TRN Jaws.... Fun Analytical Beast
So I was scrolling around the other day and found out that TRN released an IEM at the sub $150 range, priced at $130, and decided to get it. Granted it was marked down by $50 (which is crazy for an IEM that just released recently btw), but I also saw that it had 0 reviews and impressions (which may have influenced my choices), and I wanted to give people an idea of what it is.
Disclaimer: I do not own the CCA Hydro... yet, so this comparison is all speculation from comparing price brackets, tech specs, and the graph. Also both are named to be water-ish themed. I also bought this set with my own money so all thoughts and opinions are mine. I also suffer from tinnitus so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
I used an iBasso Macaron connected to a Samsung S21 for this review.
Unboxing/Accessories:
The unboxing was actually really cool, especially with the magnetic lift up box that felt really cool to open lol. But the best part is what is inside of that box...
You get a LOT of accessories, which includes the following
- A pelican case clone
- a set of foam tips, a set of narrow bore tips, a set of wide bore tips, and a set of the TRN T tips which in my opinion are better than the moondrop spring tips
- a really nice 3.5 mm cable
- and a usb-c dongle
It honestly feels like they just decided to make a starter pack and throw everything that you need to get going in this hobby all into one package. But anyway lets move on to the more important part.
Sound Signature:
It is a Tribrid 3 DD, 4 BA, 1 Planar set which is honestly a really interesting combo which really gives a nice and detailed presentation of that V-Shape sound signature, and honestly it gives such a fun warm sound while still being technical. Graph wise it is very similar to the CCA hydro without the 15k peak, it is also at the same price point as the hydro, which is interesting. This set is also a bit power hungry (maybe because of the planar) and benefits from having more power, similar to the Aful Explorers. I used the large TRN T tips for testing.
Bass:
Very tight and rumbly, like you actually feel it. It is pretty sub-bass oriented, but the mid-bass still has that thump and is still very engaging and just FUN. It also isn't so overbearing to the point where there is bleed which is nice
Midrange:
It is very clean, not that much was scooped out and sounds very smooth. Vocals are forward, like really forward. Male vocals sound very natural and deep. Female vocals sound very energetic, but it does sound a bit unnatural and shouty, just a bit though. Instruments sound natural, and in my opinion this helped me hear drums the best out of all my other sets
Treble:
Sparkly, some may even say too sparkly. There is a slight hint of Planar sibilance and BA timbre, so it may come off as harsh in a some tracks. I find it pretty fatiguing after a few hours but for those that are overly sensitive to treble I can see why it would be fatiguing after a while. It is also pretty airy and VERY DETAILED, like this thing is super analytical which may be a negative for some.
Technicalities:
Resolution:
Resolution and detail in my opinion is top notch on this IEM, it is very detailed and analytical mainly due to it having a planar driver.
Imaging and Soundstage:
It is pretty average, you can find where the instruments are but is comparable to most IEMs in this price range
Separation:
I find the separation on this set to be world class honestly. I can hear each instrument clearly, like I can clearly hear the separation between the lead and rhythm guitars, bass, drums, and piano which is just honestly something really cool to hear. Its good to the point where I can hear the different textures of the drums in some tracks pretty clearly. You can just hear each layer, which may be a negative for some because its kind of like sensory overload and it does not feel that musical.
Comparisons to some stuff I have
vs the Truthear Nova ($170)
The Jaws is more detailed and energetic, but the one thing that the Nova has going for it is that its just a super relaxing set, like its HARD to get fatigued listening to the Nova. Sure the Jaws has better techs and is a fun set to listen to, but damn it does get fatiguing after a while.
vs the Truthear Hexa ($90)
The technicalities are a bit better on the Jaws, but the bass on the Jaws really one up the Hexa a bit more, but then again the hexa is like $90. The only difference is separation really, so the hexa could be a good alternative if you want to sacrifice separation a bit,
vs KZ PRX ($72)
The Jaws is less power hungry. It also has similar technicalities, but the Jaws just edges it out more. It is also way more energetic and a bit less sibilant than this set. But if you want a good detailed set and is willing to sacrifice separation and put up with a bit more sibilance this could be the set for you.
vs Moondrop Kato ($190)
Same as the Nova honestly, relaxing but not as technically good as the Jaws. Also damn $190, I forgot how pricy that set was.
vs Aful Explorer ($120)
Less technical but sounds better IMO, maybe because it just hits that "new meta" JM-1 curve fairly accurately. Like I just enjoy using the Explorer more than the Jaws, but thats subjective. I dunno maybe that neutral with a bass boost just did something to me. If you want something more versatile get the Explorers, its cheaper too
Vs CCA Hydro ($130)
I can't say anything since I don't have the Hydro, but here is a graph comparison
Overall thoughts:
Pretty underrated in my opinion, and I feel like people should talk about it a bit more. But then again it is another V-shaped IEM set from a chi-fi company, which would already be an insta-skip for some and its understandable because the market has already been over-saturated with those types of sets, but for me, this one is different cuz of its technicalities. Overall its a very nice set, if you can get it on sale. Its just fun and analytical to listen to with some really nice detail retrieval. Though it can get pretty sibilant and shouty on tracks that have very energetic and emotional female vocals. The sheer detail retrieval and analytical-ness of this set can also be a deterrent for some because it literally just overloads you with so much sound information that you just get overloaded with all the different sounds being processed by the brain, but if you are fine with that and is in the market for a Detailed V-shaped set, this could be the one for you.
Anyway thank you all for reading this, this set was honestly such a fun set to listen to and it really surprised me cuz I pretty much gambled with this set hoping it would turn out ok, and it exceeded my expectations, I would rate it a 4/5 stars.
Credit to ToneDeafMonk for the graphs
TLDR: New FUN V-shape IEM with crazy techs, 4/5 stars.