TRN Dolphin IEM Earbuds, 10mm Dual-Magnetic Dynami - REVIEW - B0H5JBDDYX

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{"reviewBody":"𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗟𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧:\n✓ Extended treble response without becoming splashy\n✓ Bass is very controlled, only shows up when needed\n✓ Overall well tuned driver with natural sounding timbre\n✓ Premium metal build and design, reminiscent of IKKO OH10\n✓ DIRT CHEAP!!\n\n𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗟𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦𝗡'𝗧 𝗗𝗢:\n✗ Mid-range presence; this is a blatantly V-shaped set\n\nＭＡＩＮ ＲＥＶＩＥＷ ↴\nGod. \nAs someone who grew up in what I'd call \"the glory days of chi-fi\" (2016-2020), I remember back when budget IEMs used to either suck a** or punch way above its price point. There was no middle ground. Nowadays though it feels like most budget IEMs have plateaued in this area where it's great, but it never punches above that. They've been playing it safe is what I'm saying.\n\nI have to say though, the TRN Dolphin reminds me a bit of the glory days. I've had a decades' worth of experience cultivating my chi-fi collection. I've listened to bad sets, horrible sets, mediocre sets, great sets, and sets that are genuinely unique. The Dolphin strikes me as a set that finally departs a bit from that 'soporific' sound, and I'll tell you why. \n\n𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗕𝗟𝗘\nBecause it has some of the most extended treble responses I've heard from a budget IEM. And I'm not talking about a simple increase in gain; \"fake detail\" so to speak. The driver really does do a great job at rendering the micro-details of upper harmonics in stuff like saw synths, stringed instruments, the raspiness of a woodwind, etc. Transients are sharp and nimble enough to not leave you with any sibilant-induced headaches. This is IMO the way to go when it comes to treble tuning. Some might find it a bit too much, but this is precisely what makes the Dolphin stand out. And timbre-wise it sounds very natural and transparent. I've heard sets where the treble not only is bright, but is tuned in such a way where it just sounds 𝙤𝙛𝙛. The Treble on the Dolphin however is as right as rain. I genuinely do think the treble on the Dolphin is worthy of praise and I think most people would find it enjoyable especially in light acoustic or synth-heavy genres.\n\n𝗠𝗜𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘\nThe Dolphin's only weakness are its midrange frequencies; it's a bit \"valleyed\" out, hence the title of this review. This is not a bad thing, mind you. The fact is that TRN clearly meant the Dolphin to be as V-shaped as possible in terms of sound signature. And it works. In genres like acoustic or jazz, I don't need much midrange presence there. And I'm certain this is the preferred signature for the majority of non-audiophile people. Despite the dip, the midrange frequencies themselves sound quite natural for the most part.\n\n𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗦\nThe lows on this set aren't that emphasized. Bassheads look away. It however has some of the most controlled bass response especially for a budget-oriented set. It has a moderately fast decay that digs adequately deep with a decent amount of texture to it. Nothing sterile sounding, just controlled.\n\n𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 \nThe soundstage is not large by any means, but there is a noticeable sense of space and instrument separation likely thanks to the extended treble. It is definitely more roomy compared to other budget IEMs in this price range. Macro dynamics are great considering that the two extreme ends have great extension.\n\nＣＯＭＰＡＲＩＳＯＮＳ\n\n𝗜𝗞𝗞𝗢 𝗢𝗛𝟭𝟬 — I swear, the Dolphin is literally the ultra budget version of the IKKO OH10. Same fancy metal shell design, same fun v-shaped tuning. $200 less. Though I will say, OH10 has a much beefier and energetic bass response. Also even better treble extension that's more cleaner sounding. Technicalities, well of course a $$$ driver will perform much better than a $$ one.\n\n𝗖𝗖𝗭 𝗠𝗖𝟬𝟮 — This one is a more relevant comparison. Same price range, slightly cheaper. Came out  last month. But the MC02 isn't even in the same league as the Dolphin. Sounds considerably less refined and unique. The MC02 is precisely the \"soporific sound\" I was mentioning earlier. The Dolphin beats the MC02 in every regard. \n\n𝗞𝗭 𝗘𝗗𝟵 𝗣𝗿𝗼 — Ah yes, finally an equal. The ED9 Pro's are my benchmark for all budget IEMs. Costing around $10-14, they undercut the Dolphin considerably. In terms of midrange, the ED9 Pro absolutely destroys the Dolphin. It honestly destroys 98% of all budget IEMs. Dolphin has the more detailed and extended treble. \n\nＶＥＲＤＩＣＴ ↴\nI have to say, overall I'm impressed. TRN has knocked it out of the ballpark with this one. Historically, TRN has come a long way since their IEM journey around 2017. They started off releasing IEMs that were considered good, but were tuned very poorly. Now I feel like I am listening to a properly tuned set. The LCP drivers are definitely high quality. And all this for $31? Sheeeeeesh.","reviewTitle":"★★★★½ — Valley of Excellence","asin":"B0H5JBDDYX","productTitle":"TRN Dolphin IEM Earbuds, 10mm Dual-Magnetic Dynamic Driver, 2nd-Gen LCP | Dual-Cavity Design, Liquid-Metal Shell, Silver-Plated OFC Cable, Deep Bass, Natural Sound, HIFI In Ear Monitor for Musicians","images":[],"savedAt":"2026-09-03T20:40:32.709Z"}