TSMR-2
Tansio Mirai is a brand that is new to me and I was given a chance to review their TSMR-2 w 2 BAs in a resin housing and 3 tuning switches. I would first like to thank Tansio Mirai for the review sample. https://tansio-mirai.com/
Sample was provided for the purpose of review. Review samples are a bit like jelly beans. Sometimes you get something tasty and sometimes you get stuff that leaves a sour taste in your mouth but have to swallow it and let others know why. With that being said. Lets take a look into the TSMR-2.
As a hobbyist and reviewer of audio goods I am always a fan of good sound. I feel a sound should have a certain amount of quality in any given price range especially now a days and therefore I base my reviews on how I perceive the sound to be at that particular price point.
The way I see it, manufacturers are not gonna throw around a review sample for reviewers if they feel the earphones are not good. You guys can look at my take as a 2nd opinion more than anything. So what do I think of these?
These are good. Really good. There are certain expectations of a sound design based on the type of drivers used but the key to a better sound always depends on how well the drivers are tuned. When married with drivers that can maximize the tuning usually you get a nice sounding product. I feel this is what you get with the TSMR-2
Last time I heard anything with tuning switches it was the InEar ProPhile 8. Flicking on each switch yielded some crazy results. The idea is similar for the TSMR-2. Has 3 switches on the back end of the sounding giving the sound profile a bit of a boost in the bass to mid regions. Flick on the far switch to the left and you get added bass, mostly mid bass, switch on the middle and mids go slightly forward, Switch on the far right and you get a slight treble and mid enhancement.
The TSMR-2 came with only the mid switch turned up with the others down. Giving the most balanced profile out of the switches. Playing with the switches was fun but somehow I feel it is not really something that works great on the TSMR-2. What I mean is the enhancement is only a few dbs to my ears and while it is noticeable. It does not change the tonality to the point where your getting a big difference in sound tuning. Just a bit of an enhancement is the best way to describe it. It is definitely a cool thing to have on the earphone itself but somehow I feel if they focussed more on the cable and tips that came with the product vs tuning switches. It would have had a better more optimized sound. I am gonna guess that TMs higher end phones would probably be more effective with the switches.
Now onto the build. Build of the TSMR-2 is made of a single mold resin shell with the 2 BAs and 2 crossovers in the housing, pushing sound through 2 tubes out the nozzle. Cool thing about clear shells is you can clearly see the drivers and how they designed the phones inner workings. The solid build is clearly evident and there is no doubt the phones will serve the purpose of listening to music without any issues for a long time. They went with a 2 pin .78mm design that should also last the duration of the phones. These have shown they block every bit of the 26dbs of ambient sound. Which lets you enjoy the detailed sound presentation even using them around a crowded environment.
Now the cables. This is a head scratcher here. A phone this nice with a limp noodle cable with stiff ear guides no doubt. Now a days even much cheaper phones come with better cables. So if I was to complain about one aspect of the package. The cable of the TSMR-2 is serviceable but I have no doubts anyone that purchases one of these will probably toss the cables aside and use something else. Cable rolling by the way is encouraged if not for this reason alone.
To my surprise the package contains a large clam shell. Large enough to fit my Ibasso Dx160. I don't have anything to carry my Ibasso DX160 in so that was a big surprise to me. I can throw in the earphones and a medium sized dap in the shell case and I am good to go. I suppose that was the intention of such a larger clam shell. Assorted tips are your standard silicones in 3 sizes 2 sets and that is really about it.Comes with a cleaning tool and a small handle for the switches.
Specs are as follows.
TSMR- 2 uses 2 knowles BAs CI-22955 and ED-29689
3 tuning switches, possible 7 tuning combinations
2-crossover w 2 tube design.
Impedance 14 Ohm 1khz
Sensitivity 110db/mW
Passive noise reduction 26dbs
Large Clam shell case
Squeeze lid smaller pouch
6 pairs silicone tips
Single ended cable.
Sound was analysed using my players Ibasso DX160, Shanling M5s, M3s,Cayin N5ii,Sony Zx300a and IFI Black label.
The sound balancing of the TSMR-2 has a fundamental balanced frequency with a slight upper harmon enhancement meaning upper mids lower treble has a bump starting from the 3khz to the 6Khz range for a slightly forward cleaner treble take on the balanced design. Overall tonality leans to a more cleaner sharper sound a decidedly brighter take on the BA timbre. Overall tonality is clean and neutral with no hint of warmth or slowness from the bass or the mids. This gives a slightly digital somewhat edgy sound to the sonic quality of the TSMR-2.
Clarity geeks will love the clean detailed focused tonal balance of the TSMR-2 but for folks looking for warmth to the signature. Even with a pure copper cable tonality remains a bit leaning more toward analytical more so than musical in design. Due to the overall clarity details pop with very good imagery which is actually quite amazing coming from 2 BAs. The Knowles 29689 BA doing the mids to treble duties sounds like there are more BAs in the housing due to the exacting chiseled sound with precision these have. The Larger 22955 doing bass duties.
Another aspect of the sound that is interesting on the TSMR-2. Stage is more squared than oval shaped. Meaning it has some extraordinary height for sonics. Most in ears having a circular or oval shaped stage. The TSMR-2 has just as much height of sound as depth giving vocal projection a very intimate and rangy quality. Width while only average for in ears the detailed nature of the sound utilizing a height to the sound that makes them unique sounding. Combining a high level of imaging and precision with that tall mid band and you get a phone that can pick off details at every level with the best of em.
So a bit of a tip mod I will mention here. The included tips are serviceable but much like the cables. These are just throw in silicones that work but are not exactly the best for the thicker stem of the TSMR-2. Stock tips actually squares the sound stage even more so than it has to be. Actually extending the tip to the edge of the nozzle on the phones helps widen the sound stage giving the sound more proper space to work with. This photo here shows a popular tip needed, the Symbio W tips which ends up extending the nozzle to the ear. Not only is the sound more optimized but it also widens the stage. Tip rolling is highly recommended.
The tuning switches has a minor effect on the tuning that I can hear. Bass has a slight increase in mid bass with bass switched to on. Again only a mild bump in differences from on and off. The sub bass region has a roll off from 30hz down. Bass monsters these are not. Bass impact is natural with a quick decay and has for the most part a clean tight and fast bass end. 22955 BA driver does a good job representing bass and it does show a good natural bass ability with good impact in the region. Sub bass is heard but not felt however.
Mids also jump slightly forward but not really enough to give any influence on tonality or timbre. Treble for the most part actually has no changes regardless of switches. Lowering the mid to bass bands the treble seems to be more prominent but there is really no change in the region regardless of switches. Perceived treble might increase but only slightly.
The clean mid band range gives credence to vocals, acoustic and instrument definition more so than for synthetic music. Vocals sound clean articulate and has very good range. That height in the stage helps with this regard. BA bass as BA bass goes while Bass heavy music sounds OK here this is not the strength of the TSMR-2. That treble shelf of 3Khz-6Khz influences the tonality to be a touch on the cooler side of neutral and therefore I would recommend these earphones more for guys that want their details and imaging up front and center.
Treble has a good defined extension, precision and added sparkle when called for. Treble has a slight amount of glare that can happen with EDM music. So I would assume higher end TSMRs will have more control in the region. Overall the trebles has more boost over the mids and bass and therefore the sound design is leaning more analytical sonically than musical by design. Body of sound has a medium amount of fullness with no thinness to be heard in any region. With precise imagery and excellent detailed presentation, the TSMR-2 sounds very dimensional which makes Jazz pieces an essential listen. Vocal projection is exceptional, Instruments, strings has good timbre and presence but comes a touch dry sounding.
The one knock on the TSMR-2 tuning is that they are not as versatile as the switches would indicate. I have not heard the higher end TSMR line but with more BAs in them I would assume switches on those would be more effective.
I hear great potential here and have a good idea of how the higher end TSMR series of earphones can sound. It has most definitely piqued my interest. I can now understand how this brand is garnering fan fare among enthusiasts. As they are the TSMR-2 has a solid foundation for detail and precision with mostly a balanced tuning and a unique stage to match. The sound design has you hearing details from your tunes that dig deep. These are most definitely a phone for picky folks that want to hear everything about your tune but at the same time I only wish the tuning switches actually added some real influence in the regions.
And that wraps up my thoughts on the TSMR-2. Happy healthy and prosperous new years to everyone. Thanks for reading as always happy listening.
Tansio Mirai is a brand that is new to me and I was given a chance to review their TSMR-2 w 2 BAs in a resin housing and 3 tuning switches. I would first like to thank Tansio Mirai for the review sample. https://tansio-mirai.com/
Sample was provided for the purpose of review. Review samples are a bit like jelly beans. Sometimes you get something tasty and sometimes you get stuff that leaves a sour taste in your mouth but have to swallow it and let others know why. With that being said. Lets take a look into the TSMR-2.
As a hobbyist and reviewer of audio goods I am always a fan of good sound. I feel a sound should have a certain amount of quality in any given price range especially now a days and therefore I base my reviews on how I perceive the sound to be at that particular price point.
The way I see it, manufacturers are not gonna throw around a review sample for reviewers if they feel the earphones are not good. You guys can look at my take as a 2nd opinion more than anything. So what do I think of these?
These are good. Really good. There are certain expectations of a sound design based on the type of drivers used but the key to a better sound always depends on how well the drivers are tuned. When married with drivers that can maximize the tuning usually you get a nice sounding product. I feel this is what you get with the TSMR-2
Last time I heard anything with tuning switches it was the InEar ProPhile 8. Flicking on each switch yielded some crazy results. The idea is similar for the TSMR-2. Has 3 switches on the back end of the sounding giving the sound profile a bit of a boost in the bass to mid regions. Flick on the far switch to the left and you get added bass, mostly mid bass, switch on the middle and mids go slightly forward, Switch on the far right and you get a slight treble and mid enhancement.
The TSMR-2 came with only the mid switch turned up with the others down. Giving the most balanced profile out of the switches. Playing with the switches was fun but somehow I feel it is not really something that works great on the TSMR-2. What I mean is the enhancement is only a few dbs to my ears and while it is noticeable. It does not change the tonality to the point where your getting a big difference in sound tuning. Just a bit of an enhancement is the best way to describe it. It is definitely a cool thing to have on the earphone itself but somehow I feel if they focussed more on the cable and tips that came with the product vs tuning switches. It would have had a better more optimized sound. I am gonna guess that TMs higher end phones would probably be more effective with the switches.
Now onto the build. Build of the TSMR-2 is made of a single mold resin shell with the 2 BAs and 2 crossovers in the housing, pushing sound through 2 tubes out the nozzle. Cool thing about clear shells is you can clearly see the drivers and how they designed the phones inner workings. The solid build is clearly evident and there is no doubt the phones will serve the purpose of listening to music without any issues for a long time. They went with a 2 pin .78mm design that should also last the duration of the phones. These have shown they block every bit of the 26dbs of ambient sound. Which lets you enjoy the detailed sound presentation even using them around a crowded environment.
Now the cables. This is a head scratcher here. A phone this nice with a limp noodle cable with stiff ear guides no doubt. Now a days even much cheaper phones come with better cables. So if I was to complain about one aspect of the package. The cable of the TSMR-2 is serviceable but I have no doubts anyone that purchases one of these will probably toss the cables aside and use something else. Cable rolling by the way is encouraged if not for this reason alone.
To my surprise the package contains a large clam shell. Large enough to fit my Ibasso Dx160. I don't have anything to carry my Ibasso DX160 in so that was a big surprise to me. I can throw in the earphones and a medium sized dap in the shell case and I am good to go. I suppose that was the intention of such a larger clam shell. Assorted tips are your standard silicones in 3 sizes 2 sets and that is really about it.Comes with a cleaning tool and a small handle for the switches.
Specs are as follows.
TSMR- 2 uses 2 knowles BAs CI-22955 and ED-29689
3 tuning switches, possible 7 tuning combinations
2-crossover w 2 tube design.
Impedance 14 Ohm 1khz
Sensitivity 110db/mW
Passive noise reduction 26dbs
Large Clam shell case
Squeeze lid smaller pouch
6 pairs silicone tips
Single ended cable.
Sound was analysed using my players Ibasso DX160, Shanling M5s, M3s,Cayin N5ii,Sony Zx300a and IFI Black label.
The sound balancing of the TSMR-2 has a fundamental balanced frequency with a slight upper harmon enhancement meaning upper mids lower treble has a bump starting from the 3khz to the 6Khz range for a slightly forward cleaner treble take on the balanced design. Overall tonality leans to a more cleaner sharper sound a decidedly brighter take on the BA timbre. Overall tonality is clean and neutral with no hint of warmth or slowness from the bass or the mids. This gives a slightly digital somewhat edgy sound to the sonic quality of the TSMR-2.
Clarity geeks will love the clean detailed focused tonal balance of the TSMR-2 but for folks looking for warmth to the signature. Even with a pure copper cable tonality remains a bit leaning more toward analytical more so than musical in design. Due to the overall clarity details pop with very good imagery which is actually quite amazing coming from 2 BAs. The Knowles 29689 BA doing the mids to treble duties sounds like there are more BAs in the housing due to the exacting chiseled sound with precision these have. The Larger 22955 doing bass duties.
Another aspect of the sound that is interesting on the TSMR-2. Stage is more squared than oval shaped. Meaning it has some extraordinary height for sonics. Most in ears having a circular or oval shaped stage. The TSMR-2 has just as much height of sound as depth giving vocal projection a very intimate and rangy quality. Width while only average for in ears the detailed nature of the sound utilizing a height to the sound that makes them unique sounding. Combining a high level of imaging and precision with that tall mid band and you get a phone that can pick off details at every level with the best of em.
So a bit of a tip mod I will mention here. The included tips are serviceable but much like the cables. These are just throw in silicones that work but are not exactly the best for the thicker stem of the TSMR-2. Stock tips actually squares the sound stage even more so than it has to be. Actually extending the tip to the edge of the nozzle on the phones helps widen the sound stage giving the sound more proper space to work with. This photo here shows a popular tip needed, the Symbio W tips which ends up extending the nozzle to the ear. Not only is the sound more optimized but it also widens the stage. Tip rolling is highly recommended.
The tuning switches has a minor effect on the tuning that I can hear. Bass has a slight increase in mid bass with bass switched to on. Again only a mild bump in differences from on and off. The sub bass region has a roll off from 30hz down. Bass monsters these are not. Bass impact is natural with a quick decay and has for the most part a clean tight and fast bass end. 22955 BA driver does a good job representing bass and it does show a good natural bass ability with good impact in the region. Sub bass is heard but not felt however.
Mids also jump slightly forward but not really enough to give any influence on tonality or timbre. Treble for the most part actually has no changes regardless of switches. Lowering the mid to bass bands the treble seems to be more prominent but there is really no change in the region regardless of switches. Perceived treble might increase but only slightly.
The clean mid band range gives credence to vocals, acoustic and instrument definition more so than for synthetic music. Vocals sound clean articulate and has very good range. That height in the stage helps with this regard. BA bass as BA bass goes while Bass heavy music sounds OK here this is not the strength of the TSMR-2. That treble shelf of 3Khz-6Khz influences the tonality to be a touch on the cooler side of neutral and therefore I would recommend these earphones more for guys that want their details and imaging up front and center.
Treble has a good defined extension, precision and added sparkle when called for. Treble has a slight amount of glare that can happen with EDM music. So I would assume higher end TSMRs will have more control in the region. Overall the trebles has more boost over the mids and bass and therefore the sound design is leaning more analytical sonically than musical by design. Body of sound has a medium amount of fullness with no thinness to be heard in any region. With precise imagery and excellent detailed presentation, the TSMR-2 sounds very dimensional which makes Jazz pieces an essential listen. Vocal projection is exceptional, Instruments, strings has good timbre and presence but comes a touch dry sounding.
The one knock on the TSMR-2 tuning is that they are not as versatile as the switches would indicate. I have not heard the higher end TSMR line but with more BAs in them I would assume switches on those would be more effective.
I hear great potential here and have a good idea of how the higher end TSMR series of earphones can sound. It has most definitely piqued my interest. I can now understand how this brand is garnering fan fare among enthusiasts. As they are the TSMR-2 has a solid foundation for detail and precision with mostly a balanced tuning and a unique stage to match. The sound design has you hearing details from your tunes that dig deep. These are most definitely a phone for picky folks that want to hear everything about your tune but at the same time I only wish the tuning switches actually added some real influence in the regions.
And that wraps up my thoughts on the TSMR-2. Happy healthy and prosperous new years to everyone. Thanks for reading as always happy listening.