jeromeoflaherty

New Head-Fier
A ‘Futurefi’ IEM at a bargain price
Pros: Excellent DSP implementation
Great pre-built EQ 'Profiles' in easy to use Mobile App
Small comfortable IEM
5 Band PEQ filters for endless tweaking
Cons: Cable quality (not the technology) isn't great (but fine for price)
A slight sub-bass roll off
Distortion might become a problem if EQ pushed too much in the bass

A ‘Futurefi’ IEM at a bargain price​

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This is one of the most pragmatic devices I have bought in the past few years. It is effectively a 2:1 IEM for less than $30, by ‘default’ the Tanchjim One DSP has an excellent sound signature which for the price I would not complain about but then once you open up the App (Android only I am afraid) you have a series of very well specified alternative EQ based 'profiles', effectively giving you lots of variety without needing to get fully into the 'numbers' within the PEQ filters provided.

And then if you feel like you don’t need DSP with the Tanchjim One (which to be honest you don’t as it has an nice warm tuning by default), you can even use the Tanchjim One Cable with other IEM’s to change their sound signatures to your liking using the ‘magic’ powers of PEQ.

Note: I purchased the Tanchjim One DSP from Linsoul for the purposes of this review. If you wish to do the same here is a non-affliated (link)

So is the Tanchjim One DSP the IEM for you, read on to find out …

What’s in the box​

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Upon unboxing, the Tanchjim One DSP Edition reveals an array of thoughtfully selected accessories.
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These include a plush “velvet” bag, the ‘DSP’ cable and two sets of finely crafted tips encompassing a total of seven pairs. The inclusion of the manual and warranty rounds off the essentials, neatly presented.

Design and Build Quality​

The design and build quality of the Tanchjim One Shell is good for this price range but while the cable has amazing technology inside it is not the best quality cable, i imagine Tanchjim will improve the quality and feel of the cable but use and extend upon the technology within the usb-c connector.

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The minimalist design ethos is evident in the metal faceplates, clearly displaying the brand name, while the transparent plastic offers a glimpse into the heart of the device – the 10mm Dynamic Driver.

Remarkably, all of this is offered at a price point under $30 USD, highlighting Tanchjim’s commitment to affordability without compromising on quality. Compared to the Tanchjim Zero, the One boasts an increased percentage of metal in the shell compared to earlier models, detachable cables, and a comfortable fit.

Here is a quick video to show how nice the IEM and where you can see the angle of the nozzle:
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Comfort and Fit​

Comfort and fit have been significantly improved in the Tanchjim One DSP Edition. Gone are the sharp edges of the Zero, replaced with a more rounded and ear-friendly design. This change ensures a comfortable fit, allowing for prolonged listening sessions without discomfort. I liked the slight angled nozzle and the flexibility of wearing the cable either hanging down or wrapped around your ear give the One those options that allow people to find the best fit and comfort for them.

If you do decide to use the cable around your ears (IEM style) make sure to swap the Left / Right IEM’s as you are effectively wearing them ‘upside down’ - see the picture below:

tanchjim one - IEM style Small.jpeg


Sound Quality​

In terms of initial sound impressions, the Tanchjim One DSP Edition offers a surprising auditory journey especially for those unused to EQ and DSP. The DSP cable introduces a new dimension to the sound, with more pronounced sub-bass and a three-dimensional soundstage that adds depth to the audio experience.

The convenience of the DSP, with its compact design and built-in DAC, offers a plug-and-play experience without the need for additional equipment.

Note: For these sound impressions below - I used the ‘Popular’ DSP present - which aligns the One close to the Harman target.

Bass​

Since this is close to the harman target there is a good deep bass and sub-bass with the upper-bass recessed. Subjectively I did feel the sub-bass wasn’t as clean as IEM’s like the Truthear Zero Red but that is more to do with the number of Dynamic drivers within the Truthear Zero Red, but compared to similar priced IEM’s this
has a bass performance that is more than acceptable.

Mids​

The Mid were excellent especially when using this ‘popular’ EQ filter really allowing the vocals to shine and providing excellent tonality with everything I played.

Treble​

While the treble was good with this EQ setting I did think this where the limitation of the 5 available PEQ filters is found a bit wanting (that the EQ presets like ‘Popular’ are made from), I would have like maybe 10 PEQ filters to tweak the treble a little more. I imagine in the next few years we will get similar usb-c ‘DSP cables’ but with a large number of filters.

Soundstage and Imaging​

With the ‘Popular’ present the intimate soundstage is complemented by excellent imaging, tight and controlled bass, a clean and crispy mid-range, and smooth, airy treble. This performance, especially considering the price point, is nothing short of remarkable.

Tanchjim Mobile App and EQ​

The real ‘futurefi’ aspect of this IEM is how well the implementation of the Tanchjim works when saving the EQ settings to the cable.

For those wondering why bother can’t you just EQ on your Smartphone, PC or Mac. There are many advantages when saving a ’tuning’ to an IEM cable:

  1. Single EQ across devices
    Once saved to the device, that profile is then available across all your devices, so while I initially tuned the Tanchjim One DSP on my Android Smartphone, I actually used it extensively accross all my devices including an iPhone 15 Pro Max (due to Apples switch over to usb-c this works great) and my Macbook Pro.
  2. Tuning alternative IEM’s with the cable
    Another key advantage is you can actually use the cable on other IEM’s, simpling changing the profile to your preference
  3. Providing a “systemwide” EQ on IOS
    If you use various music apps on IOS (as I do), you will know there is no systemwide EQ. While some music apps have some EQ while others do not have any, so listening to a cable with ‘built-in’ is a huge advantage.

Android​

To give people a feel for the capabilities of the Mobile App I took a few screenshot to show how easy it is change EQ profiles.

So first the App recognizes the One is connected:

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The clicking on the IEM in the menu you get the list of profiles:

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I mainly used ‘Popular’ but as you will see in the measurements section all these profiles provide excellent and interesting alternative tunings.

Once a EQ profile is picked you can then click the ‘Custom Sound’ option at the end of the list of Profiles and then further tweak the profile:

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You change the Gain on the upper set of 5 sliders and the Q values on the bottom set of sliders.

I would love to see this screen be extended with 10 or more ‘filters’ but the 5 available are an excellent start.

Comparison with other PEQ based Apps​

In the last few months I have been using the PEQ features of many audio products, so here are a few comparisons:

  • Qudelik 5K
    If you are a total PEQ ’nerd’ get a Qudelik 5K as their Mobile App (both Android and IOS) has fantastic control over the PEQ and many other features to play with but IMO it is too complicated for most users and while I still use my 5K I feel other devices have overtaken it in audio quality.
  • FiiO Control
    FiiO application is rapidly improving (both on IOS and Android) but still has many UI quirks and does not offer the simplicity of the presets that Tanchjim offer.
  • Moondrop Free DSP
    While the FreeDSP cable definitely a set up over the Tanchjim usb-c cable, there application is at the time of writing this review a complete mess with confusing UI, odd limitations (e.g. can’t set PEQ for sub-bass or Q values can only be whole numbers). I do like their cable but at the moment it is incredible complicated to get the right settings for your own IEM, though Moondrop does offer some presets what you get with those presets is not obviously from their Application.
  • Soundcore
    Even though it’s only for Soundcore Headphones and IEM’s their Mobile app does at least try to expose enough EQ power (not PEQ though) to compensate for their default ‘bass heavy’ tuning while still offering lots of presents for their headphones and TWS and its one of the best mobile Apps for TWS devices.
Overall, I feel the Tanchjim application is the right balance for most people of simplicity and power, here are my comparisons with other EQ / PEQ applications that ‘save’ their PEQ to their associated device

IOS and MacOS​

Due to some current limitations with iOS, you cannot ‘save’ settings to usb-c devices, so I therefore mainly used the Android version of the Tanchjim Mobile app to switch sound profiles and experiment with the 5-band PEQ offered with the One DSP. I believe this limitation will be removed soon as it is a legacy limitation from the time when Apple ‘controlled’ the ’lightning’ cable connectors.

On a Mac this is how the DAC is exposed when the usb-c cable is connected:
tanchjim - DAC chip.jpg
Though there is no application currently available to configure the EQ filters.

Specifications and Measurements​

Specifications​

The important specifications:

Drivers1 x DD (10mm LCP)
Sensitivity126 dB/Vrms 1kHz
Frequency response7-45Khz
THD<0.062% 1kHz
Driver10mm dynamic driver
Impedance16Ω士10% 1kHz
Cable1.25M 3.5MM 0.78PIN

Measurements​

Npte: For those interested I have published these measurements to the PragmaticAudio Squig [website] (https://pragmaticaudio.squig.link/)

Frequency Response:​

tanchjim-channel-imbalance.jpg
There is a slight channel imbalance of 1db but this affects the bass region so you will not hear an imbalance.

DSP ‘Presets’ Measured:​

I hope this graphs shows the power of the One DSP, each “preset” offers a great alternative frequency response. IMO, this makes the Tanchjim One DSP an amazing first IEM for someone getting into the hobby.

Tanchjim-DSP.jpg


This is the most interesting set of measurements for the Tanchjim One DSP:

  1. Stock Tuning ( using a non-DSP enabled cable)
    This provides a nice ‘warm’ sound for those who like a ‘fuller’ bass, so if that is your preference I suggest swapping the cable with a different IEM and possible tune that other IEM with DSP to your preference
  2. Default This is the default DSP settings without selecting a given profile. Its mostly pretty balanced with a slightly fuller midrange.
  3. Nature
    This tuning is the most dramatic, effectively reducing the bass to allow the midrange and treble to shine.
  4. Balanced
    This as the name implies is a balanced sound - less bass and less treble more midrange focused for a balanced sound
  5. Popular
    This is the one I mainly used it has that ‘harman target’ curve (as you will see below).
  6. Musical
    This one is probably the nearest to my own personal preference as its like the Popular one but with a little less bass and treble. Basically 1/2 way between the Popular (i.e. Harman) and the Balanced ( i.e. Flat ) sound.

Distortion Measurements:​

With the DSP is enabled the 2nd harmonic is quiet high but less than the 1% audible range for ’even’ harmonics. The 3rd harmonic does creep up in the bass region when using the Popular (i.e. Harman ‘bass’) profile. But again the 3rd harmonic is below the 0.1% audibility range of ‘odd’ harmonics.
TanchjimOneDistortion.jpg


The 3rd harmonic while still in-audible distortions is no doubt a side effect of using single Dynamic Driver. Therefore, if Tanchjim used the same technology with more say a double DD (like the Truthear Zero Red) or a DD+BA hybrid the amount of work the single DD has to do would be limited and the distortion levels would go down. But since its below audible thresholds it is not really a concern especially at this price point.

Comparison to the Harman Target:​

As you can see from this graph the “balanced” profile is an excellent match for the Harman IE target with a slight roll off in the sub-bass frequencies:
tanchjim-harman-aligned.jpg


Note: I would like to see a 10 band PEQ in the next generation of these devices as I feel that would help with tweaks in the treble frequency range.

Rating​

I gave One DSP as very pragmatic rating of 4.5 stars as I feel it is a glimpse of the future. I feel Tanchjim will ultimately release more expensive models with a better quality cable, more or upgraded drivers and an upgraded DSP with a 10 band PEQ but for less than $30 the One DSP is a glimpse of the future with an excellent implemented Mobile App.

Conclusion​

The Tanchjim One DSP is a fantastic IEM for its price, it has a great ‘default’ tuning but with the additional ‘super powers’ of DSP ‘profiles’ within the Tanchjim Android app you get everything you need to enjoy your music no matter what your audio ‘preferences’. It is a high recommended IEM for those who like to investigate different sound profiles.

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Zerstorer_GOhren

500+ Head-Fier
TANCHJIM ONE: Casual and Pleasing One
Pros: ● Good built quality of its composite shell chassis.
● Cylindrical bullet-style shell chassis design will give the best fitting to all ear sizes as we can wear it in either hanging like an earbud or an in-ear style.
● Finally, a detachable one for cable swapping and its 2-pin connector which make them even more flexible.
● Two types of ear tips to choose from.
● It has a storage bag.
● Decent quality cable with good quality HD microphone that works in tandem with DSP chip. Very minimal to none microphonic presence on it.
● A warm U-shaped set for pleasing and fun tuning that both casual listeners and experience audio enthusiast will both enjoy
● Relatively has a slamming and fairly authoritative bass response.
● Warm and texture midrange. Excellent on male vocals and natural sounding on some percussives and brass instruments.
● Smooth and balanced treble response for treble-sensitive folk.
● Not a hint of harshness nor sibilance.
● Affordable price for budget-conscious for budding audio enthusiasts as it is loaded with accessories to be used.
Cons: ● DSP audio decoding is still limited up to 24-bit/96KHz, over than the said sample rate, it will not processed. Sorry DSD lovers, that particular audio file format is not supported.
● For some reason, stock ear tips give me some slight driver flex in every insertion.
● Treble response might sound a bit obscured and less lively to some stalwart trebleheads.
● Middling technical capabilities.
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"You have to be odd to be the number one."

~~ Theodor Seuss Geisel a.k.a. Dr Seuss, American author and cartoonist.

Let's talk about TANCHJIM, TANCHJIM is a Chinese audio company that was founded in 2015 in Nanning, Guangxi Region in the southern part of mainland China. The word “TANCHJIM” means Angel Jim as it is stated on the logo of the company that was printed on the shells of the TANCHJIM Oxygen. As I mentioned about Oxygen, I've actually tested around 2019 that on the first audition, I was really impressed by its well-balanced and almost neutral sound quality and became one of my favourite single dynamic driver sets up to this day.

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This is actually my second review of their latest product line-up in the budget-level segment as I did a review on TANCHJIM TANYA DSP a few months ago. What I have here right now is the TANCHJIM ONE, like the TANYA DSP, it is also a single dynamic configuration but the difference that it has a detachable mechanism where you can replace the cable with other types of cable with bi-pin receptacle which makes it more available for source compatibility particularly on termination plug.

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The driver that was implemented in this set is a 10mm dynamic driver with a diaphragm made of composite materials consisting of Polyurethane (PU) and Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) which are both thermoplastic polymers but offer different properties. With such a combination of their respective properties. PU offers a durable and flexible material while the PEEK has better tensile strength that will support it. Consequently, these materials will give very fast vibration and reaction on its overall to deliver a more rounded and throbbing bass response with better layout on other parts of the frequency range to achieve a clear full range sound while minimising some chances of distortion.

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The drivers are enclosed in a bullet-style shell chassis made of composite materials. The shell structure consists of cylindrical shape cavity base aluminium alloy and half of it up to the nozzle is made of polycarbonate plastic. Its overall aesthetics give minimalist and well-compacted ergonomic design that really fits well to almost all types of ear sizes. Unlike the previous Tanya, TANCHJIM One has a detachable mechanism of 0.78mm 2-pin connector which extends the duration of usage on this set or choose a third party cable that suits and complement this set.

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The stock cable that was included along this set has a USB type-C termination on its end and it also has a built-in DSP chip for audio decoding that can support up to 24-bit/96Khz PCM. On its stock tuning of DSP chip, it has a modified Harman target curve that TANCHJIM's espousing on which is a U-shaped sound on its sonic profile, and it has an HD microphone that also supports in-line control. The cable itself is made of o oxygen-free silver-plated copper wiring that was sheathed with PVC material for smooth, less microphonic and resistant on entanglement.

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When it comes to fitting and comfort, TANCHJIM One gives me some of the comfortable wearing experience on how it sits well to my lugholes although I noticed that there is some minor driver flex that I've encountered for every insertion. It has a good passive noise isolation as it manages to block some noises from the outside surroundings.

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The product packaging of TANCHJIM is rather basic with a rectangular box with a product illustration at the front while at back, some fine prints of basic specification and factory address. But it has a substantial amount of inclusions that covers the basic usage of this set.

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Here are some following contents that were included inside of its packaging box:

■ Pair of TANCHJIM One IEM transducers
■ Stock cable with USB-C connector with DSP chip.
■ Three (3) pairs of wide-bored ear tips in different standard sizes.
■ Three (3) pairs of narrow-bored ear tips in different standard sizes.
■ Felt cloth IEM storage bag.
■ Paperwork like a user's manual and a card with QR codes.

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As for its power scaling and amplification, in DSP type-C connection, it is quite power efficient that it will deliver a full-range sound with good amplitude scale. Same with 3.5mm SE mode, this set is really an easy to drive one that a decent output from device sources like smartphones and tablets are fairly enough.

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In regards to its tonal aspect, TANCHJIM ONE has a warm U-shaped sound signature in both DSP mode and in analogue connection whether single ended or balanced mode. It has more emphasis on low frequencies and high frequencies while midrange is one a more neutral presentation.

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(Graph was provided by @baskingshark , credits to him)


LOWS/BASS:

The bass response on this set is quite punchy, slamming with good authority on it due to its mid-bass oriented low frequency presentation. There was some slight presence of the sub-bass as I faintly felt those reverberations and resonance from sub-bass focus instruments like drum machines, low tone guitar and synthesisers.

Mid-bass is well-textured with some nice body on it as it give a hefty roar and growl on bass guitars sound menacing and weighty while bass kick drums have pounding and resonant sound on them although I noticed in some fast double bass drumming on an extreme metal tracks, they sound a bit sluggish but I still fine it as capable enough. On bass to bass-baritone vocals, it gives some full tone, booming and guttural sound on these particular vocals but here are some observable slight nitpicks, I notice that it produces a very minimal to no vibrato on some bass vocals and lacks a darker tone on it. And also, its bass response occasionally smudges a bit on the midrange.


MIDRANGE:

The midrange presentation of this one is quite recessed but due to some bass bleeds, it warms up a bit to give a richer and more dense texture notes on vocals and instruments while maintaining some clarity, evenness and energy.

Male vocals did benefit the warmth on the midrange as baritones have plush and rich vocals especially on dramatic, kavalier, verdi and heldentenor types have brassy, emotive and power on them as I listen to spinto and dramatic types like Luciano Pavarotti and Carlo Ventri. Countertenors have tender and smooth vocals as they project their falsettos. Meanwhile on female vocals, contraltos have a husky and lushness on their vocals, mezzo-sopranos have smooth, warm and rounded voices on them, and sopranos have creamy and satiny sound which will definitely work well with soubrette and dramatic type ones.

Instruments sound organic and engaging on this set especially on percussive and brasses. Strings like acoustic guitars have a buttery to midrange-y sound on every plucking of its strings while on violins, they sound full and lustrous to my ears that I wish a bit of brightness just to convey more emotion on every bow string grips. On woodwinds, piccolos sound a bit delicate and sweet which should sound at least bright in nature, while concert flutes have richness and mellow sound on them, and both clarinets and saxophones have sonorous and melancholic sound on them. Brasses like trumpets, horns and trombones have warm, full, ponderous and round sound on them respectively. On percussives, snares and tom-toms have hard, resonant and precise sound, while field drums have full and booming sound, and then on kettledrums, they sound booming and powerful. Pianos appear to have a warmer tone on them.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

Treble response on this set is quite smooth and relaxed as the upper-mids and some presence treble are just slightly accented just to give a decent attack on both percussive and rhythm instruments and enough clarity. I hear not a hint of harshness nor sibilance on this one but at it also have some drawbacks on this one like less shimmer, less crispy and less highlighting on details but at least it doesn't sound dull at all.

It is also quite noticeable that it has a modest amount of air and less sparkle. Cymbals have a soughing and undulating sound while hi-hats have their correct timbre with their familiar "chick" sound. And both celestas and glockenspiels have a lustrous, velvety and bell-like sound.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

On how this set projects its soundstage and stereo imaging, its overall sound/speaker dimensions is on average size as it has median width span, decent height ceiling but it has good depth on it that gives an almost congested feel within my perceived headroom.

Its imaging presentation projects a typical two-dimensional stereo soundscape as I was able to perceive the placement of instruments and vocals in both left and right channels but not in the most accurate way. It has fairly decent separation but the layering is somewhat not so well-defined on how the stacking and arrangement of each frequency and tonal layers of sound from specific instruments and vocals as in some case that it tends to sound shambolic to my ears especially on some complex musical composition from some music genres like jazz and orchestral ensemble.

As for its driver coherency, It seems that its composite diaphragm is able to perform well but as I mentioned a while ago on how the bass kick drum performs a bit sluggish compared to some of its competitors. And so, I consider its driver performance as moderately responsive. As for resolution capabilities, it has very solid macro-dynamics as I definitely hear quite solid notation attacks and note ends of its note texture but its micro-detailing definition is rather a bit blunted in my opinion but for its asking price, I would rather accept this shortcoming.


PEER COMPARISONS:

TANCHJIM TANYA DSP


● Another TANCHJIM product that is also in the budget entry-level segment. Like the One, it's a single dynamic driver but its on smaller diameter that it was considered as a micro-dynamic driver and was encapsulated in a bullet-style all-aluminium alloy casing. It has a non detachable USB type-C connector with DSP chip and it is susceptible to microphonics.

● As for tonal profile, like the One, it also has a U-shaped sound signature and with warmth on it. It has more sub-bass presence but a less textured mid-bass compared to the One, similar midrange presentation but a tad leaner texture and depth and a bit brighter treble but like the One, it has meagre treble extension. As for technicalities, they are quite very similar in all aspects from sound field dimensions up to the resolution capabilities.


TINHIFI C0 ELF

● TINHIFI"s latest bullet style IEM in the budget segment and like the One, it also has a single dynamic driver albeit its diaphragm is a titanium-coated PU material and it was encased in a solid aluminium alloy. Also, it has a detachable 2-pin connector just like the One.

● The C0 ELF has a V-shaped sound signature but it follows a TINHIFI's previous in-house sound which is on the brighter side of tuning. Compared to the One, it focuses more on the sub-bass as it bass response sounds more rumbly than authoritative, more recessed midrange but it has more crisper and energetic sound on vocals and instruments, and then on treble response, it sounds more brighter as it has more crisper and better detail definition and it has more sparkle and air though I still consider its airy extension as modest. Technicality-wise, it has average to above-average size of its overall sound field proportion, two-dimensional stereo imaging, good separation and noticeably better layering and the last but not the least, it has a solid fundamental on macro-dynamics and sharper definition on micro-detail retrieval.


It seems that once again, TANCHJIM releases a solid product that aims at casual listeners who want to try a well-rounded and versatile tonal performance that gives a pleasurable listening experience to them. With its feature that we could do some cable swapping with some cable of our choices and also, if you want to experience the TANCHJIM's in-house tuning as to hear a little bit of tuning from the all-time great Oxygen albeit it's a tad more coloured sounding, I will recommend this set without hesitation at all.

TANCHJIM One is now available on major audio distributors like LINSOUL and HIFIGO. Also, if you are situated in the Philippines, you could purchase this set locally via JYS+ Audio on Facebook. All links are guaranteed non-affiliated ones.

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LINSOUL: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tanchjim-one

HIFIGO: https://hifigo.com/products/tanchjim-one

JYS+ AUDIO (Philippine distributor of TANCHJIM products): https://www.facebook.com/JYSAudio?mibextid=ZbWKwL


Checkout my previous review of a TANCHJIM product:

● TANCHJIM TANYA DSP


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SPECIFICATION:

MODEL:
TANCHJIM ONE
IMPEDANCE: 16Ω
SENSITIVITY: 126dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 7Hz – 45KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M
PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: TYPE-C
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER

Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*


P.S.

I am not affiliated to  TANCHJIM nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to TANCHJIM & JYS+ AUDIO for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.


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emer08
emer08
What would you consider an upgrade to this? Thanks
Zerstorer_GOhren
emer08
emer08
150$, bnew or used would do

baskingshark

Headphoneus Supremus
The ONE for you?
Pros: Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Well-accessorized, comes with detachable cable at this price
Relatively easy to drive
Solid ergonomics - can be worn cable down or over-ears
Warm pleasant Harmanish tonality
Fatigue free, smooth soundscape
Natural timbre
Cons: Driver flex
Average technicalities
Not for trebleheads/analytical-heads
DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Sam Audio for furnishing this unit.

The Tanchjim One can be gotten here (no affliate links): https://samaudiosg.com/products/🎶sg-tanchjim-one-10mm-dynamic-driver-in-ear-headphone-iem
https://www.carousell.sg/p/🎶sg-tanchjim-one-10mm-dynamic-driver-in-ear-headphone-iem-1246841343/


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SPECIFICATIONS
  • Driver configuration: 10 mm PEEK (polyetheretherketone) & PU (polyurethane) suspension titanium dome dynamic driver
  • Impedance: 16 Ω
  • Frequency response: 7 Hz - 45kHz
  • Sensitivity: 126 dB/Vrms
  • Cable: 0.78 mm 2-pin; 3.5 mm termination; Litz OFC silver-plated + Litz OFC composite coaxial structure
  • Tested at: standard non-mic version $24.99 USD; mic version $25.99; DSP version $27.99

Do note that there are 3 versions of the Tanchjim One available. There is a DSP version, a standard version with mic, and a standard one without mic. The version we are reviewing today will be the standard non-mic version with no DSP.


ACCESSORIES


One 3.jpeg


Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 4 pairs of wide-bore silicone tips
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone tips
- Carrying pouch

For something retailing at $20ish bucks, the accessories are more than decent, no complaints here.

One 1.jpeg


No foam tips are included, but Tanchjim has provided 2 types of silicone tips. The wide-bore ones boost air, treble and soundstage, whereas the narrow-bore ones increase bass at the expense of soundstage.


One 5.jpeg


In this day and age, there are definitely pricier IEMs that do not even come with detachable cables. The standard 3.5 mm non-mic cable here is a Litz OFC silver-plated + Litz OFC composite coaxial cable. It lies on the thinner side and is somewhat tangly, though there are just slight microphonics. There's a chin cinch for added grip, and the left distal terminal has a dot to demarcate it as such.

Folks ordering the DSP version of the Tanchjim One will get an extra DSP USB-C cable, which does change the sound slightly (kindly read the impressions of our other esteemed reviewers for info on the DSP variant).


One 2.jpeg


Lastly, we have a velvet drawstring pouch. This pouch is extremely soft, and will prevent scracthes on the IEM, though it might not withstand a crushing force.

The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock wide-bore silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT

One 6.jpeg


The One is a bullet-shaped IEM with a wine-bottle shaped fuselage. It is fashioned from medical-grade polycarbonate, with an aluminum alloy cavity internally. The rear of the One is opaque, while the top is transparent, allowing users to view the internals in all their glory.

This IEM can be worn cable-down or over-ears - the latter form of wearing would necessitate swapping earpiece sides but keeping the cable orientation intact. Thus, this increases fitting options tremendously.


One 8.jpeg


The One is very ergonomically designed and light. I had no issues using it for hour long listening sessions.

Isolation is average. Sadly, i noted driver flex on my pair, though this is partially dependent on ear anatomy and type of tips used.


INTERNALS

The One houses a 10 mm PEEK (polyetheretherketone) & PU (polyurethane) suspension titanium dome dynamic driver.

One 9.jpeg


Tanchjim markets that the internal acoustic cavity is grounded smoothly, to minimize sound scattering - this supposedly improves acoustic transmission.


DRIVABILITY

I tested the Tanchjim One with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Fiio KA13 dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

This IEM is relatively easily driven, though amplification might allow slight scalability.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

Tanchjim One.jpg

Graph of the Tanchjim One (non-DSP version) via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz area is a coupler artefact peak.

The One is a warm Harmanish tuned single DD. This pleasant tonality is very consumer friendly, and should please the palates of most users.

The One is mid-bass focused, with bass north of neutral but not as true basshead levels. There is a slight sub-bass roll-off, with just a tickle of rumble heard in the lowest registers. In terms of bass quality, it lies on the mediocre side. Speed is a tinge slow, with below average texturing and some mid-bass bleed noted.

The lower midrange is warmed by the thick mid-bass bleed, adding a lot of note weight and a lushness to this region. Admittedly, we lose some transparency in the midrange, but the enveloping syrupy lower mids are quite addictive. With an 8 dB ear gain plus big bass, the upper mids are forwards without being piercing.

The One is fatigue-free in the treble. The upper treble rolls off early, thus providing a very smooth upper end. Sibilance is kept to a minimal, though we encounter some lack of air and sparkle, with a drop in resolution.

Timbre is very organic in keeping with its single DD heritage. Vocals and acoustic instruments are extremely natural, and this is one of the highlights on the Tanchjim One.

In terms of technicalities, the One is bang average when compared against other ultra budget single DDs. Soundstage is average in all 3 dimensions, with a lack of instrument separation. Music smears on complex tracks with competing riffs, and micro-detailing is veiled. Imaging is decently done for something in this price range though, and the One redeems itself slightly in this department.


COMPARISONS

Comparisons were made with other ultra budget single DDs. Hybrids and pure BA types were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.

One 10.jpeg



Salnotes Zero

The Salnotes Zero is a neutral bright single DD. It has less bass quantity, but the bass is tighter and faster. The Zero has more treble extension, though it is much more sibilant and fatiguing.

The Salnotes Zero is thinner in note weight, sounding more analytical and sterile, and it also has a more metallic timbre.

Technicalities are easily won by the Salnotes Zero - it has superior soundstage, micro-detailing, imaging and instrument separation.

The Salnotes Zero may be ill-fitting for some, due to sharp perpendicular edges in the shell, though it also has a detachable cable.


Tanchjim Zero

Thought it shares a same name as the aforementioned Salnotes Zero, the Tanchjim Zero is totally different IEM. It is the predecessor of the One. This Zero is more neutral, with less bass quantity, and more air and upper frequencies.

Note weight is thinner on the Tanchjim Zero, causing it to sound more sterile. The Zero is slightly improved in technicalities and soundstage, though the upper midrange can be shouty for some.

The Tanchjim Zero's cable is sadly not detachable.


CONCLUSIONS

One 4.jpeg


Costing about the price of a restaurant meal, the Tanchjim One is an affordable single DD with superb tonality and timbre.

Accessories are great for the coin, and it is easily driven. The ergonomics are top-notch, what with the over-ear or cable down form of wearing. The warm and pleasant soundscape, with a thick lush tone, is a sight and sound for sore ears, with minimal sibilance or shoutiness heard.

Unfortunately, there is some driver flex, and the technical chops are quite middling. Trebleheads might also need to look elsewhere due to the lack of air in the tuning.

Having said that, this IEM has solid price-to-performance ratio, and may be the "ONE" for folks new to the IEM game, or even as a gift, or for someone looking for a cheap daily beater set.
emer08
emer08
150$ max. Bnew or used to maximize budget.
baskingshark
baskingshark
@emer08 Do read about the Simgot EA1000.
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emer08
emer08
Will do. Thanks 🙂

Dhruv Tampa

New Head-Fier
Fantastic for Every-Day-Carry
Pros: Convenience of Type C termination
Swappable cables
Well tuned
Bass speed
Detail levels
Suites Most genres
Lightweight
Good Microphone
Cons: Technicalities like soundstage and imaging could've been better (Nitpick)
A bit cheap feeling (could be good or bad)
For the Price of $25, I can't pick any major Con/Flaw in them
Tanchjim is one of the most popular Chi-fi brand and they are famous for their Harman tuned IEM’s specially the Oxygen and Hana 2021 praised for its excellent build quality and sound. Tanchjim treats every product with utmost craftsmanship and provides among the best build. Initially they come up with Tanya DSP which includes a Build in Type C dac at the end of the cable Now, they decided to release the Tanchjim One earphone but with this one they’ve made it with the convenience of Interchangeable cables, let’s see how they come out to be.

WhatsApp Image 2023-09-17 at 2.54.00 AM.jpeg


Disclaimer:-
Tanchjim One was provided to me by ForHifi and I do not have any monetary benefit in Saying positive or negative towards their product. All thoughts and opinions are my own sincere opinion and I’ll try my best to give a good perspective.

Below is the product link
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805717722491.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

Design & Build:-
Tanchjim is made entirely of plastic with the back made of grey colored plastic and the front + the nozzle is made of clear plastic with metal mesh. Compared to their other Earphones/IEM’s they surely feel cheap as all of their products are made out of solid metal, in terms of in-hand feel they are nothing special but while using it helps as they are very light and you almost forget that they are in your ears. Comfort is great on these but Isolation is average at best. In terms of accessories, it comes with a 3.5mm terminated single-ended cable with a microphone and another cable with Type C termination which is the DSP cable both cable are in transparent sleeves. Cable is lightweight, has no memory and is transparent. They come with 4 Pair of different size Wide more eartips and 3 pair of different size narrow bore eartips. You get a carrying pouch and a Manual if you want to know how to use these.

WhatsApp Image 2023-09-17 at 2.54.00 AM (1).jpeg


Technical Specifications
• Sensitivity: 126dB.
• Impedance: 16Ω.
• Frequency Range: 7Hz-45kHz.
• Driver Unit: 10mm Dynamic Driver.
• Cable: 3.5mm 0.78mm 2-pin Connectors / Type C 0.78mm DSP Connectors


Power Requirements:-
With the provided Type C cable with built in DAC it’s adequately loud at 70 percent volume and with a Dongle dac like Ibasso DC04 Pro you don’t even need more than 20 percent. I’ve done most of my listening through DC04 pro as it’s give the best and will be the most common use case for many.


DSP Cable vs 3.5mm Cable
Both cable is almost identical except the termination. If we talk about the primary factor which is sound quality then the DSP cable sounds a bit more sparkly and has a bit less bass quantity but it tries to overwhelm with the level of details but if you have a good dongle dac then you can achieve similar or even better detail levels with better sense of naturalism and it’s smoother with the 3.5mm cable.


Sound Impressions:-
Tanchjim one are tuned pretty well, it’s still harmanish but with a hit of better treble response which gives it a nice sparkle along with good airiness to the treble, treble extends decently well on these, If we talk about bass It’s not at all boomy, it has good attack, it’s not bass heavy but bass is tight and has decent amount of weight. Mids on these are sweet but these has a dip at upper bass which make male vocals a but further sounding but the female vocals sound fantastic on these. At times the sound overall feels a bit hollow and I’ve noticed one thing that it really likes higher quality music, I’d say if you use streaming services then stick to Spotify, Apple music or Amazon HD, it sounded okish on YT music but not that great. These sound pretty decent for the asking price of $25 but a bit behind the competition.

If we talk about technicalities then the soundstage is average at best it more deep than wide, imaging is decent as it places instruments and artists well and you can perceive decently well at from where they are coming. Transients on these are surprisingly quick and it keeps up with speedy tracks well. Details are quite good for the price point as it tries to give you more than average amount of details.


Some quick comparisons

Tanchjim One vs Etymotic ER2XR

ER2XR is among the best sounding earphones under $100 providing Wider soundstage, pinpoint imaging, accurate amount of bass and sweet vocals, Tanchjim one is very good for it's price point of $25 but ER2XR is on it’s own league and One can’t even come close to it except comfort as Tanchjim is one of the most comfortable earphones and we all know how Ety’s are in terms of comfort.

WhatsApp Image 2023-09-17 at 2.53.59 AM.jpeg


Tanchjim One vs Tangzu Shimin Li
Tanchjim one tries it’s best to give you a fair amount of details, decent sound stage width and fairly natural tuning but a hint of brightness but Shimin Li just gives you everything a bit better, It sounds wider, has tighter bass with more quantity and it sounds more lifelike but loses out on convenience.


Final Words:-
Tanchjim has done a great job with these earphones, giving you a great tuning along with the convenience of swappable cables including one with a built-in DAC and the mic is very good too. These are comfortable for long hours and a good everyday carry. They might be the best in terms of sound quality but they score full marks in convenience. For the price of $25 USD, they are easy to recommend if someone prioritizes form over factor.
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H
Harias
Nice and crisp review, Dhruv
D

Ace Bee

Headphoneus Supremus
TANCHJIM ONE - A Balanced Sound in Budget
Pros: Smooth presentation
Fun, Boosted, and controlled bass
Wonderful midrange
Very good treble
Well-proportioned soundstage
Warm and smooth tonality
Crisp notes
Nice cable
Useful cloth pouch
Nice eartips
Cons: The upper mid is a bit sizzling - might sound a bit off

Introduction​

Tanchjim, a well-known audio brand from China, has a strong presence in the ChiFi audio market. They're known for their unique sound signature that's neutral, smooth, and engaging. Following the success of their Zero model, which had a great neutral sound, they've introduced the One. The Tanchjim ONE Earphones (Without Microphone) is their latest offering. I reviewed the Ola earlier, which I found very unique and quite worthy of its price. In this review, we'll explore the One’s sound quality, design, and comfort.

1000013143-01.jpeg

Disclaimer

I was sent this IEM by ForHiFi Store for an honest review. You can purchase this from the following link:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805717722491.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

Specifications​

Driver Unit: 10mm Dynamic Driver
Sensitivity: 126dB
Impedance: 16Ω
Frequency Range: 7Hz-45kHz
Connector: 0.78mm 2 Pin
Plug: 3.5mm/Type-C (DSP Variant)

1000013144-01.jpeg

In the Box​

The Tanchjim One comes with a simple box which I find is the standard philosophy of all of their gears - be it IEM or source. The minimalistic design of the packaging is attractive. In the box the following can be found:
  • One earphones
  • DSP Cable
  • 3.5mm cable with mic (extra for review)
  • 1 set of narrow bore eartips
  • 1 set of wide bore eartips
  • Branded carrying pouch
  • Literatures
The cable is really good. Soft, pliable, and absolutely no microphonics. Mic performance is quite good as well.

1000013145-01.jpeg

Design and Fit​

The earphones are made of two parts - the front housing is made of ABS plastic and the back housing is made of Aluminium, with the Tanchjim logo and One etched on either side. The transparent shells display the clean innards and the DD. The angled nozzles and the very lightweight design provide a secure fit.

Sound​

The TANCHJIM ONE Earphones offer a well-balanced sound profile that will please both new and seasoned audiophiles. The tuning is quite refined for its price range. It has a distinct V-shaped sound with the stock 3.5mm cable but does not sound overly dark or bright at any point.

Bass

The bass on the TANCHJIM ONE is well-bodied and impactful. It maintains a distinct presence without overwhelming the rest of the spectrum. However, there still is a slight midbass bloom that I can detect. It adds to the fun rather than muddying the stage. The subbass reaches really deep but does not sound bloated or overly slow. The textures in the bass notes are pretty fine. The tastefully powerful bass ensures listening comfort and avoids blending into the midrange.

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Midrange

The midrange is where the TANCHJIM ONE truly excels. It offers a very pleasantly natural tonality in the lower midrange that places you right in front of the artist. The instruments have quite enjoyable crunch and bite with the correct amount of note weight. The textures and details also surprised me.
There is a slight but noticeable hint of harshness or sharpness in the upper midrange, making it sound a bit metallic and spicy. This becomes evident in mostly the coarse male and energetic female vocals. This throws the overall tonal balance slightly off, but nothing severely objectionable. Apart from that the upper midrange sounds quite pleasant.

1000013147-01.jpeg

Treble

The lower treble in the TANCHJIM ONE is decently energetic. It has a very clear and slightly forward presence. The upper treble is also very prominent in the mix and sounds airy. Notes seem to have a proper body, tonality is neutral. On a handful of tracks, the lower treble may sound slightly spicy but still retains the tonal balance.

1000013165-01.jpeg

Technicalities

While not very large, the soundstage is very well-rounded with very nicely proportionate width, depth, and height. The overall presentation is reasonably clean. Imaging is good.
The notes are well-bodied and crisp, despite having an overall smooth tonality (except the upper-mids). Details produced are exceeding expectations in this price range, to be honest. Simply put - the technicalities are more than enough one can expect for the price.

DSP Vs. 3.5mm

The main differences I noticed between the two are that the bass is livelier in the sub-bass and better controlled in the midbass, making the mid-range clearer and more distinct. The treble also sounds a bit crisper.
The vocals sound more pronounced with better perceptible details and instruments sound more vibrant. Female vocals have a livelier, lighter response, and the midrange sounds more spacious and more precise. The lower mid-range has a more transparent, expressive quality.
Technically, the details seem to be a bit more prominent, and the imaging seems clearer and more defined.

1000013161-01.jpeg

Conclusion​

The Tanchjim One is an outstanding IEM for the price. Discounting the slightly metallic spiciness in the upper-mid, the rest of the sound is very pleasant for general on-the-go casual listening. The addition of mic makes it all the more desirable. This is a very capable introductory offering from Tanchjim, showcasing what they are capable of doing in higher price brackets. Newbie audiophiles who are just trying to take an entry into the hobby but unsure of what to get - this is a great start. I definitely recommend them.

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H
Harias
Thanks Sagnik!
Okcerg
Okcerg
Are you describing DSP or 3,5 mm in the "DSP vs 3,5 mm" part?
Ace Bee
Ace Bee
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Kathiravan JLR

New Head-Fier
TANCHJIM ONE - BEEFED UP ZERO!
Pros: Warm Neutral Signature
Neutral Tone and Timbre
Thicker Bass Profile
Smoother Presentation
Detachable Cable with DSP
Fit and Isolation
Cons: Mid Bass Bleed ( subtle )
INTRODOUCTION:

Tanchjim, the brand which needs no introduction is based out in China with a well reputed name in the ChiFi audio market. Their products have a unique in house sound signature which mostly feels neutral, smoother and engaging. Their predecessor Zero had a wonderful neutral signature and to carry out its legacy the One is introduced with a warmer neutral presentation to conquer the budget arena.

PXL_20230909_033354438.jpg


SPECIFICATIONS:

Driver Unit: 10mm Dynamic Driver
Sensitivity: 126dB
Impedance: 16Ω
Frequency Range: 7Hz-45kHz
Connector: 0.78mm 2 Pin
Jack: 3.5mm/Type-C (DSP Variant)

TANCHJIM ONE OVERVIEW:

Tanchjim One adopts a single dynamic driver that consists of a PU+PEEK composite diaphragm. The whole body is made out of resin except the faceplate now being an alloy. The One is now available with a detachable cable for versatility where the brand sells this in two variants namely the DSP and 3.5mm version.

Tanchjim One delivers a warm neutral presentation which highly aligns with the tuning of Zero which had a flat neutral presentation. The One retains the same natural tone and the neutral signature while adding the bass presence to the overall presentation making One a beefier version of the Zero.

SOUND ANALYSIS:
The whole analysis is done using the DSP version

BASS PROFILE:
  1. Has equal presence of sub and mid bass sections with clear distinction between the frequencies.
  2. The sub bass has a good reach providing satisfying rumbles when the track calls.
  3. The mid bass has adequate warmth providing fullness and body to the presentation.
  4. Kick drums and the guitar strings sound with precise weight and tone.
  5. Bass in the One has realistic speed and attack with slight delay in the decay in bass dominant tracks.
  6. The bass presentation has good control and separation giving a detailed bass response.
MID SECTION:
  1. The mid section has an intermediate positioning with equal presence to the vocals and instrumentals.
  2. Lower mid section has adequate fullness carried along from the warmer mid bass giving the male vocals a lush presentation.
  3. The upper mid section has a smooth elevation giving the female vocals a life while keeping the sibilance under control.
  4. The instrumentals take a nice stage presence with proper timbre response giving a realistic experience.
TREBLE:
  1. Treble has a smoother presentation with not a lot of detail out yet gives a pleasing listen.
  2. Cymbal crashes have a precise attack and decay giving a realistic presentation.
  3. Percussion instruments get the proper attention making them appear vivid.
  4. One has adequate brightness for a crispier listen yet it has less airiness compared to the Tanchjim Zero due to the warmer presentation.
  5. No piercing sharp notes are observed thus allowing a pleasing listen.
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TECHNICALITIES:

TONE AND TIMBRE:
One has a neutral tone and timbre with a hint of warmth which feels natural and realistic throughout the presentation.

STAGING AND IMAGING: The stage has adequate width and height presenting enough space for the notes to spread across the presentation. The bigger bass also gives a sensation of depth to the stage. Imaging feels easier in the One with precise placement of the instruments even across the busy tracks.

DETAIL RETRIEVAL: This has moderate detail retrieval and this aspect has not been the strongest aspect of One. The single dynamic driver delivers the essential nuances but can't expect more than that.

LAYERING: The One demonstrates a well layered presentation where notes with different weights are laid out in a proper manner providing a realistic experience.

TANCHJIM ONE VERDICT:

One, from the house of Tanchjim is the answer for your gripes with their predecessor Zero thus gets its name as BEEFED UP ZERO!. Tanchjim One adopts a single 10 mm dynamic driver which has PU+PEEK composite diaphragm. The driver has a patented technology namely the DMT 4 which is the same as the Zero.

The One now comes with the detachable cable that can be swapped with either the 3.5mm or the DSP. Now the One gets the alloy faceplate with a resin body and the DSP cable feels thicker compared to the 3.5mm which gives a sturdy touch.

The One has a Warm Neutral signature with decent technical aspects which very much aligns with the Tanchjim Zero. The gripe that most had with the Zero is a neutral bass profile and the Tanchjim heard you! The One now gets a meatier bass profile while retaining the same neutral signature! The quality of the bass appears controlled though its meatier giving a realistic bass experience.

The Midrange now gets the same attention as one with neutral tone and timbre. Vocals are placed upfront with precise placement of the instruments and proper attention to them. Treble has the same extension with adequate nuances. Technical aspects feel the same with good layering, imaging and stage presence.

Since the One has a warmer neutral presentation, this might not sound exactly like the Zero. Zero has a bit of extended airiness and brightness which gives an open sounding nature to it while the One has less airiness and brightness compared to the Zero due to the warmer bass presence making its background appear a touch darker. Apart from that the sound aligns pretty much with the Zero.

So who should pick the One? Well, due to its tuning now everyone can enjoy the Zero’s tone and smoother neutral presentation with added warmth from the One cause now this is the BEEFED UP ZERO!

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DISCLAIMER:

Conceptkart provided me with this unit in exchange for my honest opinion. The whole views are based on my observations with the One hence it might differ from person to person.

Here! : Unaffiliated Purchase Link
H
Harias
Nice review, Kathir!
Kathiravan JLR
Kathiravan JLR

avexploration

New Head-Fier
Tanchjim One IEM Review
Pros: Removable cable
Inoffensive, fatigue-free tuning
Budget-friendly
Lightweight
Satisfying bass region
Good fit due to its design
Cons: Hard to fault this set due to its price
Lacks nuance
Trebleheads might want a bit more energy
This Tanchjim One IEM review was originally posted on my website.

Tanchjim One IEM Review - Box 2 - AV Exploration


About the Tanchjim One​

Company Overview​

Tanchjim Audio is no stranger to the audiophile world. They have been active in the industry since 2015 as a premium hi-fi in-ear monitor brand from China. With a professional team of acoustic engineers, Tanchjim has released several award-winning in-ear monitors over the years, including budget-friendly and premium models such as the well-received Tanchjim Oxygen, the Tanchjim Hana, and more.

Tanchjim came into the limelight with their highly successful “Harman-Tuned” IEM, the Tanchjim Oxygen, praised for its excellent build quality and sound. Tanchjim treats each earphone of theirs with utmost precision and craftsmanship, ensuring a high-quality product.

Technical Specifications​

  • Sensitivity: 126dB.
  • Impedance: 16Ω.
  • Frequency Range: 7Hz-45kHz.
  • Driver Unit: 10mm Dynamic Driver.
  • Cable: 3.5mm 0.78mm 2-pin Connectors / Type C 0.78mm DSP Connectors

What’s Inside the Box​

Tanchjim One IEM Review - Package - AV Exploration

  • 7 sets of ear tips small-large (One came pre-installed)
  • Manual
  • Carrying pouch
  • 3.5mm 0.78mm Cable
  • IEMs themselves

Review​

Bullet-type IEMs always have a special place in my heart. I remember my first good-sounding in-ear monitors were from Xiaomi – their Piston 1 and 2 models had a bullet-type shell before they departed from this design with the Hybrid IEMs.

Tanchjim One IEM Review - IEM and DAP - AV Exploration

The Tanchjim One has 3 options when you purchase it. The base model is $24.99, the mic version is $25.99, and the version with the DSP (Digital Sound Processing) cable is $27.99.

My review unit came with both the Type C cable and the 3.5mm cable, so I was able to test the Tanchjim One with the DSP and its standard sound profile.

Frequency Response​

Tanchjim One IEM Graph - AV Exploration

Frequency response courtesy of Practiphile.

Experience​

On my time listening to the Tanchjim One, I used my Cayin N6ii DAP and also switched the stock ear tips with my trusted Tri Clarion tips.

One advantage of the bullet-type design and lightweight construction is wearing comfort – you can easily forget you have the Tanchjim One in.

Tanchjim One IEM Review - IEM Zoom 2 - AV Exploration

Switching to the 3.5mm cable brings out a bit more treble energy, while the DSP cable has a more relaxed sound.

Music​

My initial listening impressions were with the Type C cable. Putting on Tears For Fears’ “Woman in Chains”, I wasn’t greeted with a sharp or shouty signature. Instead, the Tanchjim One sounds warm, with a really good low end that has enough impact to satisfy bass needs without being overly boomy. Though throughout the frequency spectrum, the low end seems somehow more present, almost overpowering the mids and highs.

Switching to Clairo’s live version of “Bags” from her Electric Lady Studio session, I couldn’t help but notice the thick, well-rounded, and satisfying bass.

Tanchjim One IEM Review - IEM and DAP 2 - AV Exploration

I wanted more sparkle and spice in the treble – it lacks refinement and control, which is especially apparent on busy tracks. But that’s to be expected at this price range, so I can’t complain too much.

Listening to Damien Rice’s “Volcano” featuring Lisa Hannigan, the vocals seem a bit behind in the mix compared to my preferences. They aren’t overly recessed, but I was really spoiled by the vocal clarity and forwardness I heard on the BQEYZ Winter. The Tanchjim One’s vocals lack nuance, sounding somewhat dull, especially with female vocals.

There’s less emotion compared to previous units I’ve tried, like my personal Fiio FD11 which has more of the vocal quality and emotion I look for. With male vocals, there aren’t as many issues. I believe these IEMs may better suit those who mostly listen to male vocalists rather than female. The Tanchjim One also lacks a 3D effect – I didn’t feel the same sense of panning on tracks as I did with other IEMs.

Tanchjim One IEM Review - IEM Zoom 3 - AV Exploration

Overall, the tuning leans towards more relaxed rather than engaging. I’d say neutral-warm sound signature.

Gaming​

In gaming, the One has nice imaging but is just within range. The soundstage isn’t expansive so you won’t get a competitive advantage, as footsteps sound kind of muted as the enemies get further away. The sound coming from the guns doesn’t sound full or thin, it’s just average. For the price, it is acceptable for gaming, but if you want an immersive-sounding IEM like the Dunu Falcon Ultra, this might not be for you.

Conclusion​

My comments above that may come across as “negative” are just nitpick at best because honestly, there’s not much I could complain about it at this price point.

So if you are tired of your current piercing IEM and you are looking for a sub $30 option that would complement your current setup, the Tanchjim One is a viable choice. It may not be the best, with lots of IEMs coming out within this price range, but it is surely a good value in this category with its non-mainstream sound profile approach.

Tanchjim One IEM Review - IEM and DAP 3 - AV Exploration

Purchase links​

Kathiravan JLR
Kathiravan JLR
Same impressions here too 🙂

suicideup

New Head-Fier
Tanchjim One Review!
Pros: - “Relatively neutral” sound signature.
- Very good balance of tonal and technical performance for its asking price.
- Managed to keep the Tanchjim Zero’s positive qualities (subjective).
- Chunky, impactful yet clean bass.
- Open, transparent mids.
- Decently extended, detailed treble.
- Non-fatiguing upper frequencies.
- Very good technical performance for its asking price.
- Very good scaling capabilities!
- Excellent fit, comfort, and isolation - even better than the previous Tanchjim Zero.
- Very good, minimalist, sturdy build quality (subjective).
- Excellent amount of packaging and accessories!
- Fairly easy to drive.
- Removable cable for a bullet-shaped IEM is quite rare!
Cons: - While being easy to drive, it needs at least 1.6vrms-2vrms dongle to sound the best.
- Treble slightly lacks air to my lacking (subjective).
- Soundstage may sound intimate to some (subjective).
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Tanchjim One Review!

Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Tanchjim One. Could be the One!

================================================================================================================
Disclaimer:
  • I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as how earphones should be used.
  • I purchased this IEM with my own money, without any discount or compensation since ShenzenAudio and Tanchjim do not entertain my emails. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
  • The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
  • No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
  • Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 10 days.

Source/s used:
  • Hiby R3 Pro Saber
  • Fosi Audio DS1
  • Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
  • Shanling UA1 Plus
  • Sony Xperia X Compact
  • Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock large narrowbore eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 3.5 SE plug, 40-60% volume, low gain and high gain.

================================================================================================================
Sound signature:
  • The Tanchjim One falls in the same sound profile as the Tanchjim Zero, Ola, Ola Bass. It is a neutral-sounding set with a clean, punchy bass boost.
Lows
  • This part is the most elevated in One’s sound. It is punchy, impactful, clean, with even amounts of sub bass and midbass in terms of elevation. Attack and decay is on the faster side, but never lacked on most genres. Despite its bass being boosted, bassheads on a budget may find this lacking, especially if you had bassy IEMs in your possession. It sure has more bass presence than the Tanchjim Zero though, adding a bit of thickness to its sound.
Mids
  • As for the mids, it is well-placed and can sound forward at times. It does not have any midbass bleed to add a bit of warmth to the lower mids, making things clean and close to transparent as much as it can. Lower mids have an adequate depth. Upper mids are also well-placed with a good amount of clarity, air, and sparkle. There isn’t any form of unnatural peaks, harshness, or sibilance in this region.
Highs
  • Moving on to the treble, it is well-extended but it lacks a bit of air to my liking. It isn’t rolled off or anything like that, but the cymbal crashes aren't as satisfying to my liking (personal preference). However, the detail retrieval here is still great and very commendable for its asking price.
Soundstage, Imaging, and separation
  • The Tanchjim One managed to keep the Tanchjim Zero’s technical performance - it is above average for its asking price. However, the soundstage isn’t as wide compared to the Zero, but it is far from narrow or compressed. Separation and layering is really good for its price and has no problems rendering heavy passages. Imaging is precise and is able to render everything accurately, even when used on playing competitive games.
================================================================================================================
Other IEM comparisons!
  • VS Tanchjim Zero
    • The Zero is a more neutral, sterile, thin sounding set. Both Zero and One are really good sets, and are more of a “different flavour” rather than an upgrade.The Zero is cleaner sound just by a hair bit, while the One is thicker in sound.
  • VS KBEAR KW1
    • The KW1 is warmer in sound, and loses on the technical performance.
  • VS Final E500
    • The Final E500 is a neutral sounding set, but is a bit mid forward compared to the One. It is a bit harder to drive as well. The One is thicker in sound and has more transparent mids when compared.
================================================================================================================
Pros:
  • - “Relatively neutral” sound signature.
  • - Very good balance of tonal and technical performance for its asking price.
  • - Managed to keep the Tanchjim Zero’s positive qualities (subjective).
  • - Chunky, impactful yet clean bass.
  • - Open, transparent mids.
  • - Decently extended, detailed treble.
  • - Non-fatiguing upper frequencies.
  • - Very good technical performance for its asking price.
  • - Very good scaling capabilities!
  • - Excellent fit, comfort, and isolation - even better than the previous Tanchjim Zero.
  • - Very good, minimalist, sturdy build quality (subjective).
  • - Excellent amount of packaging and accessories!
  • - Fairly easy to drive.
  • - Removable cable for a bullet-shaped IEM is quite rare!

Cons:
  • - While being easy to drive, it needs at least 1.6vrms-2vrms dongle to sound the best.
  • - Treble slightly lacks air to my lacking (subjective).
  • - Soundstage may sound intimate to some (subjective).

================================================================================================================
Verdict

Now that I have finished this review, I have realized that the Tanchjim “numbers” and Ola lineup seems to be the Tanchjim’s attempt to recreate the Etymotic lineup, in their own way. It does have the same sound profile, but it isn’t close when it comes to how “raw” the sound of Etymotic IEMs are. However, they managed to nail the nearly similar sound but with a better, ear-friendly fit, which makes me want to recommend the Tanchjim One to everyone who is looking for a comfortable, relatively neutral-sounding IEM aside from the Tanchjim Zero. I do find myself using it more often than my other daily IEMs. Highly recommended!

Pairing recommendation/s:

  • - Source: This sounds just fine when plugged straight to a phone due to its easy to drive nature. However, using an external dongle or DAC wouldn’t hurt.
  • - Eartips: The eartips are alright and enough for the most part. You may always use your preferred eartips.
  • - Cable gets the job done and is sufficient for the most part. You may always use your preferred cable. However, its female pins are recessed so longer 2pin cables are most likely to fit well with this IEM.
Thank you for reading!

Non-affiliated product link here!:
https://tanchjim.com/en/products/earphones/iem/one/

Additional Photos Here:

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hitmaker

New Head-Fier
This is the Budget ONE!
Pros: Overall aesthetics and comfort
DSP and 3.5mm Variants
Tonality
Bass is controlled and speedy
Mids are open and clean
Treble extension
Cons: Lacks bass quantity
Upper mids emphasis can come across as shouty
Grainy treble
Soundstage can do with more depth
I have heard praises about Tanchjim IEMs in the community and they have garnered a sizable number of dedicated followers. But the ONE is the first Tanchjim IEM for me. All thanks to @gadgetgod and ForHiFi, I am reviewing both the DSP and the 3.5mm variants of the Tanchjim ONE

It can be found on AliExpress here - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805717722491.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

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It is a single 10mm dynamic driver IEM housed in a metal and plastic shell. It’s an easy to drive unit with Sensitivity of 126dB/Vrms and 16Ω Impedance. It’s priced at $25 or approx. ₹2300 so it’s entering a crowded segment. Can it survive the competition?

PACKAGE
Starting off with the package, it’s a statement piece as it tries to sell you an IEM without any Waifu material at the box front. ARE THEY CRAZY? Well guess not because it works fine. The accessories package is generous for the price. You get 6 pairs of eartips in a wide and thin bore variety and a decent carrying pouch.

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The tips are of good quality but just a note, for this review, I used the KZ startline tips as they were more comfortable for my ears. The sound didn’t change with the different eartips much for me.


DESIGN
Let’s start with the design first -

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Aesthetics are on point with a clean looking silver aluminum faceplate and transparent shells.

The design is special in a way that it’s a bullet shaped earphone but with removable cables. There are not many like this especially in this price range. Ever rarer are earphones with DSP and a removable cable. You can technically take the DSP cable and use it with any other IEMs which accept a 0.78 2-pin design.

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This design makes it easier to wear it with both cables down or over the ear. I guess beginners will enjoy this as they are easier to insert in the ears. I have seen a fair share of people wearing their Over ear IEMs wrong so this will ease the pain. I do prefer the over ear design as it feels more secure and also reduces the cable microphonics.

It is a compact IEM which means comfort and portability is easy to find. They are small enough that I can sleep while wearing them with no discomfort. The nozzle is on the thicker side but most of my eartips fit easily.

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The cable was better than expected. I definitely prefer it over the stock cables of KZ and CCA budget options. It is a slim single core design but it does not tangle easily. There’s some microphonics which can be avoided by wearing it over the ear.

One thing to note, the IEM is using a recessed connector, so not all cables will fit easily. So do note of it while cable swapping. My TRN T2 didn’t fit on this, for example.

SOUND
The overall tonality of the ONE is similar to most newer budget options. It’s targeting a balanced profile which is closer to a V-shape sound than a flat neutral.

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Both the 3.5mm and DSP versions offer a different flavor of the same fruit. The 3.5mm offers a little more mid bass and upper mids presence and the DSP version applies a more Diffuse Field Corrected response. Both tunings are enjoyable for multiple genres. Let’s discuss it in details -

Bass
The bass on the ONE is clean and mostly precise. It does the job but will never attract attention to itself. For my personal tastes, it can do a little more sub bass but for the most part, I was satisfied.

The DSP version felt more accurate to my ears. It was more balanced in its bass delivery. The 3.5mm version has more mid bass but it also shadows the sub bass, which makes some bass heavy music to sound flat.

But on both versions, the bass was controlled and speedy. It offers texture and details which are above average for the price.

Mids
The mid range comes forward with a nice presentation. The vocals are clear and instruments sound mostly natural. The upper mid emphasis gives the vocals a sharp edge but in a good way. It’s like a sharpening filter for the photo folks… It’s done tastefully overall but in some tracks, which are not mastered properly, it can sound sharp.

The lower mids don’t sound thin. Cellos and other string instruments sound crisp. For my ears, the DSP version offers more refinement in the mids and is tuned more maturely. The upper mids cut help the vocals sound more natural. The 3.5mm version sounds a bit too in your face for me but it can be easily solved with an EQ cut.

Overall, the mids on the ONE are above average for the price. It sounds more “clear and open” compared to the Waner and is also much more natural compared to the KZ Krila or ZVX.

Treble
The treble on the ONE is a mixed bag for me. On one hand, it is open and energetic that it never sounds dull but on the other hand, there’s definitely some air emphasis which can affect some songs. This bit will be different for other people but for my ear, I am getting some resonance at 12KHz which can emphasize the boosted upper mids.

But the treble overall is good for the price. It’s not going to beat some mid range options but I surely prefer this treble over the likes of ZVX or the Waner. It is smooth and doesn’t sound congested. There's good extension which helps in staging and it never gets sibilant.

It’s tuned well, but it definitely lacks the micro-details which is acceptable for the price. The treble sounds similar on both the DSP and 3.5mm versions but the DSP sounds better, once again because of the cleaner lower mid range.

TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
In terms of soundstage you get more width than depth. The overall stage is average, on par with the other newer contenders in the price bracket.

The localization you get is good with accurate placement of the instruments and the vocals. The vocals could use more depth but the above average imaging helps it sound open and more expensive than it is.

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Separation and resolution is above average and definitely the strong point of the ONE. It sounds mostly open and there’s a certain clarity in its presentation. It is “airy” especially the DSP version because of the tuning.

The bass or mids offer a good level of detail and don’t break apart easily with complex tracks. But the driver is not so advanced and in busy passages with lots of snares or crashes, it sounds grainy and unrefined.

For gaming, it performed really well and placement was mostly on point. The depth perception could be improved but I cannot complain much here.

Overall technically, it is a strong showcase by the ONE for the price

CONCLUSION
The Tanhcjim ONE left a positive impression on my ears. It is surely a great beginner’s IEM which offers a clean yet NOT BORING sound. It’s not perfect but for the price, it doesn’t have to be.

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Between the DSP and the 3.5mm variants, my choice will be the ONE DSP just because it is slightly closer to my preferred tuning but the 3.5mm is a good option if you are still finding your own target curve. It’s more versatile too.

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Kindlefirehditaly

New Head-Fier
Tanchjim ONE – Angelic Bliss
Pros: Good build quality
Improved comfort and fit
Nice packaging (I got a special edition)
Removable cable
DSP wide compatibility
Nice quality tips
More comfortable than Tanchjim Zero
Improved Bass and Sub-bass
Silky voices
Good details
No harshness or sibilance
Quite easy to drive (you don’t need anything expensive but a DAC is recomended )
Cons: DSP could sound weird
Loss of refinement on complex tracks
The special Asano bundle isn’t available

Disclaimer:​


Tanchjim One + Asano


The Tanchjim ONE DSP was sent to me as a review sample from Tanchjim, for which I thank!


I was very happy to have the opportunity to try the heir to the Tanchjim Zero. The Tanchjim Zero still has a sound that many are unable to achieve. If you didn’t like the first ones due to the lack of low frequencies, the Tanchjim One finally showed off some pleasant bass. Of course, they’re still leaning toward neutral and focused on the vocals.
However, the review will still be 100% honest and in no way biased.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
All my photos are taken with my phone with the use of external lenses.

TANCHJIM ONE Packaging:​


The Tanchjim ONE packaging is similar to Zero but more sturdy and serious. The packaging has become more robust and serious. There is no longer Asano but simply a representation of the One.

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Inside, we find various accessories, such as:
  • “Velvet” bag
  • DSP Cable (I’m not sure the standard cable is included in the DSP version.)
  • 2 sets of nice tips (7 pairs)
  • Manual and Warranty
Tanchjim One tips
Tanchjim One different tips
Tanchjim One nozzle tips
Chunky tips
Wide bore tips

I’m a little sad to find out that the Lego Asano Bundle is a reviewer-only bundle. I know that many are not interested in gadgets, but I think just as many would like to find that special bundle on the market.


TANCHJIM ONE Design/Build quality:​


They have a minimalist design; on the metal faceplates we find the brand, and from the plastic transparency we can see the DTM4 driver in all its glory. The quality for less than 30 USD is awesome! The Tanchjim One is built much better than the Zero.

Tanchjim One Dsp
Tanchjim One Shape
Tanchjim One nozzle grill
Tanchjim One labeling
Tanchjim One Labeling 2
Tanchjim One connectors
Tanchjim One Filter
Tanchjim One DD
Tanchjim One close look to DTM4
Tanchjim One Angel bliss
Nozzle detail
Tanchjim One details
Tanchjim One shape and fit
Tanchjim One close look

In terms of shell, the step forward is already evident from the photos! The design has been slightly revised, and finally, they are definitely comfortable to wear. The Tanchjim Zero had somewhat sharp edges, which annoyed some. The percentage of metal in the shell has increased, and finally, we also have the detachable cable. As for the DSP, the cable is identical to the standard 3.5mm jack.


Comfort/Fit:​


As I anticipated, the Tanchjim ONE also solves the wearability problem. The Zero was shorter and the corners were not rounded, so when worn, it remained more inside the ear, and its angle obviously pressed lightly on the ear, creating some pain.


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Zero edge


Initial sound impression:​


I state that I initially listened to it immediately with the DSP. So at first, it seemed really strange to me. I immediately noticed the bass that was latent on the Zero before; now it was definitely felt—I would say more sub-bass presence. Obviously, I’m not talking about exaggerated bass, as the tonality is inspired by the previous one.


However, the feeling of strangeness comes from the sound, which, through the DSP, is more three-dimensional than the 3.5mm jack. It would seem to add depth.

Tanchjim ONE Final sound impression:​


Equipment used for testing above.

Device:
  • iMac
  • Redmi Note 7 – Snapdragon
  • Poco M4 Pro – Mediatek
  • Hotwav P8 – Tablet T606

Software:
  • Foobar2000 24bit 192khz (iMac)
  • Amazon music UHD 24bit 96khz (Both)

DAC:

Dacs


After 60 or 70 hours of burn-in, I started listening to them again.
Before jumping to final impressions, know that your ears need some burn-in too.
I’m not listing the tracks because they’re too many, but the ONE is more genre-open.
My impressions are given using the original accessories.

Their sound quality is surprising considering the cost. The Tanchjim ONE has a balanced and natural sound profile, with an intimate soundstage but quite good imaging for my taste. The bass is tight and controlled; finally, it has more presence and body and is precise, fast, and defined. The mid-range is clean and crispy, and the treble is smooth and airy. For the price it is sold for on the market, it is surprisingly good. I couldn’t imagine more at this price, to be honest.


Tanchjim ONE DSP or 3.5MM:​

Tanchjim One 0-78
Cable detail
Tanchjim One mic
Tanchjim One dsp

This is a great question! I would advise you to look above at the graph courtesy of Practiphile on Squiglink.


As you can see, using the DSP, everything seems smoother; the soundstage seems to gain extra depth, and the sub-bass becomes more pronounced.


As regards the mids, the presence of the voices seems to me to be more marked. At first glance, they seemed strange to me using the DSP, but after getting used to them, I must say that they are not bad at all, but for personal taste, I think I prefer them on 3.5mm.


Personally, on 3.5mm, they sound more similar to Zero with added bass and therefore less different….Even if it doesn’t look like it from the graph.


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However, the DSP has a crazy convenience. Being so compact and designed to make them sound their best, you don’t have to bring any DAC, which I would recommend in the case of 3.5mm (You need some energy to make them shine). Another thing that definitely surprised me is the total compatibility found on my devices; it also worked on a Hotwav Pad 8 tablet with a Unisoc T606 chip, on which audio via Type-C shouldn’t work.


Bass​


Tanchjim One’s bass is more noticeable but still completely unobtrusive. They barely interfere with other frequencies and are quick and precise. When using DSP, the sub-bass is significantly more audible than when using regular cable. They still, in my opinion, have a very balanced and excellent sound despite the nice addition.


Mids​


The voices sparkle and sound quite natural, and I believe the mids sound very similar to those of Zero. Artists with vocals that are physically in front of you and have the ideal level of silkiness literally have their voices in front of you. In this pricing bracket, their performance is completely exceptional. I’m not referring to either fantastic male or female vocals; both are.


Treble​


Speaking of high frequencies, however, the situation, in my opinion, has been made more pleasing to the masses. The highs remain of extraordinary detail and airiness, enviable for many headphones costing much more. They are not harsh or sibilant. Very smooth and pleasing to my ear.


Tanchjim ONE Soundstage and Imaging:​


Keep in mind that the soundstage is quite intimate but has decent depth. Imaging is super precise.

They could improve the soundstage aspect of TWO if it is ever produced.

I have listened to Jazz, R&B, Pop, EDM, and Chill music, and I think it is also the most suitable for this genre.

On very complex tracks, they lose some refinement.


Comparison:​

ZERO vs ONE

vs Tanchijm Zero


Less da1 + Zero


From the photos, the DTM4 driver seems different. If you prefer neutral-sounding IEMs, this is absolutely for you. Obviously, the bass is much more natural (just a hint of subbass in the background), but what amazes me is the absurd level of detail. The highs are extremely polished, and the female vocals have that silkiness. Wider than average soundstage and precise imaging. They are two IEMs with completely different targets, but they are definitely a set to have. It seems the Zero got more air and stage, but the vocals seem slightly better, and of course the bass hits are completely different on the One.


vs CHU II


CHU 2 + wide bore tips


The target of Moondrop CHU II is entirely different. The sound is enjoyable and has a lot of bass. They fall drastically below against the Tanchjim One on the technical front, though. The CHU II is a fantastic affordable option if you’re looking for something captivating but the details and the airiness are not even comparable.


vs EPZ Q5

Less + Q5

This is one of the best-sounding IEMs on the market right now, for the price. There’s no doubt about that. My review is coming soon, but this is the best entry-level I’ve ever heard! His single DD is pure magic. Its sound remains quite natural, , making this model very versatile for any type of musical genre.


vs Blon Z300


Blon z300


The Blon Z300s have a warm and very pleasant tone. Details are very good despite the rounded highs. So if you love warm-sounding IEMs, these are absolutely for you. Obviously, they totally differ from the targets of the Tanchjim One, which are more brilliant and natural.


Conclusion:​


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In conclusion, the ONE is a ZERO that finally manages to reproduce more marked and satisfying low frequencies in a natural way. The mids and highs have had a slight improvement, making them smoother but with a slight loss of airiness. All in all, the result is an improvement in terms of sound that is sure to be appreciated by many more people. As far as comfort is concerned, however, the improvement is drastic. Finally, I don’t have any more pain with the edge of the Zeros, but since I continue to love them and, in certain genres, their extra airiness is phenomenal, I will certainly continue to use them intensely. Having said that, I recognize the ONE as the heirs of the previous ones, and given their absolutely affordable price, they are a must-have not only in my collection but also in yours.

Where to buy (Clean links):

SherryLion

New Head-Fier
The Best Budget IEM Yet? The Tanchjim One DSP + 3.5mm
Pros: 1. Smooth and nice extended treble
2. Forward and naturall sounding mid range
3. With DSP produces a neutral signature with sub bass boost
4. Without DSP produces a warm and balanced signature with warm and thumpy
5. Detachable DSP cable
Cons: 1. Lack of sharp notes and expressive nature
2. Average technicalities

Review Of The Tanchjim One


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Introduction


Tanchjm is renowned for its inexpensive product line, which easily competes with expensive IEMs in the markets for audiophiles. The company was founded in China, and thanks to the Prism and Hana IEM releases, it has gained a solid reputation among audiophiles. Today I will be giving their One ultra-budget line IEM a review, but first I'd like to clear up a few things.

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Disclaimer


*Since this unit tour was organised by the grateful people at Forhifi, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as "One."
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the One based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.


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Specification


The One has a single dynamic driver with a titanium dome and a composite diaphragm made of PU and week. The shells have a bullet-shaped structure and are made of medical-grade resin. Although the bullet shape is much larger than a bullet, it still fits and feels comfortable. The metal faceplate on the shell is imprinted with the company hologram Tanchjim on one side and the word One on the other. The One's lack of left- and right-side indicators was the only drawback I could find with it. It comes with a two-pin cable that terminates in a straight type C DSP plug. However, Forhifi was gracious enough to include a 3.5mm cable with the tanchjim as well. The 3.5mm cable, I discovered, was thinner than the DSP cable. The cable also features a microphone. Two different types of eartips in three different sizes are among the additional accessories, along with a carrying pouch. Regarding the technical details, the sensitivity is 126dB, and the impedance is 16 Ohms. 7Hz to 45kHz is the range of the frequency response.

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Sound


Compared to other IEMs I've heard, the One's sound is more balanced.At this price, a single driver setup can produce such a response, which astounds me. It sounds flush and smooth, regardless of whether it is the bass or the treble. I have some minor issues with the mid range, but that is only when I am criticizing this IEM. Since last year, a lot of IEM have produced responses that sound remarkably similar to high-end or endgame IEM. But of all the sasids, I think that One is the best. The reason is straightforward: Whether it is DSP or not, the response is what I prefer when I am speaking tonally. The One's sound signature includes pleasing treble, a forward midrange, and a warm, dynamic bass. By focusing only on the graph between the DSP and 3.5mm versions, anyone can quickly understand how well tuned they are. Although not particularly expressive or dull, the raised 4–8 kHz region and the dip between 400–1000 Hz serve to counterbalance the deeper bass, which goes down to 300 Hz. They really did bring out the top of the line. But let's go into greater detail in order to clarify.

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Treble


Starting with the treble, I always experience a cool response when listening to budget IEMs in this price range, which adds more expression to the overall mix, but one after another they all sounded the same, with no discernible differences making them stand out. For instance, Salnotes Zero, Wan'er S.G., and the Hola all had a similar sound the previous year. This is where the One differs from the Wan'er and Zero in that the sounds are smoother and more extensive in the treble, whereas the Wan'er and Zero sounded more detailed, energetic, and sharp in notes. Even though the difference is not great, one can notice it. Like I said before, the upper treble has a broad, laid-back sound that preserves the note details while producing a more rounded, safe response that prevents any offensive sounds from emerging. Although the instruments may sound a little relaxed and the vocals have a flush response, the song as a whole is enjoyable. The vocals do have a nice range and allow for more note distinction. The lower treble is forward-looking and lively, but it lacks excitement and vigor. The response maintains the same smooth response while handling and controlling the lower treble emphasises. When it comes to the vocals and instruments, they frequently respond more strongly and vividly. Even though I should point out that the response is not as sharp and clear as the Zero and CHU, the enjoyment is still present. Overall, the treble region is presented in a pleasant, fluid, and comprehensive manner.

Mid Range


Even though there isn't much of a difference in how the upper mid range performs when compared to Zero, Wan'er, or Hola, I find the mid range presentation to be the same as I would with any other inexpensive IEM. However, the lower mid range is a little different in the 3.5mm version of One. The mid range is forward and has a good sense of openness and air, but it isn't often too cozy or seductive in the mix, especially the vocals. The vocals and instruments sound more endearing and calming in presentation with a safe tuning, and the upper mid range sounds fantastic, producing the most energetic response in the overall mix. Even though I might concur that the Zero sounds more airy and clear than the One, the vocals with the Zero feel more authentic and alive. Even the female vocals sound fuller and tonally intelligent due to the vocals' dense notes and embracing approach to the listener. While the instruments may not be the sharpest or clearest, they do support the vocals and elicit a warm reaction. Although the vocals and the instruments sound hazy due to the lower mid range's thick and shaky sound, the lower mid range lays the groundwork for the higher frequencies to sound clear and organic. The bass guitar has a thick, organic sound, but it also carries a little of the energy from the Zero or Wan'er back into the mix. As a result, the mid range is presented overall as having a warm, tranquil, and natural sound.

Bass


When it comes to the bass, it feels warm and thick without going too far and ruining the balanced mix, but it still pleases and fulfills my desired presentation. Although the bass is boomy and thumpy, the slams, particularly on bass guitars, are lacking. The sub bass, where the extension goes deep enough to resonate the punches impact, is where the emphasis is more prominent. Even though the punches aren't strong, they still have presence, which is effective for increasing fidelity in the response. In which I meant that the Wan'er's bass response is more punchy than thumping, whereas the One's bass response is the opposite. On the other hand, the mid bass has a boomy, thumping sound where the bass feels powerful but the control never lets it loose. The lower mid range does pick up some of the mid bass, but it doesn't ruin the mix, which would have sounded clunky and bloated. Although not the best, the bass texture and details are adequate for giving notes a distinct sound. The bass region is presented overall in a controlled, boomy, and warm manner.

Technical Performance


Technically speaking, in my opinion, it is not its strongest point because IEMs like CHU and Zero do a better job of producing better imaging, resolution, and tactility in speed. Except for the CHU, every stage feels largely the same.


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Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation


Although I meant more left and right, the soundstage has a wide response and sounds more stereo rather than a 360 degrees spacial response. Although not too far apart from one another, the separation is sufficient for the notes to sound distinct. Although not particularly sharp, the imaging is pure.

Speed & Resolution


The detail retrieval is good with macro details but not micro details, and the resolution is good but could have been better. The notes' attack and decay are quick enough that the response doesn't sound sloppy.

Sound Impressions


Sources


Tempotec V6 - The bass sounded more controlled and less perceptive in the mix while listening with the V6, while the treble felt more energetic but the midrange felt the same. When it came to the technicalities, the imaging improved but everything else felt the same. In general, I approve of the setup.

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iFi Hipdac - When using the Hipdac, the presentation's midrange was more prominent and the vocals were more energetic. The treble felt dull. The bass became a little too pronounced, but only when listening to tracks with lots of bass. Although the stage drew closer, nothing else about the technical performance felt altered or changed. I didn't like the response's pairing with the Hipdac very much, even though it was enjoyable to listen to.

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DSP vs 3.5mm


Aside from the bass feeling more alive in the sub bass and controlled and the mid range sounding more distinct and clear with the same flow of energy, I didn't notice many differences between the two. However, to describe more subtle differences, I'd say that the treble felt more crispier where the vocals felt more pronounced with details and the instruments more sparkly. Female vocals felt more lively and light in response, with the midrange becoming airy and clearer. The lower mid range had a clearer, more expressive feel to it. With excellent control over the mid-bass and the sub-bass, the bass felt better. It didn't seem like the lower midrange was being diluted by the bass, which felt more punchy. Technically speaking, the resolution felt better and the imaging became clearer and sharper. The attack and decay of notes also seemed to resolve much more quickly. My preferred tuning ends up being the overall presentation. In plain English, the DSP sounds neutral and transparent, whereas the 3.5mm sounds warm and pleasant.

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Tracks


Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun

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Conclusion


To conclude this review, I would unquestionably suggest the Tanchjim One with DSP and 3.5mm, which allows you to achieve two types of tuning with only a cable and no nozzle change or tuning switches. The IEMs' cable replaceability, a first for any company, is the best feature. These can actually deliver, whether you prefer a balanced signature or a neutral with a sub bass boost. These are without a doubt the best budget IEMs I have heard to date, I can easily admit.


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