TRN IM1 VS KZ Duonic

The TRN IM1 is a budget 1DD+1BA hybrid with detachable 0.75 mm 2-pin connectors and a lightweight, custom-style shell. Specs list a single 8 mm dynamic driver plus a balanced armature per side, aligned with retailer and review listings . Typical street pricing sits in the low-$20s, keeping it in entry-level territory . :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Sonically, the IM1 leans V-shaped: punchy, elevated bass with lively treble, while the midrange sits a touch behind. Review measurements and notes point to audible mid-bass bleed and occasional sibilance on hot recordings, though detail in the upper range is present for the class . Community impressions broadly match: energetic, fun tuning with a smooth-ish but sometimes spicy top end for the price . :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Technicalities are serviceable: staging and separation are average, but isolation is strong and the fit is stable and comfortable for long sessions—useful traits at this price . If a neutral/Harman balance is the goal, the bass emphasis will feel overdone; if a budget “fun” set for pop and EDM is needed, the IM1 remains a viable nostalgic pick. Just be aware of the treble peaks and bass coloration before diving in. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The KZ Duonic is a budget hybrid that combines a tri-magnetic planar “Flux3” driver with an 8 mm super-linear dynamic, an unusual recipe at this price. KZ markets the pairing as an “acoustic fusion” aimed at clear mids/highs from the planar plus bass reinforcement from the DD, with gaming-oriented spatial cues in mind.

Street pricing sits in the ~$18–25 range depending on version (no-switch, with tuning switches, and a “bass improved” variant), which makes the Duonic firmly entry-level; those variants may yield small shifts in balance, so expectations should account for unit/version differences. Listings from KZ’s store and major retailers also reinforce the hybrid planar+DD design and entry-tier positioning.

Early community impressions suggest a U-shaped tilt—bass emphasis with a tamer lower treble and some upper-treble lift—akin to KZ’s recent budget tunings, which can read lively but may sound lean through the mids and average in staging/detail for the class. Given the cost and configuration, performance expectations are reasonable: engaging bass for the price, competent detail, and imaging/stage that remain typical of the sub-$30 bracket rather than class-leading.

Super* Review original ranking