Closer Examination

Not much is known about the cable that comes with the Tripowin TC-01, and it is also different from the brand's own aftermarket replacement cables—Zonie, C8, or NuCool. Since Tripowin mentions all three as options for users to replace the stock cable as needed, it would be logical to assume it is at most similar in quality to the least expensive Zonie cable, which in turn is a 16-core silver-plated copper cable. As such, I presume standard gauge-size copper wiring without any silver plating and polyurethane for insulation to have been used. It does the job plenty fine with a measured end-to-end electrical resistance of just 1.6 Ω, so this won't be a bottleneck unless you really believe in the psychoacoustics of cables affecting the sound signature. The cable begins with a 3.5 mm TRS connector that is gold-plated for oxidation resistance and comes inside a plastic cover for protection. Braiding and sleeving are both about average in thickness and feel durable enough, and we have a four-strand cable of two per channel here. The housing on the TRS connector is metallic, and more metal supports are placed throughout, including at the splitter alongside a side cable cinch. We then see a see-through plastic sheathing towards the other end helping with the memory wire design that then terminates in two 0.78 mm 2-pin connectors. The housings have a colored base (transparent for left, red for right) to denote which channel the plugs go to.


Welcome to the most reflective earphones we have ever covered. In fact, I've gone and edited my reflections out to a degree even after being careful not to get them in the mirror finish given to the metal shells. The purple version also has a polished surface; however, based on the stock photos online, it is nowhere near as reflective. The use of an all-metal shell coupled with the high degree of polish throughout really makes this look and feel more premium than its cost. This also adds some heft to the ear buds, which weigh in at around 9.5 g each.


Further adding to the feeling of heft is that these IEM shells are also tiny relative to most others, on par with the Campfire Audio Honeydew and Satsuma in size, which are also single-driver units. This results in higher-density IEMs that come off more like a miniaturized Ikko OH10 with a very different face plate design. In fact, we only see the Tripowin logo etched into the face plate across both ear buds. The shell housing clearly consists of two pieces, with a cutout between the parts accommodating the 2-pin connector that is flush with the shell. There are two vents on each bud, and we will soon see how these affect isolation. The nozzle is a separate piece from the rest of the shell and ends up quite stubby with a large notch on either side that is ~4.5 mm wide at the operating width. There is what at least appears to be a replaceable metal filter insert on the end to minimize dust and other contaminants getting inside the acoustic chamber.


Fitting the ear tips is extremely simple given the nozzle is not very wide and shaped to naturally hold the ear tip bore in place. The ear tips don't even need to be folded back—I only did so to show how it looks properly installed. Be sure to try the different provided tips since it is a completely personal preference dependent on ear size and shape, as well as your ear canal angle relative to the concha.


Once you have your ear tips, re-connect the cable by carefully pushing the 2-pin connectors back in place while making sure the correct channels are matched with the pins going in the right way for the memory wiring around the back of your ears. The 3.5 mm TRS connector then goes to your source. I know there are many who prefer to use IEMs throughout, but I like to use over-ear headphones when sitting down and IEMs/TWS earbuds on the go. As such, in the absence of other options at this time, I chose to use them primarily with my trusty FiiO E17.