Tanchjim Kara

Intro


TANCHJIM KARA is an in-ear monitor (IEM) known for its exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship. It features a unique hybrid driver configuration, combining a 1 dynamic driver with 4 balanced armature drivers to deliver a natural, rich, lush sound signature across the frequency spectrum.


Disclaimer


I would like to thank Tanchjim for providing a unit for me. My opinions are unbiased, and I haven't been influenced or instructed to praise these IEMs. Every detail in this review is actual experience made by listening for hours everyday.




Specification

• Driver Type: 1DDD 9mm with PEEK+PU diaphragm, 1 composite BA driver for mid and high frequencies Sonion 2389D, 1 composite BA driver for ultra high frequencies designed by Tanchjim.
• Frequency response: 7Hz - 40kHz.
• Sensitivity: 115dB/Vrms.
• Impedance: 27Ω±10%.
• THD: < 0.8%@1kHz.
• Drive Unit: DMT 3 Ultra.
• Jack Connector: SE 3.5m gold-plated.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm
• Cable: Oxygen-free Litz 6N copper wire.
• Cable Length: 1.25m.

Build and Comfort


The build quality of the TANCHJIM KARA is often praised, featuring a sturdy shell with an elegant and transparent design. The fit is comfortable for extended listening sessions, thanks to the lightweight and ergonomic shape and various ear tip options included in the package.




Sound Aspects


Source used :


Realme 9 Pro

Jcally AP7

Ibasso DC04 pro


This iems spend 30-40 hours of burn in before taking details of this review


Bass

The kara is sub-bass focused. The sub-bass has a good impact. There is texture, and decay, creating an engaging yet controlled sense of impact. The mid-bass is less prominent but still have enough to provide some warmth, texture, and punch to the sound. The bass is have smooth and organic presentation. It does not bleed into the midrange.

Midrange

The mids is its forte. As it showcases its warm centric tuning, and its in showcasing its vocals with lush presentation and acoustic instruments, especially guitar. The midrange is smooth and natural sounding with better clarity when paired with right sources. The mids are forward, especially the upper mids which give to the female vocals with more emotions whereas the lower mids are slightly recessed where male vocals are less prominent.

Treble

The treble is relaxed and smooth, with no signs of sibilance or harshness. It has not enough sparkle and air. It is not very energetic or lively, but rather laid-back safe tuning and easy-going. It complements the warm mids and supporting the strong sub-bass, creating a empirical and musical sound.


Technicalities


The imaging is good, with a clear and accurate placement of instruments and vocals within the soundstage.
The soundstage is not very wide or spacious, but rather average in its price point.The depth and height are decent, but not exceptional. The separation and layering of instruments are also good, but does not have special about. It does not have a holographic or immersive sound, but rather decent one.






Conclusion

Overall, the TANCHJIM KARA is highly regarded for its combination of premium build, comfort, and good musical sound profile. Whether you're an audiophile seeking accurate sound reproduction or a casual listener looking to elevate your music experience, the KARA delivers an impressive performance and comfort for long listening session.

I purchased this product myself with the intention of writing an independent review. I listened to it for about 100 hours before writing a review. Tanchjim is a company that has both lovers and haters. Let's see what Kara promises us.

Specs
SENSITIVITY: 115dB/rms
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 7-40kHz
THD: <0.8%@1kHz
DRIVE UNIT: DMT 3 Ultra
IMPEDANCE: 27Ω±10%
PIN SPECIFICATION: gold-plated straight pin
DIAPHRAGM: PEEK+PU
WIRE SPECIFICATIONS: 1.25m 3.5MM 0.78PIN
CONDUCTOR: Litz oxygen-free copper wire




Build

Excellent.

The simple box presents its contents with good presentation and quality. Standard but good cable. Tips enough. A quality case (usage habits are individual).

It looks very nice. The resin shell is both small and sturdy. It's quite reassuring. The weakest link here is the plastic cover, which raises a little suspicion.

This cable is identified with tanchjim. I don't have many comments for the cable, I like it.

The fit is quite nice, the nozzle is a little long but the small shells make up for it.

Sound

Let me say this from the beginning, this is hard to drive. I recommend pairing this with amps that deliver over 140 mW at 32 ohms.

There is a sound not far from the Tanchjim line. The mids take the lead; There is a sound where the feeling of vocals, string instruments and drums are beautiful. There is revival in the area where the upper mids and lower trebles meet. This revival crushes the upper treble a bit.

The soundstage is not very large and there is a quiet background. Separation in sound is generally good.

The bass is extremely controlled and somewhat punchy. It is not very strong, but it makes itself felt. The sub is located slightly in front of the midbass. Distortion is low and speed is high but it's not considered tight, it's natural. It is clean and shows extension when necessary. Not very prominent so it's not recommended for bassheads. In terms of resolution, it is normal for its price. Separation is standard here

The lower mids remain below the upper mids. Female vocals sound more resolution than male vocals. What stands out most in the midrange is the wonderful feel of stringed instruments, and specifically the guitar. The sad thing is that despite the good resolution, there is a lack of micro detail in the midrange. Exactly, details are good, micro details are poor. On the other hand, the nice thing is that the mids have good separation.

The highest mids are the explosion point of energy. Now that's a real Tanchjim touch. It's up to you whether you like it or not.

Trebles are not analytical and have very slight extension, is relaxed and ideal for long listening. The resolution of the treble is average for the price and separation is still good. Lower trebles are in front of the upper trebles. There is a slight roll-off at 10khz and sounds a little soft. There isn't much detail here, but I think it's enough unless you're doing critical listening. So actually not that bad the treble completes presentation and the cymbal performance is not bad.

There is no extremely soft treble, I invite those who say it is soft to listen to Astrotec Volans and any Final Audio.

Let's come to the conclusion. It is very suitable for daily listening and I think it is a very reasonable iem for its price.

Today I'm going to talk about my experience with the Tanchjim Kara.
The Kara is a hybrid IEM with one dynamic and four balanced armatures, this is a complex configuration that has been popular as of late. Such IEM as Joyodio VZ10, Simgot EM6L, Truethear Nova, Yanyin Canon and a few others off the top of my head. The Kara comes in at around $140-180 depending on the vendor, so its not the most expensive but more in the middle range when considering a ten-driver hybrid.
I'm not going to bore you with the box, it's a sturdy box and has good information and graphics, nuff said.
Inside that box one finds two sets of tips and they come in three sizes, a very large rounded white case, it is more than adequate to store the IEM and tip with room for a dongle or Bluetooth amplifier of smaller proportions. You will also find a thin but nice-looking quality cable, it is 3.5mm and a standard two pin 0.78mm, similar to many Tanchjim cables in thickness. It is made from LITS with anti-oxidization structure and made from oxygen free copper with silver plating. The Kara is a smaller/ Medium sized IEM so it was comfortable for long use, isolation was average.
Overall construction is entirely Resin with the back being transparent and the front plate opacity giving it an almost ICE looking affect. This unit was sent to me from Apos to test out and give my honest opinion as always, I'm not paid or influenced, just a guy who has listened to thousands of IEM over the years. https://apos.audio/products/tanchjim-kara-hybrid-iem

Specs:
Sensitivity: 115dB/Vrms
Frequency response: 7-40kHz
THD: <0.8%@1kHz
Drive unit: DMT 3 Ultra
Impedance: 27Ω±10%
Pin specification: Gold-plated straight pin
Diaphragm: Peek+PU
Wire specifications: 1.25m, 3.5mm, 0.78 PIN
Conductor: Litz oxygen-free copper wire


Sound Impressions:
Equipment for reviews from now on will be simple, I will no longer use BT for testing as it can dramatically change the signature and honestly steaming FLAC or ALAC files via Bluetooth kinda defeats the purpose, I'll still use them from my private enjoyment and am awaiting more support for lossless Bluetooth. So, equipment used was the ifi Hip-Dac 3 via the Hibiy music app and Foobar2000 and the Hidizs S9 pro plus, the ifi Gryphon and Questyle M15.

BASS:
As always, I'll start at the bottom and work upwards.
The lower end of the Kara is tuned towards neutral but with the Sub-Bass being more balanced in its presentation. Sub-Bass has a nice, rounded impact with average speed and decay, it is very organic sounding with a smooth detailed and decently textured sound. Mid-Bass is tighter and faster but falls behind the sub-bass and is just shy of neutral. Songs like Imagine Dragons: Bones show off the excellent control the Bass has.

Midrange:
The lower Mids have a mild recession, they present with a fine warmth and body, there is average separation and details are good with some smoothing. Upper Mids are brighter with a nice sense of neutrality. Vocals both male and female are forward and a little before center. Female vocals are energetic with a non in your face distance I can appreciate. While the Mids have a nice tone there can be some thinness to them at times, it's not overly so but will depend on source and music. Ultimately Mids are pleasant and enjoyable without harshness.

Treble:
The highs are well controlled and not intrusive. treble sensitive people take note you will love the Kara.
Treble has a nice amount of sparkle and air but only enough as to add to the natural sounding highs. The details are average with a nice smooth presentation and a fast roll-off. Just enough to keep it from being dull.

Soundstage:
The Kara has a natural field of stage, it surrounds one's head but is not holographic or over boosted. The width is above average, and height and depth are a little smaller. There is good separation and imaging is accurate. I found no fault even on busy recording, so it does a good job here. Listening is more towards a theater sized building and perhaps the middle row.

Afterthoughts:
The Tanchjim Kara is unique among similar hybrids, the Canon is more detailed and has more energy, the Nova is super fun and Bass is emphasized but the Kara has its charm as it is not harsh, peaky or shouty in any way. The Kara can easily be a daily driver and something you keep in all day long it's just that well rounded.