TRN-VX Modding: Antidote to the Venom

May 29, 2020 KopiOkaya (Singapore)

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes]

I have mentioned on Audioreviews.org Facebook group that I do not wish to do a full review on the TRN-VX. Instead, I will let my sharp-eared colleagues do the honours. The reasons are… First, being one of the tuner of this 7-driver hybrid earphone, I don’t want to contradict myself in any way possible. Secondly, it isn’t to anybody’s interest if I proclaimed it to be the next best thing since sliced bread. And finally, if I do pass any negative remarks, it makes me look like I am trying to bail myself out with lame excuses. Therefore, I will just highlight some of its deficiencies and how they can be overcome and improved without complicated modifications.

The idea of taming upper midrange/treble peaks with 3M micropore tape goes back to super best audio friend/head-fier james444. We have covered it in detail in our modding 101 section.

Harsh treble

This characteristic is nothing new to many TRN aficionados. Almost every V-series flagship earphone since V80 has inherited this 8KHz peak! This peak can be lowered using parametric equaliser or PEQ app at 8Khz with a Q-factor of between 2.5-3.0. I use Toneboosters EQ (an auxiliary add-on for USB Audio Player Pro app) on Android and Peace EQ on Windows.

Brittle or ‘glassy” upper-midrange

I have introduced the 3M Micropore tape mod to our Facebook group, and I will reiterate it again. The logic behind this is simple. Out of the VX’s 7 BAs, 2 of them are located inside the nozzle. These two BAs are aiming directly into your eardrums. 3M Micropore tape acts like a filter and damping material that reduces sound energy to your ears by couple of decibels.

Tip tips

Most IEM benefits from rolling eartips, VX is no exception. I was experimenting with various silicone eartips and I have good success with Final Audio Type E, JVC Spiral Dot, Azla Sedna EarFits Light, Canal Works CW dual nozzle and SpinFit CP-145. Reversed KZ Starlight eartips thin midrange further so I don’t recommend using it.

Traditional snake oil remedy – cable

TRN-VX seems to be more cable sensitive than its predecessors, thus I have added this section to make all the cable skeptics scream in protest. When TRN sent out their samples, they have included their latest T4 OCC copper cable in the bundle. Frankly, this cable brings out the worst of the VX. It is both lean and harsh. Jurgen and I have good success with the $8 Yinyoo 8-core OFC copper cable. Just avoid any cable made of OCC, silver-plated or pure silver that tends to add glare to the already-bright earphone.

De-toxification?
The tuning of TRN-VX isn’t completely toxic. If you could overlook the harsh and willing to do a bit of DIY mods, experiment with eartips and cables, it is actually quite a good IEM for US$70. Bass is responsive, textured and clean. Resolution is exceptional at this price point. Spatial perception is open, airy with good extension. Its timbre is probably the best of all the TRN models, thanks to the new 10mm dynamic drivers.

Thus, when Vannak Pech claimed that “TRN- VX can spoil your hearing”… Inside my little mind, I told myself “Yeah… Literally!”

Enjoy the music!

OUR TRN-VX REVIEWS

TRN-VX Review I – Technical Knockout

TRN-VX Review II – Poison Ivy

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

Author

KopiOkaya (Singapore)
A Head-Fier since 2008, KopiOkaya is a name that often prompts the question: "Who are you?" His typical response: "Just a nobody." Yet this "nobody" has a history with audio stretching back to the mid-1970s, when his father brought home a Sansui-Luxman-Coral system. He was instantly captivated, and his passion began. Formerly a news journalist, he is now a freelance writer and occasional multimedia producer, seeking to shift his focus to his true love: hi-fi audio. Over the years, Kopi amassed considerable high-end equipment and accessories, until 2009, when he discovered Chi-Fi (Chinese HiFi). This was a revelation; the sound he'd been searching for, despite having spent thousands on established, highly-rated brands. He sold almost everything (keeping a few choice cables) and significantly scaled back his setup. So, who is KopiOkaya? In Singapore, where he is based, "kopi O" is strong black coffee, and "kaya" is a sweet coconut-based spread often served with toast for breakfast across Southeast Asia, which is no surprise, his favourite meal to start the day.
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