[bryaudioreviews]

Tri Meteor, Tri TK-2, Tronsmart Onyx Prime, TRN TA - Quadruple Review​

I review 3a IEMs in one go, because why not? (if you get the 3a reference, you are probably Asian/Chinese )

Tri Meteor - $109usd, 1DD+1BA. Berry-plated DD, Knowles BA. This is a tonality over technicalities set. The tuning here is pretty good. Harman tuned, warm, smooth, and tonally balanced. With amping, the berry-plated DD really shines. With good bass punch, texture, speed, and slam. Mids are great too, with a smooth and lush presentation that is relaxing and non-fatiguing to listen to. Treble here is smooth, but seriously lacking in air, which makes the Tri Meteor sounds suffocating and slightly dull.

Technicality wise, Tri Meteor isn't the best too. Soundstage is small and flat, imaging is a bit fuzzy, and detail retrieval isn't the best. Timbre wise, it is pretty good for a hybrid, but there's still a hint of slight BA timbre in the treble (which is to be expected for a BA/hybrid). Oh, and the included cable is also pretty horrendous.

Other than the cable, the accessories provided are pretty good. Great pleather case, cleaning cloth, cleaning brush, and KBEar a07 tips. Unboxing experience is great too as it comes in an unnecessarily huge box that looks pretty good.

Overall, I think the Tri Meteor is decent, but slightly overpriced. If they had thrown in a better cable like the KBEar Limpid 8core instead, this is easily a 4/5. However, at its retail price of $109usd, I think the price is slightly higher than what I would pay for these. I think $89usd would be a much better value. - 3.5/5


Tri TK2 - $289usd, portable DAC/Amp. Tri x KAEI collaboration, dual ESS 9038Q2M with a maximum output power of 1250mw (32Ω), Class A/B and Class A modes, same amount of output power to all balanced and SE ports, 5000 mAh battery… this thing is a beast (and looks like one too). Tonality wise, I would describe the TK2 as neutral, but never cold nor dry. Extensions at both ends are great, detail retrieval is good, transient speed is fast, bass is well-extended tight and punchy, midrange is neutral and transparent, treble is well-extended and resolving yet smooth.

Soundstage wise, it is pretty wide with decent depth and height, imaging is sharp, detail retrieval is great. In terms of power, it is no slouch too. The only thing that the TK2 can't drive is my Final e5000, which is expected as this thing needs a lot of current to drive. Other than that, the DT990 250 Ohm, HD600, DT770 Ohm, KBEar BElieve …… the Tri TK2 is able to drive them all without a sweat.

Turning the volume knob past 60% will kick in Class A mode, which sounds warmer and fuller. So if you find Tri tk2 lacking in warmth, just turn the volume knob past 60% and lower your phone/PC's volume. In terms of battery life, it is pretty good for a portable DAC/amp, with 8 - 9 hours in Class A/B mode and 5 - 6 hours in Class A mode.

Overall, I think Tri x KAEI did a great job at the Tri TK2. I don't normally like neutral-sounding sources because of how boring, cold, and dry they can be, but the Tri TK2 is an exception. Tri x KAEI managed to tune a source that is neutral yet musical at the same time. Be it for critical testing sessions or enjoyment, the Tri TK2 can do it all. The Tri TK2 receives my seal of approval. - 4.5/5


Tronsmart Onyx Prime - $69.99, 1DD+1BA TWS. Tuning here OOTB is not good. I would describe it as "consumer-friendly" V-shaped. Boomy bass, sucked out mids, peaky elevated treble. BA timbre, bad coherency. Technicality wise, they are decent for a TWS at the price. In comparison, they are better than the Nekocake, but not as good as the XM3. If you don't like the stock tuning, there are a few presets available on the app, most notably the "HiFi" preset, which makes the Onyx Prime more balanced sounding with lesser bass bleed and better mids.

However, I can't get the app to work on my Samsung S9+. This thing has been giving me nothing but headaches. Despite only owning them for 1 day, I have already reset them 5 times. The culprit is the app, which after downloading and setting up the EQ, the Tronsmart Onyx Prime won't reconnect to my phone for whatever reason. I had to completely reset everything and pair everything up again from scratch. Once I stopped using the app, the problem was fixed. (Tronsmart, please fix your app)

Because of that, I am stuck with the OOTB tuning, which isn't good. Not to mention, the stock eartips and earhooks suck. Fit is horrendous with them on. I had to take both eartips and earhooks off and use Sony Triple Comfort (foam) to get them to fit. With the Sony Triple Comfort on, they fit like the XM3. Overall, not too good. - 2.5/5

*note: I can't seem to measure the Onyx Prime with my IEC711. Not sure why. If anyone is able to help, do PM me.

TRN TA - $17.99, 1DD+1BA. Ermm…. These ain't good. V-shaped, boomy bleedy bass, very bad coherency which makes the midrange sound separated, dull and dead treble. Technicalities ain't good too, with bad BA timbre, below-average detail retrieval, small congested soundstage, bad imaging and instrument separation, and slow bass.

I honestly have nothing good to say for the TRN TA, sorry. In conclusion, buy the TRN MT1 for $5usd and be happy with life. Thank me later. - 2/5


Wew. This is a long one. I hope you guys enjoyed this "quadruple review". As usual, all FR graphs are shown below. If you guys have any further questions, feel free to ask and I will answer them to the best of my ability.


Huge thanks to KB EAR, TRI Audio, HILL AUDIO - MY, Tronsmart, Trn Petter for sending these out to me for review, and thank you Larry Fulton for arranging the TRN TA review unit. I am not at all compensated by them and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Purchase links here (non-affiliated):

1. Tri Meteor (Hillaudio Malaysia) - https://shopee.com.my/TRI-Meteor-Hy...5?sp_atk=5ba658fb-af23-4b63-aabd-15d0b94316d6
2. Tri TK2 (Hillaudio Malaysia) - https://shopee.com.my/TRI-TK2-Fully...9?sp_atk=03b025e1-1cbf-4ff4-9b85-884eed1d6383
3. Tri Meteor (Aliexpress) - https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKuxeFu
4. Tri TK2 (Aliexpress) - https://a.aliexpress.com/_mr0EyMw
5. Tronsmart Onyx Prime - https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqRV6Zc
6. TRN TA - https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqzleua

​

 

[Arjey]

Can I get a good recommendation for a wireless set at the $34 price range? An acquaintance is asking for help and I don't know the first thing about wireless, never used them

 

[r31ya]

Can I get a good recommendation for a wireless set at the $34 price range? An acquaintance is asking for help and I don't know the first thing about wireless, never used them

You could stroll around scarbir website. He reviews tws.
Soundpeats sonic or soundpeats trueair 2/3 , is good recommendation.

There are also mpow and haylou product

 

[Lobarkaine]

Shozy Form 1.1, CCA C12, KZ DQ6 are at home.

Shozy has good accessories in the package, single and double flange set of tips, foam tips and a nice pocket. I've found the original cable really bad sounding, don't do justice to the quality of this iem.
After a cable round up I've choose the TRN 8 core silver cable.
TRN 8 core copper cable was too dark and the KZ 8 core silver copper to thin, but someone may prefear this with less bass and more transparent mids and highs.
The sound is u/v shaped fast with good transient, the bass have enough impact but not to overpowering, fast attack and a little more slower decay with good thick punch but not basshead level.
Mids are clear and fast, not timbrical perfect but detailed, male vocals are more recessed then female.
Highs are enough estended clear, detailed, smooth and never piercing.
The general timbre is tendent to warm.

CCA C12 impressed me very much.
The bass are fast (slightly less then Shozy), deep and strong enough to satisfy basshead lovers and don't bleed to much in the mids.
Bass mids are recessed but high mids raise and give clarity to the whole sound.
Highs are clear, detailed and safe, never piercing.
The timbre is generally correct just an int to much bass for purist but very fun and pleasing.
Boot KZ 8 core copper cable and TRN 8 core silver cable works well with the C12, the first more balanced, the second more thick and fat sounding.

By now I can't say to much about the KZ DQ6 'cos is again burn in and I've to try them with the mod,
First impressions the highs are a little piercing but the bass are thick and fast.

 

[PhonoPhi]

Shozy Form 1.1, CCA C12, KZ DQ6 are at home.

Shozy has good accessories in the package, single and double flange set of tips, foam tips and a nice pocket. I've found the original cable really bad sounding, don't do justice to the quality of this iem.
After a cable round up I've choose the TRN 8 core silver cable.
TRN 8 core copper cable was too dark and the KZ 8 core silver copper to thin, but someone may prefear this with less bass and more transparent mids and highs.
The sound is u/v shaped fast with good transient, the bass have enough impact but not to overpowering, fast attack and a little more slower decay with good thick punch but not basshead level.
Mids are clear and fast, not timbrical perfect but detailed, male vocals are more recessed then female.
Highs are enough estended clear, detailed, smooth and never piercing.
The general timbre is tendente to warm.

CCA C12 impressed me very much.
The bass are fast (slightly less then Shozy), deep and strong enough to satisfy basshead lovers and don't bleed to much in the mids.
Bass mids are recessed but high mids raise and give clarity to the whole sound.
Highs are clear, detailed and safe, never piercing.
The timbre is generally correct just an int to much bass for purist but very fun and pleasing.
Boot KZ 8 core copper cable and TRN 8 core silver cable works well with the C12, the first more balanced, the second more thick and fat sounding.

By now I can't say to much about the KZ DQ6 'cos is again burn in and I've to try them with the mod,
First impressions the highs are a little piercing but the bass are thick and fast.

Great to hear a nice personal opinion on C12!

C12 vs DQ6 - DQ6 is $20-25 IEM, while C12 started at $45-$50 and now nicely discounted
So in capabilities, at least resolution, C12 are notably ahead.
C12 have one of the prominent KZ treble before KZ started to change their tuning. Just be careful with the plastic of the connectors - prone to cracking.

I will try to put together my thoughts on KZ tuning evolution before leaving.

P. S. Grammar corrections (

 

[Lobarkaine]

Great to hear a nice personal opinion on C12!

C12 vs DQ6 - DQ6 is $20-25 IEM, while C12 started at $45-$50 and now nicely discounted
So in capabilities, at least resolution, C12 are notably ahead.
C12 have one of the prominent KZ treble before KZ started to change their tuning. Just be careful with the plastic of the connectors - prone to cracking.

I will try to put together my thoughts on KZ tuning evolution before living.

Thank's PhonoPhi!
For the advice about the connectors too

Personally I think C12 has a very high quality/price ratio.

 

[PhonoPhi]

Thank's PhonoPhi!
For the advice about the connectors too

Personally I think C12 has a very high quality/price ratio.

For its current price, C12 are crazy great and the best KZ treble if you like this V (no more!)
ZSX, almost C12 clone, offers a bit (very tiny bit) less treble and a bit tighter bass; ZAX treble is smoother. The all 3 are quite close, more of refinement sidegrade to explore from C12.

Enjoy! (I spent a good time with C12, and now I use ZSX - just the odd shape of ZSX seems to fit near perfectly to my ears - hence my sadness that I almost abandoned old good C12...)

 

[Ynot1]

the difference between LDAC and AptxHD when I examined with Sennheiser HD560S is not resolving capability, it was dynamism of the sound quality, AptX HD basically sounded like Apple losses, LDAC:SACD. LDAC sucks huge amount of battery, and is not as stable as AptX HD, so it’s a trade off decision.

I know this is old but I was wondering if anyone with measuring rig have tried taking the frequency graph while using the bluetooth codecs. Some of the things that might be interesting to see are the high frequency area differences compared to wired, and likewise repeat measurements at various distances to evaluate the error handling.

 

[Lobarkaine]

For its current price, C12 are crazy great and the best KZ treble if you like this V (no more!)
ZSX, almost C12 clone, offers a bit (very tiny bit) less treble and a bit tighter bass; ZAX treble is smoother. The all 3 are quite close, more of refinement sidegrade to explore from C12.

Enjoy! (I spent a good time with C12, and now I use ZSX - just the odd shape of ZSX seems to fit near perfectly to my ears - hence my sadness that I almost abandoned old good C12...)

Very interesting your advice about the ZSX .

In my radar there are the Revonext QT2, Reecho SG03 and Tingker TK300, I'll add the ZSX.

I like fat, deep, thick bass

 

[assassin10000]

I know this is old but I was wondering if anyone with measuring rig have tried taking the frequency graph while using the bluetooth codecs. Some of the things that might be interesting to see are the high frequency area differences compared to wired, and likewise repeat measurements at various distances to evaluate the error handling.

I did with my XM4's for its bluetooth codecs.

AAC is truncated at 16khz and above 10khz has a wider (vertical/amplitude) spread.

LDAC extends well and was much smoother.

 

[SoundJedi]

That 8k is a coupler peak.

From what @paulwasabii has said in my discord server:
"There are times when it does sound like there is only a DD..maybe the BA and EST are there for show "




The tuning resembles stuff like the Yume and the Kato.

Do you know what source he was using?

I found the ZEX(non pro) scaled with more power, those electrostatomagneto something tweeters probably need some to give proper sound.

My issue with the ZEX was a "gap" between sub bass and mids. Felt like something was missing. Other than that stellar sound for the price.

And how can we join your Discord?

 

[SoundJedi]

It could be nice if we do a short list of well sounding iems for bass lovers (not only basshead 'cos there is the right tread for this)

By your suggestions and reviews (by price):

URBANFUN YBF-ISS014
Reecho SG03
Hidizs MS2
Tingker TK300
TForce Yuan Li


TFZ LIVE 3 seems to be a step down, Mele could be a cheeper alternative to Kbear Aurora.

Aria and HE01 May have a place in the list as more neutral choice?

In the cheeper iems range the banned one stand out, don't know about Rt2 and I'm waiting DQ6, maybe NRA/ZEX could be cosidered.

Waiting for all your ideas about this short list

+1 for the ZEX, very good bass.

To date the Urbanfun has the most impactful bass I have heard in any budget iem, and bests many other high end iems I've tried (bar the Trio and Sony Z1R). But it needs power to shine and give the full impact. It's a bit more mid bass than sub bass though from memory, haven't listened to them in a while.

 

[sutosuto]

Urbanfun has the most impactful bass I have heard in any budget iem, and bests many other high end iems I've tried (bar the Trio and Sony Z1R). But it needs power to shine and give the full impact.

That's true. The Urbanfun YBF sounds meh to me without amp-ed.

 

[RikudouGoku]

Do you know what source he was using?

I found the ZEX(non pro) scaled with more power, those electrostatomagneto something tweeters probably need some to give proper sound.

My issue with the ZEX was a "gap" between sub bass and mids. Felt like something was missing. Other than that stellar sound for the price.

And how can we join your Discord?

The TRI TK-2.

here is the link:
https://discord.gg/GpJJVRx5GQ

 

[paulwasabii]

Do you know what source he was using?

I found the ZEX(non pro) scaled with more power, those electrostatomagneto something tweeters probably need some to give proper sound.

My issue with the ZEX was a "gap" between sub bass and mids. Felt like something was missing. Other than that stellar sound for the price.

And how can we join your Discord?

Been using TRI TK2. And do join the Discord if you can. Discord is fun, but a big time sink.