Rose Technics QuietSea Wired Dynamic
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AUDIO SOURCE
IBASSO DX170
QOBUZ
EARTIPS INCLUED IN THE BOX
STOCK ACABLE 4.4MM Y 3.5MM
*THE RATING FOR THESE IEMS IS TOTALLY RELATIVE TO WHAT WE GET FOR THEIR COST*
GRAPH
When looking at their graphics on the page we can see that they are headphones with a focus on the mid-range, this is especially something that I would not normally prefer to listen to any of my favorite genres, because in metal music there are very strident tones, both in the mids and highs, so this is something that I usually avoid; But this time again, just like in the Star City 5, you can see a very well developed job, the sound is never tiring, annoying or “screaming”, there is a lot of detail, sufficient information and a very rounded sound, in which no sound peak is felt to be annoying, allowing us to enjoy practically any type of music; the bass is noticeable and extended and makes the QuietSea feel like a pair of “warm” IEMs with a rather relaxed and sufficiently enveloping sound. The highs are detailed, with good air between instruments and with a very good instrumental separation.
AMPLIFICATION
Consider to use them with a dongle DAC or DAP, They dont need a lot of power but you gonna notice if they´re not well ampplyfied; with smartphone it works good but you don't gonna get all its performance.
EARTIPS
The eartips included with these QuietSea may seem a bit strange because we have oval holes, which might seem strange at first, however when using these iems you can notice that it makes total sense, as the nozzles themselves are oval too, and at least for me at first I considered them a bit short; this is compensated correctly by the eartips that were chosen for this set since they do not fit too much or too little, they manage to stay in a middle point, which makes these headphones extremely comfortable. The weight they have, the rigidity of the cable and the size of the pads make them headphones to enjoy for several hours in a row.
BUILD QUALITY
Their build quality is very good, again we have iems of excellent quality, with excellent aesthetic detail and it is noticeable that the design department made an effort to bring us quite different iems, by opting for a shape more similar to a triangle, which not only benefits their aesthetics, but also functionally makes them very comfortable and quite small headphones. (in photos they look like they are bigger) These headphones are considered a very interesting step, especially if you come from entry-level IEMS, this will allow you to have excellent overall performance, and why not try a very different audio signature, which will allow you to find a little more noticeable detail than usual without spending so much money.
FAST REVIEW
Thinking a little more about the above, these headphones are a “bargain” for the performance you can get with them, you could consider them a direct update of the 7hz zero 1, the KZ Harman Edition, and similar headphones in price, but they also leave out somewhat more expensive headphones like the PULA PA01 which are notorious for having the same approach but without the correct control and they´re shoutty. I would like to say that this would be a direct update of most headphones that are found with a tuning similar to the “Harman”, but I have not tried enough to be able to affirm this, however these QuietSea will have a place in my collection for a long time and will be a reference point for headphones with similar tuning.
___
SUBBASS
They are extended, defined and very equalizable, it is possible to raise them a few DB to "improve" their depth and impact without noticing a bleed between frequencies. The texture in them is very good, their accuracy also feels very good and the general performance that can be noticed is seen to be focused on quality rather than quantity, which for me is a pretty strong point, after trying several models that are more focused on quantity than quality. This makes it feel like a mostly "warm" headphone.
BASS
In this area you can notice that the texture improves and the “quantity” rises a bit, this makes the transition between instruments feel smooth and with a quite enjoyable punch.
MIDBASS
In these frequencies the sound is more than enveloping, you can notice that more precision is developed, a somewhat more noticeable texture and a very good speed, making the driver feel dynamic, powerful and with an excellent tone, for me the sound feels natural.
MIDS
In this whole area, as mentioned at the beginning, we have a very controlled performance, everything sounds with a noticeable emphasis but it doesn't feel tired or "Shoutty". The precision is good and with a very enjoyable air between instruments, guitars, voices, percussions and some string instruments, everything sounds clean and correctly.
HIGH MIDS
Here I would like to start with the female voices, the performance is clean, textured and with a very clean sound it doesn't loses detail. I dare say that this is the pair of IEMs with which I enjoy these frequencies the most, since they allow me to listen to all my music in random order, from “Agnes Obel” to “Orbit Culture” and in all of them you can notice exactly the same detail, clarity and cleanliness, with a very natural timbre.
TREBLE
The timbre that we have here is again a 10 for me, at no time is it tiring, it is clean, there is a variation between “close” and “distant” sounds that is very enjoyable; in these last 2 frequencies is where I could consider this IEM as a “warm and analytical” sound with a very careful performance and a tuning quite typical of the brand.
SOUNDSTAGE
The sound amplitude is good, but not as extensive as I would like, you can perfectly notice from a central sound to the side, and the treble sometimes you can notice that it plays a little more between the general scene, so you can notice both distance and closeness with the pans. the space in the sound field feels good.
SOUND IMAGE
The layering is fine, but if we're being very picky it's not that exact, how ever I consider them as one of my sets in which I enjoy this section the most. its bright enough to enjoy this with a lot of information without having a "shoutty" pair of iems.
In conclusion, these headphones are a very interesting upgrade, considering that they cost approximately $50 USD to start, they are an excellent option if they are accompanied by an input DAC dongle such as a Fiio KA11, (if you have one with more power it would be better). The overall performance is good, it is not a basshead IEM at all, the focus on the midrange is noticeable, the technical detail for me is much higher than others IEMs I have with similar tuning. BTW even so I think there are better ones for a higher price, but for its price it's an excelent set. There are no sibilances, nor annoying or shrill sounds, so all is good for me.
The main differences that we would have when using them with a 4.4mm cable is that the brightness and detail increases considerably, which can be good or bad depending on what one is looking for since in this way you can notice sibilances and very high peaks in both the mid-mid-high areas; personally, I enjoyed it more with its 3.5mm cable that gives us a softer and rounder sound that in my opinion also comes with more overall control.
This is a safe IEM that you could enjoy without any problem, especially if you are looking for “detail” in your music, this is something that can be generalized since it fulfills it perfectly well, since with all the genres and songs that I was able to try (I will leave in the description a few playlists that I used to do the tests) they were heard in the same way, standing out in the detail and versatility that their drivers have to offer us a very correct control, in my case I preferred them with the 3.5mm cable but I think it is gonna deppends about your preferences.
METAL PLAYLIST:
https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/20084084
PLAYLIST FOR COMPARISONS:
https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/20166827
THE MUSIC I USE FOR THE EVERY DAY TEST IS ALL MY "FAVORITE" SONGS, YOU CAN CHECK THEM AT MY QOBUZ PROFILE.
@EarBang
SPANISH FULL REVIEW:
IBASSO DX170
QOBUZ
EARTIPS INCLUED IN THE BOX
STOCK ACABLE 4.4MM Y 3.5MM
*THE RATING FOR THESE IEMS IS TOTALLY RELATIVE TO WHAT WE GET FOR THEIR COST*
GRAPH
When looking at their graphics on the page we can see that they are headphones with a focus on the mid-range, this is especially something that I would not normally prefer to listen to any of my favorite genres, because in metal music there are very strident tones, both in the mids and highs, so this is something that I usually avoid; But this time again, just like in the Star City 5, you can see a very well developed job, the sound is never tiring, annoying or “screaming”, there is a lot of detail, sufficient information and a very rounded sound, in which no sound peak is felt to be annoying, allowing us to enjoy practically any type of music; the bass is noticeable and extended and makes the QuietSea feel like a pair of “warm” IEMs with a rather relaxed and sufficiently enveloping sound. The highs are detailed, with good air between instruments and with a very good instrumental separation.
AMPLIFICATION
Consider to use them with a dongle DAC or DAP, They dont need a lot of power but you gonna notice if they´re not well ampplyfied; with smartphone it works good but you don't gonna get all its performance.
EARTIPS
The eartips included with these QuietSea may seem a bit strange because we have oval holes, which might seem strange at first, however when using these iems you can notice that it makes total sense, as the nozzles themselves are oval too, and at least for me at first I considered them a bit short; this is compensated correctly by the eartips that were chosen for this set since they do not fit too much or too little, they manage to stay in a middle point, which makes these headphones extremely comfortable. The weight they have, the rigidity of the cable and the size of the pads make them headphones to enjoy for several hours in a row.
BUILD QUALITY
Their build quality is very good, again we have iems of excellent quality, with excellent aesthetic detail and it is noticeable that the design department made an effort to bring us quite different iems, by opting for a shape more similar to a triangle, which not only benefits their aesthetics, but also functionally makes them very comfortable and quite small headphones. (in photos they look like they are bigger) These headphones are considered a very interesting step, especially if you come from entry-level IEMS, this will allow you to have excellent overall performance, and why not try a very different audio signature, which will allow you to find a little more noticeable detail than usual without spending so much money.
FAST REVIEW
Thinking a little more about the above, these headphones are a “bargain” for the performance you can get with them, you could consider them a direct update of the 7hz zero 1, the KZ Harman Edition, and similar headphones in price, but they also leave out somewhat more expensive headphones like the PULA PA01 which are notorious for having the same approach but without the correct control and they´re shoutty. I would like to say that this would be a direct update of most headphones that are found with a tuning similar to the “Harman”, but I have not tried enough to be able to affirm this, however these QuietSea will have a place in my collection for a long time and will be a reference point for headphones with similar tuning.
___
SUBBASS
They are extended, defined and very equalizable, it is possible to raise them a few DB to "improve" their depth and impact without noticing a bleed between frequencies. The texture in them is very good, their accuracy also feels very good and the general performance that can be noticed is seen to be focused on quality rather than quantity, which for me is a pretty strong point, after trying several models that are more focused on quantity than quality. This makes it feel like a mostly "warm" headphone.
BASS
In this area you can notice that the texture improves and the “quantity” rises a bit, this makes the transition between instruments feel smooth and with a quite enjoyable punch.
MIDBASS
In these frequencies the sound is more than enveloping, you can notice that more precision is developed, a somewhat more noticeable texture and a very good speed, making the driver feel dynamic, powerful and with an excellent tone, for me the sound feels natural.
MIDS
In this whole area, as mentioned at the beginning, we have a very controlled performance, everything sounds with a noticeable emphasis but it doesn't feel tired or "Shoutty". The precision is good and with a very enjoyable air between instruments, guitars, voices, percussions and some string instruments, everything sounds clean and correctly.
HIGH MIDS
Here I would like to start with the female voices, the performance is clean, textured and with a very clean sound it doesn't loses detail. I dare say that this is the pair of IEMs with which I enjoy these frequencies the most, since they allow me to listen to all my music in random order, from “Agnes Obel” to “Orbit Culture” and in all of them you can notice exactly the same detail, clarity and cleanliness, with a very natural timbre.
TREBLE
The timbre that we have here is again a 10 for me, at no time is it tiring, it is clean, there is a variation between “close” and “distant” sounds that is very enjoyable; in these last 2 frequencies is where I could consider this IEM as a “warm and analytical” sound with a very careful performance and a tuning quite typical of the brand.
SOUNDSTAGE
The sound amplitude is good, but not as extensive as I would like, you can perfectly notice from a central sound to the side, and the treble sometimes you can notice that it plays a little more between the general scene, so you can notice both distance and closeness with the pans. the space in the sound field feels good.
SOUND IMAGE
The layering is fine, but if we're being very picky it's not that exact, how ever I consider them as one of my sets in which I enjoy this section the most. its bright enough to enjoy this with a lot of information without having a "shoutty" pair of iems.
In conclusion, these headphones are a very interesting upgrade, considering that they cost approximately $50 USD to start, they are an excellent option if they are accompanied by an input DAC dongle such as a Fiio KA11, (if you have one with more power it would be better). The overall performance is good, it is not a basshead IEM at all, the focus on the midrange is noticeable, the technical detail for me is much higher than others IEMs I have with similar tuning. BTW even so I think there are better ones for a higher price, but for its price it's an excelent set. There are no sibilances, nor annoying or shrill sounds, so all is good for me.
The main differences that we would have when using them with a 4.4mm cable is that the brightness and detail increases considerably, which can be good or bad depending on what one is looking for since in this way you can notice sibilances and very high peaks in both the mid-mid-high areas; personally, I enjoyed it more with its 3.5mm cable that gives us a softer and rounder sound that in my opinion also comes with more overall control.
This is a safe IEM that you could enjoy without any problem, especially if you are looking for “detail” in your music, this is something that can be generalized since it fulfills it perfectly well, since with all the genres and songs that I was able to try (I will leave in the description a few playlists that I used to do the tests) they were heard in the same way, standing out in the detail and versatility that their drivers have to offer us a very correct control, in my case I preferred them with the 3.5mm cable but I think it is gonna deppends about your preferences.
METAL PLAYLIST:
https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/20084084
PLAYLIST FOR COMPARISONS:
https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/20166827
THE MUSIC I USE FOR THE EVERY DAY TEST IS ALL MY "FAVORITE" SONGS, YOU CAN CHECK THEM AT MY QOBUZ PROFILE.
@EarBang
SPANISH FULL REVIEW:
Disclaimer :
I got this unit by my own purchase and this review is not affiliated by Rose Technics nor paid by anyone or anyway.
Rose Technics QuietSea is one of the iem product from Rose Technics, it has some design similarities to the Ikko OH2. It comes with 3 pairs of white silicone oval eartips, hard case MMCX detach tool and the MMCX cable, the cable quality is very nice for the price. Housing is made from combination of metal and plastic.
I used Zhu Audio Rhyme eartips for this review, the stock eartips cannot give me enough seal and fit.
Gear used :
- Poco F5
- Acmee 4x
- Fiio KA17
Songs tested :
The Sound :
Bass : It has mid bass emphasis and low quantity sub bass, but the rumble still can be felt when called for. The bass is punchy and has good texture to give warmness and depth to the vocals and instruments. Drums sounds full and rounded. The bass decay is short.
Mids : Vocals is forward especially male vocals have good weight and lush. Female vocals is a bit recessed but still clear, The female vocals lack the energetic feeling that usually i hear in other iems. Vocals sound natural to my ears. String instruments like cello, violin and guitar is a little behind the vocals and other instruments.
Treble : The treble is smooth and less airy and makes the upper mid not too bright or sibilance. On high pitched instruments like cymbals still have good impact and decay.
Soundstage : Staging has average height but feels very wide with good depth, on some tracks i could feel the 3D sensation. Overall it has a good stage for the price.
Imaging and separation : I could easily pinpoint the location of each instrument and the vocals in the mix and have an average layering. The technicalities is good for the price.
Conclusions :
If you are looking for some musical or smooth iems, this iem could be one of your pick. But it won't satisfy bassheads because of the low presence of sub bass.
I got this unit by my own purchase and this review is not affiliated by Rose Technics nor paid by anyone or anyway.
Rose Technics QuietSea is one of the iem product from Rose Technics, it has some design similarities to the Ikko OH2. It comes with 3 pairs of white silicone oval eartips, hard case MMCX detach tool and the MMCX cable, the cable quality is very nice for the price. Housing is made from combination of metal and plastic.
I used Zhu Audio Rhyme eartips for this review, the stock eartips cannot give me enough seal and fit.
Gear used :
- Poco F5
- Acmee 4x
- Fiio KA17
Songs tested :
- Lindsey Stirling + Otto Knows + Alex Aris - Dying For You
- Charlie Puth - We Don't Talk Anymore (feat. Selena Gomez)
- Hailee Steinfeld - Love Myself
- Paramore: crushcrushcrush
- Derek Hough - Kairos Ft. Lindsey Stirling
- Adele - Hello / Lacrimosa (Mozart) – The Piano Guys
- Paramore: Hard Times- Auli'i Cravalho - How Far I'll Go
- Clean Bandit - Rockabye- Raleigh Ritchie - Stronger Than Ever
The Sound :
Bass : It has mid bass emphasis and low quantity sub bass, but the rumble still can be felt when called for. The bass is punchy and has good texture to give warmness and depth to the vocals and instruments. Drums sounds full and rounded. The bass decay is short.
Mids : Vocals is forward especially male vocals have good weight and lush. Female vocals is a bit recessed but still clear, The female vocals lack the energetic feeling that usually i hear in other iems. Vocals sound natural to my ears. String instruments like cello, violin and guitar is a little behind the vocals and other instruments.
Treble : The treble is smooth and less airy and makes the upper mid not too bright or sibilance. On high pitched instruments like cymbals still have good impact and decay.
Soundstage : Staging has average height but feels very wide with good depth, on some tracks i could feel the 3D sensation. Overall it has a good stage for the price.
Imaging and separation : I could easily pinpoint the location of each instrument and the vocals in the mix and have an average layering. The technicalities is good for the price.
Conclusions :
If you are looking for some musical or smooth iems, this iem could be one of your pick. But it won't satisfy bassheads because of the low presence of sub bass.
INTRO
Rose Technics Quietsea features a Single Topology DD which comes with great quality cable (OCC Cable). Showing great midbass quality and sparkly highs . I just want to emphasized the Blue Rose Pro cable from rosetechnics. It really surprised me how it paired with quietsea it show its true potential.
Disclaimer
I would like to thank Rosetechnics for arranging a unit for me. My opinions are unbiased, and I haven't been influenced or instructed to praise these IEMs. Every detail in this review is actual experience made by listening for hours everyday.
Specifications
Driver configuration : Dual chamber dynamic with 10mm topological diaphragm
Frequency Response : 20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity : 99dB
Impedance : 32Ω
Harmonic Distortion Ratio : less than 0.1%
Jack Connector : Choice of SE 3.5mm or BAL 4.4mm
Capsule Connection Type : MMCX
Cable Length: 120cm
Weight : 20g
Packaging
2 Rose Technics QuietSea
High Quality Cable 5N OCC
set of tips (S, M, L) with oval shaped nozzle tube
Hard carry case
MMCX removal tool (nice inclusion)
User manual
Build and Comfort
The rosetechnics quietsea are built from CNC and transparent resin. The design is quite futuristic imo. The lightweight of quietsea contributes to comfortable use and for long listening sessions.
Sound Aspects
Source used :
Realme 9 Pro
KiwiEars Allegro
Ibasso DC04 pro
Fosi Audio SK02
This iems spend 50 hours of burn in before taking details of this review
The Quietsea is a V shape tuning which emphasizes the bass and treble but the subbass is quite shy to my liking. The quality of midbass is the star of the show here, showing well textured bass to satisfy ones ears. As for the treble it has enough sparkle to add enjoyment to the presentation.
Bass
This is main aspect of quietsea, it has rich and well textured yet non-intrusive bass. The bass is punchy and impactful but a little subdued in the subbass. When I'm listening to some of my fav EDM songs its not bad though even the subbass is quite shy but it shows when called. The satisfying slam of midbass will wanting you more without overshadowing the midrange.
Mids
The mids is quite recessed to my ears, the vocals is clear and transparent but take the backseat to makes space for bass and treble.
The instruments presents clean, clear and natural in the mix.
As for uppermids, it has enough energy to become engaging enough to enjoy the presentation.
(With the Blue Rose Pro Cable it become better read further)
Treble
As for highs, it provides balanced and precise treble performance which have equal quality of lows. It shows enough level of sparkle, air and extension. It also presents energetic highs without the sign of sibilance or harshness. Surprisingly it picks nuances and micro-details contributes to musicality of quietsea.
Technicalities
The soundstage is wide with good height and depth it is enough for its price point. There is great level of imaging and separation you can easily pinpoint where is the instruments is placed in the mix. The nuances produced by quietsea adds a resonate feeling and immersive presentation.
With Rosetechnics Blue Rose Pro Cable 4.4mm
The cable included in the quietsea is definitely enough imho. With its good build and design. It reminds me the one high quality cable I previously owned from NiceHCK the Greyflag which I think they have similar qualities and performance.
When I paired this blue rose pro with the quietsea it surprised me how really good this IEM are.
I ask them what the cable made of :
They use a blend of monocrystalline copper and monocrystalline silver with a purity of 5-6N.
The solder they use costs 1000 RMB per meter and is the same used by Swiss Radio and Television for their monitor speakers. The precise craftsmanship and expensive materials are key to the excellent sound quality.
It's not just about the quality of our materials; we are completely genuine in using real materials.
Rosetechnics really assures you they provide the best sound quality you need.
The drastically changes in sound is very noticeable. When I'm listening to my fav edm and pop everything is crisper and livelier. The bass is punchier and tactile. The mids of my goodness in my ear it become W shape tuning without overshadowing the mids with bass and treble. The vocals shows airier in characterics . The treble is snappier and more energetic. The soundstage become wide and spacious. The noticeable improvement in detail retrieval contributes to more immersive experience. (5/5 star)
Conclusion
The quietsea is an underrated iem that proves its worth with its performance and inclusions. With some cable rolling it will show its true potential. It really pair perfectly with blue rose pro I'll definitely recommend this cable as of now this is my best cable I've been using. Highly recommended!
Order here using the non -affiliated links below :
Rosetechnics Quietsea
https://rosetechnics.com/products/quietsea-hifi-wired-headphones-iem
Rosetechnics Blue Rose Pro
https://rosetechnics.com/products/r...ones-cable?_pos=1&_psq=blue+rose&_ss=e&_v=1.0
thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.
Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●iFi GO bar Kensei
Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.
Introduction:
Rose Technics is a Chinese audio company founded way back in 2012. They have been gaining popularity lately due to their TWS and now their iems are also gaining recognition. The QuietSea features a single 10mm dynamic driver and it might look familiar to some keen audiophiles. The shell was manufactured in collaboration with iKKO who uses the same design for their own OH2 model. The QuietSea debuted in 2023 in the increasingly crowded budget tier. They are currently available for $49.99 on Amazon and AliExpress. Let's break down what they offer and see if they can hold their own against some stiff competition.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
RoseTechnics did not hold back on the quality of the packaging. The QuietSea unboxing experience is very nice for $50 and better than a lot of >$100 sets out there. The inclusion of a branded zipper case is much appreciated as well. The stock cable, available in 3.5mm or 4.4mm termination, is one of the best stock cables I've seen with any iem under $200. It's definitely on the chunkier side but it's also soft, nicely braided, does not tangle easily, and has metal finishes that add to the premium feel. Seriously, I would buy this cable separately and be happy to use it with some of my other iems. But unfortunately the QuietSea utilizes MMCX whereas all my current iems are standard 2 pin, which I much prefer. The inclusion of an MMCX removal tool is nice though and should help protect the connectors. The shells are fairly small and low profile, are made of a mix of metal and plastic, and have a decent weight balance. Although they feel sturdy and have a good build quality, the design is not really my style. The nozzle is oval shaped and on the shorter side which did cause some fit issues for me. The included oval tips are too short and flimsy to create a good seal. I found a more secure fit with the Penon Liqueur tips and was then able to wear them without much issue.
Sound impressions:
I would describe the QuietSea as having a U-shaped profile, as both the bass and upper mids/lower treble are boosted above neutral. The low end leans more towards mid bass than sub bass but the extension is adequate. The treble rolls off early leading to a slightly warmer sound overall. The soundstage width is decent with mostly correct placement of instruments/vocals although the layering is just average. Detail retrieval is average for the price and on par for most sub $100 sets not made by Simgot. The note weight of the mids/highs leans thin to my ear and is a contrast to the meatier, thicker midbass. They are pretty easy to drive and don't require any amplification to get to high volume levels.
●Lows - The bass has a prominent mid bass thump so those looking for subwoofer-like punch and extension will be disappointed. Bass is fast and its decay is short so it has no trouble keeping up with complicated tracks. The mid bass is well controlled and stays free from bleed. I would have liked to hear more sub bass and even a bit more mid bass to really set the QuietSea apart in the crowded budget market. I don't think it needs to reach basshead levels but more rumble and punch would be welcome especially to counter the elevated upper mids/lower treble.
●Mid - Vocals are positioned slightly forward on genres like soft pop, soft rock and present more balanced in pop, rock, and R&B. At higher volumes, vocals can have an edge or sibilance making them harsh due to the boosted upper mid/treble frequencies. They in turn can sound artifical and the timbre can present as a bit mettalic/thin. I would have liked more warmth and note weight to give vocals an organic quality. Instruments like guitars and piano have a bit better timbre but still don't sound quite right to my ear.
●Highs - As stated earlier, treble lacks extension and rolls off too early to allow high notes room to roam. In essence the highs can sound somewhat blunted. More air and sparkle would be welcome to lead to a more open and engaging soundstage. Cymbal crashes, high hats, and claps can be troublsome and sibilant on some tracks. There is also some sibilance, most notably on "s" notes, when volume is higher leading to a harsh and irritating vocal presentation.
Summary:
When I hear the name QuietSea, it brings to mind a calm, deep, dark ocean. When translating that image to sound, I imagine a low end that extends deep, a wide open soundstage, and a warm frequency response free of any troublesome peaks. For $50 the QuietSea mostly delivers on this vision but I personally found some troublesome "waves" in the form of underwhelming bass/treble extension, thin note weight, and occasional sibilance. That's really my biggest complaint of what Rose Technics has presented here. I think if the upper mids and treble were toned down slightly it would avoid any sibilance and present a warmer overall tuning that I wouldn't be able to put down. To be fair, I would consider myself more treble sensitive than the average listener so YMMV. The fit could also be troublesome to some due to the short, oval nozzles but the included accessories for this price bracket are pretty great; I'd easily pay $25 for the stock cable alone. If you can overcome it's shortcomings, the QuietSea is definitely worth consideration. At the $50 price tag, it holds good value in the very crowded budget tier. Heck, if you find it on sale, consider buying it just for the cable and case and consider the iem a free inclusion.
Note: This review is based solely on my personal experience, and the assessment is entirely subjective without any exaggeration or bias.
Let's start with Packaging & Cable: The packaging of these IEMs is impressively simple yet elegant, with a sleek black box and well-packed contents. It includes an exclusive case, ear tips in various sizes (L, M, S), and a lifesaving MMCX pin connector. The Quietsea cable is of excellent quality, thick, and braided, earning extra points from me.
Build Quality & Fitting: The build quality of these IEMs is among the best in their price range, with a lightweight yet sturdy metal shell. While some may have mixed feelings about the MMCX pin, I find it solid. As for fitting, it's comfortable, neither too small nor too large, providing a good fit for extended use without causing discomfort due to its lightweight and lack of sharp edges.
Moving on to the sound, let's start with the Low frequencies: The bass is punchy and deep, without being overpowering. The bass texture is well-defined, and the rumble is clear. However, the bass speed is average; it's sufficient for genres like pop, funk, or soft metal but might not keep up with faster-paced music like groove metal or death metal. Tested songs: Ikon - Rhtyme, Yoasabi - Biri Biri.
Midrange (Vocals): The vocals are rich and clear, with sufficient weight for male voices and a pleasant feel for female singers. The vocal positioning is adequate, neither too forward nor too recessed, staying balanced. As for sibilance, it depends on the source, and at higher volumes, there might be a slight sss sound in some songs, but it's not harsh or painful. Tested songs: D.0 - Rose, Heize - You, Clouds, Rain.
Moving on to the High frequencies: The treble extends well and sounds crisp, with cymbals and guitar picking retaining their impact. These IEMs are described as "relaxed" because the treble is pleasant without any harshness or metallic tones, creating a laid-back listening experience. Tested songs: Bob Marley - Turn Your Light Down Low, Radiohead - National Anthem.
Technical Aspects: In my opinion, the technical performance of these IEMs is commendable. The 3D imaging is clear, and the soundstage is wide but not excessively so. The resolution is above average, delivering clean and detailed sound, while the instrument timbre sounds natural and authentic.
Conclusion: If you're looking for balanced U-shaped IEMs with a relaxed sound for long listening sessions, I highly recommend these. As for the MMCX pin, it's a matter of personal preference, but as long as the build quality is good, it shouldn't be a deal-breaker. Regarding the ideal setup or source for these IEMs, I personally find them well-suited with UC Softears or latex ear tips, paired with a silver-plated cable and a warm DAC for the best combination. That's all.
Rating:
- Low: ★★★★☆
- Mid: ★★★★✮
- High: ★★★★✮
- Technical: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) {☆ 0.5 point, ✮ 1 point, ★ 1 point}
Let's start with Packaging & Cable: The packaging of these IEMs is impressively simple yet elegant, with a sleek black box and well-packed contents. It includes an exclusive case, ear tips in various sizes (L, M, S), and a lifesaving MMCX pin connector. The Quietsea cable is of excellent quality, thick, and braided, earning extra points from me.
Build Quality & Fitting: The build quality of these IEMs is among the best in their price range, with a lightweight yet sturdy metal shell. While some may have mixed feelings about the MMCX pin, I find it solid. As for fitting, it's comfortable, neither too small nor too large, providing a good fit for extended use without causing discomfort due to its lightweight and lack of sharp edges.
Moving on to the sound, let's start with the Low frequencies: The bass is punchy and deep, without being overpowering. The bass texture is well-defined, and the rumble is clear. However, the bass speed is average; it's sufficient for genres like pop, funk, or soft metal but might not keep up with faster-paced music like groove metal or death metal. Tested songs: Ikon - Rhtyme, Yoasabi - Biri Biri.
Midrange (Vocals): The vocals are rich and clear, with sufficient weight for male voices and a pleasant feel for female singers. The vocal positioning is adequate, neither too forward nor too recessed, staying balanced. As for sibilance, it depends on the source, and at higher volumes, there might be a slight sss sound in some songs, but it's not harsh or painful. Tested songs: D.0 - Rose, Heize - You, Clouds, Rain.
Moving on to the High frequencies: The treble extends well and sounds crisp, with cymbals and guitar picking retaining their impact. These IEMs are described as "relaxed" because the treble is pleasant without any harshness or metallic tones, creating a laid-back listening experience. Tested songs: Bob Marley - Turn Your Light Down Low, Radiohead - National Anthem.
Technical Aspects: In my opinion, the technical performance of these IEMs is commendable. The 3D imaging is clear, and the soundstage is wide but not excessively so. The resolution is above average, delivering clean and detailed sound, while the instrument timbre sounds natural and authentic.
Conclusion: If you're looking for balanced U-shaped IEMs with a relaxed sound for long listening sessions, I highly recommend these. As for the MMCX pin, it's a matter of personal preference, but as long as the build quality is good, it shouldn't be a deal-breaker. Regarding the ideal setup or source for these IEMs, I personally find them well-suited with UC Softears or latex ear tips, paired with a silver-plated cable and a warm DAC for the best combination. That's all.
Rating:
- Low: ★★★★☆
- Mid: ★★★★✮
- High: ★★★★✮
- Technical: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) {☆ 0.5 point, ✮ 1 point, ★ 1 point}
Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal, subjective preferences and is solely based on my experiences with the product. It's important to note that Concept Kart does not influence this review, and I have not received any compensation. As always, I highly recommend testing the product yourself before purchasing. I want to thank Concept Kart and Pulkit for organising this review tour and allowing me to share my thoughts on the product.
Chain: Mojo2+Poly via Roon with stock tips provided.
Product Link: Get yours from here!
The mid-bass is the star of the show here, and it's surprisingly good for the price. It's fuller, cleaner, and has a hint of sub-bass rumble. It doesn't have much impact, but it doesn't bleed into the mids. Don't expect too much sub-bass presence at this price point, though.
The lower mid-range is clear, and the vocals are decent without any harshness in the upper mid-range. Although the songs are tuned to be v-shaped, they sound intimate enough.
The treble is okay with sufficient presence, but it takes a backseat in crowded tracks, possibly because of the lower range. However, female vocals sound on point and accurate. This may not be for you if you want sparkle and shine. But if you want a laid-back listening experience during longer music sessions.
This IEM is dope for the price. The mid-bass is the real MVP, making the sound clear and complete. The lower mid-range is primarily sweet, and the vocals are solid. This is the way to go if you're looking for something to vibe to during long music sessions.
Chain: Mojo2+Poly via Roon with stock tips provided.
Product Link: Get yours from here!
The mid-bass is the star of the show here, and it's surprisingly good for the price. It's fuller, cleaner, and has a hint of sub-bass rumble. It doesn't have much impact, but it doesn't bleed into the mids. Don't expect too much sub-bass presence at this price point, though.
The lower mid-range is clear, and the vocals are decent without any harshness in the upper mid-range. Although the songs are tuned to be v-shaped, they sound intimate enough.
The treble is okay with sufficient presence, but it takes a backseat in crowded tracks, possibly because of the lower range. However, female vocals sound on point and accurate. This may not be for you if you want sparkle and shine. But if you want a laid-back listening experience during longer music sessions.
This IEM is dope for the price. The mid-bass is the real MVP, making the sound clear and complete. The lower mid-range is primarily sweet, and the vocals are solid. This is the way to go if you're looking for something to vibe to during long music sessions.
Introduction
Rose Technics has been around for a long time already, even though the “mainstream” Chi-Fi market didn’t see many of their products becoming very popular.They have recently partnered with Ikko for the QuietSea, which is the product I’ll be speaking about in this review.
Technical Specifications
- Driver Configuration → 1 x Topology DD
- Impedance → 18 Ω
- Sensitivity → 95 dB
- Frequency Response Range → 20Hz-40kHz
- Cable → 1,20m 5N copper silver plated cable with 0.75mm 2-PIN QDC connectors
- Plug Type → L-type gold plated 3.5mm jack connector
Packaging
The packaging of the QuietSea looks very nice and it’s clear that the brand wants the customer to see that the company cares about how their products are presented. The box contains:- The Rose Technics QuietSea
- A very premium braided cable with 3.5mm jack plug (unfortunately with MMCX connectors)
- One set of tips (S, M, L) with oval shaped nozzle tube
- A hard carry case
- A plastic MMCX removal tool (quite interesting)
- User manual
Design, Build Quality, Comfort and Isolation
The first time I picked them up from the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the great build quality and design of these: the metal build feels extremely sturdy (yet a bit weighty) and the faceplate with the black cut on the silver shell looks very cool.A strange choice was made for the nozzle, which is oval-shaped instead of being rounded, no big issue.
Last, but not least in terms of importance, Rose Technics have decided to opt for MMCX connectors instead of a more traditional pair of 2PIN connectors, which could lead to less durability of the connectors over time and less versatility with aftermarket cables (even though the stock cable is excellent).
Comfort-wise, the QuietSea really depend on the tips: the nozzle is pretty short and the provided tips also have pretty short nozzle tubes, so they don’t help with a comfortable fit (at least in my ears). In addition, the shells have a couple of annoying edges that could lead to discomfort if the tips are on the short side.
I have tried using different tips with a more traditional rounded nozzle tube and they work pretty well, so there isn’t any issue with the metal nozzle being oval-shaped as I was able to find a good fit with some random aftermarket tip. That said, it’s not the most comfortable set I’ve tried for sure and it’s important to note that that using bigger tips in order to create more space between the shells and the ear can also alter alter the sound.
The QuietSea provide for average isolation from external noises, so they won’t be my first pick for outdoor listening sessions..
Cable
The stock cable is excellent, and I can’t think of any set coming with a cable of this quality in the price range in which the QuietSea compete. It is braided, thick and soft to the touch as well, it sports a metal chin slider, a metal Y splitter and a straight gold plated jack plug.It uses MMCX connectors, which is a bit of a letdown since it is more likely to have issues on the long run and it’s also less usable on other sets (most IEMs use 2-PIN connectors), but it snaps pretty well on my sample and the MMCX removal tool works fine so there’s nothing to complain about.
Sound
GEAR USED FOR THE TEST- DAC: Topping E30
- AMP: Topping L30, Fiio A3
- Mobile phones: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Xiaomi Mi A3, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Moondrop May’s DSP cable with PEQ=0
- Dongle: Apple Type-C dongle, Truthear SHIO
- Portable DAPs: Benjie S8/AGPTEK M30B
- Other sources: Presonus AudioBox iONE, Elgato Wave XLR, KZ AZ10
Do they need an amplifier?
No, they don’t strictly need an amplifier, even though some amping helps a bit with low-end body (very small, yet present, difference).
Sound signature
The Rose Technics QuietSea follow a V-shaped signature.
Lows
The sub-bass isn’t very impactful nor does it have particularly good extension. Let’s say that the low-end extension is not excellent and in fact sometimes I felt the need for a bit more “oomph” in order to provide more solid foundations for some genres.
The bass is slightly elevated with nice textures and good punch, and it’s also quite decent at handling fast transients even though not the fastest bass around. It’s not the most authoritative and incisive bass out there but it’s tuned fairly well and doesn’t lack energy.
The low-end, in general, is definitely not for bassheads, but it’s still enjoyable and contributes to providing an engaging sound overall.
Mids
The midrange is slightly recessed but also very clean and rich. The instruments are well represented, well separated between each other and it’s hard to find things that aren’t done right, even though there is some timbrical inconsistency between male and female vocals. In fact, while female vocals sound very energetic, male vocals feel sometimes a bit subdued, probably due to the not-so-incisive midbass.
The upper midrange can be a bit too forward for some, especially because it’s combined with a lower treble boost and this can lead to some hotness here and there.
Highs
The highs are on the bright side, so the QuietSea should be avoided by those who seek for a slightly darker IEM. There’s a good amount of details, lots of air and sparkle and the performance is surprisingly good, but even though the overall brightness has some advantages, it also leads to a less likable and pleasant sound for the masses. However, the QuietSea somehow manage to sound pretty good considering the amount of treble, which is good news.
If you are treble sensitive it’s better if you spend your money on other products, whereas these are for you if treble spiciness is something that appeals to you.
Soundstage is well rounded with no dimension being rendered better than another. Imaging is decent too, I’d say in line with other products in their price bracket.
Some comparisons:
Rose Technics QuietSea vs EPZ Q5Very briefly, the EPZ Q5 have more sub-bass, less bass and a slightly more cohesive and treble response that packs some more details. The QuietSea sounds a bit less thin and has better bass textures. Soundstage and imaging are better on the EPZ Q5.
Build quality is great on both, isolation and comfort are better on the EPZ Q5. The QuietSea come with a much better stock cable, even though both have MMCX connectors.
Rose Technics QuietSea vs KZ Symphony
The victory goes to the QuietSea hands down. The Symphony has some inconsistencies between the drivers that become more and more evident the more you increase the volume.
The Symphony has better imaging, separation and details, but the QuietSea still have nice bass textures and good technicalities while still retaining an enjoyable signature.
Build quality goes to the QuietSea again, and so applies for comfort, isolation and stock cable (especially this last one).
Rose Technics QuietSea vs Moondrop Lan
The QuietSea have a more recessed midrange, more bass, and a bit more sub-bass (not a big difference in terms of extension honestly). They are also brighter and slightly more fatiguing than the Moondrop Lan, which instead have a more neutral approach with sparkling treble and a more linear midrange. The Lan behave much better at reproducing male and female vocals and they also sound a lot smoother and more natural overall, but the detail retrieval and instrument separation is very similar. Soundstage is a tad wider on the QuietSea, imaging is on par more or less.
Build quality is great on both sets, comfort and isolation are better on the Lan and the QuietSea, instead, get an easy win when it comes to the stock cable.
Rose Technics QuietSea vs Simgot EW200
The EW200 sound more natural with a slightly better sub-bass extension, less bass punch but also less spicy treble. Both tend to emphasize female vocals but the EW200 reproduce them in a more natural and intimate way, and the detail retrieval is also a bit better on the EW200. The QuietSea have a punchier and more textured bass and bit more air on top.
Soundstage width goes to the QuietSea, imaging goes to the EW200.
Build quality is great on both sets, comfort and isolation are better on the EW200, the QuietSea’s cable is better.
Final Thoughts
The QuietSea offer a rich and vivid sound experience, with a pretty bright tonality, a pleasantly textured bass and good technical performance. It’s not the most natural sounding set out there nor is it the best technical performer you can get in their price brackets, but it’s really hard to find major flaws considering the overall package.
The Rose Technics QuietSea is a IEM that has a excellent build quality, its accessories are good, but more tips would have been appreciated. The box was simple and contained the basic information. Inside one finds the QuietSea , a nice cloth square case, a set of tips in various sizes and the thick twisted braid on the cloth cable that looks amazing.
The unit is made of magnesium with some resin.
Sound Characteristics:
The QuietSea offers a relaxing and warm sound with a balanced tuning.
Its treble is smooth and laid-back, contributing to a very pleasant and relaxing listening experience.
The midrange is warm, coherent, and has good layering with very good note weight.
Bass is warm and fuller sounding. The Mid-Bass is the focus here with good impact and texture, Sub-Bass is there but further in the background, it is more of a neutral presentation compared to the Mid-Bass.
The technical performance is only slightly above average, with soundstage being decently wide and average placement.
In summary: the Rose Technics QuietSea offers a warmish relaxed and satisfying sound that most audio enthusiasts will appreciate. Whether you're enjoying rock or classical, the sea offers an enjoyable listening session without harshness.
The Quiet Sea with EPZ Q1 pro: the sea is more relaxed and mid-bass focused while the Q1 pro is more fun and sub-bass elevated. Both offer a good price to performance and are much different in presentation. Equipment used the ifi Diablo-2 , GoBar Kensei, questyle M15 and Tempotec V6
Review Of The Rose Technics QuietSea
Introduction
This is my second evaluation of a device from Rose Technics. Despite being a well-established firm that specializes in electro-acoustics, they have produced a number of items, some of which I have reviewed, including their flagship earbud, the Martini. One of their more reasonably priced products, the QuietSea, is a new IEM that I was able to obtain recently. However, there are a few things I would want to make clear before we begin the study.
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 “Sea.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Sea based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
Specification
The Sea has a single 10mm dynamic driver configuration that makes use of their own in-house topological diaphragm technology. The IKKO Opal OH2 is similar to the shells in that they are somewhat bigger than the OH2. The shells are composed of high-grade aluminum and plastic. The IEM's nozzle is oval in shape, thus I had to locate the correct eartips for it. Other than that, the shells are quite comfortable and simple to use. The 5 OCC cord that comes with the IEM ends into a 3.5mm straight connector on one end and a mmcx on the other. Technical specifications: the impedance is 32 Ohms, the sensitivity is 99dB, and the frequency response is from 20Hz to 20kHz. The cable feels great in the hands and is premium in appearance and weight, in my opinion—in fact, this might be the best stock cable that comes with an IEM around this price range. Three pairs of eartips in different sizes, a carrying case, and a mmcx anti-clipping tool are among the other accessories that are included.
***Above image credit***
Sound
To be honest, in this price range, most IEMs tend to provide a linear and defined sounding IEM that is pretty well V-shaped or neutral sounding to cater to audiophiles who want details and clarity. The Sea's sound leans towards a warm balanced thing, which I believe to be a safe tuning. The notes are thick and dense which makes the response pleasing and satisfying to listen to. The upper frequencies are heightened in regard to such a warm response to surface a more clarified and detailed notes without introducing any offensive characteristics. Regarding Sea, I think its enveloping and calming response makes it a very well-balanced and warm-sounding IEM that anybody may enjoy. To learn more, let's explore should in more detail.
Treble
Though I think the tuning is a touch odd, the treble sounds pretty upfront and has decent vocal and instrument presence. The tuning creates a vibrant presentation, but it lacks an expansive and airy response. With sufficient details, the upper treble has a rather expressive sound that is acceptable. I wouldn't characterize this as having a dark or high treble sounding, even though the voices and instruments are present while not having the clarity or details to match. The lower treble also sounds strange, and this is perceived. The vocals and instruments provide sibilance, particularly "ss" noises, giving the song a slightly spicy tone while maintaining a consistent intensity level in the mix. The instrumentation keep up the upbeat mood and give the answer a dynamic feel, while the vocals have a strong front presentation that sounds vibrant and well-rounded. As a result, the treble region's overall presentation is forward-sounding, lively, yet strange.
Mid Range
Regarding the mid range, the vocals have a very soothing response with warm, detailed notes; the instruments, on the other hand, sound as though they are complementing the vocals and blending within the response making the sound melodious and pleasing to listen to; the upper mid range sounds as energetic as the lower treble but with better note weight and no offensive characteristics involved. The response is well presented and, to my surprise, has better coherency from lower to upper mid range. The response sounds more natural and dense with good expressive characteristics. The upper mid range sounds warmer and more organic because of the lower mid range's rich and dense response. This section's instrumentation and voice seem hazy and have a muttering quality. The response sounds as though it envelops you in the lower and higher mid ranges; it is not particularly open or airy, but rather rich, melodic, and satisfying to listen to. As a result, the mid range's overall presentation has a cozy, uplifting, and melodic quality.
Bass
Given that the response has a significant impact on the mix, bas is presented as warm, thick, and heavy. The presentation of the notes has richer, more gratifying hits. Although the sub bass is the focus, the mid bass is more present in the mix due to its meatier response and warmth, which makes it seem weighty and occasionally muffles the punchiness of the sub bass but never compromises its clarity. Although the punches have a lot of fire, the bass goes deep enough but the rumbling is not particularly powerful. When you listen to tunes with a lot of bass, the slams and thumps definitely feel powerful and can occasionally seem overwhelming. The response sounds warmer and more balanced because of the mid bass's leakage into the lower mid region. Despite this, the clarity and bass details are not particularly well defined. Therefore, the bass region's overall presentation feels warm, full, and pounding.
Technical Performance
The Sea isn't very good when it comes to technical performance, but it can match the competition. Allow me to elaborate.
Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation
Although the response is more stereo wide than holographic, the soundstage is sufficiently large and dispersed to give the impression of being big. Although the image is clear, it might have been more precise and crisp. Though not very well done, the note separation is helpful in helping to distinguish between the notes.
Speed & Resolution
The macro elements are plainly visible, but the micro details are less clear, and the notes' attack and decay aren't happening too quickly, which may have improved the impression of separation and clarity. Overall, the resolution is good.
Sound Impressions
Sources
Sony WM1A - When listening to Sea with WM1A, the response seemed remarkably better in terms of upper frequencies and much more balanced, with the highs and lows of the notes striking seeming softer and more steady. However, it did give the high treble a gloomy tone. The voices seemed more pleasant to listen to when the instruments sounded more soulful, while the abrupt surge of energy felt peaceful in the upper frequencies. The response was somewhat more audible but still had the same amount of body since the bass was less meatier and more sub bass focused.
Tempotec V6 - When listening to Sea with V6, the notes were closer in the mix and more polished, and the response was crisper and more focused. Nevertheless, the treble felt the same, with the exception that the sibilance felt less mixed in. The reply started to sound playful.
Akliam PD4 Plus - When listening to Sea with PD4, the reaction seemed less energizing and more dispersed, which contributed to its unified sound. It sounded more presentable and more linear in terms of energy thanks to the treble. Overall, the bass did feel weaker but the sub bass had a stronger sense of authority.
Tracks
Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun
Conclusion
In summary, I am really happy with the QuietSea since it has a really nice and appealing sound that makes the experience relaxing and pleasurable without sacrificing too much information. To be very honest, I didn't think this IEM would sound that captivating. I thus heartily recommend them.
Rose Technics QuietSea
I received the unit for an audition from ConceptKart as part of a review tour. Thanks to Gadgetgod for organizing the tour and including me in it. The QuietSea can be purchased from ConceptKart here.
The Rose Technics QuietSea (QSea henceforth) is a 10mm Single DD IEM with premium zinc-alloy CNC chambers and a self-developed topological diaphragm from Rose Technics. The IEM is small and comfortable and should be an easy fit even for the smallest of ears. In terms of looks, the IEM has a simple 2 tone design and is available in grey or silver color. The IEM comes with a 3.5mm SE fabric braided 5N OCC MMCX cable, which seems to be highly durable, should the QSea be your daily beater IEM.
Sound Impressions:
The QSea is a well-tuned slightly V-shaped IEM with good extensions on both ends, ie, bass and treble. The mids are slightly pushed back, but sound good given the overall tuning of the IEM. The IEM has decent bass, albeit more mid-bass focused than sub-bass. Not that it lacks sub-bass, just that the sub-bass is relatively tamed in comparison to the mid-bass. I used Dekoni Mercury memory foam ear tips with the IEM, which wasn’t a problem, even though the IEM had somewhat of an oval-shaped nozzle instead of the regular circular nozzle.
The treble is well-controlled and is not too bright or sibilant. The IEM has good imaging and a decent soundstage. The detail retrieval is excellent for the price point making it an engaging listen. The tuning is non fatiguing for the most part and given the comfortable shape and weightlessness of the shells, the QSea is a good candidate for long listening sessions.
I tried the QSea with the Dunu Hulk with 4.4mm BAL termination and was impressed by the improvement in terms of bass response (now having more rumble) and detail retrieval.
Conclusion:
If you’re in the market for a budget IEM that is comfortable for small ears and can be used for long listening sessions, the QSea is a good candidate. The non-fatiguing tuning and above-average technicalities make it a worthy candidate.
I received the unit for an audition from ConceptKart as part of a review tour. Thanks to Gadgetgod for organizing the tour and including me in it. The QuietSea can be purchased from ConceptKart here.
The Rose Technics QuietSea (QSea henceforth) is a 10mm Single DD IEM with premium zinc-alloy CNC chambers and a self-developed topological diaphragm from Rose Technics. The IEM is small and comfortable and should be an easy fit even for the smallest of ears. In terms of looks, the IEM has a simple 2 tone design and is available in grey or silver color. The IEM comes with a 3.5mm SE fabric braided 5N OCC MMCX cable, which seems to be highly durable, should the QSea be your daily beater IEM.
Sound Impressions:
The QSea is a well-tuned slightly V-shaped IEM with good extensions on both ends, ie, bass and treble. The mids are slightly pushed back, but sound good given the overall tuning of the IEM. The IEM has decent bass, albeit more mid-bass focused than sub-bass. Not that it lacks sub-bass, just that the sub-bass is relatively tamed in comparison to the mid-bass. I used Dekoni Mercury memory foam ear tips with the IEM, which wasn’t a problem, even though the IEM had somewhat of an oval-shaped nozzle instead of the regular circular nozzle.
The treble is well-controlled and is not too bright or sibilant. The IEM has good imaging and a decent soundstage. The detail retrieval is excellent for the price point making it an engaging listen. The tuning is non fatiguing for the most part and given the comfortable shape and weightlessness of the shells, the QSea is a good candidate for long listening sessions.
I tried the QSea with the Dunu Hulk with 4.4mm BAL termination and was impressed by the improvement in terms of bass response (now having more rumble) and detail retrieval.
Conclusion:
If you’re in the market for a budget IEM that is comfortable for small ears and can be used for long listening sessions, the QSea is a good candidate. The non-fatiguing tuning and above-average technicalities make it a worthy candidate.
Thanks to Concept Kart for the review tour and gadgetgod for organising the tour.
QuietSea - Buy link
Rose Technics has been an underrepresented brand, with some very nicely tuned iems in the past. Off late, they are making more inroads in terms of very nicely tuned iems.
The QuietSea (https://conceptkart.com/products/rose-technics-quietsea-iem) is no exception. The QuietSea (QS henceforth) is a 10mm single DD iem that is tuned with zinc alloy acoustic cavity.
Like the QT9, the QS is a similarly sized (tiny) iem that practically dissappears in the ears. They are very comfortable to wear and look fairly industrial in design with a 2 tone faceplate.
The cables are a twisted paracord covered OCC copper with decent heft. The cables are mmcx terminated (I dislike mmcx terminations in general). The cables, clad in paracord fabric can carry rustling through the cable to the ears.
The around the ear wear helps to a certain extent, but still has some noise carried over.
The cable looks very nice overall, in a darkish gray color, with a 3.5mm termination.
Sound and impressions
The iems sport an oval nozzle, that I havent seen since Klipsch iems. I used the Sony MH755 tips and got an excellent fit with no discomfort. Playing off the Akliam PD4 Plus dac dongle (also part of the tour),
the iems were powered well.
From a sound perspective, the iems are decently V shaped iem, with decent bass and treble extensions. There is decent amount of mid and sub bass on the unit. The tuning is a slight variation of harman tuning. There is treble extension and bass.
The mids are slightly pushed back, but the rest of the spectrum is fairly well tuned.
The treble extends decently well, but there can a little more brightness than I would like. The micro detail retrieval is superb and the stage is above average - large room, with good imaging.
Conclusions
The low - mid budget market is fairly congested and the Rose Technics QuietSea adds a nicely fitting (for small ears) iem in the mix, which does a lot of things well. One can compare it with the Simgot EA500 on an even keel.
For those small ears, this is a decent option, if you like harman tuning.
QuietSea - Buy link
Rose Technics has been an underrepresented brand, with some very nicely tuned iems in the past. Off late, they are making more inroads in terms of very nicely tuned iems.
The QuietSea (https://conceptkart.com/products/rose-technics-quietsea-iem) is no exception. The QuietSea (QS henceforth) is a 10mm single DD iem that is tuned with zinc alloy acoustic cavity.
Like the QT9, the QS is a similarly sized (tiny) iem that practically dissappears in the ears. They are very comfortable to wear and look fairly industrial in design with a 2 tone faceplate.
The cables are a twisted paracord covered OCC copper with decent heft. The cables are mmcx terminated (I dislike mmcx terminations in general). The cables, clad in paracord fabric can carry rustling through the cable to the ears.
The around the ear wear helps to a certain extent, but still has some noise carried over.
The cable looks very nice overall, in a darkish gray color, with a 3.5mm termination.
Sound and impressions
The iems sport an oval nozzle, that I havent seen since Klipsch iems. I used the Sony MH755 tips and got an excellent fit with no discomfort. Playing off the Akliam PD4 Plus dac dongle (also part of the tour),
the iems were powered well.
From a sound perspective, the iems are decently V shaped iem, with decent bass and treble extensions. There is decent amount of mid and sub bass on the unit. The tuning is a slight variation of harman tuning. There is treble extension and bass.
The mids are slightly pushed back, but the rest of the spectrum is fairly well tuned.
The treble extends decently well, but there can a little more brightness than I would like. The micro detail retrieval is superb and the stage is above average - large room, with good imaging.
Conclusions
The low - mid budget market is fairly congested and the Rose Technics QuietSea adds a nicely fitting (for small ears) iem in the mix, which does a lot of things well. One can compare it with the Simgot EA500 on an even keel.
For those small ears, this is a decent option, if you like harman tuning.
Rose Technics QuietSea Review
In this review, I want to share my experiences listening to and enjoying the Rose Technics QuietSea over the past few weeks. As you will see the QuietSea is a quality offering from Rose Technics with some pretty unique features especially at it price point of $89.99 but given it can be found for as little as $49.99 it deserves to be heard.So how would the Rose Technics QuietSea fit into your collection, lets find out in this review.
I would like to thank Rose Technics for providing the QuietSea for this review. If you are interested in purchasing the QuietSea available from their website here
Retail Box and unboxing
The QuietSea comes in a large box which immediately impresses you - the outside box has a subtle understated quality:
Once that is opened you have an inside box to appreciate:
Finally, opening this box finishes an impressive unboxing experience, with an excellent carrying case and some technical details on the construction of the IEM itself. This was easily the nicest packaging I have experienced for a sub $100 IEM:
Note: I thought the technical breakdown of the construction of the Quietsea on paper inside the box was a nice touch.
The QuietSea comes with a excellent protective carrying case which is far superior to other offering in this price range:
Within the carry case reveals an extremely high quality cable and a set of IEMs and a MMCX removal tool:
Mine came with a 3.5mm cable but you can also request a 4.4mm cable when purchasing the quietsea.
I thought the cable was excellent for the price, I really appreciate the little subtle touches so for example there is a protective film covering the part of the cable that goes around your ear both giving it shape but making it extremely comfortable. If I was to nitpick I did find the cable can get tangled easier than I expected.
Oval shape Nozzle
One unusual aspect of the quietsea is the oval shaped nozzle:
The eartip selection is a bit limited and due to the unique oval shape of the nozzle, these eartips also have a matching oval shape opening:
But I found all of my normal eartips including foam ear tips, worked fine and formed a good seal, so you do not need to worry about finding oval shapes eartips if you choose not to use the stock eartips.
IEM Design:
Central to the package, the QuietSea earphones themselves are meticulously crafted, showcasing the excellent shell design. Rose Technics have partner with IkkoAudio in this design and it is no surprise that the QuietSea shares its design with the IKKO OH2 Opal. Each earpiece is constructed from a robust combination of PC and Aluminum Alloy, ensuring durability without compromising on style and with a lovely transparent polycarbonate window to view the drivers.
The Quietsea utilises MMCX connector - I personally would have rather a recessed 2-pin connector but I imagine Rose Technics choose the MMCX as it is more typically used in higher end IEM’s and adds to the overall premium feel for the overall package:
Here is a short video showcasing the lovely clear shell from different angles:
Size Comparison:
I thought to give a better feel for the size to expect with the QuietSea, I would take a few comparison photos with some of my other IEM’s that you might already be familiar with in your collection.So here is the size compared to the Truthear Zero Red (which is possible at the upper end of the scale for size of IEM shell) and the Tanchjim One (which is a small almost a ‘bullet sized’ IEM):
Note: This comparison is just showing how the QuietSea is sort of at the ‘goldie locks’ size, not too big and not too small and therefore should suit the majority of ears. The shape of the QuietSea is not opinionated so again should accommodate and be very comfortable in the majority of ears.
Comfort
As you can hopefully see from the comparison photos above the Rose Technics QuietSea size and shape make it a very comfortable, I like the angle of the nozzle allowing the IEM to sit firmly in my ears without moving when out walking. I found myself wearing it for hours without problems. Combined with the comfortable cable this makes it a very comfortable experience.Sound Quality, Specifications and Measurements
I spent a few days getting to know and I do love the sound profile of the QuietSea. In my opinion, there are too many ‘boring’ IEMs in this price range trying to either be “Harman/Neutral” or “V-Shaped” but the Rose Technics decided to do something a little different and it is one of the reasons, I think it should be included in everyone collection.So the Quiet Sea has what can be called ‘rich’ textured sound with an emphasis on the mid-bass. Sometimes when this area is emphasised it can sound bloated but the QuietSea have controlled this well by balancing it with some treble extension, giving a beautiful profile for particular genres of music like Blues and Classic Rock. The trade off with this profile is the lack of “detail” so imaging can suffer but I never felt that I missed anything with the QuietSea so Rose Technics did a very nice job with the tuning. But let’s get into the detail of what you can expect:
Bass
So the first thing you will notice with thq Quietsea is the bass, not the sub-bass which is there but a little recessed, but that mid-bass texture is there in abundance, give lovely weight to classic blues and rock tracks and really pulling out bass detail in lots of genres. As well as classic rock, I loved these when listening to latest Britany Howard especially ‘What now’ where the bass really hits hard.Midrange
While the midrange is clear and engaging it is not the best aspect of the Quietsea, I would say it good in most tracks but a few instruments in a few tracks where a little recessed. So Bob Marley ‘Is this love’ sounded a little restrained, but the majority of tracks the midrange was good and I have no real complaints.Treble
The treble is mostly excellent, providing a lovely texture to tracks, with some ’technicalities’ though never overpowering and I was able to listen to the quietsea for hours without any treble ‘fatigue’. For anyone who suffers for ‘sibilance’ this is a good choice as it sounds ‘alive’ yet not sibilant. Too many tunings either over emphasis the treble or sound ‘dead’ due to lack treble, while there is a good balance here. I especially appreciated the treble when balanced with the bass, so tracks like New Orders ‘Fine Time’ had the appropriate electronic treble balanced with the mid-bass rumble.Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage was reasonable good with the Quiet Sea, tracks like Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’ with a lovely 3D effect as the vocals and guitars swirling around during the middle section of this classic, with the imaging in more binaural recordings like Perfume Genius ‘Just Life Love’ sounded good but a bit muffled by the mid-bass.Specifications:
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver Type | 10mm Dynamic Driver |
| Impedance | 32Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99dB |
| FR Range | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Termination Options | 3.5mm or 4.4mm |
Measurements:
These measurement were taken with my 711 ‘clone’ coupler and are available on my measurement database [here](/iems/?share=Harman_Adjusted_Target,Rose Technics_QuietSea_Stock)Frequency Response
Here is the Left and Right frequency response compared to the Harman target.
Very good channel matching except for one area within the upper midrange which was not an audible difference.
Alternative Ear-tips
As well as the stock tips I used a few different types of ear tips and as you can see you can significant alter especially the treble response using different ear tips:
Some comparisons
Here are some comparisons with other IEM’s
For this comparison I decided to pick 2 alternative tunings a very V-shaped Kiwi ears Forteza and a Harman target IEM with the ‘popular’ DSP profile on the Tanchjim One DSP. As you can hopefully see the sits as a distinct tuning between these and this is definitely a reason that I feel it should be part of your collection of IEM’s. This would be a boring hobble if every IEM sounded the same so having a variety of sound profiles available is the
Distortion
Very little distortion so if you plan to use EQ with this IEM it will take it very well:
For those who like to EQ - here are 2 simple filters to switch the profile to a more neutral profile, but I personally would not recommend this EQ for this IEM, enjoy it for the interesting profile that Rose Technics have given the Quiet Sea.
Preamp: -5.2 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 21 Hz Gain 5.3 dB Q 0.500
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 180 Hz Gain -3.1 dB Q 0.800
Rating
I gave the Rose Technics QuietSea a pragmatic rating of 4.5 based - it comes in a very premium package with a great cable and carry case, and it has a gorgeous design. I loved the rich bass but the midrange unevenness slightly lets down the overall score. But for the price especially the $49.99 price it is an incredible overall offering.Conclusion
The Rose Technics QuietSea is a great IEM to add to your collection especially if you want something a little different than the typical ‘harman target’ IEM in this price range. The overall quality and ‘rich’ sound profile make the QuietSea a premium offering. I would highly recommend this IEM to add to your collection.
Introduction
Founded in 2015, Rose Technics is an emerging audio brand that has spent years in the pursuit of unparalleled original sound reproduction through intelligent technology and meticulous craftsmanship.
I can't hide my fondness for this brand and have been lucky enough to review some of their great models, such as the Mini2 MKII 2.0, the QT9 MK2 and QT9 MK2s, as well as the Martini earbuds. And I have to admit that each of them is on my list of favourites in their respective categories. So it's no wonder that every Rose Technics model that comes on the market gets my attention. That's why I'm in luck again today, to be able to review their QuietSea model. At first glance, I thought it was a clone of the Ikko OH2 as the capsules are completely identical. However, the brand acknowledges that the QuietSea has been designed in collaboration with IKKO after studying over 7000 ear samples to design a universal shape that is comfortable for the masses. On the other hand, it has also been tuned by professional acoustic engineers with years of experience in this field. It is a joint work of Mr. Xie (acoustic engineer of Rose Technics) and Mr. GaoQiao (ex-Tokio Audio). Together they have fine-tuned the tuning of the pair to create an effortless sound with dynamic resolution and rich tonality. The pair has been tuned to deliver a quality sound for multiple musical genres.
Internally, the QuietSea is a new model that uses a unique CNC-machined zinc alloy dual-chamber dynamic driver. It uses a special gold-plated brass dual-chambered dynamic driver with a topological diaphragm that produces a clear sound with ultra-low distortion. The pair is supplied with a high-purity four-strand monocrystalline copper wire. It also uses a powerful magnetic design: the transducer parameters are constantly adjusted and optimised so that the pair has a controlled airflow and produces a more accurate and lively sound. The pair achieves a magnetic flux of more than 1.5T, which also aids in easy handling.
RoseTechnics Quiet Sea IEMs come with a premium quality cable as standard. This is a high-purity four-strand monocrystalline copper cable made from premium OCC 5N wire cores. This cable has a standard 3.5mm connector option and is also available in a 4.4mm balanced version.
After this comprehensive introduction from the brand, let's take a look at what the Rose QuietSea really looks like, in my view of course.
Specifications
Packaging
The Rose QuietSea comes in a medium-sized black box, whose dimensions are 195x145x52mm. On the front side you can barely see anything: Chinese lettering inscribed in the centre and wavy lines moving across the diagonal of the box. On the back, at the top are the product specifications. Underneath are the brand's contact details, in the centre the name of the model and below that the logos of the certifications it complies with. There is also a sticker with the colour and cable connection. In my case it is the Silver version with 4.4mm cable. After removing the outer cardboard, a matte black box with the same Chinese lettering in the middle appears. The box opens like a chest and the first thing you see is a sheet of onion paper with the capsule exploded view. Underneath is a large foam mould that protects the two capsules and the grey zippered case. Underneath is a user's manual and inside the case are the rest of the items. In summary, the complete contents are as follows:
It is clear that this is a very high quality set of capsules, cable and case. It is very difficult to find a cable as good as the one that comes standard with these Rose QuietSea. I insist that I don't like the MMCX connection and I must confess that this connection fails me in the previous QT9 MK2 and QT9 MK2s models and that prevents me from enjoying them with total freedom. On the other hand, it is also worth mentioning that the zippered case is excellent for the price, both in finish and size, as it is able to hold the whole set with ease and has a zip that slides smoothly.
Construction and Design
It is clear that this is a capsule design that has already been seen in the Ikko OH2. The capsule of the QuietSea is divided into three parts: the inner side is grey (in this case) and is metallic, although it doesn't look like it. Then there is a central part made of transparent, dark polycarbonate, which covers part of the outer face. Finally, the outer face is closed with another metallic portion. On it is the model name and logo, as well as a small slot. The transparent side allows you to see some of the cables inside. On its edge is also the gold-plated MMCX connection. Next to it is a letter indicating the channel. The whole external face has a shape very similar to an equilateral triangle with very rounded corners. The final size is small/medium. The outer face has no strange shape, it is quite smooth except for a protrusion resulting from the MMCX connection. The inner face is smooth and rounded and the mouthpiece does not have a very elongated projection. Almost the entire inner face is at the same level and when the mouthpiece is reached, it stretches abruptly along its entire length. These nozzles are oval and have a perforated metal grid. Finally, there is a hole in the very centre of the inner face.
As for the cable, it is possibly the best cable that can be found as standard in this price range. It is a 4-strand coiled cable protected by a grey textile layer. It uses a high purity monocrystalline copper conductor made from premium OCC 5N wire cores. This cable has a standard 3.5mm jack option and can also be chosen in a balanced 4.4mm version. The jack connector sleeve is a smooth metal cylinder. The 4.4mm BAL connector is gold plated. The cable outlet is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve. The splitter has a hexagonal metal sleeve with the brand logo inscribed in the centre as well as the brand name. Inside is a black plastic piece that imprisons the cables. The back is an oval metal piece that has the same surface as the rest of the pieces. Inside there is another black plastic piece in the shape of an 8 that holds the cable tightly. The cable has semi-rigid transparent plastic ear guides. The sleeves of the MMCX connectors are two smooth metal cylinders, with the same shape and surface as the other parts of the cable. The MMCX connectors are gold plated.
A design shared with Ikko, with a very suitable shape that has oval nozzles. The cable is of very high quality. But it has MMCX connections, something that may ruin my experience with this model over time, as it has happened with the previous QT9 MK2 and QT9 MK2s. A pity.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
Although it may not look like it, the opaque parts of the capsule are metallic. The size of the capsule is medium to small. The mouthpieces are short and oval in shape. They have a particular angle. The result is ergonomic but clearly aimed at a superficial insertion. In this case there are no oval tips as in the Ikko model. However, they were not suitable for my morphology. Neither are the standard tips and I had to resort to my home-made large foam-filled tips. As they have a large inner core, they fit easily into the oval mouthpieces.
As I said at the time, I think the great design of the Ikko/Rose feels penalised by the boldness of their oval mouthpiece design. I maintain the impression that its fit is critical, not straightforward and will not be appropriate for many users. Fortunately, it is not difficult to find other suitable tips, either foam or silicone, with a more traditional shape, on the aftermarket.
All in all, the ergonomics might seem exceptional due to the small size of the capsules and their relatively flat design. But when it comes down to it, the shallow fit and the oval mouthpieces mean that over time I feel that the shape is not the most suitable for my ear canal, causing me some discomfort and fatigue. And that's a pity because the fit and integration of the capsules in my ear is very good.
Sound
Profile
There is a certain similarity in the frequency response of the QuietSea to the Harman 2019 target. It is possible that it has a softer bass and that the double peak in the midrange and early treble is more pronounced. There is arguably a more pronounced W trend in those high end peaks. But there is also a clear extension in the treble area. In this way, the profile is slightly oriented towards brightness and light, something that is obviously noticeable in that W that exists in the 2khz, 5khz and between 8 and 10kHz. Honestly, I would have liked those peaks to be smoother and the lower sub-bass end to be higher. But this is not my tuning, but a collaboration between Mr. Xie (Rose Technics acoustic engineer) and Mr. GaoQiao (ex-Tokio Audio).
Actually, it is not a completely unique tuning, as you can see several models moving very close to their frequency response.
Bass
The low end is relatively neutral, for a bass lover like me. It is clear that I would have raised the sub-bass end, leaving the rest of the lower range in the same way. However, I have to admit that the bass has quite a bit of personality and is more than noticeable. First, because of their sonority. The QuietSea have a dual, dark behaviour in this area, something that differentiates them from the rest of the IEMS and gives them a greater sense of depth and realism. This dark component is apparent in the very low frequency pure tone test. The 20Hz tone reproduction emits a coloured sound vibration accompanied by this dark and relatively sensory sound. This dual perception is not quite normal and I must confess that, despite being slightly unreal, it has a certain attractive and peculiar sonority that makes the QuietSea's bass quite unique. From 30hz onwards the sense of darkness is mixed with a sound wave of distinctly sensitive power that gives it a sense of superior body, volume and presence. It is possibly this characteristic that gives the bass sound so much personality and a presence above neutrality, as well as its very attractive, yet dark and coloured behaviour. It is not a sensory bass, nor is it the deepest or darkest, but it does have a blend that makes it more expansive, fuller and more voluminous. There are many IEMS that stay in the sub-bass, generating a deep, physical sensation, but they remain relatively low in punch, as does their extension. The QuietSea stretches the sub-bass boundary and joins it with the low-midrange, keeping it fairly horizontal towards the midrange. In this way, the lower range becomes large, noticeable and voluminous. If it lacked control and speed, the result could be disastrous, but the QuietSea shines in both respects. Technically speaking, the bass hits are compact, rounded, fast, with just enough spring to give them realism, but without overdoing it to maintain a compact, concise and tight body. It doesn't feel dry, but rather juicy, full-bodied and with a sonority that mixes a subtly coloured vibration with a dark and rich aftertaste. It is this behaviour that moves the low end away from neutrality. Although it is not an IEM for bass heads, its behaviour is clearly oriented towards bass lovers due to its particular qualitative characteristics. It is undeniable that there is power, even more than I would interpret by looking at the graph. And that is the result of a lower range that is quite linear, that is not only focused on the bass-midrange, but is able to be present in the whole range.
In the unfiltered, dirty bass reproduction test, the QuietSea's are able to follow bass lines quite easily, without mixing them up, keeping the bass in check and delimiting them masterfully. They are able to locate them in their zone and do not let them take up more space than necessary and realistic. In this way, the intrusion in the midrange is very low and allows the vocals and other elements to maintain their prominence. It is true that a certain colouring persists in the lower notes, something that can be off-putting for purists. But it is also true that this sense of dual and dark sonority allows to maintain that fragile magnetic and powerful balance that grabs my attention. To all this, and as a result, we must add a texture that is the fruit of this dual reproduction: the vibration and the darkness give rise to a rough mantle that is the culmination of a sound and behaviour that is as particular as it is attractive.
Mids
The first part of the midrange carries the existing body and volume of the lower range, but a lower prominence. In this way, the male voices possess physicality, a marked base, with a certain power and volume, although it is placed at a certain distance that prevents them from being more of a protagonist. They lack a point in their extension to be more complete and presential, something that keeps them from having a more exuberant and richer representation. There are times when they feel closer, but they still lack a more constant thrust throughout, as well as a higher power. It's as if there is a certain hollowness in some phases. The base is very good, with a strong physical, visible and sensory foundation. But, as the voice fills out, a certain bump is perceived, while the higher elements become more prominent. This is how the hissing and wheezing flirt with the permissible limit. It is not a markedly sibilant IEM, but those peaks at 2Khz and 5khz make them more visible than usual in these aspects. Ultimately, the first half of the midrange ends up with that sunkier aspect that prevents a more balanced and fuller range. And that's coupled with a rapid ascent into the midrange-highs. But somehow the QuietSea manages to maintain some control and retain a more homogeneous sonority than the chart represents in this area. I don't find the midranges to be deliberately bright, shouty or excited, but rather keep a warm base, supported by that dark air of the bass, which helps it to remain in that natural, somewhat analogue and romantic zone, despite the final brightness of the harmonics. It is true that many elements end with that final sparkle, brilliance and shine, leaving, at times, a space in the middle that does not feel occupied. But it is also true that the weight of the notes is high and their representation is relatively thick. This characteristic moves the QuietSea away from a sharp or analytical sound and places it in that gentler, more homogeneous environment, despite those bright nuances in the higher harmonics. As a result, the female vocals are more prominent, as are the guitars, while the cymbals become more persistent. This is not a brilliant timbre, but its balance is sustained by that mix of darkness, note weight and sparkling nuance.
The QuietSea have quite good clarity and transparency, which contrasts with the darkness and warmth of the low end. In the sum, brightness and light may win out, but the thickness of the notes and the smoothness of their travel also support the result being a more pleasant and musical sound, rather than thin or sharp. And that's something the sibilance is grateful for, as it would otherwise be more piercing, given that the QuietSea flirts with that hot zone on many occasions.
The end result is an ambivalent, but corrected, zone that can be very pleasant and relatively splashy. It retains a good timbre, a solid base, a somewhat discreet and distant centre point, which contrasts with an excited second half, clear, crisp and present, but rounded in its development, to maintain smoothness and a certain musical homogeneity.
Treble
The treble starts from the peak of the midrange-high, energetically speaking. Quickly, the tuning places a control zone to counteract the negative effects of such a rise. That slight drop prevents the first highs from being too sharp or hot. However, Rose has managed to stretch the high end beyond what is usual for a dynamic driver in this price range. This way, the energy level persists and this is felt in our eardrums. The advantage is that the treble is not completely thin, sharp or piercing, but has a subtly rounded edge, which makes it easier to tolerate.
It is clear that the energy level in the midrange and the first two phases of the treble outweigh the power struggle that exists with the low end. Despite this, both the weight of the notes and their thickness and rounded peak, the sound remains below my tolerable limit, maintaining very musical sound characteristics, without losing brightness and sparkle in the higher harmonics. All this gives it an extra richness in the nuances and end points of the elements. As well as a certainly natural, albeit excited, sonority, within the sound channels of a dynamic driver. But there is also a bright undertone, which can be more or less persistent depending on the song or genre of music. This aspect is another factor that can lead to fatigue for the listener who is used to a softer, lighter environment in the high end, not as explicit and exposed as the QuietSea's treble.
Finally, there is a certain amount of noticeable and pleasant air.
Soundstage, Separation
In my opinion, the QuietSea has a good balance on all three axes, with none being too superior to the other. They are not too wide and have a good level of depth, as well as a moderately good height. This gives them a rather semi-spherical, but frontal representation. The good height perception adds a certain subtly ethereal, three-dimensional effect, but without going over the head. The remarkable lateral impression offers a stereo presence that falls just short of crossing 180 degrees. However, the whole remains attached to the head, at a specific distance. It is not an intimate scene, because it goes beyond and that is something that the depth it generates overcomes this barrier. But it remains in that spherical representation I have already mentioned.
The amount of air, clarity and transparency helps to generate a certain vapour in the scene and to distance the already well-separated elements, thanks to the good technical characteristics of the QuietSea. Even this unforced distancing of the elements is enough to feel an incipient dark background.
Everything seems well placed in this semi-sphere of controlled distances. In this way, the image is discernible and the provenance of the elements is simple and easily located.
I have already mentioned that this is not an analytical sound. But there is a remarkable level of technique that allows a great deal of detail to be visible. It is true that the more excited tuning in the high end makes the high details more perceptible and has a tendency to overshadow small elements in the midrange. But even so, I was surprised by the ability to discern these micro details in a seemingly small area. The layers are not very far apart because of the limited distance, but there is enough air, distance and technical skill to represent those elements. It's a pity that the weight is heaviest in the treble. But within such a controlled space, the QuietSea are able to reveal a lot of detail without sounding analytical or unnatural. And this is something I didn't expect in this price range.
Comparisons
Simgot EA500 Black Filter
The simgot EA500 are IEMS that play in a similar price range. While it is true that the Rose cost $90 on their own website, it is easy to find them for $50 in some specialised shops. At this price, it's a bargain set, almost unbeatable. The Simgot's cost around $71 at the time of this review and can certainly be a great touchstone for the QuietSea. Starting with the packaging, the EA500 has a large zippered case, as does the Rose, 2 pairs of tuning mouthpieces, which gives it an advantage over the Rose. In terms of accessories it's very similar, but I'll take the Rose's cable, with the 4.4mm BAL connector and that textile cover available to very few as a standard accessory. On the other hand, the EA500's cable is not bad, silver-plated with two transparent strands with PVC coating and a 3.5mm SE connector with a rather simple plastic sleeve. In terms of capsule construction, the EA500s feature a polished, shiny, mirror-finished design. Its shape is an equilateral triangle with very rounded corners, a stubby body and a two-tiered inner face. In addition, as mentioned, it has two pairs of interchangeable nozzles. These provide a slight change in the midrange and treble. The Black filter excites the tips of the peaks in the second half of the frequency response. This filter has been used for comparison with the QuietSea because of its closer sonic resemblance.
In terms of ergonomics, despite the larger size of the EA500s, they fit very well in my ear canal. At first, the QuietSea seem better in this respect, with the smaller capsule that seems to hide in my ears and fit more flatly. But, as time goes by, they end up producing a discomfort that did not appear at the beginning. This has meant that from a very promising start, I have lost the ergonomic battle against the EA500, even though they are heavier and bigger.
In terms of sound performance and sensitivity, the EA500s are slightly more sensitive, although the difference is subtle.
As you can see from the comparison of the two frequency responses, the QuietSea should be brighter. However, in my opinion the EA500s have a brighter sound, whereas I find the QuietSea warmer. It may be the thickness of the notes. The EA500s are lighter, thinner and more analytical. From the low end, the Simgot are drier, compact, tight, technically good and precise. They have a slicker texture and a great behaviour. The QuietSea's are slightly more elastic, with a bit more bite, more darkness, a rougher and more pronounced texture, giving a warmer, rounder and deeper feel. I prefer the QuietSea's slightly dirtier, thicker, darker, deeper and rougher bass. The EA500s are more academic and refined in that respect. And it's worth noting that the frequency response curve is practically the same, the difference is in that colour, in that more textured surface of the QuietSea and in the technical skill and control of the EA500.
In the midrange, the difference in note weight and finesse persists. The EA500s are thinner, finer, leaner and more defined. There is a slight warmth to the QuietSea's, which gives vocals a denser, fuller base and a smoother, rounder and subtly closer colour. However, the EA500s seem technically superior, offering cleaner, clearer, more separated and defined midranges. It's clear that this is a battle between the more relaxed, darker, smoother and rounder sound of the QuietSea, versus the more refined, cleaner, neater, clearer, crisper, cleaner, thinner, leaner, more separated and analytical sound of the EA500. Within such a similar profile, this differential timbre and behaviour can form a great combo to enjoy on a variety of occasions.
The high end of the EA500s is more piercing, crisp and penetrating, due to their thinner, cooler notes. There may be more lift and energy in the QuietSea, but their rounder timbre and note weight make them less sibilant and more restrained in those peaks. There is plenty of extension in both models, and the difference is still in the way the treble is represented in the two models, as well as the subtle differences in energy. Both have great extension for dynamic drivers in this price range, though.
In terms of detail, the EA500s are more explicit and may appear to be much more expressive and informative in this department. But, as is often the case, the macro-detail so present tends to obscure small nuances by overexposure. However, the QuietSea's maintain a good relationship between macro and micro detail that favours the observation of those fine details, even reaching higher levels than the EA500, depending on where they are located. The Rose's have more depth and that helps them to generate layers and decipher them better. On the other hand, the sound is more refined, thinner and separated in the EA500s, while their background seems darker and more discernible, as it also treasures a greater sense of resolution and precision.
In terms of scene, the EA500s are airy, separated, with very good width, even height. But the QuietSea's are a little deeper. Perhaps there's more of a three-dimensional, open feel to the Simgot, because of that more splashy, dynamic sound, which seems to have more movement, a crisper, more oval exposure. The QuietSea persist in a rounder, more recessed representation at the extremes.
Conclusion
Rose Technics does not disappoint despite using a shared design with Ikko and a frequency response with a couple of somewhat repellent peaks. The Rose QuietSea are excellent IEMS that should be listened to with open ears. The clear example that a graphic does not completely dictate the sound of an IEMS. They come with a spectacular cable, which could be half the price of the set, with the possibility to choose a 4.4mm balanced connection and a case that would have been a dream for higher-priced models. With a price on the brand's website of $90, but which can be found in specialised shops for $50, they represent an aural kick to the rest of the competition. And not just in terms of design and accessories, but more importantly in terms of sound. With a very distinctive bass that blends darkness and roughness with an engaging and captivating sonority, the QuietSea's are deep and pleasing in the first half of the frequency range. The early midranges are well grounded, relatively full sounding and possess a warm timbre peppered with energetic treble, but softened at the peaks to control musicality, but without losing sparkle and extension. Very capable at revealing detail, with a great balance in the presentation of micro and macro elements, they also have a good ability to recreate layers of sound and separate them in depth, generating a realistic, semi-spherical and relatively wide scene. Undoubtedly, a very musical model, more balanced and enjoyable than I might have thought at first. If it wasn't Rose it could be a surprise for me. But, in this case, it's all about maintaining a very high standard, something that may prove difficult for the competition and also for the brand's future models. But it only makes me want to test their new models all the more.
Sources Used During the Analysis
Purchase Link
You can read the full review in Spanish here
Founded in 2015, Rose Technics is an emerging audio brand that has spent years in the pursuit of unparalleled original sound reproduction through intelligent technology and meticulous craftsmanship.
I can't hide my fondness for this brand and have been lucky enough to review some of their great models, such as the Mini2 MKII 2.0, the QT9 MK2 and QT9 MK2s, as well as the Martini earbuds. And I have to admit that each of them is on my list of favourites in their respective categories. So it's no wonder that every Rose Technics model that comes on the market gets my attention. That's why I'm in luck again today, to be able to review their QuietSea model. At first glance, I thought it was a clone of the Ikko OH2 as the capsules are completely identical. However, the brand acknowledges that the QuietSea has been designed in collaboration with IKKO after studying over 7000 ear samples to design a universal shape that is comfortable for the masses. On the other hand, it has also been tuned by professional acoustic engineers with years of experience in this field. It is a joint work of Mr. Xie (acoustic engineer of Rose Technics) and Mr. GaoQiao (ex-Tokio Audio). Together they have fine-tuned the tuning of the pair to create an effortless sound with dynamic resolution and rich tonality. The pair has been tuned to deliver a quality sound for multiple musical genres.
Internally, the QuietSea is a new model that uses a unique CNC-machined zinc alloy dual-chamber dynamic driver. It uses a special gold-plated brass dual-chambered dynamic driver with a topological diaphragm that produces a clear sound with ultra-low distortion. The pair is supplied with a high-purity four-strand monocrystalline copper wire. It also uses a powerful magnetic design: the transducer parameters are constantly adjusted and optimised so that the pair has a controlled airflow and produces a more accurate and lively sound. The pair achieves a magnetic flux of more than 1.5T, which also aids in easy handling.
RoseTechnics Quiet Sea IEMs come with a premium quality cable as standard. This is a high-purity four-strand monocrystalline copper cable made from premium OCC 5N wire cores. This cable has a standard 3.5mm connector option and is also available in a 4.4mm balanced version.
After this comprehensive introduction from the brand, let's take a look at what the Rose QuietSea really looks like, in my view of course.
Specifications
- Driver Type: Dual chamber dynamic with 10mm topological diaphragm.
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz.
- Sensitivity: 99dB.
- Impedance: 32Ω.
- Harmonic Distortion Ratio: less than 0.1%.
- Jack Connector: Choice of SE 3.5mm or BAL 4.4mm.
- Capsule Connection Type: MMCX
- Cable Length: 120cm.
- Weight: 20g.
Packaging
The Rose QuietSea comes in a medium-sized black box, whose dimensions are 195x145x52mm. On the front side you can barely see anything: Chinese lettering inscribed in the centre and wavy lines moving across the diagonal of the box. On the back, at the top are the product specifications. Underneath are the brand's contact details, in the centre the name of the model and below that the logos of the certifications it complies with. There is also a sticker with the colour and cable connection. In my case it is the Silver version with 4.4mm cable. After removing the outer cardboard, a matte black box with the same Chinese lettering in the middle appears. The box opens like a chest and the first thing you see is a sheet of onion paper with the capsule exploded view. Underneath is a large foam mould that protects the two capsules and the grey zippered case. Underneath is a user's manual and inside the case are the rest of the items. In summary, the complete contents are as follows:
- The two Rose QuietSea capsules.
- A four-strand coiled textile-coated cable with 4.4mm connector.
- One zippered case.
- Three pairs of white silicone tips.
- One tool for removing the MMCX connectors.
- One user manual.
It is clear that this is a very high quality set of capsules, cable and case. It is very difficult to find a cable as good as the one that comes standard with these Rose QuietSea. I insist that I don't like the MMCX connection and I must confess that this connection fails me in the previous QT9 MK2 and QT9 MK2s models and that prevents me from enjoying them with total freedom. On the other hand, it is also worth mentioning that the zippered case is excellent for the price, both in finish and size, as it is able to hold the whole set with ease and has a zip that slides smoothly.
Construction and Design
It is clear that this is a capsule design that has already been seen in the Ikko OH2. The capsule of the QuietSea is divided into three parts: the inner side is grey (in this case) and is metallic, although it doesn't look like it. Then there is a central part made of transparent, dark polycarbonate, which covers part of the outer face. Finally, the outer face is closed with another metallic portion. On it is the model name and logo, as well as a small slot. The transparent side allows you to see some of the cables inside. On its edge is also the gold-plated MMCX connection. Next to it is a letter indicating the channel. The whole external face has a shape very similar to an equilateral triangle with very rounded corners. The final size is small/medium. The outer face has no strange shape, it is quite smooth except for a protrusion resulting from the MMCX connection. The inner face is smooth and rounded and the mouthpiece does not have a very elongated projection. Almost the entire inner face is at the same level and when the mouthpiece is reached, it stretches abruptly along its entire length. These nozzles are oval and have a perforated metal grid. Finally, there is a hole in the very centre of the inner face.
As for the cable, it is possibly the best cable that can be found as standard in this price range. It is a 4-strand coiled cable protected by a grey textile layer. It uses a high purity monocrystalline copper conductor made from premium OCC 5N wire cores. This cable has a standard 3.5mm jack option and can also be chosen in a balanced 4.4mm version. The jack connector sleeve is a smooth metal cylinder. The 4.4mm BAL connector is gold plated. The cable outlet is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve. The splitter has a hexagonal metal sleeve with the brand logo inscribed in the centre as well as the brand name. Inside is a black plastic piece that imprisons the cables. The back is an oval metal piece that has the same surface as the rest of the pieces. Inside there is another black plastic piece in the shape of an 8 that holds the cable tightly. The cable has semi-rigid transparent plastic ear guides. The sleeves of the MMCX connectors are two smooth metal cylinders, with the same shape and surface as the other parts of the cable. The MMCX connectors are gold plated.
A design shared with Ikko, with a very suitable shape that has oval nozzles. The cable is of very high quality. But it has MMCX connections, something that may ruin my experience with this model over time, as it has happened with the previous QT9 MK2 and QT9 MK2s. A pity.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
Although it may not look like it, the opaque parts of the capsule are metallic. The size of the capsule is medium to small. The mouthpieces are short and oval in shape. They have a particular angle. The result is ergonomic but clearly aimed at a superficial insertion. In this case there are no oval tips as in the Ikko model. However, they were not suitable for my morphology. Neither are the standard tips and I had to resort to my home-made large foam-filled tips. As they have a large inner core, they fit easily into the oval mouthpieces.
As I said at the time, I think the great design of the Ikko/Rose feels penalised by the boldness of their oval mouthpiece design. I maintain the impression that its fit is critical, not straightforward and will not be appropriate for many users. Fortunately, it is not difficult to find other suitable tips, either foam or silicone, with a more traditional shape, on the aftermarket.
All in all, the ergonomics might seem exceptional due to the small size of the capsules and their relatively flat design. But when it comes down to it, the shallow fit and the oval mouthpieces mean that over time I feel that the shape is not the most suitable for my ear canal, causing me some discomfort and fatigue. And that's a pity because the fit and integration of the capsules in my ear is very good.
Sound
Profile
There is a certain similarity in the frequency response of the QuietSea to the Harman 2019 target. It is possible that it has a softer bass and that the double peak in the midrange and early treble is more pronounced. There is arguably a more pronounced W trend in those high end peaks. But there is also a clear extension in the treble area. In this way, the profile is slightly oriented towards brightness and light, something that is obviously noticeable in that W that exists in the 2khz, 5khz and between 8 and 10kHz. Honestly, I would have liked those peaks to be smoother and the lower sub-bass end to be higher. But this is not my tuning, but a collaboration between Mr. Xie (Rose Technics acoustic engineer) and Mr. GaoQiao (ex-Tokio Audio).
Actually, it is not a completely unique tuning, as you can see several models moving very close to their frequency response.
Bass
The low end is relatively neutral, for a bass lover like me. It is clear that I would have raised the sub-bass end, leaving the rest of the lower range in the same way. However, I have to admit that the bass has quite a bit of personality and is more than noticeable. First, because of their sonority. The QuietSea have a dual, dark behaviour in this area, something that differentiates them from the rest of the IEMS and gives them a greater sense of depth and realism. This dark component is apparent in the very low frequency pure tone test. The 20Hz tone reproduction emits a coloured sound vibration accompanied by this dark and relatively sensory sound. This dual perception is not quite normal and I must confess that, despite being slightly unreal, it has a certain attractive and peculiar sonority that makes the QuietSea's bass quite unique. From 30hz onwards the sense of darkness is mixed with a sound wave of distinctly sensitive power that gives it a sense of superior body, volume and presence. It is possibly this characteristic that gives the bass sound so much personality and a presence above neutrality, as well as its very attractive, yet dark and coloured behaviour. It is not a sensory bass, nor is it the deepest or darkest, but it does have a blend that makes it more expansive, fuller and more voluminous. There are many IEMS that stay in the sub-bass, generating a deep, physical sensation, but they remain relatively low in punch, as does their extension. The QuietSea stretches the sub-bass boundary and joins it with the low-midrange, keeping it fairly horizontal towards the midrange. In this way, the lower range becomes large, noticeable and voluminous. If it lacked control and speed, the result could be disastrous, but the QuietSea shines in both respects. Technically speaking, the bass hits are compact, rounded, fast, with just enough spring to give them realism, but without overdoing it to maintain a compact, concise and tight body. It doesn't feel dry, but rather juicy, full-bodied and with a sonority that mixes a subtly coloured vibration with a dark and rich aftertaste. It is this behaviour that moves the low end away from neutrality. Although it is not an IEM for bass heads, its behaviour is clearly oriented towards bass lovers due to its particular qualitative characteristics. It is undeniable that there is power, even more than I would interpret by looking at the graph. And that is the result of a lower range that is quite linear, that is not only focused on the bass-midrange, but is able to be present in the whole range.
In the unfiltered, dirty bass reproduction test, the QuietSea's are able to follow bass lines quite easily, without mixing them up, keeping the bass in check and delimiting them masterfully. They are able to locate them in their zone and do not let them take up more space than necessary and realistic. In this way, the intrusion in the midrange is very low and allows the vocals and other elements to maintain their prominence. It is true that a certain colouring persists in the lower notes, something that can be off-putting for purists. But it is also true that this sense of dual and dark sonority allows to maintain that fragile magnetic and powerful balance that grabs my attention. To all this, and as a result, we must add a texture that is the fruit of this dual reproduction: the vibration and the darkness give rise to a rough mantle that is the culmination of a sound and behaviour that is as particular as it is attractive.
Mids
The first part of the midrange carries the existing body and volume of the lower range, but a lower prominence. In this way, the male voices possess physicality, a marked base, with a certain power and volume, although it is placed at a certain distance that prevents them from being more of a protagonist. They lack a point in their extension to be more complete and presential, something that keeps them from having a more exuberant and richer representation. There are times when they feel closer, but they still lack a more constant thrust throughout, as well as a higher power. It's as if there is a certain hollowness in some phases. The base is very good, with a strong physical, visible and sensory foundation. But, as the voice fills out, a certain bump is perceived, while the higher elements become more prominent. This is how the hissing and wheezing flirt with the permissible limit. It is not a markedly sibilant IEM, but those peaks at 2Khz and 5khz make them more visible than usual in these aspects. Ultimately, the first half of the midrange ends up with that sunkier aspect that prevents a more balanced and fuller range. And that's coupled with a rapid ascent into the midrange-highs. But somehow the QuietSea manages to maintain some control and retain a more homogeneous sonority than the chart represents in this area. I don't find the midranges to be deliberately bright, shouty or excited, but rather keep a warm base, supported by that dark air of the bass, which helps it to remain in that natural, somewhat analogue and romantic zone, despite the final brightness of the harmonics. It is true that many elements end with that final sparkle, brilliance and shine, leaving, at times, a space in the middle that does not feel occupied. But it is also true that the weight of the notes is high and their representation is relatively thick. This characteristic moves the QuietSea away from a sharp or analytical sound and places it in that gentler, more homogeneous environment, despite those bright nuances in the higher harmonics. As a result, the female vocals are more prominent, as are the guitars, while the cymbals become more persistent. This is not a brilliant timbre, but its balance is sustained by that mix of darkness, note weight and sparkling nuance.
The QuietSea have quite good clarity and transparency, which contrasts with the darkness and warmth of the low end. In the sum, brightness and light may win out, but the thickness of the notes and the smoothness of their travel also support the result being a more pleasant and musical sound, rather than thin or sharp. And that's something the sibilance is grateful for, as it would otherwise be more piercing, given that the QuietSea flirts with that hot zone on many occasions.
The end result is an ambivalent, but corrected, zone that can be very pleasant and relatively splashy. It retains a good timbre, a solid base, a somewhat discreet and distant centre point, which contrasts with an excited second half, clear, crisp and present, but rounded in its development, to maintain smoothness and a certain musical homogeneity.
Treble
The treble starts from the peak of the midrange-high, energetically speaking. Quickly, the tuning places a control zone to counteract the negative effects of such a rise. That slight drop prevents the first highs from being too sharp or hot. However, Rose has managed to stretch the high end beyond what is usual for a dynamic driver in this price range. This way, the energy level persists and this is felt in our eardrums. The advantage is that the treble is not completely thin, sharp or piercing, but has a subtly rounded edge, which makes it easier to tolerate.
It is clear that the energy level in the midrange and the first two phases of the treble outweigh the power struggle that exists with the low end. Despite this, both the weight of the notes and their thickness and rounded peak, the sound remains below my tolerable limit, maintaining very musical sound characteristics, without losing brightness and sparkle in the higher harmonics. All this gives it an extra richness in the nuances and end points of the elements. As well as a certainly natural, albeit excited, sonority, within the sound channels of a dynamic driver. But there is also a bright undertone, which can be more or less persistent depending on the song or genre of music. This aspect is another factor that can lead to fatigue for the listener who is used to a softer, lighter environment in the high end, not as explicit and exposed as the QuietSea's treble.
Finally, there is a certain amount of noticeable and pleasant air.
Soundstage, Separation
In my opinion, the QuietSea has a good balance on all three axes, with none being too superior to the other. They are not too wide and have a good level of depth, as well as a moderately good height. This gives them a rather semi-spherical, but frontal representation. The good height perception adds a certain subtly ethereal, three-dimensional effect, but without going over the head. The remarkable lateral impression offers a stereo presence that falls just short of crossing 180 degrees. However, the whole remains attached to the head, at a specific distance. It is not an intimate scene, because it goes beyond and that is something that the depth it generates overcomes this barrier. But it remains in that spherical representation I have already mentioned.
The amount of air, clarity and transparency helps to generate a certain vapour in the scene and to distance the already well-separated elements, thanks to the good technical characteristics of the QuietSea. Even this unforced distancing of the elements is enough to feel an incipient dark background.
Everything seems well placed in this semi-sphere of controlled distances. In this way, the image is discernible and the provenance of the elements is simple and easily located.
I have already mentioned that this is not an analytical sound. But there is a remarkable level of technique that allows a great deal of detail to be visible. It is true that the more excited tuning in the high end makes the high details more perceptible and has a tendency to overshadow small elements in the midrange. But even so, I was surprised by the ability to discern these micro details in a seemingly small area. The layers are not very far apart because of the limited distance, but there is enough air, distance and technical skill to represent those elements. It's a pity that the weight is heaviest in the treble. But within such a controlled space, the QuietSea are able to reveal a lot of detail without sounding analytical or unnatural. And this is something I didn't expect in this price range.
Comparisons
Simgot EA500 Black Filter
The simgot EA500 are IEMS that play in a similar price range. While it is true that the Rose cost $90 on their own website, it is easy to find them for $50 in some specialised shops. At this price, it's a bargain set, almost unbeatable. The Simgot's cost around $71 at the time of this review and can certainly be a great touchstone for the QuietSea. Starting with the packaging, the EA500 has a large zippered case, as does the Rose, 2 pairs of tuning mouthpieces, which gives it an advantage over the Rose. In terms of accessories it's very similar, but I'll take the Rose's cable, with the 4.4mm BAL connector and that textile cover available to very few as a standard accessory. On the other hand, the EA500's cable is not bad, silver-plated with two transparent strands with PVC coating and a 3.5mm SE connector with a rather simple plastic sleeve. In terms of capsule construction, the EA500s feature a polished, shiny, mirror-finished design. Its shape is an equilateral triangle with very rounded corners, a stubby body and a two-tiered inner face. In addition, as mentioned, it has two pairs of interchangeable nozzles. These provide a slight change in the midrange and treble. The Black filter excites the tips of the peaks in the second half of the frequency response. This filter has been used for comparison with the QuietSea because of its closer sonic resemblance.
In terms of ergonomics, despite the larger size of the EA500s, they fit very well in my ear canal. At first, the QuietSea seem better in this respect, with the smaller capsule that seems to hide in my ears and fit more flatly. But, as time goes by, they end up producing a discomfort that did not appear at the beginning. This has meant that from a very promising start, I have lost the ergonomic battle against the EA500, even though they are heavier and bigger.
In terms of sound performance and sensitivity, the EA500s are slightly more sensitive, although the difference is subtle.
As you can see from the comparison of the two frequency responses, the QuietSea should be brighter. However, in my opinion the EA500s have a brighter sound, whereas I find the QuietSea warmer. It may be the thickness of the notes. The EA500s are lighter, thinner and more analytical. From the low end, the Simgot are drier, compact, tight, technically good and precise. They have a slicker texture and a great behaviour. The QuietSea's are slightly more elastic, with a bit more bite, more darkness, a rougher and more pronounced texture, giving a warmer, rounder and deeper feel. I prefer the QuietSea's slightly dirtier, thicker, darker, deeper and rougher bass. The EA500s are more academic and refined in that respect. And it's worth noting that the frequency response curve is practically the same, the difference is in that colour, in that more textured surface of the QuietSea and in the technical skill and control of the EA500.
In the midrange, the difference in note weight and finesse persists. The EA500s are thinner, finer, leaner and more defined. There is a slight warmth to the QuietSea's, which gives vocals a denser, fuller base and a smoother, rounder and subtly closer colour. However, the EA500s seem technically superior, offering cleaner, clearer, more separated and defined midranges. It's clear that this is a battle between the more relaxed, darker, smoother and rounder sound of the QuietSea, versus the more refined, cleaner, neater, clearer, crisper, cleaner, thinner, leaner, more separated and analytical sound of the EA500. Within such a similar profile, this differential timbre and behaviour can form a great combo to enjoy on a variety of occasions.
The high end of the EA500s is more piercing, crisp and penetrating, due to their thinner, cooler notes. There may be more lift and energy in the QuietSea, but their rounder timbre and note weight make them less sibilant and more restrained in those peaks. There is plenty of extension in both models, and the difference is still in the way the treble is represented in the two models, as well as the subtle differences in energy. Both have great extension for dynamic drivers in this price range, though.
In terms of detail, the EA500s are more explicit and may appear to be much more expressive and informative in this department. But, as is often the case, the macro-detail so present tends to obscure small nuances by overexposure. However, the QuietSea's maintain a good relationship between macro and micro detail that favours the observation of those fine details, even reaching higher levels than the EA500, depending on where they are located. The Rose's have more depth and that helps them to generate layers and decipher them better. On the other hand, the sound is more refined, thinner and separated in the EA500s, while their background seems darker and more discernible, as it also treasures a greater sense of resolution and precision.
In terms of scene, the EA500s are airy, separated, with very good width, even height. But the QuietSea's are a little deeper. Perhaps there's more of a three-dimensional, open feel to the Simgot, because of that more splashy, dynamic sound, which seems to have more movement, a crisper, more oval exposure. The QuietSea persist in a rounder, more recessed representation at the extremes.
Conclusion
Rose Technics does not disappoint despite using a shared design with Ikko and a frequency response with a couple of somewhat repellent peaks. The Rose QuietSea are excellent IEMS that should be listened to with open ears. The clear example that a graphic does not completely dictate the sound of an IEMS. They come with a spectacular cable, which could be half the price of the set, with the possibility to choose a 4.4mm balanced connection and a case that would have been a dream for higher-priced models. With a price on the brand's website of $90, but which can be found in specialised shops for $50, they represent an aural kick to the rest of the competition. And not just in terms of design and accessories, but more importantly in terms of sound. With a very distinctive bass that blends darkness and roughness with an engaging and captivating sonority, the QuietSea's are deep and pleasing in the first half of the frequency range. The early midranges are well grounded, relatively full sounding and possess a warm timbre peppered with energetic treble, but softened at the peaks to control musicality, but without losing sparkle and extension. Very capable at revealing detail, with a great balance in the presentation of micro and macro elements, they also have a good ability to recreate layers of sound and separate them in depth, generating a realistic, semi-spherical and relatively wide scene. Undoubtedly, a very musical model, more balanced and enjoyable than I might have thought at first. If it wasn't Rose it could be a surprise for me. But, in this case, it's all about maintaining a very high standard, something that may prove difficult for the competition and also for the brand's future models. But it only makes me want to test their new models all the more.
Sources Used During the Analysis
- MUSE HiFi M3 II.
- Tempotec V3.
- Hidizs S9 Pro Plus.
- Burson Audio Playmate II.
- Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.
Rose Technics offered me this model, in exchange for writing an honest review. I want to make it clear that all my opinions written in this review have not been conditioned by this fact, nor will I ever write anything that I do not really think or feel here. I will only write about my personal opinion in relation to the revised product.
Purchase Link
You can read the full review in Spanish here
Disclaimer:
The Rose Technics QuietSea was sent to me as a review sample from HIFIGO, for which I thank them!
I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with this store. I must admit that they are another important contributor to my hobby. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to have all these opportunities to try out so many headphones.
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This IEM is very interesting since it is a collaboration between RoseTecnics and IKKO Audio. They are both very important brands; however, I have not tried their products yet.
However, the review will still be 100% honest and, in no way biased.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
Tech Specs & Features:
- Driver Type: 10mm Dynamic Driver.
- Impedance: 32Ω.
- Sensitivity: 99dB
- Frequency Response Range: 20 Hz–20 kHz.
- Termination Options: 3.5mm/4.4mm.
- Dual-Chambered Single Dynamic Driver Unit.
- Brass Gold-Plated Driver Unit with Self-Developed Topology Diaphragm.
- Exclusive Designer Looks.
- Premium Zinc-Alloy CNC Chambers.
- High-Purity Four-Strand Monocrystalline Copper Cable.
- Excellent Sound With Noise-Free Background.
- Easy Driveability.
- Comfortable Ergonomic Shape & Design.
Rose Technics QuieSea Packaging:
The packaging of the Rose Technics QuietSea is generous but simple. The box is made of sturdy black cardboard.
The packaging is right for the asking price; I’ve seen more impressive ones (see EPZ Q5), but it’s not the packaging that counts but the sound.
As accessories, we don’t have many, but the few present are of very good quality compared to what you would expect from a similar product.
Inside, we find various accessories, such as:
- Good hard case
- A nice coated MMCX cable of good thickness (very similar to cables sold on AliExpress by well-known brands for 15 USD)
- 3 pairs of oval tips
- The tool for detaching MMCXs without causing damage (thanks God)
- Manual and Warranty
I can say that I did not expect such quality in accessories. The cable is amazing for the price and doesn’t require any upgrades; the tool for disconnecting the MMCX pins is the finishing touch. That tool is often not included, but it is very useful and, above all, avoids damage.
The tips are just a few; they are oval-shaped. You can obviously put any classic tips on it, but the important thing is that it is a little narrow so as not to lose sealing.
Design / Build Quality:
The design has clearly already been seen; the shell was designed by IKKO; in fact, the OH2 is exactly identical in design. Internally, I notice some changes regarding the driver. In the online OH2 photos, you can see a PCB in the transparent part, which is not present in the QuieSea. I therefore deduce the driver is entirely new; a single DD with Topology technology is promised, which should resemble those used by HIFIMAN. Personally, by ear, it seems like a high-quality DD, perhaps also thanks to the structure of the IKKO shell.
“The RoseTechnics QuietSea is tuned by professional acoustic engineers with years of experience in the field. It is a joint work of Mr. Xie (acoustic engineer of Rose Technics) and Mr. Gao GaoQiao (ex-Tokyo Audio). Together, they have adjusted the tuning of the pair to create an effortless sound with dynamic resolution and rich tonality. The pair has been adjusted to deliver a quality sound for multiple genres of music.”
The build quality is high, the product looks very usual, and the shell is a mix of metal and plastic with precise assembly. It has two holes in total, one near the nozzle and one on the faceplate.
The shape is particular, but despite this, the comfort is very high. The greatest peculiarity is the oval nozzle, similar to the TWS.
Comfort/Fit:
The Rose Technics QuietSea design was developed based on Asian ears, but honestly, they fit me perfectly too. The dimensions are correct and light, and the cable fits well over the ear. The tips are a bit limited, but I found the right one, so I can’t say I had any problems, but I would have included at least two types. The oval nozzle does not create any problems except that if you do tip rolling, perhaps some will not be suitable. The length of the nozzle is correct and allows easy positioning.
However, I realize that the Quietsea may not fit everyone perfectly. I hope the previous photos give you a precise idea of its shapes. If they are a little short, you will have to use tips that slightly lengthen the nozzle.
Initial sound impression:
The Rose Technics QuietSea is probably another extremely good-sounding single DD this year. I’m honestly extremely happy with how they sound out of the box. They are extremely balanced and engaging. As good as the EPZ Q5, but slightly less energetic. They are calmer, with great detail, and the bass aims for quality. Light push on the sub-bass, where I feel a certain emphasis.
Rose Technics QuietSea Tips Rolling:
Starting with the cheapest tips, the Kbear/Nicehck 07 they help the low frequencies stand out more, but the change is minimal, and they seem a little bit large for the nozzle.
The Dunu S&S tips unfortunately do not help as the angle does not allow for a suitable seal to be achieved and all the low frequency is lost. Perhaps in size L, they are more suitable.
The Divinus Velvet, on the other hand, achieves an excellent result—a much more tangible help. Both low and high frequencies benefit and are those that have a comfort that is decidedly superior to the others.
The Whizzer SS20 tips are the closest alternative to the original but offer slightly better comfort. The bore is slightly larger, which benefits the soundstage a little.
Personally, I would use the stock ones or opt for the Divinus.
Final sound impression:
Equipment used for testing above
Device:
- iMac
- Redmi Note 7 Snapdragon
Software:
- Foobar2000 24bit 192khz (iMac)
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz (Both)
DAC
- Lessfox Da1 (AK)
- Lessfox Da2 (AK)
- F.audio KS01 (ESS)
- Hidizs XO (Dual ESS
- Moondrop Dawn
- Moondrop Dawn Pro
- Hidizs S9 Pro Plus (ESS)
- Muse Hifi M4
- Ibasso Dc04Pro (Dual Cirrus)
- EPZ TP20 (Dual Cirrus)
- EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS)
As always, I did the burn-in of about 50 hours even though I didn’t feel a real need.
My first impressions are confirmed. This year, there have been so many models released with single DD that sound so good that you are satisfied with them. I find it an extremely balanced set for any genre of music; the tuning is U-shaped, tending towards bright but with warm notes. It’s definitely an energetic set, but it might not appeal to everyone.
Treble
The highs of the Quiet Sea are reminiscent of the ripples of the sea caressed by a crisp breeze. They give liveliness, resolution, and details that are lost on many headphones. Despite this, they are unlikely to be annoying or harsh, except in some cases where the track also has a strong influence. I don’t think it can be absolutely defined as “For Trebleheads” as it is abundantly quiet (sea) but certainly very captivating. The presence of macro- and micro-details is remarkable for a single DD.
Mids
I must admit that I don’t find the medium frequencies recessed at all. They have great positioning in the mix, sound quite natural, and are rich in detail. I also feel a certain amount of air in this region. The voices are beautiful, lively, and clear; perhaps the male ones stand out more, but in both cases, they have an above-average representation. The musical instruments are excellent and sound coherent and substantial. There is a sense of depth and directionality.
Bass
A decidedly refined and detailed bass. It is not a bass that covers the other frequencies but accompanies them in an elegant and refined way. The speed is good, and the sub-bass is slightly emphasized, giving dimensionality to the low frequencies. Obviously, we are not in the BassHeads region but in the quality bass zone. I have to say excellent work from Rose Technics.
Separation/Imaging/Soundstage
The sound is extremely clear and detailed, right at the minimum volume. I was extremely surprised by the performance of this single DD. An image with enviable sharpness, decidedly precise separation, and a surprisingly above-average soundstage. Depending on the track used, 3D sensations are felt; there is air, precise separation, and remarkable sharpness. If you think about a 50-USD set, it’s crazy. Now you don’t need to shell out exorbitant amounts of money to get a taste of hi-fi. In my opinion, we are close to the quality perceived on EPZ Q5. In some things, the Rose Technics Quietsea is superior, and in others, it is slightly inferior.
Comparison:
vs Whizzer HE10 / HE01
I thought I’d do a comparison with my favorite singles DD, like Whizzer He01 and He10. They are both sets that cost practically double when they first came out. The HE01 is now available for less than 40 USD and are an absolutely excellent set, a little brilliant for some but fun at the same time. At this price, I can only recommend it, but Quietsea wins in detail and separation. The HE10 is for lovers of warm sounds. I haven’t found a warmer set yet, but despite this, they maintain a very high level of detail with highs that are never annoying. However, I think that both are outclassed by the Quietsea, which has a more modern driver and balanced tuning.
vs EPZ Q5
The Quietsea are very close to the EPZ Q5. Qualitatively speaking, I think the Rose Technics are slightly better built, and the cable is undoubtedly better. But as far as sound is concerned, the EPZ Q5 is more energetic, vibrant, and fun, with a pinch of extra definition. They are two different sets, so they refer to different targets, but if I had to choose based on personal taste, perhaps I would choose the Q5. They are now my reference set for the 50 USD segment, but in the future I will also have to get the Simgot Ew200.
Conclusion:
I thank Hifigo again for the numerous opportunities it offers me to try so many IEMs.
The Rose Technics Quietsea is an example of a successful collaboration project between two brands. IKKO has put a well tested shell on it, and Rose Technics his newly developed driver with considerable potential. I believe it is now evident that sets with outstanding performance may be purchased even at reasonable costs. The performance of the models that were previously described in the review would no doubt satisfy many of the people who are reading it right now. I say this because, even if I now write reviews, I’m still just a regular user who enjoys listening to music when he desires to relax and temporarily forget about his issues. The Quietsea will certainly not bring tranquility to your soul, but they will certainly give you hours and hours of musical tracks rich in details. It is also currently among the best sub 50 USD in my collection.
Where to buy:
Rose Technics QuietSea Review
Rose Technics QuietSea
Intro
Hello everyone, today I am reviewing a collaboration iem between Ikki Audio and Rose Technics called the Rose Technics QuietSea (RQS as I’ll call it for review purposes). When I was asked to review this set, I jumped at it because both of these companies have my respect and admiration. Collaboration iems are good for the hobby in my opinion as they usually offer a bit more intrigue and anticipation. Especially when the collaboration is between two normally competing brands. This collaboration features two very intelligent and crafty people, the acoustic engineer of Rose Technics Mr. Xie and ex-Toky Audio Mr. GaoQiao. Two big players for these two brands for a union to create something that is very well developed.I’ve enjoyed both of these brands and the sets that they’ve brought to the public. I actually reviewed the Rose Technics QT-9 Mk2s (Review HERE) over a year ago and still regard it as one of the better hybrid iems in the price point. Both brands have brought to market some very well constructed and well-tuned iems. One of the legend sets in Ikko’s catalog is the Ikko OH10 which still is revered in the community. I could go on and on about the past achievements here, but I’d much rather take a good long look at the iem in front of me. Also, that’s why you are here.
Roller Coaster ride to good
I have purposefully taken a bit longer to critically listen to this set as I have gone through almost a “roller coaster” of thoughts about it. So, I held off on my initial impressions to let the QuietSea burn-in and let the drivers settle a bit. I’ve gone from “Wow this set will be one of the best” to “That didn’t sound good” to “I am impressed!” and it has gone on like that for at least three weeks of my time with it. Thankfully, I’ve had enough time to determine that the QuietSea is certainly a nice set that will actually fare well against the mountain of solid options in the price point. With that said, let’s take a close look at the Rose Technics QuietSea…Wait…before I jump into this review, I want to thank HiFiGo for providing the QuietSea in exchange for a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. HiFiGo has been a place I’ve used for a very long time to find iems and audio devices that other stores simply don’t have. So, thank you to the great people who have helped me out and arranged the QuietSea for review! Without question this will not affect my review in any way which forces my words to be skewed. Of course, I am very thankful and will always remain respectful to any company willing to provide a review sample, but I promise to give you… the buyer, my actual thoughts in hopes that they help you in a beneficial way.
Non-affiliated, non-compensated purchase links:
Purchase Link at HiFiGo
Purchase Link at Amazon
Gear used for testing
–Ifi Go Blu–Hidizs S9 Pro Plus
–Moondrop Dawn 4.4
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
–Shanling M6 Ultra
Full Review also here: QuietSea Review
Packaging / Accessories
The Rose Technics QuietSea (RQS) comes in a decently large sized black box and the first thing you notice is the QuietSea earphones looking all dapper. Next to the earphones is the carrying case. Inside the case is the cable and tips as well as an mmcx tool. The unboxing is nice enough, surely nothing that will blow your mind but a nice package. Certainly, good for the price. However, it isn’t the number of accessories but the quality of the accessories that I enjoy. 
Carrying Case
The case provided with the RQS is a small and slightly thin square case that opens with a zipper. The case is all fabric and provides enough room to store your earphones and cable. The size isn’t enormous but big enough to slip in a pocket and still be relatively comfortable. Again, it’s the quality that counts here. What a nice addition that Rose Technics & Ikko provide. The case is something you’d see at a higher price, I would think. Of course, I have zero ideas how much a case like these costs to add to the packaging. Anyways, it’s quality and I’m down with quality. It says a ton about what you as an audio brand value in your craft. You know that we like nice things and so you add nice things. Or at least as good as you can for the money.
Eartips
The eartips provided with the RQS go against the glory I just bestowed upon the makers of this set. They only provide three sets of tips (S, M, L), but they are decent tips in my opinion. Now, I don’t think they were the best tips for me personally. Instead, I went with the KBear 07 tips. Still, they are a white, oval-shaped to fit the oval nozzle, semi-narrow bore, firm flange tip that would likely be great for this set, that’s if I could get a good seal. I had to go with the KBear 07 tips just for this purpose. Anyone that knows me will know that if it doesn’t fit… KBear 07. I also used the Dunu S&S tips and Final Audio E-tips as both of those also helped me with Fitment. I would’ve loved to see a selection of different tips, but the quality of the line set is good so… they get a pass.
Cable
Now, this is where the first real surprise came. Folks, this cable is flat out awesome. I don’t know if it’s just me and my love for fat cables and awesome aesthetics, but the look of the cable is bonkers cool! The color match is perfect. The cable is a mmcx 3.5 single ended, four strand, 5N OCC beauty of a cable that always stays in control and looks flat out fly when hanging from your ears. I found no reason to swap cables for any 3.5 single ended use as it looks nice and sounds nice. This is huge because so often any set under $50 is almost a guarantee that the cable will need swapped out.
Balanced listening
The only time I did use a different cable was for any balanced sources. When I did listen on balanced, which was most of the time, I went with the Tripowin Noire modular gray cable. Again, the aesthetic is pleasing as the colors match and the sound is great together.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
The build of the RQS is built very well. Obviously very durable. You will understand that the second you put this set in your hands. It’s obvious. Built mostly out of a Zinc Alloy by way of 5-axis CNC machining as well as what appears to be resin. The build is very small, compact, and great for smaller ears. The Zinc Alloy is great for just putting this set in your pocket and not having to worry about scratching or breaking. The build is 100% solid from the nozzle to the mmcx connectors. Speaking of mmcx connectors; Rose Technics states that the QuietSea can be plugged and unplugged many more times than most due to the high-quality gold playing on the mmcx female chassis. Just sayin’, it’s nice to not have to always worry about mmcx connection failures. I will always be partial to 2-pin on budget sets. That thought flips with more expensive iems.One other thing about the build which kind of crosses over into the fit is that the nozzles aren’t the longest. The nozzles are closer to a shallow nozzle than anything and so finding the right tips is a necessity. I do like the nozzle tip has a ridge for holding on those tips and the nozzle diameter is not very wide so these should fit most anyone’s ears while finding 3rd party tips should be a breeze. Also, the nozzles themselves are oval shaped which I’m sure helps in some way with the sound output. I should also quickly comment on the weight, as the RQS are actually fairly light even with their durable and dense construction.
Design
The RQS shares some great design ideas of other Ikki Audio iems like the Ikko Opal OH2 and the Ikko Asgard OH5 in that we have the Zinc Alloy with the resin contrasting strip along the sides of the Shell body. The design is flat out sweet looking. It’s hard to appreciate a good design when you’ve seen that design before, but I love the look. Couple that with the great feel when in hand and you got yourself a winner. Rose Technics decided upon two colorways for the RQS in “silver” & “Gray”. Mine obviously is the silver version. The design is very modern looking, newfangled, and contemporary sleek and slick. Very Star Trek of them. I think they are great and for the price that Rose Technics & Ikko are asking I think this is beginning to look like a steal folks.
Internals
Housed within the acoustic structure is a gold-plated brass dual-cavity Dynamic Driver. This driver is stated to have a Self-Developed Topology Diaphragm which through the deposition or the pattern in which Nano particle coating distributes & manipulates sound optimizes the micro-topology compared to a traditional moving coil diaphragm. Topology Diaphragms have been used before. Most notably (to myself) in Hifiman products. It’s a very cool technique and technology which uses certain different geometric patterns on the surface of the diaphragm to achieve the desired sound result. Also, Rose Technics & Ikko used a 3rd gen rare earth magnet material within the RQS to achieve up to 1.5 tesla for better and easier driving. I haven’t learned the size of the DD but will update when I get that info. Basically, what’s housed inside the RQS is a quality driver with an innovative design.
Fit / Isolation
As far as fit and isolation is concerned, the RQS fit me, well, okay. So long as I use KBear 07 tips or, shallow fit wide-bore tip or a long and very firm tip like the Final Audio E-tips. I stuck with the KBear 07 tips simply because I believe the semi-wide bore does help in the punchiness of the bass as well as the upper midrange comes through a bit more resolute. Isolation for me is also okay. Certainly not for use on a stage the RQS are great for just chilling and listening with me. Now, I have no idea how well this set will fit you but I’m sure you can find suitable tips to make it work.
Drivability
Mobile listening
The Rose Technics QuietSea is rated at a 32ohm impedance and a sensitivity of 99dbs. Honestly, I really don’t think you’ll have any trouble driving this set. Yes, the sensitivity is only 99 db’s but I found the RQS gave me no issues driving with any device I used. Even the iPad could handle this set. Now, to get the most out of the RQS you will need to up the dose of power just a little to get to proper dynamics and openness. Using something like the IFi Go Blu was a breeze whether on 3.5 or 4.4. I also love the synergy of this mobile setup with the Go Blu’s (CS43131 dac chip) slightly more velvet sound. The Moondrop Dawn 4.4 sounded great too. However, of my dongles that I used the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus (ES9038Q2M dac chip) sounded by far the best. These two just sing together folks. Something with how that silky resolution of the S9 Pro Plus played off the more warm/neutral tonality of the RQS. It’s a nice pairing for sure.
Daps
Listening with the Shanling M6 Ultra is simply a treat with the Rose Technics QuietSea attached to it. I loved the warmer atmosphere of the M6 Ultra tuning against the more neutral sounding RQS. The pair just worked. I found no need to go over low gain, though at times I’ll jack it up to medium. Certainly not needed. This is a pairing which seems to play off each other’s strengths to a degree. I did find that the QuietSea does scale to a certain point with more power, but it isn’t something that is a huge difference. I much more assume that the RQS is simply scaling to the auditory ability of the source. Not really a power issue.In the end
At the end of the day, just hook these up to a decently powered dongle-dac or even hook it up to your phone and I think you’d have a great listening session. The RQS really doesn’t demand much and seems to reach good dynamics even with lower powered source devices. Just plug ’em in and have a ball.
Sound Impressions
The Rose Technics QuietSea is one which took me on sort of a roller coaster ride and I’m not quite sure why. I loved them, and then I didn’t love them, and I did that routine for a couple days, okay for a week or two actually. I think since I was coming off of a warmer set that I had gotten used to at the time that my brain needed some adjustment. Who knows? Also, I usually cleanse my auditory palette with a flat or balanced sounding set like the Hisenior Mega5p. I didn’t do that. So maybe it was a bit of a shock. However, once I finally let the RQS sync in a little bit I began to really see just what Rose Technics & Ikko had accomplished with this budget category iem. So many very good qualities to the sound and a few subjective qualms or issues but nothing so egregious that I wouldn’t put the RQS in the running for top five under $50. It’s. A good set folks. Is it for everyone? No, it isn’t, this I’m sure. Is it going to be a set that many would enjoy? Abso’freakin’lutley! Between the 20’s (pint sized)
I won’t beat around the bush folks, the Rose Technics QuietSea is truly a very nice sounding set. Without question. The RQS comes across more neutral than anything else with shades of warmth. There’s even a spritz of brightness which makes its way to my eardrums. The RQS comes across U-shaped to my ears with a nice balance across the mix. It’s crisp over smooth, glass-lined but not metallic. The sound is lean-lush, but more lean than lush with good density in its note body. For the most part. Perhaps the sound leans a bit toward the top end, but no one frequency really stands tall against any other. What we have is a quicker transient response, like fast-twitch muscle fiber that’s nimble and dexterous. It’s a resolute sound with clean lines, a black background, contoured note structure and good note definition. It may get a bit too bright at times, but those instances are few & far in between. I will say this, one thing I’ve learned, if you are going from a warm sound signature and jumping straight to this set… Just give it a bit before you judge.Each 3rd of the mix
The low end carries a bit more warmth and a solid quick-punch-density that doesn’t lack at all for quality. Truly, I think the caliber of this bass is very nice if you are into a low-end which can keep up with most any track and still have some fun with it.Now, this is not some ultra bassy set with head bangin’ fun in your future. No sir! Still, it’s a nice bass response. Not perfectly suited for EDM, or even gangster rap & hip hop if what you enjoy is warm and authoritative slam. Not that the RQS can’t sound good with those genres, just maybe not the typical preference. Again, there’s a clean and dense punch, but it’s not robust & booming. The midrange is forward, vocals are presented very well, and instruments aren’t left behind. Maybe the sound is a hint artificial and a bit too colored towards the top end of the mids, but I think it makes for a very clean and resolute sound. The treble has good emphasis and renders nice details in the mix with a vibrant display at the top end of the spectrum. Detail retrieval is nice, separation & Imaging are both great for a set at this price and the soundstage is actually of nice size. There are some issues present and I will allude to those in the coming sections of this review, mostly in the “downsides” portion.
Bass Region
Sub-bass
The sub-bass comes across moderately thick and deep with enough oomph and low-pitched growl to give some added haptic feel to my music. Without question this sub-bass will not shake the hairs on your head but it will show up when it’s called upon to do so. Now extension won’t blow your mind either and I don’t want you to get the wrong impression but there’s something to be said of a set that can rise to the occasion.“Paradigm” by The Head and Heart is a track which begins with a straight up vibrational reverberant bassline buzz. Basically, it’s a good track to listen for sub-bass meatiness. The RQS does not dissatisfy me at all! I’m telling you; this set will show up when absolutely necessary. Meaning, when brazenly bassy songs are playing the RQS will reciprocate with a response that is more than adequate, though not bulbous and ground rattling. Another track is “Heavy Is the Ocean” by Bush. Again, there is so much deep rumbling in this song and again, the RQS can reach relatively deep yet still stays well in control. It isn’t even close to sloppy. In fact, sloppy is a curse word to this set.
Mid-bass
The mid-bass holds the keys to the low-end with the most amount of emphasis, at least that’s what I think I’m hearing. It isn’t clear cut either. There is a nice balance in the bass region between the sub & mid-bass. The mid-bass is clean, textured, detailed, and not even hinting at being one-noted. This all sounds amazing, but many folks will likely want more beef here. However, I’m happy with the output. Of course, I don’t need the thickest bass drop all the time. So long as that bass drop has some density and is reasonably energetic. Take the track “2040” by Lil Baby & Lil Durk. Again, another track which starts out the gate with some boom and slam. Thankfully the RQS also booms and slams, pretty well actually. So, it has enough to show off when needed.I do detect some spill over into the midrange as the mid-bass more-less adds some organic color to the low-mids but not to the point that there is any muddiness. It’s quite the contrary. I actually feel the bass region does a good service with much needed warmth to slightly bolster that region. For stuff like bass guitars, I think I could use a bit more of that slower decaying fullness, only slightly more. Not that I’m missing much because there’s still plenty of grit and growl down low to accentuate most bass guitar tracks.
Not bad at all
Kick drums such as those in “Billie Jean” by Weezer (Michael Jackson cover). The kick drums sound fast but they are still realistic enough to bring that hollow boom and I definitely hear a tacky note edge on attack. It sounds nice enough. Bass singers are maybe a bit too elated sounding, not as resonant as some sets. Listen to any Avi Kaplan track. Not that it sounds audaciously unrealistic or anything but just hair more beefy depth would’ve served bass voices well.Downsides to the Bass Region
Most certainly there will be those who want more low-end emphasis. I’m not even talking about bassheads. Even those folks who are borderline Bass-Bois will likely want just a titch more gristle down low. I find the bass awesome… but that’s me, and I ain’t you. The bass isn’t the most atmospheric that I’ve ever heard either. Who ever said that faster transients are always a good thing? They are nice for complicated bass tracks but not always exactly what we want for a realistic and organic sounding bass region. So yes, there are downsides, but I think this is a preference thing. For what the RQS is, it’s great. I can appreciate it wholeheartedly and I think the folks at Rose Technics & Ikko did a great job. Again, I’m not everyone else. So, if this doesn’t sound like something you’d like, I understand if you stop reading now.
Midrange
The midrange is very well placed in the mix in my opinion. It isn’t really recessed or in the background, but it also isn’t too far forward, to where it’s problematic. There’s a good distance there for me. The midrange as a whole is articulate sounding, above average details and comes with good resolution. The midrange has some crisp tendencies and does so on some contoured and at least “mildly dense” note body. It isn’t all crisp and knife edged though. There are some smooth undertones. As anything, a lot has to do with the track you are listening to. Lower-midrange
Male vocals primarily hang around the lower-mids but that is certainly not always the case. However, in this review I’m looking to the lower-mids to cover male vocals. Like I said earlier, the bass does feather into the midrange. Not to a detriment but more so it helps this area. There’s some added warmth which comes across as a slightly richer note body and needed weight. Lean-lush is what makes the most sense to me. Without it I’m afraid the midrange would be a bit too artificial and one-sided. There’s a good mix. The sound is clean and form-fitting enough to help males sound compacted and rigid. Males sound adequately authoritative when needed and pretty darn clean if you ask me.“You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott is very clean sounding with this set to my ears. His voice is almost “up on a pedestal” and there’s some depth of field there to his voice as well. Nicely melodic and with nice energy too. Or “Jake’s Piano” by Zach Bryan which is another track that sounds very good. The RQS takes the inflection of a stout (yet wholesome) southern voice and sounds edgy and prominent in the mix. He sounds as eloquent as a southern singer songwriter can sound while still coming across masculine and bold. I realize that doesn’t really explain how he sounds but, just trust me. There are so many tracks like this I could point to in my notes.
Males sound nice
Folks I find male vocals nice with the RQS. Obviously, it all comes down to what you want in a set of earphones. Some may want the more thickly weighted and warm sound to a male vocal, and I like that too. But, for what the RQS is tuned to be; I find I quickly align with this presentation and rendition of a male vocalist. They simply sound good. Not 100% authentically natural, but good.Upper-Midrange
Females are a hint more forward than males, with a nice vibrance and even some shimmer. The treble certainly colors the sound in this region which some may find a hair artificial. Maybe a bit thinner than lush, maybe too structured and less emotional… maybe. However, if you can look past that and hear the musicality in this type of tuning then I think you’ll like what you hear. They may not be emotional, but females are certainly engaging, and instruments come across energetic and fun.Edgy, Bright?
Females have some shimmer, but I don’t find them going overboard all too often. Still, out of full transparency, one of those slightly overboard songs is “Sensitive” by Megan Trainor. It can get a hair hot (actually a decent song to test for piercing glare in this region). Her voice is pretty sharp listening with the RQS. Granted I’ve heard other iems that are much worse. But, in blatantly sharp tracks the RQS may just be… a bit edgy bright. Electric guitar can come across with a bit of glare too.However, those are only small instances in obviously peaky tracks while the vast majority of the time the RQS keeps a nice timbre and tonality. For me personally, I mostly like a forward sounding female, with body to her voice, and a lusher vibrance. This is not exactly that. Yet still females sound well composed with good vitality. Which also shows that there are many tunings which can sound pretty great. I find this area fun and definitely sprightly and engaging.
Upper-mids cont…
Taylor Swift in “The 1” off her Foklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions (stop making fun of me) is a sweet acoustic track and boy does the RQS nail this song. Maybe a pinch brighter than natural, but very nicely done. It captures the delicate sounding sweetness of her voice. There’re subtle nuances in the softness that is picked up as well without adding any extra grain at the edges of notes or any additional artifacts floating around the sound field. She sounds very resolute. Details emerge rather easily too, like her breath in the mike and the piano has awesome secondary harmonics. The miniscule & inobtrusive guitar plucks in the left side of my head space sound clear and distinct. It sounds like I’m in the studio with her.I realize this doesn’t all sound like a ringing endorsement of the RQS’s ability to replicate a midrange performance, but I have really grown to enjoy this set. Is it perfect? No, obviously not. But it does give another variation and tuning style to add to a collection. Possibly. Also, there is so much that it does right in my opinion which makes up for some small instances of glare.
Downsides to the Midrange
I think you already know what the “downsides” are by now. The sound can be a bit piercing on piercing tracks. The sound isn’t the most organic or natural. Warm and smooth lovers are not going to appreciate the RQS. It’s not the most emotionally engaging set in the world. If by emotional we are referring to warm, smoothened, thick, weighted. However, it is a fun and engaging set with decent detail retrieval, resolution is great, Imaging in this area is great. I don’t hear sibilance at all, and I enjoy it.
Treble Region
The treble is enthusiastic enough, and vibrant enough, with plenty of resolution and controlled brightness while not ever really becoming too fatiguing over time. Listening with this set simply gives my music a nice flavor or flare. This is a fun treble. It isn’t a moist or wetted treble with structured and molded note definition but there is some bite. For the price it is nice. The treble adds a dynamic and uplifted tone to the entire mix which comes across as energetic and sprightly. Nothing bland about the upper parts of the mix and extension is above average, I think. I think treble heads may still be wanting a bit more. Still, I like the energy as it adds real vivaciousness to my music. Examples
Listening to Billy Strings in his track “Secrets” I was pretty impressed by the speed of the RQS’s driver and its ability to handle this rapid-fire track with good agility. The treble comes across very nicely and really lifts the entire song up and adds some dimensionality. Another track is “Bishop School” by Yusef Lateef. This track has a ton of treble activity and I do like the way the RQS handles it all. Good separation, decent imaging, and I can distinctly hear the flute play, bass, congas, drums, electric bass, electric guitar, percussion, trumpets, strings and piano play as well. Though, some are easier than others as the recording isn’t perfect. However, the treble is represented nicely on this one.All in all, the whole treble region is very clear and clean and transparent. There’re awesome spatial cues when looking at the sound as a whole and the treble region does well to play a big part in that. I still hear a slightly dry-ish display at times, but nothing I’d label as bad at all. There’s also enough levity and shimmer to add decent details and still also have decent body.
Downsides to the Treble Region
Certainly, one downside to this area of the mix would be for those who don’t want as much treble activity as this set has. There are definitely folks who enjoy a warmer and darker overall listen and the RQS is most definitely not that. Also, serious treble heads will want a bit more punch, bite, even better resolution and details. I think it’s great though. For the price the treble is actually very nice. I hear no sibilance, no annoying peaks that make me cringe and the treble adds great lift to the entire mix.
Technicalities
Soundstage
The stage size is also a bright spot for me. I find the RQS shows off good width and above average from the other sets I’ve heard in the price point. I hear a nicely open sound, nothing boxed in or congested. The height is average. By the way, “average” to me is the same as saying “I hear nothing bad, but it isn’t a huge expanse of sound” … It’s average. Good and perfectly reasonable but not out of the ordinary good. I hope that makes sense, maybe help decipher my ridiculous babble. Anyways, the height is average and there is actually some depth of field too. There is a roundness to elements within the stage. For $49 I think this is good to hear. There is an element of 3D. Depending on the track and your source, the RQS is capable of a very nice stage.Separation / Imaging
Separation is also pretty good. Not mind blowing but good enough to notice and remark about it. The only caveat is in tracks which have a tone of melodic commotion or congestion. The bonus with this set is the balance it has which helps tremendously to not have any one area of the frequency drowning out any other area of the mix. Also, this does sound like a good driver. I would assume by looking at the graph that we’d see some mud from the overlapping mid-bass, but we don’t. It doesn’t show up in my listening. This is a clean sound and so separation is also pretty clean. The same goes for imaging. I find placement of instruments is what it should be… Good. This is a fine-tuned set, and it performs folks. Rose Technics & Ikko made a good one.Detail Retrieval
As far as detail retrieval, I feel the RQS is slightly above average. Not great but certainly not a “con”. I think it does a better than adequate job of bringing the small nuances and finite little subtleties to the surface. Macro-details are great, the sound has good resolution and micro-details (to me ears) are nice. Without question this set is not a detail monster. The RQS still retains some essence of musicality. There’s a good mix of musicality and analytical technical ability which is nice to hear.
Is it worth the asking price?
I think you all probably know what I’m going to say here. To be honest I rarely do reviews of sets I don’t enjoy. I’ll turn them away because it isn’t fun to write about stuff you don’t like. Plain and simple. I’ll conduct them reviews I don’t enjoy for tour units etc. but mostly I keep it to the sets I enjoy. However, that doesn’t mean I’ll say it’s worth the asking price. Asking price is a different ballgame. Still, this set, in my mind, is totally worth the price. In fact, it’s undersold if you ask me.The Why
To start the packaging and accessories are all very nice. The case is a great size, made well. The cable is one of the best you’ll ever purchase at this price, no doubt about it. Really a beautiful cable. The build is truly top notch under $50. The alloy and resin mix makes for a very durable and solid iem. Also, the look is stellar! What a good looking iem! It’s lite weight, small, easily wearable for long periods of time if needed. All that said, as with every set the real reason the RQS is worth every penny that Rose Technics & Hifigo is selling at is the sound. Folks the sound quality is very good and easily competes with any in the price point in my humble opinion. This set is fun yet balanced, energetic yet not overly fatiguing, it’s got a speedy and punchy bass, great mids and nice and snappy treble. The stage is good, Imaging is good, and the detail retrieval is better than many sets in the price point. This set is worth every penny friends.
Ratings (0-10)
Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Rose Technics QuietSea ratings below, that would be $35-$55 iems of any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5” is exactly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $35-$55 US is a decent sized scope of iems and so seeing a 9 should probably be pretty special. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings it will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.Aesthetic
-Build Quality: 9.5 One of the best builds in the price point.-Look: 9.3 This set looks dope!
-Accessories: 9.6 It’s hard to beat these accessories at this price
–Overall: 9.5
Sound Rating
-Timbre: 8.7 The timbre and tonality are very good.-Bass: 8.8 Mature bass that is quality over quantity.
-Midrange: 9.4 The mids are great on this set.
-Treble: 9.0 The treble is clean, snappy & extended.
-Technicalities: 8.9 Overall, technicalities are very well done.
–Overall: 9.0
Ratings Summary:
If you ask me these ratings pretty much tell the story. There are a couple questionable calls on my part but mostly I think they check out. I chose to go with sets ranging from $35 to $55 with any driver configuration, and if you are paying attention, that is a lot of iems. What a demo to get stuck in! Let’s put it this way, there’s more than a few sets that the Rose Technics QuietSea will have a hard time beating out. Namely, the EPZ Q5 (Q5 Review), the BGVP P05 (P05 Review), the Simgot EW200 (EW200 Review), the Reecho SG-01 Ova (SG-01 Ova Review), and the Kiwi Ears Cadenza (Cadenza Review) to name only a few. Those all are flat out fantastic sets. But also, the QuietSea is pretty fantastic too, probably one of the best you can pick up at this price point if the tuning suits you. I certainly think it plays ball with the big boys of this target that I’m rating against.Ratings?
Folks, ratings almost make no sense in this hobby. They are rendered obsolete in a year’s time and honestly, they simply don’t tell the whole story. However, I’ll play the game. Carry on… So, the first place that one could certainly argue against my rating is the “Bass” area. Well, actually you could argue any of them, but the Bass is one that would most likely generate people coming out of the woodwork to tell me I’m nuts. Still, I feel the bass is of high quality for the price. In the same breath bassheads would likely give this set closer to a “4.0” rather than a lofty “8.8”. Conversely, I could see folks wondering why I didn’t put the bass closer to the high 9’s. It’s good. However, I simply feel they are missing a bit of rumble and some oomph. I feel an “8.8” against the field is fair.I also think some people could argue a “9.4” is too high in the “Midrange” category when the timbre isn’t even perfectly organic or about a hundred other reasons. Folks, I gave it a 9.4 because it simply beats out other sets in my mind. Vocals are great, Instruments come across very nice and the midrange is a mix of musical and technical and I’ve grown to love it. The rest of the ratings I won’t budge on against iems ranging from $35 to $55 that I’ve heard with my own ears. Now, before you go getting yourself in a tizzy, just know, I haven’t heard every set in this range. This is only based on what I’ve heard and understand well enough to actually make a judgment. Granted, I feel as though I’ve heard most of them. So that’s it, the RQS is a very well accomplished iem that quite literally can stack up against any of them. For me personally, I’d only put the EPZ Q5 ahead of them and a couple others…depending on the day and my mood.
Conclusion
To conclude my full written review of the Rose Technics QuietSea, I want to first thank the good people of HiFiGo. I also want to remind all of you that Hifigo quite literally has a massive selection of almost everything to do with audio. This isn’t a commercial, but I have spent so much time on that site and have purchased a ton of iems from them. Always easy, fast shipping too. Okay I veered off there but I’m back… HiFigo…Thank you. I also want to thank you, the reader, for clicking on the link and checking out this review. Always it means a lot and I truly hope it actually helps you to form an opinion. Other perspectives
Every review, without fail will have a paragraph in it imploring you all to not simply read my review and hit “buy now”. Please check out other perspectives and other thoughts about the Rose Technics QuietSea. People, we vary so much! No two of us are exactly alike. The same goes for thoughts on audio. We all don’t have the same library of music, the same likes and dislikes, we don’t all have the same gear which makes a huge difference and also, we haven’t all been down the same journey within audio. So please check out other reviewers and I do hope you are able to make an informed decision. That all said, please take care, stay as safe as possible and as always, God Bless!
Intro
I am familiar with Rose Technics only in absentia. I remember their mini models with several armature drivers. However, a lot of water has passed since then and now they have hybrids and dynamic ones in their lineup.
In general, I've been cold towards 1dd lately. Before QuietSea, it's been a long time since I've had a dynamic iem that I could really enjoy.
You can buy Rose Technics QuietSea at the official hifigo store.
Specifications
Transducer:1 dynamic 10mm driver
Connector: mmcx
Sensitivity: 99dB
Impedance: 32 ohms
It should be noted that with such values of impedance and sensitivity QuietSea are not demanding to the source.
Bundle
The earphones arrive in a large black box.
There is a set of simple eartips, a special thing for snapping off mmcx connectors, a thick cable in a cloth braid.
And a zippered case.
Fit and ergonomics
The shells are relatively small, with no sharp corners or awkwardly placed design elements. The shells have a slightly cringe-worthy ellipse shape near the protective meshes.
I didn't have any problems with the fit. The eartips hold on well. The large vents on the front of the shells do a great job of providing excellent ventilation. Because of these vents, the earphones have a semi-open construction, which has both pros and cons.
On the plus side, I can mention the wide, spacious stage. The sound is uncluttered, voluminous. Also to the pluses can be attributed the fact that you can listen to your favorite music in iems without any discomfort even all day long. I have already tried this scenario.
To the minuses I can refer not the best noise isolation. On the street it was generally enough for me, but in the subway, for example, it was not enough.
Sound
Being oriented only on the graph, I would hardly buy this model. Too strong peaks on the upper midrange. However, in reality the sound pleasantly surprises.
Before describing the sound itself, it should be noted that the earphones respond very well to changing the cable and eartips. I went through a lot of options and eventually settled on a 4-core copper cable from xinhs and spinfit cp100 m. The cable added details, and the spinfits added lower treble making them even more interesting and clear. If you get this model, don't hesitate to try them with this cable and eartips.
In general, it's very hard to describe the sound of earphones when they fit your target perfectly and do pretty much everything the way you want them to. I'm very impressed. However, I will try to abstract from personal tastes and describe the sound.
The sound setup is upbeat, dynamic, spacious, engaging.
Bass
Undoubtedly, the semi-open construction of the earphones does its magic here to the fullest. The bass is fast, whippy, but not lacking in body. On the contrary, it has a very good foundation, fullness. The emphasis here is on the side of the midbass, but there is no strong misalignment when listening to music. Besides the fact that the bass combines speed and fullness, it can be felt surrounding. The rhythm section is a pleasure to listen to. The drums are played just great. You can feel a savory clap with reverberations, not dry, not clamped, voluminous. The foot itself starts tapping to the beat of the music. Bass in the Simgot ea500 feels more clamped and limited in space. As if it plays only part of the range.
Midrange
First of all, it feels that the midange here is insulated from the bass side. But you can't call it very fat and weighty. It's more like a warm accent. It sounds organic and allows you to keep the separation of instruments without introducing additional muteness and softness. The details are surprisingly good. There is an accent on the upper midrange, but it is neat, however, for especially impressionable people there may be a little discomfort in some tracks. But overall it doesn't piercing. Simgot ea500 for example perceived more prickly, aggressive and intense.
High frequencies
Beautiful, clear. That's how you can describe them on first impression. The treble is simply wonderful. There is quite a lot of metal on the cymbals, shine, information. Usually with such epithets the HF should be tiring, however not in this case. Of course, if you are very sensitive to this range, you will have a lot of them, but for everyone else these are the earphones that can let you enjoy percussion. And with this amount of highs the earphones play well even poorly recorded recordings to my surprise. Apparently, the successfully prepared range of 5-8kHz and semi-open construction makes its presence felt. HF is successfully woven into the overall canvas, being on a level with the upper midrange.
Conclusion
I have listened to a lot of different music from jazz to electro and I can't say that there are any genres that QuietSea do not play well. Maybe if you appreciate the deepest layers of bass and you need a strong pounding bass on electronics, then yes, this is not the best option. Otherwise, the earphones are versatile and will give you a lot of fun.
What surprised me most about these earphones were the separation of instruments, resolution, volume and beautiful treble. For 50 dollars, I just could not expect such a result from the 1 dynamic driver. For me, these are definitely one of the most successful iem in recent times.
Thanks for reading!
All our measurements you can check on our squig.
Attachments
This iem has been on my radar for a while time, and I heard about it a few weeks ago from a Youtuber named Arkos. This is a collaboration with IKKO, but to be honest I’m not sure how that impacts the iem as far as tuning or packaging or what. I will say first of all this set is bonkers. The overall quality of it is baffling to me how they expect to make any money on it, or just my perception of what cost is impressive.
I love dynamic drivers. I just do. They are simple, clean, and do a lot of things right. I am reminded that sometimes mutlidriver iems can distort each other, so sometimes a pure clean DD is nice. This is an interesting driver with a Dual-Chambered Single Dynamic Driver Unit. This is the same driver in the much more expensive Dunu Kima (109), Nothing ear 2, TFZ SERIES 1 IEM, and a few other more expensive items.
This was provided to me by Hifigo for review. This will not impact my view of this iem, as I try to be extra careful of how I speak about any iem that I’ve been given a sample of. I’d recommend actually buying this from Hifigo as it is cheaper from them at 49.99 vs 70 (after a big coupon) from the manufacturer on the site or on Amazon. (This was at least as of time when I looked at this information up.)
Song Choice: Tidal list here:
I listen to a wide variety of music. I pick the songs because of various reasons. But I picture myself locked away like Andy Dufresne from Shawshank blasting music and shut off from the world. It’s a blissful image.
The Marriage of Figaro -The opera song from Shawshank Redemption, terrible recording but fun and gets me in the mood to listen to music.
O mio Babino caro -This is a modern less operatic version but a song with great female vocals.
Video Rigoletto - “La donna e mobile” Sung by one of the three Tenors, great song for high-performing male vocals. Pavarotti is the greatest classic singer maybe ever. Fight me!
Iron man - The sound at the beginning is hard to make sound great, great drums, and cymbals, and if done right it feels like an old-school band.
I Will Survive (1981 recording, I like her voice, and the old vocals, the drums, and various natural instruments really make this a favorite for me.
There is a light That never goes out - Smiths ( A classic, I just love it. It’s mellow, and I can tell a lot of the tuning if this song is done right.)
Jump (I like how the sound effects are in this!)
Star Child Someone recommended this song to me, and I like how funky it sounds and has nice vocals and a mix of music and things going on.
Dicke Titten Ramstein The beginning is amazing and the bass hits hard. Great song. I love rock and metal. The German language fascinates me
Master of Puppets: Very fast song. Helps me determine if the driver can keep up.
Bass (20-60 Sub Bass, 60-250 Hz Mid Bass)
The details of the bass is strong and clean. While the quantity isn’t in excess, the quality is certainly there. The dynamic driver seems to be doing it’s job very well in the quality of the bass. While not a bass head iem by any means, the iem technical response isn’t poor, and is satisfying in the bass and very enjoyable.
Midrange (250 HZ to 800 HZ Low Mids, 600-200 Hz Mids, 2000-5000Hz Upper Mids)
The timber and tone is great on this iem, podcasts are really great on this and vocals sound really good. With the good overall comfort. Things are great on it. The vocals don't’ come across wonky or shrill and the mids are just really nice and clear. Female vocals are clear, but slightly recessed, and male vocals seem a little more prominent and good. Very solid mids and certain music is just delightful, while some EDM and pop comes across off and muddled.
Treble (5000- 10000 Trebble/Highs, 10000 ++ HZ Upper Trebble & Air)
The treble is a bit dry on this set and subdued. It’s nice, as I expected the treble to be out of control and outworldly. It’s solid and detail retrieval is acceptable for the price. I haven’t had this treble be sibilant in my hours of testing and find the overall sound quality to be good, and borderline excellent, especially at the price. Like a day on the ocean, the iem is peaceful, not disruptive or altering.
Gaming
The gaming on this iem is fine. Not great but good. When I game, I listen to music, chat on Discord, watch YouTube videos, and Gaming. This iem has a hard time keeping up with so many different sources and it doesn’t seem to work for me. Imaging of this iem is what you’d expect at the price, and while not bad, it leads to poor positioning, Air strikes, and gunfire come across as a bit poor. Layering and separation is somewhat poor, and I’d give this a 6 for gaming. Not terrible, but not an easy recommendation for gamers.
Shell
The shell is perfect to fit those whose ears are sensitive to large iems. Comparing it to the Truthear Red, it has a better fit for me and is very nice.. It looks and feels good in the ear as well.
Case
This case is amazing and I really like it. It’s small and pocketable. It reminds me a lot of the case on the Theiaudio iems. Very nice, and it can fit a great deal in it as well. I found that I could fit a Quidelix 5k or my IBasso DC04 dongle dap in it as well. I feel it is better than the Theiaudio case as well because it is slightly smaller and can fit into a pocket really nicely. Well done here. Love it! Easily worth 20 dollars.
Cable
This cable is exceptional and I really enjoy it. It feels premium in the hand and looks great as well. It definitely adds a high amount of value to this product. I would buy this cable for $30 dollar or so, and find it to be very quality. Not microphonic either! It has nice connectors and a fantastic chin slider. I’ve paid more for cables like this.
Tip Selection
The tip selection is the only part of this iem that is average. It’s just ok with one set of tips. It’s not bad, but one can always hope for more as tips are cheap to include.
Graph:
I think the graph of this is interesting, but the tuning overall is pretty quality as they try to not muddy up the bass with the single Dynamic Driver.
Sound - Final Impressions
While this iem is very good it isn’t perfect. It’s a clean clear crisp sound. with fantastic mids. I haven’t had this treble be sibilant in my hours of testing and find the overall sound quality to be good, but not mind-blowing or perfect. It is very enjoyable and solid for what it is. Not magical, but a good little set with no gross faults. It struggles with details and technicals and for my use it isn’t what I would use daily, but I find a great comfortable set. This has a rich timber gooey, and nice. Rich abrupt, good note weight. A good specialist for mids and certain genres of music, but not exactly what I want from my music. Yet as I didn’t like the Juzear 41T as I felt the treble was out of control this has a nice timber in the low end and clean and clear mids that make it a fantastic set. Old style iem, a lot like a budget Legato, with a pretty look and appearance.
Recommended EQ:
I use Peace APO to EQ on the PC. This EQ is done to my preference. I recently set up a preference curve on My Squig. So for at least iems, I can use my own graphs now. Please feel free to use the measurements as you want.. Jaytiss.squig.link
Overall this is an amazing iem that could easily be a game for most. The goal for me with an iem is to have an that doesn’t need EQ.
Preamp: -8.8 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 24 Hz Gain 8.7 dB Q 0.500
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 70 Hz Gain 1.0 dB Q 1.500
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 170 Hz Gain -0.9 dB Q 1.100
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 710 Hz Gain 1.4 dB Q 0.900
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 2600 Hz Gain -2.5 dB Q 2.000
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 3200 Hz Gain -2.7 dB Q 1.000
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 4100 Hz Gain 2.9 dB Q 0.600
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 5000 Hz Gain -8.3 dB Q 2.000
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 7300 Hz Gain 12.0 dB Q 2.000
Filter 10: ON PK Fc 11000 Hz Gain -12.0 dB Q 2.000
Does the Quiet Sea need Eq,? Yes, it sounds much better with Eq to me. It’s a nice little set, but needs a little more to get everything out of the driver for me. The EQ profiles will sometimes cause some minor issues, and in some ways, I feel this happens with this iem. The eq profile does fix many things, and sometimes it makes some things even worse.
Gifting/who is it for:
I think this is a nice hifi iem to gift to someone, amazing in fact. It’s beautiful, great cable, case, and decent tip selection. For $50 dollars, people will think it’s much more expensive, or at least might. This is a classy set for a sophisticated person. This is a fantastic set to bring to work, or on the go, and a good gift set.
Pairing: I used a Quidelix 5k for mobile, my dongle Dac iBasso DC04 for my laptop, and my JDS labs Element III MK2 Boosted for my Desktop PC. I also tried the iem briefly on the Apple dongle as well. This iem had no issues being driven.
Summary:
I’m a sucker for effort, and this has effort for days. This isn’t a perfect product, but is exceptional in packaging, and the feel of the product. I think it’s a fun package and an enjoyable listen, despite not being class-leading for the price, it’s certainly a great little option to consider.
I’ve recently redone my ranking system to include a gaming/comfort quality, an overall rating with a Crinacle style rating. I am also releasing a video on YouTube at the same time. I think while this isn't for me, it could be for others who listen to certain types of music and could work very well for them. The more I get used to this set the more I like it for whatever reason. I think this set is competitive at the price, and very enjoyable as you get a unique driver, solid cable, case, and an unboxing experience that rivals 1000-dollar sets.
Thanks for reading, and maybe even watching. Any feedback is welcome.
Value of
️️️B Tuning
C+ Technicals
Overall 78
Bass 6, mids 7, Treble 6
My RoseTechnics QuietSea Review. Solid iem, just insane value for 50 dollars.
