TANCHJlM 4U DMT-4Ultra Double-chamber Dynamic Driver In-Ear Monitors

This time i'll write a review for Tanchjim 4U. I got this unit from Harmoko Lie . Thanks to Harmoko Lie, HiFiGo , and Audio Geek "Brother_Hood of Audiophiles" for support. So, Tanchjim 4U, is it really for you?

PACKAGING & ACCESSORIES
The packaging is enough, nothing special. For $60 price range, so many IEM with more special and luxurious packaging.

For accessories, we get 6 pair of white eartips, 2 Pin 3.5mm Jack Cable with silver color, gray fabric pouch, and the most special and weird at the same time, we get a fancy screwdriver!?

The screwdriver function is for switching the filter in Tanchjim 4U, we have 4 filter that each one increase the bass quantity in this IEM. I am using the less bass filter for this review because in my opinion, that filter producing the best sound quality.

SOUND QUALITY
People say that Tanchjim 4U is a Bright IEM, is it really that BRIGHT?

Bass
Yes, they are RIGHT! Tanchjim 4U have “just enough” bass. Remember about bass filter earlier? Even with the biggest bass filter, theq bass still not satisfying enough. That filter even make 4U bass sound worst, it make the bass sound boomy and have less detail.

Eventhough, i still like the bass texture in Tanchjim 4U.

Mid
Tanchjim 4U have sweet and extraordinary mid section. Maybe after treble, this mid section is star in Tanchjim 4U. There no sibilance and shoutiness at all in the song part that vulnerable to that trouble.

Treble
YES, this is a Bright IEM. Guitar strum, violin, cymbal sound loud but still safe and not attacking at all. All the micro detail is well presented. Honestly, for long listening session, this IEM will make you tired with all the treble it have, but for normal usage there will be no problem.

Soundstage dan Separation
Not the widest soundstage in the market, but its already good enough in presenting left-right, upper-bottom, far-nearby position. For separation, this IEM is a champ! Really easy to differentiate the sound of each instrument on the song with this IEM.

COMFORTABILITY
This is very subjective things, but i still have to comment this section, right? So the housing of 4U is unique and honestly this unique shape make my earlobe hurt and sore when using it in a long time.

4U, IS IT REALLY FOR YOU?
Yes, IF you like treble, not sensitive to treble, and satisfied enough with moderately bass.

Tanchjim 4U: For You and For Professional You.



Before going into the review, I would like to thank Mr. Harmoko for once again lending me my first IEM from a brand I wanted to check out but haven’t gotten a chance until now. This is the first Tanchjim IEM I reviewed and perhaps the first one I tried too. Disclaimer, this set is loaner and everything I share here is 100% my own opinion on the Tanchjim 4U. Thank you so much Mr. Harmoko for your continuous support.

Unboxing
Starting with the unboxing experience of Tanchjim 4U. The box is surprisingly small, smaller than what I thought it would be. Opening up the box reveals the layers of things included with the 4U. A small folded box that houses your paperworks and IEM pouch. On the next layer is a foam insert with the 4U in them and the last layer is the Cables for the 4U. They also included a tiny metal screwdriver for tuning the 4U. I will talk about this in the dedicated section. Moving on…

Design, Fit, and Comfort

The Design of the 4U is quite beautiful as it has a silver and chrome color scheme to them. The shape is quite small and the weight is quite light, while feeling quite solid due to the metal build of the 4U. The tuning potentiometer is placed in the inside of the 4U, not quite sure on how durable it is since it’s on the rather humid part of ear + it is made of plastic and the tool they included is a metal tool. I think over time the plastic will deteriorate and the included tool might also accelerate the process. It is my concern from the first time seeing the 4U in facebook posts.

Fitting wise, due to the small nature of the 4U, I find them rather comfortable to be worn over a long period of time. The tuning however… Let's talk about it.

Sound

The overall sound of 4U can be Mild V, slight midbassy, less subbass, and no bass. I will talk about this more on the dedicated switch section of the video. Overall, the 4U caters to quite a contrasting listening experience. Most of the time I'm leaning towards the ‘Atmospheric’ tuning, which is the Mild V tuning.

Bass
Perhaps the Atmospheric setting has the most bass compared to other settings, but compared to some of the other IEMs I’ve been trying the last few weeks it feels less bassy. Even though there aren’t a lot of thump and rumble from the 4U, I feel like the bass is pretty adequate to give a slight fun sound to the songs listened with the 4U. With the 4U, I feel like listening to a lot of easier, laidback, and slower songs. Perhaps it is due to my ears starting to fatigue, but it sure is a nice segue to the Midrange performance of the 4U.

Mids
Usually, slower songs like the Jazzy, classical genres, have a lot of instruments that occupy the midrange frequencies. The 4U sounds rather full and natural, something from Laufey or perhaps NIKI Nicole album sounds rather nice and quite relaxing. Perhaps the midrange and vocal presentation isn’t as warm as I would like, but they are quite easy to enjoy. However, the mids can come across as slightly thin with the Tanchjim 4U. I wouldn’t necessarily call this a drawback, as some professional monitoring IEMs can also sound a bit thin and the Tanchjim 4U does have a dedicated “Monitoring” tuning. I’ll address the tuning aspect in another section.

Treble
Last but not least, the treble performance of the 4U is quite forward and pronounced. Perhaps you could say they are quite bright… perhaps they’re not the brightest out there, but it is enough to give some sparkle to vocals and instruments. Your mileage may vary of course. To be quite honest with you, I’ve been feeling very tired lately and while testing the 4U I feel quite fatigued sometimes. Perhaps it is a good idea to take rest between sessions in general, but the show must go on!

Switches

This is perhaps my reason to get the 4U. It’s not that I like switches now, but I do find the tunings provided by the 4U switches quite intriguing. Truthfully, out of 4 tunings the 4U has I’m only interested in 2. What are those tuning ? Let’s talk about it

Atmospheric
The tuning I used most while assessing the 4U is the Atmospheric setting. I mainly use the 4U for recreation and casual music listening. I prefer this tuning because it offers a balanced mid-bass and sub-bass. It alters the bass characteristics of the 4U, providing the most sub-bass of all the settings. The name suggests that the bass creates an atmospheric feel, which is accurate—it makes the soundstage slightly wider, similar to my experience with the HiSenior Okavango.

Monitoring
My second favorite tuning of the 4U, not because it is the most fun sounding out of the bunch or because it is close to my target preference. However, if I were ever to use it for professional use including youtube video editing. This tuning might be the tuning I choose for the task, I didn’t spend too much time with actual monitoring IEMs. However I feel like it is as close to a monitoring IEM as it can get for something that you could enjoy for regular use and monitoring use… in this price range, because… the Volur exists.

Pop
Other than the 2 mentioned before, honestly I don’t really use this tuning nor the next one. The Pop 2nd most Bass out of the 4 tuning. It slightly lessened the subbass of the 4U, and a little bit of the midbass. I honestly prefer subbass more than Midbass, but I do get that some people would like this tuning. It is quite fun, making pop songs sound fun, engaging, and lifting. Perhaps suitable for those who listens to Taylor Swift, K-Pop, and other Pop songs.

Natural
Natural, the third least bassy setting of the 4U. Perhaps if you like classical or mids centric tuning, the Natural might be for you, as the natural tuning pushes most of the bass while leaving plenty to give some bass to songs.

On Distortion (10 Babymetal Budokan)
The soundstage is reasonably wide—not the widest, but certainly not the narrowest. The imaging is good, with instrument positioning and other elements being fairly pronounced. While it may not be the most resolving IEM available, it certainly offers good value for its price and the other aspects discussed in this review.

Vs. Kefine Delci
I think they have a similar tuning overall, but the 4U might sound a little bit bright and a little bit less bassy. Like most of my comparisons, I can’t really choose between one or the other. The Tanchjim 4U offers the flexibility of tuning and the “Monitoring” setting is quite interesting to me. However, the Kefine Delci is way more fun and relaxing to listen to. I think if you prefer punchy and thumpy bass, the Delci might be a good option for you.

Vs. Zero:Red
Speaking of bass, My Truthear Zero:Red barely gets any mention these days. Since my last review on them, I have changed the cable to EPZ’s Mic Cable from the Q1 Pro. Why ? Because I use the Zero:Red for basically anything. But! I digress… The Zero:Red is also less bassy compared to the Kefine Delci. However it does feel like they are comparable to the Tanchjim 4U. The bass performance of the Zero:Red is quite more refined, giving that “Fast” bass. It is also worth noting that the Zero:Red is a dual Dynamic Driver and the 4U is a single Dynamic Driver, so take it with a grain of salt. On the upper end, the Zero:Red feels a little bit dull and lacking in clarity.

Overview of Comparison
To recap: the 4U is the brightest, the Delci has the most bass, and the Zero
is the most natural. In my opinion, the Tanchjim 4U exhibits the best perceived technicalities of the three and may be the most comfortable.



TL; DW
The Tanchjim 4U is a Single Dynamic Driver IEM that costs around $70 dollars. Fun fact, this is actually the first IEM I reviewed from Tanchjim. It has 4 tuning and can be adjusted with a potentiometer on the inside of the IEMs. I do have concerns about this decision, but… oh well. The tuning affects the bass performance of the 4U. Monitoring has the least bass and Atmospheric has the most.

The Tanchjim 4U has a rather bright, mid forward sound to them. The Bass is adequate for general enjoyment, but perhaps doesn’t suit those who want a lot of bass when listening to music. I quite enjoy the tuning of the 4U and I feel like it is quite an interesting IEM to have. I’m mostly interested in the “monitoring” setting. As for the ratings, I give the Tanchjim 4U a B+ for tonality and another B+ for Technicalities.

Perhaps if you’re looking for a mid centric, mild V tuning IEM with tuning switches, the Tanchjim might be a great candidate 4U.

That is it, that is my review of the Tanchjim 4U. Thank you so much everyone that has supported me to this day. Thank you Mr. Harmoko for lending me the Tanchjim 4U and Kefine Delci in for review. Thank you all for watching and… have a great day!

I have used this product more than a week in order to make this review.

Impressions:
IT'S FINE.
There's really not much to say about it other than one aspect of it I'll mention later for now sound wise there's really nothing note worthy or game changing , I'm pretty behind on what's the hot new thing on the market nowadays that becomes the standard or champion of the price range (cut me some slack the Chi-fi Market moves so fast) so bear with me if i reference what is now considered ancient in the land of sub 100$ IEMs, but this really feels like another Company taking a dab at Kato but cheaper which is a trend that was done to death like 2 years ago and this product feels like it came straight out of that era, which feels surreal that it's a product of 2024 it really just feels like a Kato but with a tuning dial.



Review

PACKAGE:
Packaging is important it's the second thing behind price that builds your anticipation and expectation, in which Tanchjim always nails minimalistic and sleek coupled in with the brands colors makes the unboxing very lavish.

What's inside is the usual for IEM's set of S,M,L sized tips, and a flat screw looking apparatus to aid you with tuning the dials inside the accessories container on the upper left box.

BUILD:
It's a full metal build it's got brushed contours and sides so it feels convenient when handling without the constant thought of wiping your shells to clean off grime and fingerprints is what i would say but Tanchjim exactly added a grime, fingerprint magnet face plate that's working counter intuitively to the brushed metal body, but it does look cool so who am i to complain,

SOUND:
I've been mentioning Moondrop's Kato for a while and to give you an idea what I'm talking about here's the graph.

I could regurgitate my opinions of the Kato and it wouldn't be any different from 4U, which is good there's a reason why many companies took the trend to replicate Kato's sound but tiers cheaper than the reference because it's a pleasant sound, in which 4U absolutely does well.

Sub-Bass is light isn't lacking anything major it isn't deep or impactful does the job well enough, Mid-bass on the other hand is slightly more emphasized due to the bass curve on all 4 modes of bass the dial has, Mids are very lush and smooth especially female vocals it's very forward and it's highs never get shouty with my library within my time using it, Treble is very competent isn't really doing anything interesting it does the job well although i've noticed some distortion at the highs on specific tracks.

The dials isn't really a big deal as it seems at first just a measly dial that changes sub-bass.

Atmosphere: Is the most pleasant one among them stock tuning it would seem

Pop: Shelves out some sub-bass further shows how much mid-bass the tuning actually has

Natural:I have no idea what's this for it's just an inferior Pop/Atmosphere

Monitor: Emulates actual studio monitor headphones and it's is anemic at the mids and treble which checks out it helps you pick out what you want in recordings


TECHNICALITIES:
Detail retrieval is good, Separation and Layering is decent, Imaging is decent, Sound stage is small.


CONCLUSION
It's a good iem, just feels like it came out of another era of the price range, in which standards where more simpler and limited than today this set feels out of place and a weak contender in the market even if it was released much earlier

Tanchjim has provided the 4U IEM to Audio Reviews Downunder for an unbiased review and we thank them. This is Tanchjim’s first pair of In-ear monitors with the 4-Level Adjustable Circuit Filter System. It also features dual magnetic driver technology and a driver-front internal cavity design, for a better in ear fit. You get a set of silicone tip and a rather nice Litz silver cable.

I listened to the 4U with the Letshuoer DT03 and Hidizs S9 pro dacs with my Hiby DAP lossless music library.



For the 4U, Tanchjim has designed a special 4-way adjustable circuit filter system. This has a simple mechanism on the inner side of the pair, you can turn the mechanism around with the tool included in the package. It will adjust the bass response on the pair, giving you four different signatures in a single set. The switch that is turned by a small provide screwdriver has a good detent when you reach the setting so its easy to position it correctly.

The least bassy option is the monitoring mode. To my ears this throws the sound balance too far towards the upper mid and treble end of the frequency response and is the least enjoyable.

Moving onto the Natural switch, the increased bass level gives a better-balanced sound but to my ears is still bass light and too mid-centric.

The Pop setting is next and again, more bass and the rest of the frequency range is the same. Question is, do I need more bass?

So we switch to Atmosphere. Tanchjim has put some magic sauce in that setting. The sound becomes much bigger and expansive. Bass goes deeper, midrange is bolder and more forward and the treble swirls around in the stratosphere. The IEM demands you increase the volume level to planar levels because the sound is so beguiling. The 4U is not hard to drive but does enjoy a Dac with a bit of grunt. I pushed my volume up to 42% which is around where I play the Hidizs MP145 at.

The sound with Atmosphere selected, which is what I am using for my sound impressions, is very airy and spacious. The tonality is natural and vocals while forward are realistic and have proper timbre. Listening to Tom Petty, It’s Good to be King, Tom's unique voice is on point. This song off the well recorded Wildflowers features an ensemble of musicians and the 4U does an excellent job of separating and placing the various performers in the sound stage. Drums and cymbals are particularly well rendered.
Rufus du Sol's Alive has an awesome weighty atmospheric wash with solid synth lines and detailed treble percussion. Vocals are placed just right in the mix and I can even detect some sub bass rumble. Most bass is forcefully placed in the mid bass area and do not impinge on the midrange.
Billie Bossa Nova by Billie Eilish with its bass heavy production is a good example of the clean and balanced sound the 4U can produce. Treble is crystalline, Billies voice is warm and intimate, and the guitar accompaniment cuts through the bass lines nicely. Note that after tip rolling Spinfit W tips gave the best balance to my ears.
The soundstage is average but appears bigger due to the atmospheric effect of the tuning switch. This is aided by the excellent separation and the airy presentation. Detail retrieval is also very good with intricacies in compositions evident and easily audible.

Tanchjim Zero still holds a warm spot in my heart for a competent neutral budget set so I was hopeful for this set and they have not disappointed me. The Tanchjim 4U is musical, dynamic and enjoyable without any downsides. This is likely to be a favourite daily driver. It gets a recommendation by my ears.

the Tanchjim 4U IEMs, a newcomer to the sub-$70 category aiming to redefine affordable audio experiences. These (IEMs) set themselves apart with a distinct feature: adjustable bass filters that cater to diverse musical tastes, from pop to electronic genres. Crafted with a sleek design and durable build quality, they include essential accessories like multiple ear tips and a convenient carrying pouch. Join us as we explore whether the Tanchjim 4U IEMs deliver on their promise of customizable sound and enjoyable listening sessions.



Packaging & Accessories:




For its price, the Tanchjim 4U offers an impressive presentation. Inside the box, you'll find the IEMs themselves, a braided cable (on the thinner side, subject to personal preference) with a standard 3.5mm jack, two sets of ear tips in various sizes, a mini screwdriver for bass filter adjustments, a convenient carrying pouch, and a user manual – everything you need for portable audio enjoyment.

Build Quality & Design:



Crafted around a single dynamic driver, the 4U ensures a comfortable fit across different ear shapes with its standard nozzle size and sleek, not overly bulky design. The metal construction, featuring a unique rabbit design with a frosted finish, adds a touch of elegance to their appearance.

Bass Filters:



The standout feature here is the inclusion of four bass filters, allowing you to tailor the low-end to your liking:

• Pop : Balanced and punchy sub-bass for a lively listening experience.
• Atmosphere : Delve deep into the bass abyss, perfect for enthusiasts looking some more deep, rumbling lows.
• Neutral: A safe and enjoyable tuning that avoids overpowering bass.
• Monitor : Less bass presence, ideal for those inclined towards crisp trebles.

Sound Quality:



"This impression is enhanced by a Pop filter."

Bass: The Tanchjim 4U offers a versatile approach to bass reproduction across its filters. With the "Pop" filter engaged, the sub-bass is balanced and punchy, adding vigor to genres like pop, rock, and electronic music. Basslines are well-defined, providing a satisfying thump without overpowering the overall mix. However, in comparison to higher-end models, the depth and texture of the bass can feel slightly restrained.

Midrange: Vocals are portrayed neutrally with clarity and a sense of airiness, ensuring every lyric is articulated distinctly. Whether listening to acoustic ballads or vocal-centric tracks, the midrange reproduction maintains fidelity and natural tonality. Nonetheless, some listeners may find a slight lack of warmth in female vocals, which could detract from emotional engagement in certain genres.

Treble: The treble response of the Tanchjim 4U is finely tuned to provide a pleasant shimmer without any harshness, contributing to an overall smooth listening experience. When paired with the "Pop" filter, the treble extends gracefully, enhancing the sparkle of cymbals and high-frequency instruments. However, for listeners preferring a more analytical sound, the treble could benefit from a touch more extension and detail retrieval in complex passages.

Technical Performance:

From a technical standpoint, the Tanchjim 4U showcases noteworthy capabilities across the frequency spectrum. The midrange presents vocals neutrally, ensuring clarity and airiness that brings out the nuances in vocal performances. Treble is finely tuned, delivering a pleasant shimmer without any hint of harshness, making it a great match with the "Pop" filter for a satisfying V-shaped sound signature with emphasized lows and highs.

Clarity is commendable, with subtle details in the music presented adequately, though the presentation could benefit from a touch more refinement in higher-end models. The sub-bass contributes to a broader and more dynamic soundstage, enhancing the overall immersion and depth of the listening experience. Imaging and instrument separation, while not reaching the pinnacle of more premium offerings, remain satisfactory within this price range, allowing instruments to occupy distinct positions in the sonic landscape.

Pros:
+Affordable Price: The Tanchjim 4U is priced competitively, making it accessible for budget-conscious consumers seeking IEMs.
+Customizable Bass Filters: Users can adjust bass levels to suit personal preferences, enhancing the IEMs' versatility for different genres.
+Solid Build Quality: Featuring a durable and ergonomic design, the IEMs provide comfort during extended use and ensure longevity.
+Versatile Sound Performance: Suitable for various music genres such as rock, pop, and electronic, offering clear midrange vocals and smooth treble extension.

Cons:
-Restrained Bass Impact: Some users may find the bass output less powerful compared to higher-priced IEM models, affecting the depth in bass-heavy tracks.
-Treble Detail: While generally pleasant, the treble could benefit from better detail retrieval to fully capture nuances in complex musical passages.
-Imaging and Instrument Separation: While adequate, the IEMs could improve in providing more precise imaging and better separation of instruments for a more immersive soundstage experience.

Conclusion:

For budget-conscious audiophiles and music enthusiasts, the Tanchjim 4U IEMs offer a compelling choice with their customizable bass filters. Whether you prefer a balanced sound signature, crave deep bass immersion, or need precise studio monitoring, these earphones deliver solid performance at an accessible price point. While they may not match the finesse of higher-priced alternatives across every aspect, their combination of sturdy build quality, adaptable sound options, and ergonomic design positions them as a noteworthy contender in the budget-friendly IEM market.

Where to Buy: You can purchase the 4U from various online retailers, including HifiGo

My Rating:
- Low: ★★★★✮
- Mid: ★★★★✮
- High: ★★★★✮
- Technical: ★★★★✮ (4.8 /5)
{☆ 0.5 point, ✮ 1 point, ★ 1 point}

​

>>I am brazilian and I speak portuguese, so forgive my english, I’ll use translation tools to help<<


INTRO:

Pay for 1 and get 4! The new release from Tanchjim Audio, IEM that feature a sound equalization filter system, this is the Tanchjim 4U.

I extend my gratitude to HiFiGo for the sample. My drive to enjoy music in the best possible way is my only influence. All opinions are solely my own.

Considering its cost, the Tanchjim 4U arrives in an attractive box, which contains a respectable array of accessories, including a set of stickers, a tuning screwdriver, two sets of tips, and a pouch. The cable is of good quality, though on the thinner side, and the unit is constructed from metal with a matte finish and a mirror-like accent on the front that can scratch or easily attract fingerprints. The 4U has a unique tuning dial on the back with 4 different setting options for you (4U); to adjust it you will need the included flat head driver or one of your own. I like the one with the 4U because its small and easily carried. The shell is compact and ergonomically shaped, providing good isolation and comfort.

Sound:
Although the bass isn't deep or impactful, it provides detail and texture. In atmosphere mode, the bass feels lighter and more natural. However, in monitor mode, it may seem anemic and flat. The bass that is present is well-controlled, of high quality, with excellent speed, and a tight, punchy mid-bass.
The midrange on the 4U is superb, offering a neutral and transparent presentation. It provides ample separation and clarity, with a smooth and rich tone for both male and female vocals. While the details are sufficient, they are not sharp and blend effortlessly into the music, sitting just in front of the instruments. Mids are forward but center and never came across shouty or harsh.
The highs of the 4U are well-extended, exhibiting minimal sharpness and limited air. There are a few spikes, but I honestly did not hear any unevenness or sibilance. The treble offers good detail for a dynamic driver IEM, capturing even subtle microdetails effectively.

The soundstage and technical aspects are exceptional, surpassing what one might expect for the price range. Although the stage isn't expansive or holographic, it effectively simulates the intimate acoustics of a small room with a stereo set and forward-facing speakers. Additionally, it boasts excellent imaging and separation, capturing fine details with clarity.

If you're searching for a studio monitor or a high-quality IEM with a neutral and organic tone, this might be suitable for you. To me the Tanchjim 4U is cohesive, enjoyable and technically adept, it hits above its price range. I don't personally love it as I like much more lower-end and warmth but I recognize its good.

INTRODUCTION:
Tanchjim has been a brand on my periphery for some time, garnering considerable praise from esteemed audiophile influencers such as Gizaudio. Thanks to a fortuitous collaboration with Hifigo, I've finally had the opportunity to immerse myself in their sonic landscape with the 4u.

Navigating the fiercely competitive sub-$100 IEM market, the 4u presents itself as a potential standout, offering customizable tuning through a versatile switch system. Let's delve deeper into my auditory journey with this intriguing pair.

BUILD:

The 4u is a minimalist masterpiece crafted from metal alloy. Its diminutive yet substantial form factor ensures a comfortable fit, even for those with smaller ears. While its elegant simplicity is undeniably appealing, the glossy finish demands careful handling to prevent unsightly scratches.

TUNING DIALS:

The inclusion of adjustable tuning profiles has become increasingly commonplace in the IEM market throughout 2024, and the Tanchjim 4u is no exception. I initially harbored skepticism towards this trend, but I've grown to appreciate the versatility it offers. As the saying goes, "if you can't beat them, join them!"

The 4u boasts four distinct sonic personalities: Atmosphere, Pop, Natural, and Monitoring. Throughout the course of this review, I primarily gravitated towards the Atmosphere profile, with Natural as a close runner-up. The Monitoring mode, as its designation suggests, prioritizes a neutral, reference-grade presentation, resulting in a somewhat subdued bass response. Conversely, the Pop setting strikes a balance between the various sonic elements.

The implementation of these tuning adjustments is commendable, delivering readily apparent distinctions in the bass character. Baskingshark, a friend of mine, has generously provided the following graph to illustrate the variations.

INCLUSIONS:

Tanchjim has shown remarkable generosity in the eartip department, providing high-quality options that contribute significantly to the listening experience. The included cable, though lightweight and slender, fulfills its purpose adequately. The protective pouch offers basic safeguarding against scratches but lacks the rigidity to withstand substantial impacts. To ensure optimal protection for this elegant IEM, consider investing in a more robust case.

For the duration of this review, I opted for the wide-bore white eartips to complement the 4u's sonic character.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS:

Sources:
1. Ovidius B1
2. Centrance Dacport HD
3. Hiby FC6
4. Fiio M11 Plus Ltd
5. VE Odo
6. VE Abigail
7. Apple music subscription
8. Qobuz Studio subscription
9. EPZ TP50

TECHNICAL SIDE:
The 4u immediately impresses with a generously proportioned soundstage that offers ample space for musical expression.

Instruments are positioned with commendable depth and precision, creating a convincing three-dimensional soundscape.

The transient response leans towards a smooth, laid-back character, fostering a musical and engaging presentation rather than a clinical, analytical one.

Timbral accuracy is a hallmark of the 4u, delivering natural, authentic tones devoid of artificial coloration.

While separation is not the IEM's strongest suit, it remains a competent performer in this regard.

Overall, the 4u surpasses expectations in terms of technical proficiency, considering its affordable price point. However, unlocking its full potential requires a capable amplifier. Initial listening sessions may reveal a somewhat underwhelming performance, but pairing the 4u with a more powerful source yields a noticeable improvement in authority and clarity. My FC6 and Fiio M11 proved to be somewhat inadequate driving these demanding IEMs.

SOUND PROFILE:
The 4u's bass presentation, even in the Atmosphere tuning, leans towards the light side of the spectrum. Consequently, the Monitoring mode offers a decidedly neutral, bass-lite experience. While bass enthusiasts might find themselves seeking a more substantial low-end, those who prioritize a balanced sound signature will appreciate the 4u's clean and controlled bass quality. The low frequencies lack the visceral impact of a head-shaking punch but deliver sufficient depth and texture to complement the overall musicality.

The 4u truly shines in its midrange performance. Vocals are presented with intimacy, engagement, and a forward placement that will captivate listeners with a penchant for vocal-driven tracks. Instruments like pianos, Rhodes, and organs are rendered with clarity and realism, occupying their rightful place in the musical landscape. The midrange is characterized by a smooth, effortless delivery, prioritizing musicality over analytical precision.

The treble response is another strength of the 4u. Despite employing wide-bore eartips, the treble remains smooth and inoffensive, making it a suitable choice for sensitive listeners. While detail retrieval is present, it takes a back seat to a more relaxed, easy-going presentation. Treble enthusiasts might yearn for greater sparkle and extension, but the 4u avoids harshness or excessive brightness, striking a commendable balance between detail and listenability.

COMPARISONS:
Kefine Delci OG
The Delci offers a more exuberant listening experience with a noticeably punchier and weightier bass response compared to the 4u. Both IEMs share a gentle treble presentation, but the Delci exhibits a slight edge in technical proficiency. While the 4u boasts a smoother attack, both models lean towards a relaxed sonic character. The 4u establishes a more neutral sonic foundation, whereas the Delci delivers a slightly warmer, more engaging sound. The 4u, however, reigns supreme in vocal reproduction.

VERDICT:
The Tanchjim 4u defies expectations within its price range by offering a unique sonic approach. The implementation of four distinct tunings, primarily affecting the bass, is a refreshing departure from gimmicky attempts at customization. Even with the most bass-oriented profile, Atmosphere, the overall sound signature maintains a neutral character. Coupled with a smooth, laid-back attack, the 4u carves a distinctive niche in the market, diverging from the typical pairing of neutral sound with fast, aggressive transients. This unconventional combination, combined with the IEM's engaging vocal performance, makes it a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking a relaxed yet detailed listening experience.

I extend my gratitude to Hifigo for the opportunity to participate in this review. As my introduction to the Tanchjim bran
d, the 4u has left a highly positive impression.

TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - Tanchjim 4U

The Tanchjim 4U have been sent to me by HifiGo in exchange for the publication of this review. HifiGo have not made any specific requests and I will do my best to be as unbiased as humanly possible in my review.


The Tanchjim 4U are available from HifiGo here: https://hifigo.com/products/tanchjim-4u

As always, this is a non-affiliate link.

To avoid being repetitive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews



Intro…

It has been quite some time since I listened to a Tanchjim set of IEMs, since 2022 to be exact. The models I tried back then we probably more to my preference than to that of many others, due to a quite tame low end (except for the Tanya, which was quite elevated in the mid bass), and I found the performance at their respective price points to be a positive.

The 4U is a set that comes 2 years later but still aims at the reasonably priced category, available for just under 65€, featuring what they call a DMT-4 Ultra LCP Diaphragm dynamic driver.

What is a little different on this set is that they feature a 4-way dial that lets you choose between 4 different tunings, or rather 4 different bass levels, something that I will mention under the sound section.



Presentation…

Not much has changed since the last set I reviewed as far as packaging and contents. The outer white sleeve shows an image of the IEM on the front, with FR graphs and specifications on the back. This slides away to reveal a grey interior box with the Tanchjim logo on the top, almost identical to that of the Ola that I reviewed over 2 years ago. That is not a negative, the packaging is simple and elegant, so I am not complaining.

Opening the box reveals a sheet of anime stickers of a character named Asano, although I have no idea who it is, nor have I investigated Inside the box we get the IEMs, 6 sets of silicone tips (3 sizes of two types, large and small core), the cable, a small screwdriver to adjust the tuning selector and a small drawstring bag.

Again, almost identical to the contents of the Ola (except for the screwdriver and the stickers).



Build and construction…

The IEM construction also stands out to me as Tanchjim, even though it is a different shape to other models from the brand. It is a metal construction, using matte aluminium shells along with a shiny faceplate that sports the Tanchjim logo.

The shape I find is comfortable, they are fairly lightweight and they seem to be well built, something that I feel is the case with all Tanchjim products, at least those that I have seen.

The included cable is a simple lightweight 2 core braid that splits into individuals at the metal splitter. All the hardware is metal and matches the matte aluminium finish of the IEMs.

The rest of the contents are basically those that were included with the Ola, which is not to say that they are bad. They are not great but acceptable.



Sound…

All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)

When I first started listening to the 4U and playing with the tuning selector, the question that sprung to mind was “Why?”.

I understand that they want to give the users options, the same as other companies that include multiple nozzles or filters, and in this case, the fact that it is a dial that turns makes it a lot easier to change between tunings. However, the question of “Why?” Is more related to the tuning options they offer on this set.

As a picture is worth a thousand words (although I will probably still rack up a thousand words in this review), here is the graph of the 4 tuning options in relation to my usual reference:



As we move from FWD to UP to BCK to DWN, the tunings make less sense to me. I am actually quite fond of the FWD tuning, which I will comment on in just a moment, but the other tunings just give me the same sensation as losing a seal, with the bass just dropping off more and more as we go.

Now, you probably all know that I am not a fan of overly emphasized bass, as you can see from my preference target, although there are many sets with more bass than my preference and I still find to be great. In this case, I am quite happy with the presentation of these IEMs in the FWD position but I can’t say that I would choose to use them in any of the other modes. That doesn’t mean other people won’t, just that, for me personally, the FWD tuning would have been plenty.

So, starting off with the subbass, you can probably already guess that there isn’t a huge amount of rumble going on with this set. If you are someone who likes a deep rumbling bass, then these are not the choice for you, even in FWD mode.

However, where they do perform well is in the clarity and presentation of the midbass. I find them to lend themselves more to acoustical performances than electronic based music, with things like the bass on “No Sanctuary Here” being a little tame for those that seek a hard hitting low range. Again, that doesn’t mean it does it badly, the bass is there in quality, just not in quantity.

“Crazy” is pretty well balanced in the low ranges, with the reverb not being an issue as far being bloated or overly boomy. There is plenty of clarity and it fills in the low end of the rack nicely but without being the focus at any point. There is a little emphasis on Daniela’s voice in this track but it is clear and not harsh or too spicy, something that I am pleased to hear.

Listening to “Hotel California (acoustic)”, I would say that the guitar could do with just a little more body and warmth, but it is once again clear and nicely defined. With “Elephants On Ice Skates”, there is more focus on the plucks of the bass than on the low notes, yet the low notes are still there, the track doesn’t come across as “empty”, just a different presentation to that of so many other sets lately.

“Seven Nation Army” by Zella Day does seem to have a little more warmth in the body of the guitar but once again, the focus is shifted more towards the vocals. I actually find female vocals to be very enjoyable on the 4U, with them taking the centre of the stage but without becoming overly present or thin. They also deal fairly well with sibilance. There is still sibilance in the intro of “Hope Is A Dangerous Thing” but I find “Code Cool” to be slightly tamed in this regard, at least in comparison to what I would expect from this kind of tuning.

I find the upper mids to be smooth and enjoyable which moves into upper ranges that are not the smoothest but are certainly not a negative on this set, again, taking into consideration the tuning that the 4U are going for. There do seem to be some peaks that try to increase the sensation of detail, which is a shame because they can give a slight hint of being artificial at times.

The stage width is not huge but there is enough space for things to spread out a little, like the vocal layers of “Strange Fruit”, which are easily identifiable, although the main voice is slightly overpowering to the background vocals on occasions. With “La Luna”, the location of the instrument has space between them but they are not placed far away and the rear left guitar does seem to be more left than rear, but once more, not bad.



Conclusion…

It has actually been refreshing to listen to something that is a break from the majority of tunings lately, that seem to be aiming more for a warm and laid back signature. In the case of the Tanchjim 4U, it goes for a brighter more up front signature. There is more emphasis on vocals, especially female vocals, but they don’t become overly harsh or thin sounding.

I still have the same question though… why? I really don’t feel that the 4U needed that those extra positions that we get from the tuning selector. I could maybe understand positions 1 and 2, but I feel that 3 and 4 are unnecessary. In fact, I don’t think that even position 2 is necessary as those that are looking for this kind of signature will already enjoy the basic “FWD” position.

I think that if that tuning selector had been omitted, then maybe these IEMs would have dropped under the 50€ mark that I consider ultra budget and they would have been an easy budget recommendation for those looking for a tuning of this kind.

I am not saying that these are expensive, they are only 65€, and they are certainly a step forwards from the Ola, I just think that we are getting something that wasn’t really necessary. They aimed for a specific tuning and performance and got it, why add more bits that become redundant?

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As usual, this review is also available in Spanish, both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)

All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link

All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation

Disclaimer:

• I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as earphones should be used.
• I bought this unit with my own money, and Tanchjim nor Hifigo knew that I’ll be reviewing this IEM. 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, 5 days.

Source/s used:

• - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
• - Tanchjim Space DAC
• - Hidizs S9 Pro DAC
• - Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
• - Sony Xperia X Compact
• -Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: Stock medium narrow-bore eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume.

Additional note here: I’ll be reviewing the Tanchjim 4U in its “monitoring”mode first, then I’ll discuss how the other switches work and their effect.

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Sound signature:

• Unlike most sets existing in this price bracket, the Tanchjim 4U exhibits a flat, lean, clinical, “neutral” sound signature.

Lows:

• The lows in this set are quick, neutral at most with instances of sub bass roll-off, and lean in character. It is definitely punchy and does not suffer any bloat in any way, which may also mean that this will never be a basshead IEM, which is also prevalent on its other switches and modes. (even on its bassier switches it does not suffer any sluggishness or bleed at all, more into that later). Despite all of these characteristics, this filter or mode sticks true to its name as this is a suitable IEM for monitoring in my humble opinion, which also describes its mids.

Mids:

• In Tanchjim fashion, the mids are nearly transparent, open, vivid, neutral, and will come across as lean to some, due to its lack of warmth in general. This in return also means that it is “true to source” and will be very unforgiving in any flaws or imperfections present in the track that it is played with. As for the mids, it is mildly elevated, ever-so-slightly, if you may, hence giving me the “nearly transparent”impression. There are no harshness or peaks present in this set, but I’d like to remind that this is an unforgiving set to flaws or imperfections, so any abnormal peaks and harshness from poorly mastered tracks will show in this set.

Highs:

• Just like the mids, it is well extended, but does not have the “slight coloration” that the upper mids had. Detail retrieval is very good for its price, rendering most macro and microdetails really well.

Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:

• This region, along with the mids, reminded me of how the Etymotic ER2SE sounded when I had them in my possession a year ago. The soundstage here in this set depends on how the track is recorded giving you that “studio-like” impression. Separation and layering is incisive and clean and can handle very busy tracks as is. Imaging is dead precise given that the track is well-recorded. However, this does not have that “extra magic” that most technical-focused IEMs have as this IEM keeps things as is, with this filter at least.

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Tanchjim’s 4-level adjustable Circuit Filter System Explained!

• In a nutshell, Tanchjim’s switches add bass quantity the more you dial up the switches. All of the four modes do not exhibit any added bloat nor negative qualities to the sound, but it does add more warmth the more you dial the switches up.
• Bass quantities, from no bass added to the most bassy configuration: monitoring -> natural -> pop -> atmosphere

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Other IEM Comparisons (with monitoring filter used)!

VS Etymotic ER2SE

• This IEM by far is the closest to the Tanchjim 4U in terms of the overall sound. The only differences between the two is first, the ER2SE is more transparent and flat on the mids, second, the bass is a bit more “dynamic” when compared, and lastly, the ER2SE is harder to drive. The Tanchjim 4U is easier to fit in most ears, though.

VS Etymotic ER3SE

• The ER3SE is mildly thicker and in sound when compared to the 4U. Its overall bass response is quicker and cleaner as well. However, the ER3SE suffers BA timbre.

VS NF Audio NM2

• The NF Audio NM2 is a w-shaped sounding set and is also suitable for monitoring. In terms of transparency, the 4U is definitely the transparent sounding between the two, but the NM2 will be the more versatile in genres when compared. The NM2 also is a bit more forgiving on track flaws, and easier to drive.

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Pros:

• One of the “flattest” sounding IEM under 100 USD! (monitoring filter)
• Closest to the “Etymotic sound” under 100 USD! (highly subjective)
• Matured, clean, nearly “clinical” sound (subjective)
• Tight, articulate, textured bass response!
• Clean, vivid, transparent mids!
• Non-fatiguing upper frequencies.
• Above-average technical performance for its price!
• Well-implemented tuning switch!
• Excellent fit, comfort, and isolation!
• Excellent build quality!
• Minimalist, clean-looking accessories in terms of quality (subjective)
• Very “cohesive” presentation and packaging.
• Easy to drive!

Cons:

• Can be unforgiving to flaws on some tracks and setups.
• Can sound as “too lean” to some ears (monitoring filter, subjective)
• There aren’t any visual guide on how the switches work included in the packaging.
• Fingerprint and smudge magnet faceplates.
• An included hard case would’ve been nice for this set (nitpick, subjective)

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In my humble opinion, Tanchjim did the 4U really well in terms of its overall sound and implementation! Not only it is very different from the current IEMs under 100USD, it can also act as monitoring IEMs due to its “monitoring” switch, which are quite unusual within this price ranges as only the Etymotic ER2SE is as this suitable if we’re talking within the “studio monitoring” context. I highly recommend the Tanchjim 4U to those people who prefer an IEM for studio monitoring, but do not prefer the Etymotic fit. These are definitely 4U! (bad pun, Wubba lubba dub dub!)

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Pairing recommendation/s:

• Source: The Tanchjim 4U is easy to drive, but will benefit from a neutral source like the Tanchjim Space, or a warm sounding source, like the Simgot DEW4X as some of the examples.
• Eartips: The eartips are more than enough for the most part, but you may still use your preferred IEM
• Cable: Cable is sleek, light, and minimal, but you may use your preferred cable.

Thank you for reading!

Additional Photos Here:

Preface:

I would like to thank @gadgetgod and HiFiGo for sending this unit as part of the review tour.

You can purchase Tanchjim 4U at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://hifigo.com/products/tanchjim-4u

Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer or a seasoned audiophile, so whatever I say is purely my observations and your results may vary.

I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.

Sources used:

• xDuoo XD05 Pro (AKM / Rohm) (w/ SS3602 OpAmps)
• Dita Navigator
• D16 Taipan
• Qudelix T-71
• RME ADI-2 Pro FS R
• iFi Go Pods

Introduction​

Tanchjim is a renowned name in the community, known for delivering high-quality in-ear monitors that offer impressive sound performance and build quality. With previous hits like the Oxygen and the Hana, Tanchjim has built a solid reputation. Their latest offering, the Tanchjim 4U, aims to continue this legacy with a unique feature: four adjustable bass modes to tailor the sound to your preference.

Design of the IEM​

The Tanchjim 4U sports a minimalist yet elegant design, featuring an all-metal shell with a combination of matte and polished finishes. The build quality feels robust and premium, though the polished parts may be prone to scratching. The included cable is decent—thin yet soft and easy to manage, with a 3.5mm termination and two-pin connectors.

Fit and Comfort of the IEM​

Thanks to its lightweight and ergonomic design, the Tanchjim 4U fits comfortably and securely in the ear. The variety of included ear tips ensures a good seal and stable fit, making it suitable for long listening sessions without discomfort.

Sound​

Tuning Modes​

The Tanchjim 4U offers four bass adjustment modes: Monitoring, Natural, Pop, and Atmosphere. These modes allow you to tweak the bass response to suit your taste, providing varying levels of bass energy and subtly affecting the lower mids.

Sub Bass​

The sub-bass performance varies significantly across the modes. In the Monitoring mode, the sub-bass is quite lean, almost rolled off. The Natural mode adds a bit more sub-bass, but it still lacks depth. The Pop mode improves the punch but still has noticeable roll-off. Atmosphere mode offers the best sub-bass extension, delivering a satisfying rumble without being overwhelming.

Mid Bass​

The mid-bass is punchy and dynamic, especially in the Pop and Atmosphere modes. It adds a sense of energy and warmth to the music. However, in the Monitoring and Natural modes, the mid-bass is more restrained, which can make the sound lean and less engaging.

Mid Range​

The mid-range is where the Tanchjim 4U shows its V-shaped tuning. In the Monitoring and Natural modes, the mids are recessed, resulting in a colder presentation. Pop mode improves mid-bass presence but still keeps the mids slightly recessed. Atmosphere mode balances the mids better, but they can still feel a bit overshadowed by the bass and treble.

Treble​

The treble is bright and forward, adding detail and sparkle to the sound. It can be slightly harsh and fatiguing for treble-sensitive listeners, especially in the Monitoring mode. In Atmosphere mode, the treble remains detailed but is smoother and less fatiguing, making it the most balanced option.

Tone and Timbre​

The tone and timbre are generally pleasing but can vary across the modes. The Monitoring mode sounds cold and analytical, while the Atmosphere mode adds warmth and richness. However, the overall timbre can sometimes feel artificial due to the recessed mids.

Staging, Instrument Separation, and Layering​

The soundstage is average in width but offers decent depth and height. Instrument separation and layering are adequate, allowing for a reasonably immersive experience. However, it doesn't excel in spatial accuracy compared to higher-end models.

Detail Retrieval​

Detail retrieval is good, especially considering the price. The treble emphasis helps bring out micro details and nuances, though the recessed mids can obscure some details. Overall, it performs well for its category.

Technicalities​

Technically, the Tanchjim 4U is solid. It offers good detail retrieval and an engaging soundstage. However, it lacks the refinement and balance of higher-end IEMs. The bass modes provide versatility, but they can't entirely overcome the inherent limitations of a V-shaped tuning.

Conclusion​

The Tanchjim 4U is a versatile and engaging IEM with a unique feature set that allows for customizable bass tuning. While it excels in detail retrieval and offers a comfortable fit, its mildly V-shaped tuning may not appeal to everyone. The recessed mids and slightly harsh treble can detract from the overall balance. However, for its price, the Tanchjim 4U offers an extremely good value and an enjoyable listening experience, particularly in the Atmosphere mode.

Contents
Tunning “thingy”: In the package there is a metal screw, pretty nice looking, that you use to switch the tuning profiles. It all functions pretty seamlessly.

Eartips: There are two packs of eartips, each containing 3 sizes. The difference is that some have a wider bore and others a narrow bore. I chose the wide bore the have more of that openness and clarity I enjoy. One nice thing to note is just how much better Tanchjim eartips provided here are better than most of the generic ones we usually get, even at much more expensive prices. They feel very nice to the skin, soft (but not too soft) and I would have continued using them if one of the sides didn’t feel like they were a little shallow at times, so I swapped them for the Azla SednaEarfit Vivid, one of my new favorites and both the sound and isolation are great.

The carrying case is nothing to write home about as it is just a pouch. I think it’s the same that comes with the Tanchjim Zero. It’s not bad at all, as it is a really nice material and has some depth but I would have loved something sturdier at this price, but considering the IEM is all metal, I’d rather have a sturdier IEM than a case.

Overall Aspects
On the power side of things, I’m one that usually listens of low volume and I had to crank it up more than I’m used to. Not much, but a notch more. Thankfully it’s not the case where frequencies disappear at low volume but it just needs a little more power than usual.

Construction is all metal, which I honestly love. It makes it good to travel and walk around with it without you having to worry too much if it falls on the floor or bumps onto anything while on your pocket. It does have beautiful faceplate that is a fingerprint and scratch magnet, which makes it look much prettier but it will also show a lot of use.

Isolation: The isolation for me is not just good but great. It easily mutes the noises which are near me, like my somewhat noisy computer fan but thankfully I tested it on a much more noisy environment. To make a long story somewhat short, I went to a wedding and brought the 4U to listen on the way and back but at one point on the wedding the newly wed brought a live samba group (it’s getting kind of a trend here where I am) and this can get extremely loud. So loud that I got bothered by the volume, so I thought “I could use my IEM an see how much isolation I can get from it”. While you should not expect magic, I should say that it far surpassed my expectations. It was able to diminish a good portion of the external noise and I could also even listen to my own music on it with less than half volume.

Bass Tuning: One of the big selling points of this IEM is the ability to make some adjustments to the low frequencies to set it how you enjoy it, or even customize depending on what kind of use you’ll have in the moment. Given its importance, I’ll take a bit more time talking about it them then the other frequencies.

Monitoring
The setting with the least amount of base. I honestly don’t think it is a bad choice, but of course, you have to take into account which songs are you listening to. I could see myself using it in this way for those vocal only tracks, or even some First Person Shooters but I must admit the bass can sound weak, even anemic at some points. If you listen to a song you’re familiar with using the monitoring mode, big chances that even if you find it alright, you’ll notice something is lacking. In my case, on the song Supernova (more below).

Natural
A modest increase in bass, and while better, it is still below what I imagine most would find preferable. I do find it very pleasing though. It gives a small boost to the low end but the rest of the frequency is still presented in a very clean, organic and natural way.

Pop
Here you can clearly perceive the voices to have more body to them. Not just the low end sounds nicer but everything else as well. A pretty nice balance between a neutral-natural and a neutral-fun.

Atmosphere
Bassy and fun setting. It is not bass head by any accounts but there is a good portion of it and fun bass. Not the most impactful and detailed but a good representation nonetheless.
While my favorite settings are Pop and Natural, in this order, I often switch to Atmosphere as well, even to my own surprise.

Frequency as a whole
Since there I have talked about what I perceived about the bass in detail for each different tuning, I will start with vocals:

Female vocals sound very good, very natural, I can’t say how sweet it feels to listen to many tracks, especially the calmer ones, on the Tanchjum 4U. They are not forward, which I must admit is my overall preference but they are not recessed either, so I’d say they are exactly where they are supposed to be.

The high frequencies are very good to my ears. They are not boosted but also very far from being dark. It sounds very natural to me and as far as perceived soundstage, I think it does better than other I have on its price range.

A more detailed look into Albums and Tracks
I used Spotify, Tidal and FLAC files to listen and give my impressions.

Babymonster – Forever

Newest track by one of my current favorite artists. This song for me was easily the one that I could tell precisely the difference between the different tunings on the Tanchjim 4U.
I think the song can work on all four tunings, yes, even monitoring, but of course the bass gets so weak that it feels like there could be more of it.

On the atmosphere, however, it sounds great, pretty close to excellent actually. The vocals are incredibly natural, the highs and lows are also so satisfying. The balance is so good it makes it want to crank the volume up just to enjoy all of it. Even at the end of the music where all gets more energetic bass doesn’t bleed, highs are not sharp and voices are still natural and bodied.

NewJeans – How Sweet

Lovely vocal presentation but if there is one thing I could complain is that I would like it to be a bit more energetic on the higher frequencies.
Like I mentioned, on this iem voice are not forward nor recessed, they are as I would perceive as normal, so with natural mids and also highs How Sweet on Natural can sound a bit too relaxed. While I’m making a deal out of it, it can honestly be a positive for many, hell, even for if I just want to listen to it on background while doing other stuff.
Bubble Gum on the other hand sounds nicer. I think it is because this song has a bit more bass presence.
In the end, both songs are presented in a beautiful way and one could easily listen to them many times without being fatigued or anything close to it, even with low bass settings.

Zico feat. Jennie – SPOT!

This song sound great on atmosphere mode. A nice balance of fun with vocal clarity. Jennie’s voice and extention of notes are great all throughout. Zico’s voice also has body and it doesn’t get clouded by bass.

Oh My Girl – The Fifth Season

There is an older track here for the Kpop fans of old, SSFWL. Even though it is a smaller group this song is very known and honestly, the Tanchjim 4U displays it pretty much perfectly!
It really sounds otherworldly, so inviting and open.

Loona – [X X]

Another song like this that is beautiful on the 4U is Loona’s Butterfly. These songs with that “ethereal” vibe are prone to sound harsh or aggressive on the high end, depending on the iem but the 4U once again left me impressed. I do prefer a more intimate presentation but what you gain in return is that relaxing atmosphere the song is going for.

Hi High is easily my favorite song from Loona and if you’re at all familiar with it, you know it can get quite spicy due to the high amount of treble energy and I’m glad to say the Tanchjim 4U again does very well. It doesn’t get harsh or shouty but it still maintains the openness and energy needed for this song. Favorite on the other hand can get a little out of control, especially at the very beginning but thankfully it doesn’t go too wild for most of the song.

Gaming

I know most of us here are about music but like me, there are some that enjoy many types of different games and I think I could contribute a bit with a few quick samples of my recently played titles. No First Person Shooters, sorry (you can thank Blizzard for that).

Lies of P


The tonality of the Tanchjim 4U works pretty well for this game, very natural and atmospheric but I bet there are two things one might wonder how good they are: Imaging and Sounstage.
On soundstage it’s fine. It’s not going to wow you or anything. It honestly feels a little closed and I’m not saying that comparing it to much more expensive sets (on the $300+ range) but just the Starfield 2 already does much better on that aspect. Actually, without getting into deep comparisons, for open-world and FPS gaming I will give the preference to the Starfield 2 as it does wonders, even compared to much more expensive sets.

For imaging, it`s good. Again, nothing to wow you but you have to take into account that this style of game doesn`t need pinpoint accuracy, so it`s unfair to judge solely on Lies of P.

Aokana – Four Rhythms Across the Blue

Quite the opposite of the last game, right? From a grim dark action game to a colorful and lighthearted Visual Novel. Here I think the 4U sounds wonderful. Both music and voices are natural as you would expect. Never harsh and pretty relaxing, and I’ve tested here on both natural and atmosphere modes and both do really well.

Comparisons
If you have been accompanying Chi-Fi I think it is needless to say how packed the competition is for the sub $100 dollars is. I do have some but unfortunately I can’t come even close to owning most sets but I’ll at lest compare to some I have or have heard:

Moondrop Aria Snow Edition

Honestly, I like the Tanchjim 4U more than the Aria Snow in pretty much almost everything. Not that the Aria Snow is a bad set by any means but the bass often muds the midrange. I remember I played part of Final Fantasy XVI with the Aria Snow and I had to change it at some point because of just how muddy and closed it felt.

The Aria Snow does have a few things I like more, like how the vocals are smoother. Sometimes it can be too much, so it is a give and take situation. The 4U can sometimes sound a bit crispy and the Aria Snow, probably due to the amount of bass, does not do.

But again, on the big picture, I like the Tanchjim 4U a lot more. The bass is much clearer on the 4U, more impactful without mudding the midrange. It is even more comfortable (the Aria is very comfortable already) and it seals better too.
The only scenario I would recommend the Aria Snow against the for 4U is if you are completely avert to treble and don’t want to take any chances.

Truthear Hexa

In this comparison I’m much more divided.

The Hexa, to my ears, has perceived edge on most technical aspects. That harshness than can appear sometimes (on a few tracks) on the 4U, rarely happen on the Hexa, if ever. On the other hand, the 4U has a much wider soundstage and the bass, while not necessarily better, you can adjust it to have more than the Hexa, so it can be suited to your tastes, which makes it much nicer to watch live shows or movies.

On the comfort, I prefer the 4U. The Hexa is not bad and I should note that the material used on the Hexa is by far my favorite when it touches my skin, but it doesn’t sit as comfortably on my ears as the 4U which I can pretty much forget I’m using.

Conclusions
I honestly think that the Tanchjim 4U is a very good, if not great choice for this price range. It is comfortable, has great tonal balance, customizable to different levels of low end and on the affordable side of things and all metal build, making it resistant to falls and what not.
For me this is an easy recommendation as an iem to walk around, try new sound profiles, especially if you're new to the hobby.

Summary
Recently Tanchjim released a new iem called the “Tanchjim 4U”, and I have been living with it for a while now. So how is it and is it any good? Lets discuss. Firstly, the 4U is a budget single dynamic driver iem coming in at 70$. Additionally it has a 4way sound tuning switch which controls the level of bass. Price wise build and design is great, fantastic fit and comfort, included accessories are ok. Sound wise over all it has a smooth and relaxed presentation.
Back to the main question, is it any good? Yes, this is a very unique attempt and I like what Tanchjim has achieved. If you are looking for a warm, relaxed and smooth sounding iem with decent bass, this is a great option.



Intro
Hey Guys, whats up….
Today I will be diving deep into the gorgeous Tanchjim 4U. If you dont know already this is a pair of single dynamic driver iems coming in at 70$. The 4U features Tanchjim’s proprietary DMT4 driver unit, which I will talk about in a bit. This also boasts a 4-level adjustable circuit filter system, to customize the bass response based on your preference.

About the brand
Talking about Tanchjim, they are a pretty popular chifi iem manufacturer, famous for their single dynamic driver sets. They have many popular releases such as the Origin, Tanya, Kara, Oxygen, Hana. I did try many of their iems however this is my first Tanchjim review. Anyways, enough yapping, lets get into the review starting off with specs.

Disclaimer: thanks to Hifigo for providing this unit, but this review is unbiased and my honest opinion. Thanks…



Specs
>Impedance: 32ohms
>Sensitivity: 122db
>Frequency response: 8 to 48khz
>Dual-Chamber DMT-4 Ultra LCP Diaphragm Dynamic Driver.
>High-power magnetic Technology.
>4-Level Adjustable Circuit Filter System.
>Optimised Cavity Structure for Optimum Performance.
>Carefully Designed Shells for Great Comfort.
>Compact Form Factor.
>Easy Driveability.

Packaging
Continuing on to the packaging section, I am quite impressed, this has one of the best packaging I have seen at this price. Tanchjim has kept it simple yet very tasteful, after sliding off the outer sleeve you will find pastel green color themed box. Opening the box, inside you will find envelope style box containing 2 sets of eartips, a tuning tool, a basic pouch and some paper works. Below that you will find the iems beautifully presented, like shown in the picture below. Pulling out the iems, below you will find the cable. The included accessories are decent, the eartips are good, it comes with two sets of eartips, S,M,L wide boar and S,M,L narrow boar. The pouch is ok but I expect a hard shell case at this price. The cable is nice, I will get into more details on it below. List of box contents:


Build and Design
Moving on to the build and design of the 4U, this is pretty good. Tanchjim has gone for a full metal construction, CNC machined aluminum I am guessing. Design wise the 4U has a full matte silver finish with a polished finished section with some branding on the face plate. I quite like the design they have gone for, it has a futuristic cyberpunk type vibe. The color way also goes great with the cable. Physically the shells are on the smaller side but have nice weight to them. Scratches and fingerprints were not an issue in my use case but the polished section might be prone to it. The 2pin connector is flush type and angled. The nozzle has standard width and depth. Beside the nozzle there is screw style switch for the 4way bass adjustment. The shells are also vented.

Fit and Comfort
Continuing with fit and comfort, 4U scores high. The small shells sit nice and flush in my regular sized ears. The stability is on point. Breathability is good thanks to the vented design. Isolation is good but nothing crazy. Driver flex was not an issue when inserting the iems. I did not find any issue with long term listening, is was plenty comfortable.



Inner Structure and Tech
Tanchjim's 4U model incorporates their latest DMT4 dynamic driver. This driver features a dual-cavity design with an optimized internal structure, enhancing sound reproduction. Utilizing a high-quality LCP composite diaphragm.

Cable
Now let’s look at the cable of the 4U. Build wise this is a 2core braided cable, not sure what wire is used inside. The cable is on the thinner side. Design wise this is a great looking cable and it goes quite nicely with the futuristic iem design. This is a 2pin cable that terminates to 3.5mm. The connectors’ casing and the Y split are made of plastic. The cable is prone to tangling. The chin singe is on the loose side. There is no audible microphonics. The preformed earhooks and the coating in the wire are good, they blend in with the color of the cable and did not cause any irritation.



Tuning Modes
As mentioned previously the 4U comes with four different tuning modes/ filters. I like the tuning system Tanchjim has gone for. To switch each of the mode you will need to rotate the arrow in the back side of the iem using the flat head screw tool provided in the box. Each mode mainly changes the bass presentation of the 4U, lets go through the modes and then we will discuss the changes in the sound section


Sound
Please note: Listening impressions are highly subjective and can differ depending on different ear shape, individual music library, choice of source, eartips, cable and personal preferences, so your experience may differ. I personally always use and test all my gear in various setups to get a generalized idea on it. You can find my “tested with” info below.

Now most importantly lets talk about its sound, starting off with sound signature, it has a U shape sound with different level of bass depending on the tuning mode.

Bass
Atmospheres mode: Among all the modes, atmosphere mode has the most amount of bass, providing a fun type sound. Positioning wise both the sub bass and mid bass and well extended into the frequency range. Overall slam is hard and deep. Speed is on the average to slower side providing good decay and reverberation. Layering and texture is ok.

Pop mode: In this mode the main focus is in the sub bass. Sub bass has comparatively more presence compared to the mid bass, letting mids sound a bit more forward. Compared to atmosphere mode this is more tactile but still retains the depth. Although this is not as fun sounding as the atmosphere, I still appreciate a bit cleaner and tactile presentation.

Natural Mode: As the name suggests this mode has a very natural presentation. Unlike the atmosphere and pop mode, natural mode has more emphasis on the mid bass and a rolled off sub bass. Mid bass is not the most extended but just enough to keep it natural. This is more tactile and snappy. Layering and texturing is better here.

Monitoring Mode: Among all the configurations, this mode has the flattest bass presentation. Sub bass is almost absent and the mid bass has subtle presence. This is more tactile than natural. This is as clean as the 4U gets. I personally do not enjoy its bass performance, I much prefer the other ones.



Mids
Moving on to the mids of the 4U, this sounds very similar in all the four configurations. Overall 4U has a slightly pushed back vocal presentation. There is a touch of bass bleed adding a bit of warmth in the male vocals region, although the amount of warmth does change a bit depending on the mode you are in. Female vocals has decent energy, without sounding harsh or sibilant. In atmosphere and pop mode the vocals seemed a bit recessed but it is better in natural and monitoring mode. 4U’s vocals have decent note weight. Instruments sound ok but may also seem a bit recessed.

Treble
Proceeding on to the treble section, they have opted for a smooth treble tuning for the 4U, and I can say it's executed well. It is not the most extended but rather more relaxed treble. Detailing is ok. There is almost zero change in the treble performance in the different tuning modes, just that it sounds slightly more forward in natural and monitoring more. I find 4U’s treble performance to be well resolving. I did find any sibilance or harshness, thus I feel this will be suitable for treble sensitive listeners. The speed is normal type.

Technical Sound:
Soundstage of the 4U is standard, with decent width. Stage depth is good.
Imaging is average
Sound separation and layering is average
Resolution is ok
Dynamics are ok
Timbre is good

Compared to Simgot EA500LM
Lets compare the 4U to my current favorite single dynamic driver set under 100$. EA500LM is a mild V shape sounding iem. In bass EA500LM has more pronounced sub bass and the bass speed is much faster. Mids is more extended compared to the 4U, specially the upper mids. Treble is bright, extension is better, and overall resolution beast at this price. 4U provides a more relaxed, warm and smooth presentation. In terms of technical sound, ea500lm had better soundstage and resolution.

Tested With
Source: cayin ru7, cayin n3 ultra, apple type c dongle
Eartips: stock (both wide and narrow boar), Final E Black (good pairing), spinfit w1
Cable: stock, Trippowin C8
Music: Tested with versatile genre of music



Conclusion
So to conclude the review, what do I think of the 4U and is it worth the price tag? The 4U is a different and unique set offering great value, so yes I will say this is worth the price tag.
Who is this for? If you are looking for a warm, relaxed, smooth set with decent bass, this is a great option at this price.
Props to Tanchjim for doing a great job with this set. And big thanks to you all for sticking around, see yall in the next one.

Purchase link (not affiliated)
Hifigo: https://hifigo.com/products/tanchjim-4u

Carving a Niche in the Competitive Sub-$100 IEM Market: A Detailed Review of the Tanchjim 4U
The sub-$100 IEM market is fiercely competitive, with numerous options vying for the attention of discerning audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The Tanchjim 4U stands out in this crowded field by offering a compelling combination of features, sound quality, and a unique customization option that caters to a wide range of listeners.
Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to Hifiigo and Eiji Zerstorer Romero for the review tour and the chance to review this unit.
Technical Specs and Design Built to Impress
The Tanchjim 4U features a 10mm DMT-4 Ultra Double-chamber Dynamic Driver, offering a frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz. With an impedance of 22Ω ± 15% and a sensitivity of 108dB ± 3dB, it's easy to drive with most smartphones and portable music players.
Its design is both stylish and durable, with a metal alloy shell that feels premium. The detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable allows for easy upgrades to enhance audio performance. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable and secure fit for long listening sessions, making the 4U a standout option in the sub-$100 IEM market.
Tightly Controlled Bass with a Twist of Customization
The bass performance of the 4U is a highlight, offering a tight and controlled response. This means you'll experience a punchy and well-defined low-end presence without the muddiness or overpowering boom that can plague some sub-$100 IEMs. Bass guitar notes come through with clarity and texture, making the 4U perfect for genres like rock and jazz.
However, the true star of the show here is the innovative bass-tuning filter. A simple twist of the screw on the exterior allows for subtle adjustments to the bass level. While the change isn't drastic, it grants a degree of personalization rarely seen at this price point. This allows you to tailor the low-end to your preference for a truly customized listening experience.
In practical terms, the bass-tuning filter can be a game-changer for listeners who enjoy different genres. For instance, if you prefer bass-heavy genres like electronic dance music (EDM) or hip-hop, you can adjust the filter to enhance the bass response. Conversely, for genres that benefit from a more neutral bass presentation, such as classical or acoustic music, you can dial back the bass for a more balanced sound.
Clear and Detailed Mids for Faithful Vocal Reproduction
The mids of the 4U shine with clarity and detail. Vocals take center stage, reproduced faithfully without any noticeable coloration. This ensures you can hear every nuance and emotion in your favorite singers' voices. Instruments like guitars and pianos are well-represented within the mix, offering a balanced and natural presentation. This makes the 4U ideal for genres that rely heavily on clear vocals, such as classical, acoustic, and folk music.
The midrange performance of the 4U is one of its strongest aspects. The clarity and detail in this range make it an excellent choice for vocal-centric music. The lack of noticeable coloration means that vocals sound natural and lifelike, allowing you to connect more deeply with the music. The balanced representation of instruments ensures that no single element overshadows another, providing a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience.
Smooth and Non-fatiguing Highs for Comfortable Listening
The highs on the 4U are smooth and avoid harshness. This ensures a comfortable listening experience, even during extended listening sessions. Cymbals and hi-hats retain their crispness without becoming piercing. While some audiophiles might prefer a touch more sparkle in the treble, the overall presentation is well-suited for most listeners, providing a non-fatiguing experience that lets you enjoy your music for longer.
High-frequency performance is crucial for an enjoyable listening experience, and the 4U handles this range with finesse. The smooth and non-fatiguing highs make it suitable for long listening sessions, whether you're relaxing at home or on the go. The crispness of cymbals and hi-hats adds to the overall clarity and detail of the sound, enhancing the listening experience without causing discomfort.
Soundstage and Imaging: A Competent Performance
The soundstage of the 4U falls within the average range for its price point. While not the most expansive, it offers a decent sense of width and depth, creating a believable sonic environment for your music. Imaging, the ability to pinpoint the location of instruments within the soundstage, is also satisfactory. Instruments are placed with reasonable accuracy within the sound field, allowing you to follow along with complex musical arrangements.
While the soundstage may not be the most expansive, it is still competent and provides a satisfying listening experience. The ability to pinpoint the location of instruments within the soundstage adds to the overall realism of the sound. This makes the 4U a solid choice for those who appreciate a sense of space and depth in their music.
How does the Tanchjim 4U compare to other sub-$100 IEMs in the ever-evolving market of 2024? Let's look at some contenders:
Kinera Celest Wyvern Abyss: This single Dynamic Driver (DD) IEM offers a warmer sound signature with a more prominent bass response. It might be a better choice for those who crave a bassier sound profile, but the 4U edges it out in terms of detail and clarity, providing a more balanced and revealing listening experience. (Price: ~$30)
Kefine Delci: Another single DD contender, the Delci boasts a V-shaped sound signature with strong bass and treble emphasis. While this can add excitement to certain genres, it can also become fatiguing for long listening sessions. The 4U's more balanced approach makes it a better choice for those who prefer a more relaxed and natural sound. (Price: ~$75)
Comparing the 4U to other popular options in the sub-$100 market highlights its strengths. The Kinera Celest Wyvern Abyss offers a warmer sound with more prominent bass, which may appeal to some listeners. However, the 4U excels in detail and clarity, making it a more balanced and versatile option. The Kefine Delci, with its V-shaped sound signature, may provide an exciting listening experience but can become fatiguing over time. The 4U's balanced approach makes it a better choice for those who prefer a more natural sound.
Conclusion
The Tanchjim 4U stands out as a sub-$100 IEM powerhouse. Its well-rounded sound, comfortable fit, and unique customization features make it a great option for a variety of listeners, offering exceptional value for music lovers who want to tailor their audio experience. If you're a budget-conscious audiophile seeking a balanced and versatile IEM, or a casual listener who prioritizes comfort and clear vocals, the Tanchjim 4U deserves serious consideration.
The 4U’s ability to deliver tight bass, clear mids, smooth highs, and a decent soundstage, all wrapped up in a stylish and durable package with customization options, makes it a formidable contender in the competitive sub-$100 IEM market of 2024. Whether you enjoy rock, jazz, classical, acoustic, or any other genre, the 4U offers a versatile and enjoyable listening experience that caters to a wide range of musical tastes. With its combination of technical prowess and thoughtful design, the Tanchjim 4U is a standout choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience without

TANCHJIM 4U: A GREAT CHOICE FOR VOCAL LOVERS



1. INTRO
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• Before starting this review, I would like to first thank CSI ZONE & Uncle Deta N for the loan of this Tanchjim 4U unit.
• I also want to disclaimer that this review may be subjective, but I will position myself as neutrally as possible in this review. So this review is really purely what I feel with my setup & songs from my personal playlist.
• One more thing in this review, I also used the eartips & cable that came with it. I also predominantly use my favorite configuration, namely Natural, but later I will also briefly explain the comparison with other configurations.
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2. PACKAGING
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As for the packaging, you could say it's just standard, you could say it's exactly the same as Ola. Apart from the iem, here you also get several pairs of eartips, a cable which I think is quite good quality, a cloth pouch & also a screwdriver to adjust the switch.


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3. FITTING
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For fitting, this is one of the best for me. The original fitting is really good, there are no downsides like Ola's little brother. It really fits the ears, wears it for a long time and is comfortable and doesn't feel tired, in terms of weight it is also light even though this iem is made of metal.
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4. VOICE
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•• Bass
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- Natural: For bass, a natural configuration tends to be sufficient by focusing on the midbass. For the sub bass, it tends to roll off a bit in terms of extension, for the midbass itself the impact is quite good even though it's not the type that sticks out a lot & the texture is still okay. In terms of speed, it's good to double pedal without getting stuck.
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- Pop: In terms of the pop configuration, for me it's actually still similar to the natural one, but there's a slight addition in the quantity of the midbass & sub bass too, but not as much as the quantity in the atmosphere. Yes, here the midbass feels more punchy & the sub bass also doesn't roll off as naturally and monitoringly.
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- Atmosphere: As for the atmosphere, the bass feels the best. It feels like the most balanced between subbass & midbass, the subbass also feels the best in extension even though it's not the best for the price, it's just the best among the other configurations. Yes, it feels the most fun too, yes overall the bass is the best in this configuration.
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- Monitoring: This configuration could be said to have the bass that feels the thinnest in the subbass or midbass or you could also say that the bass feels the flattest among the other configurations. As some people say, this is suitable for monitoring, but because I've never done it, I'll let other people who know about it try it.
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•• Mid
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In terms of mid, there's actually almost no difference in terms of presentation for me. Maybe the only subtle difference is in the weight of the vocals, compared to the monitoring ones, the weight tends to be thin & for the atmospheric ones, the weight has a bit more body to the vocals, even though it's not the thickest either. As for the rest, the natural and pop apps feel the same to me.
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For the vocals themselves, the 4U is a bit more advanced than the bass & treble. The portion feels like the female vocals are more dominant than the male vocals. Even so, I still quite enjoy the guy's vocals on 4U, especially when using the atmosphere configuration. The weight is still okay & not thin.
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As for the vocals themselves, the presentation feels clear, clear, clean, sweet, energetic & natural. Plus, the vocals feel safe from peaks, shouty or sibilance. Yes, for me the vocals on 4U feel special, they remind me of Ola's vocals, which I really like. Especially in the natural configuration, it's really similar to the ola, it just feels a little more refined in terms of weight, which isn't as thin as the ola.
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As for the instruments here, the presentation also feels good, the details of the instruments are good, the presentation also feels loose with a natural timbre. Yes, overall in the price range for this sector for me & at the moment the 4U presentation is the best of the several iems I've tried.
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•• Treble
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As for the treble, you could say there's no difference between configurations for me. The treble presentation for all configurations feels smooth, but the extension is still okay, although not very good. The lady's punch is still good & there is still airy feeling. It's just enough but not too sparkling because overall the treble is typically smooth.
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•• Tecnicality
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Technically it's also quite good but not the best in its class. Compared to ola, this clearly feels like an upgrade, it feels more detailed, the resolution is also better & clarity is also better. But for staging it feels adequate, the imaging & separation also feels to me still similar to ola. Yes, overall technically this can still be said to be an upgrade from Ola, but it's not really that significant.


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5. COMPARISON
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• Tanchjim 4U VS Dunu Titan S2
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The Dunu Titan S2 definitely makes me feel more all rounder, even though the vocals aren't as special as the 4U, but the bass & treble presentation for me is better than the 4U. Technically, for me, the Dunu Titan S2 feels a little better than the 4U, especially in imaging, staging & separation. Yes, even though the detail & resolution is slightly less than 4U. Overall, if you are looking for a vocal iem, I would recommend the Tanchjim 4U, while if you want something more all rounder, I would prefer the Dunu Titan S2.
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• 7hz Sonus VS Tanchjim 4U
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In terms of bass, the quantity is still similar. For subbass, the Sonus feels superior in extension, while for me the midbass presentation of the 4U is more fun, has better impact & texture. For clear vocals, the Sonus is a big loser for me, the 4U vocals feel clearer, sweeter, cleaner, looser & more natural. For superior treble, the Sonus feels better in presentation, the treble extension also feels better on the Sonus. Technically, Sonus is still superior for me, 4U wins in terms of clarity, which is clearer.
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6. CONCLUSION
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Honestly, I really like this Tanchjim 4U, if I'm talking about personal taste, because I've been an Ola fan for a long time. For me, this 4U is the refined version of Ola. Yes, you could also say that this is the right upgrade from Ola, even though it's not a significant upgrade, but it still feels like it brings some improvements from Ola. Apart from upgrading the fitting which feels much more correct than the ola, this also provides an upgrade in tone from the ola. Plus, the 4U also gives me a switch option which is no gimmick for me, I really feel the difference between the switches so it makes the sound of this iem even more varied.

Honestly, if I'm talking about the best iem in its price range for everyone, if I'm talking about an iem for vocals, especially for female vocals, then for me this could be the best choice in its price class. The vocal presentation is the best of several iems I've ever tried.


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7. WHO IS THIS IEM FOR?
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If you ask who this is for, it's for:
- Want to look for an upgrade from Tanchjim Ola, Tanchjim Zero, EPZ Q1 Pro or other vocal iems below. You can come up here.
- For those looking for vocal iems in the million price range.
- For those looking for a sidegrade from plannar or other iems whose vocals aren't that good.
- For Tanchjim fans, you must buy this.
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8. PROS & CONS
Pros:
• Best vocal iem in its price range
• Nice fitting
• Good cable & eartips
• The midbass is good
• The treble is smooth
• Real switches with no gimmicks
• Good looking for me
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Cons:
• Weight on the drive (minimum ks01)
• Subbass is a bit lacking
• Male vocals lack weight
• The treble is not satisfactory for treble fans
• The technical price tends to be mediocre
• The MONITORING configuration is not interesting other than for monitoring
• There's no waifu in the box anymore

Hey, that's all for the review, thank you.

Regards

Summer greetings to all! Sometimes the heat reaches record highs and you want to plunge into the freshness of green summer fields. And with today's satellites it is easy to do it.



It's time for a text note about a new product from Tanchjim - 4U dynamic headphones. The distinctive feature of the headphones is the presence of a dual acoustic chamber and sound character switches. But let's talk about everything in order!

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Design, packaging, usability

The headphones arrived in a double quality box, which is nice to hold in your hands, but with an excessive amount of internal parts (envelopes for envelopes, spoon, brochures, brrrr).


The main specifications and the AFC from the manufacturer are situated on the back of the box.

In the kit except for the headphones there are a bit flimsy and delicate 2-core silver-plated cable with recessed 2pin connector, a bunch of unnecessary paperwork, 2 sets of ear cushions "for a tick" for your trash can, nice in hand pouch case and a screwdriver to switch sound modes.




The cable looks like a weary vegetarian, though it has a pronounced recessed character, but, due to a small recess on the case, cables with a regular 2pin will easily fit for 4U.
The kit left a double impression: the quality of the polygraphy and the box in general and the frank poverty of the accessories themselves in particular. The rabbit is earsome, but skinny.
But let's put aside the box and take them in our hands. According to the promotional materials the manufacturer was inspired by lovable fluffy lumps, which due to physiology rather need full-size planars. But no. Lines, roundness, gloss and for some reason rabbits. Weird, but okay.



In hands - these are small all-metal headphones of moderate weight and concise design. The shape of the shells is a bit unremarkable, with medium pronounced anatomicality. The nozzles are of metal, with medium length and the usual angle of rotation. The eartips limiters take their place, clearly expressed, the tips will not be lost, the diameter is universal. There are 2 compensation holes: at the soundhole and near the socket 2pin. There are no typical dynamic driver issues: no flex, no click, no vacuum. Everything is perfect.

Fingerprints and small scratches are collected by the glossy mirror insert of the faceplate, otherwise the matte nature of the coloring of the beasts protects from all kinds of environmental influences and predatory views of the Airpods owners of all kinds and so on.

But the pleasant theory and universal appearance are deceptive. In my case, the IEM don't fit comfortably for me, both with soft ears on the stock cable, and on their wires and various types of eartips, practically excluding normal wearing and use-on-the-go. Only at home: slippers, DAP, roasted rabbit) The mass and metallic character made themselves known, often slipping out of the ear canal into green meadows, on the grass, and only the cable kept them from being lost in the bustle of the city. Accordingly, passive noise isolation in my case is far from ideal. The quality of low frequencies during listening will also directly depend on the correct and comfortable seating of rabbits in the cage. Here only practice is the criterion of truth. I haven't had much luck with this. Maybe For You? But not For Me for sure...

In terms of dimensions, the IEM are comfortable and not scary, they do not come out of the head projection.

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What's under the skin?

Transmitter: dynamic with LCP diaphragm and double chamber,
Sensitivity: 122 dB/V.
Frequency range: 8 Hz - 48000 Hz.
Impedance: 32 ohms
Headphone jack: 2-pin (semi-depth)
Cable connector: 3.5mm
Cable - silver plated copper
4 dip-switches for fine-tuning the sound

A bit of marketing:

Tanchjim has equipped the 4U model with its latest dynamic driver with DMT4 architecture. It features a dual-cavity design with an optimized cavity structure for improved sound reproduction. This driver utilizes a high quality LCP composite diaphragm that produces crystal clear sound with low distortion and high clarity.
The composite diaphragm is specially designed for 4U, and combined with the curvature of the resonator, it was designed using FEA modeling technology. The diaphragm has a rigid and flexible structure that provides a powerful low frequency response with great dynamic characteristics.
Fine-tune the sound
Thanks to the 4-way adjustable filter system, the model offers us 4 sound options (atmospheric, pop, natural, atmospheric) that actually differ even in theory only in the bass response. Here paper and reality are already much closer to each other.It has a simple mechanism on the inside of the earpiece that can be turned with the tool included in the kit.

Click to expand...

Actually, the atmospheric setting is the most balanced, unless you are not a pronounced HF-phile and are indifferent to the left side of the spectrum. Monitoring tuning too leaches out the bass component, making our already active rabbit a real dietary HF prisoner, taking into account the skew at the top and the lack of balance of the web we get more pronounced active sibilants and echoes of synthetics at high frequencies.

The other 2 settings for me did not have any noticeable difference, here will depend more on your preferences, the quality and nature of the music and used peripherals (cable and earpieces).

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Sound

AFC

Sound was tested with stock cable and Final Audio Type E ear cushions, main sources - Zishan DSD AK4497 and VE ODO DAC, sound tuning - atmospheric.

The overall sound character is light, open, dynamic, detailed.

The imaginary scene is round in shape, slightly more in width than in depth.

Sensitivity is slightly below average, it is desirable to listen at least from the whistle.

BASS

The headphones are not about the lower frequency segment at all. Sub-bass except for the atmospheric setting is hardly palpable on other sound profiles at all. Here we get the lower bass of medium elaboration and volume and shallow. Bassheads should bypass the model a kilometer away, the rest of us should look for suitable genres.

Midbass is barely highlighted against the background of the sub, but the quantity is already more interesting, there are more bodies, but not about layers and textures. In short, diet rabbit in our sanitarium. Bass and punch attacks are crisp, but also without mass. Excessively refined and light.

MIDS

The transition to the middle is without drops or glues. But the lower mids are not distinguished by body and mass, male vocals don't penetrate, Joe Cocker's velvet is more like a cheap cloth on a worn table in a roadside motel. My favorite cellos and double bass give a slight vibe, but don't capture the soul and ears. The lead and solo guitars, though subtle, can be good and evil, Metallica sounds lively and aggressive. Probably for the first time appreciated growl and something loud is all, although not my genres at all. Both female and high male parts are good on the headphones. Metal is a pleasure, instrumental music - with compromises and distortions. Rap-electronica is bypassed.

Not without my "favorite" sibilants, unfortunately. Lightness and activity of rabbits could not keep in check unpleasant echoes of vocals and other artifacts of low-quality records. You can fight these factors with copper cables and narrow throat nozzles, but you won't achieve much, it's a pity it doesn't change with sound profile switches as well. With warming up, this factor has lost a little of its importance, but it hasn't completely disappeared.

TREBLE

Hats off to the HF alone, if it weren't for the balance of everything else. Virtual echelon is perfectly demonstrated when listening. The effect is airy and light, pseudo-layered for its price range at an excellent level. Percussion and other percussion in high-speed sections can sometimes give off unnaturalness, after all, this is not an armature with EST, but one universal dynamo. Aftertones and overtones - you can get hung up on it if you forget about the lows. If...

Positioning of sound sources and separation of instruments on stage at a very good level, on especially complex and high-speed styles there are disruptions in a noticeable mush.

You can't call the headphones screaming and bright, but they are definitely very fresh, not everyone will be able to appreciate such a pitch. Especially considering the imbalance with the woofer spectrum.

I can compare them with Kiwiears Singolo classmates: the sound character is similar in both in its lightness and airiness, but the birds have a more balanced presentation, much more interesting elaboration of the low-frequency range, especially sub-bass, less active and angry in the middle, a bit duller and more academic, as far as it is applicable to the chosen price range. As much as the lows are more punchy and powerful in the Singolo, the tweeters are more interesting in the 4U. At the same time, both models have a distinctly light handwriting and complement each other adequately on different sections.

Recommended listening styles include metal, punk, light jazz and uncomplicated instrumental music and speed styles.

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The well-established Tanchjim company turned out to be a truly summery and lightweight headphones of the initial segment with detailed sound, but non-universal fit, not always balanced delivery and useless sound customization options. It seems that the manufacturer saved the main sound and skill for more dangerous predators, which are on a higher stage of the food chain. Well, let the metal rabbits chew greens in their field full of fresh summer grass.

Thank you for your attention! Have a nice summer, fresh emotions and quality sound!

I want to express my gratitude to #HIFIGO for the IEM to test!

Intro/Disclaimer​

2024 has been a crazy year for $100 and under IEM releases and Tanchjim definitely wanted in on the action. For those that don’t know, Tanchjim has been around the ChiFi scene for quite a while and are known for their well-tuned single DD IEMs. The new Tanchjim 4U is no exception. Read on to learn more about this $69 user-tunable single DD IEM.

This set was loaned to me by a good friend and fellow IEM reviewer Jaytiss. Thanks again for the opportunity. All thoughts and opinions below are my own and not influenced by any external party.

My impressions are solely based on what I hear with my own two ears as this is a very subjective hobby. My ratings are also based on how I think this IEM fares against others in the same price category.

My primary litmus test when it comes to audio gear is whether or not vocals and instruments sound natural/organic. Regardless if the IEM has the biggest bass or the most technical treble. If it doesn’t sound natural to my ears then it’s a red flag. SPOILER: The Tanchjim 4U definitely delivers on this front.

Packaging and accessories​

Tanchjim always excels in their packaging and presentation of their products. The 4U is no exception. Upon opening the square box you will find the IEMs, 6 sets of tips(wide/narrow bore), silver SPC cable, carry pouch and of course the mini screwdriver to adjust the tuning switch. The cable only comes in a 3.5mm termination.

Build, Comfort and Fit​

The build of this IEM is quite sturdy and beautiful at the same time. The shell is made of a metal alloy and has a polished front faceplate with the words ‘Tanchjim’ on the left and ‘4U’ on the right. The shape of the IEM is also quite unique, something that was developed in house it seems. It fits extremely well in my ear and did not experience any discomfort after hour long listening sessions. I am extremely impressed with the build and design of the Tanchjim 4U.

Specs​

MODEL: TANCHJIM 4U
IMPEDANCE: 32Ω
SENSITIVITY: 122dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 8Hz – 48KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M
PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): Dual-Chamber DMT-4 Ultra LCP Diaphragm Dynamic Driver.

Sound​

Sources Used
Tanchjim 4U <- Chord Mojo 2 <- MacMini M1 <- Apple Music Lossless

Songs played






Initial impressions (before brain burn in)
I usually like to jot down my first impressions within the first few minutes of listening to a new IEM. Because, believe it or not, brain burn-in is a real thing.

Upon listening to the first few songs in my library, I was immediately impressed with the excellent timbre and tonality, Tanchjim’s speciality. Male and female vocals are lifelike and are presented perfectly in the mix. Not too forward or recessed. The bass tuning is adjustable by turning the dial behind the IEM. My preferred settings were ‘Atmosphere’ and ‘Pop’ (more on this below). Overall, this is a very coherently tuned IEM with a safe sound signature. You won’t experience any shoutiness, sibilance, or treble fatigue on this set.

Lows (Bass)

• Good sub bass extension and rumble when switched to ‘Atmosphere’ but it throws off the balance of the IEM
• ‘Pop’ would be my preferred setting for most genres of music
• Engaging midbass that is not overbearing
• Well textured but a bit flat
• Not for bassheads

Mids

• Both male and female vocals are presented very naturally
• Male vocals have a nice warmth and richness
• Female vocals are energetic but doesn’t cross the line
• Excellent timbre across all instruments (both real and electronic)

Highs (Treble)

• Safe with decent extension
• Smooth and detailed without being sibilant
• Lacks a bit of sparkle up top

Technicalities (Soundstage/Separation/Imaging)

• Good clarity and instrument separation
• Timbre over technicalities
• Average soundstage
• Great coherency due to single transducer

Comparisons​

I’ll be comparing the Tanchjim 4U (Pop) to the Kinera Celest Wyvern Abyss ($30) and the Kefine Delci ($75), both single DD IEMs. (Graph credit: Paul Wasabi)

Kinera Celest Wyvern Abyss

Compared to the 4U in Pop mode, you definitely notice the increased sub bass extension and rumble on the Wyvern Abyss. There is also just more texture to the bass on the Wyvern. But not as snappy as the 4U.

The midrange on the Wyvern is similar to the 4U but its tuning follows the Harman 2019 target much more closely. The upper midrange is quite elevated compared to the 4U. Male/female vocals can become borderline shouty on the Wyvern Abyss.

The treble on the Wyvern is also quite tame, but the 4U has better clarity and extension up top.

Winner: Tanchjim 4U

Kefine Delci


The comparison against the Delci is a very interesting one because if you look at the graph, you can see they have a very similar frequency response curve (minus the large gap in bass shelf)

The bass on the Delci hits strong and with a lot of authority. Even compared to the 4U in Atmosphere mode, it is no match in the bass department.

The midrange on the Delci comes off as warm and smooth. Male vocals have a lot of heft and texture. Female vocals are forward and smooth without any shout. Instruments have great timbre, especially pianos.

The treble on the Delci is also very similar to the 4U, but I would say that it has a bit more extension, leading to a more airy and open presentation. Overall, I much prefer the presentation on the Delci.

Winner: Kefine Delci

Conclusion​

Tanchjim did a great job tuning the 4U, unfortunately that just isn’t enough to compete in today’s sub-100 dollar IEM market. Yes, it has 4 different user adjustable tunings but in reality, there’s only two that are worth using(Atmosphere and Pop).

This is a great IEM for someone that wants a fairly neutral, non-offensive tuning with the ability to adjust the bass shelf to one’s preference. Safe and sound is the term I like to use to describe this IEM. You will hear everything the track was produced to have but nothing more.

Thanks again for reading my review and feel free to comment below if you have any questions or suggestions on my future reviews.

TANCHJIM as an audio company has a solid reputation and well-respected among the audio community around the world that one of their famous products leaves an indelible mark in the audio market. The TANCHJIM Oxygen is still highly regarded as it has a matured tuning and a tonality that really impresses up to this day.



As the audio market became even more competitive, TANCHJIM remains steadfast to rooted its position as they also have some hidden cards on their sleeves to be even competitive as ever with its peers.And now what I have here to be featured in this product review is their latest entry-level product and this time it has some interesting features to offer.



This is TANCHJIM 4U, it has single driver configuration and a dial tuning that makes it even more versatile in providing more tonal options. The driver that was implemented here is a latest generation of dynamic driver that TANCHJIM painstakingly developed, the DMT4 Architecture Dynamic Driver in which has dual-chambered configuration with well-optimised cavity structure for better improvement of its overall sound quality. The diaphragm that was applied in this high performance dynamic driver is made of high-quality LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) which is known for its flexibility and firmness that ensures a fast vibration response for better clarity and detail with a low probability of distortion. Aside from the drivers, TANCHJIM also implemented high-quality capacitors for consistent and precise audio frequency separation and a fuller audio definition.





The driver is encased in a solid zinc alloy shell structure with an unusual rounded trapezoid shape that reminds me of a hind leg of a bunny or some rodent species. It seems that its surface underwent a sandblasting process to achieve that matte finish-like texture with a mirror-finished teardrop shape on its faceplate. At the cavity base area, there are two small vent holes, one at the bottom part of the nozzle and the other one is at the top part near the connector port. Another feature that was situated at the cavity base was its tuning dial knob that reminds me of an old TOTL-flagship set from Vision Ears, The Erlkönig as we can also choose 4 varieties of sound profiles, Pop Mode at the northern axis part, Monitoring Mode at the southern axis parts, Natural Mode at the western axis and Atmosphere Mode at the eastern axis part. TANCHJIM always uses a proven and stable 0.78mm 2-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism with its detachable cable and good thing that this set carries that feature on this one.






Even with its unusual shape, it seems that it offers surprisingly comfortable wear as it gives a remarkable ergonomic fit into my lugholes without any discomfort. It does offer a good passive noise isolation as I have a good seal that blocks some unwanted external noises from the outside.



Regarding its stock cable, it's a braided Litz 2-core high purity silver-plated copper wire with a straight gold-plated 3.5mm single ended termination plug. I find it's cable good enough for its asking price as it is quite supple and flexible while it offers a seamless transmission of electrical signal for better fidelity on its audio quality.



In TANCHJIM 4U's product packaging, it presents a minimalist presentation with a sufficient quantity of included accessories inside.



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

• Pair of TANCHJIM 4U IEM transducers
• Stock cable
• 3 pairs of balanced bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• 3 pairs of narrow bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes..
• Small flat screwdriver for tuning
• Velvet storage pouch
• Paperwork like user's manual and warranty card.

With the development of dynamic drivers with stronger magnetic flux for better flow of electric charges, TANCHJIM 4U is moderately sensitive as it can be driven with sources with just decent power output in a typical normal gain mode but pairing it to the sources with more powerful output will show its full potential. This set is one of the few sets in entry-level that automatically activates the high impedance mode of my LG phones as it sounds fuller with a good amount of dynamics on it.



Due to the implementation of dial knobs, the TANCHJIM 4U offers four distinctive tonal profiles, here are the following modes and some of its brief description but it seems that it aligns more with bass adjustment:


Pop mode - a balanced mild U-shaped sound signature

Atmosphere mode - a more bass-boosted U-shaped sound signature.

Natural mode - a more balanced-neutral tonal profile.

Monitoring mode - a reference-neutral type of sound profile a.k.a. neutralish-bright.


(FR graph was provided by @baskingshark , credits to his effort)




LOWS/BASS:

Pop Mode

A more balanced bass presentation as it has a sufficient sub bass presence with ample textured mid-bass that gives a more punchy and tactile bass response.

While I felt slight rumbling and reverberations generated by sub bass-focused instruments, the mid bass texture that this setting mode on some instruments and male vocals gives an adequate note weight on them. Bass kick drums have a thudding sound while bass guitars and double bass have sombre and resonant on them. Bass and bass-baritone vocals have a sufficient weight texture that in some bass vocals, I was able to notice its vibrato for its vocals end with sufficient deep resonance while it gives an acceptable intensity and a fairly dark tonality of bass-baritones’ voices.


Atmosphere Mode

The most “coloured” bass presentation among its sound profile tunings out there as the low frequency was indeed boosted but it gives a more clearer sub-bass presence while the mid bass section has a tad fuller and more textured as it gives more slam and authority yet it remains well controlled.

The sub bass portion evidently has more presence as there are deep reverberations and grumbling coming from sub bass-focused instruments like low tuned bass guitars and double bass, drum machines and synthesisers. On added mid bass texture, it even highlighted the density of bass clef instruments and male vocals as bass guitars and double bass have broader and weighty sound while bass kick drums have a fuller and sonorous sound on them. Male vocals like bass and bass-baritones have a fuller, heftier and voluminous sound to give those dusky and wool-like vocal texture.


Natural Mode

Bass response of this one is quite tight and precise unlike the other two aforementioned tuning settings as it truly defines a “neutral” bass presentation. It appears that startlingly, it still has sufficient mid bass texture on it.

While it still has some faint sub bass presence on this type of tuning setting, the mid bass still retains some of its texture to give an ample note weight on bass-clef instruments and male vocals. Bass kick drums have a sustaining and eerily sound on every stroke while bass guitars and double bass have rasping and menacing sound on them. It appears that bass and bass-baritones still have volume and depth but a noticeable attenuation compared to the Pop and Atmosphere modes but still have a rich and dark tone on them.


Monitoring Mode

It has a very similar bass curve presentation with the Natural Mode but it's even tighter and incisive bass response. But incredibly it still retains an ample mid-bass texture.

Sub bass presence is sort of cut-off on this one as I barely felt those faint reverberations and rumble generated from sub bass-focus instruments. Like I mentioned a while ago regarding its mid bass quantity, it has a satisfactory texture as it gives a more resonant and sustaining sound while bass guitars have a sombre and rasping sound on both of them. On bass and bass-baritones, they have some similar sound characteristics with the Natural Mode as it has a dark tone and richness but it has less depth, less volume and less hefty.


MIDRANGE:

The tuning modes will somehow affect some frequency presentation and tonal qualities of certain vocals and instruments. Overall it retains a neutral, smooth, clean and sufficient energetic sound on its four tonal profiles.


Pop Mode and Atmosphere Mode

It has a tad texture that adds a hint of warmth just to give enough note density on vocals and instruments. In this regard, it gives a more prominence to vocals and instruments on how flexible this set is.

On male vocals, baritones have sufficient volume and texture to have that smooth and sweeter sound, tenors have a brassy and dazzling sound on their vocals and countertenors have mild, tender and emotive vocals on them. And for female vocals, contraltos have a smoky and “bronze-y” sound while mezzo-sopranos have tender, emotive and a tad sound although in Atmosphere Mode, it adds a more plush and richer tone. The sopranos will sound great on this one while its energetic and shimmering tuning will sound great on lyric and coloratura types of sopranos, spinto and dramatic ones will sound even better as it has a rich, powerful and delicate voice.

On instruments, brasses like trumpets, trombones and horns have brilliant, intense and resounding sound respectively while woodwinds like concert flute, piccolos, clarinets and saxophones have silvery, clear, melodic and expressive sound in order correspondingly. On strings, guitars have a balanced sound as I describe its tone between buttery and crisp, violins have a vibrant and sensuous sound on them and then, cellos have that “stately’ and vibrant sound on them. On percussives, field drums have a sonorous and hard sound but on Atmosphere Mode, it sounds more sombre and a tad boomy while on tom-toms, it sounds a bit warmer while having a resonant sound on Atmosphere Mode. Snare drums have clear and precise sound on every stroke while kettledrums have deep and resonant sound on hitting on its vellum. Pianos to have a well-balanced sound as it has an even tone while maintaining also a bright tone to have a clean and clear sound.


Natural Mode & Monitoring Mode

Sonically, they are very similar with the other tuning settings that were featured above. While it lessened a bit of warmth on the midrange, it gives even more linearity with a more transparent sound quality.

Almost all vocal types somewhat lose some of its depth and texture as most baritones, tenors and contraltos will sound a bit lean but countertenors and mezzo-sopranos have added intensity and sound a bit fiery. On sopranos, as this set was tuned to have an energetic and bright tuning, it will give a more vivid, silvery and crystalline sound that it will more on both coloratura and lyric soprano types.

On instruments, this type of tuning affects the quality of timbre and tonality of some strings and brass instruments as I will elaborate. Guitars will have more presence, crisper and lingering sound on some acoustic tracks, violins sound more lively, brilliant and a bit thin and then, cellos have more vibrant, open and a bit incisive.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

In all tuning mode settings, this set has a sufficiently bright, crisp and detailed treble response that makes it more appealing to some neutral heads and treble heads alike. It has an excellent clarity and definition for vocals and also an attack of instruments. While it maintains a good sibilance control with just a little intense not to sound too harsh and piercing, I will still rather suggest that treble-sensitive folk should stay cautious on this one.

For a single dynamic driver set, this one has remarkable performance on its brilliance section as it has a good airy extension with a good intensity on its sparkle. Cymbals have a bright and metallic sound while hi-hats have a short sizzling sound. Celestas have silvery and ethereal sound, and then glockenspiels brilliant and lustrous sound (on Natural and Atmospheric Modes).


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

In general, the sound/speaker stage of this one is quite impressive for a single dynamic driver set as it projects a rather spacious head room as it has a wide lateral span, above-average height reach and immersive depth as it has good distance from front to back.

In stereo imaging, it presents a concave-like presentation in a decently layered soundscape with a good separation of elements inside of it, in which I can accurately locate the placements of vocals and instruments. Therefore, playing complex multi-instrumental tracks is possible to be played here without any veiled or congested play back.

Coherency of its dynamic driver is excellent on how it is able to execute fast transient response without any distortion. Resolution capabilities of this set is notably very competent as it has solid macro-dynamics while also having a sharp definition on its micro-detail retrieval as it is capable of extracting details and nuances from an audio track like vocal ends, roomy effects and instrument tails.


PEER COMPARISONS:

SIMGOT EA500

• The set that put the SIMGOT into the top of the entry-level food chain as this one started the SIMGOT Revolution. Like the 4U, it also has a solid metal alloy shell chassis, a high-quality dynamic driver and also offers different type of tuning modes but there are some differences on how it was implemented as EA500 uses an aluminium alloy on its shell structure, a different dynamic driver technology although it has an LCP diaphragm and a tuning mode based detachable tuning nozzle filters.
• The EA500 offers two types of sound profile, an in-house SIMGOT target curve based on a modified Harman target curve and the other one is more of a typical Harman target curve. The in-house tuning has some instances of sibilance and shrilly while the typical Harman mode gives a recessed presentation and a leaner vocals particularly on male ones and female contraltos. Technicality-wise, it also has very capable performance as it has good spacious head room on its soundstage, a well-layered concave-like stereo imaging, impressive coherence of its driver and a competent resolution capabilities.

SIMGOT EA500LM

• The successor of the EA500 as the SIMGOT Revolution keeps going on. It also shares similar build and features with its predecessor but there are some improvements as the latter uses the latest newly developed dynamic driver and newer type of stock cable which has an L-shaped termination plug. And also, it offers three types of tuning mode settings as it retains the detachable tuning nozzle system from its predecessor.
• The EA500ML offers three types of tonal profile and all of them align with U-shaped sound signatures with slight adjustments. These are the “balanced” U-shaped, a more familiar Harman-type sound profile and a bright U-shaped sound signature, and all of them are more coloured sounding compared to TANCHJIM 4U's monitor and natural modes which aligns with more neutral tuning, different preferences for different audio enthusiasts folk after all. As for technical performance, the EA500LM has a bit more narrower sound/speaker stage compared to the 4U, but it appears that it has tad better on layering and a slightly more solid macro-dynamics but the rest of technical capabilities, they are very similar.

In conclusion, it appears that we have a set which has a potential to be a sleeper hit on how TANCHJIM was able to make this one. With the implementation of the latest development of dynamic driver, a dial knob tuning mode feature in which can be only found on a TOTL-flagship set which makes the 4U has tuning versatility that offers four distinctive tuning profile character and an affordable price, this set makes it truly a very formidable in the every competitive entry-level segment. Whether you are a type of listener who wants a fun and coloured tuning or an audio enthusiast who wants a more neutral and analytical love who loves another high fidelity listening experience, the TANCHJIM 4U covers it all without any compromises.


TANCHJIM 4U is now available at HIFIGO and in a few selected e-commerce services. You can visit the following links that I've provided below, non-affiliated links guaranteed.

★★TANCHJIM 4U - HIFIGO★★

★★TANCHJIM 4U - AMAZON.JP★★

★★TANCHJIM 4U - AMAZON★★


For more TANCHJIM product reviews, check out the previous product review links.

■ TANCHJIM TANYA DSP

■ TANCHJIM ONE

■ TANCHJIM MINO

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: TANCHJIM 4U
IMPEDANCE: 32Ω
SENSITIVITY: 122dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 8Hz – 48KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M
PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER


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 any 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 HIFIGO especially to MS. ALICE XIE and MS. YUMU SONG for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

Intro
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to give a different take from the usual reviews. Shed the Tanchjim 4U in a different light if you will since most of the common details were already covered in the previous reviews below. Why not give the spotlight if ever you were to gift the Tachjim 4U to someone special instead of buying for your own? Of course, we take value of our recipient's opinions if someone who is a non-audiophile was to receive this IEM. In this example, we will be having the opinion of my girlfriend as we take a look as to how a set like the Tanchjim 4U, which ticks all the right boxes, comes out the better option than sets that are even double the price.




Build and Inclusions
The Tanchjim 4U does take it literally as it is designed for you, whichever your gender or preference. It comes in a gray box and a slide out cover which is minimalistic in design as my girl says, it's very nice and not showy. The documentations and accessories come in the top section and you are then greeted by the IEMs themselves. It comes with 6 pairs of silicon eartips, a tuning screwdriver (for adjusting to 4 settings namely Atmosphere, Pop, Natural, and Monitoring), some mascot stickers, and a somewhat velvet pouch. What she loved about the 4U is its lighweight but solid feeling miniature shells. She prefers the metallic aluminum feel of these shells and the shiny mirror-finish faceplates. They look subtle and at the same time, does not draw too much attention. She loved this kind of build more than resin shells + bright colorful faceplates because it's classy and does not look like a 'toy'. The cable is also a plus as despite being thin, it looks beautiful to her and again in contrast to the colored, bright, braided cables of other IEMs which she dreads. She wanted it as lightweight and can just curl it up after use, put inside its pouch, and toss it in her bag afterwards.





Sound and Comparisons
Having a dual-chamber single DD config, it's as simple yet effective as it gets. She loves the clarity on these, playing Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande and more effortlessly. She prefers how it handles everything in balance and how articulate the words come out of their songs within the Atmosphere bass setting which is more than enough for her preferences. In her words of just right, the Pop setting fits some of her ballads playlists more as well as contemporary pop music. She just doesn't like overbearing bass that bleeds and veils the vocals and other details hence, when she got the chance with the Juzears 61T, she insisted that despite the Butterfly name and design - it's designed and was made to be masculine as with it's ample bass. With its thick, hefty cable and resin shells + colorful faceplate, she just prefer the minimalist aluminum look of the 4U better. Even though she also liked the the looks of the AFUL Explorer, she preferred the crispness and clarity of the 4U more than the warm and smooth sound of the Explorer. All things considered, she also listens to local vocal rap which the clarity and articulation of the 4U plays better to her liking. She may still not have the grasp of soundstage and technicalities but again, she just prefers the 4U over most sets at this price like the Truthear Zeros and Kefine Delci due to their too neutral to warm nature. It seems that the combination of liveliness and cleanliness plays a lot with her lean towards the 4U.


Conclusion
It seems that if one does look at an IEM as one holistic product that covers aesthetics, comfort, build/durability and of course, not just sound - then it's what mostly matters than just the sum of its parts. This is how it plays in your gift-buying decision that every element matters to the one you're giving an IEM to, and of course it matters to them if you value their opinion than let's say just giving what is the most, high-rated high-priced item out there. The Tanchjim 4U ticks all the right marks on the gifting checklist and that's what makes it appreciated for its underrated factors, which in turn is more valuable than higher-priced competition. Good job Tanchjim for making a product that caters to a wide market. If you're in the market to gift someone that would like to dip their toes into good sound but would not like to invest so much into the hobby just yet, the 4U is likely for 4 him/her.



Sidenotes:
IEM set has been listened in majority via a Samsung phone (A55 5g) connected to an Audioquest Cobalt and Hidizs S9 Pro Plus alternatingly using the stock eartips over the course of multiple genres across FLACs (16bit&24bit) and streaming (Tidal). The Tanchjim 4U is available through HiFiGo with an SRP of $69.99 - https://hifigo.com/products/tanchjim-4u?variant=45071684796655

- Introduction -
Hello friends, the Tanchjim company has released interesting budget dynamic set.
They arrive in a medium-sized box with an image of the headphones themselves on the front, the company logo and the name of this 4U model.

And the dynamic driver DMT 4 ultra is responsible for the sound here, the sensitivity is 122 dB and they have a 32 ohm impedance and they are quite easy to drive.

- Let's take a look at what's included -

- Fabric cover
- Two sets of silicone ear tips, some narrower and others wider
- Two manuals for use

- Special screwdriver for adjusting headphone switches

- Very convenient cable with 2 pin connectors and a 3.5 jack plug

And this is what the headphones themselves look like, made of aluminum and receiving a mirrored front panel with the inscription Tanchjim on the right earphone, and 4U on the left and yes, of course, it’s good here because all the prints are collected, so sometimes it makes sense to wipe it.

They also received a slightly recessed 2-pin connector, and next to it there are markings for the right and left channels, and you can see the first compensation hole, and the second is located next to the metal nozzle with an excellent rim for better fixation of the ear tips.

And you’re probably wondering what this green arrow with four positions is, and I’ll answer you that these headphones have essentially 4 options for setting the low frequencies and they are adjusted by changing the direction of this arrow using the included screwdriver, but now the standard headphones have an atmospheric mode that is, the most bassy.

And if we switch the arrow up, then we will set the pop mode with even less bass, and if we switch it to the left, then it will be the so-called natural mode where there is even less bass, and the monitor one with the down arrow has the least amount of bass, and personally I left the atmospheric one like that how exactly with him the sound was fuller and more balanced for me.
- Ergonomics and fit -
By the way, everything is excellent here with the fit and comfort, just what you need, the headphones fit tightly in your ears and everything is good with sound insulation.
- Tuning and Conception -

Now we come to the most important part of the review, the analysis of the sound of Tanjim 4U dynamic headphones and let's start with their tuning, which I would immediately characterize as tonally warm at mid frequencies, and with a more noticeable cold transparent tone at high frequencies, and when using atmospheric mode we get here an increase in low frequencies by 8 dB, which is actually excellent and is easily enough in most musical genres, unless of course you are a fierce basshead, so I settled on the atmospheric mode, which was immediately installed out of the box, and it’s worth saying that the high frequencies here are very long, and they have a small hole, already familiar to me, for compensation at 11 kHz and after that it compensates for the peak at 14 kHz to give greater transparency and sharpness of attack to the cymbals.
(Low Frequencies)
Low frequencies here are presented as very fast, a little dry, but with a well-emphasized attack, with a fairly deep but certainly not basshead presence and the rumble of the sub-bass, and a more complementary and occupying the dedicated base of the mid-bass, and a clearly controlled kick strike very cheerfully constructs and finally finishes the bass has a distinct percussive kick that is especially noticeable in electronic music , and it’s worth noting in general the clearly noticeable punch and assertiveness of the bass notes with an extremely good disclosure of texture and audibility of distortion in the guitars, so fans of heavier music are welcome, I’m sure these headphones will please you here.
(Mid Frequencies)
The mids here are presented as pleasantly light with an excellent feeling of warmth, and at the same time with excellent preservation of airiness and transparency in this range so that everything sounds more separate and audiophile-calibrated, that is, without compressed images and their blurring.The vocals here are clearly focused in the center and occupy a slightly wider position in space, and the drums very carefully, without overdoing it in the upper middle, complement the musical compositions, and I note with a good indicative selection of transients and after-sounds, that is, yes, in this regard, everything is excellent here,and in fact, this is already familiar to me, such a cheerful presentation that coolly reveals many musical compositions with such a pleasant flirtation, and I liked that they didn’t take the tuning into a boring dry monitor, but on the contrary, they gave a good boost of drive just for those who don’t have enough emotions in real life, then these headphones will be what you need.
(High Frequencies)
But the high frequencies here are presented very familiarly, they are technically daring and sharp in attack, with excellent resolution and transparency, due to which all the cymbals here, the various nuances of micro macro details can be heard very clearly and evoke only positive emotions, that is, everything is presented here in an adult and exactly how audiophiles love it when they can sit in a calm environment to analyze and dissect compositions, but the presentation here is of course not entirely neutral and more pleasantly energetic due to the peak at 15 kHz , but it doesn’t give any kind of fatigue or crooked timbre, on the contrary, it does its job very clearly, but if it had been moved to the left, then yes, I would have had questions, but when it was carefully moved to the right, everything here is still within the limits standards, of course, I wouldn’t listen to the same mp3 on them, but for flac and high-quality recordings, I would advise now to consider this particular model to replace the same moondrop may and other inexpensive dynamic headphones in this category.
My conclusion on this headphones!
Tanjim 4U are excellent dynamic headphones, with correctly formed, reliable tones with a very technical and driving and, most importantly, not boring sound, they present various musical compositions in an extremely emotional and adult-like way, and the analytics here are simply excellent and for this price it’s literally a godsend right now, I liked the headphones and personally recommend them.
Hifigo: https://hifigo.com/products/tanchjim-4u?variant=45071684796655
Aliexpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006996979397.html
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