Reviews by Vannak
Trn TA1
The Trn TA1 is a budget 1+1 hybrid in ear monitor from Trn.
One Knowles 33518 ba and one 8 mm dynamic driver for each side.
It comes with one oxygen free copper silver plated cablej, and six pairs of silicon eartips, and one pair of foam tips.
Featuring a removable cable, the TA1 connects via an MMCX connection. As a result, this earphone offers compatibility with a wide range of Trn and third-party cables.
The earphones feel and look fairly premium, thanks to the aluminum housing and mirror like coating .The overall shells don't have any sharp edges. The nozzles are not too long or too short so I can happily use these iems with my eartips collection. The supplied tips come in handy in trying to find the perfect fit. And as for this shape iems,the fitting is very important for maximum sound quality.
For my ears , I find the fit is just okay but when wearing wire down,this earphone fit quite nicely and comfortably again thank to the mmcx connection.
General specification
Product Name = Trn TA1
Drivers configuration =1 knowels 33518 and 1 8mm dynamic driver
Impedance = 16omh
Sensitivity = 107db
Frequency = 10-40000Hz
Synchronization
With es100 the TA1 sounds a bit warm but also muddy.
Using btr5 is a different story, the sound is clean and dynamic. Clarity for this 30$ iems is quite amazing. Sound stage is noticeably improved
The high is so delightful to listen to. Do take note, this Trn is fairly easy to drive even with phone
When using E1DA G3, the sound is comparable to the btr5. The E1DA has an amazing app while the fiio has a high gain option.
For portable use, personally, I pick the fiio btr5 because it not only syncs well with trn TA1 but also can be used as a bluetooth receiver without attaching to my phone all the time.
Additionally, when using TA1 with trn bt20s pro, the TA1 still performs quite well but loses some high details.
Sound
I have used this TA1 for more than 10 days so I think I have done enough drivers burning in.
Low End
Thanks to the 8mm dynamic driver, the TA1 provides a pretty luscious low end. There’s a sense of tightness and well controlled bass. This results in a sound with minimal bleed. it still feels pretty accurate and those bass textures are well delicious. However, it is not powerful enough for bass heads.
For example, a song called superman by Enimen, the bass texture is quite clear and tight. Every hit is well presented. Another one called Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, at near the end of the song, the rumble is clean and precise with a slight roll off.
Midrange
When it comes to the mids, I was actually really surprised at how good the TA1 sounds. The TA1 mid is so thick , with more emphasis at the center of the frequency range. Yet, with this headphone, the upper mid never sounds harsh nor piercing, this is very new to me from trn tuning , no matter what genre I am listening to. The low and high are smooth and relaxed , but vocal really steals the show here. Every word from the singers is so alive and in my head.
For those who like jazz and slow pop music, I highly and highly recommend you to have a try this one out.
Again the Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, her voice is so well positioned away from that bass. One song called Real Friends by Camila Cabello, the sound of the guitar has a feeling of warmth and full and yet not distracted. Her voice is lush and forward without any harshness.
One more song called Tears by Celine Farach, the beginning of the few minutes, the TA1 sets me in a relaxing mode but just as she sings. Her voice is so full and above the rest of the instruments.
High
A little rolled off, these highs never seem too bright nor dark but I feel the cymbal crush always behind the singers. Still, for bass guitar,it sounds full but the string sound is lacking. When I listen with this TA1, I miss some notes in my music like it has faded away in the background . The high is presented but with a rather gentle way,more like a laid back but not dark.
Crush cymbals lovers will find some early roll off here.
Micro details lovers should look for another alternative.
Soundstage
Not the best aspect of the TA1 , it delivers some good depth and even a paltry sense of space. Granted, it is a hybrid so I expected more especially from Trn, but with this mid focused tuning, I couldn't complain. It is a trade of.
There’s some slight overlap in the imaging but the clarity and separation in the mids help push vocals forward from the overall sound.
Tonality and timbre
This Trn is a hybrid but more like a single dynamic in ear monitors to me. Sometimes, I feel lark of of air from that knowels ba driver.
This won't suit those looking for micro details masterpiece but very well suited for folks who like jazz music. It is unbeatable for this price.
Timbre
To me, this set has a slight colored timbre towards the warm side and yet again this makes the vocal even more so addictive to listen to.
Comparison
Fiio fh1s
A 70$ 1+1 hybrid from fiio
While fiio represents a wide soundstage with a neutral to bright tuning, the TA1 is more mid focused, especially voices.
These two are so quiet different in tuning.
So what if I have to pick one?
When using a phone, it is indecisive.
However, when using my portable amp xduoo xd5 plus, the difference becomes even clearer. My fh1s becomes harsh,and I notice all the frequency go up and a bit lifeless.
The TA1, on the other hand, shows its strength with the laid-back tuning. To me, the singer's voices are so addictive and I never get distracted by the low and high frequency. Also, the upper mid still remains as gentle.
Moondrop Ssp
A 40$ single dynamic driver iems
Many claim ssp is diffused field tuning iems. To me, it is a mild v shaped sound signature and leans to the dark side.
The moondrop could sound full with the help from additional power like headphones amp, fiio A5 at least.
Between these two,for overall listening, I still prefer the TA1 because it is cheaper,and easier to drive, and has a more relaxed tone.
And TA1 fits more comfortably and can be used with a wide range of eartips.
My overall thought
Trn TA1, a 30$ hybrid in ear monitors, is not a fun set for bass head nor micro details performer.
But It's vocal based tuning lets me enjoy my music for a lot of hours without any ear fatigue and with the metal housing, this will last.
It is a musical set from Trn and it is quite surprisingly good.
For this price, this build and this tuning, I highly recommend.
Gears used
Earstudio es100
Fiio btr5
Fiio A5
E1DA G3
Xduoo xd5 plus
UAPP app
Songs used
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
Superman by Enimen
Real Friends by Camille Cabello
Tears by Celine Farach
The Trn TA1 is a budget 1+1 hybrid in ear monitor from Trn.
One Knowles 33518 ba and one 8 mm dynamic driver for each side.
It comes with one oxygen free copper silver plated cablej, and six pairs of silicon eartips, and one pair of foam tips.
Featuring a removable cable, the TA1 connects via an MMCX connection. As a result, this earphone offers compatibility with a wide range of Trn and third-party cables.
The earphones feel and look fairly premium, thanks to the aluminum housing and mirror like coating .The overall shells don't have any sharp edges. The nozzles are not too long or too short so I can happily use these iems with my eartips collection. The supplied tips come in handy in trying to find the perfect fit. And as for this shape iems,the fitting is very important for maximum sound quality.
For my ears , I find the fit is just okay but when wearing wire down,this earphone fit quite nicely and comfortably again thank to the mmcx connection.
General specification
Product Name = Trn TA1
Drivers configuration =1 knowels 33518 and 1 8mm dynamic driver
Impedance = 16omh
Sensitivity = 107db
Frequency = 10-40000Hz
Synchronization
With es100 the TA1 sounds a bit warm but also muddy.
Using btr5 is a different story, the sound is clean and dynamic. Clarity for this 30$ iems is quite amazing. Sound stage is noticeably improved
The high is so delightful to listen to. Do take note, this Trn is fairly easy to drive even with phone
When using E1DA G3, the sound is comparable to the btr5. The E1DA has an amazing app while the fiio has a high gain option.
For portable use, personally, I pick the fiio btr5 because it not only syncs well with trn TA1 but also can be used as a bluetooth receiver without attaching to my phone all the time.
Additionally, when using TA1 with trn bt20s pro, the TA1 still performs quite well but loses some high details.
Sound
I have used this TA1 for more than 10 days so I think I have done enough drivers burning in.
Low End
Thanks to the 8mm dynamic driver, the TA1 provides a pretty luscious low end. There’s a sense of tightness and well controlled bass. This results in a sound with minimal bleed. it still feels pretty accurate and those bass textures are well delicious. However, it is not powerful enough for bass heads.
For example, a song called superman by Enimen, the bass texture is quite clear and tight. Every hit is well presented. Another one called Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, at near the end of the song, the rumble is clean and precise with a slight roll off.
Midrange
When it comes to the mids, I was actually really surprised at how good the TA1 sounds. The TA1 mid is so thick , with more emphasis at the center of the frequency range. Yet, with this headphone, the upper mid never sounds harsh nor piercing, this is very new to me from trn tuning , no matter what genre I am listening to. The low and high are smooth and relaxed , but vocal really steals the show here. Every word from the singers is so alive and in my head.
For those who like jazz and slow pop music, I highly and highly recommend you to have a try this one out.
Again the Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, her voice is so well positioned away from that bass. One song called Real Friends by Camila Cabello, the sound of the guitar has a feeling of warmth and full and yet not distracted. Her voice is lush and forward without any harshness.
One more song called Tears by Celine Farach, the beginning of the few minutes, the TA1 sets me in a relaxing mode but just as she sings. Her voice is so full and above the rest of the instruments.
High
A little rolled off, these highs never seem too bright nor dark but I feel the cymbal crush always behind the singers. Still, for bass guitar,it sounds full but the string sound is lacking. When I listen with this TA1, I miss some notes in my music like it has faded away in the background . The high is presented but with a rather gentle way,more like a laid back but not dark.
Crush cymbals lovers will find some early roll off here.
Micro details lovers should look for another alternative.
Soundstage
Not the best aspect of the TA1 , it delivers some good depth and even a paltry sense of space. Granted, it is a hybrid so I expected more especially from Trn, but with this mid focused tuning, I couldn't complain. It is a trade of.
There’s some slight overlap in the imaging but the clarity and separation in the mids help push vocals forward from the overall sound.
Tonality and timbre
This Trn is a hybrid but more like a single dynamic in ear monitors to me. Sometimes, I feel lark of of air from that knowels ba driver.
This won't suit those looking for micro details masterpiece but very well suited for folks who like jazz music. It is unbeatable for this price.
Timbre
To me, this set has a slight colored timbre towards the warm side and yet again this makes the vocal even more so addictive to listen to.
Comparison
Fiio fh1s
A 70$ 1+1 hybrid from fiio
While fiio represents a wide soundstage with a neutral to bright tuning, the TA1 is more mid focused, especially voices.
These two are so quiet different in tuning.
So what if I have to pick one?
When using a phone, it is indecisive.
However, when using my portable amp xduoo xd5 plus, the difference becomes even clearer. My fh1s becomes harsh,and I notice all the frequency go up and a bit lifeless.
The TA1, on the other hand, shows its strength with the laid-back tuning. To me, the singer's voices are so addictive and I never get distracted by the low and high frequency. Also, the upper mid still remains as gentle.
Moondrop Ssp
A 40$ single dynamic driver iems
Many claim ssp is diffused field tuning iems. To me, it is a mild v shaped sound signature and leans to the dark side.
The moondrop could sound full with the help from additional power like headphones amp, fiio A5 at least.
Between these two,for overall listening, I still prefer the TA1 because it is cheaper,and easier to drive, and has a more relaxed tone.
And TA1 fits more comfortably and can be used with a wide range of eartips.
My overall thought
Trn TA1, a 30$ hybrid in ear monitors, is not a fun set for bass head nor micro details performer.
But It's vocal based tuning lets me enjoy my music for a lot of hours without any ear fatigue and with the metal housing, this will last.
It is a musical set from Trn and it is quite surprisingly good.
For this price, this build and this tuning, I highly recommend.
Gears used
Earstudio es100
Fiio btr5
Fiio A5
E1DA G3
Xduoo xd5 plus
UAPP app
Songs used
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
Superman by Enimen
Real Friends by Camille Cabello
Tears by Celine Farach
DeltaAudio
did you pay $30 for your ta1 or have you receive a review sample?
SoundChoice
How's the isolation?
G777
It's tip dependent but I found the isolation on mine to be below average. I probably didn't have a proper seal though.
Driver : one 10mm dynamic driver and six balance amateur drivers per side.
Three for mid frequency and another three for high frequency . All drivers are specifically customized by trn.
Impedance: 22Ω
Sensitivity: 107dB/mW
Frequency Response: 7Hz – 40000Hz
Connector type: qdc two pins
Cable:
1.25m braided 4-wire with memory ear hook
Earpiece: 5-axis CNC Machined Aerospace-Grade Magnesium Alloy Housing
Weight: 28gms
Available Colors: Dark Green, and Knight Black.
Unboxing and First Impressions
For their flagship In Ear Monitors, the trn VX box is very minimalist. I think trn aim for more shipping friendly. Trn vx shells are made of alliminun so it is very light and strong. My review units come with mate green color with three fin like shapes. I also notice there are two vent holes on both shell, therefore, drivers flex won't be an issue. The iems shell is at the medium small side and feels very comfortable to wear. The stock cable is usable but not quite amazing for this price. Thankfully, trn also offer me their newest cable which is guite good. Trn t4
Sound
Trn vx offers you high end resolution and fun sound signature for this price range and has good coherence for so many drivers , good sound stage and decent quality imaging.
Low frequency
Trn vx low frequency has a sense of quickness and quality. If you look at the frequency graph at 30hz and 60hz, it represents light and fast bass. Listening to a song called Let Me Love You by Justin Bieber, I can feel the vx bass quantity just right, fast and tight. Another song called Hang On To Your Love by Sade, snare drums pounding so fast and enjoyable. Again no lack of quality here from the 10mm dynamic driver.
Mid frequency
The mid frequency range of trn vx has a strong detailes and genetic forward vocals on the aggressive side. For example, the song called If You Wanna Be Good, You Gotta Be Bad by Bryan Adams,I can feel how his fingers play the guitar and listen to a bit more,and his voice sounds like he singing in front me and yet I don't fell congested. Every instrument plays its role beautifully. Guitar left and right, singer in front, and the drummer behind is amazing experience like I am on the stage with him. Another good example, a song called One Million Reasons by Lady Gaga, again her voice is so full of energy in a good way. I can hold my self but to stand to dance with the song.
High frequency
This set is a pure joy for treble head. Therefore, it can be too hot for people who like laid back iems. In my experience after spending more than 200 hours with the VX, I find the high is not so hot as when I just received it.This set is amazing for treble heads.
For instance, with a song called Bring Me To Life by Evanescence, counting every crush cymbals is almost impossible with some iems but trn vx performs with ease. It is a nice experience to hear such a great resolution. But without a warm dac, trn vx treble is a bit too hot with some songs. The easiest solution is to turn down 2k,4k and 8k by 3db.
Sound stage
The sound stage of the vx is quite good. It has more width than depth, so it has oval shape. I can clearly hear every instrument strike from left to right and vice versa, but it has small space.
Detail and Imaging
For this price range, trn vx give an insanely good imaging. From pop to metal rock music, the vx offers my brain of genetic, an urge to dance. As I said before this set is not for laid back or sitting in a arms chair. With this quality imaging and fit, it is for dancing!
Timbre
Timbre is average and on the fast side.
The VX has the balanced amateur driver timbre so it is quite good but is still a bit behind some dd driver iems.
Drivability and synergy
Trn VX is very easy to play with smartphone, bluetooth adapter, or dedicated dap.
When going outside, I use trn vx with trn bt20s. The combo sounds surprisingly good and is not in my way when doing exercises or public commute.
some friends wonder what cable to use pure silver or copper, so why not cableless.
Trn vx pairs very well with warm dap like sony zx300 or bluetooth receiver like earstudio es100 but when pairs with bright dap like my fiio x3 mark ii, I recommend turning down 3db at 2k,4k and 8k in the equalizer. In addition, if you use third music app for your phone, I highly recommend Poweramp music player app. It synergies well with the trn vx.
Songs that I used
Let Me Love You by Justin Bieber
Hang to Your Love by Sade
If You Wanna Be Good, You Gotta Be Bad by Bryan Adams
A Million Reasons by Lady Gaga
Bring Me to Life by Evanescence
Gear
Sony zx300
Hidisz ap80
Trn bt20s connect with smart phone using Poweramp
To sum up
This Trn newest Flagship, it is quite unique in this competitive market. You can not stand it or you absolutely admire their bold tuning. For friends who refer a more laid back in arm chair iems, looks elsewhere. But if you like resolution or you are one of those treble heard for this price range trn vx is outstanding.
Otto Motor
Why do you write everything in bold. I got new glasses, thanks.
