TRN TA2 - 1DD + 2BAs [Knowles 33518]

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Decent budget Flagship
Pros: Good Mids. smooth relaxed sounding. bass is adequate and its warm with brightness on top, great accessories
Cons: Mediocre technicalities, Sub-Bass, and harshness especially at higher volumes
IMG_20220820_135244_417.jpg


Box, Build, Acessories: Build is lightweight, isolation is good stock, the unit is comfortable and fits well. The box is a little bigger than an average TRN, inside one finds a good number of accessories:
TA2 IEMs (one pair ear tips pre-fitted)
2-pin 4 core OFC silver plated cable
3 pairs white silicone tips
3 pairs black silicone tips with red bore
1 pair grey foam tips
3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter
Round black metal carrying case
Documentation

Sound:
Bass: is speedy and punchy but Sub-Bass lacks extension; Mid-Bass is excellent and well defined but does bleed into the Mids a lot.


Mids: Are the star here full bodied and warm in the lower, good texture and vocals sound good, the upper mids and lower treble can be bright but on most occasions this was okay. Still louder volumes and poor recordings can get harsh.

Treble: The highs are pleasant with just a little sparkle before they roll off, they are smooth and relaxed and could use more energy.

Soundstage: is open and has decent details and accuracy but it is smaller in depth and doesn't handle busy recordings.

Conclusions: This is a relaxed, smooth IEM not for the reference looking crowd but has its merits as it's easy to listen all day. still not my cup of tea. I would have liked more details, bass and better treble.

Nimweth

Headphoneus Supremus
Evolution
Pros: Neutral/bright profile
Deep sub bass with high resolution
Neutral mid bass
Clear forward mids
Excellent levels of detail
Clean and extended treble
Expansive staging
Well made
Generous accessories
Cons: Cable could be better
Very occasional sharpness in treble
TRN TA2

I received this unit for review from Fedai at Amazon.com I would like to thank Ben for supplying this item.
Product link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B6HBXX8Z/

TRN TA2

The TA2 is a hybrid design with three drivers, one dynamic driver and two balanced armatures. It has a metal faceplate and detachable 2-pin cable worn over the ear. It comes attractively packaged in a sturdy white box with a slip cover bearing a full colour image of the IEMs on the front. Removing the cover reveals a plain white box with a TRN logo in the centre, inside which the IEMs are displayed in a card cut-out below which is a round metal container holding the 2-pin cable. Underneath is a card box with the spare eartips and a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter. In all the box contains:

* TA2 IEMs (one pair eartips pre-fitted)
* 2-pin 4 core OFC silver plated cable
* 3 pairs white silicone tips
* 3 pairs black silicone tips with red bore
* 1 pair grey foam tips
* 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter
* Round black metal carrying case
* Documentation

This is a generous accessory set and a very nice presentation.

The IEMs are formed from resin and have a magnesium alloy faceplate with a series of four horizontal vents in a triangular pattern in the centre above which is written "TRN Audio". The clear plastic raised 2-pin socket accepts a QDC type plug and the nozzle is gold in colour and has a silver coloured mesh. The dynamic driver, covering the bass frequencies, is an 8mm dual magnetic unit with a CNT (Carbon Nanotube) diaphragm. Two Knowles 33518 balanced armatures, placed within the nozzle, handle the midrange and high frequencies.

The 2-pin OFC cable is silver plated and has a fairly loose braid. The 3.5mm plug is 90° angled and is finished in a brushed aluminium, the Y split and 2-pin plugs are clear plastic and channel identification is provided by embossed "L" and "R" markings on the plugs. These are hard to read and colour coding would have been preferable. There is no chin slider, the cable does tangle easily and the ear hooks are very stiff.

The TA2 was tested with a Hidizs AP80 Pro X DAP, a smartphone and a CD player and a burn in period of 100 hours was carried out, after which the bass became tighter and the soundstage opened up. The pre-fitted tips resulted in a lack of bass, so I used the medium grey/red type, which gave a comfortable fit and a better sound balance. Sensitivity was good with adequate volume obtained from all sources.

Sound Quality
The TA2 displayed a largely neutral/bright mild "W" profile which was well balanced across the whole spectrum. Bass was sub-bass focused with a neutral mid bass, transitioning into the mids without bleed. Midrange was open, slightly forward and very detailed. This excellent detail was retained in the treble which was clean, extended and airy with very good resolution. The soundstage was expansive, extending well beyond the ears with good depth and height. Layering and separation were of the same high standard.

Bass
The TA2 produced a fast, clean and well extended bass response, the CNT driver's tonality blending well with the two BAs and giving the impression of a all-BA model yet retaining the depth and weight of a dynamic unit. Sub bass was a little elevated and mid bass was more neutrally-tuned with good timbre and resolution. There was no evidence of bass bleed.

Jacques Ibert's "Escales" is an entertaining suite of pieces for full orchestra. "Anime" is a lively and expressive piece featuring a powerful percussion section. In the recording by the Minnesota Orchestra under Eiji Oue, the initial strike of the bass drum was incisive and clean with authentic timbre and natural decay and the orchestral climaxes displayed impressive weight. The ambience of the recording venue was realised effectively.

"High Hopes" is the final track on Pink Floyd's album "The Division Bell". After a pastoral introduction, Dave Gilmour's vocal is followed by the chorus in which the bass guitar and drums impressed with their depth, speed and precision, at the same time showing a powerful impact. This continued in the long instrumental section where the bass was well balanced with the steel guitar lead solo and keyboards.

Midrange
The TA2 also impressed in the mids. With superb clarity, an open atmosphere and high levels of detail, vocals and solo instruments were immediate and well projected. The tonality was just a little brighter than neutral with authentic timbre and the lack of bass bleed kept the mids clean and clear. The sense of transparency was notable.

"Morning has Broken" by Cat Stevens received a wonderful rendition from the TA2. Accompanied by bright, detailed and clear acoustic guitar and Rick Wakeman's expressive piano, Cat Stevens's vocal, perfectly centered in the image, conveyed both the character of his voice and the message in Eleanor Farjeon's beautiful words. The studio reverb was particularly well rendered.

The TA2's excellent midrange quality was demonstrated perfectly in "Jag Hor" from the solo album "Piano" by Benny Andersson. The character of his Fazioli instrument was accurately portrayed with a believable timbre and a sense of space around the piano. It was only occasionally in the more percussive passages that a slight sharpness of tonality was present but overall it was a realistic presentation.

Treble
The dual Knowles 33518 BAs really showed their class here. With excellent detail and extension, a clean and airy atmosphere was produced with fine resolution. Only very infrequently on certain material there was a bit of extra sharpness but generally it was well controlled and smooth.

Isao Tomita's electronic versions of classical works always span the full frequency spectrum. Greig's "Solveig's Song" from "Cosmos" is a good example. After a quiet introduction, sweeping string arpeggios swell and cascade with a powerful dynamic range, supporting the lead synth voice. The treble extension here really showed its class with the strings and electronic effects intertwining to great effect and retaining their own character with excellent separation and layering.

"Many Chinas" is the opening track from Mark Isham's classic album "Vapor Drawings". Delicate electronic percussion elements left and right extended well beyond the ears while the punchy synth bass and drums occupied the centre of the image. Subtle sequences appeared in the background with Isham's trumpet taking the melody line. Throughout, the high frequencies remained clear, even in the most complex passages.

Soundstage
The TA2's soundstage was expansive in all three dimensions. Because of the excellent detail, layering, separation and imaging were all of a high standard.


The TA2 managed to create a convincing picture of the orchestra in Erik Fogg's atmospheric piece, "Merok" performed by the BBC Philharmonic under Rumon Gamba. Serene strings accompany the melody line on the oboe which is then taken in turn by cor anglais, flute and clarinet. The individual character of each instrument and its position in the image were conveyed very effectively by the TA2 with a believable sense of perspective.

The poignant cello solo in "Come back to Us" from the soundtrack to "1917" by Thomas Newman was beautifully realised. Set against soft strings and deep synth bass, a haunting atmosphere was created, full of emotion. The precise imaging and resolution and the reproduction of fine detail added to the effect.

Comparisons
Fiio JH3
The JH3 is a hybrid design, employing a large 13.6mm dynamic driver for the low frequencies and two custom balanced armature drivers for the midrange and treble. It has a lively, dynamic sound. The overall profile is V shaped, just on the bright side of neutral, with a powerful and well-textured bass, a slightly recessed but clear midrange and a clean, crisp treble. The soundstage is extensive and imaging fairly precise, with separation very evident.

The TA2 has a more neutral profile with a gentler W shaping and a brighter tonality. The bass is sub bass focused and the mid bass level is less prominent. The mids are more forward, treble a little more extended and the soundstage is more expansive.

TRI i4
The i4 is a dual hybrid employing the Knowles 33518 BA, this time coupled with a 10mm composite DD with a metal dome. The build quality is exemplary with full metal earpieces and secure MMCX connection. The i4 displays a warm and gentle V profile with a spacious stage and a relaxed and “laid back” presentation. The treble is “polite” but remains clear. The midrange is deceptively detailed and the lower region has a mid-bass emphasis with a slight sub-bass roll off.

The TA2 is quite different in character with a cleaner and brighter sound and faster transient response resulting in a more immediate feeling. The bass goes deeper with more detail whereas the i4 has a softer easy-going nature. Treble on the TA2 is brighter, more extended and detailed. Soundstage is similar in both but the brighter presentation of the TA2 gives the impression of better separation.

TRN TA1
The TA1 is a dual hybrid featuring an 8mm micro dual-core dynamic driver and a single Knowles 33518 balanced armature. It is well built and presented. The interface is MMCX.

Like the TA2 it has a W profile with a forward midrange but the treble is not as extended or detailed. Bass is warmer and slower in attack compared to the TA2 and there is a difference of tonality between the DD and BA which the TA2 does not display. Soundstage is excellent but not quite as extensive as the TA2. However, at the price it is still a good performer and worthy of consideration.

Conclusion
The TA2 is a very well-tuned IEM. The CNT bass driver has a tonality which blends well with the two Knowles 33518 balanced armatures and the transitions are seamless, giving it a character reminiscent of an all BA design yet possessing the weight and punch of a dynamic driver in the low frequencies. Transient response is excellent and the neutral/bright profile is detailed, spacious and dynamic.

I did find it tip-sensitive, so experimentation with tip rolling will pay dividends. The TA2 scaled well and was adept enough to show significant improvements with a better cable. I used a TRN 16 core silver plated cable to good effect and the use of a Fedai 16 core balanced cable brought further improvements.

The TA2 improves greatly on its little sister the TA1 with a more even presentation and improved extension at both ends of the spectrum. Well made and with a generous accessory set, the TA2 receives an immediate recommendation in its price range, and is indicative of the improvements in tuning we are seeing in IEMs today.
J
jmwant
Nice one The budget segment this year got some really good ones. I hope we will be seeing well tuned planars at $50ish soon.
Lobarkaine
Lobarkaine
Very nice review! Thank's

ywheng89

100+ Head-Fier
TRN TA2 Review
Pros: Above average mids
Smooth and non fatiguing
Cons: Bass bleed
mediocre technicality
Mid bass emphasis
TRN TA2 Review


Intro

TRN is a company that needs no introduction to the community. They offer a wide selection of IEMs at different price point. No doubt some of the IEMs are very well known to the community and being praised very hard, namely the MT1 and also a few others. I have the TA2 with me today, which is a hybrid configuration which consists of 1DD+2BAs. Let's see if it’s able to follow the footsteps of its siblings.


Packaging

The packaging is average. Nothing to expect at this price point. The inclusion of a 6.3mm adapter is rare for IEM at this price point. A very welcoming gesture nonetheless.

Build and Comfort

Build quality of TA2 is alright. Metal faceplate with resin shell. Feels very light and comfortable for long hours without feeling its weight. No sharp protruding edges.


Source

Foobar2k -> RHA DACAMP L1 Lineout Cayin C5 -> TRN TA2 (With TRN T2’s cable)
Apple’s Type C Dongle -> OH1S


Sound

*Take note that the review is done by pairing it with TRN’s T2 Cable. The stock cable just sounded too warm and bassy to my taste. TRN should have just pair the TA2 with this cable and it’ll sound okay out of the box.

TA2 is a warm set to begin with, it’s advisable that you don’t pair it with a warm source.
There is a slight BA timbre but due to TA2 being a warm set, not that noticeable to my ears.


Bass
  • Bass here is definitely highlighted
  • Mid bass bleeding into the mids occasionally when the track gets busy
  • Sub bass rumble does present and in a good amount that’s adequate for some fun





Mids
  • Male and female vocal’s texture is average. Lacking some bite
  • Well bodied mids
  • Bass occasionally bleeds into this region during busy track


Treble
  • Non fatiguing nor sibilant,buttery smooth
  • Detail retrieval is average
  • Lacking in air due to treble roll off which is very evident


Soundstage/Imaging
  • Soundstage is average to my ears
  • Lacking in width
  • Imaging is average,doesn’t really stand out for this price point
  • Instruments separation is also average to my ears
  • Despite having average imaging capability, i’m still able to pinpoint the instruments properly


Driveability
  • Easy to drive and you will get acceptable volume level even off smartphone
  • Benefit from better source/dac/amp
  • Does not really benefit much from amping


Cable Rolling
  • Cable rolling does not change the signature much but it does improve the note weight depending on the cable material used
  • I found them to pair well with copper cable,it will kinda tame down the upper mids a little for those who find them to be too glaring
  • Doesn’t really synergize well with SPC as it made it even brighter


Final Thoughts

So, do i like this? No. Is it a good product? Depends on what you’re looking for. Warm and bassy set, then its for you. Critical listening? Stay away from this.

I honestly have no idea why a company would keep churning out new IEM on a monthly basis without getting the tuning right. It seems to me the direction that this company is taking is focusing on quantity instead of quality. Churning out new IEMS every month won't help, get the tuning right and it’ll boost your reputation and sales at the same time.

Interested in getting it?
Head to the link below: Non affiliated
TRN Ali Express

AhHuiReviews

New Head-Fier
Pros: vocal details , deep soundstage , imaging stereo positioning
Cons: bass bleeding , treble roll off , vocal bleeding
Hello, I'm Ah Hui aka Mr Wong. I'm a K-pop fan and audiophile from Malaysia.

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to TRN for Sending me this review unit and giving me the opportunity to review the TRN TA2 .

I've been working with TRN for a long time, thus why I have a lot of TRN earphones. If you are interested with my reviews, feel free to check out my Facebook page called - MrWongChannel

Configuration of IEM : 8mm carbon nanotube driver .2 knowles 33518 BA driver

Price of IEM : USD $40 from TRN official store .

Comfort: Comfort is great. It fits securely in my ears and I dont feel any sort of fatigue after long hours .

Design : typical in ear monitor design .stylish faceplate design
PRO:
1 . vocal details
2 . deep soundstage
3 . imaging stereo positioning
CONS :
1 . bass bleeding
2 . treble roll off
3 . vocal bleeding

BOX OF IEM
TRN TA2 - 1 - Imgur (4).jpg


TRN TA2 - 1 - Imgur.jpg


OPENED THE BOX WILL SEE :

TRN TA2 - 1 - Imgur (2).jpg


accessories:
TRN TA2 - 2 - Imgur.jpg


DESIGN OF IEM :
TRN TA2 - 1 - Imgur (1).jpg


TRN TA2 - 1 - Imgur (3).jpg


**Disclaimer : This reviews done by stock TRN eartips L size , stock cable pair with FiiO X1 II DAP .

BASS :
The bass here is punchy, but is boomy and bleeds pretty bad. When listening to Everglow - Promise, I can hear the bass bleeds into the mids. Bass is also on the slower side here, which isn't the best.

MIDS :
laid back midrange presentation, vocal is detailed, full bodied female vocals . When I tested 田馥甄 - 寂寞寂寞就好, vocal presentation is laidback and decently detailed, but with bass bleed which makes the vocals bleed . How about male vocal ? male vocal bleeds pretty bad. When listening to 许冠杰 - 半斤八两, vocals are too laid back and bleeds too much, which leads to detail not being as good

HIGH :
Treble is rolled-off. When listening to Ane Brun - these days, treble is ok, but overall, not too good

SOUNDSTAGE : it is deep and wide. When listening to the On land - Desert Island, the sense of space is pretty good, with deep and wide soundstage

IMAGING : it's about decent .When I listen to On land - Desert Island I can pinpoint the instrument and the singer on stage .It has good stereo positioning.

Details : detail retrieval here is about average .When I listen to some tracks, I can't pick up on the micro-details.

Conclusion:
Overall I feel the TRN TA2 it's quite bass bleeding treble roll off ,but good is the female vocal is body and details present .However I cant recommend the TRN TA2 to you because I think got better choice .

eagleowl

New Head-Fier
TRN TA2 - 1 DD + 2 BA [Knowles]
Pros: Warm and Bassy set - musical and enjoyable
Good Mid Centric Vocals - clean clear presentation male/female
IEM Good nice built, 2pin recessed preferred, adequate accessories for price point
Cons: Mid Bass Bleeds - affects vocals slightly
Treble roll off - lacks sparkle and airyness in top end
Not wide soundstage - sounds congested, all in one location
TRN TA2 - 1DD + 2BAs [knowles]

Disclaimer: Thank you and kudos to TRN and Sir Larry Fulton for arranging this review unit, based on own observation with no affiliation nor obligation.

Packaging / Presentation

IEM is well built in resin and looks good, 0.78mm 2pin TFZ raised connector preferred, accessories is adequate, 3.5to6.3mm adapter, black metal round casing, norm TRN cable, 7 pairs silicon and 1 foam tips.

Equipment used :
iMac - Linux - RPI4 8GB - Volumio Tidal Connect - Topping DX3PRO - L30
iMac - Linux - RPI4 8GB - Volumio Tidal Connect - ifi Zen Dac v2.0 - Xduoo TA05 Tube Amp
Sony walkman A55 3.5mm SE / Fiio M9 DAP 3.5mm SE, 2.5mm Bal
LG G7+ / Samsung Note8 [UAPP / Tidal] 3.5mm SE, Samsung Dongle, X1, CXpro

Music Tracks - variety of pop, jazz, country, instrumentals, audiophile male/female, chinese / cantonese favourites.
Some of tracks used -
Dire Straits - Tunnel of Love, Billie Ellish - Happier Than Ever, Aha - Hunting High and Low, Camomile - Fields of Gold, Chicago - You are the Inspiration, Depeche Mode - Strange Love, Eagles - Hotel California, Ed Sheeran - I Don't Care, Fleetwood Mac - Big Love, Glass Tiger - Thin Red Line, etc..

Sound Impression

Tonality is warm and bassy with good mid bass and little sub bass rumble. Bass Quantity over quality, ie. can be better, when especially play back a very Bassy and Busy instruments track, mid bass bleeds occur.

Timbre is quite natural sounding with a tint of metallic, very slightly. Male / Female vocals presentation is acceptable in most tracks, except when tracks that are heavy in bass [bleeding can be heard] and multiple instruments in the mix. [seperation not the best distinctively, clustered all in a location feel].

Soundstage is not wide, width is more than height and depth, treble roll off somehow affects the sparkle and airyness.

Conclusion

For those that are more into mid vocals, the 2 knowles BA have rightfully and justifiable done their functionability to a good degree. However, the 1DD used 8mm CNT and tuned for mid bass, has indirectly caused a little mid bass bleed, when play back bassy tracks. And treble roll off takes away the little more fun and pleasure to more spacious airyness in the top end.
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