Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro
Intro
Hello, this is my full written review for the “Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro” or SC5P, as I’ll refer to it for review purposes. The SC5P is the latest Hybrid iem from the audio brand “Rose Technics” and one I am happy to report on today. The SC5P is actually part of Rose Technics’ “Light Year” series of iems. Folks, I have done a few reviews by now from the brand “Rose Technics” and I have yet to hear a set that isn’t tuned very well to the intended target. I’ve reviewed and greatly enjoyed the Rose Technics QT9 Mk2s (Mk2s Review), Rose Technics QuietSea (QuietSea Review), and the exceptional Rose Technics QT9 Mk3 (QT9 MK3 Review). So,as you have probably guessed, I have some high hopes for the Star City 5 Pro (SC5P). Real quick, the SC5P is a three-driver hybrid iem consisting of one dynamic driver and two balanced armature drivers and costs roughly about $130 on the Rose Technics website but you can get this set for a ridiculously low $65 on Aliexpress right now. If you haven’t done the math, that’s HALF-OFF! Nothing beats a good rollout deal folks! Anyways, I thank Rose Technics for providing me a discounted price so that I may review and feature the SC5P at Mobileaudiophile.com.
Rose Technics
The brand Rose Technics has quietly and irrevocably stolen my heart and so please be aware of this bias as I ramble on for another extremely long review. Of course, I will explain exactly what I hear, biases or not. Rose Technics is a brand that never has to force their greatness on anyone. Never flashy or pompous. Rose Technics doesn’t flaunt their products or boast about them in endless ads. Ya know what, I relate them to my favorite NFL player ever… Barry Sanders. One thing unique about Barry is that he never, ever, celebrated scoring a touchdown. He simply handed the ball to the ref. Like my father always told me… “Son, act like you’ve been there”. How does this relate to Rose Technics? Because Rose Technics is very much similar. They make great products that quietly and without fanfare or celebration are… quite fantastic. Basically, they let others tell them how great they are. Another thing my father used to tell me. Now, there are always issues with everything and certainly a set like the SC5P has some issues of its own. However, those issues look like minor gripes against the backstop of all they do well.
Let’s get into it…
I write these initial intros usually after my first listen or prior and so I really don’t have a great gauge on this set yet, so we will discover the SC5P together. This is a set that has a lot going for it and one that I feel will likely fall under the radar as a lot of Rose Technics iems seem to do. I suppose only time will tell. That said, I’m ready to get this review going, time to critically listen, write a bunch of notes and spend a good few weeks with this set. Let’s get into it, the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro…
Non-Affiliated Purchasing links
–Aliexpress ($65 sales price NOW)
Disclaimer:
I received the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro from Rose Technics with a percentage off the actual price 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 paid 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.
SC5P Pros
-Wonderful build quality
-Beautiful design
-Very small and compact form factor for a 3-driver hybrid
-Top class accessories and unboxing
-Nicely cohesive sound
-Very well balanced across the mix
-Smooth across the mix with nice control throughout
-Atmospheric yet clean low-end
-Good note weight, lean-lush
-Energetic yet non-Offensive treble region
-Soundstage depth
-Imaging
SC5P Cons
-Needs burn-in
-Not for warm & dark lovers
-Treble heads won’t be impressed
-Not for treble sensitive (burn-in helps tremendously)
-Fit may not be perfect for everyone
-Low-end extension
-Upper-treble extension
Gear used for testing
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
One thing you can count on with Rose Technics is that they will provide a very nice unboxing experience for the money. I have yet to receive one of their sets and not be impressed. When the SC5P arrived at my door it came in a good-sized box. The box sleeve had a picture of the Star City 5 Pro adorning the front. It’s a nice-looking 1st impression. I won’t go too deep on this as you can just look at my pictures. Taking the sleeve I was met with a nice black box with “Light Year” across the middle and it has a magnetic flap keeping it closed. Once opened you are met with the gorgeous faceplates of the SC5P on one half and the circular case on the other. Both are sitting nicely in soft foam cutouts. Underneath that layer are some of the eartips. Inside the case you’ll find the cable, more eartips and a small dongle dac as well. Folks, it is a very nice unboxing. I realize I just run right through this section quickly, but I can assure you that it is better than most sets.
Eartips
Rose Technics offers two different sets of eartips in the packaging. Both are of obvious good quality and will be useful to any hobbyist. They provide four sets (S, M, L, XL) of some white silicone shallow fit wide bore tips. These tips have a semi firm flange and a firmer stem. The next kind of tips provided is three sets of white silicone narrow bore tips (S, M, L). These tips are also semi firm at the flange, deeper fit, more rigid all together. I really don’t mind the included tips as I got both sets to seal with relative ease. However, I much prefer to use my go-to KBear 07 tips in a large size. The 07’s added a cleaner and punchier bass and improved the upper midrange to a slight degree as well. Certainly, the included tips are perfectly fine and may suit you perfectly.
Carrying Case
I really like this case friends. It is an all-black hockey Puck shaped case that is very premium looking. I’m assuming that it’s faux leather but it’s very hard to tell by sight and by feel. I love the “Light Year” logo written in the middle and the slick looking stitching which goes all the way around the case. This is the type of case which simply pushes closed and remains very well sealed to protect your precious iems. I feel there is just enough room to carry the Star City 5 Pro as well as the included dongle dac. Now, I rarely use carrying cases and likely won’t use this one, but I really like the look. I love that Rose Technics sought to impress with everything. I could see this case with much more expensive sets. Who knows maybe I’ll use it, though I know many of you regularly carry your iems in cases. For those folks, you’ll be pleased. This is a nice one.
Cable
Okay, so I’ve loosely complained about the Rose Technics cable in past reviews. It is true that the Star City 5 Pro does come with the exact same cable as the more expensive iems, like the QT9 MK3. It’s actually a nice cable and goes very well with the SC5P aesthetically. Still, I don’t usually like most cloth lined cables though. However, the much less expensive Rose Technics QuietSea has an amazing cloth cable that is beefy and flat out sweet looking. I would’ve loved to have seen something like that. Just something a bit more premium looking. That said, this is actually a very talented wire as it’s an all-black mmcx 3.5 single ended 6N OCC copper cable that is said to be of fantastic quality in terms of its sound. I used the included cable for all 3.5 single ended listening and actually do think it is a high-quality cable. Maybe not my favorite but I’ll live. The mmcx connections are tight and feel durable and well made. However, I did swap cables for any balance listening, which is the majority of the time. I used one of my favorite cables ever, a FSIjiangyi 6N OCC cable that is simply stunning to look at and even better with the SC5P attached.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
The Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro has a very solid and compact form factor that is made out of what appears to be resin on the shell as well as a couple different alloys for the faceplates and the mmcx female connector housing. Really a very nicely built iem that looks much more premium than it actually is. I suppose for the MSRP price ($130), the build is right at the standard of the price point, if not better. However, for the sales price ($65) there aren’t many iems which can stand next to the SC5P. The build is really flawless with perfectly sculpted parts meticulously put together. Using CNC precision cutting It has stainless steel faceplates, the mmcx female port is aluminum and the SC5P has a brass nozzle, while the shell is resin by way of 3D printing. I see one good sized vent with damper material below the mmcx connector and another longer vent on the back faceplate too as well as one very small vent on the mmcx housing. I think the build is very nice and I don’t think many could argue that.
Design
What a huge departure from the Rose Technics iems I’m used to as far as body style. Previous RT iems were very traditional. Always sleek and slick but also very minimalist in approach. In truth, I have always had an affinity for the look of their iems. Perhaps a bit vanilla for some people, but to me their designs have always set them apart. In a way. As far as the Star City 5 Pro, it is an elegant mix of style and function. Rose Technics did a nice job crafting a cool looking set. The colors are a mix of black on the shell to mirror silver on the faceplate and gold-plated nozzle. The faceplates have “Light Year” imposed on them in an elegant writing as well. It is simply a nice look. Very nice work.
Internals
Inside the SC5P we have a self-developed 10mm LCP dynamic driver which is said to be a Japanese composite LCP diaphragm. They used N52 magnets with high magnetic flux. I love that Rose Technics did the legwork and created their own. That’s a whole other level to their expertise. The SC5P also has a “customized” Danish imported dual balanced armature array. Again, not many specs available for casual searching. Also, I am assuming that Danish BAs are better. Is that true? I can tell you this, I hear no BA timbre and they have great control. Maybe there is something to these “Danish” moving irons. Everything seems of high quality. Higher volumes don’t turn my music into a mess of distortion, and they simply have the feeling of control.
Dampers
Rose Technics also uses a four way damping system as well which can be seen in the promotional images below. This is an arduous process and thankfully Rose Technics did the homework and implementation here. They use one damper behind the DD in the rear chamber, one in the nozzle, one pneumatic damper near the mmcx port and one just above the balanced armatures. Folks, I cannot imagine how long this must take for Rose Technics to get this set where they wanted it in sound quality. At any rate, in the promotional material the entire damping system will control air pressure for a more comfortable listen, no suction or driver flex. Furthermore, the dampers will reduce distortions etc.
Fit / Isolation
I have the SC5P in my ears as I type this and I am very impressed with the fit. The shape and size really does help to create a perfect seal. Add to that the weight is very little which never causes fatigue for me. The only thing which may become an issue for some is the deeper fit of the nozzle. Nothing crazy but it is a bit deeper than average. One more thing concerning the fit, I have zero air pressure suction happening when putting these in my ears. Rose Technics did a wonderful job of balancing the pressure nicely. I have absolutely no idea how in the world this set is going to fit you so be aware. Of course, I would think you’d have zero issues like me. As far as isolation goes, I don’t feel that the SC5P lets in any more noise than any other set of in-ears minis a couple made squarely for stage purposes. So about average. Now, Rose Technics states that the SC5P will provide up to 22 db’s of passive noise attenuation. I have no way of gaging this but… Seems bout’ right.
Drivability
The Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro is rated at an impedance of roughly 24 ohms and a sensitivity of 104 db’s. What does this mean you ask? It means that the SC5P is a pretty darn sensitive and easy to drive pair of earphones. I had zero issues bringing the SC5P to decent sound fidelity and volume even from my iPad. Using the Fiio UTWS5 I have zero issues as well. However, just because I can bring them to decent volume doesn’t mean we are maximizing the potential of this gem of an Earphone. No sir. The SC5P does want some power. I feel it takes a tad more to wake up those balanced armature drivers. I simply felt that when I added a higher gain on any dap or dongle dac etc. that the SC5P responded in a great way. So, this is most certainly a set you can drive from a lower power, but they also scale very well with more juice. I’m not talking about crazy juice either. Also, warmer source devices with a bit more low-end will obviously help the SC5P bass region to add some fullness and authority. let’s take a look.
Mobile Listening
Using the IFi Go Blu was nice on either 3.5 or 4.4. The Go Blu (CS43131 dac) is a little powerhouse of a bluetooth dac/amp which comes across warm/neutral which did well to synergize with the sound of the SC5P. I also got lost in the sound of the EPZ EP50 (dual CS43198 dac chips) which is brand new to the market. It has a warm/neutral tonal color with a clean sound which really counters the SC5P nicely. However, out of my mobile pairings, none did better than the Aful SnowyNight (SnowyNight Review) which also uses dual CS43198 dac chips and a ton of output power. That little dongle dac is such a beast! I entered into high gain on 4.4 balanced and the synergy was effortless. I love this set with my mobile listening options. It’s actually a chameleon of sorts. I really didn’t hear anything outright bad and in fact, each source I used sounded pretty good but the SC5P sort-of mimicked the source I used.
Included dongle dac
By the way, I also used the dongle dac that is included in the packaging of the SC5P. Folks, it is actually pretty nice. It drives the SC5P just fine and gets relatively loud with good dynamics. If I didn’t have any other source, I’d be perfectly fine just using this dongle. I don’t know what the name is, what the dac chip is, or how much output it has but it sounds good.
A bit more juice
Moving onto my more powerful and more talented sources I found the best pairing I have with the Star City 5 Pro is when I attached them to the Fiio Q15. The Q15 has both the AK4191 and the AK4499EX dac chips which has a ridiculously resolving sound along with up to 1600 mw and five gain modes. I found high gain to be more than adequate. The resolution is wonderful, and the dynamic presence just oozes out. Just as good but slightly more velvet is my Shanling M6 Ultra (AK4493SEQ flagship dac). However, I did notice the sound was the slightest of hairs less energetic up top with this pair. The DX240 (ES9038 Pro dac) also added its own more neutral flair. Not quite as natural sounding but plenty of fun. My more powerful sources showed me was that the SC5P reacts well off of all source tonalities between them and will slightly alter its sound accordingly.
What you need
Honestly, at the very least you should try to acquire a simple dongle dac. Just get a decently powerful ($30 to $50) dongle dac (if possible) and you’ll be in business. This is not a hard set to drive and so if you absolutely cannot spend a dime more than the amount of the SC5P then a phone will certainly suffice. If I used my iPad then you can use a phone, theoretically.
Sound Impressions
Real quick note…
Okay, we finally made it to the sound portion of my review which also happens to be the only section any of you really care about. When I first received the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro, it was an up and down ride for me. Much like when I reviewed the Rose Technics QuietSea (QuietSea Review) I went on a roller coaster ride of good to, not-so-good to, I’m in love. I only say this because I want to inform you that I didn’t fall in love until I gave the Star City 5 Pro roughly 50 hours of burn-in playing white noise, pink noise and different tones and sweeps using tracks made for this purpose (burn-in). When I first got the SC5P I was not happy with the amount of brightness from the upper-midrange and treble region. It was slightly peaky, tizzy, splashy and simply not to my liking. However, I remember the rep telling me to burn in this set for at least 24 hours. Without question this has helped. Brightness has all but gone away and now I hear a very nice balance. Heck, I’d even say it tilts warmer than anything now. From bright to warmish is a huge change. Burn this set in folks.
Condensed sound report
The Star City 5 Pro is a semi-smooth sounding iem with a slight V-shaped sound signature, or possibly a U-shaped sound depending on your source. It has a warm/neutral sound altogether, with a warmer low-end thru low-mid and some added upper-mid/lower-treble energy which tilts cooler. There’s a good balance across the mix. The SC5P is a full sounding iem with a nice macro-dynamic expression. Not as neutral as something like the Rose Technics QT9 Mk2s or MK3 but close to them in the resolution department. There are a couple similarities though. The QuietSea, the QT9 Mk2s, and the MK3 all had that neutralish but persistent energetic dynamism, moderate but punchy low-end, and very resolute respective to their price points. Listening to the SC5P, it is definitely energetic, dynamic with a moderately punchy low-end, but it simply leans a hint warmer and has better note weight to my ears. Also, the SC5P is smoother than those sets.
A tad bright at times…
However, as with anything, this is not going to be to everyone’s liking. This is a set which can get slightly bright/glaring at times in the right tracks and with the right sources. The SC5P is kind of a chameleon folks. I know, any set will change with the source to a degree. I get that, but I hear more of a drastic swing with this set than most others. If you have a brighter source the SC5P will reciprocate with a touch more upper-mid/lower treble brightness. Never too much for my ears, but I know there are many who are sensitive to a brighter replay. However, I feel there’s enough low-end warmth to counter that elevated sound up top and there’s a good balance across the mix. I should also stress that the more I’ve listened to this set, the warmer it got. I am not joking about this. Despite that, fans of a warm or dark sound won’t exactly jump over each other to get to the SC5P either. I said only slightly warm. I just want you to know what you are getting.
Sound between the 20’s
I hear a nice mid-bass emphasis in the low-end which helps maintain that good balance of the mix. It’s a fairly punchy sounding bass, above moderate in its rumble, but not as extended into the sub-bass. Despite that, the SC5P has an atmospheric transient response down low. Transients aren’t “slow” but there is some decay & sustain lag for a more organic sound. The midrange is warmer, more forward than it isn’t, and has good note weight and density. It has a clean but also compact note profile with smooth textures and good depth for the price of $65 (in my opinion). Vocals and instruments come across forward, smooth, and have good imaging capabilities. The lower treble is emphasized but you won’t hear the best upper-treble extension either. I find details & separation are about average while imaging is very good, and the soundstage is average to above average in all directions. This is a very well tuned iem and one that I am more than happy to report about folks.
Bass Region
The low-end of the SC5P is pretty punchy with a very nice emphasis. This is a low-end that favors the mid-bass more than the sub-bass. It has a slightly warm, solid note structure. I’d say that the bass region comes through slightly softer in attack and just above moderate in density, rumble, and slam. This set is certainly not for bassheads or those who enjoy a beefier low-end. No worries though, the bass has enough rise and presence to carry most genres quite well. I wouldn’t call the SC5P bass region pillowy, or weak, and definitely not dry or hollow. Again, it’s ever-so-soft on attack at times and not always concrete hard, but it’s a strong thud with good solidity. It’s like I always say for these types of low-end replays; a hammer wrapped in a sock. It’s smooth and the SC5P can bang. There’s some intensity, but that intensity is capped so that it doesn’t overtake any other area of the mix. The people at Rose Technics made sure to bring the bass level up just enough to add some presence from this region, yet at the same time never overpowering the rest of the frequency. This is a set which most surely rises to the occasion and can surprise at times with the level of clean boom you get. All of this depends on the track you are listening to and the source you are listening with.
Sub-bass
The sub-bass isn’t the most extended that I’ve ever heard but it also isn’t non-existent. It’s adequate. I hear a mildly hearty rumble and drone in the track “Groove” by Ray Wylie Hubbard. This is not the type of sub-bass which will reach desperately low pitches or create loads of haptic feedback. It’s there and it represents this track well, but it isn’t like some sets which are created to rumble. I hope that paints the right picture. This is actually a tighter sub-bass which relies on its ability to hit-n’-git. It plays what’s asked of it and moves on. In the track “Higher” by Chris Stapleton, once the chorus begins there is a slow but sonorous bass guitar riff that I found to be very well done on the SC5P. There’s enough bass guitar fullness to carry the track with that low drone while Chris’s vocals sit on top nicely. This riff is a staple (no pun) of this track and should add an element of emotion to the song. I do believe that the SC5P succeeded in that. So, while this isn’t the most boosted of all sub-bass replays, it is still very well accomplished and fairly clean in its smoother replay. The note definition is okay even though the transient decay isn’t the sharpest or most precise. Again, it isn’t by any means slow or blurred. I’d say the transients in the sub-bass are a nice mix of atmospheric and tight.
Mid-bass
The mid-bass region has enough warmth and textured character to add some nice energy to a track like “Wolves” by Big Sean. Like I said, the SC5P will rise to the occasion and replay what a track is giving them but with a little extra energy. There is a bit more color to this region than the sub-bass and a bit more forwardness. I hear a dense and satisfying bass drone on this track with a solid note outline. Nothing fuzzy or soft. Another track is “Humble Beginnings” by Bazzi. This is another hard bass drop which is recorded to have some beef to it. The SC5P does a great job of coming across with a semi-meaty resonant boom in respect to the recording. Rose Technics tuned this low-end to walk a fine line of mid-bass warmth and thickness, but also cleanliness and transient swiftness. Let’s put it this way, the SC5P is not going to overtake the entire mix in a bass induced veil, but instead it will reproduce what it is given, in a less intense manner and not sacrifice cleanliness to do so. Now, there is some warmth which spills over into the midrange which makes for a very melodic and pleasurable set to listen to. The mid-bass may not be overly boosted but it also doesn’t feel weak, not by any means.
Downsides to the bass region
When thinking of the drawbacks to a bass of this type I have to remark that bassheads will not be impressed. This is a bass that comes across with decent speed, good textures and definition too, but not snappy enough to attract those who love a super agile and transient tight signature down low. It won’t attract even moderate bassheads either. Yes, the SC5P will replay a heavy bass drop with ease and sound pretty deep, but it doesn’t necessarily exaggerate or color those bass drops to a great degree. Bass guitar is just full enough, just biting enough, but it won’t please those who really dig that guttural sounding bass guitar. Kick drums do have that hollow thud with a sticky edge in attack, but they also come across as slightly less intense compared to other sets. They don’t have that hard intense snap at the crest of notes. Is this a bad thing? I suppose that depends on who you ask. I think the low-end is actually quite good and I don’t think I got that across as well as I should have. It’s clean, robust enough and is pretty well contoured. I could certainly use a few more sub-bass db’s and tighten up the mid-bass a hair. Still, all things considered… this is an organic and satisfying low-end and I’m happy with it, as is. Not bad at all Rose Technics.
Midrange
The midrange is one of the highlights of this set. I do hear some spill-over from the bass to the midrange, but in no way is this a bad thing. This adds smooth and warm textures for a melodic and musical experience and nice note weight. Not thick or heavy, but lean-lush, semi-rich and pretty clean. The mids are very nice for me and my library. Tuned with just enough emotion and musicality as there’s a sense of warmth in the region that does a great job of adding an element of organic sensibility. However, just like all of Rose Technics iems that I’ve reviewed, the midrange holds tight to the technical side of the music as well. It’s a nice mix actually. Also, it’s a tough line to walk for any tuner. Rose Technics saw fit to bring the midrange forward just enough and balanced the mix and just enough to keep from calling it a “mid-centric” iem. This is a balanced iem with a very nice midrange. Vocals are very pleasing to me with good note density. The sound is most certainly not dry, papery, or analytical. On the flip, the sound also isn’t milky, rich or thick sounding. Again, it’s a nice mix and I like it. Hard to believe this set costs under $100 actually.
Lower-midrange
When I speak on the lower midrange I will always zero in on male vocals primarily. Males come across slightly warmer than not, with solid note weight. Male singers sound like male singers should sound. I hear good body with a smoother inflection and fundamental tone to most male vocalists. Crisp when they need to be crisp, but never knife edged or too coarse. This is a pretty clean lower-midrange with good resolution for a smoother replay while never sounding attenuated, pushed back, or recessed to any great degree. Basically, males still have good presence in the mix. Listening to Chris Cornell’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is a great experience with the SC5P. His voice has that dirty and edgy charm as the SC5P replays his voice without coming across too withdrawn like so many sets can do. “Highway Woman” by John Vincent III is also a track which draws on the SC5P’s strengths. His voice reaches a bit higher in the register and the SC5P adds a bit of extra vibrance and energy which is great. There are subtle details and fluctuating intonations within his vocal delivery that are captured well on the Star City 5 Pro. With its more resolute sound, lean-lush yet dense note weight and crystalline note outline…males sound very good.
Upper-Midrange
The upper-mids certainly have a more shimmery sound and have more energy than the low-mids. More vibrance, slightly thinner in note weight, but notes also still have a core density to where they don’t sound dry or actually… “thin”. If they were too lean, I wouldn’t like them. Actually, females sound effervescent and melodic and I feel the sound of the SC5P is geared towards female voices. They sound more forward, in an intimate way, more romantic and soothingly vibrant rather than glaring or shouty. Instruments in this region have a hint of luster to them but don’t sound as though they are unnatural or colored too much.
I really like Rachael Price’s vocals singing for the band Lake Street Dive in the track “Baby Don’t Leave Me Alone With My Thoughts”. Her voice is pregnant with this resounding convexity to her voice which is ridiculously appealing. The talent demands a decent sounding iem. I love that the SC5P doesn’t inflate and negatively magnify this “resounding” quality by making her voice too glaring and strident. Instead, what I hear is a polished smooth voice with nice shimmer and decent weight. This is true for most any female vocalist I’ve listened to with the SC5P.
Instruments
I really don’t feel good about generalizing instruments in my reviews. I have found that they can change by the track. So much has to do with how a track was recorded. I find percussion seems to have a hard snap on attack for cymbals, snares and even kick drums. They can sound very satisfying in the right situation. Like in “Billie Jean” by Weezer, the song is carried by booming kick drums, but each kick drum boom is directly followed by a snappy and hard “Pang” from a snare. I love it. Strings sound good, energetic, edgy at times too. Are they perfectly natural? Probably not. Of course, once I find out what “natural” sounds like I’ll make sure to edit this review. Lol. There is just a bit more luster to any instruments replaying closer to the upper-mid area and a bit less close to the lower mids. I do like piano in most situations as well.
Downsides to the Midrange
If I were to point out issues that one “may” subjectively make about the Star City 5 Pro, I would first say that the upper midrange can induce some glare on the right track. I find this few and far in between, but it’s there. Also, I could use a bit more separation of elements in this region. The sound is pretty well smoothed over and so the definition is a bit less than perfect. Details aren’t exactly in abundance either but that’s the price you pay for good musicality. Also, detail retrieval isn’t non-existent either. They just aren’t the SC5P’s specialty. For me, I happen to like the midrange efforts of this set with its semi-forward presentation and clean smooth and bodied-up sound. You don’t have any odd timbral issues that I hear as everything is closer to organic and you don’t have any sibilance either. This is a well-adjusted midrange that is more musical and pleasant than most sets in its price point in my opinion.
Treble Region
As I’ve alluded to earlier, the treble has been the biggest up & down feature of the SC5P’s tuning. When I first got this set, it was pretty bright up top. The entire signature was closer to neutral/bright than anything else. However, after roughly 50 hours of burn in and extensive listening, I would now call this set warm/neutral as a whole. Talk about a change. At any rate, the condition this set is in now is what I will be reviewing. That is, a slightly rolled-off treble region with quite a bit more emphasis in the upper-midrange to lower treble area. Now, I don’t have any sort of a graph to compare with what I hear but I’d be willing to bet that there is more energy there and a drop off before the air region. The treble is somewhat airy and open. It can get bright at times but nowhere near to the point of calling the treble “bright” in general. I also don’t hear any forced oversaturation of this region. Better said, I hear no forced resolution. It comes together pretty natural as the treble does fit the overall balance of the sound as a whole quite nicely.
Nice treble region
This is a nice sounding treble with a good mix of crisp and smooth that does a decent job of displaying details, all the while keeping an almost laid-back profile. I don’t hear anything outright sharp or shouty although like I’ve said, the SC5P can get a bit hot at times. I find the leading edge of attack has some bite to it and note weight in this region has good body. This is not a thin and dry treble. Notes have some decent presence. There is a feeling of enhanced clarity due to the rise in this area of the mix. It just feels spicy in a good way. Especially for instruments which reside near that lower treble region like violin, piano, electric guitars, flute etc. They all seem to have very nice fundamental tone & timbre and plays very well with the overall tuning of the SC5P. Now, just past this region I do feel there is a decline and a slight roll-off. At least to some degree because secondary harmonics of a cymbal strike sounds a bit attenuated as well as a few other instruments I’m used to hearing. However, detail retrieval is good and separation in this region is as well. Like I said, there is a sense of enhanced clarity without ever really coming across harsh or screechy. Obviously, there are tracks which will make me a liar but for the most part the SC5P keeps in good control.
Examples up top
Listening to Billy Strings and his fast-paced banjo play in “Ice Bridges” is a testament to the SC5P’s ability to separate in a more complicated environment. Each note sounds as though it is round and carries a very nice cadence. I find the sound to be cohesive with the rest of the mix as well. However, in the track “Bishop School” by Yusef Lateef I do find that the SC5P can sound a hint less energetic in some portions of this track. The speed is good but there is simply less air to the sound which almost muffles certain sections to a degree. Now, I was happy to hear that Greta Van Fleet’s track “Fate of the Faithful” didn’t kill my ears in screeching electric guitar glare. Another track that runs a bit hot is Nirvana’s “Bloom” which was fine on the Star City 5 Pro.
Downsides to the Treble Region
I would say that treble heads will definitely be left wanting here. There simply isn’t enough open airiness and treble punch to come across satisfying to those treble junkies. Also, I do hear a roll-off which really isn’t terrible but kind-of attenuates some info past 10k for me. There is some treble sharpness in some tracks as well, but again, those are less common and not a usual occurrence. Orchestral music sounds a hint less energetic at times too. That all said, the treble region is pretty nice actually. It won’t win any awards and won’t change your life, but it does replay this region well and very cleanly. There is enough body and presence to formulate a nice and cohesive jump from the midrange to the treble. I think the best part about the treble and (something that I probably should’ve started this section with) is that the treble fits the overall tuning nicely. Rose Technics doesn’t make mistakes folks and there is usually purpose in their tuning decisions. I hear a well-controlled, separated, and detailed treble here.
Technicalities
Soundstage
The soundstage is one with average width and good height. Nothing out of the ordinary or so expansive that it’s worth bragging about though. However, the SC5P does have good depth to the sound. I hear pretty good layering as well. Also, when I say “average”, this is not a bad thing folks. Average is good. Average means that the stage is at least appropriate to the music funneling into my ears. I simply wouldn’t call this stage as massive or widespread. We are missing some extension both ways which also seems to play a part in this average stage width. Still, depth is nice. I certainly hear some front to back layers to my music. Of course, this can change slightly with whatever source you are using. I primarily used my Fiio Q15 and Shanling M6 Ultra. If anything, the sound is a hint wider with the M6 Ultra but for the most part… Average. I don’t necessarily hear a fully 3d sound but the sound field within my mind certainly leans in the direction of holographic.
Separation / Imaging
When I have the SC5P in my ears I’m usually enjoying its fine musicality. However, when I’m listening for distinct separation of instruments and vocals there are times that they sound a hint more smoothed over than some sets in this price range. I don’t want to make you think this set is all butter though. The SC5P can come across with some distinct separation at times. However, in the grand scheme of things I’d say that separation is about average listening to the SC5P. Some songs and genres are better than others. In more complicated and congested tracks featuring more moving parts and commotion it stands to reason that audible separation will not be as good. Imaging on the other hand is actually very well laid out. Everything is placed nicely on the imaginary stage within my mind.
Detail Retrieval
Detail retrieval can be pretty darn good on this set. Again, unless a very complicated and congested track is playing. For the most part though, I’d say that the SC5P is about average altogether. The truth is this set wasn’t tuned to prioritize extracting every last detail. Thankfully it wasn’t. This isn’t a dry and analytically crisp tuning. The bass isn’t flat. There is a balance across the mix, but macro dynamics are more energetic and the note structure across the mix is smoother than anything else. The SC5P was made to play music and to be musical, and to counter that musicality with some decent technical chops. I feel that about sums it up. No, the SC5P is not a detail monster but it does help in hearing some of the micro-details in the right situation. I mean, clarity is nice in this set and resolution is certainly above average. However, just to be fair, and to call a spade a spade… the SC5P is about average, and depending on the type of track you are listening to they can pull off above average.
Comparisons
Okay, so I had some moments of hard deliberation as to what price point, I’m going to conduct these comparisons and for the ratings later in the review. Right now, the SC5P is going for $65 on Aliexpress, but the MSRP is around $130. That’s a huge difference. I don’t know how long the sale is going to last either. Heck, it may be permanent, who knows. Anyways, I decided to choose some hybrid sets around the $100-$130 price points. By the way, this will be very simple comparisons using very general terms. Hopefully they’ll help you with understanding how the Star City 5 Pro sounds. Also, these comparisons are not a duel to the death to crown one the winner over another. I really don’t feel that is helpful to anyone.
Simgot EM6L ($109)
The Simgot EM6L is a set I recently reviewed (EM6L Review) and I found it to be utterly musically warm and sumptuous with a fatigue free sound that is all about comfort and chillin. Simgot created this set to fill a small void in their high-budget price point which could’ve used a hybrid iem. The EM6L is also a huge departure from the type of tunings that we are used to in a “Simgot” iem. Like I said, the EM6L is a hybrid iem consisting of one dynamic driver and four balanced armature drivers. This set is one of the better iems sitting comfortably around the $100 price point, but it is a fairly polarizing set with its warm and lush tuning.
Differences
To start, the EM6L is quite a bit larger than the SC5P. However, the SC5P does fit a bit deeper in comparison. I feel that the SC5P is built a touch better with a more classy and stylish design. The EM6L on the other hand is more typical in shape. Both are nice looking, but I don’t think many would say the EM6L is the better looking of the two. One drawback, or strength is that the SC5P uses an mmcx connection while the EM6L uses a QDC style 2-pin. Both sets are accessorized well but the SC5P is certainly the better of the two, by a long shot. Just more premium across the board. Also, the SC5P comes with its own dongle dac which actually sounds nice.
Sound Differences
When comparing these two sets in the sound quality department, I almost consider this a preference battle. Almost. There is one similarity and that is the fact that both sets have a warmer tilt, and both have a musical and smooth note structure and cadence.
I find the EM6L to be much more bassy with a longer decay. It’s extended down low deeper, it’s warmer in this region and simply bangs harder. The SC5P has a tighter and more separated and distinct sound in the bass. Both are emphasized, but the EM6L is just emphasized more. The SC5P is simply a cleaner and more realistic.
The midrange of the EM6L is warm, slightly recessed and milky smooth. The SC5P is also smooth but it carries a more vibrant sound, closer to neutral by a small degree. Just more energy across the board while the EM6L sounds more laid back. I also feel the SC5P is the more clean, resolute and detailed of the two midranges. Both sets do vocals nicely but the SC5P simply does them better in my opinion.
The treble is extended a bit better on the SC5P with a more shimmery and vivacious sound. Again, the EM6L has a warmer treble and is certainly less offensive or has less of a chance at harshness. SC5P has more of a bite and has the more transparent treble.
The soundstage of the EM6L is a hint wider. However, the SC5P has better depth which serves for better layering. Listening to the SC5P, I also hear a more detailed sound with better resolution. Separation of elements within a stage is easier to hear on the SC5P as well.
Final thoughts on this comparison
I feel this comparison with the Simgot EM6L is a good litmus test for the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro. There are some stark differences between the two but there are also some slight similarities too. When I look at them both I cannot help but come to the conclusion that the SC5P is simply more refined across the board. Of course, I know many folks who would rather have a warmer, bassy and non-fatiguing set. However, for me, I’d go with the SC5P. Call it a honeymoon phase if you want, but it’s a great set and does outclass the EM6L. Again, my opinion.
Celest Phoenixcall ($129)
The Celest Phoenixcall is a set which garnered quite a lot of praise as well as a few high-profile detractors. Some remarked about the frequency graph and how bad it looked, without actually listening to the set of course. Lol. I for one really enjoy this iem and still bust it out from time to time. I actually reviewed the Phoenixcall (Phoenixcall Review) early last year and gave it high praise. The Phoenixcall is a tribrid iem, meaning it offers three different types of driver tech. That is, one 7mm dynamic driver, two balanced armature drivers, as well as one 6mm micro planar driver. For the price I don’t think you’ll find anything even remotely close to these set-in terms of driver configuration. At the outset it’d seem unfair to compare the two, but also, I think the SC5P can hold its own.
Differences
As far as differences between the Phoenixcall and the Star City 5 Pro, I’d first say that the Phoenixcall is built entirely of resin and the SC5P is a resin and alloy mix. I cannot name which is built better because, I honestly don’t know. They are both built nice to my eyes. Also, aesthetically they both offer a gorgeous design. The scene on the Phoenixcall’s faceplates and the beautiful colors, transparent housing, and perfectly matched cable is absolutely beauteous. However, the SC5P slaps back with that dope looking minimalist look that’s oozing with class. Two different looks but both are great. Looking at the unboxing, Celest/Kinera may be the only brand that can outperform Rose Technics for unboxing experiences. Between the SC5P and the Phoenixcall it’s close. I think Rose Technics probably wins out just because of the included dongle dac. Again, both sets are equally good. I told you the SC5P could hold its own.
Sound Differences
The Celest Phoenixcall is a warmer sounding set with a more V-shaped profile and bigger bass that hits deeper and harder. The Phoenixcall has a less soft bass note. However, the SC5P is no slouch and has a hair tighter bass, slightly less atmospheric sounding and a hint better defined. These are very miniscule differences though. I probably dig the Phoenixcall a bit more here, but both are great.
The midrange is more melodic in the SC5P displaying vocalists better and cleaner then the Phoenixcall. The Phoenixcall is a hint more pushed back and recessed than the SC5P. I also hear a smoother and more musical midrange from the SC5P too.
The treble of the Phoenixcall is better extended and slightly brighter with better detail retrieval, better treble punch and definition. Again, these are marginal differences at best. The soundstage size goes to the SC5P as it simply shows better depth to my ears. Detail retrieval is better by a very small degree on the Phoenixcall. However, I do find the SC5P to be slightly more musical and emotional sounding.
Final thoughts on this comparison
This is a tough one for me. I wasted at least two hours comparing through many tracks and I couldn’t tell you which I like better. Whatever was the last set in my ears is how it went for me. They are both two very dynamic and fun iems with different signatures that replay my music very well. The SC5P’s MSRP is actually about the same price as the Phoenixcall. So, imagine now that you can get this set (SC5P) for $75. It’s a steal, folks.
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 Star City 5 Pro ratings below, that would be $60-$120 hybrid style iems. 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 “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $60-$120 US is a huge 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 will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.
Aesthetic
–Build Quality: 8.9 Built very well.
–Look: 9.3 What a nice looking iem!
–Accessories: 9.9 Tops in class (that I know of)
–Overall: 9.4🔥🔥🔥
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 9.1 Very nice timbre.
–Bass: 8.7 Bass is nice.
–Midrange: 9.4 Great vocals.
–Treble: 8.1 Energetic with a roll-off.
–Technicalities: 7.4 Not the SC5P’s strong suit but still pretty good.
–Musicality: 9.2 Musicality is great.
–Overall: 8.6🔥🔥🔥
Ratings Summary:
I decided to rate the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro against hybrid iems ranging from $60 to $130 US. Why did I do such a thing you ask? The answer… because I don’t know how long this sale will last so I simply added both price points. Now, there isn’t a super vast number of hybrids in this range, but it is large enough of a pool to bring down some ratings. Also, be aware that I haven’t heard every hybrid in these ranges so please take these ratings lightly. Actually, always take any rating lightly. It is an awful way to establish how good or not good an audio device is. There isn’t any nuance in a rating and by my estimation, this hobby is 100% nuance. I do these because I was asked to and because for some reason you guys actually find them useful. Seriously though, don’t mind me, I’m just complaining because ratings are usually an arduous process.
Explain Yourself!
Of all the ratings here, I don’t feel that any of them need a ton of explanation. Perhaps I rated “technicalities” a hair low at “7.4” but I just couldn’t see myself giving the SC5P over an 8.0. Details are good, but not great. Separation is kind of smoothed over in places. However, Imaging is great, and the soundstage is pretty deep with a nice holographic type of sound field. I feel a “7.4” is justified. All of the other ratings I’ve gone over for way too long going back and forth. I do feel like I got them right against every set I own or have spent enough time with to have a good enough understanding to compare the SC5P. An overall “8.6” in the sound department is actually really good folks and it stands to reason after spending good time with the Star City 5 Pro.
Is it worth the asking price?
At $65 this is one of the easiest no-brainer sets on the market. My opinion of course. Even at $129 the SC5P is a nice set. I absolutely enjoy this iem folks but I’m sure that not everyone will be as joyful over it. Especially when you have so many very good iems to choose from. You have sets like the CCA Rhapsody (Rhapsody Review), Simgot EM6L (EM6L Review), Celest Phoenixcall (Phoenixcall Review), EPZ X-Tipsy Star One (Review coming soon), Truthear Hexa (Hexa Review), TangZu Fudu Verse, GeekWold GK20, Hidizs MS2, Celest Plutus Beast, Letshuoer X-Gizaudio Galileo, Fiio FH3, Fiio JH5 (JH5 Review), Hidizs MS3 (MS3 Review), among many others that I don’t feel like listing here. I do feel the SC5P stands pretty tall against the field, but certainly there are others which compete very well. In fact, (not really a fact) I feel the SC5P may just top the list here for a few of you. Maybe more than a few… It’s a great set friends.
The Why…
First off, the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro comes with a fantastic unboxing experience. Not to mention it comes with its own dongle dac! Which sounds good by the way. Not the most powerful of dongles but very nice sound and very compact and small. Anyways, the SC5P is a very sharp looking iem that is built pretty well. It’s a class act from front to back. However, the main reason why any set is worth its price comes down to how well it can replay music. Thankfully, music is the SC5P’s specialty. I find this set to be a very musical iem with each area of the mix being represented well. The bass is a great mix of organic and clean with a midrange that offers great timbre, clarity, and is forward just enough to really help vocalists come across well. Also, this is a smooth midrange which somehow doesn’t completely skimp out on details. The treble is mostly non-offensive and still has a nice layer of brilliance to it which helps the overall sound of the SC5P to feel dynamically balanced without any one area overshadowing another. Honestly, the SC5P is a very well-tuned iem from a company that knows how to tune an earphone. Absolutely the Star City 5 Pro is worth the asking price.
Conclusion
To conclude my review of the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro, I want to thank the good people of Rose Technics for providing the Star City 5 Pro in exchange for a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. Rose Technics has only ever been completely professional and curtious and never has asked me to change my review to suit an agenda or to make their product more appealing to consumers. So, thank you very much.
Other perspectives
Also, please check out other reviews of the Star City 5 Pro from other reviewers as it will help you to get a gauge on exactly what you are getting. As I always say, we are all very different and hearing from other folks who have experience with the SC5P will only help you to make an informed decision. With that said, I thank each one of you for taking the time to read thoughts about this set. Please take good care, stay as safe as you can and always… God Bless!
