TRN impressions thread

[Redcarmoose]

TRN ST5 first impressions:

I get how some could think the treble/upper midrange could be slightly bright and intense. My first player, the Sony WM1A was absolutely bright, and slightly forward with the treble/upper midrange intensity. Though a fast change to the TA desktop showed the TRN ST5 to be very revealing of source. With the TA desktop smoothness the ST5 was really in the zone........the detailed and acceptable intensity zone, though not sure what it will be like listening long term, or post burn-in? The Sony WM1Z will be interesting as it also has a forward brighter treble.......where the Sony 1A is more midrange forward. But at least it seems workable, though maybe slightly more bright and intense than the TRN BAX, going by memory? The BAX (as I remember it) had a slightly more plush treble, of course due to EST personality. Still for the money they are asking, the ST5 is truly something special I think? Still only moments into the listening, but first impressions are an important thing, and lead the way to what ever options surface later.

Construction is remarkable. I'm not using the included cable, but just simply clicked on the BAX cable and wide-bore tips. But the overall feel/size is much more accessible than the BAX, with a common size and weight. Fit due to the nozzle angle is great, as well as insertion depth. Fit and finish of the complete IEM structure is really something to behold, with clean lines and seamless feel-proof construction! It can only get better with burn-in, at least that has always been my IEM experience so far.

Bass at this point (going off BAX memory) seems more curtailed......but also there is a probably more accessible sonic balance, where many are not going to find the ST5 as flamboyant or bombastic.........thus less contrasty than the BAX? Simply more mainstream-tune maybe? I'm still wondering if the detail I'm hearing in real or due to such intense forwardness of the BAs.......maybe both? I kinda knew this is what we would have before opening the box, but guessed it slightly more relaxed treble beforehand? Lets see what burn-in does! I'm hopping the upper midrange will open-up and the treble will become slightly more relaxed? Still nothing I can't deal with if it stays like this. As far as I'm concerned there are ranges of brightness and forwardness and everything isn't always so black and white.

https://www.linsoul.com/products/trn-st5

 

[linecur]

My TRN ST5 just arrived, I’m so excited, don’t remember this cost to excitement ratio before? I haven’t even opened it!

Can you compare with WuZeiTan?

 

[Redcarmoose]

Can you compare with WuZeiTan?

That beauty hasn’t even been put put into the mail to me, but I would be happy to compare them back-to-back for you! It may be a few days, or a week or more?

 

[Redcarmoose]

TRN EMX
New Flagship Audiophile dynamic driver Flat head Earphones

• 14.2mm Large Size Beryllium-Plated Diaphragm Driver
• Excellent New-Designed Geometry Shape
• The Aluminum Alloy Cavity & Half-Open Exhaust Design
• Professional Acoustic Structure
• High-Purity Cable With Interchangeable Audio Connectors

https://www.linsoul.com/collections/all/products/trn-emx

$39.80 USD

 

[ASpencer]

I wish there were graphs to compare price points as that’s the predominant factor to me when evaluating most of these TRN products. Affordability is a large slice of what I’m hearing when listening to TRN’s sonic wares, along with actual audio performance. What I’ve paid for these colors what I’m hearing, if that makes sense to anyone here.

As I’ve previously stated, my perceptions of the ST5 resonate within the prism of this being an IEM under one hundred American dollars and often imperceptibly rivaling a Shure product that costs eight times more. I saw two videos hyping a DIY product that cost nearly double the ST5 and that atrocity was amateurish garbage, contrary to a few online raves the thing was tuned like a tin can.

I’ve adopted a threshold what I will actually shell out for a miniaturized audio product that can be used on the go. There are recurrent news stories about people being robbed for their bling such as Rolex watches and the like, so I’m very comfortable roaming wearing these ST5 as they punch above their weight, but I won’t get punched by a hooligan trying to snatch them away… and they’re easily replaceable.

 

[Carpet]

I wish there were graphs to compare price points as that’s the predominant factor to me when evaluating most of these TRN products. Affordability is a large slice of what I’m hearing when listening to TRN’s sonic wares, along with actual audio performance. What I’ve paid for these colors what I’m hearing, if that makes sense to anyone here.

As I’ve previously stated, my perceptions of the ST5 resonate within the prism of this being an IEM under one hundred American dollars and often imperceptibly rivaling a Shure product that costs eight times more. I saw two videos hyping a DIY product that cost nearly double the ST5 and that atrocity was amateurish garbage, contrary to a few online raves the thing was tuned like a tin can.

I’ve adopted a threshold what I will actually shell out for a miniaturized audio product that can be used on the go. There are recurrent news stories about people being robbed for their bling such as Rolex watches and the like, so I’m very comfortable roaming wearing these ST5 as they punch above their weight, but I won’t get punched by a hooligan trying to snatch them away… and they’re easily replaceable.

Looking cheap has other benefits. Significant others looking at something like the CCA CA16 don't assume you've spent more than the price of lunch! Sadly, IEMs like the YST-02 or Dioko, look like you've spent $200.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Smoothed out nicely?

 

[dougms3]

Received the TRN ST5 today.

Probably gonna need some burn in for the sound to settle but initial impressions are that its bass heavy, very smooth, relaxed presentation.

Use of magnesium in the shell results in a similar tonality to the Kirin but the Kirin is sweeter. Compared to the Kirin, it is not as resolving, technicals are not up to par with the capability of the Kirin, thunderous bass but not as tight and clean as the Kirin, decay is slower on the ST5 perhaps a bit too slow for my liking, the decay is a bit too fast on the Kirin for my liking.

Kirin is a bit more intense and in your face, vocals are not as forward with the ST5. Kirin has better treble extension and sounds more open /airier. The ST5 has more weight to the sound, richer, wet presentation. The Kirin sounds dry by comparison.

I still prefer the Kirin but it is quite ridiculous what the ST5 can do for $60.

My audio chain.

Jriver (PC) > jcat usb card > audio-gd DI-20HE > denafrips ares II > audio-gd master 19 > modded loxjie p20

 

[Redcarmoose]

 

[ASpencer]

Received the TRN ST5 today.

I still prefer the Kirin but it is quite ridiculous what the ST5 can do for $60.

Jriver (PC) > jcat usb card > audio-gd DI-20HE > denafrips ares II > audio-gd master 19 > modded loxjie p20

I prefer the ST5 myself, but you've made the ultimate validation of what TRN has done.

 

[Redcarmoose]

I’m doing the BAX vs the ST5 comparisons today and going back-to-back I was surprised at what I found. Probably the most remarkable thing was the DD bass is actually slightly better focused with the ST5. Such a revelation could almost make the bass seem more authoritative? It’s is really slight, as in general they share the same tune. Not what I expected, going from memory?

Also they are just about the same sensitivity, believe it or not!

Basically if you like the ST5 signature you will also like the BAX. Where the true polishes take place is the treble. The BAX goes and offers more extension into higher places of pitch and imaging. It goes without saying there is more treble detail with the BAX, the ST5 does have the same tune, it’s just the EST drivers have their own personality and it’s real. I still need another day of burn-in to reach 100 hours, but at 75 hours the treble remarkably smoothed out, it may be that or the bass became more textured and fuller, which could make the treble seem smoother. Probably a combination of both in reality. The difference between the TRN BAX and ST5 is not as big as a difference as you would guess by looking at the two prices. What is there is there, but the ST5 is an incredible value, where it is detailed and fast, big sounding and authoritative. The BAs in use are well blended to bring about a highly composite sound.....and when the bass kicks out to the side, it’s a thrill! Still more testing to do, the difference in midrange between the two will take time. I’m only just getting started.

 

[Nimweth]

Just Arrived: ST5. Very early impressions are positive. Clean, deep bass, clear forward mids and extended detailed treble. Big soundstage. Treble a little enthusiastic to begin with, after overnight burn in definitely smoother. More to come. Am using the medium black tips.

 

[dougms3]

After a little more time with the ST5, I'm noticing how eerily similar the signature is to my Focal Clears.

Aside from the bass where the ST5 has great sub bass extension and the Clears roll off, if Focal made an iem to mimic the clear signature, I think the ST5 would be what it sounds like.

 

[Redcarmoose]

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/trn-st5-hybrid-universal-iem.26032/reviews#review-29189

 

[dougms3]

Is anyone else noticing that the Kirin requires a ridiculous amount of power to drive?

On my hiby r5g2 and desktop system, it requires more volume than my Sony z7m2.

Specs 32 ohms @ 106db sens, which doesn't indicate how much power they require to drive them properly. I have alot of headroom in terms of volume and it no way am close to maxxing out either but just find this bizarre.