TRN IM1 VS KZ Taurus

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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TRN IM1 and KZ Taurus use 1DD+1BA and 2DD driver setups respectively. TRN IM1 costs $22 while KZ Taurus costs $25. KZ Taurus is $3 more expensive. KZ Taurus holds a decisive 1.4-point edge in reviewer scores (4.7 vs 6).

Insights

Metric TRN IM1 KZ Taurus
Bass 4.7 6.5
Mids 4.7 5.7
Treble 4.7 5.9
Details 4.7 5.9
Soundstage 4.7 5.4
Dynamics 4.7 5.1
Tonality 5.5 5.7
Technicalities 5 6.3
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough TRN IM1 and KZ Taurus reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

TRN IM1 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

4.7

Generally Unfavorable


KZ Taurus Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

6

Mixed to Positive


Reviews Comparison

TRN IM1 (more reviews)

TRN IM1 reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 4* * score rescaled + normalized

TRN IM1 reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 5.3 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
C+ Tech

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}


KZ Taurus (more reviews)

KZ Taurus reviewed by Paul Wasabii

Paul Wasabii 6.5 * Score computed by IEMRanking.com
B Tuning
B Tech
Vocal focused 2DD with boosted upper mids and lower treble. Bass shelf has good impact, but stage and upper treble air are typical for the price and it works best at lower volumes. Clear, vivid vocals and a well judged bass shelf with snappy impact for the price. Upper mids dominate at higher volumes, trimming warmth and masking upper treble air; stage is on the small side.
Youtube Video Summary

KZ Taurus is a Keep Hi-Fi exclusive 2DD with dual 8 mm drivers in a horizontal layout, tuned neutral-bright with a clear vocal-focused tilt. Upper mids and lower treble are pushed forward for vivid presence, while a long-glide bass shelf supplies body and a crisp impact; keeping volume modest preserves warmth and balance.

Compared with recent KZ tunings that sit closer to a Harman-style V, Taurus trades big-end excitement for midrange clarity, which also means a more typical stage size and less audible upper-treble air at this price. Vocal tracks benefit most; higher-energy EDM or bass-heavy material will highlight the dominant upper mids, whereas mixed content at lower volumes showcases a clean presentation and solid fundamentals for the money.

Bass: B+ Mids: B Treble: B- Dynamics: B Soundstage: B- Details: B-

Paul Wasabii original ranking

Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
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KZ Taurus reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 5.8 Reviewer Score
C Tuning
B Tech
Sizzly!

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: B Dynamics: C- Soundstage: C+

KZ Taurus reviewed by Kois Archive

Kois Archive 5.2 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
A- Tech
Rating: C- | Value: ⭐ | Gaming: 🎮 | Comfort: 9 sound nice with impedance adapter spicy mid and treble. not vented?

Kois Archive original ranking

Kois Archive Youtube Channel

KZ Taurus reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 6.5 * score rescaled + normalized
6 community members have rated the KZ Taurus at an average of 3.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Generally Favorable.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

TRN IM1 User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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KZ Taurus User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!

TRN IM1 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

5.2

Gaming Grade

C+

KZ Taurus Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.1

Gaming Grade

B

TRN IM1 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B-
  • It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.

Average Technical Grade

C+
  • Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
Gaming C+
Fundamental left/right positioning with limited depth perception. Works for non-competitive gaming but lacks precision.

KZ Taurus Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B-
  • Expect a friendly tonal balance that could use polish but remains inviting. Great for casual listening, less so for purists.

Average Technical Grade

B
  • Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
Bass B+
Expect a solid thump that keeps the rhythm engaging yet controlled. Sub-bass presence is supportive, not overwhelming.
Mids B-
The mids are solid and dependable, though not especially remarkable. Vocals stay reasonably grounded in the mix.
Treble B-
Treble is decent, offering acceptable extension without harshness. It balances presence with a touch of restraint.
Dynamics C+
It offers fair punch and contrast, though micro-dynamics could be sharper. Impact is satisfying for day-to-day use.
Soundstage C+
The image breathes a little, spacing instruments laterally while sketching a light sense of distance. Separation improves with cleaner recordings.
Details B-
The mix feels articulate, yet the tiniest ripples don't always sparkle. Background ambience is reasonably clear.
Gaming B
Decent spatial awareness for fundamental positioning. Creates satisfying atmosphere in story-driven games while handling basic directional cues.

TRN IM1 User Reviews

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KZ Taurus User Reviews

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