Disclaimer:
Good morning, fans! Today we have in our hands the Tanchjim 4U, the latest model produced with a particular filter that allows you to play between different tunings. In the review, I will make a comparison with the Tanchjim Zero, Tanchjim One, and others in their same price range.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
Tech Specs:
- Dual-Chamber DMT-4 LCP Diaphragm Dynamic Driver.
- 4-Level Adjustable Circuit Filter System.
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.05% at 1 kHz, 94 dB
- Impendance: 32ohm
- Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms
- Frequency Response: 8-48kHz
- Price: 69 USD
Packaging:
Tanchjim packages are always particularly beautiful and well-finished. This can be seen above all from the thickness of the various cards—a minimal and serious design. In the package, we find a small box that contains:
- Pouch Bag
- 6 pairs of tips (two different models)
- Tool to adjust filters
- Cable (which we find on the bottom of the box)
Overall, the product has everything you need. I would have preferred a hard case, but the packaging should have been completely different.
Design/Build quality:
The Tanchjim 4U immediately reminded me of the Moondrop CHU; the shape inevitably reminds you of them. The back has other details, but the inside shares most of the shapes with them. The faceplates are mirrored and retain some fingerprints, but the rest of the shell is satin. I start with the nozzle, and the first thing I notice is its large size. I then took a quick measurement and it measures 6.4mm in diameter. The filter is made of double composite materials and should also resist sweat and humidity (or, at least, so it is declared). I can see 2 ventilation holes on the shell and the other absolute peculiarity, namely the switches for the filters. Unlike others already seen, they are decidedly larger and easier to adjust; you need a flat-tip screwdriver or the tool included in their package. The cable seems to me to be of good quality, but you can certainly opt for an upgrade. The same is true for the included tips, but the Widebore ones are not too bad, if a little small; the largest size will be a M at most.
Comfort/Fit:
I must say that the shape is very comfortable; I will leave you with a couple of photos, and as you can see, despite its small size and tried-and-true shape, it does not bother my ears. They are not even excessively heavy, but for the moment, the Kefine Delci are the ones that have the lightest metal shell.
Initial sound impression:
At first listen, I didn’t pay attention to anything other than installing the SS20-like Widebore tips and the cable. I must say that I was particularly surprised right away. It is an energetic and very immersive sound, perhaps it reminds me more of the Tanchjim Zero but with a nice, rich, and full-bodied low end. The tuning chosen is the one it comes out of the box with, and for my tastes, it is really good. The timbre is so correct and pleasant that the effect of emphasizing the voices seems to be active. The bass has an atmospheric touch, with a rich and deep texture, I wouldn’t consider them bassheads, but in terms of quality, they have few rivals.
It has a musicality that captivates you and makes you immerse yourself in your favorite music as if it were for the first time. We’ll return to this topic in a bit.
Equipment used:
Device:
- OSX/Mac El Captain/Catalina
- Redmi Note 7 Snapdragon MIUI
- Poco M4 Pro Mediatek HyperOS
Software:
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz
DAC:
- Moondrop Dawn Pro
- Fosi SK02
- Fiio KA11
- Fiio KA17
- Simgot Dew4x
- EPZ TP20 Pro
- Hidizs S9 Pro Plus
- EPZ TP50 (Most Used)
- Creative SoundBlaster X5
Final sound impression:
In the meantime, it occurred to me that it would be interesting to try them with the Tanchjim ONE DSP. But we will look at this towards the end. The Tanchjim 4U comes with the filter set to Atmosphere, which I must admit is the most particular.
Filter Switch:
- Atmosphere: This filter allows you to have a tuning more similar to a V-shape. The bass is effectively emphasized, but above all, it has that atmospheric touch that may not be to everyone’s liking but is precisely particular and different (personally, I like it). I don’t notice any particular problems in terms of sound congestion.
- Pop: Pop maintains a middle ground between natural and atmospheric. The bass has a slightly unnatural atmospheric and emphasized touch, but honestly, for the genres I listen to, the tuning is spot on. Highs and mids are reminiscent of Zero, but with a warmer note also given by a more present bass.
- Natural: Naturally, the Tanchjim 4U is perhaps more reminiscent of the Tanchjim One. The low notes have more body than the monitoring, and voices and highs blend with the slightly less bright tone for a very natural result.
- Monitoring: The bass is significantly reduced; we are close to the concept of the Tanchjim Zero, but they don’t have the same energy and have a very neutral response on all tracks. I would say that it is definitely what I would expect from monitoring tuning, even if it is not totally flat like on the Zeros. Even in terms of resolution, I think they are slightly lower, but the sound signature is definitely more appealing.
Switch considerations (personal):
I’m not a huge fan of switches and usually prefer nozzles, but I have to say that in the case of the Tanchjim 4U, an excellent job was done. As long as you have a tool or the cap of a BIC, you will be able to change the tuning on the go. What surprised me most was actually hearing the changes clearly. Tanchjim definitely hit the mark with these at 69 USD.
It is not easy to write a review as it is 4 IEMs in one, but in this way, it manages to capture the attention of more possible buyers. I can say that listening to all the Tanchjim in my possession, you can hear a sort of continuation with a sound base that is improved or added, a bit like Simgot products.
All-inclusive experience:
The highs and mids do not vary much, and I can assure you that the high frequencies are rich in details, articulated, airy, and refined, almost never sibilant or harsh, and the mids have the right tone to reproduce voices (both male and female) and musical instruments as faithfully as possible. Depending on the tuning you choose, you will have a touch more warmth, but it seems to be in the most natural amount possible. But if all this naturalness tires you one day, then you will have the “Atmosphere” filter, which adds a bit of rumble and unnaturalness, which is sometimes good.
Soundstage and Imaging:
The soundstage and image are quite articulated and developed, in a certain sense reminiscent of the performances of the EPZ Q5. Both in terms of perceived space and positioning of individual sounds, in my opinion, we are above average.
Fast Comparison:
Thanks to the different tunings, you have both the Zero and the One included in the package.
vs Tanchijm Zero / Tanchjim ONE
The Tanchjim Zero resembles the 4U, especially in the Monitoring/Natural part, where the similarity is notable. The Zero remains a point of reference given the price and the tuning, which is quite rare in this range. It remains one of the best today, even though the comfort has never been the best due to the very sharp edges.
The Tanchjim 4U resembles it more in the Natural/Pop part, with more emphasis on the low end and improved comfort. If you have the DSP version, they too can play however you like. I recommend the full review, but with the 4U, you have everything you need.
vs Kefine Delci
The Kefine Delci aims at a target that is mostly bassheads or those who want to have fun. They are V-shaped with accentuated bass and especially sub-bass but they still manage to maintain excellent resolution and separation. The shell is top quality and super lightweight, and the overall quality of the accessories is mind-blowing too. In my opinion, this is one of the best IEMs released recently. Depending on what you are looking for, it could be the perfect alternative.
The Simgot EA500LM IEM is slightly less impressive than the Tanchjim 4U, possibly due to the higher price, but the sound quality is nearly identical. In some cases and types of tracks, the DMT4 driver seems to fare better with a more natural vocal part without that cold touch that can sometimes be felt on the EA500LM. 4U’s atmospheric touch adds layers to each track. The parts where they win most decisively are the mids, where the voices are much more natural and silky on the Tanchjim.
Conclusion:
This is my second IEM using switches, and I must admit that my perspective on switches has evolved. To start with, let me state that the incredibly little KZ-like ones are still ridiculous. It’s hard to enjoy the IEM until you have six or more micro switches with endless combinations. Tanchjim’s simple solution with the selection makes it possible for you to switch between the different filters rapidly. If I had to provide a critique, it would have been nice to see some letters or symbols engraved next to the filter option so that people could identify them more easily. Although the included cable is a little thin, it is still nice because it is soft; still, I have encountered better products in this price range.
I think the Tanchjim 4U is a good IEM, actually built to offer more possibilities to the user, perhaps the design could have been slightly different. For the asking price, having 4 IEMs in 1 is a good start for those who don’t yet know what tuning they’re looking for.
I conclude by saying that they are certainly excellent in several respects; they involve the listener and fill him with details that others struggle to bring out.
8.5/10
Pros:
- Good build quality
- Comfort and fit (Moondrop alike)
- Nice packaging
- Removable cable
- Good quality tips
- Tuning switch
- Improved Bass and Sub-Bass (quality over quantity)
- Soundstage & imaging
- Easy to drive (you don’t need anything expensive)
Cons:
- Cable could be better
- Fingerprints on glossy surfaces
- Not for Bassheads
- Big chunky nozzles
- You have to learn the filter position (no marks for quick recognition)