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.
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.
9/10
Pros:
- Great build quality
- Nicest cable in 50 USD category
- Nice comfort and fit
- Good quality single DD (Topology)
- Good and natural Bass + nice Sub-bass rumble
- Good details and no harshness at all
- Pretty good soundstage
- Price/quality ratio
- Extremely easy to drive (you don’t need anything expensive)
Cons:
- Same design of IKKO OH2 (not really a cons)
- Not so many tips included
- Oval nozzle
- Not for bassheads
- MMCX connectors (personal)
