First of all, I have to say that this is my first Hybrid IEM. That might be a shock to some, but its true. I've always been a dynamic driver fan, and more recently micro dynamic. Another reason is my DUNU1000 got lost in the mail a few years ago when they first came out, I took that as a sign and gave up on hybrid IEMs. Until now!
Also, this review is my own findings and opinions collated and isn't paid or sponsored by TRN. The TRN v20 were purchased for £11.40 or around $20 from a store on AliExpress. It took around 1 week for them to be delivered to the UK.
Disclaimer - Bear with me, I've not had these long at all. So the review is WIP (work in progress!)
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PACKAGE:
Box
Warranty Card
Manual
6 of the usual KZ red/grey eartips in each size (S, M, L)
Cable (choice of cables - with/without mic or bluetooth) (in this case its a standard cable with no mic)
IMAGES:
BUILD:
The feel of these IEMs is fantastic, they covered them with a special hypoallergenic coating to battle against sweat and discomfort. Honestly if I was told to put these into my ears and take them out again all day I would be totally happy to do that. Tip rolling is necessary! With huge nozzles getting my Sony hybrid (green) tips on wasn't easy but manageable, I also tried some wider bore Auvios but that exaggerated the treble and thus ruined the presentation for me.
The shape on the other hand is where these aren't so good, honestly the v20 feels like its a test by TRN to see which shapes fit their consumers better. Honestly the previous v10 version which I didint own looks like it has a more ergonomic shape than the v20.
The cable itself is fantastic, if a little bit short at 1.25m/125mm. Its a 3 strand, splitting into a 2 strand to each of the earpieces. However, there is no cable clip or cinch included. I just use a small velcro strap though if I feel the need.
SOUND (ran off an XMG P723 laptop + FiiO Q1ii DAC):
[Intro] I would say its still early days of this review as I've not had these for long. So far though, for the price I am very impressed with the amount of clarity shown here with 1DD (Direct Dynamic) and 1BA (Balanced Armature). I've played various styles of music (mainly Trance) through them in the last couple of days, and the v20 seem to be on the picky side when it comes to quality of the music. I almost knew immediately when I was playing a 320kbps MP3 or a 16bit/44.1 FLAC or indeed a 24bit/192 FLAC. Although, admittedly the latter is less noticeable. Also, it is admittedly a warm V shape sound to my ears.
[Low Bass]
Punchy, full of impact (when the track calls for it). It never feels like you're overwhelmed by it, but you never miss it either. As long as you got a good seal of course, which wasn't always the case for me with my weird ear canals.
[Sub Bass]
Its there, but where you ask?? Well, behind all that Low Bass. Can you find it? Sure you can, but its not easy. Just try not to spend all your time looking for it or you'll forget about the music you're listening to.
[Mids]
Similar story of the above, except easier to find. Sorry I am talking in riddles and clues. Mids are actually present and sound good when its called for. Vocals are enjoyable (Amy Lee in my case), although can sound a bit thinner than I'd like at times. Again, please remember I've only had these for a few days and this may change.
[Highs]
Now I am aware that TRN's first IEM, the v10 had a BA driver right in the nozzle so the highs were excruciatingly painful and piercing! With the v20 this isnt the case, the highs are present and clear. No sibilance and no harshness, good definition. Honestly when I put the v20 in my ears first time, the clarity and soundstage impressed me most of all!
[Soundstage]
Its good! By good, I mean very impressive for such a tiny amount of money. Couple that with a clear presentation plus good high frequency definition and you have a winner, not to mention the stereo separation sounds superb but I'm willing to bet that's mostly down to this wonderful cable. The sound isnt massively out of your head (either up/down or left/right), but it isn't intimate either. I would say its more than above average!
CONCLUSION and NOTES:
Overall I am happy with my purchase, although I must say the biggest gripe for me is with the shape of the v20 and that's why I cannot give it 5 stars. It could have been way better! Although, as I said before the hypoallergenic coating on the earpiece is superb! Very comfy, even if I have to adjust them every 10-20 mins. This IEM isn't leaving the house so its not a deal breaker for me. I have a UiiSii CM5 coming (said by many to be one of the most comfortable IEMs!), I will of course do a comparison!
I may add to this review later this week, and of course more pictures as I said before. If there's anything you'd like me to take a picture of in particular just let me know in the comments below!
Thank you for reading!
Lifted.
EDIT (09-05-2018): So after a very long time of trying lots of various tips to help with the fit I found that the best ones for the v20 are the KZ Starlines (medium), they stay in the ear much better and still have a fairly wide bore which leaves the sound open for the DD and BA to work their magic into your eardrums! ^_^
