Firstly I would like to thank Linsoul for sending me this sample to review.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings
Gear Used:
iBasso DX200 > TC-01
Tech Specs:
Model: Tripowin TC-01
Sensitivity: 104dB SPL/mW
Frequency range: 20Hz-20KHz
Impedance: 16ohm
Noise isolation: 26dB
Cable length: 1.2m
Plug: 3.5mm
Connector: 0.78mm-2Pin
https://www.linsoul.com/products/tripowin-tc-01
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories:
The TC-01 comes in a pretty plain black cardboard box, on the back is some technical info along with a frequency graph, that’s it. Lift the front of the box off and you’ll find the earphones held neatly in a foam insert, with a box of accessories underneath it. The packaging really is very basic, but for the price I can’t really complain.
The build quality feels great, the cable has good strain relief and a solid feeling jack, theres a cable cinch which is handy as the y-splitter is quite far down the cable. The 2-pin connectors fit into the earphones securely, and the earphones themselves have a metal housing that is well finished and looks great in person. I know the mirror finish might not appeal to everyone, but I personally think it looks great, although they do show up scratches easily of course.
Accessory wise you get a hard clamshell type case and 3 sizes of tips (S, M and L). Personally I always find more tips are always welcome, so they are lacking a little here. Most people buying this kind of IEM won’t want to shell out more for extra tips, so having more included would be nice.
Comfort and Isolation:
The TC-01 have a smooth and rounded housing and the nozzles are placed at a good angle, this meant I got a good fit quite easily once I have selected the correct tips for my canals. The cable is soft and contributes to the comfortable fit of these, I had no issues with wearing them for long periods.
Isolation is actually very good on the TC-01, they are vented on the inner part and due to this the isolation is still high enough for use on public transport and general travelling. They easily blocked out my loud typing on a keyboard and work great on general walks into town.
Sound:
Lows: The lows on the TC-01 are tight and articulate, these are not a warm and bassy IEM, instead they aim for a crisp and clean sound but with just the right amount of everything. They aren’t lacking down low but what they have is quality over quantity, there’s body and sub-bass extension when needed but they prefer a more technical approach and enjoy complex tracks to really show off what they are capable of. You never lose track of the beat, bass kicks have authority along with control, and bass guitars are articulate and easy to pinpoint. These really can output an impressive amount of bass, with a slight sub-bass focus, if the recording calls for it. Those who favour quality over quantity will definitely be surprised how good the bass is for their $50 price point.
Midrange: Here I’m going to reference Ed Sheeran, a couple of tracks came on when testing the TC-01 and I was taken aback at how true to the recording the TC-01 can sound. The bass beat was always there yet didn’t bleed into the midrange, Ed’s vocals come across with excellent tonality and detail retrieval, little details are there yet all in an incredibly coherent presentation. When vocal centric tracks come on the TC-01 happily show you what they are capable of, really bringing out the emotion in the artists voice. If there is one slight drawback, there is a bit of sibilance in the upper midrange during certain tracks, but only the most treble sensitive would find these at all fatiguing.
Highs: The treble can sometimes be a little splashy but there’s lots of energy up top that helps keep these sounding fairly well balanced. As stated in the section about the midrange, there is a little sibilance at times, and the low treble does have some extra energy injected which makes the sound quite engaging but to some these may be a little sharp at times. They roll off a little early, and there isn’t a lot of air, but there is good detail and they don’t come across too metallic or unnatural.
The soundstaging isn’t huge and the centre image is quite forward and focussed however there is great separation and this makes up for the slightly smaller stage. You can’t have everything for such a low price.
Conclusion:
The TC-01 are another gem in the chi-fi range, these are extremely engaging and an energetic listen, they are not warm or smooth and laid back. However they present a nicely balanced sound signature that’s got great coherency and also accurate tonality. The TC-01 are genuinely impressive for $50 and get my recommendation.
Sound Perfection Rating: 9/10 (can’t go wrong for the price, detailed coherent and fun backed up by technical prowess and a comfortable fit)