolutely capable of providing to the listeners.
As you can tell from the above FR Graph this is a much emphasized pinna gain tuning.
According to Rose the preferred music genres for these earphones are Mandopop, Western pop, rock, R&B, and blues, but i find it working miracles for EDM/Electronica,Trip Hop and Classical genres as well.......
ROSE QT-X is all about delivering smooth and dense vocals,, lively string instruments, and a rich atmospheric ambiance like an emotional earthguake inside your brain ....I consider this set as a mid-centric sound signature with a rich, spacious and lush open midrange wich by the way occupies the front seat right at the center of your imaginary head stage .Emotionality is the Key word at this case as every single instrument is place upon the midrange / lower treble is been portrayed in an absolutely fascinating and completely natural manner
Its totally suitable for most music genres,from acoustic /instruments/vocals which can portray as a true and unique specialist to modern produced IDM/eletrconica/heavy bass tracks (especially in this kind of music the sub bass impact /rumble is really substantial.....)
BASS
Really fast,fully articulated,speed and texture are both fantastic,providing this way a solid impact on each and every note there.....I am taking about the sub bass response here guys.... ..,because people having used to heavier bass signatures may be dissapointed and even to my taste i would prefer a little more midbass impact soooo.... bassheads won't be particularly happy here, but for everyone else it will be prety fine mainly because it is descent & distinct, assembled, with an articulated beat and sufficient speed characteristics. its a quality bass this one.... that will not overshadow the midrange frequencies in any case...this quality bass contributes in a fascinating presentation and do not dominates the scene in any negative aspect anyway
Subb-bass is more than noticeable here and comes across where and when called for, with authority and decent rumble......
MIDRANGE
The mids (lower/upper midrange) is at least to my personal opinion phenomenal...,it is for sure one of the highlights of ROSE QT-X
there is an open feeling all across the mid frequencies,vocals come across with depth and unbelievably analogue quality so transparent but yet solid that makes you feel its the closest you can get from a monitor to real life circumstances....
Much of the pinna gain is over the upper midrange/lower treble region so for the human voice in vocal tracks to be demostrated as vast and spacious, filing this way the most part of the FR leaving the other part of the spectrum a little behind / in the background, thus creating a unique ambiance to the listener
the degree of spaciouness/transparency over the lower/upper is more than substantial
male & female vocals are much enganging and with plenty of musicality and emotionality as well.....
TREBLE
High frequencies on QT-X are smooth as butter and velvetly reproduced with zero to none degree of harshness or metallic feeling....Everything flows naturally here,the timbre of the cymbals/hi hats,drums in general is most natural/thus mesmerising.....
even if not the most extended treble in degree ,the feeling remains extremely pleasant and quite natural as well providing this way a most relaxed listening and totally recommended for long listening sessions without any sign of fatique feeling to your ears....
The transition from the upper midrange is second to none, obtaining a most open and airy feeling demonstrating even the slightest cues coming from the original Master recordings. No sibilance or BA timbre detected there. Now as far as the upper treble region goes it becomes clear that this part takes a step back regarding the rest of the spectrum cleverly avoiding this way any unnecessary fatiqueness or unatural feeling..
Extended to a certain point (10khz)but subdued in a way ,taking a gentle approach , sparkly but fatigue free at the same time.all the upper region details are there ,not at your face ,at the background moving slowly inside your head filling you gently with all the information present at the recordings.
Nor hot,neither artificial,whith no strange peaks obtaining zero glare / grain , but on the contrary natural and forgiving even at the poorly recorded tracks
STAGE / INSTRUMENT SEPARATION / RESOLUTION / OVERALL PERFORMANCE
Instrument separation would be another highlight of the QT-X to my opinion as it is trully exceptional here...Each and every instrument is where it should be on it's right place on stage,with weight and authority,sound effortlessly travels from the left to the right side of your head demonstrating an amazing channel separation only to be found on higher price range iems,and you can easily pin-point each and every little element/cue of the original recording..Resolution is amazing as well,in heavier electronic tracks or heavily orchestrated pieces (string/brass sections) of music when plenty of instruments are involved and take place in the scene, QT-X stays top-clear and musical at the same time ,maintaining this way a very natural timbre.This way QT-X can easily handle any music genre you like, being always exceptional on vocal/ acoustic/orchestral tracks and physical instruments.At this case, the timbre is just mesmerising.Soundstage is wide and spacious, congestion is out of the question here, particullary in heavy orchestrated pieces of music including acoustical instruments is where imaging excels at most.
About the dongle/dac - Roseselsa ES9039 dac
the dongle/dac coming with the Deluxe Edition is quipped with the latest ESS9039Q2M chip,
The RS9039 is a 32-bit DAC with 300mW thrust, Signal-to-Noise Ratioup to 126dB, -110 dB very low THD+N, and support for 768 kHz PCMand DSD512.
It's ideal for high-end portable audio devices due to its low power consumption and high-quality audio performance for audiophiles. This exceptional dongle flawlessly converts digital audio streams into rich detailed analog sound and helps to deliver high fidelity listening experience.
I tried this one over several Daps and Smartphones (Hiby R5/R5 Gen II- ibasso DX/180/170/160 - Xiaomi POCO X3 - Samsung S23 - Xiaomi M11) it worked really well indeed in each and single one of them, providing you are using Hiby App as your preffered listening aplication.you can download this app from google playstore anytime you like and turn on the USB exclusive function in the Hiby APP, otherwise all Android based devices will show USB exclusive or OTG settings, go to those settings and activate / enable those.
as far as i tested this dongle along with QT-X the results were more than welcomed....the synergy turns out to be more than fine. the latest ESS9039Q2M chip provides a warm analogue alike sense ,providing along a bit more substantial weight to the lower region (lower mids/mid bass) giving a pleasant warmth and extra body to the overall sound.if your favorite presentation of music requires more body and weight this one will certainly improve the sound outcome...
RECOMMENDED TEST TRACKS :
Svaneborg Kardyb - Orbit
Svaneborg Kardyb are Nikolaj Svaneborg - Wurlitzer, Juno, piano and Jonas Kardyb - drums, percussion a multi-award-winning duo from Denmark, where they won two "grammys" at the Danish Music Awards Jazz 2019: New artist of the year and Composer of the year. Drawing on Danish folk music and Scandinavian jazz influences, their music is an exquisite and joyful melding of beautiful melodies, delicate minimalism, catchy grooves, and subtle electronica vibes,
at this particular track percussion takes rule of everything and matters the most creating the whole ambience of the scene .the "ooomph" and weight at the sub bass region created from QT-X is trully unbelievable ,the drums hit with authority and substance in a most unique and natural manner leaving you with the illusion that you re in a middle of a live recording session standing there with awe and admiration for this phenomenon.
Demen - Niorum
Demen is a group covered by obscurity and mystery in the vein of early 4AD record label......the operatic female vocals obtaining huge dimentions on QT-X and the authority in which the lower frequencies being portrayed is really something else .....the drum kits is beyond this world......while the singer seems to cover the entire head stage......what a brilliant reproduction that is !!!!!!!!!
(been listening to this track while writing down this review right now..) this QT-X 's sub bass kicks some serious ass...!!!! its amazing how the sound manages to expand to towards all axis of your imaginery head stage using QT-X
Angel Olsen - Endgame
another perfect example for someone to really appreciate and evaluate at the same QT-X's tremendous midrange abilities would be this track coming from female singer Angel Olsen
it is a chamber pop track heavily orchestrated using sets of brass,strings,cymbals,xylophones,flutes,,along with many more physical instruments.Her voice is heavenly represented on QT-X with grace and strong emotionality as the orchestra plays the complimentary role and always stays in the background with perfect harmony obtaining a most natural timbre in the majority of the acoustical instruments there...a perfect demonstration of natural sound.
Röyksopp - Sorry
Jamie Irrepressible's dark and profound voice is reproduced here with a feeling of sincere emotionality while the sub bass is taking care of the whole atmosphere being created pulsating and vibrating with distinct presence not overwhelming the rest of the spectrum resulting in a unique ambience and a most remarkable headstage for the listener,the depth of the scene here is trully admirable...QT-X is made for this kind of recordings , providing a rich and utterly atmospheric midrange ,and an enganging experience due to it's wide open stage and unique spatiality of sound across the entire FR.
Glass Moon - Leland Whitty
Leland , produced an absolutely beautiful solo record last year and in this particular track every physical instrument like double bass is a real treat with ROSE QT-X...The sound gets immediatelly addictive just right from the begging of the song takes you in, absorbs your mind.. right from the very first seconds.......,double bass,flutes,drums,Rhodes etc.... showcasing an utterly natural timbre,true to the original recording, i suppose you ll be 100% surprised of how close to real life this track sounds in terms of correct and natural sound reproduction .but particularly when it comes to strings it just feels like you re in the concert hall or the studio recording session,your choise..........
Hania Rani - Dancing with ghosts
Last but not least.....the "heavenly sent voice" of Hania's at "dancing with ghosts" is most heartbreakingly demonstrated at this marvelous piece of music flowing above every single instrument here...BUT the real treat here is the piano's lower keys...i really doubt that you will here such an unmistakable and natural piano timbre in your life other than QT-X's superb reproduction...its just so correct like being inside the studio with her during the original recording session.....instantly took my breath away.....and all the little cues from this recording portrayed with such grace around your imaginary head stage ....unbelievable reproduction of music this one.....
follows right after ...........
B A T T L E O F T H E Y E A R
...........so far
SELECTIVE COMPARISONS
vs Oriveti OH700VB
OH700VB is Oriveti's current flaghip and at the time costs nearly the double of QT-X's price.
OH700VB combines 6 balanced armature drivers ( 2 for high, 4 for mid) and a dynamic driver (for low).OH700VB delivers a rich and detailed sound with excellent clarity and accuracy across the entire frequency spectrum. Nevertheless it obtains a dark tonality.. and as strange as it sounds its somehow close to QT-X's sound, with a dark and subdued upper treble representation and a spacious deep midrange
at this case its simply a matter of personal prefference and taste if you take under consideration that there is also a significantly mid bass elevation (+3db) having the switch down on OH700VB and that's the main and more significant difference between those two sets.
Both earphones are equally good as far as sub bass/midrange reproduction goes imho,with QT-X being the more open one and obtaining a wider stage simply because of the energy and the air culminated in the upper midrange/ lower treble (due to QT-X's tuning) are quite more substantial there than OH700VB
vs PENON 10th AE
During 2023 i was lucky enough to get one of the most value for money monitors i ever purchased 7 years now in this hobby, and that is the PENON 10TH AE. As far as i am concerned this is a TOTL KILLER , a truly unique set of monitors with tremendous personality/value and capabilities,it happens to be one of my all time favorites and i consider it the absolute most balanced sounding monitor i have till now
......compared with ROSE QT-X is not fair enough partially due to 10TH's more sophisticated implementation using two isobaric subwoofers taking care of the low and SONION EST drivers for the higher registries but anyway..........lets find out ....ROSE QT-X is darker ,far more darker with a distinctive sub bass thump while PENON 10th's bass is way more impactfull with definition but more "inside the lines" with longer decays and faster attack and presence.midrange over the QT-X is moisterous and analogue/vinyl alike while on the 10ths is more airy and spacious more vivid and exciting Particularly in the midrange PENON 10TH AE sits among the the clearest you can get regardless any price range...
10THs midrange is just so crystal clear and transparent one like a lucid dream that makes it a real struggle for most of the monitors to follow there.... The treble on the 10ths is the most fascinating and fatique free EST treble i ve ever heard more extended than QT-X's treble with more energy and details there....But still both obtain a relaxed and fatique free treble region with the PENON 10th being the more sparkly and exciting one as far treble goes,....the note weight across the FR is thicker on PENON 10TH AE imho..But given the fact that anyone outthere looking for a more analogue like sound representation shlould pick QT-X over the 10TH AE because the first sounds more vinyl alike and a bit more natural, both these factors makes for me at least.. so difficult to choose between those two.....
vs ISN NEO 3
NEO 3 is clearly a dark set with subdued and safe treble characteristics and with a remarkable analogue alike note timbre and a tremendous bass department.. imagine like a wall of sound created giving the atmosphere across the entire FR. ROSE QT-X is a lot wider as far as stage goes providing a more open feeling but the depth of the stage on NEO 3 is really remarkable as well.........Tonallity wise NEO 3 is dense and thick thus reminding more of a vinyl like represantation of sound ,BUT it is more closed in, compared to ROSE QT-X, imaging its not NEO 3's strongest asset but spatiality of sound elements is really something else there ...... all these factors makes NEO 3 an utterly atmospheric ,beast dark and velvetly smooth as well......not designed for critical - accurate listening but for the joy of music ................
While NEO 3 takes the upper hand in mid bass reproduction,ROSE QT-X's sub bass kick and thump is quite noticeable and provides a more immersive effect from 20 to 60 HZ. In addtition to that effect ,midrange on QT-X is demonstrated in a very lively spacious manner making it way more suitable for vocal lovers and chamber orchestra pop tracks .......both share some similiraties as far as atmospheric representation of sound goes and at the end of the day its simply a matter of taste between those two.
vs ISN H60
H60 has been ISN's slight departure from the OG established bass orientated sound signature and well known as ISN HOUSE SOUND and a great success as well...
Vocals on H60 are upfront as well but more "between the lines" compared to QT-X ,the airy feeling especially in the upper mids is more noticeable on QT-X.In terms of spatiality of elements across the stage and spaciousness over the midrange both earphones are quite equal and strong. Treble is pretty energetic and dynamic in both of these sets but due to H60s more advance/updated Knowles BAs feels more polished extended and correct resulting this way in a more vast/open sound experience while on QT-X is a bit subdued (the upper treble that is) and rolled off there...
H60 is more prominent and impactfull in the sub bass region partially due to its tuning and due to the newest technology used there with the twin isobaric subwoofers one facing the other coming up with more note weight
Both sets are musical with H60 obtaining a far more fun orientated sound signature while QT-X sounds more reference like monitor compared to H60
Regardless of that, both are great monitors with H60 due to its tuning and newer more sophisticated implementation being wider , and QT-X the more airy and linear sounding between the two of them.
FINAL WORDS - CLOSURE
Being a FUN SOUND SIGNATURE kind of a guy (mostly) have to admit this set took me by surprise...i would easily clasify QT-X as a mid-range bracket excellence , in a market which is overly dominated most of the times by fun sounding signature monitors ROSE TECHNICS accepts the challenge and comes front, able to produce a reference set of monitors that combines many different elements and taking cues from quite different sound signatures but giving priority to the vocals and the unique representation of the human voice as it should be in the first place.The moment you hear this demonstration of the human voice that moment you ll know you can never go back to what you ve been listening till now....this one gets an easy and absolute reccomendation from me , particularly at this price point....its not common enough to find a super exciting earphone nowdays and QT-X is certainly one of those rare moments.... thanks for reading................
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Cinder
Formerly known as Res-Reviews
Pros: Articulate, mid-centric sound signature
Excellent treble extension
Great detail retrieval, texturing, and placement
Stable and clear bass + sub bass
High-quality construction
Great cable
Included DAC is very convenient when switching between sources often
Great DAC performance across multiple platforms
Excellent treble extension
Great detail retrieval, texturing, and placement
Stable and clear bass + sub bass
High-quality construction
Great cable
Included DAC is very convenient when switching between sources often
Great DAC performance across multiple platforms
Cons: Included case cannot fit the IEMs, Cable, and DAC simultaneously
Cannot purchase the IEM without the DAC
Foam eartips are only a single size
Large shells may not work for everyone
Cannot purchase the IEM without the DAC
Foam eartips are only a single size
Large shells may not work for everyone
Rose Technics: QT-X Review: A Hybrid with Dreams of Reference
I have a long history with Rose Technics. They were all the rage on Head-Fi in the Chi-Fi circles back in 2016, and I reviewed many of their legacy products: The Mini2, Mini3, Cappuccino Mk II, Aurora, and more. While not every single one of those were absolute winners, the Cappuccino Mk II stood out to me as an audiophile-grade bass-cannon and has stuck in my rotation for nearly 9 years now. The QT-X is Rose’s newest flagship hybrid IEM sporting 1 dynamic driver and 6 balanced-armature drivers. How does it measure up to the brands legacy? Lets find out!
The Rose QT-X can be purchased directly from Rose for $339 (value) or $449 (pro), here.
About My Preferences: Heads up, I’m a person! As such, these words are my opinion, and they are tinged by my personal preferences. While I try to mitigate this as much as possible during my review process, I’d be lying if I said my biases are completely erased. So for you, my readers, keep this in mind:
- My ideal sound signature would be one with competent sub-bass, a textured mid-bass, a slightly warm midrange, and an extended treble.
- I have mild treble sensitivity.
- LG V40, Android 12 -> earphones
- Asus Zenhpone 10, Android 14 -> earphones
- Hidizs AP100 3.5mm out -> FiiO A5 3.5mm out -> earphones
- HiFiMAN SuperMini -> earphones
- LG V40, Asus Zenphone 10, Dell XPS 15, Custom PC -> Rose DAC -> earphones
Tech Specs
- Drivers: 6 BA drivers (2x Knowles 30018 lower-midrange, 2x Knowles 29689 upper-midrange, 2x Knowles 30019 for treble) and 1 DD (10mm LCP tesla-diaphragm @100–500Hz).
- High-quality cables. Standard Edition (8-core 5N copper) and Deluxe Edition (4-Core 6N copper + single-crystal silver) braided cables
- 2-pin 0.78mm cable interface
Sound Signature
Sonic Overview:
The Rose QT-X aims squarely at a natural, mid-centric sound signature with no frills or gimmicks. It does so by throwing 6 high-quality Knowles balanced-armature drivers with 3x crossovers at the midrange and treble, leaving the bass to a massive 10mm Japan-sourced tesla-diaphragm dynamic driver. This light-touch approach to tuning leaves the QT-X with a strikingly organic sound signature — a quick and limber treble, an articulate upper-midrange, a textured lower midrange, and a punchy bass that is capable of a respectable amount of rumble.Sonic Breakdown:
Treble: Songs used: In One Ear, Midnight City, Outlands, Satisfy, Little One, Show Me How To Live (Live at the Quart Festival)The QT-X’s treble is a paired fairly linearly to its upper midrange. There’s some subtle lifts far into the upper treble giving the upper register a little extra sparkle. The QT-X’s detail retrieval is excellent, allowing the listener to pick out fine details within In One Ear: the buzzing of the guitar amp in the intro and the subtle inhale from the singer at 2:19 and 2:23, for example.
Rose did a great job of tuning the QT-X to be resistant to sibilance. At no point did I experience discomfort while listening to treble-heavy and sibilance-prone songs such as Satisfy, even with the volume turned up.
Midrange: Songs used: Flagpole Sitta, Jacked Up, I Am The Highway, Dreams, Little Black Submarines, Red:Birthmark, I Miss You
The flagship of an organically tuned IEM is its midrange, and Rose knows it. The QT-X separates and layers instrumentation and vocals gracefully and effortlessly, organizing them into a cohesive soundstage. The upper midrange is the most prominent feature of the QT-X’s sound signature, peaking at around 2–5Khz, right around where you get most of the meat from vocal and instrument detail.
Songs such as I Miss You allow the QT-X to show off its ability to texture multiple guitars independently, never smudging or blurring them together. The QT-X doesn’t simply resolve a detail, it places it neatly and naturally within the sound stage, often with a satisfying degree of air.
I found myself listening in on the somber vocals of I Am The Highway, ruminating on the fine tones and inflection in Chris Cornell’s delivery. Vocal intelligibility is top-notch for the QT-X’s bracket. The way the QT-X is able to model natural timbre in vocals is addicting — praise I reserve for top-quality IEMs.
As good as the QT-X is for male vocals, it is a little better with female vocals. The textured and expressive vocals from red:birthmark are staged with an intense clarity and deliberate placement. The QT-X almost seems to imbue them with a sweetness that I have not heard much outside of true TOTL IEM lineups.
Bass: Songs used: Moth, Gold Dust, In For The Kill (Skream Remix), War Pigs (Celldweller Remix)
The QT-X is no bass cannon, and it never tries to be. Rose allocated an entire dynamic driver just to the lower register, and it makes careful, measured, use of its abilities. This particular driver is a tesla-diaphragmed driver, meaning it is highly responsive, at least compared to your usual dynamic driver. You can clearly observe this when observing the attack and decay of the bass lines of War Pigs (Celldweller Remix). For a song so chaotic, the QT-X does a good job of metering the bass and lower midrange, keeping them distinct and preventing blurriness or smudging.
Even if the QT-X is not a bass cannon, it still has plenty of bass to go around — a hallmark trait of a hybrid. The QT-X’s bass is punchy and responsive, while the sub-bass is deep and capable of a respectable rumble.
Rose’s trademark extended sub-bass is here in full force, stretching healthily down to 50Hz and below. Skream’s remix of In For The Kill tests the QT-X’s willingness to dig deep, and in doing so, extracts a respectable bit of bass performance from it.
Packaging / Unboxing
Rose’s packaging looks the part — its stylish and minimalist. You slide the sleeve off of the main box, then open the box’s magnetically-latched lid to reveal the IEM and its case tucked neatly away.
My unit was shipped all the way from overseas and changed couriers three times throughout. The ordeal did not disturb the QT-X though, and it arrived looking no worse for wear.
An interesting thing I did notice, however, is that the packaging smelled faintly of fragrance — a nice touch if deliberate.
Build
Construction Quality
The QT-X’s nozzles are a precisely-cut and polished brass-covered metal. They feature a chamfered lip that does a good job securing eartips in place and is even compatible with after market eartips like Comply.
Rose’s new flagship ditches the MMCX connectors for a standard 2-pin interface — a move that I commend. The connectors are raised from the shell ever so slightly and are reinforced by a small outline of material precisely extruded from the shell’s top face. This is an excellent feature as it allows the shell to diffuse lateral force from the connector more evenly, reducing the chances of a crack forming. The QT-X’s shell feels thicker and more robust than my older Rose IEMs, and since it doesn’t have MMCX, I’m not too worried about any carry-over issues for longevity.
The 4.4mm termination on the included Pro cable is weighty and solid. Its surface is highly-polished and evenly-finished. The cable’s inner termination is protected by a transparent rubber which should help protect that segment of the cable from being pulled at too sharp of an angle.
Rose used the same metal on the Y-splitter that they used on the jack. Not much to say here other than it seems sturdy and well-assembled.
Comfort
As with every IEM, your comfort with the QT-X will be highly dependent on your individual ear shape. In my case, I have asymmetrical ears which results in a good seal on the left, and a slightly worse seal on the right. My right ear develops a small amount of irritation after about two hours. I can resolve this pretty easily with a minor angle adjustment.The included eartips do a really good job of being comfortable, but none of them seal perfectly for me. After swapping to Comply foam eartips, I was able to double my comfortable wear time, so your mileage will vary.
Accessories
Rose includes a DAC with both trims of the QT-X. I have the deluxe DAC, the RS9039. It is equipped with the latest ESS9039Q2M chip, meaning it’s capable of 32-bit operation. As for some technical specs:
- Output power: 300mW
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio ≤ 126dB: -110 dB
- PCM: 768 kHz PCM
- DSD: DSD512
Using the DAC has been pretty easy: I simply attached it to my many USB-C enabled devices and it worked on the first try, with one exception.
- Dell XPS 15 (2021), Windows 11: Flawless
- Custom PC w/ Asus Z370E onboard USB-C header -> case, Windows 10: Flawless
- LG V40, Android 12: Flawless
- Asus Zenphone 10, Android 14: Minor Issues.
The QT-X’s case can hold the QT-X and its Pro cable easily. There’s plenty of space to store extra eartips or a cleaning cloth too. However, trying to fit the DAC and its USB-C cable in the upper compartment is challenging. It’s technically possible with a smaller cable, or when the QT-X is disconnected, but it’s too snug for comfort either way. I recommend swapping to a more robust case such as one made by Pelican if you want to travel with your DAC.
The silicone eartips included with the QT-X are excellent. They are sized well (for the average listener) and stay secured to the IEM’s nozzle without issue. However, the foam eartips all appear to be the same size — which works only if you have smaller ear canals. I do not, so these don’t work for me. I’d like to see more variety in size.
Comparisons
1: Rose Cappuccino Mk II ($350) @2017The Rose Cappuccino is my favorite hybrid IEM, and the first IEM I ever listened to that made me believe an audiophile IEM can also be a bass-heavy IEM. These two IEMs are very, very different. The Cappuccinio Mk II is a 2x DD, 2x BA hybrid IEM, meaning it has nearly half as many drivers to work with as the QT-X. The QT-X the more balanced IEM of the two, with its natural, U-inspired sound signature. The Cappuccino’s L-shaped sound signature is far bassier and warmer, with a comparatively retracted treble. That said, the Cappuccino Mk II’s bass is so incredibly competent that bass-heads will still prefer it over the QT-X. The general audience, however, will likely prefer the QT-X’s wider range and excellent all-around presentation.
2: Periodic Audio Carbon V1 ($400) @2019
Switching between these two IEMs in an A/B test is quite disorienting, given how different they are. The Carbon is much more V-shaped — its treble is more pronounced, with a faster relative roll-off in the upper treble than the QT-X. Likewise, the QT-X has a more expressive midrange that tends to produce an airier feel. Finally, the Carbon has a weightier lower midrange and bass, giving it a warmer and more “substantial” tone. This makes the Carbon more capable at producing “wet bass” (a fine mixture between punchy bass notes paired with a complementary sub-bass note).
3: Symphonium Audio Aurora ($250) @2018
The Symphonium Aurora is a cheaper IEM built long before the QT-X, but its sound signature has a surprising amount of overlap. The QT-X and Aurora both have balanced, highly-extended treble that are free from distraction and sharpness. Each IEM possesses a transparent midrange, with the Aurora edging out the QT-X ever so slightly in terms of airiness. The QT-X, however, articulates tone and texture with a much wider range. It is able to capture weightier notes with more force and produces a more organic bass and sub-bass. The Aurora’s 2-BA setup makes it extremely linear in the midrange and bass, with little focus on the sub-bass. While I find the Aurora much more comfortable to wear for extended periods, I kept coming back to the QT-X to get the extra articulation in the lower register.
4: Dunu DK3001 ($480) @2018
The DK3001 is another old-school hybrid IEM featuring 3x BA drivers and 1x DD driver. At the time, it was Dunu’s flagship, commanding a respectable price. The DK3001 is a staunchly warm IEM that delivers a thick and weighty performance — strikingly different from the QT-X. The QT-X’s treble is more extended and better balanced than the DK3001’s. The DK3001’s bass is more exaggerated towards 150Hz, while the QT-X has better extension down below 50Hz. The V-shaped sound signature of the DK3001 suppresses its midrange, meaning the QT-X has an easier time capturing fine details in crowded instrumentals. Comparing these two IEMs shows me just how far we’ve come in just 6 years — the difference in refinement is palpably in the QT-X’s favor.
Summary
The QT-X is yet another hybrid IEM with an exotic driver configuration from Rose. They’re experienced, and have learned a lot from building so many IEMs over the last 10ish years. It shows with the QT-X. It’s no exaggeration to say that this IEM is their most balanced, highest-value, offering to date. While I wish Rose would give customers the ability to purchase the IEM without bundling in a DAC (and provide multiple sizes of foam eartips), you’d be hard pressed to find a better-balanced IEM in this price range.The QT-X is an excellent entry in the Rose lineup and won’t disappoint anyone looking for an organic, high-precision, midrange-focused IEM.
As always, happy listening!
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Sonic Sleuth
100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Clarity and balanced sound profile
Durable, premium materials and ergonomic design
Comprehensive package with RZ-500 dongle DAC, various ear tips and carrying case.
Excellent noise isolation and high sensitivity
Durable, premium materials and ergonomic design
Comprehensive package with RZ-500 dongle DAC, various ear tips and carrying case.
Excellent noise isolation and high sensitivity
Cons: Expensive compared to other IEMs
Limited availability in some regions
Bass may be insufficient for bass enthusiasts
Possible initial discomfort requiring a break-in period
Limited availability in some regions
Bass may be insufficient for bass enthusiasts
Possible initial discomfort requiring a break-in period
Preface:
I would like to thank @gadgetgod and ConceptKart for sending this unit as part of the review tour.
You can purchase it from ConceptKart at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://conceptkart.com/products/rose-technics-qt-x-iem
Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer or a seasoned audiophile, so whatever I say is purely my observations and your results may vary.
I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.
Box Contents:
Sources used:
Introduction:
Welcome to my review of the Rose Technics QTX, the flagship model from Rose Technics, a company established in 2015. Known for its innovative use of novel technologies such as ESTs and bone conduction, Rose Technics aims to create timeless audio products that avoid rapid obsolescence. The QTX epitomizes this effort, designed with care and precision by acoustic engineer Mr. Zeru, formerly of Fostex.
Design:
The QTX sports a sleek and sophisticated design, available in several finishes, including the standout Obsidian Black. Its impressive build quality offers a sturdy yet comfortable fit with a normalized shell that ensures prolonged wear without fatigue. The inclusion of a RZ-500 Dongle DAC, a high-quality carrying case and a selection of tips adds to its premium feel. However, the included cable, though functional, could be improved given the price point of $399.
Sound:
The QTX offers a balanced and refined sound profile, with each frequency range meticulously tuned for optimal performance.
Bass:
The bass on the QTX is clean, detailed, and quick. It features a 10 mm dynamic driver that provides a lush and engaging bass response. Compared to competitors like the Okavango, the QTX's bass is slightly less pronounced in the mid-bass region, but still delivers a satisfying punch without overwhelming other frequencies.
Mid Range:
The midrange performance of the QTX is outstanding, providing clear and detailed vocals and instruments. The mids are well-balanced and do not get overshadowed by the bass or treble. Compared to similar models, the QTX offers a slightly more open and effortless midrange, making it an excellent choice for vocal-centric tracks.
Treble:
The treble on the QTX is smooth and non-fatiguing. While it may not be as sparkling or detailed, it avoids harshness and sibilance, providing a pleasant listening experience. The treble is well-integrated with the other frequencies, ensuring a cohesive overall sound.
Conclusion:
The Rose Technics QTX is a well-designed and decently performing IEM that excels in delivering a balanced and detailed sound across all frequencies. Its design and build quality are top-notch, though the included cable could be improved. With a sound profile that is both engaging and refined, the QTX competes well with other high-end IEMs in its price range. For fans of Rose Technics and those looking for a reliable and well-rounded audio experience, the QTX is a solid option worth considering.
I would like to thank @gadgetgod and ConceptKart for sending this unit as part of the review tour.
You can purchase it from ConceptKart at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://conceptkart.com/products/rose-technics-qt-x-iem
Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer or a seasoned audiophile, so whatever I say is purely my observations and your results may vary.
I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.
Box Contents:
- 1x QT-X In-Ear Monitors
- 1x Blue Rose Detachable Cable
- 1x RZ-500 USB DAC/Amp
- 1x USB-C to USB-C Cable
- 4x Pair Eartips
- 4x Pair Filters
- 1x Earphone Case
- 1x User Manual
Sources used:
- Rose Technics RZ-500 (ESS 9038)
- Dita Navigator
- D16 Taipan
- Qudelix T-71
Introduction:
Welcome to my review of the Rose Technics QTX, the flagship model from Rose Technics, a company established in 2015. Known for its innovative use of novel technologies such as ESTs and bone conduction, Rose Technics aims to create timeless audio products that avoid rapid obsolescence. The QTX epitomizes this effort, designed with care and precision by acoustic engineer Mr. Zeru, formerly of Fostex.
Design:
The QTX sports a sleek and sophisticated design, available in several finishes, including the standout Obsidian Black. Its impressive build quality offers a sturdy yet comfortable fit with a normalized shell that ensures prolonged wear without fatigue. The inclusion of a RZ-500 Dongle DAC, a high-quality carrying case and a selection of tips adds to its premium feel. However, the included cable, though functional, could be improved given the price point of $399.
Sound:
The QTX offers a balanced and refined sound profile, with each frequency range meticulously tuned for optimal performance.
Bass:
The bass on the QTX is clean, detailed, and quick. It features a 10 mm dynamic driver that provides a lush and engaging bass response. Compared to competitors like the Okavango, the QTX's bass is slightly less pronounced in the mid-bass region, but still delivers a satisfying punch without overwhelming other frequencies.
Mid Range:
The midrange performance of the QTX is outstanding, providing clear and detailed vocals and instruments. The mids are well-balanced and do not get overshadowed by the bass or treble. Compared to similar models, the QTX offers a slightly more open and effortless midrange, making it an excellent choice for vocal-centric tracks.
Treble:
The treble on the QTX is smooth and non-fatiguing. While it may not be as sparkling or detailed, it avoids harshness and sibilance, providing a pleasant listening experience. The treble is well-integrated with the other frequencies, ensuring a cohesive overall sound.
Conclusion:
The Rose Technics QTX is a well-designed and decently performing IEM that excels in delivering a balanced and detailed sound across all frequencies. Its design and build quality are top-notch, though the included cable could be improved. With a sound profile that is both engaging and refined, the QTX competes well with other high-end IEMs in its price range. For fans of Rose Technics and those looking for a reliable and well-rounded audio experience, the QTX is a solid option worth considering.
theintention
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: Weighty mid-centric tuning
Voluminous sub bass
Easy to power and reach full potential
Well-accessorized
Smaller size for the amount of drivers utilized
True 'all-rounder'; from price to packaging to sound
Voluminous sub bass
Easy to power and reach full potential
Well-accessorized
Smaller size for the amount of drivers utilized
True 'all-rounder'; from price to packaging to sound
Cons: While it has good treble extension, it lacks weight in higher frequency range
Mid-bass lacks punch and slam
Long nozzles caused fit issues - a con for me, not necessarily for everyone
Confusing branding/Value vs Deluxe
Mid-bass lacks punch and slam
Long nozzles caused fit issues - a con for me, not necessarily for everyone
Confusing branding/Value vs Deluxe
Overview
The Rose Technics QT-X is a hybrid IEM, consisting of 1 x 10mm Tesla Coil DD and 6 BAs - 2 low/2 mid/2 high configuration. Tuning is vocals and mids focused, with a large sub bass boost and some treble extension that pushes the set into bright territory.1DD + 6BA Hybrid Design In-Ear Monitors
- Impedance: 18ohm
- Sensitivity: 108dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Connection: 2-pin/0.78
- Termination: 3.5mm or 4.4mm
About me -
I am a mid 30’s dad, and work full time in IT. Music has been important to me from a young age, consuming as many different types of albums and genres as I could. That is still true today, though my everyday playlists lean most in pop, bass heavy electronic music, metal, and classic rock. I have a treble sensitivity due to years of negligent concert hearing protection (both on and off stage), so my preferred sound signature is warm and bassy. This is just a hobby for me, I’m not a graph nerd and I will always state how and where I got my gear.I received the “Value Edition” for this review, I would like to thank Andrew and the team at Bloom Audio for giving me an opportunity to review this IEM. I was provided a small discount for my honest impressions, I get no monetary compensation or affiliation links.
Gear used for this review -
- RZ-300m dongle (included)
- DC-Elite
- Qudelix 5k
- Hiby R4
- Apple USB-C dongle
- Stock cable (tested various others)
- Divinus Velvet / Eletech Baroque tips
Packaging + Accessories -
Value edition box
- QT-X IEMs (Obsidian Black)
- Grey Rose Cable
- RZ-300m Adapter
- Foam eartips x 3 pairs
- Silicone eartips x 4 pairs
- Carrying case
- Vent cover x8
The QT-X packaging is tasteful and well-accessorized. From the logo in holographic gold on the slip cover, to the quotes and images attached on the inside, you can sense from the get-go you are in for a high quality experience just opening the box. The included accessories are generous. The foam eartips were far too small to be of use to me, but I found the silicone ones to be quite nice. They don’t work for me with this IEM (more on that later), but they are like a generic Eletech Baroque in both size and shape and come with an XL! Very nice.
The included carrying case is too small on the inside to be of any serious use, but would be suitable for just the IEM and your choice of dongle. I have yet to have a need for the vent covers, but I do also want to give a special shout out to the included cable. The Grey Rose cable is 4 strands of fabric, but it is not microphonic in use. During my review, I also did not find it to hinder the sound at all like some cables in this IEM price range can. It does not feel like an afterthought, even though its appearance is quite simple. Like the eartips, the Grey Rose also will stick around in my collection for future use. If you have used the QuietSea before, it is the same cable, which I thought was already a ridiculous value for a $50 IEM.
RZ-300m Amp/DAC dongle -
I want to keep this somewhat brief since it can be purchased separate, but special mention must be made to this included dongle. It packs quite a punch! Even though it’s only 3.5mm, I found this $30-ish dollar USB-C dongle to be quite capable in driving all but my Szalayi properly in my IEM collection. On the QT-X, the volume never went above 50%. It leans warm in the sound signature, which is a good pairing with the brighter edge in tonality. The build is mostly plastic, but the cable is a nice weaving. The button only pauses/starts the music as far as I can tell. The RZ-300m can be purchased on the Rose Technics site, or Aliexpress.- CS4398 DAC
- Dimensions: 146mmx21mmx10mm
- Weight: Approximately 13g
- Output Power: 75mW@162
- THD+N: -99dB(@32Ω)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-50kHz (-0.5dB)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 110dB(@32Ω)
- Channel Separation: 76dB@32Ω
Aesthetics, Build Quality & Fit -
The QT-X comes in a variety of colorful flavors, my review copy is the Obsidian Black color. With gunmetal on the faceplate, the body consists of a high grade opaque black resin. At first I mistook the build quality for metal; it feels far more substantial than most other resin IEMs I have tried. It isn’t filled with resin, but it’s very thick and feels durable.The IEMs themselves are quite small, for some reason the pictures online make it look like a larger IEM than it is. The nozzle is a bit long, and unfortunately I have some fitment issues with long nozzles and the QT-X was no exception. I was able to mitigate this with tip rolling, and settled on the Velvets and Baroque depending on mood.
On the top next to the 2-pin port is a large vent. I noticed no pressure build up, and they isolate outside noise well once you get a good seal. Overall, the aesthetics and build quality are top notch and only the fit gave me issues, though I will admit that is more my issue than the QT-X. The quality matches the price!
Test Tracks -
- The Japanese House - Sunshine Baby (vocals/mids + sibilance)
- Fleetwood Mac - The Chain (techs + vocals)
- EPROM - Pineapple (Bass + treble)
- Empress Of - For Your Consideration (bass + techs)
- Joe Hisaishi - Merry-Go-Round of Life (treble)
Bass -
The bass on the QT-X is simultaneously my favorite part, and the one place that leaves me wanting. Sub vs mid bass. The sub bass is tastefully done, in both quantity and quality. 808 hits are smooth and satisfying, the atmosphere brought by the sub bass always impresses me on drone or ambient tracks.Mid bass, on the other hand, is largely lifeless. Basslines and kick drums simply exist within the mix if there are other things going on. I am left wishing there was more weight in the mid/higher bass. However, I do not want to be too negative about the bass, because I believe the good outweighs the bad here. My library has a lot of sub bass focused tracks, and the sub bass here is GOOD. It’s well-controlled, accurate and plentiful.
Some examples; on For Your Consideration, at :24 seconds there begins a series of kick drums before an overwhelming amount of sub bass presence shortly after. On Pineapple, there are a variety of mid bass hits throughout but only the sub stands out in the mix and it pulses and booms along.
Mids & Vocals -
Lush and full, the only way it could be made better was with some more supportive mid bass. Otherwise, hands down this is where the majority of tuning went. Vocals sound rich, female vocals especially but male vocals aren’t far behind. In Sunshine Baby at 1:56, male vocals enter behind a female track before they trade off for a moment and you can get a sense of how they are tuned in the mix.The dueling guitars at the beginning of The Chain display how weighty the mids can get, building into the vocals where Stevie Nicks cannot help but appear just a bit more than she should. Here you can also sense where the mid bass falls short, as the kick drum keeps the song moving along, but unfortunately not as present as it should be.
Treble -
The high range of the QT-X is well done, it has nice extension while being on the winning side of “too bright”. Sibilance is minimal and only an issue with an improper tip seal, or is part of the recording. Sunshine Baby is a sibilance monster, and the QT-X handles it with ease, only revealing the most egregious, unavoidable sibilance.My only issue with the treble is similar to that of my opinions on the bass - it lacks some weight. For my tastes, this really isn’t an issue but there isn’t a lot of oomph to the sharper punches. On Merry-Go-Round of life at 1:50 when the strings kick in, it sounds nice and shiny but it's lacking note weight and air to really give it an extra shine. In Pineapple, there are some discordant treble hits on the hi hat, and it would be more pleasant with that air.
Technicalities -
Soundstage is quite good, though I was never wowed by it. On tracks like For Your Consideration, harmonizing vocals come in around you and they reach far enough that I have no complaints. On The Chain, you can hear the fingers guitar plucking quite clearly, as well as the muttering so the details are clear, but the full band coming in reveals the soundstage to be a little on the shallow end. All parts of the mix can be distinguished clearly, if properly focused on. Solid techs all around to my ears.Power + sources -
I had zero issues driving the QT-X on any source I have. It usually lies at the lowest volume/gain setting in my collection, so I guess one downside is that I forget to turn it down before using it but that is on me!It is not particularly source picky either. As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, the included 30 dollar amp/dac is more than sufficient to power it, and honestly it sounds great out of the box. It scales nicely as you throw more at it, but I don’t feel it is as necessary as some other sets to use top of the line gear to get the most out of it. Do not feel like you are missing out going unbalanced here folks.
Branding + Pricing + Value vs Deluxe -
Now, this section is a little… different than my typical reviews, but I feel that it must be mentioned. Shortly after I got the QT-X in for review, I noticed the Rose Technic branding online had begun to change to ROSESELSA. I am not crazy about this name, it’s far less coherent but for now it seems their IEMs are keeping the Rose Technics branding. Additionally, pricing for this IEM seems like a mess and all over the place, depending on which online storefront you are looking at.The Value edition is
$339
Contains the RZ-300m, a 3.5mm only DAC
Grey Rose cable
The Deluxe edition is
$439
Contains the RZ-550, a 3.5mm + 4.4mm DAC
Blue Rose cable
I cannot imagine the Deluxe version is worth it for an extra $100. If it were up to me, make Deluxe the only model at the Value edition $339 price and it’s an amazing deal in today’s market.
Closing Thoughts -
I think the term “all-rounder” gets thrown out a bit too much and too often, I certainly know I am guilty of it. It’s an easy, catch-all term to assign something that is a little good at everything. I just cannot find a better term to use to describe the QT-X though, in every sense of the word it’s such a great all-rounder, all purpose IEM.- Good bass? Check.
- Full mids and lovely vocals? Check.
- Nice treble extension? Check.
- Amp/DAC out of the box? Check.
If you are looking for an all-rounder, bright leaning natural sounding set with solid bass, keep your eyes peeled on the QT-X. Rose Technics/ROSESESLA could be a major player in the game with tuning like this (and some simplification in their branding…), and I hope to see where they go.
Rose Technics QT-X is available on Bloom Audio for $339: https://bloomaudio.com/products/rose-technics-qt-x
SherryLion
New Head-Fier
Pros: 1. Mid centric tuning
2. Smooth and clear-sounding treble
3. Lively and engaging mid-range
4. Well-controlled and clear sounding bass
5. Great technical abilities
2. Smooth and clear-sounding treble
3. Lively and engaging mid-range
4. Well-controlled and clear sounding bass
5. Great technical abilities
Cons: 1. Micro details aren't very revealing
2. The dip after the 4kHz
2. The dip after the 4kHz
Review Of The Rose Technics QT-X
Introduction
Rose Technics is a professional brand that offers mid-range electro-acoustic items that sound well in terms of tone and technicality. The firm is based in China and mostly manufactures IEMs, although they have just expanded into the dongle DAC industry. The brand also offers flagship earbuds called Martini, which I was fortunate enough to review. I recently reviewed their affordable IEM known as QuietSea, which I enjoyed so much, and now that I have QT-X, another IEM from Rose Technics, I am certain I will not be disappointed after looking at the graph, but before I go any further, I would want to clarify a few concerns.
Disclaimer
*This is a review unit, courtesy of Concept Kart. All thanks to them for providing. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “QTX.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the QTX based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
Specification
QTX has a multi-hybrid driver configuration that includes a 10mm LCP diaphragm Tesla dynamic driver and six balanced armatures (dual 30018 IF, dual 30019 HF, and 33ap007 MF & LF) coupled via a four-way crossover. The shells are made of medical resin, while the faceplate is made of metal. The shells have a fairly lengthy nozzle, but with smaller eartips, I was able to get a perfect seal and comfort for extended periods of listening. The cable offered is called as Blue Rose, and it is a high-quality 5N single-crystal copper cable with proper sheathing. It feels similar to the cable offered with QuietSea, however, it is somewhat heavier and slimmer. The cable has a 4.4 straight termination plug on one end and 0.78mm 2-pin connectors on the other; honestly, the cable feels exceptional and reliable in the hand, and the colour complements the IEMs. The additional accessories include a selection of ear tips, a carrying case, and, shockingly, a Rose Technics RS200 dongle dac. According to the technical specs, the impedance is 18 Ohms and the sensitivity is 108dB. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz.
Sound
QT-X offers a mid-centric and neutral tone, with a focus on the sub-bass and an overall clean sound. When I first started listening to them, I noticed that whichever source I used changed the quality of the sound without affecting the tuning, which made me understand how versatile they are in terms of technical aspects. The sound is characterized by its cleanliness and transparency, with a particular emphasis in the midrange that gives the vocals and instruments a spacious and well-defined presence. While the graph may indicate that the treble lacks energy and the bass is lean, the tuning of this IEM actually allows the treble to sound expansive and smooth without being dark, and the bass to provide good depth and presence. However, there is a slight lack of warmth and note weight in the mid-bass region that is noticeable throughout the sound signature. Finally, I feel the response has been properly calibrated to sound neutral and accurate, particularly in the midrange, rather than offensive or bright. Let's go further into sound and learn more about it.
Treble
The treble region differs from what the typical graph portrays; the treble is more smoother and cleaner, with a strong presence in an overall presentation. Though I do discover the limit, when listening to the voices, I notice that minute details that are readily brought up beyond the 4kHz range are muffled, despite the fact that the response sounds engaging and airy. The upper treble sounds expansive and airy, satisfying a listener with the quality of the vocals and instruments; the response is vibrant and engaging, as it reveals no unpleasant features in the mix. The lower treble, on the other hand, sounds same but with a more approachable and apparent quality. The vocals and instruments sound softer and more tonally agreeable, resulting in a smoother response that is delightful to listen to. Tracks like Kohana Lam's Loving Me, Loving You sound incredibly stunning since Lam's vocals are open and light, with clarity in each note while keeping tonal precision. The positioning allows her vocals to provide a more airy and expansive response that reaches far. However, tracks like URU's Kimino Shiawasewo sound a little closed up because they lack air in the upper octaves; it appears that the voices cut off at some point in the upper frequencies since this track is vocal centered; the prominence makes the minor subtleties feel lost, even if the vocals have a fuller sound. Thus, the overall presentation of the treble area is smooth, clear, and tonally pleasing.
Mid Range
Coming to the mid-range, it appears that the QT-X has a mid-centric response since the notes in this region are quite upfront, particularly the voices, which are positioned front and center, resulting in an engaging response. Regardless matter how the bass and treble regions are adjusted, there is no mid-range spike, therefore no unpleasant characteristics can be heard. The upper mid-range has a very forward and lively response, and both vocals and instruments sound expansive, which makes it more fascinating since details can be heard clearly, yet the weight of the notes makes it sound light but not thin. Because of the way the treble is tuned, the voices and instruments remain well-controlled and within the same dynamic range. The lower mid-range lacks heaviness and weight in the notes, but the vocals and instruments sound clean and transparent. Tracks like The Reason by Hoobastank have distinct and clear vocals with an engaging response, but the instruments, such as the drums or guitar, lack the note weight to feel genuine and organic. Tracks like Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paloma Faith provide a more linear and open-sounding response, with her serving as the focal point; her vocals are considerably clearer and complete, making the whole response interesting and refreshing to listen to. As a result, the overall presentation of the mid-range is compelling, open, and forward-sounding.
Bass
When it comes to the bass region, the bass is far too controlled, allowing it to sound incredibly precise and robust in terms of texture and detail but lacking weight and presence in the mix. Not that it doesn't have an affect, but it resolves faster and makes the response sound immaculate and crisp. The emphasis is on the sub-bass, and the mid-bass lacks a lot of note weight, so the slams and thumps are merely apparent and do not provide the natural presence and weight of kick drums or bass guitar notes. On the other hand, the sub-bass is deep and rumbling enough to induce feeling in the ear canals, but the punches are impactful. However, in bass-heavy tracks, I noticed that the overall bass response was cleaner and more articulated, with some increased mid-bass response that sounded extremely well controlled and precise. Nitti's tracks, such as Middle Of The Night, sound incredibly spacious and resolved, allowing the bass to pass through clean and forceful, with superb mid-bass presence. However, complex tracks such as Miliyah's Kono Yumega Samerumade sound weightless; even though her vocals are clear and distinct in the response, the bass notes do not sound dynamic or as emphasised as before, allowing Miliyah's vocals to come across as natural and delicate, which I found very mesmerising. Overall, the bass area is presented in a controlled, textured, and articulate manner.
Technical Performance
The QT-X's technical abilities are quite excellent for the price; I feel they are comparable to other IEMs in this price bracket, such as the Quintet, Falcon Ultra, and so on. I feel that using BAs resulted in a more sterile response, which improved detail retrieval, separation, and note speed. Let us dive into additional specifics.
Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation
The stage is big enough to sound far and wide, with the vocals front and center and the instruments coming from afar, creating a feeling of amazing clarity and spaciousness. The image is likewise sharp and clear, and the notes are precise and effortless. The separation is excellent since the notes are clear and have adequate breathing room, allowing me to quickly identify the direction from which the sound is coming.
Speed & Resolution
The resolution is not by far the greatest when compared to its rivals, but macro details are easily revealed, with acceptable micro details surfaced. The attack and decay of the notes are quite rapid, allowing for a very defined presentation without interfering with the overall response.
Sound Impressions
Sources
Sony WM1A - While listening to this pairing, the response sounded considerably farther and wider, allowing the vocals to seem more linear and airier, resulting in a livelier presentation with instruments sounding as if complementing the vocals. The bass was more rumbling and present, particularly in the midbass range. The notes, however, sounded more rounded and genuine.
QUESTYLE M15i - While listening to this pair, the response felt slightly less weighted, with a more open-sounding presentation. Despite the fact that the response sounded light and lean, the notes' presentation did not add any metallic or harsh characteristics of the notes that are typical of a tuning like the QT-X. The treble sounded more prolonged and smooth than previously, but the mid-range seemed less front or in your face, with better-positioned singers and instruments sounding expansive and spread out. However, the response sounded confined in the left and right channels while spreading more in the front and rear. Tracks like Kenka by Kujira Yumemi sounded crisp and clear, without sounding hot or sibilant, thanks to voices scaling very high and chimes presented in your face. The bass seemed more powerful and genuine since the kick drums or bass guitar notes decayed organically after hitting.
QUESTYLE CMA18 - While listening to this pairing, the response sounded revealing, but not in an energetic way, but rather in a more soothing manner, with better contrast in overall reaction. The treble sounded more comfortable, with better extension. The voice and instrumentation both sounded more direct and appealing. The whole response sounded clearer and airier than previously.
Rose Technics RZ500 - While listening to this pairing, I noticed that the response sounded closer and more intimate, with a better grasp on note weight, while remaining consistent but with improved timbre and tonal correctness. The treble sounded crisper but leaner, with more clarity in the notes, while the midrange seemed less airy and more satisfying, with lots of energy and details. The notes, whether voices or instruments, were exposed in a really lively way. The bass sounded controlled and textured.
Tracks
Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Nitti - Middle Of The Night
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun
Conclusion
To summarise this review, the QT-X is a highly professional-sounding IEM tuned to be fairly mid-centric yet with well-balanced treble and bass, allowing for good depth and width in sound, so it does not provide an overwhelming response but rather a spacious and well-resolved one. It is not a neutral or fun-sounding IEM, but it is ideal for those who enjoy singing and desire a revealing and dynamic presentation. Thus, I heartily recommend QT-X, especially now that it has a Dongle-DAC of its own.
nihalsharma
500+ Head-Fier
Pros: * Nice package and accessories
* Inclusion of RZ-500 DAC/Amp featuring flagship ES9038Q2M DAC & ESS9603Q Amp chip
* Lightweight shells, easy and nice fit
* Good technical chops
* Good bass quality
* Easy to drive
* Inclusion of RZ-500 DAC/Amp featuring flagship ES9038Q2M DAC & ESS9603Q Amp chip
* Lightweight shells, easy and nice fit
* Good technical chops
* Good bass quality
* Easy to drive
Cons: Thinness and sharpness in upper mids
Founded in 2012, Rose Technics has a good presence in the audiophile industry in China. With a diverse range of products, including in-ear monitors, true wireless earphones, and headphones, Rose Technics has garnered praise from enthusiasts. They are quite confident about tuning of their iems, some of which are done by notable people coming from companies such as Sony, Fostex, etc. I have tried a few other iems from their lineup and was really interested in trying the top-line iems.
I got a chance to try out the QT-X iems, an iem from their line-up equipped with 1 dynamic driver and 6 BA drivers. It's available to buy on Concept Kart in India here: link.
Alternatively, it is available here on the Rose website: Link
You also can get a pair on the AliExpress Store: Link
Rating Criteria:
I want to lay out my rating criteria before we start off. For me, the primary criterion for evaluating audio gear is its intrinsic value rather than its price tag. A higher price doesn't always correlate with superior quality, and similarly, a low-priced product can give enough listening pleasure for it to be called outstanding. I consider the build, features, and, most importantly, the impact on the listening experience. The fundamental purpose of audio gear is to enhance the listening experience. So for me, this degree of enhancement in the listening experience is a key determinant in rating a product.
Rating below 4: I really won't be posting reviews of such items unless someone has asked for them.
Rating of 4: The product is good, and some users may find it more satisfactory, but it does come with a few caveats, such as price, fit, etc.
Rating of 4.5: The product is excellent and comes with an easy recommendation, reflecting its high quality and overall positive attributes.
Rating of 5: This product can be deemed groundbreaking, a trendsetter, and an eye-opener and deserves a spot on everyone's list due to its exceptional features and outstanding performance.
Configuration (from the website):
Design, build, and fit:
I really appreciate the design of these iems; they are lightweight and well-built. The material feels durable, and the shape of the shells provides a comfortable fit for longer listening sessions. The cable is of good quality, with a 2-pin connection and a 4.4mm adapter included. It's also nicely finished with a fabric sleeve. The case included with these IEMs is of high quality and feels well-built, with good materials for the price. Overall, they have included enough accessories inside the box.
Additionally, there is a vent present on these IEMs to minimise pressure buildup. I haven't experienced any pressure or driver flex issues during my time with them.
The iems have slightly smaller nozzles, and wider than usual ear tips can fit well with them. The tips that come with the package are ample and fit really well on these iems. However, I tried them on Azla Sedna Light eartips, which fit really well.
Sound Analysis:
These iems have a sound that is quite satisfactory. The sound profile is near-bright, with a good emphasis on bass.
Bass stands out as a highlight on these iems. The lows are quite deep, and the subbass has a good body. There is a noticeable subbass rumble, which makes the bass a lot more enjoyable. In terms of bass layering and texture, these iems do really well. Midbass is well implemented, not giving a sense of being scooped out, and has a satisfactory quantity. There is no midbass bleeding into the midrange, and the midrange comes across clean.
Mids are neither too forward nor pushed back. These iems maintain sweetness in the midrange, but I find the mids on the thinner side. It has crisp mids and is good in terms of resolution. The lower mids have good weight, though. The thinness (not much) is more in the upper midrange.
Treble on these iems is done quite well. This region has a good amount of energy and extends really well. The micro-details are well presented. This treble is not harsh or sibilant, but it can come across as bordering sharp for some people.
On the technical front, these iems are really capable. Soundstage has a decent width and spreads far and wide. Imaging is good, and one can accurately position instruments and their placements. The resolution and clarity are very impressive too. The notes sound clean and crisp. I think for an iem of this price, the technicalities are more than impressive.
Source Synergy
QT-X is quite easy to drive and be easily driven even with a dongle and a mobile phone. With a good source, the sound is open and the resolution enhances a bit.
RZ-500 portable dac/amp:
The inclusion of this dac/amp is more than impressive. It features the flagship ES9038Q2M DAC & ESS9603Q amp chip. The sound is as good as other dongles on the market, which are available for about 100 USD. It comes with a USB-C cable to connect to PCs and mobile phones. I, however, had issues connecting it to my iPhone and could not use this dongle on it. There are a couple of other issues, such as the non-inclusion of the volume button on the dongle, which may limit the use-case for this dongle compared to others. However, it is a really standout feature, and I have not seen any other brands go this way.
Conclusion:
In the crowded market of budget to mid-fi iems (less than 500 USD), these iems offer quite a fresh approach. They stray away from the typical tuning that most of these iems have and give a nice sound quality, especially the nice bass on it. The value pack is a nice welcome for the people and gives immense value for money. All in all, these iems are a decent pair and get an easy recommendation from me.
I got a chance to try out the QT-X iems, an iem from their line-up equipped with 1 dynamic driver and 6 BA drivers. It's available to buy on Concept Kart in India here: link.
Alternatively, it is available here on the Rose website: Link
You also can get a pair on the AliExpress Store: Link
Rating Criteria:
I want to lay out my rating criteria before we start off. For me, the primary criterion for evaluating audio gear is its intrinsic value rather than its price tag. A higher price doesn't always correlate with superior quality, and similarly, a low-priced product can give enough listening pleasure for it to be called outstanding. I consider the build, features, and, most importantly, the impact on the listening experience. The fundamental purpose of audio gear is to enhance the listening experience. So for me, this degree of enhancement in the listening experience is a key determinant in rating a product.
Rating below 4: I really won't be posting reviews of such items unless someone has asked for them.
Rating of 4: The product is good, and some users may find it more satisfactory, but it does come with a few caveats, such as price, fit, etc.
Rating of 4.5: The product is excellent and comes with an easy recommendation, reflecting its high quality and overall positive attributes.
Rating of 5: This product can be deemed groundbreaking, a trendsetter, and an eye-opener and deserves a spot on everyone's list due to its exceptional features and outstanding performance.
Configuration (from the website):
I really appreciate the design of these iems; they are lightweight and well-built. The material feels durable, and the shape of the shells provides a comfortable fit for longer listening sessions. The cable is of good quality, with a 2-pin connection and a 4.4mm adapter included. It's also nicely finished with a fabric sleeve. The case included with these IEMs is of high quality and feels well-built, with good materials for the price. Overall, they have included enough accessories inside the box.
Additionally, there is a vent present on these IEMs to minimise pressure buildup. I haven't experienced any pressure or driver flex issues during my time with them.
The iems have slightly smaller nozzles, and wider than usual ear tips can fit well with them. The tips that come with the package are ample and fit really well on these iems. However, I tried them on Azla Sedna Light eartips, which fit really well.
Sound Analysis:
These iems have a sound that is quite satisfactory. The sound profile is near-bright, with a good emphasis on bass.
Bass stands out as a highlight on these iems. The lows are quite deep, and the subbass has a good body. There is a noticeable subbass rumble, which makes the bass a lot more enjoyable. In terms of bass layering and texture, these iems do really well. Midbass is well implemented, not giving a sense of being scooped out, and has a satisfactory quantity. There is no midbass bleeding into the midrange, and the midrange comes across clean.
Mids are neither too forward nor pushed back. These iems maintain sweetness in the midrange, but I find the mids on the thinner side. It has crisp mids and is good in terms of resolution. The lower mids have good weight, though. The thinness (not much) is more in the upper midrange.
Treble on these iems is done quite well. This region has a good amount of energy and extends really well. The micro-details are well presented. This treble is not harsh or sibilant, but it can come across as bordering sharp for some people.
On the technical front, these iems are really capable. Soundstage has a decent width and spreads far and wide. Imaging is good, and one can accurately position instruments and their placements. The resolution and clarity are very impressive too. The notes sound clean and crisp. I think for an iem of this price, the technicalities are more than impressive.
Source Synergy
QT-X is quite easy to drive and be easily driven even with a dongle and a mobile phone. With a good source, the sound is open and the resolution enhances a bit.
RZ-500 portable dac/amp:
The inclusion of this dac/amp is more than impressive. It features the flagship ES9038Q2M DAC & ESS9603Q amp chip. The sound is as good as other dongles on the market, which are available for about 100 USD. It comes with a USB-C cable to connect to PCs and mobile phones. I, however, had issues connecting it to my iPhone and could not use this dongle on it. There are a couple of other issues, such as the non-inclusion of the volume button on the dongle, which may limit the use-case for this dongle compared to others. However, it is a really standout feature, and I have not seen any other brands go this way.
Conclusion:
In the crowded market of budget to mid-fi iems (less than 500 USD), these iems offer quite a fresh approach. They stray away from the typical tuning that most of these iems have and give a nice sound quality, especially the nice bass on it. The value pack is a nice welcome for the people and gives immense value for money. All in all, these iems are a decent pair and get an easy recommendation from me.
Last edited:
gadgetgod
These look really nice bhai. Hope to hear these soon.
a slightly warm midrange, and an extended treble."
Why wouldn't you join
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/bass-heads-united-we-stand.972049/#post-18079473