The TANSIO MIRARI FEAT
Preamble:
This is probably one of the best turn-arounds found with any IEM I have reviewed this year. Meaning OTB the TSMR FEAT was good, but it wasn’t super-great. What took place after 7 days of burn-in and getting acquainted with the FEAT was nothing short of remarkable! Here are words to document the experience.
TSMR short for TANSIO MIRAI:
So anyway, here we are again smack-dab in the middle of another Redcarmoose Labs adventure. Yep, today we are looking at the TSMR FEAT IEM. Normally I will include a list of all the (other)15 other TSMR IEMs they make and talk a little about TSMR history. But you know at times all that extra stuff is not needed. Yes TSMR has been around since 2016, yes………..they primarily specialize in Hybrid IEMs and all BA IEMs. Every IEM they have ever made has had those DIP-switch tuning adjustment switches……..but this one doesn’t. Also this is a new day in that TSMR are ditching the regular Audiophile Style tune and going for a warmer and more musical adventure. TSMR IEMs normally cost substantially more than the FEAT. Yet while not the end-all end-all in detail………….the tuning works. It works for me anyway.
FEAT
I’m not sure the exact meaning of the name FEAT, but typically it means an an achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength. So maybe TSMR are actually showing off that they can build such a device and retail it at this low cost of $239.00?
To me the names means For EATing.
FEAT= For EATing and of course drinking
Yep, this little compact and bass laden creature can go on dog walks, or to a restaurant where you would never think of taking expensive gear.
The included cable:
I’m not saying the FEAT with its included cable is bad…….it is just that all of us here……….all of us reading are looking for synergy. And sure Penon just came out with this T-OCC new style of cable, and to be honest the FEAT and T-OCC came to me together in the same envelope. But the ISN T-OCC is miles better than the included cable. Now really there is nothing wrong with the included cable, as TSMR must have ordered two truck loads of this particular cable? Reviewing 5 different TSMR IEMs…..…4 of them came with this exact cable……………and sure I have seen many more inclusions of this cable with TSMR IEMs in reviews.
While polite and proper, the included cable has great balance, only except for this added 5kHz to 7kHz peak. As such this cable kinda makes music a little sterile and almost too correct and thin. With the TSMR Land IEM and the TSMR Sands IEM I had to fully jettison this cable, only because the 5kHz to 7kHz peak was amplifying the already pushed upper midrange and treble.
So both Dsnuts and I agree this included cable is not the very best for many of the TSMR creations, that a warmer/smoother cable seems to help them. Now in a change of pace the two latest IEMs introduced by TSMR actually somewhat work with the included cable. Meaning if you were to buy the TSMR-X or the FEAT, sure use the included cable, but always remember there are better choices even for as little money as the $119.00 ISN T-OCC or the ISN CS02 at $69.90?
The ISN T-OCC:
The ISN T-OCC or ISN CS02 is changing the FEAT’s stage, they broaden it…….they also add harmonic complexity to playback. Funny too, as you would not think the extra bass resulting from the T-OCC wouldn’t jive with the added bass of the FEAT............especially in relation to past TSMR products. See that’s the thing……..the ISN T-OCC adds fullness and image size/density and greater note-weight. I know I sound like a cable maniac……….because a big part of this hobby is cables for me.
The get-to-know-you-period:
On first listen, before 7 days of burn-in ………….the FEAT with the included cable was good but not great. Our relationship was like two ships passing in the night. One ship to go one way, and the other ship (the other way) on a separate journey. I missed that personal connection, where it was just an IEM making sound in my ears?
Now maybe many of you are going to question this burn-in process. And let me tell you the results are not always so dramatic as with the FEAT. But remember the FEAT has two big 8mm DDs for the lows. What that means (in common sense) is burn-in is 2 times more important than a single 8mm Dynamic Driver. So after 7 days of burn-in the magic started to take place, and the additive of the T-OCC combined made the bass a little less technical, but it brought soul and life to the experience.
Oh I almost forgot! A big part of the fun was the Penon Orange Liqueur Ear-tips.
Brand: TANSIO MIRAI
Model: Feat
Driver: 2 Balanced armature + 2 Dynamic driver
2 x 8mm dynamic driver hollow coaxial carbon element diaphragm for low-frequency
2 x Knowles balanced armature for mid & high frequency
Impedance : 10 ohm
Sensitivity: 104dB
Frequency response range: 10 ~ 20kHz.
Sound, soundstage and bass:
Dreamland
Robert Miles
Children
44.1 kHz - 16bit
Soundstage!
The bass is traveling outward between our ears, and making the stage wide, forward and back............and top to bottom.
Here we are experiencing the bass traveling about, and really a wash of bass frequencies, thus panning onto the stage……….though what makes it here is not exactly (just) the stage, there is both both the warm and deep renditions of the basic drop, but that the drop is showcased from many angles (and view-points) inside the stage, and with each angle there lives vibrant with an amazing woody warmth.
Now you may guess that this bass replay is somehow overpowering, or even distracting at least……..but no. That is the magic here……….that the piano notes when they come are still showcased (by the BAs) into their very own place on the stage. At 02:20 when the big major beat hits (it’s a climax early on)………..now we are grooving fully to this number……and truly there is all we need.
Bass and musicality:
Musicality is a funny subject, as many can’t nail-down all the reasons for it. I will try to guess what it means to me personally with the TSMR FEAT. There is an evenness where there is not an off-tone, or sound sticking out to off-smear the overall frequency.
A correctness of balance, that within the constraints of personality and character, instruments and vocals still sound relatively balanced. And finally the resulting tones own pace and note-weight. There needs to be a dance and play to the rhythm, that this music is not an exact science or a distilled formula. But we know some types of songs instantly have this special magic……this dance of pace………and the FEAT IEM is able to grab onto that pace and reveal its character.
Is it that two Isobaric 8mm DDs are better at a rhythm focus and better than a single bass provider? I’m not sure, except the more surface area of 8mm X 2 means we have the surface area of a 16mm DD. Only the 16mm would be lumbered by size and the results much slower.
Here we are greeted with the deep tone of a 16mm, and the stage size and involvement of a 16mm, only we obtain the pace of an 8mm. That is my only answer to what I’m hearing? Why? Well because there is nothing missing in the lows. I mean sure the FEAT is not everything……….it’s a $239.00 IEM, for crying out loud.
Yet if you don’t know it yet, $239.00 buys a lot of IEM sound nowadays…….the big and controlled sound of 2 Isobaric 8mm DDs……..that is what $239.00 buys.
The rhythm and tone-timbre:
Look, a lot has changed in the IEM marketplace. And included with your purchase are two little silver shinny boxes. These boxes contain Knowles BAs, two of them per side……… 4 all together. These mid and high frequency transducers have faster transients than DDs can do. Now normally there is a trade-off of a questionable timbre to become emitted by these little guys. Using tiny reeds of metal, the reeds are surrounded by magnetic energy which pulsates to the incoming signal. As such this allows the reed to vibrate back-and-forth. This movement is faster than DDs, but does not create air-pressure...........and that’s why we rely on DDs.
But in use the Knowles BAs own a specific rhythm to the beat, faster and more agile than DDs……….but also infinitely faster made transient responses. These treble and midrange responses are pushing the imaging and separation into the visibility. As such our stage is created, but it also owns a rhythm and dance. This dance is acceptable because it has not only great timbre, but it’s never hot or strident. If you could only hear my favorite thing that happens when you place all this together, the hidden bass effect.
Dreamland
Robert Miles
Children
44.1kHz - 16bit
One of the joys of IEMs happens with hidden bass, sure loudspeakers have it too. Really this just means fast bass. What hidden bass is comes around only ever so often. Meaning it is one of those found acts that is rare, but it is repeatable. Meaning if you found it with a set-up before, you can always use that exact same set-up, and find the piece of music then replay it to find this hidden bass again. So in a way it is not exactly hidden, you just need to know where to look for it.
Hidden Bass:
Hidden bass is normally a feature of bass Balanced Armatures, As we are dealing with the transient edge, the transient bass-note-edge in a certain low-end replay…………..this has often been described as..........coming out of nowhere.
Basically it's speed of bass response. At 04:04 (in Children) there is a breakdown where no beat is provided. This quiet-zone is needed for hidden bass to emerge………..no drum frequencies to jump into the way………yes, also turning it up adds to the experience. As such this becomes simply another part of the magic of utilized Isobaric 2X 8mm DDs. Now this effect is also at times dependent on stage. Yep, this means the bass needs to be bigger and slightly separated too……….again……..from out of nowhere…….offering a nice surprise when hidden bass pounces.
Kaveh Cohen, Michael Nielsen
Forza Motorsport OST
Brotherhood
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
This is the style of music I never would've guessed I would like. While maybe boring it serves a purpose. This is music for a video racing game to provide a mood of traveling inside an imaginary virtual racing world. We are kind-of pushed along with this music pace provider, and while simply background music………..it can’t be too distracting. I use this song often as there are a few important features to showcase. What is interesting, I can hear a faint disclosure of BA timbre here. This is the price you pay for the style of instantaneous treble and midrange the BA transducers provide. And sure early on in this review I said it was close to perfect, because I heard zero off-timbre. Yet there is a taste in the keys showing up at 00:08 in. Really not a big deal, yet it is there and heard at times, where if you never heard this song before, you may not even recognize it.
A little BA timbre:
This is just a simply fact of life. Yet, Hybrids are still my favorite way to go. Sonion as a BA manufacture may have a leg up over Knowles with this BA timbre thing? And who knows……..as to why they chose Knowles. But in the IEM world there is really Knowles and Sonion as the major providers of BA hardware. But beyond BA timbre, it is really about the overall tune. Meaning you are hearing this onslaught of information, and if only a small section is represented as an off-timbre, and only at certain times, with certain styles of music…….it just is what it is.
What manufacturers are doing now is simply getting a bigger stage footprint with modern IEMs. Newly designed BAs and DDs are allowing a budget IEM to gain the sonic ground previously only reserved for the big-boys of the IEM world. This is why there has been a steady upswing to the popularity of value IEMs in the last few years. Yet, all-of-a-sudden budget DAPs are now making their way into the hobby. Yep, just the right thing to combine with your budget IEM………and our budget cable.
What this means in immersion, immersion into a place never dreamed accessible in 2016. I mean sure nothing is perfect, yet now there is a lot more perfection than you would guess!
Probably (for me) the best part of this song is how the instrumentation is fully sequestered into its own little areas. Sure life is unpredictable, but at least we have music to focus on. Music that has a style of organization, of perfect pace. And…….the songs we remember. Songs like this one never fails to amaze...........with the style of production, especially in the lows. The best way I can describe the FEAT is offering a thickness held inside of the lower midrange and a smoothness held in the midrange and treble areas, that becomes of balance……………while still showcasing a very accessible and fun character.
Where somehow I found the TSMR-X to be incredibly polite, the X showcases more technicalities, and for the price it should go forward to give you those added features, yet I will probably be using the FEAT more? I’m a little stupid that way?
While the two are brothers, they both show as having 2xDDs in action, where the X holds simply more realistic regenerations of past musical events due to two Knowles BAs and the addition of two Sonion BAs. Where we also have a style of 2x8mm DDs, the bass contained in the FEAT is to me bigger, yet not as technical. This bass canister for the FEAT is orange plastic, the X has a metal drum with two 8mm DDs inside.
Cable rolls:
Top-down
1) Penon OSG: $299.00 High purity single crystal copper silver-plated wire mixed with graphene
2) ISN T-OCC: $119.00 2 Shares Triple Copper Hybrid
3) ISN CS02: $69.90 2 Shares Copper Silver Alloy & OFC
4) Penon Vocal: $69.90 4 Shares 60 Cores OCC Silver-plated Plus Gold Foil
5) Included TSMR Cable: $49.90 2 Strands OCC Silver-plated
6) SMGOT LC7: $69.00 732 cores of pure OFC
Laughingly I disclose, I didn’t start out to review all these cables with the FEAT!
Cable introduction:
See the FEAT is wonderful, but not exactly what you would call a perfectly even tune. Where this review started more simple, only using a few cables and sources, then it blossomed into all the words and photos you see. I take a more organic/results oriented schedule to reviewing.
Sometimes a review is more simple, sometimes not! This means that even after a week starting with first impressions, then 7 days of burn-in, then critical listening…….I may come up with new ideas as to a possible final sound. Where cable review examples numbered only two at the start, I found out through experience that more cable examples were needed.
If anything, more cable rolls help us to learn about the TSMR FEAT and its signature. We are looking for new and valuable reactions to new cable change-outs. Reason being you can start out with ideas, then at times more music played will give clues to the total personality to an IEM. So………using cables is a way to get closer to what an IEM ultimately is.
I’m looking deeper and farther for a way in, a way to offer corrections and well-roundedness. Meaning the included cable only goes so far, as it is fine, but didn’t offer the image density of the new ISN T-OCC. So now I’m taking a few hours and rotating in a few more random (cable choices)…………and not so random cable ideas as a way to discover what more is to be found inside the FEAT.
Cable rolls all in 4.4mm balanced:
1) Penon OSG: $299.00
So after a day and a whole night with the T-OCC and TSMR FEAT I started to get curious as to the change-out to the Penon OSG. Sure this is slightly crazy, that the Penon OSG is more money than the TSMR FEAT. But what if, what if it made the FEAT special and subsequently more valuable?
That would be worth a gander right? This instinctual wandering is what makes the audiophile individual play……………………really curiosity is what it is.
End results:
Wait, I’m onto something, my instincts were right. The OSG does the stage expansion of the T-OCC, but it’s cleaner and ultimately more clear. Why? Well…..gone is that woody copper density and replaced with graphene lightness. Where my biggest gripe with the T-OCC was vocal placement and midrange positioning……..the ISN T-OCC enhanced the warmth to almost an overly excessive point. Really at the end of the day the T-OCC is great, and a guilty pleasure, where the OSG is more straight forward and even, more complete while still holding that character that IS the FEAT in the end. Now we are romancing big reverberations and note weight, opening the stage like a new room to walk into……….the vocals now are newly found…………they were both too thin with the TSMR included cable, and too behind the scenes with the T-OCC.
But there is more……..weightlessness hovering outside the sage formations………this is one of the very best results I have had the experience of witnessing with the OSG cable, and the best the FEAT has sounded so far. More well rounded of a performer…….that and just more correct in styles of playback. Now this wouldn’t be such a big deal, except these results are both in tune (frequency response) and technicalities.
Where there is this grey area, where technicalities and tune overlap, and can either promote a better tune, or go against it, the OSG is a total win-win.
I’m using the Sony WM1A and the OSG cable with the FEAT and Penon Orange Liqueur ear-tips.
2) ISN T-OCC: $119.00
In my journey with the FEAT the new ISN T-OCC became a thrill. While really the very idea of a guilty pleasure, the T-OCC was the antithesis of the cable the FEAT came with, yep. Where the included cable was balanced and polite with a 5kHz to 7kHz boost, it was holding back the FEAT note-weight that could be found like gold laying on the ground. Sure, a quick T-OCC change (from stock) and the stage with the T-OCC was bigger and more immersive……more emotional. There is a rhythm and groove that is probably better than the Penon OSG I just gushed over……….and that is why it is a guilty pleasure. The triple copper not only does thickness…….but pace……..and that is where the soul of Rock is found. Only here in the comparisons the vocals were slightly more forward with the OSG……….I mean you get what you pay for here. Really both cables were a blast and made the FEAT that much more special…….I almost can’t choose……..and in reviewing, that is actually a good thing!
I personally believe the difference in sound between these two cables with the FEAT can not ever be approached with simple EQ changes. That in many ways the OSG and the T-OCC have their own value present and work with the FEAT, even having both would end in fabulous playback, with both almost highlighting the opposite?
3) ISN CS02: $69.90
OK, listen, I put this CS02 purposely behind the T-OCC. Why? Well the T-OCC sports an Oxygen Free Solid Copper plug, and OFC 2Pins. As such the modular version of these weigh 7 grams for a 4.4mm plug, opposed to the 4 gram regular plug. But this ISN CS02 is also sporting a Rhodium plug in your choice of 2.5mm, 4.4mm or 3.5mm. Rhodium typically offers a brighter sound than pure copper or the most common, a gold plated plug. I’m rooting for the CS02 underdog!
The CS02 results........
Well this is surprising and took about 3 back and forth side-by-sides to figure out. Where the CS02 and T-OCC are very close to the same. Though when the T-OCC starts to pull away is due to note density. Really both are fine with the FEAT, and even work out better with a mid forward DAP like the SONY WM1A adding to the push-up of mids. But the bottom line is the Rhodium is maybe responsible for making the ISN CS02 just slightly less of a bass heavy cable, where the T-OCC is full-on thickness, and that thickness adding note-weight and stage drama.
When the T-OCC vocals come in they are just more substantial and dense. But really if you just purchased the CS02, I'm not sure unless they were side-by-side............this question of differences would be anything to cry over? Oh and of course I have to say…….this playback with either T-OCC or ISN CS02 was the cat’s meow, I could write another paragraph or two…….but you get the message. The T-OCC solid copper plug and 2Pins is adding density here, and the T-OCC cable is a mix of three Hybrid coppers.
4) Penon Vocal: $69.90
This should be fun. Reason being there is room for the vocals, though what I am worried about is this Vocal cable goes best with IEMs that have a receded vocal positioning. Let’s see? What fun…….I am always reminded why this cable is a phenomena, it is a value for what it does. Just a giant, giant stage……man! Big........and the vocals, well they are more out front and in your face than ever before.
Though there may be a price for this luster of sorts, where all this pushing of tones out and about could be considered color……….but seriously the BA’s didn’t tweek-out on me. Meaning somehow the BAs responded with a purity and composure taking this to the very next level.
Bass is partially set back, as how could perception of it even approach the ISN T-OCC or ISN CS02? But in reality, I would suggest this as a single aftermarket purchase if you like big vocals and want that bigger stage than the included cable…..and value relay of size……like we took a magnifying glass to the whole operation here.
Wow, actually I love this, I have ran through a few songs and this is quite the tone?
What is happening is we have been moved from the outside into this bigger stage with imaging taking place on all sides now! I’m going to stop........stop while I’m ahead. But if you see people joining the Penon Vocal Cable with the FEAT in photos, you will know what they are up to!
5) Included TSMR FEAT Cable: $49.90 or Freeeeeeee!
Well this is a nice match to go right after the Vocal cable. First off, there is nothing wrong with this cable. If you were on a budget you could keep this cable in use and not feel that you were missing that much. But what is wild is the Vocal cable has a rearrangement of the 5kHz to 7kHz tones that is just better. The bass is warmer with the Vocal cable, heck everything is warmer and brighter.........these ultimate Vocal Cable contrasts........if that even makes sense?
6) SMGOT LC7: $69.00
Using the SIMGOT Audio LC7 with the 4.4mm modular plug. In many ways this will be fun as I want to see how this compares to the included cable.
Results:
Bigger bass, more lush. Though not as tight, but better and a bass increase. Smoother not showing those 5kHz to 7kHz boosts. Here we are really fine, though very by the books. Meaning this may be how many want it. A clear transfer of signal with added warmth, yet none of the personality of the Vocal, the T-OCC or CS02? Yet there is nothing wrong with this playback. It makes me want to revisit the OSG. Where the OSG is going to be more vocal forward, more bass sculptured, a clearer stage.......even holding more detail………….and on and on…but there is nothing at all wrong with this style of playback, just a little grainy, but look at the price. The LC7 is a workhorse, and I keep it at arms length daily.
IEM side-by-sides:
Top row left to right: TSMR FEAT and TSMR-X
Bottom row: ISN Neo 5
TSMR FEAT (2DDx1BA) $239.00
TSMR-X 10th Anniversary Edition (2DDx4BAx1CFRD) $399.00
ISN Neo 5 (4BAx1DD) $289.00
The choices:
Here I’m choosing two other recent editions to the audiophile community. As such TSMR-X was just released by TSMR showcasing what a new style of semi-solid 3D printing can do. As well as showcasing the Isobaric X2 8mm DDs in a configuration. The addition of 2 BA Knowles mids and 2 BA Sonion treble providers was rounded off by a Custom Film Retarding Driver. As such this test was performed with the standard setting of DIP-switches at 020. The final test subject is the ISN Neo 5. Kind of a phenomenon, the Neo 5 started to somehow gain preference here at Redcarmoose Labs even more after it was reviewed. The start was a change of cable as the original cable included was the ISN S8, only to be switched to the more controlling and clear ISN S4 cable, newly included from Penon. Yet, with more listening a magic started to form, the vocals started to move forward and the stage became larger with try out of included cables, namely the ISN CS02.
Today's set-up will be……The Sony WM1A with MrWalkman’s firmware. No EQ, and the ISN CS02 cable as a tribute to past uses with the Neo 5. On the Neo 5 I’m using my regular wide-bore silicone ear-tips and on the two TSMR IEMs I’m using longer wide-bore clear silicone ear-tips…….as such it helps with fitment due to the TSMR nozzle length.
DCD
Anastasis
Kiko
44.1 - 24bit
Before we start just be informed when comparing these three IEMs here I have already prepared by using the HiBy R3 II as well as the Sony WM1A, and went through a number of tracks to kind-of look for a middle ground, a song that would showcase the intrinsic qualities and become somewhat fair, while at the same time becoming a tool to let the characteristics of each transducer shine through. What was interesting prior to this final test…………….the TSMR-X had a slight personal re-focus on the 2x8mm DDs, and the subsequent rhythm they produce. This quality is talked about in other reviews, yet it was just a given (additional) focus here due their stunts performed with the X.
The TSMR FEAT v TSMR-X:
Revisiting the X gives me confidence in the ear-tip use and a good feeling of placement. Depending on the angle here the nozzles of the FEAT and X can seem confusing. At certain angles both IEM nozzles look longer than (in) other pictures. Yet regardless of 2D photos……….rest assured (that for me at least) fitment with these wide-bore-longer silicone ear-tips produces consistent results. Wow, the X is really showcasing the fact that it does have a few other tricks up its sleeve. Cleaner, more focused affair, and the vocals………..the vocals are more forward holding a style of both texture and detail..........the FEAT could only dream about.
Part of this cleanliness was due to reduced lower midrange lessening levels, just a faster more 3D pace. A pace built on technicalities and clarity. Where in no way is the FEAT sleepy in pace, it is not lumbering, the FEAT just does not have this reality of midrange pushing through into imaging of items............exposing themselves to make clarity……………….To where this set-up is insanely correct for the X.
The ISN CS02 is adding density to playback, in-fact slightly hindering the FEAT at work. And really I’m OK with that. Taking a Penon $299.00 cable to bring the FEAT a little closer to its 10th Anniversary brother totally makes sense here.
Yet obviously the IEM encounter of the X is always going to be more, because while a cable only does so much………we already knew the X would simply be better in every way. Still they are Apples against Oranges here…….were in 020 DIP-switch setting the X is simply bigger in stage and immersion, finding the small gifts of sound recreation spread out farther and holding a more realistic recreation of life. I could go on………but we are going down a rabbit hole. If we are not already down it, deep inside?
The TSMR FEAT v ISN Neo 5
For the first time, maybe the single DD the Neo 5 is sporting doesn’t sound as clean or consolidated as the 2 DDs of the FEAT. It’s a little less controlled in the bass department, which is surprising, but part of this could be me. I don’t know if you have been reading reports on both the X and FEAT drivers, but you slowly get an improved understanding to their intrinsic bass properties the longer you listen to them, and being this is near the end of the review, I have spent considerable amount of time listening to both the FEAT and the X.
Except?
There is this ISN/Penon midrange………as such this is a both smooth and realistic phenomena that’s hard to fight against. Let me just say that these stage drop-offs had me even choosing the Neo 5 over the X when I heard it. And once again the ISN CS02 actualizes the tone too close to perfection here. Yes the Neo 5 bass is slightly less tight and lumbering, but just like always...........it is the overall tonal balance that means the most in the end. The FEAT is cleaner and tighter..........even more polite, the Neo 5 is the person who was wild in school who you never really saw that much, because they were skipping class and being adults already.
Build:
Do you see that cute little orfi? Yep the tiny hole coming off the nozzle-end? That little tiny (new to the IEM world hole) is a tuned bass port. And the larger opening is equipped with a Knowles filter to tune the BAs. Yep, just like that, only two nozzle openings. As such the faceplate (looking microscopically) close has those 3D striations. Not the fibers, those blue fibers you see from after but somehow around and inside of those fibers is the 3D printing construction? The FEAT is the perfect medium small build size, and as such the FEAT is a traditional build, meaning it is not solid or semi-solid like the X construction. Weighing in at a stealth 4 grams, the air-space inside the FEAT cavity is remarkably large, and surprisingly spacious. This space, vented by a red vent for the left and blue vent for the right, is responsible for the woody full tones we are experiencing in the lower midrange and bass. Only it is clear bass and tighter due to the 2 8mm DDs showing faster cleaner response, yet holding the surface area of a 16mm woofer. That this little chamber is surrounded in orange plastic to only let the major bass frequencies out the top, with the fall-out reverberating from the second DD going through the sides and into the resonant chamber. Lucky for us there are no confusing DIP-switches, a first for TSMR, and at the far end the build are located two unspecified Knowles BAs for midrange and treble. For me to do my due diligence here with construction, I have to reiterate about nozzle positioning and shape. The 2D pictures can have two separate sizes perceived. From one angle the nozzles look short, then from another angle the nozzles look long. Now I do need slightly longer silicone wide-bore ear-tips to get fitment, except the FEAT fits me slightly better than even the X. So if you have “normal” sized ears, whatever that means? With a little moment of tip-rolling you should end-up with a consistent level of fitment……….at least I did. The medium small form-factor and 4 gram weight means the FEAT is perfect for out-and-about.
Cell phone use:
You have gotta be kidding me?
If you have been reading all through this review I don’t want to break your heart, but the FEAT is on the difficult side of the street to drive. Yet, that doesn’t mean exactly what it used to in 2016. Nope, because in the old days IEMs could sound small and thin from a phone. Yep, bass action was held a different way. Nowadays the market is packed with deep bass findings……..only very few are exactly like what we find with the FEAT out of a traditional Samsung phone.
I only have one word for this phone experience PARADISE!
Why? Well many of us don’t want to take a DAP outside, we need the IEM to do all the sonic providing. What that is is harmonic enhancement and stage size. Listen, I spent the good part of time writing this review listening to a phone drive the FEAT. And maybe in some ways TSMR got the idea to name the FEAT due to simple phone use? As it is a feat what the FEAT does with a phone signal! I mean I have not read any review on the FEAT prior, maybe a sentence or two, but if the reviewer didn’t include phone use with this particular IEM, they have left out a big part of the user experience. Why? Remember the hidden bass feature that I was talking about, well it’s not as vibrant from phone use, but the bass quality and dimension into the width inside the stage is still there. Not only that, but the overall tonal balance is just exactly right off your phone. It is this satisfying bass action, mixed with the Hybrid separation (into the stage) of the easy to drive 2X Knowles BAs that clinches this deal. I know this sounds over the top, but this is singularly maybe the best phone sounding IEM I have heard this year………..and I will leave it at that. You don’t need a lot of parts to make a phone sound wonderful, you need correct tuning. The weight, the fitment and the price of the FEAT make it the perfect portable phone IEM in my book, so much better than I have heard TWS sound, ever…….and less complicated than having to charge TWS, have the TWS drop a connection, or fall out (onto the pavement) into infinity………none of those shenanigans here.
Quite simply …………..the FEAT is made for the desktop audiophile experience, the DAP audiophile experience and finally the regular phone audiophile experience.
Due to these phone volume levels being just enough…………….this feature makes the FEAT the perfect choice (to protect hearing)…………..as a gift for your significant other.
Packaging:
The FEAT comes with a full-size box opening experience, same as the up-line TSMR offerings, no skimping here. Included is a new style of zipper (hard-hard) case, 6 pairs of actually usable ear-tips, the included $49.90 TSMR Cable, and a cleaning tool. Interestingly my FEAT came with a full instruction manual with the build date of 03-17-2024 stamped as date of production. I need to mention this new case…….two zippers on either end, a velvet style interior lining, and a top and bottom made of a hard protective plastic…….a far cry from what is normally included at this price-point. This box opening experience is really TSMR’s way of showing you are are dealing with a first rate company, not really leaving out a thing.
Conclusion:
Well there you have it. Another TSMR invention. Really uniquely different from the other 5 TANSIO MIRAI IEMs I have had the opportunity to hear. The difference is the FEAT tune, I can’t help but look into the shell of the FEAT and see how it is constructed……………to be a very different animal. You see this is a mainstream tuning, one that could find the general public arriving in droves to check out. Different from the mainstream audiophile, the general public have been nurtured by car audio and movie houses……this is what they feel is good sound, because it is in a way. For me anyway this construction starts with 2X 8mm drivers. This differs from the TSMR-X in that X is a semi-solid 3D build, and the FEAT is conventional construction. Yep, the X is cleaner because there is less resonant chamber with the DDs and BAs accessing two different height levels inside the X shell……..the BAs in the X are submerged in solid 3D resin, and the DDs vent off the top, under the faceplate. Where the FEAT has regular full-hollow construction, with the 3D printing only making the thin faceplate. Really the TSMR-X and FEAT are complementary, where the X owns the upper hand in technicalities, for the audiophiles in the room. The FEAT goes about its day owning up a more thorough and forward lower midrange…..yes a little more carless…….but that carelessness is where the magic happens……..and the love starts to occur. Sure it’s less technical than the X.
2 less BAs than the X, and one less sound tube out of the FEAT nozzle, that is unless you count the support for the X’s 1 X CFRD (Custom Film Retardation Driver)…………if you even regard that as a driver at all?
Still in the end it is uncanny how much both the FEAT and X’s twin 8mm Isobaric Drivers speak the very same language, how they both offer this hidden bass, that is surprising and simultaneously rewarding! This is one of the single features which separates the FEAT and X from the complete TSMR (TANSIO MIRAI) history. And if you have ever owned or own a TSMR IEM, I can guarantee you the X and the FEAT are completely different sounding than the other past 14 IEMs the company has made. You see this IEM building technology is advancing. Not only is it advancing, it is offering more choices and chances to get involved with the music. Because at the end-of-the-day all we really want is musical involvement. This musical involvement is why I consider the FEAT and the X as equals. Where sure if you want better technicalities the X delivers, but if you were just going out of the house and needed a friend to deliver that low-end that takes your emotion, and makes being outside fun, well for the money this in-fact may be the perfect choice?
$239.00
https://penonaudio.com/TANSIO-MIRAI-FEAT
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the TSMR FEAT review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03 4.4mm balanced
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
HiBy R3 II DAP 4.4mm balanced
ifi GO bar Dongle in 4.4mm balanced
Samsung Phone 3.5mm
Preamble:
This is probably one of the best turn-arounds found with any IEM I have reviewed this year. Meaning OTB the TSMR FEAT was good, but it wasn’t super-great. What took place after 7 days of burn-in and getting acquainted with the FEAT was nothing short of remarkable! Here are words to document the experience.
TSMR short for TANSIO MIRAI:
So anyway, here we are again smack-dab in the middle of another Redcarmoose Labs adventure. Yep, today we are looking at the TSMR FEAT IEM. Normally I will include a list of all the (other)15 other TSMR IEMs they make and talk a little about TSMR history. But you know at times all that extra stuff is not needed. Yes TSMR has been around since 2016, yes………..they primarily specialize in Hybrid IEMs and all BA IEMs. Every IEM they have ever made has had those DIP-switch tuning adjustment switches……..but this one doesn’t. Also this is a new day in that TSMR are ditching the regular Audiophile Style tune and going for a warmer and more musical adventure. TSMR IEMs normally cost substantially more than the FEAT. Yet while not the end-all end-all in detail………….the tuning works. It works for me anyway.
FEAT
I’m not sure the exact meaning of the name FEAT, but typically it means an an achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength. So maybe TSMR are actually showing off that they can build such a device and retail it at this low cost of $239.00?
To me the names means For EATing.
FEAT= For EATing and of course drinking
Yep, this little compact and bass laden creature can go on dog walks, or to a restaurant where you would never think of taking expensive gear.
The included cable:
I’m not saying the FEAT with its included cable is bad…….it is just that all of us here……….all of us reading are looking for synergy. And sure Penon just came out with this T-OCC new style of cable, and to be honest the FEAT and T-OCC came to me together in the same envelope. But the ISN T-OCC is miles better than the included cable. Now really there is nothing wrong with the included cable, as TSMR must have ordered two truck loads of this particular cable? Reviewing 5 different TSMR IEMs…..…4 of them came with this exact cable……………and sure I have seen many more inclusions of this cable with TSMR IEMs in reviews.
While polite and proper, the included cable has great balance, only except for this added 5kHz to 7kHz peak. As such this cable kinda makes music a little sterile and almost too correct and thin. With the TSMR Land IEM and the TSMR Sands IEM I had to fully jettison this cable, only because the 5kHz to 7kHz peak was amplifying the already pushed upper midrange and treble.
So both Dsnuts and I agree this included cable is not the very best for many of the TSMR creations, that a warmer/smoother cable seems to help them. Now in a change of pace the two latest IEMs introduced by TSMR actually somewhat work with the included cable. Meaning if you were to buy the TSMR-X or the FEAT, sure use the included cable, but always remember there are better choices even for as little money as the $119.00 ISN T-OCC or the ISN CS02 at $69.90?
The ISN T-OCC:
The ISN T-OCC or ISN CS02 is changing the FEAT’s stage, they broaden it…….they also add harmonic complexity to playback. Funny too, as you would not think the extra bass resulting from the T-OCC wouldn’t jive with the added bass of the FEAT............especially in relation to past TSMR products. See that’s the thing……..the ISN T-OCC adds fullness and image size/density and greater note-weight. I know I sound like a cable maniac……….because a big part of this hobby is cables for me.
The get-to-know-you-period:
On first listen, before 7 days of burn-in ………….the FEAT with the included cable was good but not great. Our relationship was like two ships passing in the night. One ship to go one way, and the other ship (the other way) on a separate journey. I missed that personal connection, where it was just an IEM making sound in my ears?
Now maybe many of you are going to question this burn-in process. And let me tell you the results are not always so dramatic as with the FEAT. But remember the FEAT has two big 8mm DDs for the lows. What that means (in common sense) is burn-in is 2 times more important than a single 8mm Dynamic Driver. So after 7 days of burn-in the magic started to take place, and the additive of the T-OCC combined made the bass a little less technical, but it brought soul and life to the experience.
Oh I almost forgot! A big part of the fun was the Penon Orange Liqueur Ear-tips.
Brand: TANSIO MIRAI
Model: Feat
Driver: 2 Balanced armature + 2 Dynamic driver
2 x 8mm dynamic driver hollow coaxial carbon element diaphragm for low-frequency
2 x Knowles balanced armature for mid & high frequency
Impedance : 10 ohm
Sensitivity: 104dB
Frequency response range: 10 ~ 20kHz.
Sound, soundstage and bass:
Dreamland
Robert Miles
Children
44.1 kHz - 16bit
Soundstage!
The bass is traveling outward between our ears, and making the stage wide, forward and back............and top to bottom.
Here we are experiencing the bass traveling about, and really a wash of bass frequencies, thus panning onto the stage……….though what makes it here is not exactly (just) the stage, there is both both the warm and deep renditions of the basic drop, but that the drop is showcased from many angles (and view-points) inside the stage, and with each angle there lives vibrant with an amazing woody warmth.
Now you may guess that this bass replay is somehow overpowering, or even distracting at least……..but no. That is the magic here……….that the piano notes when they come are still showcased (by the BAs) into their very own place on the stage. At 02:20 when the big major beat hits (it’s a climax early on)………..now we are grooving fully to this number……and truly there is all we need.
Bass and musicality:
Musicality is a funny subject, as many can’t nail-down all the reasons for it. I will try to guess what it means to me personally with the TSMR FEAT. There is an evenness where there is not an off-tone, or sound sticking out to off-smear the overall frequency.
A correctness of balance, that within the constraints of personality and character, instruments and vocals still sound relatively balanced. And finally the resulting tones own pace and note-weight. There needs to be a dance and play to the rhythm, that this music is not an exact science or a distilled formula. But we know some types of songs instantly have this special magic……this dance of pace………and the FEAT IEM is able to grab onto that pace and reveal its character.
Is it that two Isobaric 8mm DDs are better at a rhythm focus and better than a single bass provider? I’m not sure, except the more surface area of 8mm X 2 means we have the surface area of a 16mm DD. Only the 16mm would be lumbered by size and the results much slower.
Here we are greeted with the deep tone of a 16mm, and the stage size and involvement of a 16mm, only we obtain the pace of an 8mm. That is my only answer to what I’m hearing? Why? Well because there is nothing missing in the lows. I mean sure the FEAT is not everything……….it’s a $239.00 IEM, for crying out loud.
Yet if you don’t know it yet, $239.00 buys a lot of IEM sound nowadays…….the big and controlled sound of 2 Isobaric 8mm DDs……..that is what $239.00 buys.
The rhythm and tone-timbre:
Look, a lot has changed in the IEM marketplace. And included with your purchase are two little silver shinny boxes. These boxes contain Knowles BAs, two of them per side……… 4 all together. These mid and high frequency transducers have faster transients than DDs can do. Now normally there is a trade-off of a questionable timbre to become emitted by these little guys. Using tiny reeds of metal, the reeds are surrounded by magnetic energy which pulsates to the incoming signal. As such this allows the reed to vibrate back-and-forth. This movement is faster than DDs, but does not create air-pressure...........and that’s why we rely on DDs.
But in use the Knowles BAs own a specific rhythm to the beat, faster and more agile than DDs……….but also infinitely faster made transient responses. These treble and midrange responses are pushing the imaging and separation into the visibility. As such our stage is created, but it also owns a rhythm and dance. This dance is acceptable because it has not only great timbre, but it’s never hot or strident. If you could only hear my favorite thing that happens when you place all this together, the hidden bass effect.
Dreamland
Robert Miles
Children
44.1kHz - 16bit
One of the joys of IEMs happens with hidden bass, sure loudspeakers have it too. Really this just means fast bass. What hidden bass is comes around only ever so often. Meaning it is one of those found acts that is rare, but it is repeatable. Meaning if you found it with a set-up before, you can always use that exact same set-up, and find the piece of music then replay it to find this hidden bass again. So in a way it is not exactly hidden, you just need to know where to look for it.
Hidden Bass:
Hidden bass is normally a feature of bass Balanced Armatures, As we are dealing with the transient edge, the transient bass-note-edge in a certain low-end replay…………..this has often been described as..........coming out of nowhere.
Basically it's speed of bass response. At 04:04 (in Children) there is a breakdown where no beat is provided. This quiet-zone is needed for hidden bass to emerge………..no drum frequencies to jump into the way………yes, also turning it up adds to the experience. As such this becomes simply another part of the magic of utilized Isobaric 2X 8mm DDs. Now this effect is also at times dependent on stage. Yep, this means the bass needs to be bigger and slightly separated too……….again……..from out of nowhere…….offering a nice surprise when hidden bass pounces.
Kaveh Cohen, Michael Nielsen
Forza Motorsport OST
Brotherhood
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
This is the style of music I never would've guessed I would like. While maybe boring it serves a purpose. This is music for a video racing game to provide a mood of traveling inside an imaginary virtual racing world. We are kind-of pushed along with this music pace provider, and while simply background music………..it can’t be too distracting. I use this song often as there are a few important features to showcase. What is interesting, I can hear a faint disclosure of BA timbre here. This is the price you pay for the style of instantaneous treble and midrange the BA transducers provide. And sure early on in this review I said it was close to perfect, because I heard zero off-timbre. Yet there is a taste in the keys showing up at 00:08 in. Really not a big deal, yet it is there and heard at times, where if you never heard this song before, you may not even recognize it.
A little BA timbre:
This is just a simply fact of life. Yet, Hybrids are still my favorite way to go. Sonion as a BA manufacture may have a leg up over Knowles with this BA timbre thing? And who knows……..as to why they chose Knowles. But in the IEM world there is really Knowles and Sonion as the major providers of BA hardware. But beyond BA timbre, it is really about the overall tune. Meaning you are hearing this onslaught of information, and if only a small section is represented as an off-timbre, and only at certain times, with certain styles of music…….it just is what it is.
What manufacturers are doing now is simply getting a bigger stage footprint with modern IEMs. Newly designed BAs and DDs are allowing a budget IEM to gain the sonic ground previously only reserved for the big-boys of the IEM world. This is why there has been a steady upswing to the popularity of value IEMs in the last few years. Yet, all-of-a-sudden budget DAPs are now making their way into the hobby. Yep, just the right thing to combine with your budget IEM………and our budget cable.
What this means in immersion, immersion into a place never dreamed accessible in 2016. I mean sure nothing is perfect, yet now there is a lot more perfection than you would guess!
Probably (for me) the best part of this song is how the instrumentation is fully sequestered into its own little areas. Sure life is unpredictable, but at least we have music to focus on. Music that has a style of organization, of perfect pace. And…….the songs we remember. Songs like this one never fails to amaze...........with the style of production, especially in the lows. The best way I can describe the FEAT is offering a thickness held inside of the lower midrange and a smoothness held in the midrange and treble areas, that becomes of balance……………while still showcasing a very accessible and fun character.
Where somehow I found the TSMR-X to be incredibly polite, the X showcases more technicalities, and for the price it should go forward to give you those added features, yet I will probably be using the FEAT more? I’m a little stupid that way?
While the two are brothers, they both show as having 2xDDs in action, where the X holds simply more realistic regenerations of past musical events due to two Knowles BAs and the addition of two Sonion BAs. Where we also have a style of 2x8mm DDs, the bass contained in the FEAT is to me bigger, yet not as technical. This bass canister for the FEAT is orange plastic, the X has a metal drum with two 8mm DDs inside.
Cable rolls:
Top-down
1) Penon OSG: $299.00 High purity single crystal copper silver-plated wire mixed with graphene
2) ISN T-OCC: $119.00 2 Shares Triple Copper Hybrid
3) ISN CS02: $69.90 2 Shares Copper Silver Alloy & OFC
4) Penon Vocal: $69.90 4 Shares 60 Cores OCC Silver-plated Plus Gold Foil
5) Included TSMR Cable: $49.90 2 Strands OCC Silver-plated
6) SMGOT LC7: $69.00 732 cores of pure OFC
Laughingly I disclose, I didn’t start out to review all these cables with the FEAT!
Cable introduction:
See the FEAT is wonderful, but not exactly what you would call a perfectly even tune. Where this review started more simple, only using a few cables and sources, then it blossomed into all the words and photos you see. I take a more organic/results oriented schedule to reviewing.
Sometimes a review is more simple, sometimes not! This means that even after a week starting with first impressions, then 7 days of burn-in, then critical listening…….I may come up with new ideas as to a possible final sound. Where cable review examples numbered only two at the start, I found out through experience that more cable examples were needed.
If anything, more cable rolls help us to learn about the TSMR FEAT and its signature. We are looking for new and valuable reactions to new cable change-outs. Reason being you can start out with ideas, then at times more music played will give clues to the total personality to an IEM. So………using cables is a way to get closer to what an IEM ultimately is.
I’m looking deeper and farther for a way in, a way to offer corrections and well-roundedness. Meaning the included cable only goes so far, as it is fine, but didn’t offer the image density of the new ISN T-OCC. So now I’m taking a few hours and rotating in a few more random (cable choices)…………and not so random cable ideas as a way to discover what more is to be found inside the FEAT.
Cable rolls all in 4.4mm balanced:
1) Penon OSG: $299.00
So after a day and a whole night with the T-OCC and TSMR FEAT I started to get curious as to the change-out to the Penon OSG. Sure this is slightly crazy, that the Penon OSG is more money than the TSMR FEAT. But what if, what if it made the FEAT special and subsequently more valuable?
That would be worth a gander right? This instinctual wandering is what makes the audiophile individual play……………………really curiosity is what it is.
End results:
Wait, I’m onto something, my instincts were right. The OSG does the stage expansion of the T-OCC, but it’s cleaner and ultimately more clear. Why? Well…..gone is that woody copper density and replaced with graphene lightness. Where my biggest gripe with the T-OCC was vocal placement and midrange positioning……..the ISN T-OCC enhanced the warmth to almost an overly excessive point. Really at the end of the day the T-OCC is great, and a guilty pleasure, where the OSG is more straight forward and even, more complete while still holding that character that IS the FEAT in the end. Now we are romancing big reverberations and note weight, opening the stage like a new room to walk into……….the vocals now are newly found…………they were both too thin with the TSMR included cable, and too behind the scenes with the T-OCC.
But there is more……..weightlessness hovering outside the sage formations………this is one of the very best results I have had the experience of witnessing with the OSG cable, and the best the FEAT has sounded so far. More well rounded of a performer…….that and just more correct in styles of playback. Now this wouldn’t be such a big deal, except these results are both in tune (frequency response) and technicalities.
Where there is this grey area, where technicalities and tune overlap, and can either promote a better tune, or go against it, the OSG is a total win-win.
I’m using the Sony WM1A and the OSG cable with the FEAT and Penon Orange Liqueur ear-tips.
2) ISN T-OCC: $119.00
In my journey with the FEAT the new ISN T-OCC became a thrill. While really the very idea of a guilty pleasure, the T-OCC was the antithesis of the cable the FEAT came with, yep. Where the included cable was balanced and polite with a 5kHz to 7kHz boost, it was holding back the FEAT note-weight that could be found like gold laying on the ground. Sure, a quick T-OCC change (from stock) and the stage with the T-OCC was bigger and more immersive……more emotional. There is a rhythm and groove that is probably better than the Penon OSG I just gushed over……….and that is why it is a guilty pleasure. The triple copper not only does thickness…….but pace……..and that is where the soul of Rock is found. Only here in the comparisons the vocals were slightly more forward with the OSG……….I mean you get what you pay for here. Really both cables were a blast and made the FEAT that much more special…….I almost can’t choose……..and in reviewing, that is actually a good thing!
I personally believe the difference in sound between these two cables with the FEAT can not ever be approached with simple EQ changes. That in many ways the OSG and the T-OCC have their own value present and work with the FEAT, even having both would end in fabulous playback, with both almost highlighting the opposite?
3) ISN CS02: $69.90
OK, listen, I put this CS02 purposely behind the T-OCC. Why? Well the T-OCC sports an Oxygen Free Solid Copper plug, and OFC 2Pins. As such the modular version of these weigh 7 grams for a 4.4mm plug, opposed to the 4 gram regular plug. But this ISN CS02 is also sporting a Rhodium plug in your choice of 2.5mm, 4.4mm or 3.5mm. Rhodium typically offers a brighter sound than pure copper or the most common, a gold plated plug. I’m rooting for the CS02 underdog!
The CS02 results........
Well this is surprising and took about 3 back and forth side-by-sides to figure out. Where the CS02 and T-OCC are very close to the same. Though when the T-OCC starts to pull away is due to note density. Really both are fine with the FEAT, and even work out better with a mid forward DAP like the SONY WM1A adding to the push-up of mids. But the bottom line is the Rhodium is maybe responsible for making the ISN CS02 just slightly less of a bass heavy cable, where the T-OCC is full-on thickness, and that thickness adding note-weight and stage drama.
When the T-OCC vocals come in they are just more substantial and dense. But really if you just purchased the CS02, I'm not sure unless they were side-by-side............this question of differences would be anything to cry over? Oh and of course I have to say…….this playback with either T-OCC or ISN CS02 was the cat’s meow, I could write another paragraph or two…….but you get the message. The T-OCC solid copper plug and 2Pins is adding density here, and the T-OCC cable is a mix of three Hybrid coppers.
4) Penon Vocal: $69.90
This should be fun. Reason being there is room for the vocals, though what I am worried about is this Vocal cable goes best with IEMs that have a receded vocal positioning. Let’s see? What fun…….I am always reminded why this cable is a phenomena, it is a value for what it does. Just a giant, giant stage……man! Big........and the vocals, well they are more out front and in your face than ever before.
Though there may be a price for this luster of sorts, where all this pushing of tones out and about could be considered color……….but seriously the BA’s didn’t tweek-out on me. Meaning somehow the BAs responded with a purity and composure taking this to the very next level.
Bass is partially set back, as how could perception of it even approach the ISN T-OCC or ISN CS02? But in reality, I would suggest this as a single aftermarket purchase if you like big vocals and want that bigger stage than the included cable…..and value relay of size……like we took a magnifying glass to the whole operation here.
Wow, actually I love this, I have ran through a few songs and this is quite the tone?
What is happening is we have been moved from the outside into this bigger stage with imaging taking place on all sides now! I’m going to stop........stop while I’m ahead. But if you see people joining the Penon Vocal Cable with the FEAT in photos, you will know what they are up to!
5) Included TSMR FEAT Cable: $49.90 or Freeeeeeee!
Well this is a nice match to go right after the Vocal cable. First off, there is nothing wrong with this cable. If you were on a budget you could keep this cable in use and not feel that you were missing that much. But what is wild is the Vocal cable has a rearrangement of the 5kHz to 7kHz tones that is just better. The bass is warmer with the Vocal cable, heck everything is warmer and brighter.........these ultimate Vocal Cable contrasts........if that even makes sense?
6) SMGOT LC7: $69.00
Using the SIMGOT Audio LC7 with the 4.4mm modular plug. In many ways this will be fun as I want to see how this compares to the included cable.
Results:
Bigger bass, more lush. Though not as tight, but better and a bass increase. Smoother not showing those 5kHz to 7kHz boosts. Here we are really fine, though very by the books. Meaning this may be how many want it. A clear transfer of signal with added warmth, yet none of the personality of the Vocal, the T-OCC or CS02? Yet there is nothing wrong with this playback. It makes me want to revisit the OSG. Where the OSG is going to be more vocal forward, more bass sculptured, a clearer stage.......even holding more detail………….and on and on…but there is nothing at all wrong with this style of playback, just a little grainy, but look at the price. The LC7 is a workhorse, and I keep it at arms length daily.
IEM side-by-sides:
Top row left to right: TSMR FEAT and TSMR-X
Bottom row: ISN Neo 5
TSMR FEAT (2DDx1BA) $239.00
TSMR-X 10th Anniversary Edition (2DDx4BAx1CFRD) $399.00
ISN Neo 5 (4BAx1DD) $289.00
The choices:
Here I’m choosing two other recent editions to the audiophile community. As such TSMR-X was just released by TSMR showcasing what a new style of semi-solid 3D printing can do. As well as showcasing the Isobaric X2 8mm DDs in a configuration. The addition of 2 BA Knowles mids and 2 BA Sonion treble providers was rounded off by a Custom Film Retarding Driver. As such this test was performed with the standard setting of DIP-switches at 020. The final test subject is the ISN Neo 5. Kind of a phenomenon, the Neo 5 started to somehow gain preference here at Redcarmoose Labs even more after it was reviewed. The start was a change of cable as the original cable included was the ISN S8, only to be switched to the more controlling and clear ISN S4 cable, newly included from Penon. Yet, with more listening a magic started to form, the vocals started to move forward and the stage became larger with try out of included cables, namely the ISN CS02.
Today's set-up will be……The Sony WM1A with MrWalkman’s firmware. No EQ, and the ISN CS02 cable as a tribute to past uses with the Neo 5. On the Neo 5 I’m using my regular wide-bore silicone ear-tips and on the two TSMR IEMs I’m using longer wide-bore clear silicone ear-tips…….as such it helps with fitment due to the TSMR nozzle length.
DCD
Anastasis
Kiko
44.1 - 24bit
Before we start just be informed when comparing these three IEMs here I have already prepared by using the HiBy R3 II as well as the Sony WM1A, and went through a number of tracks to kind-of look for a middle ground, a song that would showcase the intrinsic qualities and become somewhat fair, while at the same time becoming a tool to let the characteristics of each transducer shine through. What was interesting prior to this final test…………….the TSMR-X had a slight personal re-focus on the 2x8mm DDs, and the subsequent rhythm they produce. This quality is talked about in other reviews, yet it was just a given (additional) focus here due their stunts performed with the X.
The TSMR FEAT v TSMR-X:
Revisiting the X gives me confidence in the ear-tip use and a good feeling of placement. Depending on the angle here the nozzles of the FEAT and X can seem confusing. At certain angles both IEM nozzles look longer than (in) other pictures. Yet regardless of 2D photos……….rest assured (that for me at least) fitment with these wide-bore-longer silicone ear-tips produces consistent results. Wow, the X is really showcasing the fact that it does have a few other tricks up its sleeve. Cleaner, more focused affair, and the vocals………..the vocals are more forward holding a style of both texture and detail..........the FEAT could only dream about.
Part of this cleanliness was due to reduced lower midrange lessening levels, just a faster more 3D pace. A pace built on technicalities and clarity. Where in no way is the FEAT sleepy in pace, it is not lumbering, the FEAT just does not have this reality of midrange pushing through into imaging of items............exposing themselves to make clarity……………….To where this set-up is insanely correct for the X.
The ISN CS02 is adding density to playback, in-fact slightly hindering the FEAT at work. And really I’m OK with that. Taking a Penon $299.00 cable to bring the FEAT a little closer to its 10th Anniversary brother totally makes sense here.
Yet obviously the IEM encounter of the X is always going to be more, because while a cable only does so much………we already knew the X would simply be better in every way. Still they are Apples against Oranges here…….were in 020 DIP-switch setting the X is simply bigger in stage and immersion, finding the small gifts of sound recreation spread out farther and holding a more realistic recreation of life. I could go on………but we are going down a rabbit hole. If we are not already down it, deep inside?
The TSMR FEAT v ISN Neo 5
For the first time, maybe the single DD the Neo 5 is sporting doesn’t sound as clean or consolidated as the 2 DDs of the FEAT. It’s a little less controlled in the bass department, which is surprising, but part of this could be me. I don’t know if you have been reading reports on both the X and FEAT drivers, but you slowly get an improved understanding to their intrinsic bass properties the longer you listen to them, and being this is near the end of the review, I have spent considerable amount of time listening to both the FEAT and the X.
Except?
There is this ISN/Penon midrange………as such this is a both smooth and realistic phenomena that’s hard to fight against. Let me just say that these stage drop-offs had me even choosing the Neo 5 over the X when I heard it. And once again the ISN CS02 actualizes the tone too close to perfection here. Yes the Neo 5 bass is slightly less tight and lumbering, but just like always...........it is the overall tonal balance that means the most in the end. The FEAT is cleaner and tighter..........even more polite, the Neo 5 is the person who was wild in school who you never really saw that much, because they were skipping class and being adults already.
Build:
Do you see that cute little orfi? Yep the tiny hole coming off the nozzle-end? That little tiny (new to the IEM world hole) is a tuned bass port. And the larger opening is equipped with a Knowles filter to tune the BAs. Yep, just like that, only two nozzle openings. As such the faceplate (looking microscopically) close has those 3D striations. Not the fibers, those blue fibers you see from after but somehow around and inside of those fibers is the 3D printing construction? The FEAT is the perfect medium small build size, and as such the FEAT is a traditional build, meaning it is not solid or semi-solid like the X construction. Weighing in at a stealth 4 grams, the air-space inside the FEAT cavity is remarkably large, and surprisingly spacious. This space, vented by a red vent for the left and blue vent for the right, is responsible for the woody full tones we are experiencing in the lower midrange and bass. Only it is clear bass and tighter due to the 2 8mm DDs showing faster cleaner response, yet holding the surface area of a 16mm woofer. That this little chamber is surrounded in orange plastic to only let the major bass frequencies out the top, with the fall-out reverberating from the second DD going through the sides and into the resonant chamber. Lucky for us there are no confusing DIP-switches, a first for TSMR, and at the far end the build are located two unspecified Knowles BAs for midrange and treble. For me to do my due diligence here with construction, I have to reiterate about nozzle positioning and shape. The 2D pictures can have two separate sizes perceived. From one angle the nozzles look short, then from another angle the nozzles look long. Now I do need slightly longer silicone wide-bore ear-tips to get fitment, except the FEAT fits me slightly better than even the X. So if you have “normal” sized ears, whatever that means? With a little moment of tip-rolling you should end-up with a consistent level of fitment……….at least I did. The medium small form-factor and 4 gram weight means the FEAT is perfect for out-and-about.
Cell phone use:
You have gotta be kidding me?
If you have been reading all through this review I don’t want to break your heart, but the FEAT is on the difficult side of the street to drive. Yet, that doesn’t mean exactly what it used to in 2016. Nope, because in the old days IEMs could sound small and thin from a phone. Yep, bass action was held a different way. Nowadays the market is packed with deep bass findings……..only very few are exactly like what we find with the FEAT out of a traditional Samsung phone.
I only have one word for this phone experience PARADISE!
Why? Well many of us don’t want to take a DAP outside, we need the IEM to do all the sonic providing. What that is is harmonic enhancement and stage size. Listen, I spent the good part of time writing this review listening to a phone drive the FEAT. And maybe in some ways TSMR got the idea to name the FEAT due to simple phone use? As it is a feat what the FEAT does with a phone signal! I mean I have not read any review on the FEAT prior, maybe a sentence or two, but if the reviewer didn’t include phone use with this particular IEM, they have left out a big part of the user experience. Why? Remember the hidden bass feature that I was talking about, well it’s not as vibrant from phone use, but the bass quality and dimension into the width inside the stage is still there. Not only that, but the overall tonal balance is just exactly right off your phone. It is this satisfying bass action, mixed with the Hybrid separation (into the stage) of the easy to drive 2X Knowles BAs that clinches this deal. I know this sounds over the top, but this is singularly maybe the best phone sounding IEM I have heard this year………..and I will leave it at that. You don’t need a lot of parts to make a phone sound wonderful, you need correct tuning. The weight, the fitment and the price of the FEAT make it the perfect portable phone IEM in my book, so much better than I have heard TWS sound, ever…….and less complicated than having to charge TWS, have the TWS drop a connection, or fall out (onto the pavement) into infinity………none of those shenanigans here.
Quite simply …………..the FEAT is made for the desktop audiophile experience, the DAP audiophile experience and finally the regular phone audiophile experience.
Due to these phone volume levels being just enough…………….this feature makes the FEAT the perfect choice (to protect hearing)…………..as a gift for your significant other.
Packaging:
The FEAT comes with a full-size box opening experience, same as the up-line TSMR offerings, no skimping here. Included is a new style of zipper (hard-hard) case, 6 pairs of actually usable ear-tips, the included $49.90 TSMR Cable, and a cleaning tool. Interestingly my FEAT came with a full instruction manual with the build date of 03-17-2024 stamped as date of production. I need to mention this new case…….two zippers on either end, a velvet style interior lining, and a top and bottom made of a hard protective plastic…….a far cry from what is normally included at this price-point. This box opening experience is really TSMR’s way of showing you are are dealing with a first rate company, not really leaving out a thing.
Conclusion:
Well there you have it. Another TSMR invention. Really uniquely different from the other 5 TANSIO MIRAI IEMs I have had the opportunity to hear. The difference is the FEAT tune, I can’t help but look into the shell of the FEAT and see how it is constructed……………to be a very different animal. You see this is a mainstream tuning, one that could find the general public arriving in droves to check out. Different from the mainstream audiophile, the general public have been nurtured by car audio and movie houses……this is what they feel is good sound, because it is in a way. For me anyway this construction starts with 2X 8mm drivers. This differs from the TSMR-X in that X is a semi-solid 3D build, and the FEAT is conventional construction. Yep, the X is cleaner because there is less resonant chamber with the DDs and BAs accessing two different height levels inside the X shell……..the BAs in the X are submerged in solid 3D resin, and the DDs vent off the top, under the faceplate. Where the FEAT has regular full-hollow construction, with the 3D printing only making the thin faceplate. Really the TSMR-X and FEAT are complementary, where the X owns the upper hand in technicalities, for the audiophiles in the room. The FEAT goes about its day owning up a more thorough and forward lower midrange…..yes a little more carless…….but that carelessness is where the magic happens……..and the love starts to occur. Sure it’s less technical than the X.
2 less BAs than the X, and one less sound tube out of the FEAT nozzle, that is unless you count the support for the X’s 1 X CFRD (Custom Film Retardation Driver)…………if you even regard that as a driver at all?
Still in the end it is uncanny how much both the FEAT and X’s twin 8mm Isobaric Drivers speak the very same language, how they both offer this hidden bass, that is surprising and simultaneously rewarding! This is one of the single features which separates the FEAT and X from the complete TSMR (TANSIO MIRAI) history. And if you have ever owned or own a TSMR IEM, I can guarantee you the X and the FEAT are completely different sounding than the other past 14 IEMs the company has made. You see this IEM building technology is advancing. Not only is it advancing, it is offering more choices and chances to get involved with the music. Because at the end-of-the-day all we really want is musical involvement. This musical involvement is why I consider the FEAT and the X as equals. Where sure if you want better technicalities the X delivers, but if you were just going out of the house and needed a friend to deliver that low-end that takes your emotion, and makes being outside fun, well for the money this in-fact may be the perfect choice?
$239.00
https://penonaudio.com/TANSIO-MIRAI-FEAT
Who is Tansio Mirai (TSMR)?
Tansio Mirai is a Chinese manufacturer who currently makes a number of specialized IEMs. TSMR or TANSIO MIRAI was registered as an IEM maker in China by the Beijing Tang Song Bouyan Technology Company in 2016.
The TSMR name is actually a play on words originating from the English language translation of “Tang Song era”. The Tang Dynasty and The Song Dynasty was an era of immense social change, scientific, agricultural and artistic progress. The Chinese invented gunpowder during that time as well as the printing press and the magnetic compass. The first paper money was invented in the Song Dynasty in China during the 11th century. The name TMSR is in remembrance of such eras, ultimately bringing such values and dynamics into the future.
TANSIO MIRAI production as of today
TANSIO MIRAI ZODIAC - 12BA $1349.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 8 SPACE - 8BA $729.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 6 - 6BA $529.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 5 - 5BA $419.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 4 PRO - 4BA $319.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 3 PRO - 3BA $219.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 2 - 2BA $169.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 10 - 10BA $1029.00
TANSIO MIRAI Spark - 4EST + 7BA Hybrid $1499.00
TANSIO MIRAI Land - 2EST + 3BA + 1DD Hybrid $599.00
TANSIO MIRAI Akiba - 7BA + 4EST Hybrid $1550.00
TANSIO MIRAI Sands - 1DD + 3 BA Hybrid $319.00
TANISO MIRAI FEAT - 2DD + 2BA Hybrid $239.00
TANISO MIRAI X - 2DD + 2BA + 1 Custom Film Retarding Driver Hybrid $399.00
TANISO MIRAI HALO - 8BA + 4EST Hybrid $1,999,00
TANISO MIRAI RGB EST - 9BA + 8EST Hybrid $2,999.00
Tansio Mirai is a Chinese manufacturer who currently makes a number of specialized IEMs. TSMR or TANSIO MIRAI was registered as an IEM maker in China by the Beijing Tang Song Bouyan Technology Company in 2016.
The TSMR name is actually a play on words originating from the English language translation of “Tang Song era”. The Tang Dynasty and The Song Dynasty was an era of immense social change, scientific, agricultural and artistic progress. The Chinese invented gunpowder during that time as well as the printing press and the magnetic compass. The first paper money was invented in the Song Dynasty in China during the 11th century. The name TMSR is in remembrance of such eras, ultimately bringing such values and dynamics into the future.
TANSIO MIRAI production as of today
TANSIO MIRAI ZODIAC - 12BA $1349.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 8 SPACE - 8BA $729.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 6 - 6BA $529.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 5 - 5BA $419.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 4 PRO - 4BA $319.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 3 PRO - 3BA $219.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 2 - 2BA $169.00
TANSIO MIRAI TSMR 10 - 10BA $1029.00
TANSIO MIRAI Spark - 4EST + 7BA Hybrid $1499.00
TANSIO MIRAI Land - 2EST + 3BA + 1DD Hybrid $599.00
TANSIO MIRAI Akiba - 7BA + 4EST Hybrid $1550.00
TANSIO MIRAI Sands - 1DD + 3 BA Hybrid $319.00
TANISO MIRAI FEAT - 2DD + 2BA Hybrid $239.00
TANISO MIRAI X - 2DD + 2BA + 1 Custom Film Retarding Driver Hybrid $399.00
TANISO MIRAI HALO - 8BA + 4EST Hybrid $1,999,00
TANISO MIRAI RGB EST - 9BA + 8EST Hybrid $2,999.00
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the TSMR FEAT review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03 4.4mm balanced
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
HiBy R3 II DAP 4.4mm balanced
ifi GO bar Dongle in 4.4mm balanced
Samsung Phone 3.5mm