The discovery thread!

[Rambone]

The Android is snappy on R4 indeed. No software bug so far, though I find audio and video are slightly out of sync. It was the case with R6 P2 and my DX300 as well, tested with both YouTube and streaming from my local server.

Maybe I’ll put an emulator on to test how far it can emulate. I guess it runs up to PSP and Nintendo DS.

Re: sound signature: yes, DAC chip company cannot be generalised, what I try to say is the R4 I have on my hand sounds like a generic implementation of ESS saber in dongle and micro DAP format, the edgy and clean one, not the one that “does not sound like ESS”. Side by side with W4, which is already considered neutral, bright, “sterile” by many audiophiles, and the R4 is noticeably leaner and edgier. I’m fresh out of 5 dongle review back to back so I believe that my ears are still “tuned” to listen to source differences, and I have many of them next to me here to test my claim. Maybe there is unit variations or my unit is faulty, but from what I hear with mine, telling my reader that this is “analogue” and invoking the imagery that they can get the sound of an R2R device, heck, even the sound of the DEW4X can lead to bitter buyer remorse.

Again, not saying R4 sounds bad, but just control expectation. I’ll check with HiBy to see if my unit is defective.

I know what you mean tho, I've listened to enough ESS based DACs that sometimes you feel like you know what to expect going into them until you get thrown an oddball or two that turns what you know upside down. While it would be cool if the R4 would invoke R2R or Multibit feels, I'm feeling it is probably more like a Schiit Modi E presentation at best.

 

[r31ya]

The TRN ST7 a new IEM from TRN, successor of the ST5, featuring a hybrid acoustic architecture with 2 dynamic drivers (2DD) and 5 balanced armature drivers (5BA).

When I first saw the driver configuration, I had to double-check the price —only 35 dollars at launch.

Coupon Code for Aliexpress: NQDISR8JA71C

Right on cue i suppose

Waay back then,
KZ ZS10 Pro is competing with the bassier TRN V90.
both are 5 driver (1DD + 4BA) in similar pricing.

and later when KZ resurrect ZS10 Pro X, TRN appears with fancier TRN ST5.
while it have same 5 driver setup, ST5 is a bit pricier than ZS10ProX but it have better metalic shell and fancier DD

and now KZ released ZS10 Pro 2, TRN re-appears with TRN ST7
discounted to be smack dab in range of ZS10 Pro 2.
now with more driver, 2 DDs (low and low-mid) and 5 BAs (2x 50060 mid-high freq, 2x 30095s high freq, and 1x 30019 ultra high freq)

tough while KZ is currently avoiding putting BA in the nozzle for ZS10Pro 2, TRN seems to put 2x 30095 on the nozzle.
hopefully TRN tuned ST7 right, not the shrill misses of TRN high drivers iems, and we could saw ZS10pro2 vs TRN ST7 competition.

 

[InvisibleInk]

Right on cue i suppose

Waay back then,
KZ ZS10 Pro is competing with the bassier TRN V90.
both are 5 driver (1DD + 4BA) in similar pricing.

and later when KZ resurrect ZS10 Pro X, TRN appears with fancier TRN ST5.
while it have same 5 driver setup, ST5 is a bit pricier than ZS10ProX but it have better metalic shell and fancier DD

and now KZ released ZS10 Pro 2, TRN re-appears with TRN ST7
discounted to be smack dab in range of ZS10 Pro 2.
now with more driver, 2 DDs (low and low-mid) and 5 BAs (2x 50060 mid-high freq, 2x 30095s high freq, and 1x 30019 ultra high freq)

tough while KZ is currently avoiding putting BA in the nozzle for ZS10Pro 2, TRN seems to put 2x 30095 on the nozzle.
hopefully TRN tuned ST7 right, not the shrill misses of TRN high drivers iems, and we could saw ZS10pro2 vs TRN ST7 competition.

What we have here is a veritable historian of the KZ vs TRN budget wars.

 

[Jaytiss]

I bought this unit because of the discussion here. Solid little iem, I fully enjoy it.

 

[jant71]

The TRN ST7 a new IEM from TRN, successor of the ST5, featuring a hybrid acoustic architecture with 2 dynamic drivers (2DD) and 5 balanced armature drivers (5BA).

When I first saw the driver configuration, I had to double-check the price —only 35 dollars at launch.

Coupon Code for Aliexpress: NQDISR8JA71C

On Amazon US from Shenzen no US stock just yet though. https://www.amazon.com/Fanmusic-ST7...713625879&sprefix=trn+st7,aps,483&sr=8-1&th=1

 

[r31ya]

Interesting... official graph of TRN ST7

and driver placement with stacked 10mm+6mm DD in at the middle. that two in the nozzle that's a bit worrying.

but with KZ's also being noted to be ZS6s like...
i hope both are tuned in ways that treble sensitive people still could enjoy them somewhat.

 

[Zerstorer_GOhren]

Oi! mates, I've been busy for past few days as I'm doing some business chores while typing down some product assessment. I was able to finish 3 review articles within a week.

Here are my latest product reviews:

NICEHCK F1 PRO

LINK: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/nicehck-f1-pro-planar-universal-iem.26936/reviews#review-33625

FOSI AUDIO DS2

LINK: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/fosi-audio-ds2-2024-cirrus-version.27163/reviews#review-33639

TANGZU XUANWU GATE

LINK: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tangzu-audio-xuanwu-gate.26653/reviews#review-33623

 

[Atek2019]

Interesting... official graph of TRN ST7



and driver placement with stacked 10mm+6mm DD in at the middle. that two in the nozzle that's a bit worrying.



but with KZ's also being noted to be ZS6s like...
i hope both are tuned in ways that treble sensitive people still could enjoy them somewhat.

lacking of bass??

 

[activatorfly]

What makes things run warm there? Is it the DAC or some other component?
The hiby M300 can run 10 hours in a row, doesn't get warm at all. Is there a superior component in the r4 that spews off heat? (not too much i gather, just saying).

It was similar with some DAC dongles. Ibasso DC03 pro doesn't get warm at all, while couple others tend to run hot. Nothing adverse, but as compared.

I guess heat dissipation depends on efficient circuitry & how good the casing acts as a heatsink??.....the Sony NW ZX300a never gets warm after an all day session, whereas the R6 Pro gets fairly toasty within 20 mins.

 

[570315]

Interesting... official graph of TRN ST7



and driver placement with stacked 10mm+6mm DD in at the middle. that two in the nozzle that's a bit worrying.



but with KZ's also being noted to be ZS6s like...
i hope both are tuned in ways that treble sensitive people still could enjoy them somewhat.

Looks quite unnatural.

 

[kaeswiss]

Generally, I'm not a fan of IEMs with a bunch of tuning switches, especially when they don't really do much to change the way the IEMs sound. They just uglify the IEMs and they remind me of those annoying process-of-elimination puzzles in old school video games. Let's see which up-down-up-down-up-down lever combination will open the trap door to the secret room!

I have much more appreciation for IEMs that offer multiple tunings implemented in a way where it doesn't detract from the aesthetics, especially when they do change the way the IEMs sound. Eg. tuning nozzles on some sets.

Another example is the Elysian Diva's bass dial. It does require a tiny screwdriver to switch the bass setting, but at least it's discrete and doesn't look bad imo. Plus, it makes a pretty big difference in sound in the bass regions without affecting the rest of the frequency range.

So for me, it's a Yes to tuning nozzles and dials. No to tuning switches - they remind me too much of the circuit breaker box in my basement.

 

[theintention]

No to tuning switches - they remind me too much of the circuit breaker box in my basement.

“Honey the bass went out, can you go flip the switch in the basement?”

 

[gadgetgod]

Project M stands for Project Musicality haha.

Hello Friends,

Today I am sharing my latest review video with you guys, today's Video is going to be a short one, but a special one. Special One because This IEM, the DITA Project M is actually a very special one.

First of all, I got this as a sample courtesy of The Audio Store India, the unit has been sent back to them. I brought this sample from SG on their behalf. The unit has been with me only ever since then. Apart from this, I would like to put my hand on a holy book and swear that all the impressions are mine and not affected by any godly entity or a freebie promise at all. In fact, I liked Project M to the extent that now I am asking if I can get a little discount and will end up buying one lol.

About Project M, This beauty houses a 9.8mm DD and a Customized BA on each side. It is spectacular in terms of design with completely transparent shells, it looks absolutely adorable. About sound, Well, I am in love. The DITA Project M sounds musical, lively, and immersive. The beautiful midrange simply captivates you with its excellent timbre and rich tonality. The bass is complementing, yet it could benefit from more punch, and the treble region is smooth and inoffensive. Technically, the soundstage is massive, 3D and the imaging, and positioning of instruments are simply spectacular.

Well, that's about the short and precise review for the Dita Project M from my side, I hope you guys enjoy watching this video review by me and would subscribe to my channel for further HiFi audio-related content.

Thank You so much!!

Sending you all love and respect!!

 

[gadgetgod]

Generally, I'm not a fan of IEMs with a bunch of tuning switches, especially when they don't really do much to change the way the IEMs sound. They just uglify the IEMs and they remind me of those annoying process-of-elimination puzzles in old school video games. Let's see which up-down-up-down-up-down lever combination will open the trap door to the secret room!

I have much more appreciation for IEMs that offer multiple tunings implemented in a way where it doesn't detract from the aesthetics, especially when they do change the way the IEMs sound. Eg. tuning nozzles on some sets.

Another example is the Elysian Diva's bass dial. It does require a tiny screwdriver to switch the bass setting, but at least it's discrete and doesn't look bad imo. Plus, it makes a pretty big difference in sound in the bass regions without affecting the rest of the frequency range.





So for me, it's a Yes to tuning nozzles and dials. No to tuning switches - they remind me too much of the circuit breaker box in my basement.

I heard the DIVA recently, for someone who loves Vocals, this IEM can bring goosebumps(well I am one of them so).

 

[nikbr]

I heard the DIVA recently, for someone who loves Vocals, this IEM can bring goosebumps(well I am one of them so).

AüR Aure is the one that does that for me very often. I would love to hear how the Diva compares.