The Rose Technics RT-5000 headphone amplifier is a striking piece of audio equipment, boasting a luxurious design that will elevate any desktop setup. Its wooden faceplate, accented with gold and leather, is visually captivating, and the robust metal construction speaks to its premium build quality. But this amplifier is more than just a pretty face; it delivers a unique and powerful sound signature that sets it apart from the competition.Prepare for a warm, bass-heavy experience unlike any other. The RT-5000's rich, thick sound is consistently delivered across both headphone and line outputs, enhancing male vocals and creating a deeply immersive listening experience. While offering impressive versatility with multiple input and output options, including balanced and single-ended connections, this amplifier's distinct sonic character—a prominent bass response—might not suit listeners seeking a neutral, highly detailed sound. We'll delve into its performance, features, and a few minor drawbacks in the full review.
Pros And Cons
- Unique and beautiful design with leather texture, wooden faceplate, and golden accents
- Warm, bassy, and thick sound signature
- Includes a high-quality, long (2m) USB type A to type B cable
- Has volume control on the line out (in later revisions)
- Very clean and controlled line out with low noise
- Three headphone outputs: 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm single-ended, and 6.3mm single-ended
- Bluetooth input
- Equalizer
- DSD decoding
- Relatively warm, not excessively hot
- Internal rattling sound
- Short (1m) power cable
- Power supply requires specific 15V 3A, making it inconvenient without a nearby outlet or longer cable
- May require adapter for different power outlets
- Leather top may scratch easily and can't be glued to a surface for protection
- On/off switch located at the back
- Sound may be too warm/bassy for users with already warm/bassy headphones or IEMs
- May have audible noise floor with some sensitive IEMs
Read more: Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp Review: A Worthy Upgrade or Redundant Luxury?
Design and Build Quality
The Rose Technics RT-5000 boasts a striking design, unlike any other headphone amplifier I've encountered. Its wooden faceplate, accented with gold, is visually appealing. The leather texture on the top and bottom adds a luxurious touch, making it a true centerpiece for any desktop setup. The build quality feels premium, with metal sides and a robust construction, although a slight rattling sound was noticeable upon tapping the unit.
The unit features a large, analog volume wheel and various input options: two XLR outputs, two RCA outputs, Bluetooth (with a screw-in antenna), USB-B, optical input, and a SPIFF Bluetooth and USB selector. The placement of the power switch at the rear is slightly inconvenient, however.
Sound Quality and Performance
The RT-5000's sound signature is warm, bassy, and thick – a truly unique characteristic setting it apart from many other amplifiers. Both the headphone and line outputs share this colored sound, unlike many units that differ between the two. The treble is rolled off, resulting in a prominent and intimate mid-range, particularly enhancing male vocals. While female vocals are present, they may appear slightly subdued compared to the rich bass response.
The amplifier exhibits a deep, powerful bass response which is certainly its defining feature. The sound is smooth, providing a delightful listening experience. However, the colored nature of the sound might not appeal to those seeking a neutral, highly detailed presentation.
Power Supply and Accessories
The RT-5000 uses a 15V, 3A external power supply. It's crucial to use the provided power supply, as using an alternative may cause malfunctions. Unfortunately, the included power supply cable is quite short (approximately 1 meter), which can be limiting depending on your setup.
The short cable necessitates either purchasing a longer power supply cable, placing the unit near a wall outlet, or using a power extension cord – none of which is ideal. This shortcoming is a significant drawback, especially considering the unit's primarily desktop-oriented design. The reviewer mentions using a UK version with a two-prong plug, requiring an adapter.
Additional Notes and Conclusion
The RT-5000 offers a balanced output (4.4mm), a single-ended 3.5mm output, and a 6.3mm single-ended output. The review highlighted a potential revision to the unit, with some earlier units lacking volume control on the line out; however, this review unit did include this feature. The amplifier works well with both active speakers and solid-state amplifiers without pre-amplifiers.
The RT-5000 pairs especially well with brighter-sounding headphones, balancing their sound profile. It's a practical unit, though the leather top makes it susceptible to scratches and doesn’t allow for easy attachment or vertical placement. While it gets warm during use, it doesn't overheat excessively. Overall, the Rose Technics RT-5000 is a beautifully designed and bass-heavy amplifier. It’s exceptionally well-made, reliable, and offers a unique listening experience with its colored sonic signature and rich bass response. However, the short power cable is a definite drawback.
