TRN
In the grand scheme of things TRN has released a lot of product. While I have only heard 5 IEM iterations of what they have come-up with, they were each very different beasts. My introduction to TRN was the legendary and controversial BAX TOTL EST experiment. And while many truly loved the BAX sound, many found it disjoined and offering an intense quality. Personally it’s one of my all time favorite IEMs. And offering the community such a polarized IEM response, the TRN BAX must be visited and revisited often, as I’m always trying to discover what’s wrong with it! Now while the BAX is incredibly distant from our TRN XuanWu today in sound, build and cost, I’m simply substantiating my respect for the company. And you have to wonder at times if they are really following a house sound, as to me each IEM creation TRN does seems to be orphans, not fully related to a larger group of IEMs like the concept of familiarity some brands follow.
Later I got my hopes up for the TRN ST5 Hybrid only to be shot down just as fast as a demonstration can be heard. Yep, I didn’t hear the bass quality others disclosed, but I did hear the “no-name” BA inclusions which seemed cheap and of questionable pedigree? You see I got hooked on what the BAX did, and subsequently kept looking down the TRN well, hoping to somehow re-live those special TRN BAX moments. Another was the TRN MT3, and while decent for what it does, the 5.5 kHz zone reduced my scoring to 4 instead of the BAX’s total 5. Being the TRN MT3 was also slightly off-timbre and slightly nasal didn’t help matters much. And consequently obtaining off-timbre is actually quite difficult to do with a single full-range DD! Yet still I score stuff based on sound quality per dollar spent, and it wasn’t really that bad, receiving a solid 4 review score. Why? Because considering basic authority and soundstage size, the TRN MT3 made $19.99 sound pretty good in the end. And when you combine the TRN MT3 build and fit, things start to fall into perspective.
Finally I need to end this introduction on a high note. The TRN TA1 Max. How wild a strangely good this one was. A small barrel shaped “open-back” little IEM consisting of a single 10mm single full-range Beryllium driver combined with a single BA! What? Yep……once again TRN makes a creative additive to their line-up. So I gifted it, no wait….it earned a full 5 star review. Why? Because it had an authentic Knowles 33518 balanced armature tweeter and it costed $46.00, that’s why. Oh, and also it sounded dynamite, that’s always important. So 5 IEMs that I’ve tested and reviewed, each a different flavor of output, and to my ears not sharing exactly the same sound, plus if you study just the construction, it actually makes sense that they couldn’t ever come close to offering the same sound. They don’t even look like they were made by the same company.
TRN
It’s safe to call the Chinese IEM company TRN creative, it’s safe to even call them prolific. In fact, it’s difficult to keep up with all they do. TRN almost have a new earphone every month lately it seems?
TRN AM1
TRN BA8
TRN BA15
TRN BAX
TRN BT1
TRN CS2
TRN CS3
TRN EMA
TRN EMX
TRN H2
TRN Kirin
TRN M10
TRN MT1
TRN MT1 Pro
TRN MT3
TRN ST2
TRN ST5
TRN STM
TRN TA1
TRN TA1 Max
TRN TA2
TRN T300
TRN T350
TRN V10
TRN V20
TRN V30
TRN V90
TRN V90S
TRN VX
TRN VX Pro
TRN X7
TRN Xuanwu
TRN BT20 modules
TRN BT20S Pro modules
TRN BT30 modules
TRN BT3S modules
TRN A1-TC cable
TRN A2 cable
TRN A3 cable
TRN T2 cable
TRN T2 Pro cable
TRN T3 Pro cable
TRN T4 cable
TRN T8 cable
TRN TN cable
TRN TX cable
TRN T-Ear Tips (Package includes one medium pair of T-Ear Tips)
TRN
For me the TRN BAX flagship IEM will always have a place in my heart. In April when the BAX arrived............it was my very first taste of what TRN Industries could make. Being their most expensive model, at $312.88 the BAX just keeps doing what it does and getting continually valued for how I perceive it to be here at Redcarmoose Labs.
2 medium T-Ear Tips included:
It’s safe to say 2022 was the year of the new silicone ear-tip. And not just TRN, but a few companies got this idea to reintroduce silicone in a new form and look. Seemingly stickier than the old silicone IEM tips of the past, this new “clear” silicone material was also firmer and offering a smoother outside texture than previously found for sale? Does this matter much? The results again are highly subjective, and as ear-tips go dependent on just how you interface with this new material. It’s not a case of the new material being perfect for all, but depends on a multitude of factors lining-up. And while of course TRN will promote these “ribs” as a way to further increase the products validity as a value to obtain better sound…..proof is always in the pudding, so to speak.
TRN T-Ear Tips
The All-New TRN Type-T Silicone Ear Tips
0.4 mm dome thickness
Reproduces natural timbre and tonality
Dual-density medical grade silicone injection molding process
Patented waveguide technology
Available in 2 colors and 3 sizes
Anyways…….
Summary:
With that out of the way lets get going on this review. In fact let me just sum it up for those of you out there short on time or interest. This XuanWu comes with a 10mm Square Planar Driver, unique to TRN. There is also the addition of a single BA unit, which is said to be manufactured custom for the IEM? This Hybrid design comes in a medium shell with aluminum “matrix” faceplate. The bass is just slightly north neutral combined with great treble detail and stage for $29.80. But be very careful as the included cable that was slated to come with the XuanWu seems to be missing. Misleading information, stating this other cable shown on the company website as well as other places. Such a cable shows an elaborate 4 core silver plated copper cable with swappable connectors with 3.5mm, 2.5mm, 4.4mm gold-plated audio jacks. This is simply not true. The cable included is identical to the cable that comes with the TRN MT3. If you take the time to read this whole review, I talk about the TRN XuanWu as both a risk-taker in applied tune, and unique in its approach. I respect TRN for having the wherewithal to accomplish this tune, still at the end of the review I suggest another IEM that cost about $10 more. The Kinera Celest Gumiho instead! Yep, same style of 10mm square planar driver, same extra BA for the top-end..........I simply like the sound better and would rather own it, end of story.
Specifications
Product model TRN Xuanwu
Frequency response 20Hz-20kHz
Impedance 12Ω
Sensitivity 117dB
Transducer type Hybrid Planar In-Ear Monitor
Connector type 2Pin
Jack type 3.5mm
Colors Black and gold
Wear Ear hook
Cable length 1.2m±3cm
Weight 5.3g+20g with cable
Packing accessories
4-core silver-plate cable.
7 different ear tips:
T-set ear tips * 1 pair (size M)
Balanced ear tips * 3 pairs (sizes S, M, L)
Bass ear tips * 3 pairs (sizes S, M, L)
TRN XuanWu
10mm Planar Magnetic & Customized Balanced Armature Driver IEMS
- The Name XuanWu Comes From The Four Symbols Of Chinese Astronomy
- Exclusive 10mm Square Planar Driver
- Compact and Durable
- 4 Core Stranded Cable
- Groundbreaking and Revolutionary Driver
Take note when ordering you can get it with a microphone or not.
Get it here for $29.80
https://www.linsoul.com/products/trn-xuanwu?variant=43599069085913
Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Kareena of Linsoul for the love and the TRN XuanWu Universal IEM review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Samsung Android Smartphone 3.5mm output
10mm Planar drivers:
Much of the talk at Head-fi seems to center on if these Square Planar Drivers are in fact bona fide planars. When in-fact the Kinera Celest Pandamon and prior Gumiho fully incorporated such “10mm Square” drivers to produce a planar like sound. I say simply let the sound speak for itself. Isn’t that the end result anyway? The end result is in-fact that fast resilient Planar bass sound. The XuanWu is offering complete planar bass, only it’s even more thin than both the Celest Pandamon or Gumiho. So step back for a second and take this all in. It has almost neutral style bass, which for many members will be a style of bass that’s desired due to the overall clarity it produces. Such clarity (not only) in the bass department, but leaving balance for the rest of the FR to flow through. Yet due to this style of bass authority there is simply less of it. I mean that (to me) (the bass) was the whole draw to planar IEMs in the first place? That (before) we have this incredible bass transient that was agile and held incredible resolvability per dollar. Yet here there is this planar bass, but the effects are slightly hidden. I also want to remind you that as far as I know, under $30.00 makes this the lowest cost planar IEM on the market.
So?
Build:
Held in hand the XuanWu is smooth and well formed. I will say they have this comfort shape down in modern construction. Call me a skeptic, but I was surprised to be able to shine a phone flashlight directly into the 3D printed cavity, only to have the equipment living inside resemble the IEM drawing in place at the TRN website. While the CNC faceplate is still like nothing like I have ever witness before, being it is supposedly made of aluminum, yet the surface is anodized (if it is aluminum) to a polished shine that has you question the material? Starting with the removal of the cable plugs…………….. starting my sarcasm/suspect, which somehow remains endless? If this review tends to hold more questions than answers, it probably simply starts with the bass and works it way up to include the whole XuanWu IEM? Lol.
I mean truly everything (XuanWu included) is not that bad, and we totally have to factor in price. Also this will be in the treble section later, but truly the untraveled land is to included treble sparkles in the entry level sector. Normally treble details have and will continue to have a lackluster replay in the $50.00 and under category. Just a fact of life really, and joining that realm all the way up to $300.00.....if you want to get critical here. While yes, there are always exceptions to the rule…….MOONDROP Stellaris anyone?
So what we have here is a basic build yet totally functional and correct. This correctness probably starts with the size and weight? On my kitchen scale the XuanWu IEM comes out to 5 grams each, which is in many ways optimal. You see if form-factor comes out too low weight there becomes a loss of feed-back in the ear, also obviously the issues with too heavy creating havoc. But the genius here is how the XuanWu rests just inside your ear, having the balance become incredibly centered. Each gold nozzle happens to hold a white plastic screen set-back slightly out of harms way. Each nozzle holds an ear-tip on well with included lip, and all angles and nozzle lengths seem optimal? The actual chamber only holding a single air-vent, also goes about identifying the IEM with both R and L markings right along side the “Xuanwu” name on the left side and amazingly “1SPD and 1BA” included in small letters on the right side! I have to say this inclusion of IEM contents seems to be a new trend, with the DUNU Kima doing the same style of advertising. Finally I must talk about the actual shape of the IEM, as it deserves mention here. Increasing noise occlusion and comfort, the actual form of the IEM is actually quite different than you normally find. Included with this shape is a dramatic bevel which just makes the semi-custom form that much more “custom” and even creates a surface which improves ergonomics when griping the IEM to take them out. The other thing is the shape is sexy…….what can I say, they are a marvelous shape in the end.
Cable:
Nothing to write home about, but expected at his price. The 4 core silver plated affair comes with enhanced grab-ability being that they are incredibly flimsy yet aggressive ear-hooks. While due to their thinness they are not uncomfortable, but by far one of the most aggressive wire-shapes I’ve come across. Exactly the same wire that comes with the TRN MT3 in every detail, as not the one shown in TRN promotional photographs. This may have been due to planning one cable, then switching what was offered to try and cut costs, to arrive at a historic low price point. Also I need to point out that the XuanWu is not too susceptible to cable changeouts, really getting you the same basic tone, no matter what level of creative cable exploration you throw its way!
Packaging:
While box-presentation and included ear-tips make up the bulk...........inspiring a continuation with buying a TRN product, all and all it’s adequate for the money. You can see first off that care was taken to construct such ear-monitors, in that they show a classiness in build and design. With the inclusion of 3 sets clear silicone and 3 sets of black silicone tips….the final “gift” is if you jones with the new “T” tips or not. With in-fact the new “Ts” coming in handy with other deeper seating nozzles, I found whatever “magic” they do to be real and quantifiable. Whether or not the Ts will be measured as a personal success, remains to be discovered?
Overall Sound:
Coming-in with a unorthodox blend of frequency output, it’s questionable if it’s a party you want to stay at? Meaning the sound is on the thin side but just to the side of not being too analytical or (almost) strident. It’s actually offering “OK” note-weight, which would be the ultimate party-pooper otherwise. Transients are actually profound for this price-point, and that is what they were maybe going for……….you know, the guys in the laboratory (wearing the lab coats) back at TRN? Their imagination questioned the reality of the possibility if a new value based planar hybrid……….which could come along and inspire sales through treble (detail) note definition, and decent imaging. Normally I can pull some tricks out of my hat…..and sure enough finding gold was almost there? No it was there, for a $29.80 IEM, it was most definitely there. The key you ask? Ok, my secret weapon here which almost always comes through. The Sony Dual-density EX11 ear-tips.
https://shopee.co.id/SONY-HYBRID-Ja...-Thick-Bass-Comfortable-i.44344534.9536123452
The overall sound with Sony EX11 ear-tips:
There are reasons to be suspicious of these as everyone including DUNU has made an emulation of such tips, but as often in life, they always get close, but no cigar. Nope, these as a fact can never be faked, as they may look real on the outside, but fail in a listening test. Yet here gloriously they provide a way in……a way to bath is the correct temperature of water, to finally say, these are good/OK IEMs. Not great, but pretty good and maybe great for what they cost. I found this out by using almost every piece of equipment I own. I used the two Walkmans, I used an antique smartphone, I even used the Sony TA-ZH1ES . Oh, and I had great luck with the Shanling UA3 too. But contrary to what you may read, the XuanWu needs a little juice to wake-up. Using a smartphone only get so loud, but still the tone was good. Also the XuanWu wasn’t always the best for certain files, meaning there is definitely a midrange/treble spike that will show its fierce character at times, yet not all the time, and with not always in replay. I can imagine the classical buffs latching-on to XuanWu playback due to pleasant transients and above board soundstage and decent timbre. I find popular music fine, especially vocals, and even more especially female vocals, even though not holding the very best vocal timbre.
Bass:
Bass is tight and fast. The transient quality in bass personality is why you buy these, that and the itemization into the stage of treble and midrange imaging. You can kinda hear bass separation that takes place due to maybe these being hybrids? A separation of bass apart from the expected replay personality of a full-range DD. Part of course is the quick planar response of both note attack and fall-off. Such personality also gets improved by the bass being on the best side of warm. While not offering profound inner detail texture, it’s still there and for the price the XuanWu goes for.......ultimately a deal.
Midrange:
The fact is these have a slight off-timbre in many aspects of playback, but somehow it’s more noticeable in midrange playback. This is also dependent of your choice of song files. Meaning many files promoting male vocals experience a more natural timbre, but female vocals show an off-color. If this is the worst of possibilities….it’s really not that bad, and some may not even be sensitive to such artifacts? Instead focus will maybe be upon midrange spacial imagining and procurement out into the stage. While many will see the graphic response begin a peak a 2 kHz then dip only to resurface at 3.5 kHz slightly higher….then drop….and not give them the time-of-day. I will admit that the sound signature must be the result of dovetailing the BA, and in fact it does have its inherent quirkiness........yet it’s not as bad as it looks. Also amazing smoothness started to take place after a week of burn-in, as somehow much of the loose edges seemed to join-up? Even with everything in the box-of-tools to combat this FR, it ends still somewhat forward in the upper midrange, to the point of actually being bothersome with the wrong music.
Treble:
Look at it. Normally I’m not so graph dependent, yet also very few IEMs graph-out to such a fiasco. Ludicrous maybe? The 8 kHz peak sounds about right….yet beyond that is the expression of treble elements with this kind of thin-air effect, meaning the notes are represented just not filled in or offering any substantial weight even for treble details. Cymbals crash out into a nice place it the stage, except they are of a single monotone personality.
Conclusion:
What more can be said than what was already written? I mean strangely after reading all about the midrange and the treble you would guess no one in their right mind would even try the XuanWu out? Well to apologize........I won’t, but I will try and put the whole XuanWu thing into perspective. First off, this treble for the price range does offer a big sound, and it doesn’t sound as bad as it graphs. With as many lazy single DD replays I have come across, at least this is different? Meaning it is not as lost or as rolled-off sounding as you would guess it to be. The three peaks starting at 2 kHz then going to 3.5 kHz offer a style of clarity even though brash at times and with the wrong files. The 8 kHz peak is there too, seemingly holding up its share of the entirety of the treble…….lol Yet the quickness and warmth of the bass notes go to add digestibility and a slight smoothness to everything. First off you must realize that hybrids are my favorite way to reproduce IEM playback, so any disjointedness is welcomed by me. And while I perceive these as offering a brighter stance than anything, there is a welcome level of detail for the price. Just the fact that the top-end and midrange were providing separation and a form of itemization which was entertaining and not really bad. And while they didn’t get that loud from a phone, I could still see how people would be drawn to the abilities from just simple phone playback. Yet happiness for me was finding the best ear-tips……..as maybe it always is, yet here it was slightly more critical? Often when reviewing IEMs I have to step back and realize that these are the lowest priced Planar IEMs you can buy, and they sound like a Planar, that in and of itself means something. And for many only a year ago a planar at $29.80 would have been unheard of, so that needs to be addressed. To step back and to generalize about the XuanWu……it does sound big for the money. Normally that bigness is created by the bass and while the bass does add to the bigness........the treble and midrange imaging out into the stage are where these offer an original sound. See, and that’s the thing………with so very many IEMs sounding exactly the same, I fully embrace what the XuanWu is doing because it’s different. And it used to be that to call something different was a form of ridicule, yet here it’s not. Here we are embracing the XuanWu for eveything it does, all of it………why? Because in a profound way it’s interesting. It’s interesting in that it has a sound quality that is both relatively technical (though peaky) combined with a luxuriously fast and noticeable bass. And in so many ways that’s better than to be boring and too reserved. A whole handful of IEMs today take the safe route which lands them in the very same place as every other IEM out there. Where here TRN took a chance, they took a chance to bring a new planar technology to market and added a BA to enhance the interest factor.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kinera-celest-gumiho.26076/reviews#review-29411
Still with all this said, I would take the Kinera Celest Gumiho instead.
Kinera Gumiho
10mm Square Planar Driver + 1BA IEM
- The Inspiration of Kinera Gumiho
- Shocking Bass, Surprising Tuning
- Detachable Silver-plated+Alloy Copper Cable
- 3D Printed Ergonomic Shell, Comfortable Wearing
Get the Kinera Celest Gumiho for $49.00 here.
https://www.linsoul.com/collections/all/products/kinera-gumiho?variant=43354548273369
Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C
Even though they are coming to the market slightly different in many ways they are (in-a-way) the same, both BA and 10mm Square Planar drivers. While the Gumiho also has an intense upper focus, that is balanced with a fully substantial bass authority, more authority than the XuanWu ever thought of having. And......the Gumiho sounds like a planar! At times I have to imagine going of a trip and only being able to take one IEM. Which IEM would I take if I could only take one? While I look at the XuanWu as an experiment, I look at the Kinera Celest Gumiho like it’s a full-fledged IEM, that I could take away with me on a trip. And while it’s roughly $10.00 more, I see that $10.00 as money well spent.
Cheers!
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