This is my first review on a TANCHJIM product and this is quite different compared to most in-ear and earbuds product reviews that I have published here as it has an unusual and interesting set-up. This is my first review on an earphone with built-in DSP but I already tested a product before with the same set-up but I'm not keen on publishing a full review on it, just some impressions on social media with assorted views on it.
The brand TANCHJIM have a good reputation in audio community and also garners a lot of followers due to its legendary product, The TANCHJIM Oxygen which continues to be receive some pundits to this day due to its impeccable tonality with good technical capabilities. The TANCHJIM was founded in August 17, 2015 and since then, they are striving for product excellence with good craftsmanship, aesthetically-pleasing design, choices of using premium materials and components and a well-thought tuning.
What I have here right now is the TANCHJIM Tanya DSP, it is derived from the original Tanya with the exception that it has Type-C termination with built-in DSP though it retains its small, bullet-style form factor. It has a 7mm micro-dynamic dynamic driver and its rear, it has a resonant suppression round made of brass which was used to control unwanted resonance and to achieve better sound definition and crisper resolution. It was housed in a fabricated, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) moulded cavity base structure with outer casing made of aluminium alloy. Each shell has undergone CNC-milling with model number and series etched on it via laser engraving.
Due to its overall design, it has a non-detachable cable made of 4N OFC with added litz and kevlar wiring structure to have more supple and yet durable, and also to deliver an improved and stable current transmission. Another good thing about this cable is that it is less prone to entanglement due to the properties of its insulating materials which is very smooth and has a resistance on bends, twist and folding. It also has a built-in HD microphone which gives a better clarity on voice calls. As I mentioned about its DSP chip inside of its type-C termination plug, What is DSP and why is it so important and an integral part of the Tanya DSP? DSP or Digital Signal Processing is a type of chip that processes a number of digital signals like audio. And also to deliver algorithmic calculations to provide optimum performance on its memory architecture to handle such tasks like simulated surround sound, energy consumption to regulate power output and basic commands on wireless audio. The Tanya's DSP has an embedded sound profile that gives its distinct tonality on its overall sound quality without any noise floor issues unlike other similar products with the same implementation.
The bullet-style design of Tanya DSP gives me a good comfortable listening experience on how it rests well into my lug holes without any issues. It has a decent passive noise isolation that it manages to block some external noises from the outside surroundings. Although, whenever I'm doing some active daily chores like brisk walking. I experience some "stethoscopic effect" and I think that its cable is susceptible to microphonics.
The product packaging of TANCHJIM Tanya DSP is quite simple as it was packed in a small rectangular box but it has a substantial quantity of inclusions.
Here are the following contents that you can find inside of its box:
■ TANCHJIM Tanya DSP in-ear earphones.
■ 4 pairs of dark grey-coloured, narrow bored ear tips of different standard sizes.
■ 3 pairs of dark grey-coloured, wide bored ear tips of different standard sizes.
■ a light grey-coloured felt cloth IEM pouch.
■ some extra pairs of nozzle filters
■ some paperwork like instruction manual, warranty card, Q.C card and contact card.
With its DSP implementation that regulates its power output with its low impedance and high sensitivity rating, Tanya DSP is an easy to drive set that can be paired to all devices with Type-C connector like smartphones and tablets.
Tanya DSP's tonality has a U-shaped sound signature that follows a modified Harman tuning curve. It has more elevated bass and treble with a neutral midrange in the overall frequency range spectrum.
LOWS/BASS:
This is definitely not your typical Harman bass response that we are accustomed with. For sure that it has a prominent sub bass but it has a good bass shelf that boosts some bass-focus instruments and to cut and even balanced some string instruments and percussives.
As I mentioned regarding its sub bass quality, I definitely felt those reverberations coming out from low-tuned bass guitar, octabass, drum machines and synthesisers that I usually listen to on some synth-pop, old school hip-hop, electronica and classic rock tracks. The boosted mid bass gives a substantial body to give a better note weight definition on bass guitars, bass drum kicks and bass-baritone vocals. The bass guitars have a broad and resonant sound on them while the bass drum kicks have a sustaining and a good thudding on every hit either on slow pacing to insanely speedy bass kicks from extreme metal tracks. Bass-baritone vocals have a decent depth and power to give that dusky and dense sound on Barry White, Andrew Eldritch and Peter Steele of Type O Negative.
MIDRANGE:
Like all Harmanish-type of tuning, I always notice a slight recession of the midrange frequency but it has an adequate warmth to give an ample texture on vocals and rhythmic instruments which is quite uncommon on Harman tuning that usually have leaner sounding that is almost devoid of dynamics on lower midrange frequency.
Both male and female vocals will sound good on how the DSP setting will give that natural and captivating sound that vocal lovers in general will love. Baritones have that lush and warm sound, countertenors have that fiery and agile sound quality. Then on tenors, they have a sufficiently dazzling sound to give a spiciness to lyrical types like Placido Domingo and Freddie Mercury. On female vocals, contralto have that husky nature due to their low chesty tone. For example, vocalists that have this type of vocal are Anggun and Tracy Chapman. Mezzo-sopranos have velvety and smooth vocals that make more lilting and even luscious sounding to our ears. Sopranos have a gleaming and silvery sound quality but I just noticed that it has less energetic and sparsely airy as coloratura soprano sounds are lacking.
Instruments somehow sound natural and engaging to listen to them whether they are rhythmic or percussive ones. Strings like guitars (either acoustic and electric) and violins, the former has a rather warmer to dry sound while a rounded and a tad austere sounding on the latter instrument that I have mention, trumpets sound sonorous and full while trombones sound taut and dark rather than intense and eruptive. Flutes sound mellow with richness on it while saxophones sound more rounded and warm. Percussive like toms and snares sound dry, resonant and deep while pianos have a warmer and velvety tone from them.
HIGHS/TREBLE:
The treble quality of Tanya DSP has an ample brightness to give an adequate crisp and detail. Upper mids to the presence part of the treble region have a noticeable elevation that boost the sound quality of vocals and some percussives and rhythmic instruments to be more engaging and even vivid. Good thing that I didn't encounter any sibilance or harshness on this one.
Cymbals sound lustrous and full with sufficient glistening sound on them. The treble extension is rather modest than airy but at least it has good sparkle.
SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:
The overall sound/speaker stage of this set is actually proportionate enough given its form factor though the width of its sound field is rather average to above-average. It also has a decent height ceiling and good depth as I was able to perceive the distance between front to back.
Its imaging presentation has a typical two-dimensional stereo panning where I was able to locate the placement of vocals and instrument but not the most pinpoint manner. It has a good instrument but layering is somewhat its chink on its armour on technical capabilities as it wasn't able to organise each specific tonal frequency and dynamics of instruments which will be more an issue to more complex tracks.
It has a good coherency of its micro-dynamic driver along with its built in DSP to deliver a good transient speed and decay. On resolution capability, It has good macro-dynamics as it was able to give a more solid and physicality sound on notes but the micro-detail retrieval is rather decent, not bad but also not impressive at all. It has a natural timbre with some added warmth to give Tanya DSP's distinct tonality.
PEER COMPARISONS:
MOONDROP QUARKS:
■ Both devices have non-detachable cable and have a built-in DSP on their type-C termination plug. Quarks are cheaper compared to Tanya DSP as they are made of plastic.
■ Both take a u-shaped sound signatures but there are some stark difference on they sound to my ears, it more focuses on sub bass, but less-texture which won't give even a decent slam on bass guitar, bass drum kicks and bass baritone vocals. Midrange is some clean but most of my complaints on current Moondrop tuning was its leanness and less-dynamic on midrange note. The upper mids is a bit too smoother as they wont give an energetic and crisp sound on female vocals. Treble register is poorly handled on this one like where is my sparkle? Where are my harmonics? Where's the air?
■ The overall technical capabilities of Quarks is comparably inferior to TANYA DSP, an average sound field that gives me a rather congested feel within my aural sphere. Poor separation and layering of instruments. There are some noticeable noise floors but I really don't mind as it won't really affect the replay of the sound.
As I conclude this product review, TANCHJIM again delivers such a good product that will be a good option to budget audiophiles. The built-in DSP chip certainly has some limitations on decoding certain file formats like DSD along with its Type-C termination plug that will be even problematic to iPhone users as they will need another adapter on this one. While I address its possible issues, there are some silver lining on this one like likeable good and safe tuning, a more fun and engaging sound that will be versatile to all types of genres and a good amount of inclusions inside the box.
TANYA DSP really changed my opinion on earphones with DSP chip on how TANCHJIM is able to properly implement the driver along with its DSP chip and the materials of its shell that affects its acoustic resonance to give a solid product at a very reasonable price. Will I ever recommend Tanya DSP? well, the current state of smartphones, even on the flagship models are now abandoning the analogue headphone jack and only Type-C is now available for connectivity sound output aside from wireless, then its a yes, Tanya DSP is easily recommended on this aspect. I'm hoping for more improvements on DSP chips when it comes to performance in the foreseeable future as I saw some potential on them.
SPECIFICATION:
MODEL: TANCHJIM TANYA DSP
IMPEDANCE: 16Ω
SENSITIVITY: 124dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 45KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.25M
PIN TYPE: NON-DETACHABLE CABLE
PLUG TYPE: TYPE-C PLUG
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 for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.
DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank Ben from Sam Audio for providing this review unit on behalf of Tanchjim.
Sam Audio (https://samaudiosg.com/) is a renowned local Singaporean physical shop that also sells IEMs and sources online.
SPECIFICATIONS
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips
- 4 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips
- Pouch
- Tanchjim Tanya filters
Considering the Tanya DSP retail at slightly above $20 USD, the accessories are more than decent. Indeed, many audiophiles seek to get their paws on the coveted Tanya filters, of which 10 pairs are included here, as they are an extremely useful filter to reversibly mod overly bright IEMs (eg original Tripowin Olina). I've even seen some CHIFI enthusiasts buy the original Tanchjim Tanya IEMs just to get these filters, as the filters are quite hard to get out in the wild!
There are no foam tips included here, but I can close an eye cause of the cheap entrance fee. 2 variants of silicone eartips are provided. The wide-bore ones boost soundstage and treble, whereas the narrow-bore ones compress soundstage but increase bass.
Like the original Tanya, the Tanya DSP has a non-detachable mic cable, but the latter has a USB-C termination with an inbuilt digital signal processor (DSP) chip, which filters and/or compresses analog signals to mathematically modify them on-the-fly. This cable is made via Litz oxygen-free copper wire; there's some microphonics unfortunately, but once again, this can be overlooked for the cheap $20ish USD price tag.
A velvet draw-string pouch completes the accessory line-up. While it is elegant, it probably won't be able to withstand huge compressive forces.
The rest of this review was done with the stock narrow-bore tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The bullet-shaped housings are very light and ergonomic, and I've no complaints on the comfort front. The fuselage is made from aviation grade aluminum alloy, with the rear fashioned from titanium alloy. Tanchjim markets that prior to being found on the shelves, the shells are polished via anodized sandblasting, to make the earpieces as smooth as silk.
Being a vented DD with a semi-open backed design, there are penalties in isolation, so the Tanya DSP is below average in this area. I did not encounter any driver flex but this is partially dependent on ear anatomy and type of eartips used, so YMMV.
Strangely, the housings have no L/R lettering to delineate the sides, but the left earpiece has a dot at the cable insertion point to mark this as the left side.
INTERNALS
The Tanya DSP uses a 7 mm micro DD, with a brass resonance suppression ring installed on the rear cavity. It is housed within a special acoustic cavity created from FEA (Finite Element Analysis).
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Tanya DSP with the following sources:
- Windows PC
- Smartphone
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Shanling M0 Pro DAP
The Tanya DSP is easy to drive, unlike its predecessor. The DSP variant gets to listenable volumes at just 4 - 5/100 on Windows PC for music tracks, and the additional headroom is more than unnecessary. The Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 just requires only volume level 1 or 2 with the Tanya DSP!
Unlike hissing noted with other DSP implemented IEMs (cough cough looking at you Moondrop Quarks!), I'm glad to report that the Tanya DSP is dead silent even when plugged into unshielded PC USB ports.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
In contrast to the predecessor Tanya, which was very mid-bass heavy, tonally, the Tanya DSP is more Harmanish, with lesser bass boom, and a brighter treble. Both have a peak at the 3 kHz region, though the Tanya DSP is balanced out with a big bass, so it isn't shouty.
Timbral accuracy is excellent as per its single DD roots. If you listen to mostly acoustic predominant genres like jazz or classical, the instruments are very well protrayed.
Technicalities are pretty average for a budget single DD set. Soundstage is average in depth and height, though width is above average. Micro-detailing isn't class-leading, though imaging is very decent for a $20 USD set. Instrument separation isn't too stark, and music can sometimes blend, especially with complex tracks.
Bass is just north of neutral, being focused in the mid-bass. There's a big thump in bass heavy recordings, with moderate sub-bass extension and rumble, though the Tanya DSP is not a legit basshead set. On to bass quality, the bass is not too textured and can come across as one-noted at times. Bass speed is moderate, though there's some mid-bass bleed.
This mid-bass bleed warms the lower midrange and adds to note weight. Though, transparency takes a hit cause of this, with the Tanya DSP lying on the more analoguish side of the spectrum (compared to something highly analytical). There's a rise in the upper mids peaking at the 3 kHz region, though this region is balanced out by the big bass, and vocals are forwards without being shouty.
Treble has moderate extension, and the Tanya DSP is quite safe for treble-sensitive listeners. There's negligible sibilance, though on the flip-side, there's some loss of clarity and micro-detailing compared to more treble boosted sets.
COMPARISONS
Comparisons were made with other budget single DDs with DSP technology, plus the original Tanya. Planars, hybrids and pure BA types were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.
Tanchjim Tanya (original)
The original Tanya is much harder to drive. The predecessor Tanya is boomier in the mid-bass and a bit muddier in the higher frequencies. The DSP variant is more balanced in this respect, boasting better treble extension and a tighter bass, and it isn't as veiled tonally.
The original Tanya is also slightly weaker in technicalities compared to its DSP counterpart.
Overall, the Tanya DSP is a true and worthy upgrade to the venerable original Tanchjim Tanya.
Moondrop Quarks DSP
The Quarks DSP was hyped to the moon this year, especially when measurebators saw the excellent Harmanish graphs on offer.
I do agree that the DSP is great tonally, but it has a couple of glaring flaws:
1) The Quarks DSP hisses like a snake. When music plays, it is not so noticeable, but this can still be perceived in quieter parts of the music. The noise floor control on the Quarks DSP is disappointing in this regard.
2) The Quarks DSP has random pitch variation of instruments, which is probably a sign of incomplete DSP development/implementation. I'm not the only one to have encountered this problem, as there are various forum reports on this.
3) Volume steps are rather far apart. I can't hit the volume sweet spot with the Quarks DSP on various DAPs and PCs, as it is either too soft (lacking dynamics), or too loud (fatiguing).
When doing A/B comparisons of the Quarks DSP versus the Tanya DSP, the former is slightly superior in technical chops, but I cannot recommend the Quarks DSP based on the above areas, especially with point 2 above being a major deal breaker for me as a musician.
I did not encounter any hiss or weird pitching with the Tanya DSP in the past month that I've been putting it through its paces, and the volume controls are finely tuned with the Tanya DSP. I'll definitely take the Tanya DSP any day between these 2.
Moondrop JIU
The JIU is another DSP IEM from Moondrop, and it is tonally similar to the Quarks DSP, just that the former is a bit brighter in the lower treble. Thankfully, the JIU fixes the hiss and pitch variations issues of the Quarks DSP.
Sadly, the JIU has horrendous fit, with similar shells to the CHU, with a non-detachable cable that yanks the IEMs out of the ears. Comfort is a far cry from the ergonomic bullet-shaped design of the Tanya DSP.
Technically, the JIU is slightly ahead compared to the Tanya DSP, though the JIU is brighter and more sibilant, and can get harsh and tiring with longer listening sessions.
I would consider these two DSP IEMs to be sidegrades: the Tanya DSP is more analoguish and suited for chilling to music, whereas the JIU is more analytical, but may not be a good option if you are treble-sensitive.
CONCLUSIONS
The Tanya DSP is a well implemented DSP IEM, with natural timbre and organic tonality being its greatest assets. Considering one can skip a MacDonald's meal or two to obtain the Tanya DSP, this IEM truly has great price-to-performance ratio.
Comfort and ergonomics are another strong suit, in addition to a generous spread of accessories, including 10 pairs of the coveted Tanya filters! Being easier to drive, more technical and more balanced than the predecessor Tanya is also a plus, and the USB-C termination allows the Tanya DSP to be conveniently paired with most modern day devices (sorry if you are an apple user though, you might need to get an adapter!). Unlike some DSP IEMs that suffer from hiss or half-baked execution of the DSP component, the Tanya DSP seems polished in these areas.
The Tanya DSP shines with slower acoustic tunes, and vocal and timbre lovers will have a field day. It is not by any means a technical behemoth for critical listening, but the Tanya DSP will be a suitable introductory set for folks wanting to taste their first DSP IEM. Lay consumers would also be a target segment for the Tanya DSP, especially since non-audiophiles might prefer to use a USB-C device with their phones and computers (rather than a dedicated DAC/AMP). Therein, the Tanya DSP may make a worthwhile gift to our friends and colleagues (and perhaps it will snare them and lead them down this endless IEM rabbithole!)
I would like to thank Ben from Sam Audio for providing this review unit on behalf of Tanchjim.
Sam Audio (https://samaudiosg.com/) is a renowned local Singaporean physical shop that also sells IEMs and sources online.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver configuration: 17 mm micro dynamic driver
- Impedance: 16 Ohms
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 42 kHz.
- Sensitivity: 112 dB
- Cable: Non-detachable, Litz oxygen-free copper wire, USB-C
- Tested at $23.99 USD
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips
- 4 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips
- Pouch
- Tanchjim Tanya filters
Considering the Tanya DSP retail at slightly above $20 USD, the accessories are more than decent. Indeed, many audiophiles seek to get their paws on the coveted Tanya filters, of which 10 pairs are included here, as they are an extremely useful filter to reversibly mod overly bright IEMs (eg original Tripowin Olina). I've even seen some CHIFI enthusiasts buy the original Tanchjim Tanya IEMs just to get these filters, as the filters are quite hard to get out in the wild!
There are no foam tips included here, but I can close an eye cause of the cheap entrance fee. 2 variants of silicone eartips are provided. The wide-bore ones boost soundstage and treble, whereas the narrow-bore ones compress soundstage but increase bass.
Like the original Tanya, the Tanya DSP has a non-detachable mic cable, but the latter has a USB-C termination with an inbuilt digital signal processor (DSP) chip, which filters and/or compresses analog signals to mathematically modify them on-the-fly. This cable is made via Litz oxygen-free copper wire; there's some microphonics unfortunately, but once again, this can be overlooked for the cheap $20ish USD price tag.
A velvet draw-string pouch completes the accessory line-up. While it is elegant, it probably won't be able to withstand huge compressive forces.
The rest of this review was done with the stock narrow-bore tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The bullet-shaped housings are very light and ergonomic, and I've no complaints on the comfort front. The fuselage is made from aviation grade aluminum alloy, with the rear fashioned from titanium alloy. Tanchjim markets that prior to being found on the shelves, the shells are polished via anodized sandblasting, to make the earpieces as smooth as silk.
Being a vented DD with a semi-open backed design, there are penalties in isolation, so the Tanya DSP is below average in this area. I did not encounter any driver flex but this is partially dependent on ear anatomy and type of eartips used, so YMMV.
Strangely, the housings have no L/R lettering to delineate the sides, but the left earpiece has a dot at the cable insertion point to mark this as the left side.
INTERNALS
The Tanya DSP uses a 7 mm micro DD, with a brass resonance suppression ring installed on the rear cavity. It is housed within a special acoustic cavity created from FEA (Finite Element Analysis).
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Tanya DSP with the following sources:
- Windows PC
- Smartphone
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Shanling M0 Pro DAP
The Tanya DSP is easy to drive, unlike its predecessor. The DSP variant gets to listenable volumes at just 4 - 5/100 on Windows PC for music tracks, and the additional headroom is more than unnecessary. The Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 just requires only volume level 1 or 2 with the Tanya DSP!
Unlike hissing noted with other DSP implemented IEMs (cough cough looking at you Moondrop Quarks!), I'm glad to report that the Tanya DSP is dead silent even when plugged into unshielded PC USB ports.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
In contrast to the predecessor Tanya, which was very mid-bass heavy, tonally, the Tanya DSP is more Harmanish, with lesser bass boom, and a brighter treble. Both have a peak at the 3 kHz region, though the Tanya DSP is balanced out with a big bass, so it isn't shouty.
Timbral accuracy is excellent as per its single DD roots. If you listen to mostly acoustic predominant genres like jazz or classical, the instruments are very well protrayed.
Technicalities are pretty average for a budget single DD set. Soundstage is average in depth and height, though width is above average. Micro-detailing isn't class-leading, though imaging is very decent for a $20 USD set. Instrument separation isn't too stark, and music can sometimes blend, especially with complex tracks.
Bass is just north of neutral, being focused in the mid-bass. There's a big thump in bass heavy recordings, with moderate sub-bass extension and rumble, though the Tanya DSP is not a legit basshead set. On to bass quality, the bass is not too textured and can come across as one-noted at times. Bass speed is moderate, though there's some mid-bass bleed.
This mid-bass bleed warms the lower midrange and adds to note weight. Though, transparency takes a hit cause of this, with the Tanya DSP lying on the more analoguish side of the spectrum (compared to something highly analytical). There's a rise in the upper mids peaking at the 3 kHz region, though this region is balanced out by the big bass, and vocals are forwards without being shouty.
Treble has moderate extension, and the Tanya DSP is quite safe for treble-sensitive listeners. There's negligible sibilance, though on the flip-side, there's some loss of clarity and micro-detailing compared to more treble boosted sets.
COMPARISONS
Comparisons were made with other budget single DDs with DSP technology, plus the original Tanya. Planars, hybrids and pure BA types were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.
Tanchjim Tanya (original)
The original Tanya is much harder to drive. The predecessor Tanya is boomier in the mid-bass and a bit muddier in the higher frequencies. The DSP variant is more balanced in this respect, boasting better treble extension and a tighter bass, and it isn't as veiled tonally.
The original Tanya is also slightly weaker in technicalities compared to its DSP counterpart.
Overall, the Tanya DSP is a true and worthy upgrade to the venerable original Tanchjim Tanya.
Moondrop Quarks DSP
The Quarks DSP was hyped to the moon this year, especially when measurebators saw the excellent Harmanish graphs on offer.
I do agree that the DSP is great tonally, but it has a couple of glaring flaws:
1) The Quarks DSP hisses like a snake. When music plays, it is not so noticeable, but this can still be perceived in quieter parts of the music. The noise floor control on the Quarks DSP is disappointing in this regard.
2) The Quarks DSP has random pitch variation of instruments, which is probably a sign of incomplete DSP development/implementation. I'm not the only one to have encountered this problem, as there are various forum reports on this.
3) Volume steps are rather far apart. I can't hit the volume sweet spot with the Quarks DSP on various DAPs and PCs, as it is either too soft (lacking dynamics), or too loud (fatiguing).
When doing A/B comparisons of the Quarks DSP versus the Tanya DSP, the former is slightly superior in technical chops, but I cannot recommend the Quarks DSP based on the above areas, especially with point 2 above being a major deal breaker for me as a musician.
I did not encounter any hiss or weird pitching with the Tanya DSP in the past month that I've been putting it through its paces, and the volume controls are finely tuned with the Tanya DSP. I'll definitely take the Tanya DSP any day between these 2.
Moondrop JIU
The JIU is another DSP IEM from Moondrop, and it is tonally similar to the Quarks DSP, just that the former is a bit brighter in the lower treble. Thankfully, the JIU fixes the hiss and pitch variations issues of the Quarks DSP.
Sadly, the JIU has horrendous fit, with similar shells to the CHU, with a non-detachable cable that yanks the IEMs out of the ears. Comfort is a far cry from the ergonomic bullet-shaped design of the Tanya DSP.
Technically, the JIU is slightly ahead compared to the Tanya DSP, though the JIU is brighter and more sibilant, and can get harsh and tiring with longer listening sessions.
I would consider these two DSP IEMs to be sidegrades: the Tanya DSP is more analoguish and suited for chilling to music, whereas the JIU is more analytical, but may not be a good option if you are treble-sensitive.
CONCLUSIONS
The Tanya DSP is a well implemented DSP IEM, with natural timbre and organic tonality being its greatest assets. Considering one can skip a MacDonald's meal or two to obtain the Tanya DSP, this IEM truly has great price-to-performance ratio.
Comfort and ergonomics are another strong suit, in addition to a generous spread of accessories, including 10 pairs of the coveted Tanya filters! Being easier to drive, more technical and more balanced than the predecessor Tanya is also a plus, and the USB-C termination allows the Tanya DSP to be conveniently paired with most modern day devices (sorry if you are an apple user though, you might need to get an adapter!). Unlike some DSP IEMs that suffer from hiss or half-baked execution of the DSP component, the Tanya DSP seems polished in these areas.
The Tanya DSP shines with slower acoustic tunes, and vocal and timbre lovers will have a field day. It is not by any means a technical behemoth for critical listening, but the Tanya DSP will be a suitable introductory set for folks wanting to taste their first DSP IEM. Lay consumers would also be a target segment for the Tanya DSP, especially since non-audiophiles might prefer to use a USB-C device with their phones and computers (rather than a dedicated DAC/AMP). Therein, the Tanya DSP may make a worthwhile gift to our friends and colleagues (and perhaps it will snare them and lead them down this endless IEM rabbithole!)
