Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro VS Apos x Community Rock Lobster
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro and Apos x Community Rock Lobster are in-ear monitors. Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro costs $72 while Apos x Community Rock Lobster costs $60. Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro is $12 more expensive. Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (6.5 vs 6.2). Apos x Community Rock Lobster has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge, Apos x Community Rock Lobster has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Apos x Community Rock Lobster has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro | Apos x Community Rock Lobster |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 5 | 6 |
| Treble | 5 | 5 |
| Soundstage | 5 | 6 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 7 |
| Tonality | 5 | 5.8 |
| Technicalities | 5 | 5 |
Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.5Cautiously Favorable
Apos x Community Rock Lobster Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.2Mixed to Positive
Reviews Comparison
Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro reviewed by Jaytiss
6
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro is a tiny, lightweight IEM with an almost minuscule shell, offering a very low-profile fit that will especially appeal to those who like small, discreet earphones. It comes with an attractive matching USB-C dongle DAC, a decent selection of tips, and a surprisingly outstanding case that feels like real value at the asking price. The MMCX cable looks nice and matches the dongle, but can be a bit unwieldy and, together with the connector choice, makes cable swapping more of a hassle. For smaller ears the fit can be great, but for larger ears the ultra-small shell can lead to stability issues and occasional seal loss.
Sonically, the Star City 5 Pro goes for a fun, bassy, engaging tuning that stays reasonably close to a modern target while adding extra low-end weight. Bass is satisfying and impactful, and the overall tonality is generally smooth with good treble extension, though the “cat-ear” style upper treble region can ride the edge of being a bit hot or borderline shouty for some. Compared to something like the NDX1 12, this set sounds smoother, less lean, and more enjoyable in the upper regions, with a more satisfying bass response. Against the Rose Technics Quiety, the Star City 5 Pro offers better bass and more convincing overall tonality, even if the Quiety itself is not a bad set and comes packaged very well.
When placed next to more neutral options like the Truthear Hexa, the Star City 5 Pro clearly trades technical refinement and vocal clarity for warmth and fun—Hexa has better vocals, air, and a more stable fit, while the Star City 5 Pro fixes Hexa’s bass weakness and delivers a more lively, “not boring” presentation. For those chasing bass on a tighter budget, the Truthear x Crinacle Zero 2 still makes a strong case with similar fit quirks but a very compelling price. Overall, Star City 5 Pro comes across as a solid, budget-friendly, bassy IEM that’s enjoyable and easy to recommend as a mild pick: great as a fun extra set or gift for “normal” listeners who like some extra bass, as long as the small shell fit, MMCX cable, and slightly energetic treble are not dealbreakers.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Apos x Community Rock Lobster reviewed by Jaytiss
6.8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro (more reviews)
Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro reviewed by Audio Amigo
7
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro comes across as a very complete package in the crowded ~$80 bracket. The unboxing feels surprisingly premium, with a sturdy (if slightly stiff) leather case, a well-made cloth-covered cable available in MMCX or 2-pin, an included CX31993 dongle DAC and seven pairs of tips, making it almost a turnkey solution for phone listeners. Build quality is solid thanks to 3D-printed resin shells with metal faceplates and brass nozzles, good venting prevents pressure build-up, and the industrial “retro-futuristic” aesthetic helps it stand out visually even if it doesn’t win universal style points.
Sonically, the Star City 5 Pro aims for a neutral, slightly bright-leaning tuning with a touch of vocal forwardness. Bass is described as adequate, clean and articulate rather than big and boomy; it doesn’t dominate, but still delivers enough punch and sub-bass rumble when the track demands it. The midrange is a real strength: neutral, clear, and slightly vocal-focused, giving both male and female vocals excellent presence without odd tonality, while instruments stay well-separated with no masking. Treble has extra sparkle and energy yet avoids harshness, offering natural decay on cymbals and well-rendered upper harmonics, which pairs with strong technical performance in terms of detail, texture, stereo separation and a convincing 3D soundstage.
In direct comparison, the Star City 5 Pro sits as the “brighter, more vocal-forward” flavor of neutral next to sets like Truthear Hexa and the Tangzu x HBB collaboration, with AFUL Magic One acting as a more refined but pricier upgrade when on sale. Detail retrieval is competitive with all of them, while its bass is more restrained than the warmer rivals but more exciting than some ultra-flat neutrals. On the Audio Amigo ranking list it reaches the “this is brilliant” tier: not outright superior to Hexa or Wan’er New, but easily trading blows and offering its own compelling twist on neutral. It is especially recommended as a bright-neutral upgrade from budget favorites like 7Hz Zero or Simgot EW100P, and as a first IEM for anyone wanting a clean, neutral sound with extra sparkle, strong vocals and a generous accessory bundle including that handy dongle DAC.
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro reviewed by Head-Fi.org
6.6
* score rescaled + normalized
Apos x Community Rock Lobster (more reviews)
Apos x Community Rock Lobster reviewed by Z-Reviews
5.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD BA
Tuning Type: Neutral
Price (Msrp): $72
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Apos x Community Rock Lobster Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: n/a
Price (Msrp): $60
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Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Apos x Community Rock Lobster User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5Gaming Grade
C+Apos x Community Rock Lobster Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.2Gaming Grade
C+Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
C+- A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.
Average Technical Grade
C+- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Apos x Community Rock Lobster Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B-- Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.
Average Technical Grade
C+- It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.
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