Rose Technics QuietSea Wired Dynamic

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●iFi GO bar Kensei

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Rose Technics is a Chinese audio company founded way back in 2012. They have been gaining popularity lately due to their TWS and now their iems are also gaining recognition. The QuietSea features a single 10mm dynamic driver and it might look familiar to some keen audiophiles. The shell was manufactured in collaboration with iKKO who uses the same design for their own OH2 model. The QuietSea debuted in 2023 in the increasingly crowded budget tier. They are currently available for $49.99 on Amazon and AliExpress. Let's break down what they offer and see if they can hold their own against some stiff competition.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
RoseTechnics did not hold back on the quality of the packaging. The QuietSea unboxing experience is very nice for $50 and better than a lot of >$100 sets out there. The inclusion of a branded zipper case is much appreciated as well. The stock cable, available in 3.5mm or 4.4mm termination, is one of the best stock cables I've seen with any iem under $200. It's definitely on the chunkier side but it's also soft, nicely braided, does not tangle easily, and has metal finishes that add to the premium feel. Seriously, I would buy this cable separately and be happy to use it with some of my other iems. But unfortunately the QuietSea utilizes MMCX whereas all my current iems are standard 2 pin, which I much prefer. The inclusion of an MMCX removal tool is nice though and should help protect the connectors. The shells are fairly small and low profile, are made of a mix of metal and plastic, and have a decent weight balance. Although they feel sturdy and have a good build quality, the design is not really my style. The nozzle is oval shaped and on the shorter side which did cause some fit issues for me. The included oval tips are too short and flimsy to create a good seal. I found a more secure fit with the Penon Liqueur tips and was then able to wear them without much issue.

Sound impressions:
I would describe the QuietSea as having a U-shaped profile, as both the bass and upper mids/lower treble are boosted above neutral. The low end leans more towards mid bass than sub bass but the extension is adequate. The treble rolls off early leading to a slightly warmer sound overall. The soundstage width is decent with mostly correct placement of instruments/vocals although the layering is just average. Detail retrieval is average for the price and on par for most sub $100 sets not made by Simgot. The note weight of the mids/highs leans thin to my ear and is a contrast to the meatier, thicker midbass. They are pretty easy to drive and don't require any amplification to get to high volume levels.

●Lows - The bass has a prominent mid bass thump so those looking for subwoofer-like punch and extension will be disappointed. Bass is fast and its decay is short so it has no trouble keeping up with complicated tracks. The mid bass is well controlled and stays free from bleed. I would have liked to hear more sub bass and even a bit more mid bass to really set the QuietSea apart in the crowded budget market. I don't think it needs to reach basshead levels but more rumble and punch would be welcome especially to counter the elevated upper mids/lower treble.

●Mid - Vocals are positioned slightly forward on genres like soft pop, soft rock and present more balanced in pop, rock, and R&B. At higher volumes, vocals can have an edge or sibilance making them harsh due to the boosted upper mid/treble frequencies. They in turn can sound artifical and the timbre can present as a bit mettalic/thin. I would have liked more warmth and note weight to give vocals an organic quality. Instruments like guitars and piano have a bit better timbre but still don't sound quite right to my ear.

●Highs - As stated earlier, treble lacks extension and rolls off too early to allow high notes room to roam. In essence the highs can sound somewhat blunted. More air and sparkle would be welcome to lead to a more open and engaging soundstage. Cymbal crashes, high hats, and claps can be troublsome and sibilant on some tracks. There is also some sibilance, most notably on "s" notes, when volume is higher leading to a harsh and irritating vocal presentation.

Summary:
When I hear the name QuietSea, it brings to mind a calm, deep, dark ocean. When translating that image to sound, I imagine a low end that extends deep, a wide open soundstage, and a warm frequency response free of any troublesome peaks. For $50 the QuietSea mostly delivers on this vision but I personally found some troublesome "waves" in the form of underwhelming bass/treble extension, thin note weight, and occasional sibilance. That's really my biggest complaint of what Rose Technics has presented here. I think if the upper mids and treble were toned down slightly it would avoid any sibilance and present a warmer overall tuning that I wouldn't be able to put down. To be fair, I would consider myself more treble sensitive than the average listener so YMMV. The fit could also be troublesome to some due to the short, oval nozzles but the included accessories for this price bracket are pretty great; I'd easily pay $25 for the stock cable alone. If you can overcome it's shortcomings, the QuietSea is definitely worth consideration. At the $50 price tag, it holds good value in the very crowded budget tier. Heck, if you find it on sale, consider buying it just for the cable and case and consider the iem a free inclusion.

Note: This review is based solely on my personal experience, and the assessment is entirely subjective without any exaggeration or bias.





Let's start with Packaging & Cable: The packaging of these IEMs is impressively simple yet elegant, with a sleek black box and well-packed contents. It includes an exclusive case, ear tips in various sizes (L, M, S), and a lifesaving MMCX pin connector. The Quietsea cable is of excellent quality, thick, and braided, earning extra points from me.



Build Quality & Fitting: The build quality of these IEMs is among the best in their price range, with a lightweight yet sturdy metal shell. While some may have mixed feelings about the MMCX pin, I find it solid. As for fitting, it's comfortable, neither too small nor too large, providing a good fit for extended use without causing discomfort due to its lightweight and lack of sharp edges.

Moving on to the sound, let's start with the Low frequencies: The bass is punchy and deep, without being overpowering. The bass texture is well-defined, and the rumble is clear. However, the bass speed is average; it's sufficient for genres like pop, funk, or soft metal but might not keep up with faster-paced music like groove metal or death metal. Tested songs: Ikon - Rhtyme, Yoasabi - Biri Biri.


Midrange (Vocals): The vocals are rich and clear, with sufficient weight for male voices and a pleasant feel for female singers. The vocal positioning is adequate, neither too forward nor too recessed, staying balanced. As for sibilance, it depends on the source, and at higher volumes, there might be a slight sss sound in some songs, but it's not harsh or painful. Tested songs: D.0 - Rose, Heize - You, Clouds, Rain.


Moving on to the High frequencies: The treble extends well and sounds crisp, with cymbals and guitar picking retaining their impact. These IEMs are described as "relaxed" because the treble is pleasant without any harshness or metallic tones, creating a laid-back listening experience. Tested songs: Bob Marley - Turn Your Light Down Low, Radiohead - National Anthem.


Technical Aspects: In my opinion, the technical performance of these IEMs is commendable. The 3D imaging is clear, and the soundstage is wide but not excessively so. The resolution is above average, delivering clean and detailed sound, while the instrument timbre sounds natural and authentic.




Conclusion: If you're looking for balanced U-shaped IEMs with a relaxed sound for long listening sessions, I highly recommend these. As for the MMCX pin, it's a matter of personal preference, but as long as the build quality is good, it shouldn't be a deal-breaker. Regarding the ideal setup or source for these IEMs, I personally find them well-suited with UC Softears or latex ear tips, paired with a silver-plated cable and a warm DAC for the best combination. That's all.


**Rating:**
- Low: ★★★★☆
- Mid: ★★★★✮
- High: ★★★★✮
- Technical: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) {☆ 0.5 point, ✮ 1 point, ★ 1 point}

Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal, subjective preferences and is solely based on my experiences with the product. It's important to note that Concept Kart does not influence this review, and I have not received any compensation. As always, I highly recommend testing the product yourself before purchasing. I want to thank Concept Kart and Pulkit for organising this review tour and allowing me to share my thoughts on the product.

Chain: Mojo2+Poly via Roon with stock tips provided.

Product Link: Get yours from here!

The mid-bass is the star of the show here, and it's surprisingly good for the price. It's fuller, cleaner, and has a hint of sub-bass rumble. It doesn't have much impact, but it doesn't bleed into the mids. Don't expect too much sub-bass presence at this price point, though.



The lower mid-range is clear, and the vocals are decent without any harshness in the upper mid-range. Although the songs are tuned to be v-shaped, they sound intimate enough.

The treble is okay with sufficient presence, but it takes a backseat in crowded tracks, possibly because of the lower range. However, female vocals sound on point and accurate. This may not be for you if you want sparkle and shine. But if you want a laid-back listening experience during longer music sessions.



This IEM is dope for the price. The mid-bass is the real MVP, making the sound clear and complete. The lower mid-range is primarily sweet, and the vocals are solid. This is the way to go if you're looking for something to vibe to during long music sessions.