Reviews by PotatoWhisperer

PotatoWhisperer

100+ Head-Fier
A Great Update to a Community Favorite
Pros: Balanced, neutral sound
Cohesive from top to bottom
Great accessories, packaging, presentation
Mature and versatile iem
Cons: Build quality is average
Comfort/Isolation is average
Intro:

The Tin Hifi T2 has often been cited as one of the best iems under $100. Many people loved this iem and it's one of the biggest recommendations when people ase for a cheap, quality iem. Because of this, the Tin Hifi T2 Plus has big shoes to fill. What you'll notice right away is the departure from the original cylindrical housing that it's predecessor had. The T2 Plus has a rounded shape and is more ergonomic to my medium sized ears. Also, the drivers are updated. The Tin Hifi T2 Plus definitely has big shoes to fill.

Accessories/Packaging/Build Quality:
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When talking about many affordable chi-fi iems, one of the most common realities is that you'll more than likely get a very generic and bare bones set of packaging and accessories. This is not the case for the Tin Hifi T2 Plus. It comes in a nice elongated and tight fitting white sleeve that pulls out into a blue box with gold graphics and lines. When opened, you are greeted with the iems themselves housed in a leatherette divider. Underneath, there is an assortment of tips including foam tips, and a nice cable with a chin slider.
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Moving onto the build quality, this is easily the least impressive portion of iems. Though the cable is quite nice, the iems themselves have a cheap looking and feeling coating. While not the worst I've ever felt, the seam that connects the two shells of the iem housing together is quite prominent, and the silver finish looks a little tacky on closer inspection.

Comfort/Isolation:
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To be perfectly blunt, the comfort and isolation on the T2 Plus is simply average. There's nothing egregious going on, but the isolation is very tip based, and so is the fit and comfort. While the iem fits fine in the ear because of its smooth surface, the nozzle does not lend itself to a necessarily deep insertion, which leads to the average isolation. All this being said, due to the smaller nature of the iems and the smooth and rounded edges, they are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time.

Overall Sound Signature:
Despite all the average nature of the build quality and comfort, the sound is the true star of the show here. I find the overall sound signature well balanced from top to bottom. This is either a good or bad thing for people. While it isn't the most dynamic and exciting sound, the iems rarely do anything poorly or wrong. It is an extremely flexible iem with good amounts of detail. What I do appreciate is that the iems do sound quite natural and is very cohesive, as expected.

Highs:
Highs are well extended with above average detail. There is good separation and air between notes, and you can really pick up on some small details. I don't find the highs to be fatiguing at all, though if you love sparkly and sharp treble, this may not be the iem for you. There is plenty of energy and everything sounds natural and full.

Mids:
Similar story for the mids, I find good emotion and warmth in vocals. The iems being relatively balanced, there is good separation from top to bottom and the staging is relatively good across the board. The vocals have good energy and there is an amount of refinement that I don't typically find in an iem of this price. Again, for the mids, cohesiveness is the name of the game. It blends nicely with the highs and the lows and does not attract unnecessary attention, so if you like a very mid forward presentation, you won't get much of that here with the balanced signature.

Lows:
The lows on the iems are not booming, so if you're a basshead, this is probably not the iems for you. However, as mentioned in the other sections of the signature, the iems are well balanced from top to bottom. There seems to be more low end presence this time around as compared to the other iems in the Tin Hifi lineup, but if you're looking for overly boomy bass, this iem won't do that. It is tight, balanced, and technically sound. It is by no means bass anemic, but there definitely is a level of quality over quantity with the low end.

Closing Thoughts:
If you're a fan of Tin Hifi iems, I would say this is an easy pickup. The amount of attention to detail with the tuning will be familiar to those who have tried their previous T2 lineup. What I do find is that this updated model is appropriately a refresh of the old community favorite. If you're new to iems, and you're looking for a balanced and technically sound iem, this is a great buy. While some people thing a neutral tone is a bit "boring", I find that a well tuned iem that is balanced is less fatiguing typically and very receptive to different genres of music. If you don't know what signature you like, this is a great and safe iem and I'd highly recommend it as a viable option in the sub $100 category.

PotatoWhisperer

100+ Head-Fier
Excellent Entry into IEMS
Pros: Excellent price/performance
Build quality and aesthetics
More cohesive and neutral than predecessor
Cons: Mids slightly recessed
Bland packaging/accessories
Intro:

The KZ ZSN was an iem that many people loved at the $20 price tag. It had a fun tuning and a unique, original design that KZ started using which was refreshing, considering KZ's reputation around that time frame. Fast forward almost 2 years later, and I have with me the new and updated KZ ZSN Pro X. With the new iteration, the KZ ZSN Pro X sports a new dual magnetic dynamic driver, and an updated 30095 high frequency balanced armature. What's also immediately noted is the new sleek faceplate that looks and feels premium. But do all these updates lead to a new and improved iem?

Accessories/Packaging/Build Quality:

In terms of packaging, this is the standard KZ/Chi-Fi affair. It's barebones, basic, and resembles most earphones in this price range coming out of these budget companies. Inside the generic box, there are very generic eartips, the standard KZ braided cable and a basic user guide. I will note that if this is your first pair of serious earbuds, the cable isn't the worst thing ever and is actually reasonably supple and many people wouldn't bother uprading, especially considering the price. The eartips are average, and are all silicone tips. I would try the out to see if they suit your needs before buying 3rd party alternatives, especially if your wallet is tight.
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Moving on to build quality, this is where I can forgive the light packaging. The gold/bronze faceplate looks absolutely gorgeous, and I'm not just saying that lightly. I've owned the original KZ ZSN and where that one had a shiny metal faceplate, this bronze is annodized with a nice finishthat really looks and feels great. A big round of applause for KZ this time around for this beautiful iem. I've already gotten my fair share of complements about the iems.

Comfort/Isolation:

The comfort and isolation of the ZSN Pro X are two more areas that these iems get right. The shape of the shell allows for both a comfortable and deep insertion. I've found that even for extended periods of time, the comfort has been a bright spot. Because of the deep insertion and the universal type shell, the isolation is above average. The sound leakage is also minimal because of this. Big props to the design of the shells, as they really are one of the more comfortable designs I've tried, even with my somewhat finnicky ears.
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Overall Signature/Staging:
Onto the sound, I think for a roughly $20 iem, these are absolutely fantastic and a real deal. You can't go wrong with the price tag. The signature overall is a slight v-shaped signature and I think that it's a reasonably easy sound signature for many people to enjoy. Staging is a bit average for me, and while I'd like more separation and air between notes, I think that it's an improvement over the last generation of the ZSN's and KZ is definitely headed in the right direction. Again, for the price point, it really does not bother me and is not a deal breaker at all.

Highs:
I found the highs and lows the star of the show for the sound signature of these iems. Overall, I think the technical ability of the iems are very good for the price point. There is a good amount of sparkle and you can really appreciate the work of the balanced armatures here. Overall, the soundstage is relatively average. While the high's aren't too sharp or fatiguing for me, I am not super treble sensitive. I wouldn't say that it is overly bright overall, though, so if you are treble sensitive, these iems should'nt deter you.

Mids:
The mids on these iems are probably the lowest point. I find these iems to be slightly V-shaped and the mids are ever so slightly recessed, though I think that KZ has done a good job of making the overall signature more neutral. Vocals feel a little less natural than other higher priced iems but there is reasonable detail, energy, and speed. If you're a mid-head, these iems might not be your cup of tea. The mids are not very forward here.

Lows:
I think the lows are absolutely the star of the show. Compared to the other ZSN models, I think the lows are dialed back just a smidge, but it's a lot more tight and still plentiful. I personally prefer this since it gives the earphones a more refined sound and gives it more flexibility. With a dynamic driver for the low end, you get the speed of the BA's with the impact of the DD driver. With other iems in the price range or lower, it's harder to get a bass that is both plentiful and more reigned in. Cohesively, this is in my opinion the most balanced and cohesive version of the ZSN's.

Closing Thoughts:
If you're looking to try and see if the audiophile iem scene is for you, I think this is a very reasonable first entry. For the price, I would say to save up for this if you cannot spend any more, since I think you get a whole lot of iem for what you pay for here. From the aesthetics, to the sound quality per dollar, I think it's hard for me to recommend getting any of the competition that is lower priced, even from KZ's other lines. KZ really created a real winner with this iem, and I'm interested to see what else they come out with next!
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szore
szore
I just got these today for my son and it came with a different cable.

PotatoWhisperer

100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Good Detail retrieval
Solid separation and sound quality
Great accessories and build quality
Cons: A tad bass light
Recessed midrange
Intro:

The Tri i4 is Tri audio's freshman effort into the audio scene, and boy are they trying to make a statement. From impressive accessories and build quality to official Knowles drivers, the company is really looking to go all out. This iem features a single Knowles BA driver, and a 10mm Biocellulose dynamic driver with an all metal shell and mmcx removable cable connectors.

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Accessories:

First, let's talk about the accessories. Tri Audio features impressive packaging and accessories for its price tag. The box looks and feels much more premium than offerings from TRN and KZ, and includes a small suede-esque carrying pouch, two different sets of silicone tips (each with small, medium, and large sizings), and a pair of foam tips. Tri really made an effort to feel more upscale, and it definitely works. You wouldn't expect packaging like this for what you're paying.

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Build Quality:

The good continues here with the build quality. The full metal housing for the iem makes it feel hefty and durable, but not so much that it causes any discomfort. I got my pair in blue, and it looks absolutely stunning in real life. The fit and finish on the shell is pretty much flawless on my pair, and you really get the sense that a lot of care was put into making these feel like they were premium.

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Fit and Comfort:

For my ears, the fit and comfort was superb. I could get good insertion depth and though the iems feel hefty and quality, there was no apparent strain on my ears from my long listening sessions with it. Of course the fit is always subjective but I think Tri went with a very safe universal mold, and I believe it should fit most people's ears. I found that the isolation was pretty good, even in loud environments such as coffee shops.

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Sound Quality:

Bass: The bass here is pretty well extended, clear and fast. It doesn't intrude into the midrange and doesn't overpower the rest of sound signature. However, I did find the bass to be a bit anemic so if you're a bass head, you should probably steer clear of this iem. I will say that the bass it does have is quality. While I would've liked more bass, it isn't a deal breaker and makes for a cleaner sound signature overall in my opinion.

Mids: I have my biggest gripe with the mids. They feel a little too recessed for my liking. Though the mid presence isn't to my liking, there is plenty of detail and clarity. I reckon most people won't have as big of an issue than I do with it though, and though more mid presence would've definitely tickled my fancy more, I don't find it to be too egregious as to ruin the whole musical experience that these iem's provide.

Highs: The highs are well extended with plenty of air and space. Again, the highs are clean and detailed. I'm starting to sound like a broken record but there's a common theme with these earphones. The overall imaging and soundstage of these iems are a little compressed and closed in, but it doesn't feel congested or too in your face. The image does seem farther away with a more holographic feel to it.

Overall: I would describe the sound signature as polite, clean, fast, and slightly V-shaped. Truly an interesting combination for an iem, especially for a company's first rodeo with in ears.

Conclusion:

If you're looking for a clean, fast, and more relaxed sound signature, the Tri i4 might be for you. With excellent accessories, build quality, and a unique sound signature not seen in most iems in this price range, the Tri i4 is definitely worth the price tag. It's a fantastic first effort from company Tri Audio. I will say that there is definitely room for improvement in tuning for the next offering from Tri Audio, though I like the direction the company is moving. This is definitely a company to keep your eyes on!

PotatoWhisperer

100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Build Quality
Sound Quality
Cons: Bare-bones Accessories
Fit Issues
Intro:

The TRN BA5 is an all balance armature IEM with 5 drivers per side. Each side utilizes three 30095 BA drivers for highs, one 29689 BA for mids, and one 22955 BA for low frequencies.

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Accessories:

The TRN comes in a small white box typical of of TRN's latest offerings. Accessories are pretty bare bones with 3 sets of silicone tips and a detachable 2 pin QDC style cable. The included black braided 4 core cable has metal plugs, inline microphone, and splitter, while the 2 pin housing is plastic. The cable also has preformed ear hooks.

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Build Quality:

Build quality is very good with an all metal shell made from aluminum or magnesium alloy according to the product listing. The nozzle, however, is made of plastic and has a lip to secure ear tips. The finish is a little rough in certain areas and not completely uniform between the left and right shells. There is a metal grill covering the small opening at the center of the faceplate with a single trox screw located at the lower tip of the faceplate. The screw looks to be cosmetic only.

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Fit and Comfort:

The smooth sculpted shells provide good comfort for extended listening. Although I found the shells a little bulky, I did not notice any pinching or sharp edges during listening. For me, the IEMs did not fit as securely as I would have liked possibly due to the bulk and shallow insertion depth. Sound isolation is average. There is noticeably more sound leakage in the BA5 due to the open vent design.

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Sound Quality:

The bass is fast, tight, and controlled, but lacks the sheer quantity and rumble that bassheads would desire. The strengths and weaknesses of BA bass vs dynamic bass is apparent here. You are trading impact and power for more precision and detail.


Mids are more forward sounding and less recessed compared to many budget offerings in this price range. Mids are clean sounding but have good body so they don't sound thin. There is also good detail and resolution in the midrange.

The treble is well extended with good detail and crispness. There is nice airiness in the upper registers without any shrillness or sibilance.

The soundstage is large with excellent instrument separation which provides good cohesiveness between the musical elements and prevents complex tracks from sounding congested.



Conclusion:

The BA5 is a very well put together IEM. Good build quality, excellent tuning and great sound quality. These are a recommended get for those who like BA bass with smooth, clean mids, and bright airy trebles with superb soundstage.

For any questions, please respond down below and I will do my best to answer!
L
LikeHolborn
Would the instruments be a background to the vocals and focused that way or is there a better suited iem (no interest in soundstage width or any surround sound effect) 👍
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