Ordering the TRN-VX from the helpful AK Audio store (product link below) was as effortless as usual - the package was swiftly dispatched & arrived in uber quick time.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001050280671.html
I was looking for more compact iems that were close to generating mid-tier performance – in an attempt to emulate my favourite set: Tri-i3....& beloved earbud drivers….DIY PK2 SR2 Pro (16ohm.)
The TRN-VX 6BA+1DD hybrid configuration certainly piqued my interest - to ascertain if they could compete with mid-range sets, whilst I'm waiting for high>mid-end gear to trickle down (without parting with excessive funds.) Out of the box the stock tips & cable are deemed worthless & require instant upgrade to obtain audiophile level results.
It’s a great bonus that with continuing burn-in….they become increasingly nuanced - the sound-stage appearing more & more 3D & spherical as each day passes....imho definitely a pair that are worth investing time in!
I opted for an 8-core pure copper 2.5mm balanced cable & attached JVC Spiral Dot wide bore tips. These tips were modded & added to a pair of supplied tips - inner column cut off to pad them out – which fortunately results in a better grip & perfect seal, providing above average isolation - there are two vents in the front of the housings, alas they generate minimal leakage once placed in-ear. In a future iteration I’d love to see these vents relocated at the top of the housings – this modification would definitely add extra stage “air” making the set redolent of open back phones.
The TRN have somewhat divided opinion – appearing fairly marmite to some reviewers - inferring that the VX are merely a “wow factor” set - in consideration of their extended highs/mids, they also add that VX produce a less full-bodied / thinner note presentation, which results in instruments being rendered in an artificial way. Whilst I admit that percussion such as cymbals can on occasions appear splashy and thus artificial – I would argue that is can be reduced with the application of nozzle micropore tape & may even be deemed beneficial whilst listening to some genres like binaural soundscapes and electronica.
They do require cable/tip rolling – to achieve optimum pairing, coupled with a considerable burn-in period - which is imho essential in order to make this set truly shine. In this regard, out of the box they could be viewed as a very marmite pair, if one is too quick to judge them & bypass any pre-requisite adjustments. I was prepared to stick with them - my gut feeling was that eventually the VX would resolve and smooth out any distractions & artefacts, revealing a more balanced signature.
To my ears, after one weeks burn-in the signature is less artificial & at a higher level sonically – presenting crisper micro details, improved imaging & adding an “airy” 3D stage. Mids totally spring to life & become embellished alongside a tighter, better resolved bass.
I’m currently using my set to mix electronica tracks, that combines layering of analogue synthesizers, with VST plugins, sequenced by iPad apps or DAW via laptop – hence the VX enveloping stage, accurate imaging and layering is appreciated, whether one is actively composing tracks or solely for passive listening.
For this set in particular, the copper cable helps to reduce treble & increase bass quantity – whereby any extra added warmth becomes negated - due to the VX’s already warm tuning.
Build/Fit:
The VX build quality is amazing, sporting an uber stylish shell-like design which is extremely aesthetically pleasing – the emerald green version is especially gorgeous! There is some housing protrusion – but however the circular, conch-like design form is very svelte in-ear, perfectly ergonomically-shaped, as it slots into an exact fit of the ears' tragus. I find that fitting & removing this set to be the easiest, most comfortable set of iems I’ve tried up to now.
Tuning / Sound Signature:
The VX have a very bright, musical, energetic presentation, which is very transparent, maintaining an audiophile refinement. It has been stated that TRN's tuner has overcooked the high upper mids & treble, despite this the current tuning works seamlessly - in consideration of my personal listening preferences!
The 6BA+1DD hybrid configuration is transparent & revealing - not too cold & analytical, managing to retain a warm analogue tonality.
@baskingshark makes a good point: "It seems the VX tuning is catered mostly to their local Asian market, where they prefer boosted upper mids to complement their music, which features a lot of female vocals."
Soundstage:
The VX generates a 3D holophonic stage - in terms of width and depth not just limited to height…. whilst not as deep as it is wide (some rear placement can also be perceived) which results in an all-encompassing sound spectrum. However, the height is not as extensive as it could be. In a way; one gets the feeling that the highs & mids are situated on top off of the rest of the track – especially during instances of virtuoso playing. On an experiential level the multi BA frequency separation can result in making the most complex tracks not overly busy, congested or myopically intimate – sounding akin to “live” binaural recordings!
Highs:
Treble extension is pushed to the forefront right from the first listen. This is eventually smoother post burn-in. The upper frequency BA driver configuration doing an incredible job of eking out micro details, previously not perceived in tracks. Initial reviews posted state the set succumb to being too “shouty”: however any transient peaks can be alleviated using micropore tape on the nozzles - once attached I find them totally non-fatiguing with absolutely zero post-listen ear-ringing.
Mids:
The real show-stopper are the sublime mids – I think the VX are distinguished by having the mids placement, sitting atop of all other frequencies – this allows for virtuoso instrumentation and vocals to rise above the accompaniments of the track. The overall signature, whilst admittedly not totally full-bodied, is particularly appealing when listening to synthesiser/electronic genres of music….result!
This presentation provides an addictive sound signature, specifically for fans of mid-centric iems, whereby the stage, instrument/image separation; placement & layering all combine impressively.
Bass:
A good seal is always easily achieved as the fit is so good….the dynamic driver generating enough quantity of bass/sub-bass underpins the mids, sitting nicely / not too forward in the mix.
Maybe the inclusion of an extra planar driver might emphasise the mid bass - giving it more energy? – helping to boost bass & render percussion more effectively. This would result in improved note weight, portraying a punchier signature without overshadowing the mids & definitely help to improve the authenticity of instruments.
The upgraded 8-core pure copper 2.5mm balanced cable, perceptibly improves bass accuracy & tightness emphasising low end rumble, & helps to reduce susceptibility to “splashy” percussion.
EQ response:
The VX responds well to EQ application using laptop programs or via Ear-Studio ES100 iPad app.
Using Behringer’s Midas pre-amp soundcard as a source whilst running specialist software: Ashampoo Soundstage: different EQ settings can be tweaked / experimented with - in order to enhance the VX signature & boosting frequency responses across all bandwidths.
Amp Scalability:
Brilliant scalability allows them to be amped effectively - no distortion above and beyond the hi-fi “sweet- spot” at greater volume levels - they handle warm/cold sources equally efficiently.
Sources:
The VX work great with two-way Bluetooth devices. FLAC files via balanced output of Sony NW-ZX300a produces sublime “air” & good DAP synergy. With BT receiver mode switched on the vinyl processor, adds extra “analogue” warmth- enabling balanced output from Dell gaming laptop.
SE output: Behringer UMC404HD / iPad Air3 / Cayin N3 & NX4 DAC - gain switch increases all frequencies plus quantity of bass & rumble of sub-bass allows for “sweet spot” volume levels over halfway with no distortion.
Bluetooth mobility is provided by the (Radsone) Ear-Studio ES100 with added EQ via iPad app. Pairing with Xiaomi Mi 9T smartphone & Max Volume Booster also sounds remarkably good.
Listening preferences:
The VX excel especially with tracks that combine a live band sound with studio overdub mixing, multi-layering, for example:
Velvet Universe - Voyager LP (Full) (1981.)
Why? - Ermhoi
Black Boboi - Red Mind
D.A.N. - SSWB
“Shard of Glass” - Fenella
Fuku-Ura
Monochrome Echo
Testing the Binaural capabilities of this set was auditioned with tracks: “Jettison Mind Hatch” by Tipper, “Y Dydd Olaf” by Gwenno. Ambient Internet Radio (NTS) / Soundscapes / Live Gigs, Vocals / Jazz & Classical / Electronica / FLAC LP’s Soundtracks: Andy Dragazis - Afterimages ( - Engaging atmospheres appear visceral, airy and binaural, placing you at the centre of the music, the timbre of strings is wonderful & otherworldly - underpinned by moody, suspenseful cello.)
Comparisons:
Tri-i3: A/B’ing with the VX reveals that the tuning of the 6BA+1DD configuration can compete with the triple hybrid driver configuration of the i3. Alas, Tri- i3 remains unsurpassed at rendering Classical/Electronica - being much better at resolving percussion & timbres of instruments – generating a more authentic, thicker note signature. However, the multi BA configuration of the VX, once fully burned in, oozes excitement & energy by over emphasising the mids.
KBEAR Diamond: The VX’s forward mids complement the full bodied bass-centric signature of the KBEAR’s DLC driver. I found the VX fit much more comfortable, seemingly providing a more secure seal.
Blon BL-05: The Blon in comparison appears to have more smoothed out treble which is less extended & rolls off sharply, and is coupled with similar levels of amp scalability, energy and excitement.
NX7: The VX has similar levels of excitement & energy to the three-way hybrid configuration of NX7 - the piezoelectric of boosting bass, treble & detail retrieval. However they do suffer from transient peaks, generating inauthentic instrument timbres - making percussion seem plastic. The VX matches their energy easily, negating any transients, & adding a more refined 3D stage, plus mid-centric presentation.
Conclusion:
Having no experience of any previous releases by TRN, I’m now a TOTL fan of the TRN-VX. Arguably, they do/don’t compete at the authentic sonic level of high/mid-tier sets....despite this however; imho they still represent a remarkable bargain at their price point! They're an iem that require prolongued burn-in, alas the results can be extremely rewarding!
The caveat is that the VX present a very individual tuning - fortunately this signature really does suit my listening preferences, subjectively speaking. I’ve not heard another set that produces a similar tonality, so kudos goes out to TRN on this occasion for sticking to their guns during the tuning process! Being unable to discover what the letters TRN actually mean?....I'll apply my own interpretation of the acronym:
They Redefine Nuanced !
I really look forward to their next iteration which utilises a similar 6BA+1DD configuration - maybe tuned with less treble extension? By implementing a hybrid configuration adding, for example, a planar driver with correct crossover circuitry - could possibly increase the 3D spherical stage. In turn, such a modification could generate a more full bodied, hence thicker note signature, whilst potentially improving upon the imaging and authenticity of instruments in the mix!
Ratings:
Build: 90
Fit: 90
Bass: 85
Mids: 90
Treble: 85
Soundstage: 85
Imaging/Layering: 90
Accessories: 70
Price: 90
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001050280671.html
I was looking for more compact iems that were close to generating mid-tier performance – in an attempt to emulate my favourite set: Tri-i3....& beloved earbud drivers….DIY PK2 SR2 Pro (16ohm.)
The TRN-VX 6BA+1DD hybrid configuration certainly piqued my interest - to ascertain if they could compete with mid-range sets, whilst I'm waiting for high>mid-end gear to trickle down (without parting with excessive funds.) Out of the box the stock tips & cable are deemed worthless & require instant upgrade to obtain audiophile level results.
It’s a great bonus that with continuing burn-in….they become increasingly nuanced - the sound-stage appearing more & more 3D & spherical as each day passes....imho definitely a pair that are worth investing time in!
I opted for an 8-core pure copper 2.5mm balanced cable & attached JVC Spiral Dot wide bore tips. These tips were modded & added to a pair of supplied tips - inner column cut off to pad them out – which fortunately results in a better grip & perfect seal, providing above average isolation - there are two vents in the front of the housings, alas they generate minimal leakage once placed in-ear. In a future iteration I’d love to see these vents relocated at the top of the housings – this modification would definitely add extra stage “air” making the set redolent of open back phones.
The TRN have somewhat divided opinion – appearing fairly marmite to some reviewers - inferring that the VX are merely a “wow factor” set - in consideration of their extended highs/mids, they also add that VX produce a less full-bodied / thinner note presentation, which results in instruments being rendered in an artificial way. Whilst I admit that percussion such as cymbals can on occasions appear splashy and thus artificial – I would argue that is can be reduced with the application of nozzle micropore tape & may even be deemed beneficial whilst listening to some genres like binaural soundscapes and electronica.
They do require cable/tip rolling – to achieve optimum pairing, coupled with a considerable burn-in period - which is imho essential in order to make this set truly shine. In this regard, out of the box they could be viewed as a very marmite pair, if one is too quick to judge them & bypass any pre-requisite adjustments. I was prepared to stick with them - my gut feeling was that eventually the VX would resolve and smooth out any distractions & artefacts, revealing a more balanced signature.
To my ears, after one weeks burn-in the signature is less artificial & at a higher level sonically – presenting crisper micro details, improved imaging & adding an “airy” 3D stage. Mids totally spring to life & become embellished alongside a tighter, better resolved bass.
I’m currently using my set to mix electronica tracks, that combines layering of analogue synthesizers, with VST plugins, sequenced by iPad apps or DAW via laptop – hence the VX enveloping stage, accurate imaging and layering is appreciated, whether one is actively composing tracks or solely for passive listening.
For this set in particular, the copper cable helps to reduce treble & increase bass quantity – whereby any extra added warmth becomes negated - due to the VX’s already warm tuning.
Build/Fit:
The VX build quality is amazing, sporting an uber stylish shell-like design which is extremely aesthetically pleasing – the emerald green version is especially gorgeous! There is some housing protrusion – but however the circular, conch-like design form is very svelte in-ear, perfectly ergonomically-shaped, as it slots into an exact fit of the ears' tragus. I find that fitting & removing this set to be the easiest, most comfortable set of iems I’ve tried up to now.
Tuning / Sound Signature:
The VX have a very bright, musical, energetic presentation, which is very transparent, maintaining an audiophile refinement. It has been stated that TRN's tuner has overcooked the high upper mids & treble, despite this the current tuning works seamlessly - in consideration of my personal listening preferences!
The 6BA+1DD hybrid configuration is transparent & revealing - not too cold & analytical, managing to retain a warm analogue tonality.
@baskingshark makes a good point: "It seems the VX tuning is catered mostly to their local Asian market, where they prefer boosted upper mids to complement their music, which features a lot of female vocals."
Soundstage:
The VX generates a 3D holophonic stage - in terms of width and depth not just limited to height…. whilst not as deep as it is wide (some rear placement can also be perceived) which results in an all-encompassing sound spectrum. However, the height is not as extensive as it could be. In a way; one gets the feeling that the highs & mids are situated on top off of the rest of the track – especially during instances of virtuoso playing. On an experiential level the multi BA frequency separation can result in making the most complex tracks not overly busy, congested or myopically intimate – sounding akin to “live” binaural recordings!
Highs:
Treble extension is pushed to the forefront right from the first listen. This is eventually smoother post burn-in. The upper frequency BA driver configuration doing an incredible job of eking out micro details, previously not perceived in tracks. Initial reviews posted state the set succumb to being too “shouty”: however any transient peaks can be alleviated using micropore tape on the nozzles - once attached I find them totally non-fatiguing with absolutely zero post-listen ear-ringing.
Mids:
The real show-stopper are the sublime mids – I think the VX are distinguished by having the mids placement, sitting atop of all other frequencies – this allows for virtuoso instrumentation and vocals to rise above the accompaniments of the track. The overall signature, whilst admittedly not totally full-bodied, is particularly appealing when listening to synthesiser/electronic genres of music….result!
This presentation provides an addictive sound signature, specifically for fans of mid-centric iems, whereby the stage, instrument/image separation; placement & layering all combine impressively.
Bass:
A good seal is always easily achieved as the fit is so good….the dynamic driver generating enough quantity of bass/sub-bass underpins the mids, sitting nicely / not too forward in the mix.
Maybe the inclusion of an extra planar driver might emphasise the mid bass - giving it more energy? – helping to boost bass & render percussion more effectively. This would result in improved note weight, portraying a punchier signature without overshadowing the mids & definitely help to improve the authenticity of instruments.
The upgraded 8-core pure copper 2.5mm balanced cable, perceptibly improves bass accuracy & tightness emphasising low end rumble, & helps to reduce susceptibility to “splashy” percussion.
EQ response:
The VX responds well to EQ application using laptop programs or via Ear-Studio ES100 iPad app.
Using Behringer’s Midas pre-amp soundcard as a source whilst running specialist software: Ashampoo Soundstage: different EQ settings can be tweaked / experimented with - in order to enhance the VX signature & boosting frequency responses across all bandwidths.
Amp Scalability:
Brilliant scalability allows them to be amped effectively - no distortion above and beyond the hi-fi “sweet- spot” at greater volume levels - they handle warm/cold sources equally efficiently.
Sources:
The VX work great with two-way Bluetooth devices. FLAC files via balanced output of Sony NW-ZX300a produces sublime “air” & good DAP synergy. With BT receiver mode switched on the vinyl processor, adds extra “analogue” warmth- enabling balanced output from Dell gaming laptop.
SE output: Behringer UMC404HD / iPad Air3 / Cayin N3 & NX4 DAC - gain switch increases all frequencies plus quantity of bass & rumble of sub-bass allows for “sweet spot” volume levels over halfway with no distortion.
Bluetooth mobility is provided by the (Radsone) Ear-Studio ES100 with added EQ via iPad app. Pairing with Xiaomi Mi 9T smartphone & Max Volume Booster also sounds remarkably good.
Listening preferences:
The VX excel especially with tracks that combine a live band sound with studio overdub mixing, multi-layering, for example:
Velvet Universe - Voyager LP (Full) (1981.)
Why? - Ermhoi
Black Boboi - Red Mind
D.A.N. - SSWB
“Shard of Glass” - Fenella
Fuku-Ura
Monochrome Echo
Testing the Binaural capabilities of this set was auditioned with tracks: “Jettison Mind Hatch” by Tipper, “Y Dydd Olaf” by Gwenno. Ambient Internet Radio (NTS) / Soundscapes / Live Gigs, Vocals / Jazz & Classical / Electronica / FLAC LP’s Soundtracks: Andy Dragazis - Afterimages ( - Engaging atmospheres appear visceral, airy and binaural, placing you at the centre of the music, the timbre of strings is wonderful & otherworldly - underpinned by moody, suspenseful cello.)
Comparisons:
Tri-i3: A/B’ing with the VX reveals that the tuning of the 6BA+1DD configuration can compete with the triple hybrid driver configuration of the i3. Alas, Tri- i3 remains unsurpassed at rendering Classical/Electronica - being much better at resolving percussion & timbres of instruments – generating a more authentic, thicker note signature. However, the multi BA configuration of the VX, once fully burned in, oozes excitement & energy by over emphasising the mids.
KBEAR Diamond: The VX’s forward mids complement the full bodied bass-centric signature of the KBEAR’s DLC driver. I found the VX fit much more comfortable, seemingly providing a more secure seal.
Blon BL-05: The Blon in comparison appears to have more smoothed out treble which is less extended & rolls off sharply, and is coupled with similar levels of amp scalability, energy and excitement.
NX7: The VX has similar levels of excitement & energy to the three-way hybrid configuration of NX7 - the piezoelectric of boosting bass, treble & detail retrieval. However they do suffer from transient peaks, generating inauthentic instrument timbres - making percussion seem plastic. The VX matches their energy easily, negating any transients, & adding a more refined 3D stage, plus mid-centric presentation.
Conclusion:
Having no experience of any previous releases by TRN, I’m now a TOTL fan of the TRN-VX. Arguably, they do/don’t compete at the authentic sonic level of high/mid-tier sets....despite this however; imho they still represent a remarkable bargain at their price point! They're an iem that require prolongued burn-in, alas the results can be extremely rewarding!
The caveat is that the VX present a very individual tuning - fortunately this signature really does suit my listening preferences, subjectively speaking. I’ve not heard another set that produces a similar tonality, so kudos goes out to TRN on this occasion for sticking to their guns during the tuning process! Being unable to discover what the letters TRN actually mean?....I'll apply my own interpretation of the acronym:
They Redefine Nuanced !
I really look forward to their next iteration which utilises a similar 6BA+1DD configuration - maybe tuned with less treble extension? By implementing a hybrid configuration adding, for example, a planar driver with correct crossover circuitry - could possibly increase the 3D spherical stage. In turn, such a modification could generate a more full bodied, hence thicker note signature, whilst potentially improving upon the imaging and authenticity of instruments in the mix!
Ratings:
Build: 90
Fit: 90
Bass: 85
Mids: 90
Treble: 85
Soundstage: 85
Imaging/Layering: 90
Accessories: 70
Price: 90