Review of TRN Black Pearl: Portable USB DAC & Headphone Amp with 10-band PEQ

[ziggurcat]

I really doubt they'd give me the older version tbh. The item on the shop doesn't also give you the option to choose the older or the newer one so basically I have just to take their word for it. Also now that I think about it, it would be quite a pain in the butt to undergo the return process if they'll send me the newer one(which very likely will happen) so I'm not sure if I should still go for it...

I would just order from Amazon instead as it is so much easier to return if there's something wrong. I got mine from the Fanmusic "brand", but it is sold by Shenzhenaudio/shipped from Amazon.

 

[amanieux]

how does black pearl good numbers compares with snowsky melody that is very close in price and specs

 

[KDRN]

 

[CedarX]

View attachment 506346

So, they screwed-up… The good thing is they admit it and are willing to fix it!

If it were me, I’ll have a talk with the product line manager and asked why they thought it was ok to have two different products (because that’s what it is…) sharing the exact same name... At a minimum, they could have used “Black Pearl Lite” or “Grey Pearl” or “Fake Pearl”…

 

[ziggurcat]

how does black pearl good numbers compares with snowsky melody that is very close in price and specs

I also have a Snowsky, but because I am on iOS/MacOS, there is no way for me to actually change any settings (like disable DRE) without an Android device to do that. I can only apply PEQ from the web-based Control app. It's definitely a lot prettier, and much lighter, but being locked out of the settings is a non-starter. It sounded just fine even with the DRE enabled in my very brief listening test (my phone has a Lightning port, so I had to also get a Lightning to USB-C OTG cable to get it to work with my phone).

 

[ziggurcat]

So, they screwed-up… The good thing is they admit it and are willing to fix it!

If it were me, I’ll have a talk with the product line manager and asked why they thought it was ok to have two different products (because that’s what it is…) sharing the exact same name... At a minimum, they could have used “Black Pearl Lite” or “Grey Pearl” or “Fake Pearl”…

They should either create a new store page for that specific SKU or add it as a "color" option in Amazon's/AliExpress' TRN BP site page.

This is still yet another different answer, though, and they clearly lied to the people who asked them about the different PCB configuration.

 

[mc.god]

They should either create a new store page for that specific SKU or add it as a "color" option in Amazon's/AliExpress' TRN BP site page.

This is still yet another different answer, though, and they clearly lied to the people who asked them about the different PCB configuration.

Yes, that explanation is miserable, pointing out to user suggestion... Why one would want a Black Pearl without PEQ, and without call support? Get a Sonata BHD and be happy for that. I made some good deals with TRN stuff in the past, T-tips are great and cheap, T2 Pro is a nice modular cable for cheap during promotions, Black Pearl tempted me several times, but hey, now this is pathetic

 

[JeffGB]

I believe that TRN has already realized what a mess this has made, but I am happy that they have found out what happened and are correcting the error. I'm very happy with the two correct versions I have so I won't be put off another product by them if something comes along that is interesting. If they hadn't followed up I wouldn't buy from them again.

 

[ziggurcat]

I believe that TRN has already realized what a mess this has made, but I am happy that they have found out what happened and are correcting the error. I'm very happy with the two correct versions I have so I won't be put off another product by them if something comes along that is interesting. If they hadn't followed up I wouldn't buy from them again.

Why didn't they just come out by saying that there's going to be two different SKUs, then? They told one person that the HW was just revised, then they basically told someone that they redesigned the device because of "local laws" (which is not really a thing, AFAIK), and will release an update to the app to be able to use PEQ, etc... then they told one person that they had to specify which version at checkout (which wasn't actually possible), and now they're saying they accidentally sent out a low-priced SKU that isn't even advertised anywhere (not even their own website).

I've got no problem keeping mine because it works perfectly fine, but I will likely look elsewhere if I have to replace it at any point.

 

[CedarX]

because of "local laws" (which is not really a thing, AFAIK)

From my little experience dealing with Chinese companies at work: “local laws” may very well be “local requirements” or “local requests”, or “local demand”...
The languages are so different!

 

[hifiperser]

Hi, I‘m new here and hope I can find help / advise here. I own the Black Pearl aswell, using it mainly for my Audio Technica M50x to have it EQed to Harman an all my devices (iPhone / MacBook Pro / Dell Work Notebook). Complete Gamechanger for me!

Looking to upgrade my Headphones to Over Ear Open Back Headphones as an alternative, due to Tinnitus because of hearing loss, IEMs and Closed Back might not be the best options. Have searched a lot and the Sennheiser HD560s / HD550 and HD600 are on my list / budget up to 300€ (6xx not available in Germany). Will the black pearl drive those? For 5xx I‘m sure but for 600 incl. EQ? Can’t do the math here as I am new to the rabbit hole

 

[Toni71]

One HD650 at the office. One HD650 and a HD600 at home. Two Black Pearl amps. Very happy with this setup. Both balanced and single ended work fine.

 

[hifiperser]

Great to hear, might I ask you @Toni71 to try the black pearl with this high pregain reductions? Do they still perform?

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

Which one do you prefer as you have both? I guess the 650?

 

[Toni71]

The 650 is preferred. When I bought both, I struggled to hear the difference. The hd650 is somewhat more warm sounding. Excuse me for this subjective description.

I am not a headphone guru and don't want to sound like a wannabe Superman (audiophile) who can hear the air between the instruments and pinpoint the high hats on the stage, while they can hear what the musician is wearing.

Because, I am to lazy, to change them, I let the HD600 plugged in my digital piano.

If you like warmth. The 599 is cheaper. An easy listening headphone.

Both are nice headphones.Tommorow, I will listen to your music files on my pc. I do have to warn you though, if my music standards are touched in a negative way, I do have to invoice my time to you. Only good music, is free to pass my ear drums.

 

[hifiperser]

Haha these are no music files, these are PEQ Values for the HD600 and 650, because they have a high negative PreGain I am interested if these still can make the HP shine

Also reading about the 550 which seems also to be a valid Sennheiser Option though

 

[Toni71]

My apologies, I don't use eq with the Black Pearl. Sorry, I don't even want to take the time to 'play' with eq. I can't help you with that. Too much time for me wasted in a last live with testing such things. Even if the outcome was better. I'll hope you can understand...

 

[hifiperser]

Of course, I respect that!

 

[IsaacOscar]

Haha these are no music files, these are PEQ Values for the HD600 and 650, because they have a high negative PreGain I am interested if these still can make the HP shine

Also reading about the 550 which seems also to be a valid Sennheiser Option though

I've tried both the 560s and 599 SE. The 599 SE had a ridiculously boomy base I had to return them. The 560s was very neutral, but I'm sticking to my old discontinued 558.
The HD 550/600/650 are too much for me to risk making a mistake and getting worse sounding headphones though (I'm very picky...)

 

[MaxwellsEq]

Headphone comparisons and reviews are a bit off-topic.

 

[IsaacOscar]

Again, below is a list of issues with TRN Black Pearl that I found (or remain) after the recent firmware (V0.4) and app updates were applied:

1. EQ Effect apply to device: There is an issue with the web app applying an EQ setting (either a default or custom setting) to the device. An EQ setting chosen in the web app is not saved to the device even after clicking on the “apply” button, and cannot be read by the Android app.—pending
2. EQ Effect shelving filters: The Low-shelf filter’s Q factor shows a correct effect on the EQ Curve but actually applies a wrong Q value. Specifically, it seems to interpret user’s Q factor input as a “shelf slope” or S parameter. For example, to have an effect of Q = 0.707, the user have to enter Q = 1.0. Note that the Q factor has a clear, technical definition. It should not be mistaken as the S parameter. The High-shelf filter has the same problem, except that the Q factor’s effect is wrong even on the EQ Curve on the app.—needs to be solved
3. EQ Effect Gain: This is not an issue but a suggestion. Currently, the range of a Peak or a Shelf filter’s gain adjustment is -10 to +10 dB. This is generally too narrow. I suggest increasing the range to either -12 to +12 dB or -15 to +15 dB.—suggested

I sent this list to the WalkPlay team. Let's see how quickly they will react this time.

EDIT. To avoid confusion, note that the first issue is not a big problem since the app has no problem retrieving an EQ preset selected previously within each app type. The issue is only when the Android app tries to read a preset applied by the web app.

I read somewhere else on this thread that there's a v0.5 firmware now. Can anyone confirm if these issues have been fixed?