Introduction
The TRN TA4 is a new multi-driver IEM featuring a hybrid configuration of two dynamic drivers and two Knowles balanced armature drivers in each earpiece. With its semi-open-back design and premium driver configuration, the TA4 promises a spacious and detailed sound. Let’s take a closer look.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I have not received any form of compensation or incentive to endorse or promote any specific product mentioned in this review. Please note that the individual ratings provided for each product are given in the context of the product’s price.
TRN TA4
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz
- Connector Type: 2Pin
- Impedence: 20Ω
- Sensitivity: 105dB
- Cable Length: 1.2m±3cm
- Termination: 3.5mm+2.5mm+4.4mm.
Individual ratings
The bass is “tight, fast, and controlled, with good depth and rumble in the sub-bass.” It delivers “adequate punch” without becoming “too boomy.” Bass texture and detail are good.
The midrange "leans towards the brighter side, with excellent clarity and resolution." Lower mids make male vocals sound "full-bodied and natural." Upper mids have "superb transparency and detail."
The treble is the "highlight" with "great extension, air and sparkair," There is crisp detail and decay in cymbals. Some lower treble spikes may cause sibilance but overall the treble is "smooth and non-fatiguing."
Thanks to the semi-open design, the soundstage has "great width and depth" and imaging is "precise, with excellent layering and separation." The presentation is "holographic."
Even busy tracks are rendered cleanly. Subtle nuances and microtextures can be heard. Detail retrieval remains impressive even at lower volumes.
Dynamics are satisfying with good pace and rhythm. The dual-driver configuration gives better transient response over single dynamics.
The TRN TA4 provides a "highly resolving sound", keeping up with more expensive models. Clarity and transparency are impressive.
Build quality is "very good", though the resin may not feel as luxurious as metal. The overall look and feel are still "premium."
Comfort is "very good" thanks to the ergonomic, lightweight design. The fit is secure and the semi-open back improves breathability.
Overall Rating
Bottom Line
The TRN TA4 impresses with its engaging sound, great fit, and premium accessories at an affordable price. While not perfect, it punches well above its weight and is easy to recommend for under $100. Audiophiles looking for technical brilliance on a budget will find the TA4 to be a superb option.
Pros
- Spacious, detailed sound with good technicalities
- comfortable and ergonomic fit
- Premium-quality modular cable is included.
- Great accessory pack with varied eartips
- excellent price-to-performance ratio
Cons
- Resin feels less luxurious than metal.
- The lower treble can get harsh on already bright tracks.
- Sub-bass rumble lacks texture.
- No carrying case is included.
Music Genres
Suitable
- The TRN TA4's mildly v-shaped signature with bumped-up treble is especially well-suited for vocal-centric popular genres like pop, rock, metal, and electronic dance music. The emphasized treble region brings out micro-details and textures in vocals, adding an exciting sparkle and airiness. This allows you to hear nuances in the singer's voice and subtleties in vocal production.
- Uptempo rock and metal genres also pair nicely with the TA4's snappy, dynamic driver bass and lower treble bite, which give guitars crunch and edge. The brisk pace and toe-tapping rhythm of the TA4 work great with fast-paced rock and metal. Its good control prevents the sound from becoming too muddy.
- For electronic dance sub-genres like house, trance, and drum & bass, the TA4's sub-bass extension provides thumping beats, while the treble energy adds shimmer to cymbals and electronic effects. The fun, lively sound is engaging for these genres.
Not Suitable
- While not ideal for neutral genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic, the TA4's exciting tonality breathes new life into modern mainstream music. Its excellent technical performance allows you to rediscover detail in your favorite pop, rock, and EDM tracks.
Equalization Tips
- Reduce the lower treble region around 5-8 kHz by 2-3 dB to tame any harshness or sibilance on already bright tracks. This will smooth out the overall signature.
- Slightly boost the sub-bass around 50–60 Hz by 2–3 dB to provide more body and rumble for EDM tracks. This gives beats more slam and depth.
- Raise the lower mids around 500 Hz by 1-2 dB to add fullness and warmth to male vocals, making them sound richer.
- If the midrange sounds slightly metallic or artificial, reduce the 2-4 kHz region by 1-2 dB. This will make the midrange more natural.
- Those sensitive to treble may want to attenuate 8–10 kHz by 2-3 dB to reduce fatigue while retaining detail and air.
- Adding a slight boost around 1-2 kHz can increase vocal clarity for podcasts and audiobooks.
1. Packaging
- 1x TRN TA4 IEM
- 1x Detachable Cable
- 7x Pair Eartips
- 3x Replaceable Connectors (3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm)
2. Design And Build Quality
The TA4 has a very aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic design. The shells are made of high-quality imported medical-grade resin with aluminum alloy faceplates, giving them a premium look and feel. The semi-open back design is unique and makes the IEMs look distinctive. The nozzles are made of durable brass and include metal mesh filters. Overall, the build quality is very good, though the resin material may not feel as luxurious as metal.
3. Comfort
Thanks to its ergonomic shape and lightweight resin shells, the TA4 is very comfortable to wear. The angled nozzles and over-ear fit ensure a secure fit. The semi-open back design reduces the occlusion effect and improves breathability. I was able to wear them for hours without fatigue.
4. Sound Quality Of The TRN TA4
I. Tonality
The TA4 has a mildly v-shaped sound signature with a bump in the upper treble. The bass is clean and punchy, the mids are clear and airy, and the treble is bright and energetic. The tonality is suited for those who prefer an exciting and engaging listen.
II. Frequency Response Graph Of TRN TA 4
III. Bass Response
The bass is tight, fast, and controlled, with good depth and rumble in the sub-bass. The mid-bass delivers adequate punch on drums and guitars without becoming too boomy. Bass texture and detail are good for a hybrid in this price range. Those looking for huge bass may be disappointed, but the quality is impressive.
IV. Midrange Performance
The midrange leans towards the brighter side, with excellent clarity and resolution. There is good presence in the lower mids, making male vocals sound full-bodied and natural. The upper mids have superb transparency and detail. Instruments like pianos and violins sound clean and realistic.
V. Treble Response
The highlight of the TA4's sound is the treble. There is great extension, air, and sparkle up top. Cymbals shimmer with crisp detail and decay naturally. There are some lower treble spikes that may cause sibilance on already hot recordings, but no harshness. Overall, the treble is smooth and non-fatiguing.
5. Technicalities Of The TRN TA4
I. Soundstage And Imaging
Thanks to its semi-open design, the TA4 produces an expansive soundstage with great width and depth. Imaging is precise, with excellent layering and separation between instruments. The holographic presentation makes these engaging for music listening as well as gaming.
II. Instrument Separation And Detail Retrieval
The TA4 renders even busy tracks with poise, separating out individual instruments cleanly. The level of detail retrieval is impressive, allowing you to hear subtle nuances and microtextures in the music. Even at lower volumes, the TA4 continues to deliver a layered and intricate sound.
III. Dynamics And Speed
While not the most hard-hitting or aggressive in attack, the TA4 has satisfying dynamics with good pace and rhythm. Drums have a nice snap, and guitars have adequate crunch. The dual-driver configuration gives it better speed and transient response compared to single-driver dynamics.
IV. Resolution
The TRN TA4 delivers a highly resolving sound that allows it to keep up with higher-priced IEMs. The level of clarity and transparency provided by the Knowles drivers is impressive. The dual dynamics also fill out the sound, avoiding any hollowness or thinness. The overall resolution is fantastic.
6. Comparisons
TRN TA4 vs. Moondrop Aria
The TA4 has a brighter, more V-shaped sound with more treble energy, a larger soundstage, and better technical performance. The Aria has a more balanced, natural midrange with a smoother treble.
TRN TA4 vs. Truthear Zero
The Zero has a darker, more mid-centric sound with a rolled-off treble. The TA4 is significantly more sparkly up top. The Zero has a smaller stage but a richer tone. The TA4 is more analytical.
Dive deeper with more comparisons.
7. FAQs
Q. Who Should Buy The TRN TA4?
The TRN TA4 is ideal for:
Audiophiles on a budget looking for big sounds
Those who prefer a bright, detailed sound
Anyone looking for a large soundstage and imaging
Those who listen to vocal-centric genres
Gamers and media consumers wanting holographic imaging
Q. Is TRN TA4 suitable for treble sensitive listeners?
The TA4 has quite a bright treble tuning, so those highly sensitive to treble should avoid this IEM. The lower treble spikes may cause fatigue and sibilance issues for treble-sensitive individuals.
8. Conclusion
The TRN TA4 delivers an immensely spacious, detailed, and engaging sound with great technicalities, given its ultra-affordable sub-$100 price point. Its mild v-shape signature with elevated treble creates an exciting listen well-suited for vocals, rock, metal, and EDM. The treble has good extension with ample air and shimmer. The bass provides surprising depth and control from the dual dynamic drivers. Mids are clear and transparent. The semi-open design grants a wide, holographic soundstage.
While the lower treble can get harsh on already bright tracks, some simple EQ can smooth it out. The build quality is decent, though not premium. Overall, the TRN TA4 punches far above its class with superb value. Audiophiles on a tight budget will be deeply impressed by the TA4's technical performance. For those seeking big sound, vocals, and treble on a budget, the TRN TA4 is easily recommended. It sounds more expensive than it actually is.
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User Ratings
Read More Reviews On TRN TA4: Audioreviewsnews