I wasn’t really expecting much when I first plugged in the Tanchjim Stargate II. Just another budget dongle, I figured—maybe a bit more detail, maybe a touch more clarity. But right from the first track, I could tell this one had something different going on. The sound felt cleaner, more open. Instruments had space between them, vocals sat in the mix just right, and everything just made a bit more sense. It wasn’t overhyped or in-your-face—it was more like someone had adjusted the focus on a blurry picture. Paired with a capable DAP like the HiBy R4, it started showing its full potential pretty quickly.
Technical Specs of Tanchjim Stargate II
- PCM: 384kHz / 32-bit, DSD: 64 / 128 / 256
- THD+N @ 1kHz 0dBFS: 0.00023% (AES17 20kHz 300Ω)
- DNR: 127.4dB (AES17 A-weighted)
- SINAD: 111dB (AES17 A-weighted)
- Output Voltage: 2Vrms
- Crosstalk: -75dB
- Output Power:
- 2 × 37mW @ 32Ω
- 2 × 3.7mW @ 600Ω
Sound Experience
The moment I plugged in the Tanchjim Stargate II, something just clicked. There was a new sense of clarity—familiar tracks suddenly had more space to breathe, more separation between instruments. It felt like I was rediscovering songs I thought I already knew inside out. And paired with a source like the HiBy R4, the whole listening experience opened up even more. Tiny details I’d previously missed were now right there in front of me, effortlessly presented.
What stood out most was how nicely the Stargate II handled busy, layered arrangements. I could clearly follow the drum patterns—not just the rhythm, but the different surfaces being hit. That level of separation and definition usually requires something much higher up the chain. It tells me the resolution here isn’t just for show—it’s genuinely capable of organizing dense mixes without smearing everything together. There’s a sense of precision that never feels clinical, which is a rare balance to strike.
Treble and Other Tech Details
The treble had just the right touch of sparkle—no harshness, no sibilance, just a delicate shimmer that gave life to strings, cymbals, and atmospheric effects. It never pushed itself too far forward but stayed present enough to keep the energy alive, especially in symphonic power metal tracks where things can easily get overwhelming. This tuning choice made the soundstage feel wider and more immersive without sacrificing balance.
The Stargate II doesn’t color the sound much—it just lets the music flow through. There’s a purity in the presentation, like you’re hearing the recording as it was meant to be heard, not interpreted. Instrument placement was clean and natural, and the sense of depth in the stage made complex passages feel more alive, as far as its price tag allows. That kind of clarity isn’t just technical—it draws you into the performance.
Then there’s the emotional delivery. Vocals had real texture, enough that I could almost picture facial expressions during more theatrical passages. The way the Stargate II handled quiet-to-loud transitions made those dramatic moments hit harder, especially when powered by the R4’s hardware volume control. It didn’t just play the music—it helped me feel it.
Pros:
- Good clarity and instrument separation
- Sparkly, refined treble without fatigue
- Natural, transparent tonality and spacious imaging
- Midrange texture that brings out emotional nuances in vocals
Cons:
- Might sound too clean or neutral for those who prefer a warmer, more colored sound
- Bassheads may want to explore further
Tanchjim Stargate II Review Conclusions
The Stargate II feels like a quiet powerhouse—never flashy, but always capable. It rewards careful listening without demanding it, which is exactly the kind of dongle I keep coming back to. Paired with a strong DAP like the HiBy R4, it delivers a sound that’s not just technically impressive but emotionally resonant. For me, that’s where the real magic happens.
See from the OG angle.
