The QT9 MK2S are Rose Technics’ flagship pair of hybrid IEMs. Will they wilt in the glare of the ultra-competitive mid-FI market? Or blossom like a rose among thorns? Read on to find out!
Company Overview
Rose Technics is a boutique CHI-FI brand, based in Chengdu, China. They have released IEMs with names such as the Rose Pudding, Miracle EST, and QT7 Pro. There was even a QT9 MK2 previously released, the predecessor of the QT9 MK2S discussed today, differing in name only by the letter “S”! Rose Technics is best known for their flathead earbuds and esteemed sets such as the Rose Martini and Maria are still discussed by earbuds enthusiasts!
Technical Specifications
Form: IEMs Drivers: 1x 10mm liquid crystal Tesla dynamic driver + 4 imported flagship BA drivers (dual 30018IF BA unit for midrange and a dual 30019HF balanced armature for treble) in a 3-way frequency crossover Impedance (Ohm): 12Ω Sensitivity (dB): 108dB Frequency Response (Hz): 8Hz – 44600Hz Removable Cable: Y Cable: High-purity 6N OCC copper cable (1.2m) Source Plug: 3.5mm TRS, single-ended Cup/Shell Plug: MMCX
Packaging
In the box
Rose Technics QT9 MK2S IEMs Cable 2 hard cases (yes 2!) MMCX removal tool 3 pairs of silicone tips (S/M/L) 1 pair of foam tips 1 pair of dual flange silicone tips 4 pairs of filter replacements 3.5mm to 6.5mm adapter
Coupled with the wide array of foam and silicone tips on offer, the addition of a 1/4 inch jack adapter and filter replacements is a very nice touch. It is really cool that they included two hard cases, as some mid-FI models do not even come with ONE! Rose Technics has included an MMCX removal tool for easy removal of the cable. Personally I’m not a fan of MMCX connectors, as they tend to have a shorter lifespan than 2-pin connectors, especially with frequent cable changes. However, the addition of this removal tool should help mitigate the chance of MMCX mishaps!
Cable
The cable is made of high-purity 6N OCC copper, braided in a nylon sheath. Unfortunately, this cable is the weakest part of the accessories complement, as it is tangly and extremely microphonic. Slight movements or touching will transmit cable noise, so perhaps sourcing for an aftermarket cable is a wise option to consider.
Design
The QT9 MK2S come in a teardrop shaped design, and are actually very small considering the fact that 5 drivers are crammed inside. During ordering, one can select one of three colors for the aluminum alloy faceplate – gray, green, or blue. Being made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is a plexiglass material, Rose Technics says this set can even survive a “fall from height” (no distance provided)! Well, I do not dare to put the claim to the test, but overall the build seems robust and excellent. Even the MMCX connectors disconnect easily and do not spin freely like some sets with poorer QC. Rose Technics says the shells are fashioned via 3D scans of the ears of 200 Asian and European individuals. However, the nozzles are on the shorter side, and those with bigger ear canals might have an issue with the fit. Using the stock silicone tips, isolation on the QT9 MK2S is below average and nothing to write home about. With the stock double flange or foam tips installed, isolation improves a tinge, but won’t beat unvented pure BA sets.
Comfort
The QT9 MK2S housing is very smooth without any weird protrusions. Weighing in at 30g, the QT9 MK2S are very light and shouldn’t cause any issues in this department. I didn’t find any driver flex during usage, but driver flex is dependent on ear anatomy and type of tips used, so YMMV.
Internals
The QT9 MK2S are a penta-hybrid arranged in a 3-way frequency crossover, which Rose Technics markets as having a clean and distortion-free sonic performance. A 10mm Tesla dynamic driver unit handles the bass frequencies. This DD has over 1T super magnetic flux and is paired with an LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) diaphragm and Japanese imported voice coils. Four high-performance balanced armature (BA) drivers, which are imported from America, complete the set-up. These feature a dual 30018IF BA unit for the midrange and a dual 30019HF BA unit for the treble. No data sheets are provided as these are customized BA drivers. Of course, all this marketing gobbledygook does not translate to sonic fidelity, so here comes the most important part: the actual sound!
Rose Technics QT9 MK2S Sound
The Rose Technics QT9 MK2S feature a U-shaped, well balanced tonality. Some hybrids suffer from incoherency among the various drivers (eg slower DD bass compared to the BAs handling the higher frequencies), but I’m glad to report that the QT9 MK2S are quite well implemented and are one of the more coherent pairs of hybrid IEMs.
Bass
Bass is just north of neutral and descends linearly from the mid-bass to the sub-bass. There’s an obvious sub-bass roll off and the QT9 MK2S are not for bassheads in view of a lack of mid-bass slam. There isn’t a jaw-rattling sub-bass rumble either, and the bass is rather unobtrusive and lies in the background. The bass is fast and clean with no mid-bass bleed, coupled with great texturing.
Midrange
The midrange is rather transparent, though a bit dry, due to the lack of mid-bass bleed. Layering and positioning of instruments are hence clear and unobscured. The lower mid-range is a tinge depressed, whereas the upper mid-range is boosted. Vocals are forward over instruments and can be at times spicy.
Treble
Treble extends moderately, sounding very natural, and balancing a good mix of micro-details without sounding forced. There are some hybrids that have a boosted treble to give “fake” details and resolution, which isn’t the case with the QT9 MK2S. There is minimal sibilance and cymbals and high-hats are not splashy or artificial. Timbre is pretty decent considering there are BAs inside, they don’t sound as natural as a pure single DD set, but the QT9 MK2S are far from artificial-sounding. Soundstage is spacious in all 3 directions and music hardly sounded compressed. Micro-details, imaging and clarity are very good, though instrument separation is just above average. Note weight lies on the thinner side, but this aids in clarity and transients and gives the QT9 MK2S an analytical flavor. Personally, I would have preferred a bit more heft and lushness to the music, but due to the U-shaped tuning and good technicalities, the QT9 MK2S could even serve as a stage monitor!
Comparisons
Comparisons were made with other mid-FI hybrids. Pure BAs, single DDs and planars were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.
Vs. Sony XBA-N3
The Sony XBA-N3 are a bullet-shaped hybrid that are more L-shaped, with a thicker note weight and bigger bass that will please bona fide bassheads. The N3 have a more natural timbre, but have less clarity and micro-details. Treble/upper mids are darker and less fatiguing than on the Rose Technics QT9 MK2S. In terms of bass quality, the XBA-N3 have a more bloated bass which is less tight and fast.
Vs. Earsonics Onyx
The Earsonics Onyx are markedly heavier and larger, they are literally built like a tank, in contrast to the lighter plastic build of the QT9 MK2S. The Onyx are more V-shaped with a bigger bass and less upper mids than the QT9 MK2S. Note weight is thicker on the Onyx, but they have a less tight bass with mid-bass bleed. Technicalities are inferior on the Onyx, with the Onyx offering poorer resolution and sounding more analogue than the analytical QT9 MK2S. The Onyx also come across as a bit incoherent, due to the slower DD bass not keeping up with the BAs handling the upper frequencies.
Where to Buy
Aliexpress HIFIGO
Conclusion
The Rose Technics QT9 MK2S are a balanced U-shaped set that do most things well. They are an all-rounder mid-FI set with very good technicalities and robust build. The included accessories are also a true highlight that put some TOTL sets to shame! The coherency is outstanding on the QT9 MK2S, with the bass speed the star of the show; indeed, the bass can keep up with the BAs handling the midrange and treble, which is something that cannot be said for all hybrids. Every rose has its thorns though, and the QT9 MK2S have a sub-bass roll-off with a thinner note weight. So bassheads and those that want a thicker and lusher analogue sounding pair, will have to look elsewhere. The upper midrange and fit may also be a tinge polarizing. All in all though, the QT9 MK2S do live up to their flagship namesake, and are quite a worthwhile pair to consider in the mid-FI segment, especially for those looking for an all-rounder coherent hybrid with a well balanced and analytical tuning.
