ROXA-T1000 is a new model that adopts Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5 titanium), a material different from the pure titanium used in the LOAK2-TX series, which has served as my flagship line until now.
In terms of sound direction, ROXA-T1000 is very close to the unreleased LOAK2-TX00 and the LOAK2-TX03.
However, due to the difference in housing material, there is a clear and noticeable difference in texture, presentation, and overall character of the sound.
In this article, I would like to explain as clearly as possible why I chose Ti-6Al-4V for ROXA-T1000, and how it differs sonically from pure titanium.
Pure Titanium in the TX Series:
The LOAK2-TX series has been built with pure titanium housings.
Pure titanium is relatively soft for a metal and has high internal damping.
Because of this, even with a metal housing, the sound does not become overly hard or sharp. Instead, it retains a natural, organic quality.
The sonic characteristics of pure titanium include:
- A sense of weight and gentle density in the mid-low frequencies
- Smooth, non-fatiguing treble
- A natural sound that does not strongly emphasize a “metallic” character
This makes pure titanium well-suited for listeners who value musicality and long-term listening comfort.
In particular, the fullness of the low-mid range in LOAK2-TX01 and TX02, and the relaxed, easy-to-listen nature of TX03, are heavily influenced by the properties of the pure titanium housing.
The Characteristics of Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5 Titanium):
The Ti-6Al-4V used in ROXA-T1000 has a completely different personality from pure titanium.
This material is widely used in aerospace and medical applications, and is known for its exceptionally high strength and rigidity.
Compared to pure titanium, its main characteristics are:
- Much higher rigidity and resistance to deformation
- Reduced unwanted resonance and faster vibration decay
- Lower internal damping, resulting in clearer attack and release
These physical properties translate directly into the sound.
With a Ti-6Al-4V housing, the diaphragm’s motion is less influenced by the housing itself, allowing the sound to emerge with greater precision and sharper definition.
Audible Differences Between Pure Titanium and Ti-6Al-4V:
Although ROXA-T1000 shares a similar tuning direction with LOAK2-TX03 and TX00, there are clear differences:
Resolution)
Thanks to the high rigidity of Ti-6Al-4V, the sound does not blur.
Fine details are rendered more clearly, and micro-textures in the sound become easier to perceive.
Treble Extension and Transparency)
High frequencies extend further and feel more open, enhancing spatial information and airiness.
Despite being a metal housing, the treble is not harsh or piercing—rather, it feels clean and refined.
Decay and Spatial Clarity)
Pure titanium tends to hold sound slightly longer.
In contrast, Ti-6Al-4V allows sound to decay more quickly, without adding extra resonance.
This results in a more open soundstage and a clearer sense of space.
The Sound of ROXA-T1000:
ROXA-T1000 is designed for listeners who prioritize:
- Higher overall resolution
- Extended, transparent treble
- An open and spacious soundstage
On the other hand, the LOAK2-TX series with pure titanium offers its own strengths—richness, softness, and a calm, musical presentation.
This is not a matter of one being superior to the other.
When the material changes, the character of the sound naturally changes as well.
ROXA-T1000 takes full advantage of the properties of Ti-6Al-4V, pushing the sound in a more refined and analytical direction.
Closing Thoughts:
ROXA-T1000 is a challenging model that rethinks material choice from the ground up, taking a different approach from my previous flagship designs.
If you feel that:
- The LOAK2-TX series sounds a bit too gentle
- You want more resolution and air
- You are looking for a higher-end model with a clearly different character from TX01 or TX02
Then ROXA-T1000 may become a new and compelling option for you.