It seems that new USB-C dongle is being launched weekly, sometimes daily. They vary in shapes, sizes, technology, and prices. These dongles offer a range of features, from basic to advanced. The options may seem limitless, but ultimately, the key consideration is the quality of sound and compatibility with your preferred IEM.
This is the Roseselsa RS9039 by Rose Technics and these are my Honest Audiophile impressions. I want to thank HifiGo for providing the RS9039 for review, much appreciated.
Purchase (non-afilliate link):https://hifigo.com/products/roseselsa-rs9039
The Roseselsa RS9039 by Rose Technics will set you back $70 from the bank account and it is equipped with the latest ESS Sabre DAC chip ES9039Q2M, HyperStream IV Architecture, providing 240mw on SE and 300mw on bal, with a 126db SNR and supporting 32/384 and DSD256 playback.
More Information Rose Technics:
Box/Contents:
The Roseselsa RS9039 by Rose Technics comes in an attractive black box showcasing the brand logo on the front along with the statement "Crafted for HIFI Earphones" and detailed specifications on the back.
Removing the outer sleeve reveals another black box with Rose Technics branding on both sides, bearing the slogan "Create Difference". In the box, you will discover an oversized rubber carrying case that is larger than necessary.
This case contains a glued insert that is spacious enough to accommodate the RS9039 and a short cable separately, but not when they are connected.
Certainly, you have the option to remove the insert, clean up the adhesive residue, and create space for your dongle and IEM of choice. In my opinion, this carrying case is unnecessary and adds extra expense.
Build/Design:
The construction and design of the RS9039 are somewhat unique, they do deviate slightly from the typical.
It features a rectangular shape, with the USB-C input located at the front and the 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended outputs at the bottom.
There are no volume control buttons present, only a small LED light located on the right side.
The top surface is divided into two levels, with the higher level sloped and the lower level displaying branding and the phrase "Designed for the Hifi Earphones."
The backside showcases a schematic drawing of the internal components and specifications, which is a notable feature.
The aluminum casing is sturdy and durable, feels nice to the touch.
Output Power:
RS9039 can deliver a maximum of 240mw @ 32 ohms through 3.5mm single-ended output, while using the 4.4mm balanced output, it can achieve up to 300mw @ 32 ohms. The RS9039 ranks among the top dongles, boasting higher single-ended output power. The balanced output power is fairly typical compared to newer dongles on the market.
I did observe a sonic difference between the two outputs, with the balanced one exhibiting better clarity and resolution.
The RS9039 can power all the IEMs I own, even the more demanding planar ones. While it had difficulty driving planar headphones and handling demanding dynamics, it performed well with more sensitive headphones.
Sound Impressions:
Feeling uninspired by the RS9039 build, I connect it to my Samsung S24 Ultra and Westone Mach 60. I also tested the Rose Technics Roseselsa RS9039 on a variety of IEM and headphones; I have had the RS9039 for over 6 weeks.
Gear Used to Review (and many more):
ThieAudio Oracle mkii
ThieAudio Oracle mkiii
SoftEars Studio 4
Westone Mach 60
FatFreq Reference Pro
Tanchjim 4U
Rose Technics QT-X
Tin Hifi P1 Max
My Review Process: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/honest-audiophile-review-process
My Terms & Definitions: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/the-honest-audiophile-s-terms-and-definitions-guide
How does the Rose Technics Roseselsa RS9039 sound?
Bass:
The RS9039's bass is instantly noticed. There is an obvious emphasis of the bass. The sub bass offers solid extension with a satisfactory level of low-end presence and depth. The mid bass is powerful, with excellent texture and a significant impact. The upper bass is slightly emphasized and extends into the lower mid range, contributing to the richness and warmth of the notes. The RS9039's bass leans more towards fun rather than being analytical. This doesn't imply that details and resolution are absent, but rather that they are not emphasized as strongly as the impact, punch, slam, rumble, and grumble. Tone and timbre are natural and accurate. The bass will cater to those seeking a more pronounced bass experience, while those who prefer a neutral and analytical sound may find themselves yearning for a more accurate presentation.
Mids:
The midrange of the RS9039 is full, luxurious, cozy and warm. The notes have a rich quality and prioritize musicality over being neutral and analytical. The midrange of the RS9039 is slightly emphasized, creating a feeling of warmth and coziness. The rounded and smooth notes reduce the likelihood of experiencing ear fatigue. There is a little bit of air and space, but it can feel somewhat cramped and stifling on some gear. The detail retrieval is akin to the bass, noticeable yet not the main focus; it will not uncover all the secrets. Even though it has a tendency to round and smooth, the resolution is satisfactory.
Treble:
For treble enthusiasts, RS9039's treble will disappoint, while those who are treble-sensitive will find it pleasing. The RS9039 treble traverses effortlessly in the relaxed, stress-free zone. The extension is adequate, yet there is a noticeable lack of air and space. The lower treble is more pronounced yet remains quite calm and laid-back. The treble in RS9039 lacks bite, crispness, or edge. Just like the bass and mids, the focus is not on the details of the treble; and the resolution rounds and smooths it out.
Technical Abilities: The RS9039's soundstage is cozy and intimate, not cramped but slightly crowded. The depiction of different venue sizes is sufficient, however, it falls short in showcasing larger and more grand, majestic venues effectively.
There are limitations in analyzing the depth as it becomes challenging to dissect deeper into a few rows, leading to confusion and muddiness especially on more complex and bass-heavy tracks. Layering is not very effective due to the limited width and depth, causing instruments and vocals to compete for individual attention, blend and merge, or overshadow each other.
The imaging performs well in tight spaces, enabling smooth tracking horizontally. While not flawless, it offers good value for its price point.
Detail retrieval is not a top priority on the RS9039, although this doesn't imply it is poor quality; rather, it fails to stand out in its price range by frequently missing out on details that its competitors showcase.
Resolution is not considered a top priority, but it is satisfactory despite its tendency to round and smooth.
The RS9039 excels in tone and timbre, delivering instruments and vocalists with excellent note weight and accurate, natural reproduction.
How does the Roseselsa RS9039 by Rose Technics stack up against some of the better-known USB dongles in its price range?
vs Moondrop Dawn 4.4:
The Dawn 4.4 is a technical powerhouse, whereas the RS9039 is a musical delight - they are polar opposites. The Dawn 4.4 in comparison offers enhanced detail retrieval and resolution, showcasing a more refined and defined performance. The Dawn 4.4 offers the air, space, edge, bite, crispness, and energy that the RS9039 is missing. The Dawn 4.4 has a wider, deeper layered stage, providing more accurate, precise imaging.
vs Periodic Audio Rhodium:
The Rhodium in comparison offers a lighter, more vibrant sound profile with a touch less note weight, yet retaining a comparable natural tone and timbre. The bass packs a stronger punch on the RS9039, with the mids being a bit more pronounced.
The Rhodium offers a more extended, airy, and energetic treble response. The level of detail retrieval is comparable on both devices. However, the Rhodium resolution offers greater sharpness, bite, and crispness.
vs Fosi Audio DS2
The output power of the Fosi Audio DS2 surpasses that of the RS9039 by a considerable margin. In addition to that, the DS2 surpasses the RS9039 in every aspect in my humble opinion. The DS2 offers a natural and neutral presentation, showcasing good note weight, exceptional detail retrieval and resolution, precise tone and timbre, and a well-balanced and coherent presentation. The DS2 offers a blend of enjoyment and analytical, embodying the essence of how music should be experienced.
vs Hiby FC3:
When compared, the Hiby FC3 provides a natural and neutral sound that surpasses the RS9039 in terms of single-ended output. The FC3 excels in detail retrieval, resolution, airiness, spaciousness, bite, sharpness, energy, width, depth, layering, and tone and timbre. On the other hand, the RS9039 offers a richer note weight, enhanced bass impact, and a relaxed, intimate delivery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Roseselsa RS9039 by Rose Technics stands out as an unique USB-C dongle within its price range. Unlike other dongles in this price category, which tend to have a neutral and analytical presentation, this model offers a different experience. Rose Technics is providing a presentation that is enjoyable in many aspects, yet it faces challenges in certain areas when it comes to performance.
If you prefer deep, hard hitting bass, emphasized midrange, and relaxed high frequencies that prioritize tone and timbre in a small, intimate stage setup, the RS9039 could be the right choice for you.
If you seek a neutral, natural, and analytical presentation, the RS9039 is probably not the right choice for you.
Personally, I struggle to wholeheartedly recommend the RS9039 because it caters to a particular niche audience that I do not belong to.
I could confidently recommend the RS9039 if it offered a more balanced and cohesive presentation, along with increased energy, bite, and crispness.
I find the RS9039 enjoyable with certain IEMs. However, it's not one of the primary dongles I reach for when I want to listen.
I am Dave the Honest Audiophile. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you in the next one. Don't forget to enjoy the music and that honesty is the BEST policy!
I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.
Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkDbs @TalkDbs
Website: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com
YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgMj7xJ1SDxGqqxZ5l3g_jg/join
The Honest Audiophile research/review process: https://youtu.be/UkSnoZZNyYc Tierlist:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing
Audio Terms/Definitions: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/the-honest-audiophile-s-terms-and-definitions-guide
Test Tracks: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/does-your-music-preference-impact-your-sound-impressions
Amazon playlist: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/afb5506483ba4ae3be17c2184797ebb6sune?ref=dm_sh_ycUHvBw1lOkeqCrwPFcc45NAl
Tidal Playlists:Jazz: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/ea7f58ba-f05d-466f-9714-936d0ab7fa0f
Recommended Gear:
Audeze LCD-5: https://www.audeze.com/products/lcd-5
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: http://www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: https://mezeaudio.com/products/meze-empyrean
Hifiman Ananda: https://hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD660s2: https://www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en-US/p/hd-660s2/clcrij55r0b570bw9bubufphu/
Austrian Audio Hi-X60: https://austrian.audio/headphones/hi-x60/
Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)
CTM Da Vinci X: https://cleartunemonitors.com/products/da-vinci-x-universal
Westone Mach 60: https://westoneaudio.com/product/mach-60/
Tin Hifi T2: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tinhifi-t2?_pos=1&_sid=7cddd72dc&_ss=r&variant=34447375302811
Sony NW-A105: https://electronics.sony.com/audio/walkman-digital-recorders/walkman-mp3-players/p/nwa105-b
Sony NW-WM-1a: https://electronics.sony.com/audio/walkman-digital-recorders/walkman-mp3-players/p/nwwm1a
Mytek Liberty DAC ii: https://mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-287#attr=Mytek Liberty THX HPA: https://mytek.audio/shop/liberty-thx-285#attr=
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: https://www.headamp.com/products/gs-x-mini
Tor Audio Roger: https://toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Audio BiFrost 2: https://schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
Massdrop THX AAA One Linear: https://drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one-linear-amplifier?utm_source=linkshare&referer=FTSS2S
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