TRN MT3 Review

I’ve checked out a couple of different IEMs from TRN, including the BAX that I rate it pretty highly. There has been an abundance of affordable IEMs that have made the waves recently, and the MT3 model from TRN is one of the most budget-friendly you can find. At only fifteen dollars, can these simple IEMs make a significant impression?

What You Get

• MT3 earphones
• 2-pin 3.5mm cable
• Ear tips
  • 3 pairs of black tips
  • 3 pairs of white tips

Look and Feel

For such a budget IEM, the MT3 has a nice build. While its shape is pretty basic, its zinc alloy material makes the body of the earphones seem more durable. The shell on the MT3 is well beyond its price point, taking aesthetics from IEMs well outside of this budget. You won’t have to worry about comfort here either, as the MT3 sports an ergonomic design that is naturally in your concha.

Design

The MT3 sports a 10mm dynamic driver with a titanium-coated composite cavity. This design increases the rigidity of the diaphragm, and the dual chamber aims to deliver a much smoother signal flow. You’ll be able to drive these IEMs from any 3.5mm headphone jack.

Soundstage

While the soundstage here is not as noteworthy compared to other IEMs from TRN, it is more than decent for its great price. The imaging is fairly linear and has an average width. Sound elements are placed in a clear stereo field with minimal depth or dimension. However, the performances are still clearly displayed on a flat plain. Lack of significant separation can make mixes appear a little too cluttered, but it never becomes destructive to the overall sound signature.

Low End

This bass is tight and snappy, providing a good punch to transients. Its tone isn’t very sizable, but the timbre is clear and well-articulated. You’ll hear a gripping vibration that establishes a layer of smoothness. With this response, the bass is well-colorized, offering solid textures to the sound signature. In terms of impact, the MT3 might lack body. It doesn’t contain much outward boom, but the clarity is still there.

Mids

There is a clear distinction between different instruments, but their individual performances appear quite thin. Like the bass, you get good clarity, but not much personality in notes. The mids open up the most out of any region of the sound signature and leave room for a well-communicated mix. However, the MT3 doesn’t take the fullest advantage of its space, leaving most elements lacking texture and fullness.

Highs

In the highs, the sound signature starts to get a bit more energetic. I’m more inclined to enjoy a bit more brightness in my treble than others, so I get if the highs here get a little harsh for some listeners. Otherwise, the highs don’t extend all the much outside of some colorful tones here and there.

Summary

There isn’t much to admire about the sound quality of the MT3, but you can’t complain much when you see the price. Its best trait is its build, which doesn’t look like a fifteen-dollar IEM at all. It’s a fine IEM, but even spending just a little more will open up many options that I would recommend more. For now, though, the TRN MT3 will do its job if you’re looking for something simple and quick.

The TRN MT3 is available from Linsoul.