Firstly I would like to thank linsoul for this sample.
*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:
iFi Pro iDSD / Audio Opus #2 > TRN V80
Tech Specs:
Transducer Principle: 2BA+2DD
Impedance: 24ohm
Sensitivity: 108dB
Frequency Response: 7Hz-40kHz
Power: 1mW
Length: 125cm
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories:
The V80 come in quite a simple white box with an outline of the monitors on the front and basic info on the back. I could not find any specs written on the box, it won’t win any design awards but does the job. The IEM’s are held tightly in a foam insert, with the accessories below. The box is very simple but I really don’t mind this.
Build quality on the other hand is excellent, the housings are metal and very well finished, the cable is a standard 4-wire braided type with pre-moulded earhooks (rather than stiff memory wire, much better than KZ cables). The cable has good strain relief but it’s lacking a chin slider and the section between the y-split and the IEM’s is quite long. The V80’s use a normal 2-pin connector, so it’s easy to fit other cables, overall I’m impressed by the build of these.
Accessory wise you get the Medium tips attached to them, along with a Small and Large set in a separate bag. You don’t get a case or any other accessories with them, although this is like many other models around this price range.
Comfort and Isolation:
The shape of the housings is great for my awkward ears, they don’t stick out half as far as the KZ AS10 or similar designs. Whilst still not quite as comfy as the Kinera Sif, I do find the V80’s easy to use for long periods of time with no discomfort.
Isolation is fairly average on the V80’s, blocking out a fair amount of noise but the vents do prevent them from being as isolating as fully sealed IEM’s.
Sound:
Lows: The V80 have a mild mid-bass boost which introduces a little bloom to the low end, luckily the amount of bloom is quite well controlled and it doesn’t congest the sound. Whilst they have a mild bass boost hump, kicks are backed up with body and the lows are articulate. The amount of bass increases quicker than the rest of the sound when it comes to turning up the volume, and they sound a little better when played slightly louder. Extension is good and they can dig low when needed with minimal roll off, but it’s still the mid-bass that is the focus, they are also quite quick down low and keep up with complex mixes well.
Midrange: There is a bit of a dip in the lower midrange, and a bit of a bump in the upper midrange which favours female vocals but also brings out some sibilance in recordings. Male vocals can suffer a little bleed from the lower end, but nothing too severe, and the rest of the midrange is quite detailed and well presented with fairly accurate tonal balanced. There is good width to the soundstage which means instruments are well placed within the stage, and the layering within the midrange is good.
Highs: The bump in the upper midrange/lower treble can bring out a little sibilance along with brightness that can cause fatigue to some listeners. I enjoy a well presented top end and the V80 are borderline bright due to the slight peakiness they have. I would prefer a little more refinement up top, even if it was at the expense of some presence. They can become a little splashy and too forward, especially when the V80 are at lower volumes. Foam tips can help tone them down a little, but it’s a shame that the top end is a little exaggerated at times.
The soundstage is wider than it is deep, and these have quite an up-front and aggressive sound. Separation is good though, even during more complex mixes.
Conclusion:
The V80 are not a bad IEM for the price technically, with controlled but full lows, a well detailed midrange and extended treble. My issues lies with the fact that the KZ AS10 is not a lot more expensive and offers a much more refined sound signature that is also technically excellent, if not a little soft. The Kinera Sif is also only $37, uses a single dynamic driver, and has excellent treble that isn’t harsh and is much easier to enjoy. So overall the V80 are good for the price but I personally would get the KZ AS10 or Kinera Sif.
Sound Perfection Rating: 6/10 (great build and comfort, but the treble is a little harsh and fatiguing)