Rose Technics QT9 MK3
Intro
Today I am reviewing one of the latest sets crafted by Rose Technics called the “Rose Technics QT9 MK3”. The QT9 MK3 is currently priced at $280 at their website but can be found as low as $182 on Aliexpress which by the way is very nice. For review purposes I will consider the MK3 closer to the actual price, so to rank them accordingly. That said, it’s smack dab in the middle of a mountain of fantastic sets. Somehow, I don’t think they (Rose Technics) are very worried. Rose Technics has proven to me to be a brand which all but oozes quality for the price. They seem to place a very high priority on the structural Integrity, design, packaging and the tuning of an earphone. Like I said, there’s a lot of competition but… I really don’t think Rose Technics are too worried. They’ve done the leg work, homework, and the hard work resulting in very fine products, and now it’s up to the consumer to take a chance.
I have actually reviewed a couple iems from this brand thus far and in each review, I handed out very high marks. Those being the “Rose Technics QuietSea” (QuietSea Review), as well as the “Rose Technics QT9 Mk2s” (Mk2s Review), and one of my partners at the website “Pavan” reviewed the “Rose Technics QT-X” recently as well (QT-X Review). Folks, Rose Technics is a solid 3 for 3 from the writers at Mobileaudiophile.com. The QT9 MK3 is a five-driver hybrid iem that consists of one Dynamic Driver and four Balanced Armature Drivers and a smaller chassis than most sets of this configuration, but I’ll cover that later.
Rosetech Selsa
Rose Technics actually was founded as “Rosetech Selsa” which began way back in 2012. From what I gathered; the name of the company was derived from an ancient proverb which means “There’s a lot of water yet only one scoop is taken to drink”. Rose Technics has had over a decade of creating and designing earphones l while doing their best to maintain a sense of simplicity while crafting small pieces of artwork. These are actually Rose Technics words (paraphrasing) folks, and I can appreciate this cornerstone fundamental core principle. You can build a company with these words, and so long as everyone buys in… you’ll have a very good and prosperous thing.
Rose Technics was born…
Now, Rose Technics was actually established in 2015. Since then, they have held tight to the idea that they will always create their products with “original design” and “simplicity”. In fact, the declaration made at Rose Technics conception was “dare to make a difference”. Rose Technics needs not blow you away with flashy products or litter an acoustic cavity with a thousand drivers. They keep things simple and create what works with the intent to provide something that is unique and original. Oh, and they also make sure their products sound… really good. Now that we’ve met the company let’s get back to the QT9 MK3.
Like I said earlier, the QT9 MK3 is quite literally floating in a sea of great iems within a price point that just may be the best in all of audio where price to performance is qualified. Obviously, that is up for debate, and I wouldn’t argue anyone’s opinions, but I have truly seen some amazing iems between $200 to $400. Just fantastic! So, the QT9 MK3 also needs to be pretty special to keep its head above water… so to speak. With all that said, I’d like to enter into this review of the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3, thanks for reading.
Non-Affiliated Purchasing Links:
Disclaimer:
I received the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 from Rose Technics in exchange for a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a sample iem. Rose Technics has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be, but this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to Rose Technics and thanks for reading.
QT9 MK3 Pros
-Ergonomic shell which offers great comfort.
-Simple and sleek design (may also be a con for some)
-Unique unboxing and accessories
-Overall timbre is fantastic
-Lean yet dense note body is engaging
-Balanced across the mix
-Very precise control over the spectrum
-Fast, controlled & agile bass (quality over quantity) really nice
-Resolute and very clean sounding midrange
-Nicely elevated treble
-Detail Retrieval & separation
QT9 MK3 Cons
-I don’t feel the cable matches the price
-Build Quality doesn’t feel the most robust at first sight
-Bass quantity lacks for some listeners (moderate at best)
-Can come across shouty in some tracks
-Thinner midrange note weight for some users
-Hints of BA timbre in the upper-mids / lower treble
Gear used for testing
-Rose Technics RZ200-m (included in the packaging)
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
Beginning with the packaging of the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3, I found this to be a very clever and unique type of unboxing experience. I realize that many of you could care less about the unboxing, after all it is a short dopamine burst and then it’s done. However, Rose Technics does at least “try”. The first thing you see is a larger box with a sleeve which covers it. You’ll see the number “9” on the front and Rose Technics underneath. It just looks “class” folks. It’s somehow even elegant in a weird way. Anyways, take the sleeve off and you are met with the actual box and the name Rose in the middle. This is about when I realized that this was an all-wooden box. Once again, class. The box opens right to left like a book and on the top right are the earphones themselves seated nicely attached to the cable in felt cut-outs. To the left of the earphones, you’ll see the gorgeous case and just under both of those is a larger box holding different items. Inside you’ll see many eartips, an mmcx removal tool, a ¼” adapter as well as eight backup mesh filters. Rose Technics even added in a 3.5 dongle dac for use with the QT9 MK3 or any other earphone you’d like to try with it. By the way, it actually sounds pretty darn good for a small dongle dac.
Fitting for the price
Again, I know many of you don’t care at all about the unboxing, but I do feel it is nice when a brand adds a little bit of excitement to the process. We spend a lot of money on some of these earphones and it is a nice bonus to open something that is well thought out, with quality materials and a nice design. Also, it’s nice to receive quality accessories that are actually useful. In the case of the QT9 MK3, all of the accessories are useful, and they aren’t simply arbitrary add-ons. Really well-done Rose Technics. The box and the presentation are very fitting for the price folks are going to pay.
Eartips
Rose Technics added in a healthy amount of eartips. Included in the packaging are four sets of silicone shallow fit wide-bore tips which come in a little black case. These tips have a firm stem and a semi firm flange. Really very nice tips. The next set of tips are three pairs of white silicone tips with a semi-wide bore and a slightly flimsier flange. The bore is identical in size to the KBear 07 tips, if that helps. Also, included in the box are one pair of white silicone double flange tips and one pair of small sized foam tips. As for me, I used none of these though they are all very nice tips. However, for Fitment purposes I used some Fiio ole’ school “vocal” tips which are longer and have a semi-wide bore for most of my listening. I also used Final E-tips as well. I found that any tip which was longer fit my ears much better. The nozzle on the QT9 MK3 is short and so I either had to find a very wide shallow fit or a longer tip with a firm flange. I should also add that a narrower bore does help with some of the shout in the upper-mids area and adds some much-needed low-end oomph. The Fiio vocal tips seemed to work the best for me.
Carrying Case
The carrying case which comes with the QT9 MK3 is a gorgeous square dark brownish/gray leather case that is very nice looking. It feels leather anyways, though it may be a faux leather. It’s a looker folks. I don’t usually speak much on the carrying case because I rarely use them, but I’ve actually used this case quite a bit. The case is all black as I’ve said, and it has the logo imprinted on the top with the name Rose Technics underneath. The stitching which outlines the top of the case is a solid touch with a very appealing look. I know, so many of you could care less about a case. I get it. Usually, I don’t either. Still, I think this is a great addition and really shows off the character of Rose Technics as a brand. Very nice.
Cable
The included cable is a 3.5 single ended black cable with a fabric sheath covering it. It is a 5N Monocrystalline Cooper OCC cable that ends with a 3.5 right angled jack. I’ll be honest, this isn’t my favorite cable I’ve ever used but isn’t necessarily a bad cable either. Yes, it is very much usable, sounds perfectly fine, and looks nice. Still, I would have liked to have seen a slightly better wire with a set like this. For one, the cable gets twisted and knotted-up pretty easily which is a small issue but one that I wish I didn’t have to deal with. Next, it isn’t the best fit aesthetically for the QT9 MK3. Please don’t take this as a rebuke either, because the cable is certainly fine and serves its purpose. I did use this cable for any 3.5 single ended listening and found it to be fine. However, I used a 4.4 FSIjiangyi Copper Cable which has a beautiful copper color to it and looks fabulous with the QT9 MK3. Really a great fit in terms of look and sound. Again, the included cable is fine but simply not to the standard of the QT9 MK3 in my humble opinion. This is actually the exact cable handed out for the Mk2s model I reviewed last year. I suppose I came to this conclusion because their $50 QuietSea has one of the best cables under $250. No joke. It is a beautiful cable. I was anticipating a big beefy banger of a cable like that one. Oh well, it is a simple task to swap the cable out and I don’t mind doing it.
Not that bad
Also, please understand that there is no sonic reason anyone has to change cables. The included cable pairs very well as far as sound goes. It simply gets knotted-up fairly easily and never wants to stay coiled up either. Not a big issue at all. If this is the worst of the problems than the QT9 MK3 is doing very well.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
The QT9 MK3’s shell is made by way of 3D printed medical grade resin with a very clean and almost medical grade look, if that’s a thing. Seemingly smaller in size than normal five driver hybrid sets. The resin is nice with a transparent design so that you can see the nicely aligned inner workings. The shell is of a darker color depending on which colorway you choose. The faceplates are made using 7000 series Aviation grade aluminum alloy which is nicely incorporated into the overall design and finished look. I love the contrast in colors, but I’ll get to that next. As I’ve stated, the nozzle is a hair shorter than most, but the nozzle is also very well crafted as the angle seems to fit my particular ears very well. Of course, I do have to use a slightly longer eartip but the way the QT9 MK3 seats in my ears is fantastic. If you have had the opportunity to try out Rose Technics’ previous version, the Mk2s then you’ll know that these two are identical in size and shape. So… Small, very small. Also, this set is extremely lightweight folks. Truly they feel like nothing in the ear and because they are so small, they seem to nestle in perfectly.
I thought the Mk2s were built very solid, and my tune has not changed with this set. The build is one of the cleaner builds you’ll see. I suppose at first glance they don’t seem like much but when in hand it is fairly obvious that the build quality is very high here. Rose Technics has been in this game for quite some time, and they know how to make a set of earphones.
【New Appearance】
Rose Technics Promotional
The QT9 uses 7000-series aerospace aluminum alloy panels polished by 5-axis CNC cutting and high-precision 3D-printed medical resins to form a brand-new look for the headphones.
Design
This possibly could be an area where some may not feel the QT9 MK3 is as aesthetically pleasing as some other sets. Let’s put it this way, I could understand someone not thinking this is the most stylish iem on planet earth. However, I love the design here! Fantastic job once again Rose Technics! I love something that is understated, minimalist or uncluttered, yet still appears nice to the eye. The QT9 MK3 comes in two colorways which are Grey (actually more brownish gray) and silver (the color of the set you see here). The faceplate has a simple matte version of silver covering the whole of the faceplate yet with the name “Rose Technics QT9 Mk3” imposed in small writing along the bottom. So simple yet somehow elegant and tastefully charming. Truly a class act. Like I said, Rose Technics doesn’t have to create some ultra flashy, shiny, glittery or color filled design to look like it means business. They aren’t trying to attract consumers with their fashionable exterior. No sir, yet somehow the QT9 MK3 seems to achieve just that. Very nice Rose Technics.
Internals
Rose Technics chose to use one moving coil, 10mm dynamic driver with a liquid-crystal diaphragm to handle the low-end frequency. The DD has upwards of one-tesla magnetic flux which serves the bass with some added impact. They also used two balanced armature drivers to handle the midrange as well as two BAs to handle the top-end of the mix. I don’t know exactly what BA drivers were used exactly but I will circle-back and edit this review when I do find out. Folks, it is easily apparent that the drivers used are if a high quality and tuned very well. I never sense distortion and the way these drivers handle all micro-dynamics and macro-dynamics on most any track while always showing very good control is a good indication of the quality.
The third generation Hybrid Technology frame
Rose Technics Promotional
QT9 after 6 years to replace four generations, constantly optimize the acoustic structure to solve the harmonic distortion between the unit connection problem, phase difference and other technical problems.
Professional sound generator
4 units moving iron unit
Double 26UA medium frequency
Moving iron voice soft 30017 medium frequency unit strings nimble
Fit
The fit I’ve already spoken about a little. Like I said earlier the fit can be an issue for some, simply due to the shorter nozzle. All I needed to do was find tips which covered the difference and I find this one of the most comfortable sets in my collection. It is just so small, and the ergonomics are great. Once I found tips which allowed a good seal, I found these to be some of the best fitting and most comfy sets. I felt the same way with the Mk2s though for some reason I had a harder time getting a seal with that set. Anyways, I once again used Fiio “vocal” tips or Final Audio’s E-tips for the entirety of the review process. I did use some shallow fit wide bore tips, but I didn’t like the way they felt in my ears, although I did get a good seal that way. Now, I have no idea if this set will fit your ears but hopefully this helps. Isolation is only average though. Perfectly fine when music is playing but some sound does get through. Not bad at all though.
Drivability
To begin, I don’t think that the QT9 MK3 needs a ton of power. There is scaling happening though. Only, it isn’t just from output power but more so from the quality of the source. For whatever reason the QT9 MK3 is one of those sets which sounds pretty darn good with anything. Even brighter sources don’t expound upon the slightly bright nature of the QT9 MK3. Basically, a brighter source isn’t going to turn the MK3 into a peak fest or a sheened-out shout convention with exaggerated and oversaturated treble brilliance. You could call this set somewhat of a chameleon in that sense and I wouldn’t argue.
Mobile Listening
For more mobile situations I will usually bring with me a dongle dac or a Bluetooth dac with which the QT9 MK3 is perfectly suited. With an impedance of around 18 ohms and a sensitivity of around 104 dB’s the MK3 is pretty sensitive. I find no trouble driving this set from even weaker sources. I actually used the RZ200-m dongle (don’t know if that’s the actual name?) that comes with the QT9 MK3 more than I thought I would. It isn’t exactly a powerhouse. Sidenote: it does sound pretty nice. Still, the QT9 MK3 sounded fine with that dongle and had plenty of power for this set. For an add-on in the packaging, it is actually a nice dongle.
Out and about
Still, for regular “out and about” usage I mostly opted for my Qudelix 5k or Ifi Go Blu. To be clear, in this review period I used both, alot. The Go Blu has a slightly warmer tonality and so I do prefer that pairing over the Qudelix, but the 5K also has a litany of features, which almost trumps the slightly better sound of the Go Blu. Still the point is, the QT9 MK3 sounded very nice on both, whether I was using 3.5 single ended or 4.4/2.5 balanced. Dynamics were in abundance whether I used the dongle which came with this set or the more powerful Go Blu. I also spent a lot of great moments with the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus and Moondrop Dawn 4.4 using 4.4 balanced and I will say, there is some scaling using a more powerful output, but not enough to warrant needing more power. Out of all of these I found the S9 Pro Plus paired best for my preferences. That vibrant warmth against the neutrality of the QT9 MK3 was a great match.
Dap listening
Always my most used source would come from my daps that I have on hand. Those being the iBasso DX240 and the Shanling M6 Ultra. Both devices have low output impedance, and both have a ton of power under the hood. The QT9 MK3 took well to both source tonalities. The M6 Ultra (AK4493SEQ dac chip) is warmer, more velvet in smoothness and a thicker note weight while the DX240 with the iBasso Amp8 MK2 module attached (ES9038 Pro dac chip) is more energetic, dynamically charged and closer to neutrality. Both are fantastic in their price point of just under 1k and just over 1k. The QT9 MK3 loves both, which in turn means that I love both.
What should you use
I don’t have a million sources to compare but I did find the MK3 does an admirable job adapting to most any source. Certainly, any of them that I have. But I do have my preferences. Of my dongle dacs, listening with 4.4 balanced on the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus was a treat. It’s warmer, but doesn’t lack in its macro-dynamic expression. Also, for my daps the warmer and silkier sound of the M6 Ultra was my choice. The only thing you need is (at least) a decent Dongle Dac, though I would assume you could run this set off of a simple phone. I can’t imagine the dongle dac which came with the QT9 MK3 is that powerful but again, it easily powered this set.
Sound Impressions
The Rose Technics QT9 MK3 comes across very energetic with a tonality that hangs around the neutral side of the aisle. Sounding more like a very clean U-shaped to W-shaped sound signature with a punchy bass, nicely emphasized mids and a strong treble performance. Overall, I would call this a nicely balanced set. There is the tiniest bit of warmth in the low-end, a neutral low-mid, slightly more lustrous upper midrange and a spicy but controlled treble. No one area of the mix masks any other area either. Meaning; you won’t hear the bass covering over the midrange and muddying it up, and you won’t hear the treble sheen sizzling over any area either. I find the cohesion is fantastic on this set as it has a very nice tuning with capable and quality drivers. Rose Technics truly did a wonderful job in my opinion and hit the target they were going for. Perhaps a tad bright for some folks or not bass boosted enough for others but very nicely balanced, nicely detailed with vibrant macro-dynamics and able to take on most of my complicated tracks in my Playlist. Note weight isn’t the richest or thickest though so, keep that in mind.
Soft bright hue
Furthermore, the sound is very clean across the mix. Transients seem peppery and quick with very nice separation of elements and very nice note definition. Also, looking at my notes; time and time again I write how nice the timbre is. Who needs notes though, I have the MK3 in my ears as I type this, and “Hotel California” is playing “right now”. The timbre is really nice folks. It’s organic with such a nicely tidy note structure. I feel there is certainly an upper-mids to lower treble focus (if any) but also a slightly emphasized sub-bass. I’d say the only thing keeping the QT9 MK3 from being completely natural is the soft bright hue in the upper mids and the snappy transient behavior. It really is great folks. That said, some more warmth would help to make it more “my” preferred signature, maybe a pinch more from the sub to the mid-bass and a titch slower decay would make it more atmospheric. However, I’m not speaking badly here, this set sounds sensational for the price.
Quick look Between the 20’s
The bass region has only a slight emphasis making the bass quantity only moderate to me. This isn’t some ultra thumpy boom fest folks. Basically, bassheads won’t be drooling. No, this is a cleanly controlled bass with enough oomph to carry most genres but not enough to say it “Bangs”. But “boy o’ boy” it’s speedy. This bass is very precise with an elastic control. The mids are neutral across and smooth as well. They are clean and clear with great resolution and sounds great when listening to well-produced and quality music files. The mids aren’t very recessed at all and sound forward and energetic. The treble has good extension, decent body, very well detailed, and has enough emphasis to lift the entire spectrum. I would say this set peaks out in the treble region but never goes overboard into sharpness. Detail retrieval is great across the board as the QT9 MK3 serves up technicalities very well. Imaging is pretty nice with decent layering of sounds and the stage is pretty wide if you ask me. Macro-dynamics are exuberant and bold, especially in orchestral pieces but it’s pretty obvious in most any track.
If this is all you read
You probably already know if this is a set you want to learn more about. It won’t be for bassheads, it narrowly may be for treble junkies, and it won’t be for those who enjoy the richest note weight. Not for warm and dark tonality lovers either. The QT9 MK3 does a lot very well though. In my opinion there aren’t many in the price point quite like it and all it performs well at. Not exactly anyways, and definitely none I’ve heard. I don’t feel it punches above its price necessarily but is very good against most any set for many different qualities. Please hear me though, this will not be for everyone. One of the hardest things about being a reviewer is making sure people read and understand these words… ”Not for Everyone”. Is the MK3 a special set? No question about it, it’s a special set. Will it feel special to Bob the basshead? Um… probably not, Bob the basshead probably won’t dig this set! Do we have an understanding? I just want to make sure. The MK3 has a very refined and clean sound that I have really grown to enjoy.
Bass Region
Looking at the low-end of the QT9 MK3, it reminds me a lot of the Aful Performer 8. Only the bass on the QT9 MK3 is probably a bit tighter with a denser feel to it. Not by much though. In fact, the entire sound signature reminds me a little of the Aful Performer 8. However, back to the bass, it has a very nice and linear glide down from the sub-bass through to the midrange with a streamlined and well contoured note structure. Abrasive when it needs to be, smooth when it needs to be, and concrete hard when it needs to be. Like “Take on Me” by Weezer. Those Kick-drums are elastic as you hear the solidity of the tacky edge, and the hollow rebound is full. It isn’t the deepest or most robust, but it is authentic. Clean enough to reproduce all the little nuances of something like successive kick drum booms. Also, it is very fast. There really hasn’t been many tracks that this set has gotten confused by down low. Very nicely structured and clean. The leading edge in attack or the crest if a bass note is tactile, it’s textured, it isn’t pillowy or fuzzy. It’s controlled and like I said… Contoured.
Sub-bass
Now that I’ve said all that nice stuff, I should also say that the sub-bass rumble is only decently beefy, and it isn’t my perfect preference, but there’s still a nice rumble that I find satisfying enough. Now, if you like a big, fun, bone-rattling sub bass with a guttural haptic reverb that vibrates your temples… then you won’t exactly find that with this set. It isn’t moving mass amounts of air but somehow still renders a thrumming and reverberant bassline with some physicality. The QT9 MK3 sub-bass sounds like it’s just north of neutral and can dig pretty deep with good depth to the sound. Thankfully Rose Technics saw fit to add just enough to carry certain genres which require some rumble. Beyond that, the bass is tight! It’s nimble in its ductility with a rubbery type of elasticity and far from a one-noted or a blended affair. I can’t help but applaud the compact nature of the sub-bass. Also, the sub-bass somewhat carries the load in the bass department, as the mid-bass is a bit less full.
Pristine, tight & detailed
“Groove” by Ray Wylie Hubbard is a song of choice which I use in most of my reviews because of the haptic reverb from the bass right out the gate. No waiting around for some melody all to finally get to the bass drop. Listening with the QT9 MK3 gives off a substantial gravelly grunge with a solid note outline. Very clean sounding. The haptic feel is there and pretty meaty as far as quantity is concerned, for me anyways. I feel like the bass is just so clean and rides that bassline very nicely. “West Texas is the Best Texas” is a track by The Panhandlers which incorporates a deep bass guitar that sounds fantastic on this set. It sounds pristine, tight, and detailed amongst the strumming guitar and the melody being sung in tandem. There’s certainly some heaviness to the bass guitar which has a nice textured feel to it and still comes across very naturally.
Mid-bass
Listening to the mid-bass on the QT9 MK3 I get a constant urge to have just a tad more emphasis. No, it isn’t the most bullish and authoritative, but the mid-bass does carry with it a punchiness with a solid, or compacted slam even though it isn’t the most imposing of mid-bass replays. The mid-bass has a solid texture presence like lean muscle texture but with punch and buoyancy. It comes across very well rounded and can be very nuanced. But it just isn’t the most bloated bass you’ve ever heard. To the contrary, the QT9 MK3 also doesn’t have a plastic sounding mid-bass as it does have a condensed command to it. There’s still some potency and warm weight to it. Now, bass guitars are at times a bit less full sounding (depending on the pitch and the track) and a slight bit more of a vibrant sounding fundamental tone, but not so much that I’d label this a direct “con”. Double bass still has enough morbid drone when it needs it. Perhaps a bit thinner than perfectly and organically true, but it still can muster a nice silvery bellow.
Mid-bass cont…
The mid-bass does have a solidity to it on the attack edge with a hardened bite that sounds pretty darn nice. You won’t hear any soft notes unless a track is recorded that way. Take “Old Man Gillich” by Muscadine Bloodline. There is a nice kick drum partly serving as the foundation to this track with a tight snare drum which follows suit. I really enjoy the hollow and round thud on the drum here. Folks, I can honestly envision the kick drum so well because of how nicely the QT9 MK3 replicates all sides of the boom. It has a nice hollow punch and wet edge to it, but again, you hear and feel the rebound. So very well textured and always moist or dense. Another track “Wolves” by Big Sean releases a bass drop at around 29 seconds that I can feel just as well as hear. The QT9 MK3 gives off a solid boom but still not over-saturated or overly bulbous. This is a case of a set replaying exactly what is recorded. So, the MK3 can rise to the occasion but it simply isn’t overdone or as “fun” as some other more bass heavy sets.
Downsides to the Bass Region
The mid-bass to me is the one area that I’d like to see a few more dB’s. Let’s just get that out of the way. There are a few reasons for this. I feel the midrange could use some warmth and weight from the low-end bleeding into the region… in a calculated manner. A healthy bleed, if you will. Just a bit more to help the midrange from sounding as dry and to add some beef to low-mid vocals. Fans of big bass will want to keep looking. I feel I’ve gotten this point across by now and pretty much beaten this horse past death a bit too long. You get the picture. Other than that, this is an amazing bass. Truly a well-done area for the QT9 MK3 and one of the standout features of this set.
Folks, the low end can handle most anything you throw at it and does so in a seemingly effortless way. Most certainly its “quality over quantity” in the best way possible. The transient speed will honestly suck you in like a tractor beam when coupled with the organic and natural solidity. No, it’s not the most emphasized and it is a bit leaner but there is real density to it. Just a very endearing and engaging sound in most anything I play through them.
Midrange
The midrange is another selling point to me. I wouldn’t call it tops in class like some other more organically weighted midrange efforts, but it is organic, nonetheless. We have two BA’s managing the midrange and I feel that Rose Technics did a great job of walking the fine line of less bass intrusion for a clean midrange, and the type of midrange which comes across too analytical and dry from not having that warmth. To be clear, this is not dry to me and while I wouldn’t consider it lush and rich, I would consider it lean-lush throughout with great timbre. This set does have some semblance of saturated texture within the leaner profile. The lower half is a bit more recessed yet pristine in its note delivery, while the upper half is more vivacious and has hues of brightness, but both keep that timbral integrity. This is a highly resolving midrange which comes across as airy and open and still has a measured uniform balance across the mids. Maybe not perfectly symmetrical but very cohesive and liquid in the transitions. Again, transients are rapid while the QT9 MK3 still carries a nicely smoothened body to notes. It isn’t grainy or coarse, unless the track being played has these attributes.
The subtleties
Another fine thing about the QT9 MK3 is its ability to illuminate even subtle details within my music, I hear some pretty nice details that I wasn’t exactly expecting. This set has agile micro-dynamics shifts which opens up the stage and the MK3 has a nice balance across the mix which also helps in bringing out the details. Staging is also very nice in this region as the MK3 does well to render the sound field in a 3D fashion. It is a nice add on to the great timbre of this set and really helps the QT9 MK3 to sound pretty great.
Lower-midrange
Listening to male vocals I would have thought the QT9 MK3 would’ve been very lean and distant. Granted the lower midrange is pushed a hair further back than the rest of the midrange. However, within that framework the MK3 has very good presence and an alluringly flush note body with good texture. “A Fathers First Spring” by The Avett Brothers is a nice example of good texture to a male voice. Not the type which has a rough grain to it even though his voice is more lifted in pitch. Instead, I hear something very finely contoured with a smooth overlay along the crest of his vocal notes. I could have just said it’s clean, or resolute but I feel the way that the QT9 MK3 swims around the modulations of this track are commendable.
They sound good folks
“Colorado” by Cody Jinks shows off this man’s deep and coarse-grained voice with a knife-edged sound and great control. This is a voice which is weighted and heavy no matter the earphone. What I didn’t want was more vibrance to his voice or a more metallic edginess to it. Thankfully, I don’t hear that at all. His voice is weighted-neutral, if that makes sense. Not warmly heavy. It’s still dense in texture permeation and carries this density through the entire song and each individual note. Maybe not as translucent because of this lean-lush sound but very resolute. If it were up to me and my preference, I already stated I’d have a bit more low-mid warmth, but I am impressed by what Rose Technics was able to accomplish with this set here. Males sound good folks.
Upper-Midrange
Another area when through a macro lens the upper-mids come across very well sculpted. Again, they are leaner in their presentation but have a solid compactness and textured consistency. Perhaps females gain a bit more of a soft brightness to them, or shimmer, but they still remain melodic, and the timbre doesn’t become metallic or rough. Again, clean sounding all the way through. “Half In Half Out” by Gabrielle Aplin sounds both delicate as well as radiant. Radiant as in; luminous. Elevated to a degree. Still harmonious and controlled but with some svelte sparkles which adds some life to her vocals. Not that she needs the help. Ella Henderson in “Everything I Didn’t Say” is another track which elegantly shows off her voice with some vibrance all the while not losing the musicality to her voice. Transients are so quick and agile while there is still that saturation of density to her voice. She sounds very good on this set. Maybe there are the slightest touches of sibilance, but it didn’t bother me one bit.
Only with tracks which are prone to it…
Most females come across almost resplendent in their subtle brightness which can be lively and comfortably energetic. Oddly enough this tinge towards brightness is not something which derails the note integrity. All the time anyways. I should add that, on some tracks, because of this soft brightness, I do hear some shout in the upper mid/lower treble area. For me it has only shown up in certain tracks. Like “Sensitive” by Megan Trainor. Her voice just cuts through the air with razor sharpness and enters all ears with this piercing tone. For whatever reason this song is simply prone to that sharpness. Of course, I get this on many iems but I had to mention it here. Yes, the QT9 MK3 is very vivid and energetic, and the timbre is tilted more organic and controlled, but at times in the right tracks… You may get some subtle glare.
Instrumentation
Most instruments which dabble in the midrange walk in stride with the vocals in that they are closer to a more organic sound. I find that vocals sit a hair in front of instruments, for the most part. Strings have a very lively and nice sharpness and bite that is mostly always satisfying and very detailed. Electric guitars have that bodied but energized gruffness and abrasiveness that I always look for without going overboard and coming across too sharp. Acoustic jams are nice with the QT9 MK3 too. Piano is tuneful but possibly not warm enough for a realistic sound in the lower mids but I feel the upper mids give off that resounding sound. I still hear a rich sound across the board with great secondary harmonics. Even with the short decay. Percussion of almost every form has a snap to it or a pointed charge of energy at attack with nice weight to them. The fundamental frequency of a cymbal strike usually comes across nicely and doesn’t sound splashy to me even in the secondary harmonics (mostly in the treble). Violin has a soft or hard edge (depending on the track) to it and can come across silvery or very melodic. I won’t sit here and list every instrument, but I hope you get the idea. Instruments sound very natural with only a peppering of vibrance added on. There’s nothing strange, nothing too odd as far as timbre is concerned either. At least that I intentionally listened for. If anything, near the upper mids most instruments have a glaze of extra shimmer to them.
Downsides to the Midrange
I think the most obvious downside to the midrange would likely be the note weight and warmth being a hair less lush and rich then some folks would like to have it. There is also some shoutiness in the upper mids along with the most subtle metallic timbre on rare occasions (very rare). The MK3 does have the slightest tinges of sibilance at times too. However, I am only reporting this to you for the sake of the review. Also, none of these downsides bothered me at all, not even in the slightest. I’m sure that there’s some of you who are ultra-sensitive to such things so be aware. Folks, at the end of the day the midrange on this set is very nice. Not so gifted as some sets which quite literally are tuned to master the midrange but for a balanced U-shaped iem I have to say that the QT9 MK3 is very impressive to this guy.
Treble Region
The treble has some fun energy. It comes across with some added spice and some extra razzle-dazzle to up the presence of this set. I find the treble brings a sense of openness and subtle airiness to the sound. Maybe not the “most open” but certainly there is room to breathe up top. The highs on this set do seem to stretch out the sound within my mind space with the added vivacity. I also feel the MK3 has good extension into the upper treble, which also helps to widen the sound field. So yes, the treble has a little bit of added luster and glossy luminance. However, this doesn’t mean the highs are necessarily too sharp either as I wouldn’t call them fatiguing. I have grown accustomed to this sound and I really am not finding many issues with too much brightness. Maybe to some treble sensitive people I suppose. Actually, definitely to sensitive hobbyists. To everyone else, I think you’ll enjoy what Rose Technics was able to achieve here.
Energetic & crunchy
The treble does have a nice crunch and a keen acuteness to its note definition which does an admirable job of separating instruments while still having a slight richness and treble body. If that makes any sense to you. The treble has bite to it folks. Micro details come alive but not to the point of any analytical type of papery dryness. There is some saturation to the note body. Don’t get me wrong though, I find detail retrieval to be nice, just not to the degree that the MK3 are detail monsters. Transients are still fairly quick and tight. On top of all that, I also find the cohesion between drivers as well as between frequencies is really great. A lot has to do with the nice cadence and timing that the treble has with the rest of the mix. This is just a well-tuned and energetically charged treble.
Examples
Listening to a track like “Bishop School” by Yusef Lateef the QT9 MK3 quite easily manages all treble activity without even skipping a beat. Every last instrument is accounted for. This track is lathered in both blistering treble activity as well as slower progressions. In it you’ll hear the congas, flute, electric guitar, guitar, the trumpet and percussion all intertwining and crossing paths. This is a nice track to test for imaging, separation, treble bite and punch, peaks, transient response and any other treble attributes. The flute comes across ethereal, bright, silvery and rich. The trumpet sounds brassy with a controlled brilliance that isn’t harsh as the trumpet blare comes across with a voluminous sound. Also, “Way Back When” by The String Cheese Incident is another track from my notes with nice treble activity. The MK3 really does separate each instrument nicely and each sound comes across organic and closer to natural than not.
Downsides to the Treble Region
Obviously, this set may be too bright, too brilliant and simply too peaky for many folks. Granted, those people probably stopped reading this review a while ago. Also, I really do feel that Rose Technics did a marvelous job of tuning the treble to bolster and enhance other areas of the mix. Still, I’m very positive this set will be too energetic for those who desire less emphasis and a sooner roll-off. Those who enjoy a more analytical and even more detailed and resolving treble may not be completely satisfied. While the treble is nicely resolving I also feel that the density to treble notes sometimes cramps things to the slightest degree. However, this only occurs in crazy complicated tracks but also, the QT9 MK3 does it better than most. So, take that for what you must.
Overall, I feel the treble is great. It comes right to the brink of over brilliance and stops just short. Not too over saturated in treble sheen but just saturated enough in the note body. I like the crispness of the treble without the sibilance. All in all, this is a well-tuned set folks. I like it.
Technicalities
Soundstage
Listening to the track “Hook” by Blues Traveler, what I hear is above average width, average height and good depth to the sound. Listening to this track always gives me a good idea of the approximate vastness of a set. I find the MK3 to be open sounding, for the most part which stretches the psycho-acoustic sound field within my mind space. It’s a nice stage size. Nothing which will blow anyone’s mind. This is an iem after all. That said, the stage certainly has an engaging quality to it. There is subtle depth to the sound which does present a certain 3D picture of the stage as I listen. Some recordings show this off better than others but for the most part I hear an almost holographic representation of my music. You don’t get a simple wall of sound on this set. Instead, the sound is full. Now, the midrange sounds a hair closer to the listener (which I enjoy) and so it is another stage which is intimate in that sense. Yet it also reaches past my ears in width. The stage is a good one folks.
Separation / Imaging
As far as separation of the elements within an imaginary stage, I feel the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 does a very nice job. It does have that lean-lush approach to note delivery which is somewhat saturated but still lean enough to not feel cramped. At the same time the cleanliness and resolution are very nice. Good width of the stage, tighter transients and a more open feeling to the MK3 all helps to perceive good separation of instruments and vocals. Imaging kind of follows suit as well. The spatial recognition doesn’t seem to have any real issues, at least that I’ve noted. There is also depth for layering of the sound as well. Honestly, I find no real issues in this department.
Details
The detail retrieval of the QT9 MK3 is very nice. I can pick apart even the most subtle of details in my music. Even with more complicated tracks, so long as the recording is good, I don’t feel that any other set is head and shoulders better than the QT9 MK3. Take everything we’ve learned about this set, the separation, everything’s in its place, speedy and clean micro-dynamics, very nice note definition, a balance across the mix with no one frequency masking any other and what you get (usually) is a pretty detailed sound. Now, there are certainly sets which are even more dry analytical sounding, thinner, tighter and there are some which are better tuned to bring out the subtleties. However, those sets don’t offer the same musicality of the QT9 MK3. There is a nice balance of musical and technical which helps the overall sound to be very engaging and dynamic, but also clean and detailed.
Comparison
QOA Aviation ($199)
The QOA Aviation (Aviation Review) is a solid option in the price point that I don’t think anyone should sleep on. I reviewed this set around the beginning of October and was especially smitten with it. There is so much to like about it; the way it delivers music to my earholes, the fantastic build quality, the awesome look, the unboxing is awesome too. Most important is that creamy and lush sound. Basically, it is a complete change from the sound of the QT9 MK3. I think it makes a good comparison this way. Many people have heard the Aviation too and so it does help if others have some sort of a gauge as to what I’m referring to. I really like the Aviation as a wonderful change of pace type set and I more than enjoy it in my collection.
Differences
For one, the build of both these sets are like polar opposites. One set (Aviation) seeks to wow you with the resin shell and the glittery and colorful look and the other (MK3) would rather act like they’ve been there before (so to speak) with a clean, minimalist, and pro look. Both builds are great. This is one comparison where the look alone may be pulling you to one direction or the other. Next, the MK3 does have one extra driver in the treble area. The MK3 is also much smaller which is a feat in and of itself. It’s lighter, easier on the ears maybe. The only other non+sound difference would be in the price. Right now, at this moment the MK3 is actually cheaper at $182 (Aliexpress), yet it’s MSRP is considerably higher. Both sets have very nice unboxing experiences with great accessories. I would certainly take the Aviation’s modular cable but the rest is pretty on par with eachother.
Sound Differences
The first thing you’ll notice is how different these two really are sound wise. The Aviation is this warm and lush earphone with a penchant for musicality and a fatigue-free listen. The MK3 on the other hand is neutral/bright, technically gifted, better balance across the mix, and a much cleaner sound altogether. The MK3 has a leaner note weight but much better note definition whereas the Aviation comes across lush and rich. The Aviation has alot more low-end thump and rumble. It has quite a bit more in the tank as the bass does give off a warm presence to the rest of the mix. As you know now, the MK3 has that fast paced and detailed bass with a lean but solid punch. The Aviation is softer in its note delivery and doesn’t have the definition like the MK3 does. The midrange cleanliness and lean-lush vocal delivery of the MK3 is more forward but less thick in note weight. Much better in midrange detail retrieval though, separation and airiness. Again, the Aviation is is creamy, milky and offers that rich emotionally melodic sound that is like a warm blanket. The treble of the MK3 is much more energetic, much better defined, more resolute and better extended. Those who are sensitive to treble may like the Aviation as it is easy on the ears and more smoothened with a much less offensive sound. Technicalities pretty much exclusively go to the MK3 except for height of the stage. Musicality and feel-good richness go to the Aviation.
My thoughts
Folks, these are two sets which are more like polar opposites then anything. Most people would probably think it’s a horrible comparison to use. I disagree for one reason; something so different is helpful for me to explain the set I’m reviewing a bit better. Friends, I love both of these sets! Love em’. My musical palate is pretty diverse in what I enjoy but between the two I would likely prefer the MK3. The holographic stage, the cleanliness, the dynamism is all so engaging to me. That’s not taking anything away from the Aviation either. Both sets are wonderful for what they are, and they are both great differing options for any collection.
P.S.: I will edit in a couple more comparisons in the future. I simply ran out of time prior to the publish date of this review. Please comment any you’d like me to compare with the QT9 MK3. Also, DM me if you have any questions.
Is it worth the asking price?
I think you have to look at all sets within the price point to really get a good sense of the real worth of this set. The question is “Is it worth the asking price”? From my perspective and from every iem that I’ve had the pleasure of trying within the price point of $200 and $300 I have to say that most certainly the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 is worth the money they are asking for to own it. In fact, the price has actually gone down to as low as $182! This is a steal folks. I feel this set is worth the $280 MSRP and so cutting a cool $100 off that price most certainly makes this a no brainer if you can afford it.
Of course, the sound signature has to agree with you. You will have to enjoy an energetic and lively sound. Without question, not all hobbyists will go for the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3. I know plenty of warm & dark lovers who will find this a bit too thin and less rich in note weight than they’d like. In the same token, I know many folks who are very sensitive to any form of brightness. These folks will obviously not be the type who would spend their hard-earned money on this set. It has to fit you and your personal preferences. I did my best at explaining the sound as well as every other aspect of this set and do hope it was enough. Nothing is for everyone, the blessing and the curse of this hobby.
The Why…
Let’s begin with the fantastic build quality of the QT9 MK3. Like I said earlier, upon first glance the MK3 doesn’t look like much. It’s when they are in your hand and in your ear that it dawns on you the quality of materials that Rose Technics chose for this great line of iems. There’s a reason they haven’t really changed since the series began. The look is very nice, it’s minimalist, and it doesn’t call attention to itself. However, the look is also very slick, sleek, professional and classy. The unboxing & accessories are tops in class (the cable isn’t the best) which is a nice bonus too. For all of that, the number one reason that the Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 is worth the asking price is because of… you guessed it… the sound quality.
Well worth the price…
The QT9 MK3 has all the sonic trappings of a set which could be considered near the “top in class”, especially if the tuning aligns with your preferences. While writing this review, I really did stretch myself to find negative aspects about the sound. I still came away with some drawbacks. The rest is surprisingly good, and I do hope more people will check the QT9 MK3 out. The bass is very fast, detailed, very punchy and the sub-bass extends nicely. The midrange is forward but not to a fault, it’s clean as a whistle and very melodic with some awesome lean-lush and dense note weight. Transients and micro-dynamics are speedy with minimal decay and sustain which promotes a very clean and controlled sound. The treble is energetic yet not overcooked. It’s bodied and it’s vibrant, it has some brilliance and is nicely detailed for what it is. I’ve tried so many iems and from my humble and subjective vantage point I feel this set is well worth the price that Rose Technics is asking.
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 QT9 Mk3 ratings below, that would be $200-$300 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 to 6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $200-$300 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: 8.3 Built well but nothing out of the ordinary.
-Look: 7.8 This is up for debate but I feel the look is cool.
-Accessories: 9.5 Very nice accessories & unboxing.
–Overall: 8.5
Sound Rating
-Timbre: 9.5 The timbre and tonality are excellent.
-Bass: 9.3 Mature bass that is quality over quantity.
-Midrange: 8.5 The mids are very nice on this set.
-Treble: 9.0 The treble has good body & has great control
-Technicalities: 9.2 Technically great!
–Overall: 9.1🔥🔥🔥
Ratings Summary:
To summarize the ratings above; there’s only on area I feel the need to further explain myself, and that is the “Bass” rating. I gave this set a “9.3” in this category and it isn’t even my own preference for quantity. A 9.3 is very high after I considered every set that I’ve heard in the price point listed. How many sets does the MK3 have to beat out to get a 9.3? Think about it. I guess now you know the quality of the bass that I was speaking of. Yes, it is that good. It isn’t even up to my quantity standards, and I still really respect the output in quality. Not “Basshead” but “Bass-Fi” to a very high degree. Of course, the only way that it could’ve been better in my eyes was to add some quality db’s in the mid-bass.
Every other rating, I feel is justified against the rest of the market. Remember, please remember, these are simply my opinions against the iems I’ve actually heard and spent time with well enough to garner a string opinion over. Granted, I’ve heard a lot. Way more than I actually posts or publish. I only review sets that I actually enjoy or sets which I feel others would enjoy. Anyways, I do feel I (at least) know the price point well enough to have an opinion. Also, I haven’t heard them all. So, take this “opinion” as a grain of salt if you must.
Good at being balanced
You have to remember that many sets “specialize” in certain areas and so they will score higher in those certain areas. Some are better in the midrange, some are higher in the bass but lower in the technicalities, some are better in the technical stuff but awful in timbre. You get the idea. However, a balanced set like this has more of an evened score across the board generally. The MK3 has relatively high scores across the board. This is a good thing folks. Yes, there are sets better at vocal delivery, without question. Also, yes there are sets which bang way deeper and are more fun, without question. Notwithstanding, the QT9 MK3 is solid pretty much everywhere. You have to figure that any set with a score higher than a 7.5 in the price point listed, is pretty darn good. I gave the MK3 a “9.1” in overall sound. My opinion.
Conclusion
Once again, I want to thank Rose Technics for providing the QT9 MK3 in exchange for a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have greatly enjoyed my time with this set and feel that not enough people have had a chance to listen to them. The MK3 does so much right and while it may not be everyone’s perfect cup o’ tea, it will definitely fit a vast amount of folks’ preferences. Rose Technics is one of those brands that simply creates, and crafts good products and I have seen this firsthand. I look forward to checking out more of what they have to offer in the future. So, thank you again to Rose Technics, it means a lot.
Please check out other thoughts on this set. It will always benefit the consumer to do your homework and get as much info as possible about these audio devices. Especially if you cannot try them in advance. Listen to, watch, or read other perspectives and opinions and I do hope it helps you to make an informed decision that you can be happy about. With that, I think I’m done. Please take good care friends, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!
