TRN Black Pearl Portable Hi-Fi Digital Audio Decoder 3.5+4.4 Output Dual CS43131 PCM 384kHz 32Bit DSD256 DAC Headphone Amplifier
Audio/IEMs
“The TRN Black Pearl features dual CS43131 DAC chips and a CB5100 USB bridge, delivering high-fidelity audio with excellent measured SINAD and dynamic range. While its hardware performance is top-tier for the portable DAC category, the user experience is significantly hampered by buggy companion app software and aggressive power-saving features.”
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Dual CS43131 DAC chips provide high-fidelity audio with excellent measured dynamic range.
audioreview.frieve.comdual CS43131 DAC chips... Dynamic range reaches 132.7dB
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Onboard 10-band parametric EQ allows for precise frequency response adjustments without external software.
audiosciencereview.comMeasurements show the TRN's onboard PEQ works correctly
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Aggressive idle mode causes the device to clip or mute the start of sounds.
audiosciencereview.comwhenever the DAC is in idle, the start of any short sound is clipped.
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Companion app software fails to correctly apply or save EQ settings to the device.
audiosciencereview.comAn EQ setting chosen in the web app is not saved to the device
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Shelving filters in the EQ app apply double the intended gain value.
audiosciencereview.comLow- and High-shelf filters still apply double the gain set in the app
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It would be nice if they allowed to download a version of their software for Windows.
audiosciencereview.comIt would be nice if they allowed to download a version of their software for Windows.
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Unlike plastic-bodied portable audio devices that can feel flimsy and are prone to damage, the Black Pearl's premium materials offer enhanced durability and a more substantial feel in hand.
hardwareverified.blogUnlike plastic-bodied portable audio devices that can feel flimsy and are prone to damage, the Black Pearl's premium materials offer enhanced durability and a more substantial feel in hand.
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Addicted to Fun and Learning Thread Starter Yes, sure, minor but annoying UI thing - see on the right highlighted - missing way to scroll vertically thru different published preset items (PgDn/PgUp works, but cannot use mouse): !
audiosciencereview.comAddicted to Fun and Learning Thread Starter Yes, sure, minor but annoying UI thing - see on the right highlighted - missing way to scroll vertically thru different published preset items (PgDn/PgUp works, but cannot use mouse): !
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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.
audiosciencereview.comTo 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.