Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro

Disclaimer​

The Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro mentioned in this review was provided directly by Rose Technics for evaluation and review purposes, and I’m very thankful to them for this great opportunity. However, all opinions expressed in this review are unbiased and based solely on the product’s performance and features observed during the testing period.
For the full review with comparison you can check MBA Star City 5 Pro Review

Introduction​

Rose Technics, while not as widely recognized as some other brands, certainly deserves to be well-known for its innovative and high-quality audio products. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to crafting exceptional products make them a brand worth acknowledging and exploring.

Now I present to you the Star City 5 Pro. Representing a blend of meticulous craftsmanship and great audio engineering, these IEMs promise an immersive, refined sound and great overall quality. With a focus on delivering a balanced, neutral, and uncolored sound profile, ergonomic design, and a comprehensive accessories package, the Star City 5 Pro aims to set new standards in the affordable price segment of $75.99.

Now I’ll delve deeper into the intricate details and impressive performance of this IEM, exploring how they stand out in a competitive market.

Unboxing​

The Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro comes in a medium-large box, showcasing a blend of elegant and modern design elements. The box features a two-tone color scheme with a soft brown background on the top side and a black background on the bottom side.

Upon sliding the cardboard sleeve, you’ll reveal a magnetized black box with “Light Year” inscribed in silver, adding a touch of sophistication. Opening the box reveals a sheet of onion paper with the product design and a slogan, creating a sense of anticipation.

Inside the box, the contents are neatly organized. The two Star City 5 Pro IEMs are securely placed on the left side within a thick black foam mold, highlighting attention to detail and protection during shipping.

Accessories:​

On the right side, you’ll find a round storage box made of high-quality leather-like material, bearing the same logo as the outer box. This storage box not only adds to the premium feel but also ensures safe storage when not in use. Inside are some accessories, which include:

• 3 pairs of white translucent tips with narrow orange cores in sizes S, M, and L.
• 1 two-strand cable with a black textile sheath.
• 1 user manual.
• 1 USB Type-C to 3.5mm dongle.

Under the foam layer, additional accessories are housed in a black plastic compartment. These accessories include:

• 4 pairs of white tips with wide orange cores in various sizes (XS, S, M, and L).

A noteworthy surprise included in the accessories is the USB Type-C to 3.5mm dongle, which serves as a convenient accessory for compatibility with different devices. The inclusion of various tip sizes ensures a comfortable and customized fit for users.

Overall, the unboxing experience of the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro is the best I have yet to experience at this price point and is characterized by thoughtful packaging, premium materials, and a comprehensive selection of accessories, enhancing the overall value and user experience.

Technical specifications

​

• Driver Units: 1DD + 2BA.
• IEM Material: Metal and resin.
• Distortion: 1% @ 1000Hz.
• Sensitivity: 104dB @ 1mW.
• Impedance: 24 Ω.
• Frequency Response Range: 10 – 25000 Hz.
• Interface Type: 3.5 mm.
• Weight: 28 g.
• Cable Length: 120 cm.
• Connector Type: MMCX.

Construction and Design​

Rose Technics has crafted the Star City 5 Pro with a distinctive and stylish design that sets it apart. The inner side of the IEM features black 3D-printed resin, giving it a sleek and modern look. The IEM has a semi-custom shape, emphasizing a deeper insertion for enhanced sound isolation.

The backside, the MMCX conectors, and the mouthpieces are metallic, adding a touch of elegance to the design. The IEMs themselves are compact and lightweight, making them comfortable for extended listening sessions.

One notable aspect of the design is the inclusion of two balanced armature drivers imported from Denmark, customized by Rose Technics for optimal performance in the midrange and high frequencies. The dynamic driver features a 10mm Japanese LCP diaphragm with a high-performance N52 magnetic circuit for reduced distortion.

The cable of the Star City 5 Pro consists of two thin strands made inside of two 6N OCC monocrystalline copper and covered with a black textile sheath, providing durability and flexibility. It could have been great if they were a bit thicker. The plug is a gold-plated 3.5mm SE plug, and there is no balanced option. The MMCX interface adds versatility, although some users may prefer a 2-pin connection option instead, which is not available in this model.

Overall, the construction of the Star City 5 Pro reflects Rose Technics’ commitment to quality materials and innovative design, resulting in a visually striking and functionally sound pair of earphones and definitely one of the most comfortable IEMs I have.

Sound performance ​

Bass​

The Star City 5 Pro delivers a commendable bass performance that strikes a balance between impact, warmth, and accuracy. It’s well-suited for a variety of music genres and contributes positively to the overall sound.

Sub-Bass:​

While the Star City 5 Pro handles mid-bass admirably, its sub-bass extension exhibits a slight roll-off. This means that the deepest bass frequencies may not have the same level of emphasis or presence compared to the mid-bass range. A slight rise in the sub-bass response could enhance the overall depth and immersion, especially in tracks that rely heavily on sub-bass elements.

Mid-Bass:​

Where the Star City 5 Pro shines is in its mid-bass performance. It offers a good amount of warmth, punch, and impact in this frequency range, which contributes to a lively and engaging sound signature. The mid-bass presence adds body and fullness to instruments like drums, guitars, and lower-register vocals, creating a rich and dynamic presentation.

Texture:​

Despite the sub-bass roll-off, the Star City 5 Pro retains a level of textural detail, clarity, and speed in the bass region. You can still discern nuances and textures in bass-heavy passages, thanks to its controlled, fast, and well-defined bass presentation. This ensures that the bass remains articulate and does not overpower or muddy the rest of the audio spectrum.

Overall, the bass performance of the Star City 5 Pro makes it versatile across various music genres. It strikes a balance between musicality and technical performance, offering an enjoyable bass experience without sacrificing overall sound quality. While a slight improvement in sub-bass extension could benefit certain listeners, the strengths of its mid-bass response make it a compelling choice for those who appreciate a warm, punchy, and well-textured bass presentation.

Mids​

Lower Midrange:​

The lower midrange of the Star City 5 Pro maintains good balance and articulation. It provides a solid foundation for instruments like guitars, pianos, and lower-register vocals. The lower mids are characterized by a warm and natural timbre, adding depth and body to the music without overshadowing other frequencies.

Upper Midrange:​

Moving into the upper midrange, the Star City 5 Pro excels in clarity and detail. Instruments and vocals in this range are well-separated and presented with precision. Female vocals, in particular, benefit from the emphasis in this region, appearing vibrant, detailed, and expressive. There’s a sense of airiness and transparency that enhances the overall musicality.

Vocal Performance:​

Both male and female vocals are rendered beautifully on the Star City 5 Pro. Male vocals benefit from the warmth of the lower midrange, giving them a natural and engaging presence. There’s a richness and fullness to male vocals that adds emotional depth to vocal performances.

Female vocals, on the other hand, shine with clarity and definition in the upper midrange. The Star City 5 Pro does an excellent job of separating elements, allowing each voice and instrument to be heard distinctly within the mix. This clarity and separation contribute to a more immersive and engaging experience, especially in vocal-centric tracks.

Instrument Detail and Texture:​

Instruments in the midrange range are rendered with impressive detail and texture. String instruments, brass, and woodwinds have a lifelike quality, with nuances and subtleties coming through effortlessly. The midrange presentation of the Star City 5 Pro strikes a balance between analytical detail and musicality, making every instrument sound natural and expressive.

In conclusion, the midrange performance of the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro is impressive and versatile, and the sound is natural and realistic. It excels in vocal reproduction, instrument detail, and overall musicality. Whether you’re listening to intimate acoustic performances or complex orchestral arrangements, the Star City 5 Pro’s midrange delivers a captivating and immersive sound experience.

Highs​

Lower Treble:​

The lower treble region of the Star City 5 Pro continues the clarity and detail from the upper midrange. It exhibits minimal sibilance, ensuring a smooth and controlled presentation of high-frequency notes. Instruments like cymbals, hi-hats, and upper-register strings are rendered with precision and sparkle, adding excitement to the music without veering into harshness or fatigue.

Upper Treble:​

As we move into the upper treble range, the Star City 5 Pro demonstrates a slight roll-off in extension. This results in a more laid-back presentation of the highest frequencies, which can result in a lack of high-pitched extension and reduce the detail. While it may lack the airy sparkle of some headphones or earphones, it maintains a pleasing tonal balance that avoids any sense of stridency or sharpness.

Resolution and detail:​

Despite the roll-off in the upper treble, the Star City 5 Pro retains good resolution and detail retrieval in the high frequencies. Micro-details in recordings are still present and discernible, although they may not be as pronounced or emphasized as in headphones with a more prominent treble extension.

Treble Perception Based on tips:​

The Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro comes with a variety of ear tips that can subtly influence the treble response. The narrow tips, when used, may contribute to a slightly more pronounced bass, enhancing the lower frequencies and adding punch to the overall sound signature. On the other hand, the wide-hole tips, while potentially providing a bit more airiness to the treble region, may result in a slight reduction in bass impact. Users can experiment with different tips to find the balance that best suits their preferences, whether they prioritize a tighter, punchier bass or a more open and airy treble presentation.

In summary, the high performance of the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro offers a pretty well-balanced sound and presentation, with good detail retrieval and control. While there’s a slight roll-off in the upper treble, the overall tonality remains pleasing and cohesive.

Technical aspects​

Detail Retrieval:​

The earphones offer nice detail retrieval, allowing you to pick up nuances and textures within the music. Instruments and vocals are rendered with clarity and precision, although the treble roll-off punctures the details and prevents sound from reaching those high notes.

Instrument Separation:​

One of the strengths of the Star City 5 Pro is its ability to separate instruments and vocals effectively. Each element in the music is distinct and well-defined, contributing to a cohesive yet detailed presentation.

Soundstage: ​

The earphones boast a spacious soundstage with good width and depth. This expansive soundstage creates a sense of openness and immersion, making the music feel more expansive and lifelike.

Layering: ​

The layering of instruments and vocals is handled admirably by the Star City 5 Pro. Different elements within the music are stacked and organized in a way that allows you to perceive multiple layers of sound, enhancing the overall depth and complexity of the audio.

Overall sound performance​

In summary, the Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro offers a cohesive and engaging sound signature, but with a mid-centric focus and a slight roll-off in the sub-bass and treble regions, yet the sound is still so natural and realistic. The earphones excel at instrument separation and ensuring that each element in the music is distinctly presented. The soundstage is spacious, providing a sense of openness and immersion. Additionally, the earphones showcase impressive layering, allowing you to discern multiple layers of sound within the music. Overall, the Star City 5 Pro offers a captivating and high-fidelity sound signature, and it sure deserves to be more known.

Conclusions​

The Star City 5 Pro impresses with its exceptional unboxing experience, which really made me say, “Wow, you get this for just $75.99?!”. It is definitely the best unboxing experience I’ve had at a sub-$100 price, and it offers a great selection of high-quality accessories that enhance the overall value of the product. The distinctive and stylish design, coupled with the ergonomic fit and comfortable wear for even all day long, contribute to a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

In terms of sound performance, the Star City 5 Pro delivers a balanced and engaging sound signature, with a focus on detailed midrange, realism, and natural sound without coloration. While the sub-bass could benefit from a slight rise, the mid-bass provides warmth and punch without muddying things. Vocals, both female and male, and instruments are well-represented and separated, showcasing the IEM’s capability to handle different genres with finesse.

Technical aspects such as detail retrieval may suffer because of the treble roll-off, but separation, soundstage, and layering are commendable, offering a cohesive and immersive soundscape. The mid-centric tonality may not appeal to all listeners, especially those seeking a more pronounced sub-bass or treble extension.

Overall, the Star City 5 Pro stands out as a strong contender in its price range, and it has an exceptional value, combining excellent build quality, great accessories, comfortable ergonomics, and good sound for the asking price. I really think that those IEMs deserve to be much more known and loved.

Where to buy:​

• AliExpress Store
• Official Store
• Amazon Store

Intro

Its been a while since the market crowded with incredible chifi gears and I found this brand Rosetechnics an underrated brand that needs recognition to the chifi world. I'm totally impressed with their product called Star City 5 Pro is a hybrid 1 DD + 2 BA configuration. I've used 200$+ iems and I need to tell this it is similar tuning to some midfi iems I'd heard to this price point. Let see how good this SC5P sings on its price bracket.





Disclaimer

I would like to thank Rosetechnics for arranging a unit for me. My opinions are unbiased, and I haven't been influenced or instructed to praise these IEMs. Every detail in this review is actual experience made by listening for hours everyday




Specifications

Driver Configuration
1DD + 2BA

Distortion
1% @ 1000Hz

Sensitivity
104dB @ 1mW

Impedance
24 Ω

Frequency Response Range
10 - 25000 Hz

Interface Type
3.5 mm/ 4.4mm

Weight
28 g

Cable Length
120 cm

Connector Type
MMCX






Packaging

2 Star city 5 Pro Earpiece.

Round storage box

4 pairs of white tips with wide orange core,
3 pairs of white translucent tips with narrow orange core

1 dual-strand 6N OCC monocrystalline copper cable

1 user manual.

1 USB Type-C to 3.5mm female connector adapter
The inclusion of USB Type-C to 3.5mm female connector is a plus because mostly new released smartphones doesn't have 3.5mm jack.
Build and Comfort


The build is solid and the earpiece are lightweight, making them comfortable for extended use. One thing to take note is the ergonomics it fits really well to my ears.





Sound Aspects


Source used :


Realme 9 Pro

KiwiEars Allegro

Ibasso DC04 pro


This iems spend 60-70 hours of burn in using pink noise before taking details of this review

The SC5P is a balanced set in my liking. I'm totally impressed how it present the sound, its ethereal to envelope you to the music where you will hear in 200$+ IEMs. This is where it excel with other competitors in its price brackets.


Bass


The bass is quite neutral to my liking. Where is midbass is more prominent than subbass. It has well- textured and good depth bass without comprising the smoothness of midrange. But using the right tips will make this bass more body and deeper slam. (Currently using Penon Lacquer Orange. It stays forever with my SC5P. The tips I found the best synergy)
Mids


The mids is clear and clean presents more balanced than neutral, it have decent weight and timbre, vocals is airy and placed perfectly in the stage. The uppermids is never become peaky it has enough energy to satisfy one's ears. The openness of midrange helps both male and female vocals easily pinpoint in the mix.
Treble


The treble is finely tuned, offering a balanced sound signature. It is smooth and well-controlled, avoiding harshness or sibilance. Trebleheads will not impressed might want more sparkle and extension. The nuances are rendered with precision, it is safe overall allowing you to enjoy the presentation.


Technicalities


This is where it excels the SC5P the soundstage is open and spacious with good sense amount of width and height and depth as well. Imaging performance is above average with its price point. Separation is quite good too. You can easily distinguish the placements of instruments within the mix.





Conclusion

Star city 5 pro is supposedly underrated iem. It provides above average audio quality at a budget-friendly price. The balance between musical and analytical is really hard to beat at this price range and this is definitely an upgrade to your budget-fi iems without breaking the bank.

Introduction

Once again, and in a very short space of time, I am once again reviewing a product from Rose Technics. Since 2012, the Chinese brand has produced a multitude of very interesting models, especially in the field of IEMS and earbuds. Previously, we have seen that they have also made the leap to TWS, but I still think that their great value is still in wired headphones, something you could already see in my review of the excellent QuietSea. Rose Technics continues to delve into somewhat distinctive and differentiating profiles. Proof of this are these new Rose Star City 5 Pro. This time it is a classic triple driver with a dynamic driver and 2 balanced armature drivers. The dynamic driver is a self-developed, Japanese 10mm LCP composite diaphragm dynamic driver with N52 magnetic circuitry, which reduces partition vibration and lowers distortion. The two BA drivers are balanced armature driver units imported from Denmark, which have been customised and handle the high frequencies. Rose has enlisted the dedicated tuning expertise of a former Sony engineer. In addition, an acoustic physical-electronic hybrid crossover filter system has been incorporated. For the capsule, a new-generation 3D-SLA-printed resin has been used, with a stainless steel rear cavity. On the other hand, the cable consists of 6N OCC double-stranded monocrystalline copper with additional wire cores and top shielding layers. The interface used for the connection is the classic MMCX brand interface. Let's take a look at this and much more in the following review.



Specifications

• Driver Type: 1DD with 10mm LCP diaphragm + 2BA.
• Frequency Response: 10Hz - 25000Hz.
• Sensitivity: 104dB @ 1mW.
• Impedance: 24Ω @ 1000Hz ±15%.
• Distortion: 1% @ 1000Hz.
• Capsule material: Metal and resin.
• Jack Connector: 3.5mm SE gold-plated.
• Capsule Connection Type: MMCX.
• Cable Length: 1.2m.
• Weight 28g.

Packaging

The Rose Star City 5 Pro comes in a box whose size could be considered medium-large. Its dimensions are 192x143x50mm. On the main side you can see a clear division of two colours. The top side has a very soft brown background. On it there is a real picture of the IEMS with its cable. On the bottom side the background is black and there is the model name in capital letters, the description of the model and two logos (MMCX and HIFI) located at the bottom of the box. The brand logo can be seen on the long sides of the box. The same logo is on the top of the back of the box, next to the text "Light Year Series". This side continues with the black background. Underneath, the model name and description can be seen in the same way as on the main face. In the centre of the face is a box containing the specifications and the brand's contact details. At the bottom are the various logos of the product's certifications and to the right is an Ean13 barcode. Sliding the cardboard sleeve sideways reveals a matt-finished black box with a logo and the words "Light Year" inscribed in silver in the centre. The box opens like a magnetised box at its longest side. The first thing you notice inside is a sheet of onion paper with the product design and a slogan. Underneath is a thick black foam mould in which the two capsules are located on the left side, while on the right side is the round storage box. The storage box is made of a very good leather look, is black and has the same logo and text as the matt box. After lifting the foam layer, you can access another level of black plastic that contains the rest of the accessories. In summary, the complete contents are as follows:

• The two Rose Star City 5 Pro capsules.
• The round storage box.
• 4 pairs of white tips with wide orange core, sizes XSxSxMxL.
• 3 pairs of white translucent tips with narrow orange core, sizes SxMxL.
• 1 two-strand cable with black textile sheath.
• 1 user manual.
• 1 USB Type-C to 3.5mm female connector adapter.

Rose has kept a surprise inside these accessories. It's a USB Type-C to 3.5mm jack adapter. In short, it is a dongle recognised by both my Android smartphone and my PC as KT USB Audio V1. It has a small cable with a black textile coating, in line with the IEMS cable itself. It is capable of playing 24-bit, 96kHz PCM audio, and I'm not going to analyse the audio quality of such a device. But the inclusion of such a connector alone is a big plus. Turning to the accessories, I really like the look of the round case and the wide-core tips. At least they are different from the usual ones. I have a predilection for textile covered cables. But it should be noted that the cable of the previous QuietSea model reviewed was very hard to beat. Finally, I would like to point out once again that I don't like the MMCX interface and that, in this case, it is not possible to choose a 4.4mm plug, which I find incomprehensible, given that the QuietSea model is possible and cheaper than the current one.



Construction and Design

Rose Technics designs are not simple. True, the previous QuietSea was based on a joint venture with Ikko. But this time, the Star City is very original. With a capsule whose inner side is made of black 3D printed resin, it has a very stylised semi-custom shape, which is far from the more classic shapes in shape and size. As I said, its inner face is small, with a clear projection on the bases of the mouthpieces, looking for a deeper insertion. The mouthpieces are metallic and gold-plated. They have an inclined base, a midrange cylinder with a smaller diameter of 5.2mm and a crown with a diameter of 5.9mm. The outer face consists of two parts, one consisting of a ring attached to a cylinder that houses the MMCX connection interface. The other, which is the rear and outermost cavity. Both are made of metal and are CNC machined. The difference between the inner resin face and the double-composite outer face is very clear. The ring is integrated into the resin cavity, although it has two openings on both sides that reveal the edge of the ring. The backplate retains the "Light Year" series name and icon. It has an opening in the shape of an oval rectangle, protected on the inside by a metal grille. The side cylinder containing the gold-plated MMCX interface has holes on both sides. At the other end of the ring, but integrated into a flat part of the outer base of the resin capsule, there is a hole covered with a metal ring and an orange grille.
Inside the capsule there are 3 drivers, two BA drivers imported from Denmark, one for the midrange and one for the high frequencies. They have been customised by Rose. The dynamic driver has a 10mm Japanese LCP diaphragm, developed by Rose. It has a high-performance N52 magnetic circuit. It uses film capacitors and micro resistors to create a hybrid physical-electronic crossover filter. The interior also houses some dampers all built into the resin capsule.
The cable uses two strands covered with a black textile sheath. The plug is a gold-plated 3.5mm SE plug. Its sleeve is a black, metallic cylinder with the series name "Light Year" written on it in white, capital letters. It has three slots, one near the connector, two near the cable exit. At the cable outlet, the cable is protected by a two-level black plastic sleeve. The splitter piece is a simple small black cylinder, while the fitting piece is made of dark plastic with a double hole inside. The connection interface is gold-plated MMCX and its sleeves are black plastic in the form of a curved cylinder at the cable exit. Finally, it has ear guides. The conductor is made of 6N OCC double-stranded monocrystalline copper with additional wire cores and top shielding layers.
As I said, the designs are quite unique, taking ideas from here and there to create a different, elegant and attractive shape. The cable is manageable and flexible enough, despite its textile covering. It is not as thick and excellent as the cable of the QuietSea, but it maintains a remarkable level. Once again, I miss the possibility of choosing a balanced connection and I insist once again that the MMCX interface is not my favourite. In its defence I have to say that the design helps it stand up well, although it is true that the connectors are susceptible to rotation.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The capsule assembly is small to medium in size. The inner part of the capsule is very slim, narrow, and projects towards the mouthpieces. It is not the type of capsule that fits completely in the ear canal. Depending on the size of the tips used, they will barely touch any part of the ear. And the insertion can be medium, but not deep, due to the diameter of the tips. Using my classic large foam-filled tips, the fit is very pleasant, almost instantaneous, quite occlusive and durable. It is true that it allows some rotation, but the good fit of the tips ensures a long-lasting insertion, which produces a great isolation, secure and very comfortable. On the other hand, the design of the ring containing the cylinder with the connection interface ensures a very advantageous position of the cable on the ear, which is hardly noticeable. All this, together with the low weight of the capsules, the cable and the softness of the textile cover, makes the whole more comfortable than the individual parts. Clearly excellent, even more so when the comfort extends over hours of use. Very suitable for everyday, outdoor use, even for running or going to the gym.



Sound

Profile

The Star Citys have a balanced profile with a tendency towards clarity, due to their evident emphasis on the midrange and early treble. The bass rises subtly from neutrality, making itself felt with restrained power, thanks to its extension in both directions. The first half of the midrange is not dipped in relation to the bass, but there is a slight imbalance between the second half of the upper midrange. The treble is present in alternating zones of control, while the extension of the higher notes suffers a little. Overall, this is a splashy, vivid sound, which does not forget the bass, although it never dominates. The control in the treble, its more limited extension and the restrained energy at the limit, contribute to maintain a certain overall balance in a sound that I feel exceeds neutrality in its luminous side.



Bass

The lower range of the Star City is quite linear. Its emphasis is fixed at its midrange, while the sub-bass loses relative energy. One aspect that I personally think would have improved the Star City's tuning would have been a generous increase in the sub-bass end. The sound would have gained depth, the bass would have gained authority and its bright side would have been balanced with some warm darkness. But this was not the case. In reality, the bass overcomes the neutrality in a slight way, but never becomes the protagonist. The energy of the bass is just right, although it does have a certain roundness and gumminess that gives it a more voluminous appearance. This achieves a subtle authority that never exceeds in presence or frequency, maintaining a clean and uninvasive area.
The very low-frequency pure tone test reveals a light, subtly sensory sub-bass, low in audibility, but very realistic and natural. As the frequencies increase, this reliable behaviour is accentuated and combined with a very adequate, uncoloured reproduction, which retains a certain darkness and depth, as well as possessing a matching timbre and exemplary behaviour, free of interference from the BA drivers, sounding like a pure canonical dynamic driver. As I say, no vibrations or unwanted colouring are perceived, and this means that its translation to real music generates an optimum result in terms of behaviour. It is not the fastest bass, but it is not dry either, it has a subtle degree of elasticity to generate that certain volume I mentioned at the beginning, which projects its importance and produces a more discernible, evocative and descriptive texture. The sonority of the low notes is very successful and very pleasantly executed. The bases are rounded, voluptuous in just the right measure. This is a bass in its late teens, entering maturity and has managed to stay tight, despite its curves. It sounds very good and performs better, has a certain thickness, but remains agile, technically proficient, balanced and dynamic, but never heavy.
In the dirty, unwieldy and unfiltered bass test, the Star City has proven to execute such passages with astounding ease, without offering any hint of suffering, always maintaining control, delineating the bass lines from each other and from the rest of the frequencies. It has demonstrated the ability to layer and stratify the bases, managing to define them with clarity, definition, without becoming blurred or fuzzy, maintaining separation across the spectrum and, most importantly, sounding natural, realistic, even beautiful. Great work. Too bad some of us want something more. In that sense, even turning up the volume doesn't lose an iota of their control and good work. Very good.



Mids

I like the fact that the centre range of the Star City is not far away. It is noticeable in the frequency response that there is no classic dip in the first half of the midrange. This offers a subtle warmth in this phase and an additional fullness, both in the instruments based in this area and in the male vocals. As it is never predominant, not a hint of muddiness is shown and a quite natural timbre emerges from this zone. However, the sense of body or physicality is not complete, even though the good balance between bass and this phase is reflected in a relatively close, but not leading, fringe. It is neither thick, nor thin, it maintains a certain neutrality in that respect, nor is it exuberant, nor is it relatively restrained. It remains in a broad middle ground, seasoned with the ornamental richness suggested by a distinctly emancipated midrange. However, the imbalance is not pronounced. I can't say that this is an IEMS that focuses more on the details than on the base, because that's not the case. It is true that the tuning seeks that clarity, that level of transparency and light. But the homogeneity between the bass and the first half of the midrange leaves no room for that prominence to be unique or disproportionate. In this way, the Star Citys manage to sound with a good fullness in the initial phase, as well as having an extensive harmonic tilt from 2kHz onwards, but without the sound becoming sibilant, penetrating or piercing. I won't deny that they can sound a little splashy, but the overall character of the sound is not bright, but more calm and balanced, seeking musicality within that situation of crispness and clarity. In that sense, the female voices are the real protagonists, being very full, complete and coherent in their timbre. Here is the flesh that is lacking in the male voices. In the same way, the string instruments and guitars also benefit from this predominance, but maintaining that naturalness that does not become abruptness, as it happens in other occasions. Star City maintain the musicality even in these more explicit situations, and that is a triumph of the tuning of these IEMS.
On the other hand, I've come to forget that this is a triple-driver hybrid. The BA midrange driver is very effective and natural, controlled to a great extent to generate a smooth, rich and pleasant sound, far from any metallic aspect or timbre. On the other hand, the integration between the timbres is also homogeneous, balanced and effective, maintaining a cohesive, full sound without sounding like a wall of sound, which knows how to keep its distance, both horizontally and in depth. The result is a very pleasant, crisp midrange, which is not cold or too descriptive. The Star City are not analytical IEMS, but are quite neutral in that respect, fusing naturalness, sobriety, musicality, ornamental richness, clarity and transparency in very equal terms, albeit with that more visible touch of light. There is certainly a lot of music in the Star City 5 Pro midrange.



Treble

The treble begins in slight recession to create a zone of control or rest, within a relatively excited mid-high range. This effect is smooth and generates a treble with present but restrained energy. The extension is projected and maintained in the first and second phase of the treble, before clearly fading out at 10kHz and above. This is how the Star City's sound suffers from a certain amount of air and is a little more sparse and dry in general, with more delimited edges. On the other hand, up to that point there is a good level of energy that manages to draw a sparkling, explicit treble, with a thinness that matches reality, without sounding too crunchy or forced. Again, the sonority and timbre of the BA treble driver is well controlled and does not fall into the classic pitfalls of cheap drivers. It is explicit enough to show good definition, some edge and resolution, but without losing musicality or sounding piercing or sharp. There is brightness, energy and some power, but it never reaches treble-head territory, far from it. The result is an area that is present, which also supports the rest of the sound, but falls a little short in the air phase.



Soundstage, Separation

The scene appears relatively wide and broad, with a good sense of depth and some height. Overall, it appears more frontal, with a good lateral feel. The elements have a good relationship of closeness to each other. Macro detail is explicit to a good degree, sharing the limelight with voices and instruments, but not dominating. This creates a sense of a sound that is rich and nuanced, but not focused. In this way, the musicality predominates, while the descriptive feel of the music is heightened. Nevertheless, it is not an analytical sound, but a good synergetic balance between the two aspects is maintained.
Micro detail is intuitive and the Star City has good resolution to generate it, but in a soft way. It feels like it has a good level of resolution to interpret it, but it falls a little short when it comes to isolating it, separating it and distancing it from the rest of the layers or sounds. It is there, it is felt, but it is perceived as surrounded by other elements. However, the Star City does not give the feeling of a congested sound, it has good separation, even if it is not very apparent. There is distance between the elements, clear separation, but there is no dark space or background to it. It feels splashy and descriptive, but also musical and natural, well put together and cohesive.
The image is adequate, a medium distance is maintained, there are not many elements that are distant and this generates a feeling of fullness, both ornamental and instrumental. In this way the sound is perceived as full, complete, voluminous and full-bodied. The presence is more rounded and the provenance is not so exact or precise, due to the space occupied in the space. This is how the forms appear smooth, naturally evident, well placed in space, giving a good sense of openness, even if eminently frontal, but with enough space to distinguish many elements within.



Comparisons

7Hz Sonus

The 7Hz Sonus would be a more bass-heavy version of the Rose Star City 5 Pro and somewhat more treble-calmed. With a current price of $51, the Sonus are hybrids (1DD + 1BA) with a U-profile, excited in the sub-bass and mid-highs. With a good design and low weight, the ergonomics are good but not as perfect and comfortable as the Star City. They are larger and bulkier, while the Rose's are smaller and have a privileged fit and adjustment. It comes with good accessories in terms of tips and a leatherette pouch. However, the Rose with its round case and textile-coated cable is superior to the flat cable of the Sonus.
The Rose are easier to move and are more sensitive. They need a little more power to match the volume of the Sonus. I have spoken highly of the Star City's bass and its great behaviour and I corroborate this with the Sonus, whose bass is quite good. I like the bass tuning of the 7Hz, but I think that, qualitatively speaking, the Star City's bass is better in its performance and reproduction. I would have liked to see how the Rose would have sounded with the Sonus bass tuning. It is clear that they would have less colour and would be deeper, but they would certainly be more natural as well. The Sonus' bass is deeper and darker, something that gives it a more suitably coloured punch, while the Star City's feel is more in the mid-bass, something that shifts it into a more coloured, slightly shifted bass, with a different timbre.
The Sonus have a clean midrange, disconnected from the bass, but also somewhat polarised. While the first half is somewhat lean, the second half of the mids is clearly boosted. Male vocals are lonelier on the Sonus. While on the Star City there is a better balance with the rest of the instruments, generating a denser sound. The Sonus sound more U-shaped, with that cleanness in the mids, but with that remoteness that generates a poorer and simpler sound. On the other hand, the Rose's are more lush and generous, enjoyable and full. If you're looking for mids, the Star City 5 Pro is the one for you.
The treble of the Sonus is a bit dry, while the treble of the Star City has more sparkle. Perhaps an average of the two would have been better. But the dryness of the Sonus makes their treble sound less natural, somewhat nuanced, controlled. On the other hand, the Rose's treble has more energy and a more appropriate timbre, perhaps a little more excessive, but certainly crisper. The Sonus offers a thicker, more muted treble. Both have good extension and, subtly, there is a little more air in the 7Hz range.
The U-shaped sound of the Sonus, with its cleaner mids, creates a more vaporous soundstage. You also feel its depth and laterality with greater emphasis. Thus, the music feels wider, more volatile, gauzy and dispersed. Star City are more homogeneous, not as deep, but they are fuller, without hollows. Their soundstage is shallower, somewhat closer, also flatter, not as concave as the Sonus, but fuller and denser. There are many nuances and a more explicit ornamental richness in the Star City, while the Sonus are more sparse. Being less dense, there is more distance between elements. The Star Citys don't sound congested, but there is more music in a smaller space, with less distance. But they manage very well to achieve a superior technical performance than the Sonus. If the 7Hz's have good ability, finesse and speed to achieve good detail at macro and micro levels, the Rose's gain in expressiveness, nuance, even resolution. They may not express detail in as isolated a way as the Sonus, but their sound is richer and more expansive.
The image may be more accurate at 7Hz, but also somewhat more diluted. Star Citys have more body and more obvious positioning.



Conclusion

The Star City 5 Pro are another Rose success. The brand surprises again with a very careful, balanced tuning, which seeks the fullness of the music and achieves a very rich, homogeneous, full, dense and very musical sound. From the bass to the treble, the Star Citys are designed to achieve a synergic sum. Starting from an excellently executed low end, with a lush and wide midrange, crisp and concrete highs are added to recreate a seamless sound, very well represented in all its bands. It is also technically very competent, which adds an all-rounder bonus that makes it very versatile. To round off a great value product, the design, size, ergonomics and accessories all match the music they produce. Without a doubt, the Rose Star City 5 Pro is a fully rounded IEMS and an easy recommendation for those looking for a full and balanced sound, not polarised in any particular band, but highly musical, descriptive, expressive and timbral, yet natural. Plus, they come with a cable-dongle that sounds like nothing else. What more could you ask for?



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Aune Yuki.
• Tempotec V3.
• Tempotec March III.
• Burson Audio Playmate 2.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.

Purchase Link



You can read the full review in Spanish here