Overview

The TRN Kirin is a 14.5 mm planar magnetic in-ear monitor released in 2022. It features CNC-machined magnesium-alloy shells, three interchangeable tuning nozzles (transparent/reference/atmospheric), and an 8-core silver-plated OFC cable with swappable 3.5 / 2.5 / 4.4 mm plugs. Official specs list 7 Hz–40 kHz response, 32 Ω impedance, and 106 dB sensitivity [1][5].

Scientific Validity

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Independent data remains limited to frequency-response impressions; there are no published third-party THD, crosstalk, or isolation measurements for Kirin. Credible measurements show a mildly V-shaped tuning with mid-bass emphasis and lower-treble relaxed but an ~8 kHz peak; upper treble is extended but detail retrieval is average for the class [2]. With no verified distortion/isolation numbers and FR deviating from neutral targets, the scientific case is average. Manufacturer specs are noted as reference only [1][5].

Technology Level

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Kirin implements a conventional single planar magnetic driver with standard neodymium motor and magnesium-alloy chassis. The removable filters and modular plugs are practical but not novel. No evidence of advanced motor topology, published patents, or measurable breakthroughs beyond typical planar IEM execution was found in primary sources [1][5].

Cost-Performance

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Current market price (review date): 129.80 USD (Linsoul) [5].
Cheapest equal-or-better comparator: MOONDROP MAY at 74.99 USD (official list) [3]. It provides equal or greater user-visible capability—wired IEM with detachable 0.78-2-pin cable—and includes an interactive USB-C DSP cable. Official specs list THD ≤ 0.05%, 30 Ω, 120 dB/Vrms, and 7–39 kHz response; third-party measurements show FR that can be aligned closer to target via DSP than Kirin’s stock response [4][2].
Computation (explicit): 74.99 USD ÷ 129.80 USD = 0.578 → 0.6 (rounded to one decimal).

Notes: Other relevant options include LETSHUOER S12 (planar, 149 USD) and TinHiFi P1 Max (planar, from 129 USD), both broadly comparable in capability; neither is cheaper than MAY at review time [6][7].

Reliability & Support

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Distribution via major retailers (e.g., Linsoul) includes 1-year IEM warranty (cable 3 months) and standard 30-day return policy; global availability is stable [5]. No consolidated failure-rate data or long-term reliability studies are published. As a passive IEM, firmware support is inapplicable.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The design prioritizes traditional audiophile features (planar driver, metal shells, tuning filters) over measurement-driven neutrality. The modular connectors are rational for usability, but the stock FR’s mid-bass lift and 8 kHz peak trade neutrality for subjective flavor, with no evidence of objectively superior distortion or isolation [2][5]. Overall, the approach is conventional rather than measurement-optimized.

Advice

Kirin is well-built and comfortable with useful modularity, but its measurement profile and lack of independent distortion/isolation data limit its scientific appeal. For a better objective package at a lower price, MOONDROP MAY offers verifiable low-distortion specs and DSP-assisted FR control at 74.99 USD [3][4]. If you prefer a pure analog planar, consider LETSHUOER S12 (149 USD) or TinHiFi P1 Max (from 129 USD) as alternatives with broadly similar capability [6][7]. Unless the Kirin’s accessories and styling are must-haves, the above options deliver stronger value.

References

[1] TRN. “TRN Kirin” (official). https://trn-audio.com/trn-kirin.html. Accessed 2025-08-14. Specs; interchangeable nozzles; plugs.

[2] Prime Audio Reviews. “TRN Kirin Planar Magnetic IEM Review.” https://primeaudio.org/trn-kirin-planar-magnetic-iem-review/. Published 2022-09-04; accessed 2025-08-14. FR shape (mid-bass lift, ~8 kHz feature), package contents.

[3] MOONDROP. “IEMs – MOONDROP MAY DSP In-Ear Monitor — 74.99 USD.” https://moondroplab.com/en/iems. Accessed 2025-08-14. Official list price.

[4] MOONDROP. “MOONDROP MAY DSP In-Ear Monitor (specifications).” https://moondroplab.com/en/products/may. Accessed 2025-08-14. 10 mm sapphire DD + 6 mm planar; THD ≤ 0.05%; FR 7–39 kHz; 0.78-2-pin + USB-C DSP cable.

[5] Linsoul. “TRN Kirin Nano-grade Planar Magnetic Driver IEMs.” https://www.linsoul.com/products/trn-kirin. Accessed 2025-08-14. Price 129.80 USD; magnesium alloy; swappable 3.5/2.5/4.4; warranty terms.

[6] Linsoul. “LETSHUOER S12.” https://www.linsoul.com/products/shuoer-s12. Accessed 2025-08-14. Price 149 USD; 14.8 mm planar.

[7] TinHiFi. “P1 Max (Big Panda).” https://www.tinhifi.com/products/tinhifi-p1-max. Accessed 2025-08-14. From 129 USD; 14.2 mm planar; basic specs.

(2025.8.14)