TRN STM review everyone! TRN has been featured multiple times here so no further company introductions are needed. I have tried most of their V series, but their ST series is a new breed for me. I’m hoping for a positive experience with them while also reinforcing the idea which supposedly made them already distance themselves with being associated with KZ and there’s a high chance they might just do it.
The TRN STM review unit was sent in directly by TRN in exchange for an honest take on them and there are no monetary factors involved. TRN is currently pumping its presence in different social media platforms and you can check them out on their official TRN earphones Facebook page and TRN earphones AliExpress storefront. Priced at $22, the TRN STM sits smack on the budget level earphone segment which isn’t short of competition.
The TRN STM is spec’d out with a single 10mm Dual Magnetic dynamic driver paired with a custom-tuned 30019 Balanced Armature driver. A 20hz to 20kHz Frequency Response, 24 Ohm Impedance and a 106dB Sensitivity. What’s intriguing about the TRN STM is its detachable nozzle that offers different sonic changes, which is similar to what the BGVP DMG, DMS and LZ A4 did. The marketed tunings are that the Gold nozzle offers a balanced and natural sound, the Red nozzle offers a deep bass and fast transient response while the 3rd Blue nozzle offers a resolving treble. All these will be put to the test on this review.
Packaging and Build Quality
The usual TRN packaging comes into play once again in the STM and the same accessory set can also be found except the addition of the detachable nozzles. There is no carrying case or pouch and is to be expected given the price point and the trend of TRN not to include one on its other models.
This TRN STM review unit features an aluminum alloy faceplate which is sports a design that makes me remember the Light Harmonic Oscar. The TRN STM review units’ shell is where color differentiation happens which is offered in either Vibrant Blue or Lush Green, I picked the Lush Green since I was also offered the blue KZ ZAX around the same time as the STM was offered, no regrets there since the Lush Green looks great.
Left and Right indicators are still present on the STM along with a single vent directly on top of the dynamic driver located on the STM’s shell. The tunable and detachable utilizes a screw on mechanism and is also gold-plated to complement the gold nozzle which serves as the benchmark nozzle for the STM.
The stock cable used on this TRN STM review unit is a 4-core OCC copper cable with black rubber Y-splitter and a right-angled gold-plated 3.mm jack, a chin slider is absent which I personally believe should be included in all their stock cables that doesn’t sport a mic.
The .75mm 2pin connectors are also gold-plated and is housed in a transparent hard plastic and also sports a pre-molded TPU memory ear guide for over-ear use. Cable noise is kept at a minimum and storage is once again manageable given that the stock cable uses the usual round-braid on it with just the right amount of tension.
Tonality and Isolation
The TRN STM offers a bright sounding signature with an emphasis on the upper midrange frequency. Note that the gold nozzle is the benchmark nozzle of this review which upon close inspection shows a bare metal showerhead type mesh compared to the blue and red nozzles which has a thin black line of dampening material, the blue nozzle exhibits this by using a slightly thinner dampening material which is evident when you place the nozzle against some form of light. The red nozzle has a slightly thicker dampening material allowing for lesser light passage when place against the light as compared to the blue nozzle. The gold nozzle has no dampening material on it which accounts for it exhibiting the most allowed light passage.
This type of tuning immediately creates a basis for the sound signature aside from the driver tunings and configurations as to what I’ve tried with the Hill Audio S8 which I’ve reviewed way back. This goes to show that the TRN STM detachable nozzles aren’t just some fancy gimmick, it works, and we’ll see if it performs great aside from just working.
I did the usual 200-hour “burn-in” process for those that follow it along with the stock medium-sized ear tips and the Sony WM1A (3.02 FW) and the Sony CAS-1 off a MSI GF62-8RE laptop via Foobar2000 v1.4 outputting various FLAC files which I would mentioned along the review.
Lows
The bass performance of the TRN STM leans on being able to provide an abundance of full-bodied low-end with the distinct lack of impact. Its sub bass is rendered thick with a slight touch of rumble but isn’t punchy and nimble giving a lingering feel towards the mid bass region which is solid and tight but once again falls off in terms of thump and power. The TRN STM clearly struggles with providing a great low-end experience but instead offers a manageable approach which doesn’t reach a congested and boomy sound.
Midrange
Taking into consideration its low-end performance. The TRN STM offers an energetic lower midrange sound which creates a smooth and rich vocal in both female and male genders. There is noticeable lack of articulation which is to be expected as it already showed signs of it from its bass rendering. The TRN STM won’t wow you with its detailed ability but will offer a lively and open upper midrange that evades being edgy and lifeless. A great companion for those that love to rock to their tunes without being too analytical.
Highs
The TRN STM with its default gold nozzle has a bright signature which is dominated by a snappy and precise treble performance. Maroon 5’s Harder To Breathe in 16/44 FLAC offered a non-fatiguing experience which incorporates both the energetic and lively midrange performance and the distinct-sounding treble to create a fun and enjoyable sound. It doesn’t sound distorted or washed out despite the lack of clarity. Sparkle is also present with a touch of treble bite. Sibilance is thankfully absent. Treble heads would love the TRN STM.
Soundstage and Imaging
The TRN STM offered a slightly wide-leaning soundstage rather than being altogether intimate and compact. Left to right and right to left panning is observable with distinct presence on the middle giving vocals an obvious presence in the center. Depth and layering are somewhat mediocre with the midrange sounding slightly overhead giving an impression of an elevated stage platform rather than being in level with the artist. Instrumental placement is also distinct enough to be perceived without being congested. Once again, all these are observed on the gold nozzle.
Blue and Red Nozzles
The TRN STM main selling point is its different nozzles and the Blue Nozzle is marketed to have a “resolving treble” and the difference that it has compared with the gold nozzle is by having a black cotton mesh underneath it with small holes in it to match the metal mesh. This creates the noticeable taming of the higher frequencies but also sheds off some of the low-end rumble. The midrange is left to its own devices with the already clear lack of articulation being still observable.
The Red Nozzle on the TRN STM employs the same mechanism in changing the perceived sound and is marketed to have a “Fast transients and Deep Bass” for the STM by utilizing the same black cotton mesh underneath it with small holes in it but this time with a much smaller holes which is evident when trying to shine light through it as the Blue Nozzle allows more light to pass through. This much smaller holes make the sound to have pronounced bass in terms of body and lingering effect but also highlights the lack of thump. Taming the highs is also distinct on the Red Nozzle and altogether pans out the STM’s bright signature. Definitely the nozzle if you are into loads of bass minus the impact.
Conclusion
The TRN STM with its removable nozzles that enables it to create multiple sound experiences offers an approach that isn’t KZ and that alone shows their desire for separation and shedding the KZ-like aesthetic on all their succeeding models should be on the top of the list for TRN.
The fact that the removable nozzles also work distinctly and not just downright act as a gimmick adds value for the $22 paid on it. It might not offer the bass impact and power that most in its price bracket exhibits but its ability to juggle priority in the different frequencies makes it a noteworthy IEM to be checked.
