Surprise Surprise......A King in Peasant Clothes
EQUIPMENT
Topping a50s Headphone Amplifier
Xduoo MT-602 Hybrid Tube Headphone Amplifier (Sylvania 5654 Tubes)
SMSL Sanskrit 10th MK2 DAC
iFi Hip-Dac
Shanling UA2 Dac/Amp Dongle
JCally JM20 Dac/Amp Dongle
BGVP A07 Tips
Cable: Stock Cable & NiceHck LitzPS Silver 4.4mm Balanced
Sources: Flac Files From my Personal Collection / Tidal
SPECS
Single 10mm Dynamic Driver
Impedance: 22Ω
Earphone sensitivity: 106dB/mW
Frequency range: 20-20000Hz
2-pin 0.75mm Cable Compatible
NOTES
The $8usd the TRN MT1 is absolutely a budget offering, at least with respect to pricing. Relying on a single 10mm Dynamic Driver housed in a nice looking but unassuming shell, there is nothing to give any indication about how this earphone would sound. The MT1 throws out a V-shaped presentation with slightly emphasized bass and treble. It is very easy to drive as well. Sporting a standard 2-pin cable interface and available in a handful of colour options, they actually look pretty nice. The truth is in details and with the MT1 it all comes down to a sound that shockingly belies it's paltry asking price. This is a product that absolutely has upset the apple cart in an already very competitive field.
BUILD QUALITY & FIT
Build quality is good but not earth shattering. Still after taking a look at the price it does get some bonus points in this regard. The shells are light but feel solid and are markedly similar to the KZ EDX and CCA CA2. There are some differences though as TRN went with what seems like a metal nozzle and protruding cable pin inserts. Talking about included accessories and retail presentation is unfortunately a waste of text and a picture. Pretty much identical to the EDC and CA2 previously mentioned. The box is ok but the included accessories and cable seem to be just an afterthought. Granted at $8 there have to be shortcuts somewhere. The foam tips shown are a "Gift" from the store I purchased the MT1 from. These are not usually included.
SOUND:
BASS
Bass is warm and evenly presented overall but with a small emphasis on the mid-bass and substantial but not overpowering sub-base. The surprises start here in that the bass was quite tuneful and controlled more so than heard in the EDX or CA2. Boominess was held to a minimum with detail and texture while not top shelf but surprising enough to put a smile on my face. Bass also had a nice punchiness to it with good speed and control. Bass bleed into the midrange is kept very low. How much did this cost??
MIDS
Mildly recessed with good clarity, definition and detail. The MT1 is not going to be a micro-detail monster, but is eye opening in how much clarity and macro-details $8 can buy these days. MIds were open which is another surprise. For $8 you'd expect closed or hollow sounding midrange but the MT1 is the opposite. The MT1 impresses with a full sounding and satisfying sonics. Upper mids can have some noticeable peaks at times but this was not thankfully accompanied by sibilance. Complex and busy tracks though can lead to congestion in the midrange. Timbre is not the most accurate but still impressive for something that costs less than a meal at your favorite fast food joint, and that's with shipping included! How much did this cost??
TREBLE
The MT1 has elevated treble that offers extension that is again, surprising at this price and beyond. While not offering the most refined treble, what is there is clear with enough sparkle and shimmer to add some space and atmosphere to the music. The upper mids can sound peaky at times but thankfully without being harsh. Treble does not sound thin but has good weight and presence. The amount of detail present is something to scratch your head about as it is astonishing price considered. How much did this cost??
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE
The TRN MT1 offers a stable well defined image that is average in all dimensions. What is impressive is the layering which allows each element to be individually heard, seen and placed in those confines. This impressive layering does suffer greatly on complex and busy tracks which the TRN MT1 does not do as well with. Another eye opening performance by the MT1
VERSUS
- KZ EDX
Both earphones offer a V-shaped signature. Bass on the KZ EDX is slight more pronounced but slower and less defined sounding more bloated versus the MT1. Direct comparisons show the obvious differences here with the MT1 just being more musical on the low end while not having comparably as much output but enough to satisfy all but the ardent bass-head. Midrange is interesting as they are both recessed but the MT1 is more natural and detailed. There is more of a "Listen Through" quality to the mids vs a "Listen-To" perspective offered by the EDX. Timbre is also better served by the MT1 with instruments just sounding more natural on the MT1. Treble is another win for the TRN MT1. The EDX is more prone to sibilance and grain vs the MT1 which is smoother at the top of the frequency range. The MT1 also shows better control in the treble and is easier to listen to for long periods of times.
CONCLUSION
For the paltry asking price of $8 USD the TRN MT1 is staggeringly good. Without a doubt the newly invigorated budget segment in now on fire being led by this earphone. The TRN MT1 isn't perfect, but I don't believe that would be possible given the price and probably not what the manufacturer was after anyways. What it does show, in a shockingly clear way, is how much value is available in this market segment. The MT1 easily betters some earphones I've heard in the last year at 5x it's asking price and lends itself admirably to all musical genres. Whoever tuned these needs an award. Give yourself an $8 award and snag yourself a set or two. The TRN MT1 warrants a top recommendation.
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