Disclaimer
The QT-X was sent to me by Rose Technics in order to make this review. However, all opinions I shared here today are entirely my own, and they are all based only on my personal experience with the product and free from any external influence. Rose Technics has never directed me what I should write or when to publish a review, and today’s review is no different. They are always allowing me full freedom to share my honest thoughts.
I want to thank Rose Technics for this amazing opportunity, and I want to thank you, the reader, for your trust and for taking your time to read my review.
Introduction
When I first saw the Rose Technics QT-X, I was immediately drawn to it. This is the flagship hybrid IEM from Rose, and they have packed a lot of things into this model. With a configuration of seven drivers per ear (1DD+6BA), a unique ergonomic design, and a very unique and eye catching design, which in my case represents a night sky look, I was curious to see if it will perform as amazingly as it looks.
Priced in, I would say, the higher mid fi range (340$), the QT-X is marketed as a premium product, and from everything I have seen and heard about it, it seems to live up to that label. From the moment I took it out of the box, I could tell Rose Technics put a lot of thought into not only the sound but also the whole user experience. So today I’m here to see if everything I’ve heard is true or not.
Unboxing
When I unboxed the QT-X, the packaging immediately felt like it was over the top. The box reminded me a lot of the QT9 MK3 one, just with a big “X” on the front, which actually looks kind of like a Creeper face from Minecraft. It opens to the side like a book, giving off a premium vibe. Inside, there’s even a big card showing off the IEM and its features, plus a little manual card.
Honestly, they could’ve packed all of this into a smaller box, especially with the amount of foam they used. It felt like a lot of extra material that wasn’t necessary. And of course the glue on the foam left residue everywhere…
Inside the box, you get quite a bit of stuff. There’s a leatherette case that looks big from the outside but is actually too small inside to fit both the IEM and the dongle together comfortably. You also get:
- Four sizes of silicone tips (probably XS, S, M, L)
- Four sets of small foam tips
- Four sets of spare nozzle dust filters
- And for the value edition I got, the RZ-300M dongle DAC
It’s definitely generous in terms of accessories, but the case and packaging could use some improvements.
Technical Specifications
Specs
- Balanced Armature Drivers: 30018 x 2, 29689 x 2, 30019 x 2
- Dynamic Driver: 10mm LCP tesla diaphragm
- Impedance: 18 Ω
- Sensitivity: 108 dB
- Frequency Response Range: 20 – 20000 Hz
- Connector Type: 0.78 2 pin
- Interface Type: 3.5 mm/ 4.4mm
- Cable Length: 120 cm
- Weight: 30g ± 3g
Build Quality
The QT-X feels really well built and solid in my hands. Rose Technics used medical grade 3D printing for the shells and gave them a sprayed finish with this stunning starry night sky paint. I went with the blue one, and it really stands out with a nice shimmer. Even though the build feels durable, it is not heavy at all, and you can tell they put a lot of care into every detail.
One thing that I personally don’t really like about the build is the brass nozzles, they look rather cheap compared to regular stainless steel or aluminum nozzles.
Ergonomics & Design
Now, the fit, I gotta be honest, it’s not as comfortable for me as the QT9 MK3. The QT-X is a bit bigger and the nozzle is longer, which was not ideal for me. But, with the smallest eartips included in the box, I managed to get an okay fit. When they are in right, they seal pretty well and block out external noise, which is definitely an important thing in order to not lose the bass. After trying some other tips, I found that the Spinfit W1 tips worked best for me, but there are lots of options to try out.
Driver Configuration
Inside, the QT-X has a hybrid setup with one dynamic driver for the bass and six balanced armature drivers handling the mids and highs. This combo brings detailed sound without losing any warmth or musicality, and they have done an amazing job in the crossover section, that’s for sure. Everything comes through clearly, though it doesn’t sound overly analytical, but it is still enjoyable and musical.
Materials Used
The shells are made from lightweight, medical grade resin, so they are strong but don’t feel heavy. The night sky paint is a really nice touch, and it gives it a premium look that stands out from more basic designs, and to be honest, from many other IEMs.
Cable
The Grey Rose Pro cable included with the Value Edition is a 4 braided 8 core 5N single crystal copper wire with a braided mesh outer layer. It feels sturdy but is still flexible enough to be comfortable to use. The cable, although it looks pretty premium, I actually don’t like braided mesh cable, as they tend to lose their good look, and the cable, with friction, will become hairy and not good looking…
Sound Performance
Bass
The bass on the QT-X is fast and deep, with a nice rumble. It’s definitely present but not overwhelmingly bass heavy compared to some other IEMs I’ve tried. Because the mids are a bit scooped out, the bass feels more pronounced in the mix. The sub bass goes deep, and it gives a good sense of weight to tracks without overpowering the rest of the sound. It’s tight and well controlled, which keeps everything from getting muddy, especially on faster or bass heavy genres.
Mids
The mids are where the QT-X feels a bit recessed. They are a bit scooped out, which can make some instruments or vocals feel like they are sitting a little further back in the mix. Despite this, the mids are clear and detailed but definitely don’t steal the spotlight. It’s part of that V-shaped tuning, where the bass and upper frequencies take more of the attention.
Highs
The upper mids are where the QT-X gets more lively. They are pushed forward, and there’s a sparkle in this range that really brings out details. Sometimes, depending on the track, this can get a little sharp, so it might not be for everyone, especially if you are sensitive to higher frequencies. The treble is detailed but rolls off earlier than I would have liked. I think it could extend a bit more to give more air and openness, but it’s not harsh or overly bright.
Vocals
Male vocals come through really well warm and full. Female vocals, though, can sometimes feel a bit veiled. They don’t sound bad by any means, but there’s a slight sense of them being pulled back, especially compared to the more forward highs and bass. Overall, vocals are clean and have nice body, but I think they could have been a touch clearer for female singers.
Technicalities
Details
The QT-X does a good job at bringing out finer details in the music, though it’s not the most detailed IEM I’ve tried. There’s a decent amount of clarity and texture, but sometimes it feels like there’s more that could be revealed, especially in the mids.
Soundstage
The soundstage on the QT-X is pretty average. It’s not super wide, but it doesn’t feel closed off either. It gives a decent sense of space but doesn’t reach that “out of your head” level that some IEMs can.
Imaging
Imaging is solid, and I can easily tell where different sounds are coming from in the mix. It’s accurate enough that I never lose track of instruments or effects, even in busy or complex tracks.
Layering
Layering is one of the strong suits here. The QT-X does a great job of separating different elements in the music, so nothing gets too congested. Even when there’s a lot going on, I can still pick out individual layers clearly, which makes for an enjoyable listening experience with more complex genres.
Overall, it brings a lively, fun sound with good technical performance, even if it’s not perfect in every area.
Pairing it with the included Dongle
The RZ-300M dongle DAC that comes with the QT-X has some decent specs. It’s equipped with the CS4398 chip, supports 24-bit audio, and has a 75mW output. The signal-to-noise ratio goes up to 110dB, and it handles PCM up to 192kHz, so on paper, it looks pretty good.
But honestly, I didn’t really love the sound quality when pairing it with the QT-X. It’s definitely a step up from a regular phone’s headphone jack, but I found that it made the QT-X sound a lot warmer and more muffled than I’d like. The overall sound felt less balanced, and there was a noticeable background hiss, which was kind of annoying. It’s not the cleanest sound, and for me, it took away some of the clarity that the QT-X is capable of.
I would definitely recommend using a different dongle if you have one, but if not, the RZ-300M is nice to have in order to get started right out of the box.
Quick comparisons
QT-X (340$) vs. CVJ Bidong (189$)
The CVJ Bidong and QT-X both use a similar driver setup of 1DD and 6BAs, but the Bidong costs two thirds of the price of the QT-X, so I was very curious to see how they compare.
Right away, I noticed the QT-X has less bass compared to the Bidong. The Bidong’s bass is fun and punchy but can get muddy, while the QT-X has faster, more controlled bass that doesn’t overpower the mids as much as the Bidong does.
In the mids, the QT-X is definitely more refined and detailed. The Bidong’s mids are a bit lacking in the lower range, and while it has a focus on the upper mids, it still doesn’t have the same clarity as the QT-X. The highs on both are close, but the QT-X is more controlled, but they both can get harsh sometimes.
Technically, the QT-X is far superior. It has better imaging, layering, and overall clarity. The Bidong is fun but lacks that refinement and precision that the QT-X gives.
QT-X (340$) vs. QT9 Mk3 (priced dropped a bit now from 185$ to 160$)
Comparing the QT-X to the QT9 Mk3, both have similar bass with good depth and control. I suspect they might even share the same dynamic driver, but I can’t confirm. The difference comes in the mids, where the QT9 Mk3 is much more balanced and natural, while the QT-X has a scooped, V-shaped sound, making it more fun but less balanced.
The highs on the QT-X are a bit more forward and lively, but they as well roll off a bit too soon for me. The QT9 Mk3 has a bit smoother and more laid back treble, which I prefer for longer listening.
In terms of technicalities, the QT-X has slightly better resolution and precision, but because of that, the QT9 Mk3 offers a wider soundstage, which gives the music more space. Comfort wise, for me, the QT9 Mk3 wins hands down, as it’s much smaller and easy to wear for long periods, while the QT-X is bigger and for me not as comfortable.
Final Thoughts
QT-X has better technicalities and a more fun, V-shaped sound.
CVJ Bidong is very V-shaped with punchy bass but lacks in the mid range and in technicalities compared to the other two.
QT9 Mk3 is more balanced, natural, and comfortable but not as exciting or technical as the QT-X.
It depends on what you are after. Fun and technical performance (QT-X), balance and comfort (QT9 Mk3), or a very V-shaped option with strong bass (Bidong).
But if I had to pick, I personally would choose the QT9 Mk3, as I think that it is a better value package overall.
Conclusion
Overall, I think that the QT-X is a solid pair of IEMs, especially if you want a more fun and V-shaped sound. I really loved the bass here, as it is fast, deep, and punchy without being too much and without muddying the mids, and the highs are sparkly and forward, though they do roll off a bit early for my taste. The mids are a bit scooped, but the clarity and detail in the sound are impressive. I really appreciate the great imaging and layering, which make complex tracks sound clear and well separated.
While the QT-X isn’t the most comfortable IEM for me because of its size and longer nozzle, I still got a decent fit with the small foam eartips. The build quality is great, and the design is absolutely gorgeous, as this is definitely one of the most beautiful sets I have owned. I only wish that the packaging was less messy and a bit less bulky.
Can I recommend the QT-X? I would say yes, but not for everyone. If you are looking for a fun sound IEM with good technicalities and you don’t mind the size, then the QT-X is a good option. However, if you prefer a more balanced sound and you have small ears, there may be better options available, such as the QT9 Mk3.
Pros:
- Fun, a bit V-shaped sound signature with great bass quality.
- Good clarity and detail in the sound.
- Impressive imaging and layering for complex tracks.
- Great build quality with a premium feel and absolutely beautiful design.
- Generous amount of accessories.
Cons:
- Mids are slightly scooped and less balanced.
- Treble rolls off earlier than desired.
- They are quite big and have a longer nozzle that may affect comfort for some users.
