The ROSESELSA RS9039 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 ROSESELSA RS9039 is $77.99 and you can buy it from HiFiGo.
ROSESELSA RS9039
The ROSESELSA RS9039 is a portable USB DAC dongle produced by the Chinese company Rose Technics, renowned for their RT-5000 desktop DAC/amp. This model is notable for being the first USB dongle to incorporate the innovative ES9039Q2M DAC chip from ESS, which offers lower distortion levels and enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to its highly regarded predecessor, the ES9038Q2M.
The ES9039Q2M lacks an integrated headphone amplifier, prompting Rose Technics to incorporate the ES9603Q headphone driver from ESS. Additionally, the RS9039 features low-noise LDO power supply chips, ensuring a quiet background free from audible noise.
This device is designed for plug-and-play functionality across a wide variety of operating systems and supports sampling rates of up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256.
However, the RS9039 does not support any applications, lacks a display, and does not provide options for sound customization. It also does not include volume buttons, a gain switch, or hardware volume control.
Design and build quality
The ROSESELSA RS9039 is a minimalist USB dongle, designed without buttons or switches, resulting in a more compact and lightweight profile compared to many competitors. Its dimensions are 48x22x12mm, and it weighs just 14.5 grams, making it highly portable and pocket friendly.
Constructed from aluminum alloy, the device showcases a matte gray-silver finish. The flat bottom is adorned with a printed pattern that represents the internal circuit schematics, while the top features an asymmetrical design. Overall, the RS9039 is a robust, well-crafted, and visually appealing device.
Accessories
The package comes with a hard carrying case that appears spacious; however, the interior compartment offers limited capacity and cannot accommodate the RS9039 along with earphones. I attempted to take out the plastic inserts, but they are securely glued to both the lid and the base. In addition to the case, a quality USB type-C cable is included. There is also an option to purchase an additional USB type-C to Lightning cable for an extra $10.
Power output and efficiency
The ROSESELSA RS9039 delivers a rated power output of 300mW at 32Ω from its balanced output and 240mW at 32Ω from the single-ended output. This provides ample power to drive a wide range of earphones, including full-sized models such as the FiiO FT5 and even Sennheiser HD660S2.
However, the absence of a gain setting can lead to sensitive earphones reaching high volumes too quickly, limiting the ability to make precise volume adjustments since the device lacks dedicated hardware volume control. On a positive note, the device operates as quietly as claimed, with no noticeable noise or interference from mobile devices.
Interestingly, I found that the RS9039 is compatible with the iBasso UAC application, which allows for 64 levels of fine volume control.
In terms of power efficiency, the RS9039 consumes 0.11A / 0.55W whether idling or playing music at maximum volume, ensuring that your phone’s battery life remains unaffected. While the device does become warm during use, it does not reach excessive temperatures, even under demanding conditions.
Listening impressions
The RS9039 features a neutral-balanced tuning that offers excellent linearity, tonal accuracy, and clarity. Its sound profile includes good low-end depth, clear mids, and lively treble that remains unexpectedly smooth, avoiding any harsh brightness. In its category, the RS9039 is characterized by its great resolution while it has plenty of energy, yet it maintains a mildly warm and engaging character rather than sounding cold or sterile. The timbre is notably natural, free from excessive artificiality or digital harshness. This latest generation of ESS DAC chips appears to perform significantly better in these aspects compared to earlier models.
The technical performance is highly competitive, featuring a dynamic and impactful bass that remains tight and controlled, showcasing excellent layering and speed. Contrary to what one might anticipate from an ESS DAC chip, the textures are not overly dry or thin; instead, the bass is full bodied and elastic, providing a strong grip.
The mid-range has clarity, transparency, and articulation, with excellent tonal precision. It offers a rich harmonic variety, with instruments and vocals rendered with striking realism. The RS9039 delivers a swift and dynamic performance, characterized by strong definition and plenty of detail, all while maintaining a refined quality that avoids any coarseness or graininess.
The soundstage sets a benchmark within its category, characterized by its expansive nature, depth layering, and accurate imaging. The listener’s position relative to the stage is well-balanced, creating an overall presentation that feels impressively grand.
Comparison not
In line with my standard procedure, I will refrain from making comparisons with other USB DAC dongles, as the sheer number makes it challenging to determine which ones to include. I encourage you to explore my related reviews to form your own opinions.
In the end
The ROSESELSA RS9039 is an impressive USB DAC dongle that delivers exceptional sound quality, surpassing expectations for its category. While it does face some criticism for missing features that are now commonly expected, such as volume control buttons, a gain switch, and app connectivity, it remains a strong contender. If you can overlook these omissions and are in search of an affordable, lightweight, and compact USB DAC dongle that offers substantial power and outstanding audio performance, the ROSESELSA RS9039 is an excellent choice and comes highly recommended.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024
+ Stellar sonic performance
+ Neutral and transparent
+ Natural timbre without much artificiality
+ Dynamic bass and non fatiguing treble
+ Plenty of power for the size
+ Efficient will not consume much power
+ Inaudible background noise
+ Lightweight and compact
+ Well made and durable
- No gain switch
- No volume buttons
- No app connectivity
- No hardware volume control
- Useless carrying case
- Lack of accessories
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