ROXA-S100(OP) is a semi-open model developed as a variation of the ROXA-S100.
The standard ROXA-S100 was developed to achieve a well-balanced sound that sits at the center of 634EARS’ sound design.
In contrast, the ROXA-S100(OP) is tuned with more emphasis on the mid-low range, allowing you to enjoy a thicker, fuller, warmer, and more powerful sound.
In this blog post, I will explain the details of the ROXA-S100(OP), the differences from the standard ROXA-S100, and how the semi-open structure affects the sound.
For orders and basic product information, please see the product page below.
About the Housing Materials
The basic housing structure of the ROXA-S100(OP) is the same as the standard ROXA-S100.
Front housing: Stainless steel (CNC)
Body housing: High-precision resin material (3D-printed)
Rear housing: Wood, semi-open type (selectable)
For the front housing, the ROXA-S100(OP) uses the same stainless steel housing as the standard ROXA-S100.
Stainless steel is a good match for supporting the vibration of a dynamic driver, helping to create a solid bass foundation and a stable sound outline.
For the body housing, I use a high-precision 3D-printed resin material.
It is not as hard as a metal housing, and its moderate flexibility gives the sound a natural resonance and an easy-to-listen character.
The biggest change in the ROXA-S100(OP) is the wooden back plate of the rear housing.
While the standard ROXA-S100 uses a closed-type wooden back plate, the ROXA-S100(OP) adopts a semi-open wooden back plate.
A dynamic driver produces sound by moving air on both the front and rear sides of the diaphragm.
Because of this, the way air escapes from behind the driver, as well as the amount of air resistance, has a significant effect on the sound character.
In the ROXA-S100(OP), the wooden back plate is designed with a semi-open structure, allowing the air pressure behind the driver to escape moderately.
This gives the sound a more relaxed presentation compared to the standard S100.
However, this semi-open structure is not simply intended to create a stronger sense of openness.
It is designed to maintain a solid amount of bass and sound thickness while reducing harshness in the mid-high range, resulting in a warm and easy-to-listen sound.
音について）
ROXA-S100(OP)のサウンドは、通常版ROXA-S100をよりウォームでパワフルな方向へ発展させたものです。
通常版S100は、634EARSの中心に位置するようなバランスの良いサウンドを目指しており、力強さと繊細さのバランスを重視しています。
一方、ROXA-S100(OP)は、そこからさらに中低域へ重心を寄せ、音全体に太さと厚みを持たせています。
音の輪郭や細かな解像感を強く前に出すというよりも、音楽全体をゆったりと、心地よく楽しめるような方向性です。
中低域にはしっかりとした量感と密度があり、ボーカルや楽器の響きにも温かみを感じやすい音になっています。
また、中高域は刺激を抑えたマイルドなトーンに整えています。
そのため、迫力のあるサウンドでありながら聴き疲れしにくく、長時間でも自然に楽しめる音だと思います。
個人的には、旧上位モデルであるLOAK2-TX02を少し思わせるような、太く力強い音色も感じます。
ただし、ROXA-S100(OP)はあくまでもS100シリーズのバリエーションモデルであり、TXシリーズやROXA-T1000のような高い解像感や精密さを狙ったモデルではありません。
より太く、温かく、少しゆったりと音楽を楽しみたい方に向けたサウンドです。
About the Sound
The sound of the ROXA-S100(OP) further develops the standard ROXA-S100 in a warmer and more powerful direction.
The standard S100 was designed to achieve a well-balanced sound that sits at the center of 634EARS’ sound design, with a focus on balancing power and delicacy.
In contrast, the ROXA-S100(OP) shifts the balance further toward the mid-low range, giving the overall sound more body and thickness.
Rather than strongly emphasizing sound outlines or fine resolution, its direction is more about enjoying music in a relaxed and comfortable way.
The mid-low range has a solid sense of volume and density, making vocals and instruments feel warmer and richer in their resonance.
The mid-high range is also tuned with a mild tone and reduced harshness.
As a result, while the sound is powerful, it is not tiring to listen to and can be enjoyed naturally over long listening sessions.
Personally, I also feel that it has a thick and powerful tone somewhat reminiscent of the former upper model, LOAK2-TX02.
However, ROXA-S100(OP) is still a variation model within the S100 series, and it is not intended to pursue the high resolution or precision of the TX series or ROXA-T1000.
This sound is for those who want to enjoy music in a thicker, warmer, and slightly more relaxed way.
About the Back Plate
The back plate of the ROXA-S100(OP) uses wood, just like the standard ROXA-S100.
However, the ROXA-S100(OP) uses a semi-open type back plate, so its structure is different from the standard model.
There are sound differences depending on the type of wood, but in the ROXA-S100 series, the back plate is relatively small. Because of this, the sound changes caused by the wood are not as large as in the LOAK or MIROAK series.
Of course, you can still choose the wood while considering subtle differences in hardness or density, but I think it is also perfectly fine to choose based on appearance or the atmosphere you prefer.
ROXA-S100(OP), in particular, is tuned to have more thickness and warmth overall than the standard model. So while you can enjoy the subtle sound differences between wood types, it has been tuned so that any wood choice will still let you enjoy the thick and easy-to-listen sound that is characteristic of the ROXA-S100(OP).
ROXA-S100(OP) is a variation of the standard ROXA-S100, designed to offer a warmer and more powerful sound.
It has a different character from the well-balanced sound of the standard S100, delivering a thicker, fuller, and more relaxed listening experience. I hope you enjoy it.