TRN V90 Review (1) – Shining Light in the Shadows
Intro
I held off on purchasing these initially because like Microsoft Windows releases, it is sometimes best to skip a generation. After hearing some initial good praise from Otto Motor (JK) on head-fi, I hopped on board to find out if these were another good hit from TRN. The TRN V20, V80 and IM2 were good ones for me, however the V60 and IM1 not so much.
Specifications don’t need repeating, JK has already has a wonderful review.
In lieu of pros and cons
Standout features
- Shape and size makes them very comfortable
- Good bass extension balanced between subbass and midbass
- Dynamic
- Build quality seems exceptional
Less desirable traits
- Sensitivity causes some hiss on sources
- Some sibilance/ringing in upper vocals and brass instruments
Ear-tips are the same basic ear-tips found on all other TRN models. They fit well with the TRN V90 so I used them as I do on all my other TRN models. The TRN V90 cable is the same twisted pair used in other TRN models, it tangles easily but keeps microphonics to a minimum.
Comfortable, no sharp edges-the only questionable comfort comes from the protrusion in the concha region. Isolation is slightly above average, the TRN IM2 and Ibasso IT01 have better isolation for example. The nozzle is medium in diameter and length, and also has a lip.
Sound and technicalities
TRN does very well with their dynamic bass drivers, it is usually one of their standout features and the TRN V90 is no exception. Bass extends nicely but sometimes lacks punch/definition and sounds hollow. This is not a bad thing, it gives the bass more room to expand and reverberate adding to the sense of room space. Midbass bleed is kept in check, midrange is recessed as a typical V shape signature. Treble does show some sibilance from time to time, but it is not excessive. It is still an improvement over the well-received KZ ZS10pro, and definitely a much improved TRN V80/TRN IM1 experience which was overdone in the mid treble region. The TRN V90 managed to smooth out the rough edges while retaining the detailed tilt. The TRN V90 tends to emphasize when brass instruments and cymbals are garbled in the recording. In the upper regions of vocals both male and female I detect some ringing that tends to add some harmonics. Some listeners might find it tiring to listen to since it is more detailed. It’s best to keep the volume at a medium setting or less. The TRN V90 does manage to keep everything together even at higher volumes for those that feel the need to push it higher.
Staging is good, about average. There is good width, but soundstage size feels small overall to me. The recessed midrange adds a sense of depth, but not much.
Comparisons
KZ ZS10 pro (~$40) This is the most obviously similar sounding KZ IEM to the TRN V90, the V90 just does everything a tad bit better. I have to agree with JK on this, it is basically as if TRN managed to file down the rough edges of the ZS10pro, and also manages to do it in a physically smaller shell with smoother edges. The ZS10pro still is comfortable to me, but the shell is larger and the aesthetics are flash, and the TRN V90 goes for a more mature look. There is even more grain and timbre is less enjoyable on the ZS10pro, I think the TRN V90 is worthwhile upgrade over the ZS10pro. I have seen the graphs on the KZ Terminator in comparison to the TRN V90, and will be reviewing these after LoomisJohnson. I chose to purchase the TRN V90 due to a more mature look over the superhero bulky design of the Terminator.
BLON BL-03 (~$30) Tonality is similar but the BLON is much less V shaped. The TRN V90 bass it boosted more and has better extension. The TRN V90 has better resolution, but the BLON sounds a bit more natural and balanced. Treble is smoother on the BLON whereas the TRN V90 brings the details to the table. The TRN V90 also keeps its composure when pushed to higher volume levels. The BLON BL-03 starts to sound congested and loses its appeal at anything over medium volume. I find the bass on the BLON BL-03 a little sluggish in comparison, but it has a more analog feel than the TRN V90. For those that want a good starting point or possibly even end point, the BLON BL03 tonality and timbre are hard to beat, but I do like the extra resolution the TRN V90 provides.
Nicehck M6 (~$96) I chose this as a comparison again because the shells are shaped differently, but share the same comfort as the TRN V90. In addition, they have almost the same driver amount (the M6 sports an extra dynamic driver). The bass on the TRN V90 is a clear winner here, it is not bloated even though it is boosted and has extension. The M6 midrange is buttery smooth compared to the TRN V90 which is just smooth. Treble is on the TRN V90 is more detailed, but it is also boosted more. The M6 treble is more forgiving. Both do not have that last bit of extension that accounts for the airiness found in other IEMs.
Outro
I have replaced my KZ ZS10pro with these, and they are in my daily rotation when I want a detailed fun listening session or want something comfortable. The bass is almost to my preferred signature a few more ticks towards sub-bass would be nice, plus the treble levels quantity/quality are appreciated. I think TRN sits in the shadow of KZ due to less time in the market and some hiccups in quality oversight, but it deserves more attention for those willing to give them a chance.
Disclaimer: I purchased these from Nicehck on Aliexpress for a nominal street price.
You find an INDEX of all our earphone reviews HERE.
Measurements
- Raw TRN V90 (orange) vs KZ ZSX Terminator (Green)
- Various insertion depths 2cm-1cm
- 300Hz square wave
- 30hz square wave
- Impedance/phase plot
We have another review of the TRN V90:
