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Rose Technics Starlight
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Rose Technics Starlight Review!
Video review here
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Rose Technics Starlight. The rumbling bullet!
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Disclaimer:
- I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as earphones should be used.
- Roseselsa/Rose Techics sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, transparent review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
- - Tanchjim Space DAC
- - Fosi Audio SK02 USB DAC
- - Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini DAC
- - Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
- - Sony Xperia X Compact
- - Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
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Sound signature:
- The Rose Technics Starlight is a fun-sounding, V or U-shaped set that leans to the bassier side of the spectrum, due to its elevated bass response.
- This region is definitely the highlight of this IEM, as its subbass really goes deep, big, and elevated. The subbass is dominant compared to its midbass, by a lot. Decay and attack is average, in terms of speed. It never sounded lacking to what I prefer, and it never sounded too much either. Bass texture and detail is still there, but it lacks texture and sometimes sounded “monotonous” if I were to nitpick. Overall, I can confidently say that this is a bassheads’ dream on a relatively reasonable budget. This is also the bassiest, but well done IEM, in terms of bass presentation and control.
- As for the mids, it is recessed but not too much, quite common for a v/u-shaped sounding set. Midbass bleed is definitely present and thickens the lower mids. Despite this finding, I never find the mids drowned, or boxed. Lower mids and instruments found in this region are thick, smooth, and renders well in most genres. Upper mids are elevated, mildly leans to the brighter side, decently clear, and has a good amount of air and sparkle. Peaks and harshness are present in this region, particularly on sibilant prone tracks. People with ears that are very sensitive to bright upper frequencies might want to look for something else. But for most people this region is decent for its price. If I were to nitpick, the overall mids here in the Starlight isn’t the most refined, or versatile that I heard under 30 USD, but this region never sounded bad or unserviceable for me to nitpick.
- When it comes to the treble, it is still elevated, but not as elevated when compared to the lower mids. Peaks and harshness are mildly present in this area as well, but not to the point that this affects the overall sound negatively - it is a bit unrefined to my liking, if I were to nitpick. Detail retrieval is average to above average, as the nuances are rendered easily.
- The technical performance of the Starlight is on the “better side”, if we are talking about IEMs under 30 USD. The soundstage is wide, but it is taller than wide, which gave me an impression of “immersiveness” on some tracks. Separation and layering is above average to my ears, but may experience some congestion on heavy tracks and poor recording. Imaging is precise for the most part, and does not have any problems rendering positions, even when being used for competitive FPS games.
Other IEM Comparisons!
TangZu Waner Studio Edition
- The Wanér SE a leaner, neutral sounding set. Everything sounds more open and airy on this IEM, but lacks bass, in terms of quantity, when compared to the Starlight. Mids are more forward on the Wanér SE, adding a bit more air and presence. Both sets exhibit mild peaks on sibilant prone tracks, but the Wanér SE does it less. Treble is more extended on the Starlight, but is also brighter. In return, the Starlight is also a little bit more detailed in this region, while the Wanér SE keeps it as neutral as it can. As for the technical performance, both sets are more or less the same, in terms of quality. The only difference they have in this region is the soundstage, due to the Wanér SE aiming for a wider than deep stage, while the Starlight does the latter.
- The Tanchjim One is a warm, balanced-sounding set, while the Starlight is a fun, v/u-shaped sounding IEM. The Starlight is better when it terms on quantity, while the One has better bass detail/texture. Mids are a bit more forward on the One, while the Starlight presents the region in a thicker manner. The treble is more extended on the Starlight, but the One has a “safer” yet not rolled-off sounding treble. As for the technical performance, the Starlight has a wider and taller stage when compared. The rest are more or less the same.
- Noticeably, the D-Minor is more “mature”, controlled yet thick in sound when compared to the Starlight’s fun approach. The bass are definitely both thick on same sets, but the D-Minor exhibits more control and punch in its bass, while the Starlight goes all out and kept things “fun”. The mids on both sets are more or less the same in terms of quality, with the D-Minor being a bit better in terms of presence and control. The treble is more extended on the Starlight, but is not as “safe” when compared to the D-Minor. Technical performance of the two sets are more or less the same, with a minor difference of their respective stage height, which means that the Starlight is a bit taller in that regard. Overall, the D-Minor has a bit more edge in overall quality, but it is understandable given that the D-Minor is a bit more expensive price-wise.
Pros:
- An fun-sounding, bass-elevated bullet IEM! (subjective)
- Thick, smooth overall sound quality.
- Elevated, rumbly subbass.
- Smooth, versatile mids.
- Decent, well-extended treble response.
- Easy-going, excellent fit, comfort, and isolation!
- Small, compact build quality!
- Simple yet elegant design! (for a bullet, subjective)
- Very good mic quality!
- Sleeved cables!
- Fairly easy to drive, but definitely scales with extra power.
- Midbass bleed is mildly noticeable.
- Mild driver flex that only appears when fitting the IEM in the ear.
- Upper mids exhibit slight peaks and require a bit of refinement to my liking.
- Cable is sleeved, adding weight to the cable (subjective).
- Cable exhibits microphonics regardless of any techniques present.
- Cable is a bit heavy for the IEM to be paired with (subjective)
- Barebone accessories. A pouch or a case would’ve been nice.
Verdict
The Rose Technics Starlight, in today’s standard, is quite an uncommon sight and experience to me, in my humble opinion. Only a few IEMs in this form factor exist in my book, with this being one of the better sets in my vocabulary. This type of form factor and practicality given that the cables of this IEM are replaceable, will definitely suit those people who want an IEM that is easy to wear, minimal, and very reliable for commutes and everyday casual listening. If we’re talking within the audiophile or hobby context, I can still confidently recommend this to those people who want a budget, well-built bullet-type IEM with a decent sound quality for its asking price, assuming that the user is not sensitive to bright upper frequencies and prefers a ear-thumping bass response. This one’s a rumble in a pocket, Rose Technics!
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Pairing recommendations:
- Source: The Rose Technics Starlight is relatively easy to drive and will pair well with a warm or a neutral source. For better measure, pair it with a USB DAC with at least 2 VRMS of power.
- Eartips: The eartips is alright and does not seem to hinder the full potential of this IEM. You may still use your preferred eartips
- Cable: The cable is sleeved and durable for daily commutes. Personally I am not a fan of sleeved cables as it adds a bit of weight to the earphones, which also adds microphonics, and also accumulates odor, depending on the environment. You may still use your preferred cable.
Non-affiliated link here: https://rosetechnics.com/products/r...-ear-earphones-3-5mm-detachable-cable-earbuds
Additional Photos Here:
