The RoseTechnics RT-5000 stands as a high-end offering featuring a top-tier dual DAC configuration, housing two ES9038Pro 32-bit flagship DAC chips. These chips incorporate the advanced HyperStream II architecture, effectively minimizing input clock jitter, enabling native DSD256 playback, and offering a selection of 7 distinct digital DAC filters among other advanced functionalities. This device showcases exceptional resolution in decoding high-resolution PCM and DSD audio signals, attaining an impressive 125dB SNR and delivering ultra-high DAC performance with -112dB THD+N.
Rose Technics RT5000 Review: A Blooming Good DAC/Amp
Pros: Beautiful design and build quality
Versatile connectivity options
Powerful headphone amplification
Detailed and balanced sound
Wide soundstage
Excellent detail retrieval
Mid-bass adds warmth and body to the music
Lower midrange presents male vocals with richness and intimacy.
Upper midrange delivers clear and detailed female vocals.
Lower treble adds sparkle and airiness.
Upper treble extends smoothly without harshness
Strong DAC Section for external amplification
Cons: Soundstage depth could be improved
Slight sibilance on certain tracks
Timbre of some instruments could be richer
Bass impact could be more visceral, especially with demanding planars
Imaging could be more precise in complex musical passages
The button text could be more legible. Increasing the contrast would make it easier to read.
Filter selection could be more intuitive
Preface:
I would like to thank Rose Technics for sending this unit as part of the review tour and @Argha for organising it.
You can purchase RT5000 at the link below (not an affiliate link) :
Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer, so whatever I say are purely my observations and your results may vary.
I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.
Disclaimer: All impressions and opinions in this review are my own. I have not been paid or compensated by Rose Technics or any other entity for this review. I do not get to keep the unit and my assessment is based solely on my personal experience with the product.
IEMs and HPs used for evaluation:
Kiwi Ears KE4
Aful Cantor
Nostalgia Audio Camelot
Sennheiser HD600 / 650 / 800 (SDR Modded)
ZMF Bokeh
ZMF Atrium
Audeze LCD XC
Ananda Nano
Introduction:​
I’ve always been drawn to audio gear that blends cutting-edge tech with a touch of old-school charm. So when I first laid eyes on the Rose Technics RT5000, with its sleek aluminum chassis, warm wood accents, and those gleaming gold volume knobs, I was instantly intrigued. After spending some quality time with this DAC/amp, I’m ready to share my experience.
Design and Build: A Feast for the Eyes and Ears​
The RT5000 is a looker. The combination of brushed aluminum, wood, and leather gives it a sophisticated, almost vintage vibe. It’s solidly built, with a reassuring heft that speaks to its quality construction. On the front, you’ll find the volume knob, a series of tactile buttons (Gain, Mute and Bluetooth) for navigating the menus and inputs and 3 headphone inputs (6.35mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm).
One design aspect on the front that I think could definitely be improved is to have some contrast to the labels of the buttons as they blend with the gold strip making it extremely difficult to read when you’re trying to understand which button to press.
Around back, it’s a connectivity paradise. You’ve got your usual USB, optical, and coaxial inputs, along with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line outputs for hooking it up to your speakers or an external amplifier, a bluetooth antenna, and two switches (one for toggling between USB and SPDIF/Bluetooth inputs and the other to turn the unit on or off).
Driveability and pairing with IEMS and Headphones:
IEMs: With sensitive IEMs, the RT5000 delivers a clean and transparent sound with a black background. I noticed no hiss or noise floor, even at low volumes.
Low-impedance headphones: It handles low-impedance dynamic headphones like Bokeh with ease, providing ample headroom and control.
High-impedance headphones: This is where the RT5000 truly shines. It effortlessly drives high-impedance cans like Sennheiser HD600,650,800 and ZMF Atrium bringing out their full potential with detail and authority.
Planar magnetic headphones: While it might not be the ideal choice for the most demanding planars, the RT5000 can still drive many of them to satisfying levels. I initially tested it with HiFiMan HE6se V2 and as expected it struggled a lot but it was able to drive Audeze LCD XC and Ananda Nano without any issues, and it delivered an engaging performance for the most part however the dynamics could’ve been better especially in the bass region.
Sound Analysis:​
The RT5000 paints a vivid sonic picture, with a refined and balanced presentation that’s both technically impressive and musically engaging.
Tonality: The RT5000 leans towards a neutral tonality with a hint of warmth, particularly in the mid-bass. This creates a full-bodied and inviting sound that’s easy to listen to for hours on end. However, some purists might find it slightly colored compared to more clinically neutral DAC/amps.
Bass:
Sub-bass: The sub-bass region is extended and authoritative. In tracks like “Why So Serious?” from The Dark Knight soundtrack, the sub-bass provides a solid foundation and impactful presence. Similarly, in “Silent Shout” by The Knife, the deep, pulsating synth bass notes are rendered with precision and control, demonstrating the RT5000’s ability to handle electronically generated low frequencies. However, this emphasis in the sub-bass can sometimes overshadow the mid-bass region, particularly in dense mixes.
Mid-bass: The mid-bass has a pleasing warmth and fullness. In “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, the kick drum and bassline have a satisfying weight and texture. However, this warmth is also apparent in “Walk” by Pantera, where the bass guitar has a thick and powerful presence that might be slightly overpowering for some. This characteristic could be a consideration for those who prefer a leaner sound signature.
Midrange:
Lower Midrange: Male vocals are reproduced with a natural warmth. In “Hotel California” by the Eagles, Don Henley’s vocals are rendered with a rich and full-bodied tone. However, in “So What” by Miles Davis, where the upright bass occupies a similar frequency range, the lower midrange can sound slightly veiled, particularly when the trumpet and saxophone join the mix. This suggests a potential limitation in resolving complex musical arrangements within the lower midrange
Upper Midrange: Female vocals and instruments like violins are presented with clarity and detail. In “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele, her vocals are clear and expressive, with a good sense of presence. Similarly, in “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay, the violins are well-defined and articulate. However, a minor degree of sibilance might be present on tracks like “Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap, which features high-pitched vocals, especially at higher listening volumes.
Treble:
Lower Treble: The lower treble adds sparkle and airiness. In “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, the cymbal crashes and acoustic guitar picking have a shimmering quality. However, this emphasis can sometimes result in a slightly bright presentation, which is noticeable in “Baba O’Riley” by The Who, where the synthesizers can sound slightly harsh.
Upper Treble: The upper treble extends smoothly, contributing to a sense of air and spaciousness. In “Violin Concerto No. 1” by Bruch, the delicate harmonics of the violin are well-represented. However, in “Clair de Lune” by Debussy, where the piano notes extend into the upper treble, some might perceive a slight roll-off compared to top-tier DACs, resulting in a minor loss of air and sparkle.
Soundstage, Imaging, and Dynamics:
Soundstage: The RT5000 creates a wide soundstage with good instrument separation. In orchestral pieces like “Symphony No. 5” by Beethoven and “The Planets” by Gustav Holst, the instruments are spread out with a good sense of space. However, the depth of the soundstage could be improved for a more three-dimensional presentation.
Imaging: Instruments are generally well-placed, but the imaging could be more precise. In “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen and “Time” by Pink Floyd, where the music features complex arrangements and panning effects, pinpointing the exact location of individual instruments can be slightly challenging.
Layering and Separation: The RT5000 effectively layers different musical elements. In “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead and “Close to the Edge” by Yes, which feature intricate arrangements and overlapping instrumental lines, the individual layers are generally discernible. However, the separation could be slightly more distinct, especially in dense orchestral pieces or heavily layered recordings.
Detail Retrieval: The RT5000 excels in detail retrieval. In tracks like “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen and “Teardrop” by Massive Attack, subtle nuances in the vocals and instruments are brought to the forefront. This contributes to a highly engaging and revealing listening experience.
Micro Dynamics: The RT5000 effectively captures subtle variations in volume and intensity. In “Clair de Lune” by Debussy and “Nuvole Bianche” by Ludovico Einaudi, the delicate nuances in the piano performance are rendered with impressive realism.
Macro Dynamics: The RT5000 handles dynamic shifts with ease. In “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” by Richard Strauss and “1812 Overture” by Tchaikovsky, the dramatic shifts in volume are reproduced without any sense of strain or compression.
DAC Section analysis:
When paired with external amps, the RT5000’s DAC section truly shines. You’ll notice a significant step up in performance compared to its built-in amp, particularly in terms of dynamics, control, and soundstage expansion.
Auralic Taurus MK2 Pairing:
Enhanced Dynamics: The Taurus MK2, known for its dynamic prowess and grip, brings a newfound sense of energy and impact to the RT5000’s already impressive macrodynamics. Expect a more visceral and engaging listening experience, especially with orchestral pieces and music with wide dynamic swings.
Refined Soundstage: While the RT5000’s soundstage is already quite wide, the Taurus MK2 adds depth and dimensionality, creating a more holographic and immersive presentation. Instruments and vocals are placed with greater precision, and the overall sense of space is enhanced.
Tonal Warmth: The Taurus MK2 adds a touch of warmth and richness. This can be particularly beneficial for genres like classical and jazz, where a bit of warmth can enhance the natural timbre of acoustic instruments.
Violectric V590 V2 Pairing:
Unleashed Detail: The V590 V2, renowned for its transparency and detail retrieval, allows the RT5000’s DAC section to fully express its resolving capabilities. You’ll hear even the subtlest nuances and textures in your music, resulting in a more revealing and engaging listening experience.
Improved Control and Precision: The V590 V2’s exceptional control and grip over headphones translate to a tighter and more articulate bass response, improved instrument separation, and a more focused sound overall.
Blacker Background: The V590 V2’s low noise floor and black background allow the RT5000’s DAC section to shine even brighter. You’ll hear greater dynamic range and a more nuanced presentation of quiet passages.
Compared to the Built-in Amp:
While the RT5000’s built-in amp is no slouch and it would be unfair to compare the amp section with much higher priced dedicated amps, it’s noticeably outperformed by dedicated external amps like the Taurus MK2 and V590 V2.
When paired with external amps:
Superior Dynamics: A greater sense of impact and slam, especially in the bass region.
Enhanced Soundstage: A wider, deeper, and more holographic soundstage.
Improved Control: Tighter bass, better instrument separation, and a more focused sound.
Lower Noise Floor: A blacker background, allowing for greater dynamic range and detail retrieval.
Sound Filters analysis:
Now, it might not be immediately apparent that RT5000 has various filters to play with unless you happen to read the manual. The process of using the filters is also a little cumbersome. You need to long press the gain button to access and change the filters. How do you know which filter you’re on? The EQ indicator pulses once for the 01st filter, twice for the 02nd filter, so on and so forth. There are 07 filters to play with and you either have to put in the effort to remember the sequence of filters or just make a note of it on your phone like I did to know which filter you’re on.
The filters mentioned below are in sequence:
1. Linear Phase Fast Roll-Off:
Sound: Precise and detailed, with a focus on accurate timing and transient response. The soundstage can feel slightly more “forward” with this filter.
Pros: Excellent clarity and articulation, particularly beneficial for fast-paced music or genres where precise timing is crucial (e.g., classical, jazz).
Cons: Can sometimes sound a bit analytical or lacking in warmth, especially with bright-sounding recordings or headphones.
2. Linear Phase Slow Roll-Off:
Sound: Similar to the fast roll-off version, but with a slightly smoother and more relaxed presentation.
Pros: Retains good detail and clarity while adding a touch of warmth and musicality. A good all-rounder for various genres.
Cons: Might not be as impactful or dynamic as some other filters, particularly with bass-heavy music.
3. Minimum Phase Fast Roll-Off:
Sound: Very detailed and revealing, with a focus on a flat frequency response.
Pros: Excellent for critical listening and analyzing the nuances of recordings.
Cons: Can introduce pre-ringing artifacts, which might be distracting.
4. Minimum Phase Slow Roll-Off:
Sound: Similar to the fast roll-off version, but with a slightly smoother and less analytical presentation.
Pros: Good balance between detail and musicality.
Cons: Might not be as precise or impactful as some other filters.
5. Apodizing Fast Roll-Off:
Sound: Natural and well-balanced, with reduced pre-ringing artifacts.
Pros: Offers a good compromise between detail, musicality, and a natural sound.
Cons: Might not be as impactful or dynamic as some other filters.
6. Brickwall Fast Roll-Off:
Sound: Very clean and precise, with a steep roll-off that eliminates frequencies outside the audible range.
Pros: Can create a sense of clarity and focus.
Cons: Can sound slightly artificial or “digital” due to the sharp cut-off.
7. Apodizing Slow Roll-Off:
Sound: Smooth and relaxed, with a gentle roll-off that avoids harshness.
Pros: Good for laid-back listening and genres that benefit from a warmer presentation (e.g., vocal jazz, acoustic music).
Cons: Might lack the excitement and impact of some other filters.
Conclusion:
After a deep dive into the sonic nuances of the Rose Technics RT5000, it’s clear that this DAC/amp is a compelling contender in its price range. It excels in detail retrieval, revealing the intricacies of your favorite music with impressive clarity. The wide soundstage adds a sense of immersion, while the dynamic capabilities ensure an engaging listening experience.
However, the RT5000 isn’t without its shortcomings. The soundstage could benefit from greater depth, and the midrange, while generally well-presented, could be more refined. Some might find the bass a touch too warm or the lower treble slightly bright.
Ultimately, the RT5000 offers a compelling blend of performance, features, and design. Its strengths lie in its resolution, soundstage width, dynamics, and versatility. While it has some minor weaknesses, they are generally outweighed by its strengths, making it a worthy consideration for those seeking a high-quality all-in-one DAC/amp.
