The Rose Technics RT-5000 review unit was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the RT-5000 is $599 and you can buy it from HiFiGo or HiFiGo AliExpress store.
Rose Technics
Are you familiar with Rose Technics? To be honest, before HiFiGo approached me to review their latest creation, the RT-5000, I hadn’t heard of them. The RT-5000 is an all-in-one unit that combines a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamp in one device. Upon visiting their website, I discovered that Rose Technics is a Chi-Fi brand that was established in 2012. They strive to provide exceptional sound reproduction through intelligent technology and precise manufacturing. Perhaps you’ve come across their name before? Their product range includes audiophile in-ear monitors, TWS wireless earphones, various cables, a portable USB DAC, and a full-sized headphone. If you’re interested, you can explore their website and find out more about them here.
Rose Technics RT-5000 Review
Rose Technics is currently broadening their business by introducing the RT-5000, an all-in-one DAC/amp. Although the RT-5000 is their inaugural product of this kind, they are setting ambitious goals as it boasts a flagship-level configuration.
Technical features
Audio decoding is handled by a pair of the top-tier ES9038PRO DAC chip from ESS in a fully balanced setup. The I/V conversion circuit features eight OPA1612, while the LPF utilizes two OPA1612. This configuration is commonly seen in Chi-Fi brands such as SMSL and Topping, following the standard design practices. But it seems that Rose Technics are more innovative than you can think and the real surprises are saved for later.
Rose Technics has included dual JRC MUSES01 J-FET input op-amps in the RT-5000, with one dedicated to each channel. Additionally, they have chosen to incorporate a fully discrete headphone amplifier utilizing two B772 and two B882 transistors per channel. This configuration shows great potential! The surprises continue with the MUSES op-amps being dip-mounted, allowing for op-amp rolling if you have the expertise to access the chassis, which was not originally intended for this purpose.
Rose Technics understands the importance of clean power for achieving top-notch audio quality. To ensure this, they have developed a power supply featuring a large filtering capacitance divided into smaller value capacitors to minimize ESR. However, they have not integrated a separate XMOS USB receiver, limiting decoding to 32bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256. Additionally, the USB latency may not be ideal for gaming purposes.
The RT-5000 comes with the QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.1 chip that supports LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, and aptX adaptive reception.
You can read the whole story here.
Connectivity
The Rose Technics RT-5000 is a versatile device that combines a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier output. It offers a range of connectivity options, including balanced XLR and single ended RCA plugs for the preamplifier output. The line output is adjustable and cannot be set as a fixed DAC output. On the front face, you will find three headphone outputs (6.35mm, 3.5mm, and balanced 4.4mm) located on the left side.
At the back of the device, you will find full-size USB, optical, and coaxial connectors for digital inputs. Additionally, there is a 15V/3A DC input, a Bluetooth antenna, a power on/off switch, and an input selector. To select the USB input, switch the input selector up, and for the coaxial/optical inputs, switch it down. Furthermore, you can enable the Bluetooth reception mode, which takes priority over the other inputs.
Operation
On the front panel, there are three compact buttons designed for performing different functions, along with four notification LEDs. By pressing the first button once, you can switch between the four gain levels of the headphone amplifier. It is important to note that there is no visual indication of the chosen setting, so it is crucial to exercise caution to avoid damaging your delicate earphones.
Pressing and holding down for a while this same button will allow you to navigate through the seven digital filters of the DAC. Once you release the button, a white LED will blink a certain number of times to indicate the chosen filter: (1. fast linear, 2. slow linear, 3. fast minimum, 4. slow minimum, 5. apodizing, 6. fast hybrid, and 7. brickwall). However, it is not convenient as there is no visual indication of the selected filter, requiring you to rely on your memory.
Press the second button to mute the sound. Hold down the third button to activate Bluetooth pairing mode. A blue LED will flash and then turn solid blue once connected. Press and hold again to deactivate Bluetooth and switch to optical/coaxial inputs. Another LED will illuminate during DSD decoding, while a fourth LED will turn red when the power is on. It is an odd and confusing choice to have a red light for power on, as the usual practice is to have it for standby or power off.
Appearance
The Rose Technics RT-5000 boasts a compact size that allows it to be placed in various locations effortlessly. Measuring at 191×144.5x40mm, this device is both compact and robust, weighing 822g. The RT-5000 showcases a distinctive design that seamlessly blends retro and contemporary elements. Constructed with CNC high rigidity aluminum alloy, the chassis reduces vibrations and provides protection against EMI. The front panel features a single piece of solid wood, intricately engraved and hand polished. The natural brown hue of the wood panel complements the gold-plated volume control knob and buttons elegantly. Additionally, the top and bottom sections of the chassis are adorned with genuine leather, available in black and green. With its exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious aesthetics, the RT-5000 exudes a unique charm reminiscent of artisanal, high-end audio equipment.
Accessories
The bundle consists of a versatile, switchable power adapter, a pair of premium USB cables, and the user manual.
Power output and noise
The RT-5000’s discrete headphone amplifier can deliver 800mW/32Ω through the single-ended output and 1.6W/32Ω through the balanced output. This provides ample power to drive a wide range of headphones available in the market, such as the Sennheiser HD660S2, the HIFIMAN Arya Organic, and the iBasso SR3 which were all tested for this review. The low gain setting is ideal for sensitive earphones, remaining completely silent and avoiding premature loudness. In line with standard procedure, the Rose Technics RT-5000 underwent a 100-hour burn-in period before critical listening sessions. All my headphone cables are made by Lavricables.
Listening impressions
I have to admit that the Rose Technics RT-5000 caught me off guard with its impressive sound quality. Its sonic performance rivals that of products from reputable brands, showcasing exceptional audio quality that will truly amaze you. The team at Rose Technics demonstrates a deep understanding of their craft, evident in their ability to seamlessly integrate the exceptional technical capabilities of the DAC chip with a rich and authentic sound. The ES9038PRO has rarely sounded as melodious and captivating, with minimal digital distortion and artificiality. I have emphasized countless times the importance of skillful engineering, and it is clear that those designers who dare to be innovative and deviate from conventional methods by dedicating time and effort to meticulously fine-tune their devices, rather than solely relying on measurements from the APx500, will always achieve something extraordinary.
The Rose Technics RT-5000 offers an abundance of musicality and a high level of engagement that is rarely seen in this price range, particularly when it comes to mass-produced, Chi-Fi audio equipment. The sound is warm and organic, yet not overly soft or dark. The timbre is natural, realistic, and filled with vibrant harmonies. It is challenging to detect any digital glare, if present at all, as the RT-5000 closely resembles a quality analog setup. This device truly represents audio excellence, delivering music that feels authentic and true to the original performance by the artists, rather than just simple sounds coming from a pair of headphones.
More listening impressions
Simultaneously, the dual ES9038PRO configuration delivers top-tier technical performance, as one would anticipate. The bass exhibits remarkable speed, control, precision, and accuracy, accompanied by exceptional definition and layering. With the transistor amplifier, the low-end resonates with a commanding, forceful, and vibrant tone, boasting a substantial, robust, and tangible texture. These physical attributes seamlessly carry over to the mid-range and treble, resulting in a cohesive, harmonious and lifelike auditory experience.
The RT-5000 boasts impressive transient response and exceptional detail retrieval, without sacrificing its engaging and captivating sound. The mid-range is characterized by its crystal-clear clarity, presence, and well-defined nature, offering excellent articulation. Meanwhile, the treble exhibits a vibrant energy and luminosity, striking a perfect balance between being lively and not sharp or bright. The incorporation of Muses op-amps proves advantageous to the overall sound quality, effectively reducing the sharpness and sterility often associated with the ES9038PRO, thereby enhancing the overall sense of realism.
The Rose Technics stands out from its competitors with its superior soundstage, offering a more immersive and holographic experience. The ambience is exceptional and resonating, while the separation and positioning accuracy are top-notch.
The Rose Technics RT-5000 stands out as a unique audio device that captivates listeners, making it impossible to resist the allure of their music. It seamlessly complements various types of headphones and possesses the ability to do justice to even the most costly ones. When combined with the Arya Organic, the Rose Technics creates an enchanting auditory journey, particularly for those who appreciate the authentic reproduction of timbre, an area in which the RT-5000 truly shines.
External power supply upgrade
The utilization of a superior external power supply significantly enhances the sonic capabilities of the RT-5000. By replacing the standard power brick with the FiiO PL50, a high quality and cost effective linear power supply, the audio quality has been noticeably enhanced. The sound has become more pristine, the background has become darker, and there has been a significant improvement in sound separation, resolution and overall timbre smoothness.
Vs the competition
The audio signature of the Rose Technics RT-5000 is akin to other premium devices created with similar innovative design philosophies. When compared, the RT-5000 stands out as a top performer, similar to products like the AUNE X1s GT, Yulong Aurora, and Burson Playmate 2, as well as the Aune S9c Pro. It distinguishes itself from brands like SMSL and Topping, which prioritize technical specifications. Although the differences in sound quality between the RT-5000 and the above mentioned devices are subtle, the RT-5000 offers very competitive performance. Selecting the preferred product is a challenging task, considering factors like functionality and aesthetics alongside sound quality.
To make the comparison more clear because someone asked in the comments. All these devices share the same kind of tuning where musicality and natural timbre are more important than technicalities. Sonically, the RT-5000 is positioned very close to the Aune S9C Pro and it is very difficult to tell which one is the best. I like them both. The S9C has better functionality than the RT-5000. The X1S GT is very good but slightly less technical than the RT-5000. It also lacks gain settings and XLR balanced output. The Yulong is also close enough but the RT-5000 is a little more musical and has 4 gain settings when the Yulong has none. The Burson is the warmer of the bunch, less technical but very musical and while it doesn’t have balanced headphone and preamp outputs, it has the benefit of easy op-amp swapping. So the truth is that we have four great sounding devices each one with advantages and disadvantages.
In the end
The Rose Technics RT-5000, produced by a lesser-known brand, delivers an impressive sonic performance that rivals, and at times surpasses, its mainstream competitors. If it boasted enhanced functionality and a more renowned brand name, it could easily command a price tag twice its current value. The RT-5000 is truly a remarkable find, offering exceptional sound quality in an all-in-one DAC/amp package that demands recognition. Rest assured, investing in this device will not leave you disappointed, as it is rare to find such a harmonious blend of musicality and technical prowess at this price point.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Musical and captivating + Natural and organic timbre + Dynamic and impactful + Visceral and weighty + Outstanding technical performance + Minimum digital glare + Powerful headphone amplifier with four gain settings + Three headphone outputs + Noise free and suitable for sensitive loads + Balanced XLR preamp output + Bluetooth reception + Unique appearance + Well made - Absence of digital filter and gain visualisation - Inconvenient filter selection method - Lack of XMOS USB receiver - Absence of LCD display - No indication of sampling rate - No remote control - Red LED for power ON indication
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