Pros: Overall really mature tonality
Above average technical performance
Female vocal presentation
Clear yet vividly
3D holographic imaging
Soundstage height and width
Build
Fit and Comfort
Tuning switches is really working
Cons: Bass is still typical BA bass in term of texture and decay speed
Upper midrange emphasis may not be suitable for everyone
Foam tips needed
Unique Soundstage?(Tall yet width but lack on the depth)
Introduction
Tansio Mirai is the Chinese company founded in 2018, they are well known by the audiophile community for their craftsmanship and all BA IEMs series set up. The founders and producers of Tansio Mirai are all graduate from Academy of art based on their website claims, which all show on their IEMs’s aesthetics. In this review, I am taking a look for their TSMR-4 PRO, which has 4 BA drivers set and retail for $319USD.
Disclaimer
I would like to thanks Penon audio for given this opportunity, and the review will be based on my honest opinion through the music I listen to.
Package & Accessories
The TSMR-4 PRO come with the moderate sizes box. The box has Tansio Mirai logo in golden front located at the front with the gorgeous aesthetics finished, whereas the specifications at the rear side of it. After opening the box, there is the IEMs itself sited in the foam and sets of ear tips under it, along with the other sets of ear tips, cables and other accessories contain in the carry case down below.
Accessories list:
1 pair x Tansio Mirai TSMR-4 Pro
1 pcs x Detachable Cable with 0.78mm 2 Pin Connector
3 pairs x Green/Grey Silicone Eartips (size S/M/L)
3 pairs x Green Silicone Eartips (size S/M/L)
3 pairs x Orange Silicone Eartips (size S/M/L)
1 pair x Double Flange Silicone Eartips (size M)
1 pcs x Cleaning Tool
1 pcs x Tuning Switches Tool
1 pcs x Small Zipper Case
The accessories it come with is much enough yet useful. The carry case included is small and compact, it provide the space for pair of IEMs. The case are finished in hard shell with Tansio Mirai logo and gorgeous aesthetics on the front, the inner layers has fluffy-ish material to provide the scratches-less protection.
The TSMR-4 PRO come with three types of ear tips and additional double flange ear tips provide the best fits and sound to the users. It also come the cleaning tools and tuning switches, which is great to see. The switches tools it provided it not just the SIM card pin or the one that BGVP provided, it is well finished and feed primary.
The TSMR-4 PRO come with the 4 core branded cable, it has 3.5 mm L angled connector in black metal finished. It features the 0.78mm 2 pin connector with L&R to show left and right. The Y-splitter are in black plastic shell as well as the 2 pin connector. There are cable slider in transparency plastic shell finished. It is overall basic but well build cable.
Design & Build & Comfort
The TSMR-4 PRO has a well ergonomic design. The shell are in red color with great transparency levels, there are also variety of different stunning faceplate and shell options to choose from for around $35USD to $55USD. The shell is handmade with medical grade resin, which is durable than 3D printer shell. There are branded logo located at the faceplate on the right earpiece, while the word “TSMR” sported at the left earpiece on the faceplate. There are model name “TSMR-4 PRO” engraved on the rear side of the shell for both side, but there are no left and right indicator. There are no vents on the TSMR-4 PRO.
The TSMR-4 PRO has solid and outstanding build quality. The shell are well rounded, with out any gap and sharp edges. The TSMR-4 PRO has resin filled in at the sound bore part to about 1/2 of the IEM for holding the components. The BA drivers in side are perfectly placed at the place, while the wire inside are well organized. It has two sound bores and holes for each of two drivers, the nozzle are perfectly drilled and divided into two holes. The 2 pin female connectors are tight, and do not have sign of wear and tear after I swapped few times of cable.
The TSMR-4 PRO has really good ergonomic design with moderate length nozzle. The fits on it is really good with above average isolation. The width on the nozzles are slightly wider than typical, but it provide really good fit for me.
There will be the pressure build up after listening for a hour. There are also custom fit version to provide better fits.
Sound
Tuning switch systems summary:
The TSMR-4 PRO offer the three tuning switches, the switches indicate in number 1, 2 and 3 (from left to right). Flip the switch up is on, while flipping it down is off.
OFF-OFF-OFF
This is the mode with no bass and lower midrange, which is totally useless.
ON-OFF-OFF
This mode has the boost bass and also slightly on the sub bass, it still does not reach the bass head levels, and there are no effect to the midrange. It bring the overall tonality slightly warmer and fuller in comparison to balance mode.
OFF-ON-OFF
This mode is balance mode, nothing change a lot here, probably the midrange are little bit warmer and forwarder compare to OFF position.
OFF-OFF-ON
This mode boost the upper midrange and also on treble, the female vocal sound more vividly compare to balance mode, the treble sound more shinny but also brighter. The soundstage are wider and more micro detail in comparison to balance mode.
ON-ON-OFF
This mode is my favorite mode, as I mentioned the number 3 switch on does increase the micro detail retrieval. But I find out even without the switch on, it already has amazing detail retrieval. The number 1 and 2 switches on, provide overall warmth and more musical presentation. The midrange also sound fuller and less vividly, to me it is more natural presentation, and it does not effect to treble in anyway.
Paring
I pair the TSMR-4 PRO with the IKKO CTU-01 cable, and use the stock green ear tips. The sources being used is Fiio M11 and Topping E30.
Overall tonality (The review will be based on my favorite mode ON-ON-OFF)
The TSMR-4 PRO has mildly U shape tonality, it has smooth yet engaging presentation.
Bass
The bass is is fairly linear and close to neutral, with moderate amount of sub bass. It has moderate sub bass extension with quick decay speed. The mid bass are slightly more pronounced compare to sub bass. The Bass has average impact, rumble and punch, While the clarity and detail retrieval are really good. The Bass has good level of speed and control, the detail retrieval and clarity are really well. It is overall clean and tight bass
Turn on the switches 1, the bass has more weight and bodies. It provide more rumble and impact, while there are no impact to its speed and punches to it. It does not have any effect to the speed and control of the bass, so if you like bass with more weight and rumble, flip on the switches 1.
Mids
The mids is close to neutral and well balanced with slightly warm tuned. The low mids has moderate of bodies with good amount of depth presented in clean and clear manner, the upper mids has above average transparency and level , presented in lively and vividly manner. The midrange show really good levels of detail, clarity and transparency with out sound too thin or analytical.
Turn the switch 2 to OFF position, the mids sound less forwarded, and it present the has less recessed presentation. The lower mids sound slight less bodies and lusher compare to ON position, while the upper mids sound less vividly and shinny. It also provide less warm tonality.
Turn the switch 1 to OFF position, but leave the switch 2 on ON position, the mids has more detail and slightly brighter tonality compare to switch 1 on the ON position. The lower mids sound slightly less bodies and also provide clearer tonality. The upper mids does not have significant lay change, probably sound slightly warmer, just slightly.
Treble
The treble is shinny and engaging, and it sound smooth and never get fatiguing. It is well control and extended. The upper treble has good amount of energy and above average amount of crisp definition. It has good amount of sparkle and sound fairly open. The treble has above average detail retrieval and clarity.
Turn on the switches 3, the treble sound brighter with more energy, it increase the amount of lower treble, and it may cause fatiguing for long time listening. The upper treble are slightly crisper and feel more open.
Soundstage and imaging
The width is above an average, the width is way above an average.
The imaging is 3D holographic.
Comparison
BGVP VG4 ($229USD)
Bass
The VG4 bass has leaner bass, even when the number 3 switch on. The sub bass has more quantity with slightly fuller presentation on 4PRO. The bass has more weight and sound thicker on the 4PRO, while the VG4 hit harder and and transition faster. The 4PRO and VG4 both have good levels of punch and control, but the VG4 has a better dynamic driver likes bass. The detail retrieval and clarity are both pretty well.
Mids
The midrange are both tuned leaner with the emphasis on upper midrange. The lower midrange on 4PRO has slightly more body and lushness, on the other hand VG4 has slightly better clarity but sound leaner. The upper midrange has similar type of tuning, but the 4PRO has more forwarded and vividly presentation, whereas the VG4 are slightly backward and less prominent here. The detail retrieval are tad better on 4PRO
Treble
The treble are brighter and more attacked on VG4, while the treble on 4PRO slightly smoother with more bodies. The treble are tuned very similar and both extended well. The mid treble probably a little more attacked on VG4, while the 4PRO are slightly smoother. The upper treble have more sparkle and crisp definition on VG4, on the other hand the 4PRO are tuned smoother with shiny top end. The detail retrieval and clarity are tad better VG4.
Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage is wider and feel more on VG4, while the depth are fairly similar.
The imaging are better on 4PRO.
Oriveti OH300 ($299USD)
Bass
The 4PRO has less sub bass but more mid bass than the OH300, the OH300 on the other hand has more sub bass focus presentation. The bass signature is fairly similar, the OH300 has better dynamic with slower decay speed, while the 4PRO has quicker and tighter bass. The bass on OH300 has more depth and sound fuller, while the bass on the 4PRO has better control and sound cleaner. There are more punch and impact on the OH300, while the 4PRO are slightly lacking here. The detail retrieval and clarity are slightly better on 4PRO.
Mids
The midrange are both clear and fairly smooth, while the 4PRO has more significantly upper midrange boost. The lower midrange on the OH300 has more depth and sound fuller, on their other hand, the 4PRO provide better clarity and sound clearer. The upper midrange sound more vividly and forwarded, with a engaging presentation on 4PRO, where as the OH300 sound smoother with more easy to listen to presentation. The midrange clarity are both pretty well, the detail retrieval are better on 4PRO.
Treble
The treble sound shinny with more energy on 4PRO, while the OH300 has a fatiguing free presentation. The lower treble sound brighter and more vividly on the 4PRO, while the OH300 has a smoother presentation here. The upper treble has more sparkle and air on the the 4PRO, where the OH300 has less sparkle and crisp definition on the top end. The detail retrieval does clarity really better on 4PRO.
Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage are deeper on 4PRO. The width are similar.
The imaging are slightly better on 4PRO.
Final E5000 ($259USD)
Bass
The E5000 has fuller and warmer bass, while the bass on 4PRO are cleaner and tighter. The sub bass has more quantity on E5000, with more rumble and better dynamic, on the other hand, the 4 PRO provide quicker and less organic bass. The bass has more depth on the E5000, where the 4PRO has better control. The detail retrieval and and clarity are better on 4PRO.
Mids
The midrange has more organic and fuller presentation on E5000, while the 4PRO has cleaner and neutral type on presentation. The E5000 has more bodies and sound lusher on E5000, while the 4PRO provide better depth and clarity, it also sound relatively cleaner. The upper midrange sound more vividly and detailed on 4PRO, whereas the E5000 has slightly warmer tonality, with forwarded presentation. The detail retrieval and clarity are way more better on E5000.
Treble
There are more energy and sound clearer on the 4PRO, while the E5000 sound more laid back. The lower treble has more brightness and with more pronounced on the 4PRO, while the E5000 are more laid back and less vividly here. The 4PRO has more air and sparkle on upper treble, the E5000 has rounded and smoother upper treble presentation. The treble’s detail retrieval and clarity are better on the 4PRO.
Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage are wider and deeper on 4PRO.
The imaging are better on 4PRO as well.
Obravo Cupid ($250-350)
Bass
The bass on Cupid is fuller and warmer with more quantity, on the other hand the bass on 4PRO are cleaner and clearer. The sub bass has deeper extension on Cupid, while the 4PRO provide quicker decay. The bass has more organic and dynamic presentation on Cupid, while the 4PRO provide tighter and more control bass. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on 4PRO.
Mids
The midrange are more recessed on Cupid, while the 4PRO has better tonal balance. The lower midrange has better depth and sound cleaner on 4PRO, while the Cupid sound slightly recessed here. The upper midrange both presented in vividly and forwarded manner, but the 4PRO has better timbre and sound more realistic, with less sharp edges. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on 4PRO.
Treble
The treble are more vividly with more airy presentation on Cupid, while the 4PRO are smoother but remaining the shine. The lower treble are more peaky on Cupid, and it is tuned brighter, on the other hand, 4PRO presented in smoother manner. The upper treble has slightly more air and sparkle on Cupid, but there are relatively sharp presentation. The detail retrieval and clarity are fairly similar.
Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage is fairly similar, but the depth is tad better on 4PRO.
The imaging is wired on Cupid, but it is fairly well done. While the 4 PRO are pretty good as well.
Etymotic ER4XR ($305USD)
Bass
The bass on ER4 has less quantity and leaner, while the 4PRO has better dynamic and sound fuller. The sub bass has better extension on 4PRO. The bass has more rumble and hit harder on 4PRO, while the ER4 are typical BA bass that provide a snappy sound. The bass has more weight on 4PRO and it is punchier, while the ER4 are weaker here. The detail retrieval and clarity are better on 4PRO.
Mids
There are neutral and clean tone on both, but the 4PRO are slightly warmer with mildly V shape type of presentation. The lower midrange has better depth and sound fuller on 4PRO, while the ER4 are leaner and slightly clearer. The upper midrange are more forward and vividly with a engaging presentation on 4PRO, in the comparison, the ER4 sound relatively laid back and smoother. The detail retrieval is better on 4PRO, clarity are both well done.
Treble
The treble has more energy and sound more vividly on 4PRO, while the ER4 is slightly darker and more laid back in comparison. The lower treble sound brighter and clear on 4PRO, while the ER4 is smoother overall. The upper treble has slightly more air and sparkle on 4PRO, which ER4 lack on. The detail retrieval are better on 4PRO, clarity just tad better on 4PRO.
Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage is better on 4PRO.
The imaging is better on 4PRO, in term of layering, they are fairly similar.
Dunu EST112 ($489USD)
Bass
There are less sub bass but more mid bass on the 4PRO, it lead the tonality warmer. The bass on both are clean and pretty tight, but the EST112 has more natural timbre and decay speed due to the dynamic driver. The 4PRO has slightly clearer bass and it is snappier, where the EST112 has better impact and punch. The 4PRO provide cleaner rumble, while the EST112 has fuller rumble. The detail retrieval and clarity are touch better on 4PRO.
Mids
The midrange has more V shape tonality on 4PRO with more energetic presentation, on the other hand, the EST112 is warmer and relatively smoother. The lower midrange has better depth and and additional lushness on EST112, whereas the 4PRO has leaner tone with better clarity. The upper midrange has more vividly and forwarded presentation on 4PRO, while the EST112 are relatively laid back and smoother. The detail and clarity are slightly better on 4PRO.
Treble
The treble is both well controlled with good amount of brightness, but the 4PRO is relatively peakier. The lower midrange on both have good levels of energy, and without any fatiguing, but the EST112 has smoother presentation here. The upper treble has more crispness on 4PRO, on the other hand, the EST112 has more airiness with silkier expression. The detail retrieval and clarity slightly better on EST112.
Soundstage and imaging
The soundstage is wider and and slightly deeper on EST112.
The imaging on both are well done, but the EST112 is better.
Compare to my relatively more objective Head-fi star ranking, this ranking will be more subjective based on my personal preference and it doesn’t take price into my consideration.
Scor system:
4/10 and below: Waste of money
5/10: Average
6/10: Above average
7/10: Good
8/10: Great
9/10: Excellent
10/10: OMG
Conclusion
The Tansio Mirai TSMR-4PRO is extremely well build IEMs, with different stunning option of faceplate and shell color, it is definitely a strong competitor for its price range.Not surprisingly, the TSMR-4PRO provide a really strong tonality and technical performance. The coherence and tonal balance is extremely well done, it presented clear yet engaging presentation. The TSMR-4PRO is definitely one of the best IEMs for $300USD price range! Thank you for reading, and Happy Listening!
Cons: Extremely revealing of low quality/mastered files
Bass lacking a lot of texture/air (typical BA concerns)
Bass rumble/extension
Unnatural BA timbre across the range
Veiled treble on some tracks
Unrefined (peaky) treble
Treble extension
No pressure alleviation = suction cup feeling/uncomfortable
Very thick nozzle may not fit everyone and also prevents the use of some tips
Very gimmicky dip switches that doesnt affect the sound as much as some other configurable tuning methods
No dust filters = high risk of clogging
A lot of hiss
Synergy picky
Cable: Garbage cable, get rid of it ASAP. Measures at 0.9 ohms which is very high. Connectors/dividers are made out of metal, but the ear hooks feels like they are from KZ´s budget iems and is very bad ergonomically.
Build: Entirely made out of resin, very high quality and very clear/transparent. Average weight, no lip on the nozzle but it is very thick so tips will stay on if they fit in the first place (nozzle size makes a lot of tips unable to fit, for example the Final Audio Type E tips). But no dust filters on the 2 sound bores, so there might be a risk of them getting clogged up by earwax/dust.
Fit: No problems with fit as it fits really well. Size wise it is a bit bigger than average but it shouldn’t be a problem for most people.
Comfort: Due to it not having any vents, it is NOT recommended for people that are sensitive to pressure. It isn’t the worst iem when it comes to pressure build up, but it is certainly a point of concern, personally I can handle this but it isn’t comfortable for sure. The shell isn’t that good for me either, since it is uncomfortable for my antihelix.
Isolation: Top tier isolation due to form and also because there are no vents (the trade off with comfort).
Synergy: This is very unusual, but I do believe that Tansio tuned the TSMR – 4 pros with a cable with high resistance. So, if you are planning to use a high-quality 3rd party cable like the Faaeal litz copper cable that measures really low. I advise against it, because it is going to affect the FR negatively since BA iems are very sensitive to that. Best “synergy” is to match it with something closer to the stock cables resistance, which in my collection is the Kbear Limpid. The tips as well make a very big difference, they work better with wide-bore tips that are fitted deep. Source wise they are extremely sensitive to hiss, even the DX160 hisses a lot with it.
Switches: Mostly a gimmick, very small differences between the configurations.
Setup: 120 configuration, Ibasso DX160 (low gain, volume around 12), JVC Spiral dots L, Kbear Limpid cable 4.4mm,
Lows: Typical BA bass. A big lack of texture and air. Not realistic and quantity is lacking as well. Does not compete in this price range at all here. It is clean due to the tightness and very fast decay though, but that can also be a downside depending on the music. For example, on hip-hop tracks the decays are way too fast along with it being too tight. Doesn’t have much adaptability for when it should be looser or tighter, as it is tight most of the time. Not much rumble to speak of either and extension is very poor.
Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), very clean due to the speed (especially the decay), quantity is fine but it is lacking a lot of air and texture so it doesn’t sound natural. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is lacking a bit clarity.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), needs more quantity, but texture and air is extremely poor. If nothing else, it is at least clean…
Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), punch quantity is pretty low and again, lacking in texture and air. Rumble quantity is extremely low and extension is really bad.
Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), needs more quantity but the texture and air are really bad.
Mids: Female and male vocals are quite good in tonality and is detailed, although female vocals are a bit more forward than male vocals so vocal balancing isn’t that good. There is noticeable BA timbre though so that prevents it from being really natural.
Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), forward vocals and without sharpness. Very good quality and tonality is spot on, although it does have ba timbre which isn’t natural for me.
Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), clean, high quality and forward vocals here as well, ba timbre is still present. You can hear hiss from the source on this track since it is quieter though.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), Shouty and a bit sharp as well.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), sharp, does not sound good as this track isn’t mastered that well.
Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), tonality is very good and it is clean as well. Not recessed but not forward either.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), clean but could be a bit more forward, tonality is lacking some warmth. It is on the thicker side in terms of note weight, which suits this track.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are sharp.
Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), tonality is correct but it is too shouty.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), violin tonality and details are very good, but texture could be better. Cello details and texture are very good, but tonality needs some warmth. Both of them have BA timbre.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality is good, but clarity is lacking as it sounds a bit veiled.
Soundstage: Pretty big in width but nothing special in depth.
Tonality: Leans towards brightness, but is capable of adapting to the song if it needs to be warmer or not. Note weight is leaning a little bit towards thickness and is more musical rather than analytical. Timbre across the range has unnatural BA timbre.
Details: Average details. Does get helped by the low bass quantity and boosted treble. Micro details are below average since upper treble extension isn’t that good.
Instrument Separation: Both the imaging and the separation are very good. The fast attack and decay of the BA´s certainly helps a lot with not causing a mess on busier/faster tracks.
Bad genres: Any low quality/mastered files, rock, metal, Hip-hop, Pop, Kpop
Comparisons:
(I will be referring the TSMR – 4 pro as the Tansio from here on)
IEM: Tanchjim Oxygen, Final Audio Type E tips LL, Tri Through cable 4.4mm
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), Extends MUCH deeper on the Oxygen, rumbles a lot more a well. Punch is similar, but much more texture and it actually moves air on the oxygen. No contest here, the Oxygen decimates the Tansio.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), similar quantity, but much more texture and air on the Oxygen so it is much more natural and also sounds cleaner.
Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), speed and tightness are similar. But more textured on the Oxygen and also cleaner and better clarity.
Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), a bit more forward vocals on the oxygen and also better tonality on it as it is a bit brighter. Also, a bit cleaner and more detailed along with better timbre.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), more shouty on the Tansio, more refined mids/treble on the Oxygen, less peaky on it as well.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), similar vocals, but more natural on the oxygen because of the timbre and also much cleaner as it sounds veiled on the Tansio in comparison.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), cleaner and more detailed on the oxygen at the same time it is less peaky/sharp.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), tonality, texture, timbre, details, clarity are all better on the Oxygen on both instruments.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), Oxygen wins in everything from tonality to the clarity.
Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), soundstage is bigger on the Oxygen. Instrument separation and imaging on the Oxygen is outclassing the Tansio, the Tansio sound bloated and a mess in comparison. Details and timbre are better on the Oxygen as well.
Overall: The oxygen is simply superior to the Tansio in every single aspect and they both do the same thing, which is to play acoustic music well. Going from the Tansio to the Oxygen is like taking a blanket covering the speakers off and it also doesn’t hiss.
IEM: Audiosense DT200, Sony EP-EX11 tips L, Tri Through cable 4.4mm
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles more on the DT200. Punch is tighter, faster and has more quantity on the Tansio, but moves a bit more air and has more texture on the DT200. The DT200 is more like a DD in comparison to the Tansio.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more quantity on the Tansio, but much more natural on the DT200 due to it having a more natural timbre and more texture/air.
Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), tighter and faster on the Tansio, but much more natural on the DT200 due to the timbre, tonality and texture.
Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), clarity and details are better on the Tansio as well as more fitting tonality (brighter). But timbre on the DT200 is outclassing the Tansio, so it ends up sounding more natural.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), tonality is a bit better on the Tansio and also cleaner with more details but at the cost of it being sharp.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), tonality and timbre are much better on the DT200. A bit cleaner and detailed on the Tansio.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), cleaner and better tonality on the Tansio. But much sharper on it as well while timbre is much more natural on the DT200.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), violin tonality, texture, details and clarity are better on the Tansio while the timbre is better on the DT200. Cello tonality, timbre and texture are better on the DT200.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), Tonality and timbre are much better on the DT200. Sounds artificial and veiled trebled on the Tansio.
Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), Soundstage, imaging, details and instrument separation are better on the Tansio. Timbre on the DT200 is much more natural though so overall naturality is better on it.
Overall: If you prioritize technicalities no matter what, then sure I recommend the Tansio over the DT200. But for everyone else the DT200 is the better tuned iem, the more natural sounding iem and also the cheaper one.
IEM: Hisenior T2, Sony EP-EX11 tips L, Tri Through cable 4.4mm
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), Extension is similar but more rumble on the T2. Punch quantity is higher on the T2 but tighter and faster on the Tansio while the texture is better on the T2.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), much cleaner bass on the Tansio due to the speed/tightness while it is a bit muddy on the T2. Texture is a bit better on the T2 while timbre is equal. Quantity is a bit higher on the T2.
Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), bloated on the T2 not on the Tansio due to the speed/tightness. Similar lack of texture and air.
Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), much cleaner and detailed vocals on the Tansio. Tonality is too warm and thick on the T2.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), cleaner and more detailed on the Tansio but is much sharper while it is non-fatiguing on the T2.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), better timbre and tonality on the T2 so it sounds more natural. It is however cleaner and more detailed on the Tansio.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), much more detailed and cleaner on the Tansio. Resolution on the Tansio is outclassing the T2. But the Tansio is much sharper with the electric guitars while the T2 is non-fatiguing. Cymbals are recessed and not very clean on the T2.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Violin/cello texture is similar. But tonality, details, clarity, timbre and treble extension are better on the Tansio.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), much cleaner and better tonality/timbre on the Tansio.
Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), soundstage, details, instrument separation and imaging on the Tansio is outclassing the T2, not in the same league. Mid/treble timbre is a bit better on the Tansio, while bass timbre is a bit better on the T2.
Overall: The Tansio is in another league when compared to the T2. Where the bass texture/timbre are the only aspect where the T2 is a bit better.
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extension is a bit better on the Tansio, but rumble is similarly bad (extremely low quantity). Punch has similar texture, speed, tightness as well as quantity.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), very similar bass in quantity and quality.
Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), bass speed and tightness are similar, but harsher and peakier on the T180.
Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), a bit better vocal tonality and more forward vocals on the T180 and better timbre. Instrument tonality is a bit better on the Tansio but a bit better timbre on the T180. More detailed on the Tansio and better imaging and separation as well.
Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), similarly peaky and fatiguing on both.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), a bit better tonality on the Tansio but harsher and timbre is worse so naturality is similar.
Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), similarly peaky and fatiguing on both.
Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and details are a bit better on the Tansio but timbre is similar. Violin tonality is better on the T180 but more detailed on the Tansio, similar timbre.
Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), Similar tonality but a bit more forward vocal on the T180. Details is a bit better on the Tansio.
Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), Soundstage is a bit bigger on the Tansio. Details, instrument separation and imaging are better on the Tansio as well. Timbre is similar with the bass and the treble, but vocals are a bit more natural on the Tansio.
Overall: The Tansio is a bit more versatile due to it having a bit better bass extension and is a bit better in adapting the tonality to the track. Both are still very similar in what they are doing, that is being vocal specialist. The Tansio does have better resolution and technicalities, but it loses out to the more natural T180 in vocals (which is their main point) and I personally prefer the T180 over the Tansio.
Conclusion: The Tansio TSMR – 4 Pro is a very overpriced iem that does not compete in the price range it is in. It does not compete in neither technicalities, timbre or tonality. A complete waste of money, go get the Audiosense DT200 or the T180 if you want a BA iem or just go for the Tanchjim Oxygen that is still cheaper and runs circles around it. Thanks for reading.
RikudouGoku Not that bad sound maybe. I like the 4 Pro with origo cable for metal or rock recordings. With Shanling M0 It's satisfying listening. Some voices are nice too. But Instrumentals, classical music or HD do not sound live, timbre is compressed and cheap.
EDIT: Much better listening experience is with Silver (plated-occ) cable. Trebles high-end isn't rolled-off anymore and timbre is generaly better.
Pros: Inoffensive sound,
Has a more musical tuning
Fantastic mid range clarity and details.
Outstanding build quality
Tuning switches works well.
Cons: The cable could have been better.
Highs are slightly less emphasized.
There are a few Chinese brands that have left a mark in the market lately with their tuning and fantastic value propositions. Tansio Mirai or better known as TSMR has been one of them. TSMR has been very precise and careful with their earphones. The solid build quality has been consistent since their inception. They started with the TSMR 3 back in 2017 and now they have some of the best IEMs which are equipped with tuning switches to provide some variations of the base sound signature.
The TSMR 4 pro is one of the most promising earphone for under $500, priced at $319, it house 4 BA drivers in a 3 way crossover and comes in a lot face plate and shell color options. The market is flooded with options in this price. The TSMR 4 pro faces tough competition from earphones like Moondrop Blessings 2, Penon Orb, Secret Garden 3, Avara Av3 and the DUNU DK-2001.
TSMR hasn't changed the packaging scheme, it is exactly same as the TSMR2 and 3. Similar set of accessories too.
The retail package is not exactly elegant, it is more functional though. One basically doesn't fight with the box while taking the earphones out. You get a large zipper pouch stuffed inside a card board box. The carry case is as big as old gen external hard drive case. It is big enough to carry the earphone and a portable DAP.
Inside the box are the earphone and a pocket friendly carry pouch. Placed inside the pouch are 6 pairs of tips, a cleaning too and a tool to flick the tuning switches.
One will find a hand book explaining the switches finishes the list of accessories.
HOW IS THE BUILD QUALITY:-
Build quality of the TSMR 4 is very good. It doesn't have the semi custom type body but sits inside the ear comfortably. The shell is made out of resin and feels very solid to the hand. The back plate is fused with a few layers of resin on it and the shells walls are thicker than most of the earphone.
There is a reason why the body feels stronger, you cannot put the switches on a weak shell and expect it to hold up. The switches are nicely fused and there is no need to worry about the setup coming off. Feedback of these switches is good but it is on the stiffer side. The 2pin port is flush on the body and removing the cable is fairly easy and smooth.
The nozzle is wide. Any T4/500 size tip will fit, I am using stock wide bore tips.
HOW IS THE CABLE:-
The cable is okay. If the Inear SD5 and Fibae 3 cables are bad, there is no need to complain here. The biggest thing I don't like about the cables is its cable guides. It is tight and can be uncomfortable over a longer period. Yes, this much of clamping is helpful when you like to go jogging with the earphone, but I don't find it good to use headphones or earphones while on the road where one has to be aware of the surroundings.
Moving on to the braided 4 core cable, it is supple and doesn't have much memory problem. It is not bouncy and doesn't have much microphonics either. The 3.5mm jack is metal clad and has good amount of protection to it, same goes for the y splitter. There is a cable slider too. The minimalistic design of the slider and Y splitter is always welcome.
HOW DOES IT FEELS INSIDE THE EAR :-
I find the TSMR 4 pro to be more comfortable inside the ear compared to the Fibae 3 or Shozy pola, the reason being the combination of nozzle depth and size of the shell. The shell fits better inside the ear and the longer nozzle gives very good stability.
Ergonomically it is average, it doesn't have any type of wing to have better grip inside the ear. What really helps is the light weight. It is far less heavy compared to the Shozy Pola and is easy on the ear too. Thanks to the aggressive cable guides one need not to worry about the earphone falling out of the ear.
TSMR 4 has very good isolation from outer noise.
TECHNICALITY AND TUNING:-
Pairing with sources:-
The TSMR 4 pro has a fairly low impedance of 20 ohm and is easily drivable out of mobile phones and thanks to 112db sensitivity it gets very loud without much problem.
Even when it plays well with any source, good amount of power does bring a lot more details and character to the table. Driven out of my LG G7 the TSMR 4 pro feels gloomy and notes lack much of the contrast and energy. The whole spectrum feels dynamically limited. The bass is lacking thump, treble is not energetic enough while the vocals and mid range are not much affected.
Jumping to Shanling M6 the scene changes drastically, the contrast and dynamic range improves a lot with plenty of treble energy and the lower end gains good amount of body. The stage is much more rounded and the layering and separation improves.
Driving it out of weak sources is okay but the power brings a lot more to the table.
The Switches:-
There are not many earphones in this price range which has tuning switches. There is a manual for that inside the box. In their words you can have 7 different sound modes and all the positions have a number assigned to them. The switches are numbered 1, 2 and 3 from left to right. On is on the left side and KE to the right side. If the switch is up, it is on and the carries the number of the switch, if a switch is off it is denoted by 0. If all the switches are on the position number is 123 and if all of them are off it is 000. The first switch (the 1 switch) is for bass boost. The middle switch is for balance and the last switch is for mid range and treble elevation. It is slightly tricky for the first time but it is not difficult once you get a hold of it. The 000 position is not a valid position and the sound in this position is very limited. You are supposed to keep one switch on, always.
If you think the switches bring a lot of difference to the sound, you might be a little disappointed. They do bring good amount of changes to the sound. Turning the bass switch on won't make take it to bass head levels. Expect changes, just don't expect a lot of it. Switches in 100 position does bring good amount of sub-bass and extension compared to the 003 position. Thanks to the switches the TSMR 4 can be flat, mid forward and can deliver healthy amount of bass with a few flicks of switches. That is a lot of versatility there, and the best part is, unlike tuning filters, the sound doesn't feel veiled or unnatural with any of those 7 switch positions.
I am going to review the TSMR 4 in 123 position, all guns blazzing!!
Quoted from penon:-
"Tuning mode instruction
0 means off (down) ,1/2/3 means on (switch position up)
Mode 1:
100:- Bass enhancement mode
120:- Mixed tuning
Mode 2:
020: All balanced mode
103: Mixed tuning
Mode 3:
003: Mid-treble enhancement mode
023: Mixed tuning
123: Mixed tuning (lowest impedance)"
SOUND QUALITY:-
The TSMR 4 has Knowles drivers in each earpiece. Each earpiece has 2 22955 drivers as middle and low frequencies and 2 29689 drivers for highs incorporated in a two bore design. The overall sound signature is of the balanced type with hint of dampness to the treble notes, it does not have any brightness to worry about. The treble can feel a bit dark compared to the wholesomely bright and light sounding Avara AV3 and AF180 Mk2. If a bit of excitement is the need of the hour, flick the switches. The tonality and timber are some of the most accurate in this price. It has the tranquility which is rarely found in this price.
BASS:-
The TSMR 4 is not bassy unless the no.1 switch is turned on. In the 123 position the 4 pro delivers good amount of slam and moves good amount of air too. It is not flat like ER-4P or the Audiofly AF180 while maintaining very good amount of details and texture. The sub-bass extension is not the best but is good enough. The focus is a bit more tilted towards mid bass. The Mid baas has good amount of weight and has a nicely fuller feel to it. The upper treble is a bit less emphasized with good amount of energy and details. The lower end strikes a beautiful balance between being overly agile and lethargic. In other words it doesn't have an unreasonably snappy or slow decay speed, it leaves a nice impression with good amount of slam and thump. BA driver earphones have fantastic amount of control over notes and are very accurate and the 4 pro is no exception, all the notes, even the micro details have very good clarity and definition. Just don't expect a lot of dynamism or a wholesome amount of thump and the TSMR delivers with fantastic details, technicality and accuracy. If you want more precision and an analytical tuning turn the no.1 switch off.
Compared to some DD the 4 pro has a tight and fast decay and can feel a bit less fuller but coming from something more analytical like the Nocturnal Avalon and AF 180 the 4 pro is much more full bodied and slightly on the thicker side.
MID RANGE:-
There is no specification about the number of drivers used for the mid range but it is safe to assume that there is at least one and at max two drivers are responsible for the mid range. It can be either the driver coupled with the treble driver is doing the heavy lifting on its own or the 4 pro has two drivers in each bores partially responsible for the mid range. Whatever the configuration is there is no loss of energy in the transition region and the 4 pro maintain similar energy across the spectrum exhibiting excellent finishing around the crossovers. The mid range is cohesive and juicy, one of the few musically inclined IEMs in this price range. The notes are slightly on the lush side with a weightier feel to them along with very good accuracy and precision. The 4 pro leaves a bit smoother but a very enjoyable impression.
Vocals have a musical touch to them with excellent texture. The tonality and timber is one of the most natural and accurate in this price bracket. Both the male and female vocals have very good dept, a lot of resolution. Instruments don't have the kind of bite I have seen with other 3-4 BA earphones in this price but they already have very good transparency. If the extra bite is the need of the hour put the IEM in 003 switch position. Not sure what the graphs suggest but I don't feel any kind of forwardness or lack of energy at the upper treble region. It is perfectly balanced with excellent control over any type of undesirable notes presentation. The 4 pro doesn't lack any details by a long shot, it's the lack of added notes depth and sharpness which makes it sound a bit less exciting.
There are plenty of micro details and the accurate notes depth and sharpness makes the 4 pro very enjoyable.
TREBLE:-
It is safe to assume that there is one driver responsible for the whole treble region and it does a very good job. There are plenty of details and the contrast is dynamism is very good. The transition from upper mid range to lower treble region has no dip or extra energy to worry about. If the mind range was slightly mellow for a BA based earphone the treble region gains a bit of energy and exhibits good amount of spark and desirable amount of energy. The instruments feel lively and agile with a very natural timber. Let it be Cymbals or percussions, all of them similar emphasis with very good amount of texture. The transition is one of the cleanest but it still doesn't have the thrill of the AV3 and Jomo Percusion. The extension is not the endless type as the 4 pro starts losing energy as it goes much deeper into the spectrum. IT has good amount of air but there are IEMs like the Avara AV3 with more air.
Instruments are similar to the Mid range, it doesn't lack a single bit of micro detail but the slight lack of contrast of background and foreground along with a slightly lacking notes attack puts the 4 pro in the marginally less crisp side.
SOUND STAGE:-
The sound stage of the 4 pro is very wide and tall but the depth can be marginally missing when compared to other IEMs in this price range. I find the stage to be big enough though. There is plenty of air and space between instruments. Layering and separation is of top quality too. Due to the slightly thicker mid range notes it might give an impression of a busier floor. Vocals hold the center stage with plenty of room and layering of the very good type.
COMPARISON:-
VS Avara AV3 ($340):-
The AV3 is one of the best IEMs when it comes to pure sound quality. Equipped with 3BA drivers it is one of the most detail oriented IEMs.
The biggest difference can be observed with the imaging. The 4 pro has a much more directional projection, all the music and vocals are placed inside a well rounded stage, the vocals are dynamically placed depending on the demand of the track, the notes are not very tall either but the AV3 has immersive vocal notes with greater height, it is a lot more engaging with a bit more sharpness. What the AV3 misses out on is the dynamic placement, the vocals are a bit more intimate and are rarely placed father out of the head. Stage size of the AV3 is bigger in every direction and has slightly better air between the instruments thanks to more precise notes body.
Another discipline where the AV3 loses out on is the bass body and rumble, the 4 pro is not very grunty or rumbly, the AV3 has smaller volume but the impact leaves a more lasting impression. Everywhere else except the smooth and lush factors the AV3 is a step ahead of the 4 pro. It has a better sense of transparency. Don't confuse it with details, both have equal amount of details but the AV3 has more energy giving the note a shiny touch. Notes have better energy across the spectrum. Treble feels livelier and even though the extension is not of the endless type it holds up better.
Fibae 3 ($580) :-
Fibae 3 is the master of this realm when it comes to natural timber and tonality. The 3 BA IEM has something no one else can emulate, the excellent balance of details and musicality. The 4 pro tried to emulate that but falls a bit short with thicker notes and darker treble in comparison.
The Mighty Fibae 3 has better sub-bass extension and rumble but the mid bass is more subdued, lacking a bit more body and slam. The transition phases are similarly flawless as the 4 pro. The mid range is slightly less forward compared to the 4 pro with the no.2 switch on but has a bit more accurate tonality and timber. Notes have better precision with body and weight, specially vocals. Upper mid and treble region have more energy compared to the mid range and has the endless type of extension. The Fibae 3's treble region sucker punches the 4 pro without a single scratch on itself. The Fibae shows its superiority with technicality, precision and accuracy. The stage is much more dynamic too with excellent sonicality and cue placement. The only problem is the narrow width height and deeper depth, the 4 pro is much more rounded in this regard.
Both have the musical feel to them but the Fibae 3 lacks a bit of focus around the mid range and mid-bass, the 4 pro lacks a bit of prominence with the treble region.
VS Secret garden 3 ($359):-
The SG3 is a bit more energetic sounding IEM. It has slightly better notes transparency and a bit more energy resulting into a shinier imaging giving a feeling of better details. The SG3 has better notes depth and height.
Nevertheless the SG3 has similar switches to tune the sound and can be equally voluminous with lower end but the faster decay speed makes it lose some weight and thump. Sub-bass is slightly more rumble but mid bass is equally rounded. Mid range are a bit more forward and the instruments having more attack and bite. Vocals are slightly more precise but the texture is slightly missing on the SG3. Upper mid can be slightly more energetic. Treble region is brighter and more sparkly. The extension is similar though. Layering and separation is slightly cleaner thanks to faster notes.
Stage wise both are very similar, except the mid forwardness of the SG3 both are neck in neck.
CONCLUSION:-
The TSMR 4 pro is surrounded by a lot of competition but it has something unique too. Where everyone else is trying to deliver shinier and brighter notes the 4 pro takes a musical approach. It doesn't miss out on a single bit of details but it doesn't push the notes to their limit hence it has no harshness of any type. It makes even the sibilant tracks tolerable which none of the other IEMs can achieve. It has a lot of love in its mind with plenty a huge heart and will please someone who loves a good dose of bass, a cohesive mid range and slightly less attacking treble.
If you don't want brightness and energetic notes the TSMR 4 pro is the best option without compromising on the level of details. Just sit back and enjoy the music.
Hi, I've found out that TSMR-4 Pro's sounds more realistic with Fast Roll-Off lowpass filter. If someone feels that the heights are a bit darker, this can be a solution, along with better cable. (No need to use foam tips if you don't want to.)
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