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Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 Review (Sean’s take)

SeanG

Disclaimer

Hello there! I think its important to let you all know that the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 I’m reviewing today was provided to me directly by Rose Technics. However, I should note that while I really appreciate this opportunity to review the QT9 Mk3, this fact does not influence my review or change my view on this product! The company did not dictate me what to write or when to publish this review! And every aspect of the review is based on my own opinion and my experience with this product!
additionally it is important for me to thank Rose Technics for providing the unit for review, and thank you, the reader, for your trust in me and my review, and for taking your time reading it.

Introduction

While Rose Technics may not be a household name, and a company talked all over the internet, it certainly deserves to be! And today, I will review the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3, a step up from the Star City 5 Pro. What sets Rose Technics apart is their commitment to quality across the board!, from design to packaging to sound tuning. In a market crowded with competitors, Rose Technics stands out, confident in the exceptional value they offer. The QT9 Mk3, with an MSRP of $280 but often available for as low as $185.99, promises high sound value and impressive performance. Does it really stand for what it promises?

Unboxing

The level of attention to detail displayed throughout this unboxing really impressed me when I first received the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3! Rose Technics has skillfully created packaging that evokes the thrill of revealing a luxurious IEMs.

Exterior Packaging:

The QT9 Mk3 comes in a pretty big package with the Rose Technics emblem and the unique number “9” tastefully displayed on the front sleeve. My attention was drawn to the sturdy construction’s rich touch, which opens to the side and gives off an air of luxury as soon as you set eyes on it.

Opening the box:

As I opened the box, I was greeted with a sense of pleasure. The package, which opens like a book from right to left, boosts the sense of excitement The earphones were nestled inside the box, snugly seated in foam cutouts. There is also a card displaying the QT9 Mk3 itself with some explenation on the left side of the box. And I would say excellent work Rose Technics!

1 / 9

Accessories:

To the left of the earphones, I discovered a plethora of accessories thoughtfully included by Rose Technics. Among them was a very nice, good-quality, and spacious carrying case, which can easily fit all of the included accessories. A 5N OCC single-crystal copper cable, which is nothing special, and I’d even say not enough for a set of IEMs like this one… (I’ll talk a bit more about the cable in the technicalities section.)
Additionally, there are nine pairs of eartips, each meticulously crafted to ensure a comfortable and personalized fit, and they include:
a set of double-flange tips
a set of foam tips
4 sets of various sizes of wide-bore tips (probably XS, S, M, and L)
3 sets of regular tips (S, M, and L)

Bonus Items:

The box also includes a simple MMCX removal tool, a 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter, and eight additional mesh filters. Rose Technics goes above and beyond by including a 3.5mm dongle DAC, and this will allow you to enjoy high quality audio from your favorite devices right out of the box!

Overall Impression:

so to summarize this unboxing, I really feel that the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 comes in a box which is nothing short of fantastic! From the quality of the of the packaging to the number of accessories provided, I feel that every detail is precisely planned to increase the user’s satisfaction. Rose Technics has set a new bar for audio product unboxing, delivering a lasting impression that foreshadows the amazing quality that lies inside the box!

Technicalities

Construction and Build Quality:

The Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 brings a basic yet attractive design with careful attention to detail. These earbuds are made of medical-grade, thick resin plastic and include a metal backplate for added durability and a nice character. The compact housing is decorated with Rose Technics branding. This IEM is not only visually beautiful but also ergonomically built with a very small shell, and it provides me with a very comfortable fit during long listening sessions. The MMCX connections are strong and securely incorporated in the resin shell, ensuring reliable connection to the detachable cable.

Driver Configuration:

The QT9 Mk3 is driven by a new updated 10mm LCP dynamic driver, with a Tesla grade magnet, and four BA drivers (2 mids and 2 highs). This speaker combination is well known and used, and I know that when the crossover is done well, it will surely ensure excellent transient response and performance, resulting in a dynamic and engaging sound profile. And I have to say that this one definitely gives me this impression!

Cable:

The included 5N OCC single-crystal copper cable, although giving excellent sound transmission, doesn’t quite look and feel premium for this price, and it’s also only 3.5mm with no 4.4 balanced option… While some users may prefer a more premium feeling cable, the provided cable delivers reliable performance and ensures a seamless connection between the IEMs and your audio source.

Sound Performance 

Bass Performance

I feel that the bass of the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 is simply great! It has a combination of power, precision, and depth that is exactly what I would expect for this price!

I think the QT9 Mk3’s bass performance is extremely impressive!. With their pretty bright, U shaped tone, these IEMs produce a bass sound that highlights both quantity and quality. I feel like I’m getting amazing bass that’s full of energy and excitement.

Sub-Bass:

The QT9 Mk3 has very good sub bass reproduction. These IEMs produce deep, rumbling lows with accuracy and control thanks to their improved dynamic driver with a Tesla grade magnet. The bass is not for bassheads, but it is accurate and there when needed.

Mid-Bass:

The QT9 Mk3 continues to amaze me in the mid bass region as well, and it gives a powerful and well defined presentation. The QT9 Mk3 brings new life and energy to bass heavy tracks. The transient response of the dynamic driver gives tight and fairly quick mid-bass reproduction for a DD driver, contributing to the overall quality of music.

Overall bass performance:

The Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 bass has definitely exceeded my expectations! From the extended sub bass response to the mid bass presentation, I can easily say that these IEMs provide a highly desirable bass experience, particularly for this price!

Mids Performance

The midrange performance of the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 is characterized by its openness, clarity, and impressive instrument separation.

The midrange of the QT9 Mk3 is vibrant and well-resolved, offering a clear and transparent presentation that brings out the nuances in vocals and instruments. Its soundstage allows each element in the midrange to have its own distinct space.

Vocals:

Now to the vocals, I really think they have a remarkable clarity and presence and this portrays to both male and female voices! Striking a careful balance between brightness and warmth, its mids keep vocals clear without harshness or harsh forwardness. For example, the male vocals in Home Free’s “Everybody Walkin’ This Land” are crisp and clear, with no trace of muddiness, even when combined with low bass vocals. Similarly, female vocals retain their original timbre while receiving a little brightness that lends crispness to the female vocals.

Instruments:

As to how I perceive it, the instrument reproduction here is clear, crisp and presents excellent layering and separation! I feel that each instrument has its own place in the stage and it gives a very detailed experience with lifelike presentation of all the elements in the track!.

Overall mids performance:

I can clearly say that the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3’s midrange performance stands out for their clarity, openness, and instrument separation!.

Highs Performance

The highs of the QT9 Mk3 bring a dynamic and energetic character that adds sparkle to the overall presentation but with one minus, which is the early roll off…

Treble Detail:

The treble region of the QT9 Mk3 is characterized by its fast and snappy attack, which lends a sense of speed and agility to percussive elements and high-frequency instruments. However, one downside is that the treble rolls earlier than I would like, reducing the decaying effect and diminishing the airiness and fullness of the sound.

Instrument Presentation:

High frequency instruments benefit from the articulate treble performance of the QT9 Mk3, with percussion instruments exhibiting a lively and agile character. I feel that while the roll off may affect the sense of long lasting decay at the highest frequencies, the overall presentation keeps its engaging and detailed character…

Overall highs performance:

So as to how I see it while the treble performance of the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 is dynamic and energetic. But the roll off may reduce the overall impressions in the brilliance and air regions… Despite this drawback, the treble remains well controlled and detailed.

Technical Performance

The Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 reveals strong technical performance and brings a lot to the table. The technicalities are characterized by impressive detail retrieval, a spacious soundstage, precise imaging, and great layering.

Details:

The QT9 Mk3 excels in detail retrieval, presenting intricate nuances and textures with clarity and precision. This IEM delivers a high level of resolution, although the lack of long lasting decay brings it a step down…

Soundstage:

The QT9 Mk3’s soundstage is pretty expansive and immersive and provides a sense of depth and dimensionality that allows instruments and vocals to breathe and take up their own space.

Imaging:

Imaging is actually precise and accurate and it allows for precise placement of instruments and vocalists on the soundstage. I feel that I could pinpoint the exact location of elements within the stage at any given time!

Layering:

The QT9 Mk3 exhibits great layering, with instruments and vocals occupying distinct layers within the soundstage. The great laying gives separation between elements and they are never sounding blended! And I have to say that this characteristic really enhances the overall clarity.

Overall technicalities:

The Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 delivers strong technical performance. Each of those elements contributes to an engaging and immersive soundscape, allowing you to fully appreciate the intricacies of the music.

comparing it to the CVJ Bidong

The Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 and CVJ Bidong are both mid range IEMs and are priced very similarly at $185 and $189. Both aim to attract audiophiles’ attention with their great designs, sound quality, and overall value. But of course each has unique strengths and limitations…

The Unboxing:

I think that both of them provide fantastic unboxing experience! The CVJ Bidong stands out due to its romantic packaging, making it an ideal gift. and on the other hand is the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 which provides a more practical experience with a wider range of eartips, while the Bidong delivers a superior cable with different modular plugs.

Design and build quality:

The QT9 Mk3 features a hybrid driver configuration with 1 dynamic driver and 4 balanced armature drivers per side. Its resin shell and metal faceplate CNC machined shells ensure durability but lack the very premium feel… The earpieces are designed for comfort, being one of the smallest I’ve seen with a multidriver configuration.
The Bidong also uses a hybrid setup with 1 dynamic driver and 6 balanced armature drivers per side. Its CNC machined aviation grade aluminum alloy shells give it a robust and premium build. And the inclusion of a modular cable with multiple connectors adds to its versatility!

Sound Performance

Bass:

QT9 Mk3: The bass is impactful and detailed. The sub-bass extends deep, providing a satisfying rumble, while the mid bass is tight and controlled it surely has clarity and avoiding muddiness.

Bidong: The sub-bass is pronounced with a solid foundation. The mid bass is strong and punchy but can sometimes get muddy… But overall, it offers a more “fun” and energetic bass response.

Mids:

QT9 Mk3: The mids are clear and forward, particularly excelling with vocal clarity and instrumental separation. They are well balanced and gives a natural and detailed presentation.

Bidong: The mids have a slightly V shaped signature with some emphasis on the upper mids, which can make female vocals and certain instruments shine. However, there can be a bit muddy in the lower mids…

Highs:

QT9 Mk3: The highs are detailed, offering a good balance of brightness without harshness. However, they roll off a bit early… And it can reduce the airiness and decay effects…

Bidong: The highs are extended and brilliant, adding sparkle to the sound. There is some elevation in the lower treble, which can lead to occasional harshness and BA timbre.

Ovarall:

The QT9 Mk3 provides a more balanced and refined sound signature and it makes it suitable for audiophiles seeking clarity and detail across all frequencies! And the Bidong offers a more energetic and V shaped sound which is ideal for those who prefer a “fun” sound signature!

Technicalities:

I really feel that the QT9 Mk3 does better overall… The soundstage is more spacious, and the layering and imaging are better… Although the details of the Bidong may be a bit better due to the fact that the treble extends further and it gives more air and better decay than the QT9 Mk3, I still think the QT9 Mk3 is superior in technicalities.

To sum up the comparison

So… when choosing between the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 and the CVJ Bidong you have to consider your personal preferences and priorities… If you seek a balanced, detailed sound, I think the QT9 Mk3 is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more energetic sound with a unique and memorable unboxing and overall presentation, the CVJ Bidong is an excellent choice here! But overall both IEMs offer great value for their price and ensure a satisfying audio experience.

Conclusions

After all of this, my thoughts on the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 are overwhelmingly positive! And despite some minor drawbacks… The IEMs offer a great combination of build quality, sound performance and value for money!

The QT9 Mk3 impresses with its robust construction, elegant design and thoughtful packaging. From the box to the amazing array of accessories, Rose Technics demonstrates a commitment to quality and attention to detail that sets their products apart from the rest of the competition!

In terms of sound performance, the QT9 Mk3 delivers a dynamic and engaging sound! The bass is powerful and well controlled and offers a satisfying blend of impact and clarity. The mids are open and detailed and almost never sound muddy. And do not forget the treble, which is very energetic and revealing.

While the IEMs may not be perfect, some users may find the upper mids too bright (although I never experience any fatigue), and the treble roll off reduces airiness and the overall fullness of the sound… Their performance still more than compensates for any minor shortcomings. With its impressive technical capabilities, the QT9 Mk3 punches exactly where I’d put them.

To be honest, this IEM and the Star City 5 Pro have a sound and timbre that’s never offensive. They give me a vibe that makes me want to use them as my daily driver because they do almost everything well, especially when it comes to comfort.

So with their combination of build quality, sound performance and value, I really think the QT9 Mk3 deserves serious consideration for anyone in the market for a new pair of in ear monitors.

Pros:

Cons:

Where to buy: Rose Technics official site, Rose technics official AliExpress store

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