TANCHJIM FOLA – THE FINAL ACT

INTRODUCTION:

Tanchjim as a brand secured its place in this field by showcasing its finest launches starting from budget (Zero, Bunny etc.)  till the top tier segment. The Oxygen being their flagship, the brand kept on researching to bring the best of out of it keeping the budget in mind. The answer to it is the TANCHJIM FOLA! In this review, let’s see how this stacks up against the competition.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dynamic Driver Technology: DMT5 Single Dynamic Driver

Diaphragm Material: PU suspended edge, DLC dome composite diaphragm

Impedance: 16Ω ±5%

Sensitivity: 126dB/Vrms

Frequency Response Range: 2Hz – 48kHz

Wire Specification: Interchangeable connector, with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, DSP-S plug available

Wire Material and Structure: LITZ anti-oxidation structure, oxygen-free copper wire core plated with silver

DISCLAIMER:

This unit was provided to me by Tanchjim Official in exchange for my honest review. The whole views are based on my observations during my period of testing.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS:

SETUP: Tanchjim Fola 4.4 Termination + Dynamic Nozzle + Xduoo Link2 Bal USB Dongle DAC + Local Hi Res Tracks. Occasionally i have tested it using the Hidizs AP80 Pro Max

SOUND CURVE: Balanced

TONALITY: Neutral

Fola gets the Tanchjim’s in house signature that goes balanced with a sub bass focused punch and a forward midsection while retaining the sparkly treble to elevate the whole listening experience.

BASS SECTION:

A toned and textured bass profile that represents a solid sub bass punch while keeping the mid bass in control.

• Fola precisely strikes the balance between the two bass frequencies to light up the presentation with immense clarity and control.
• Rumbles are neatly heard while keeping the kick drums in presence. Clear distinction between them is appreciated.
• Faster attacking response that led the Fola to give a clean bass with no congestion whatsoever.
• Though the authority is given to sub bass, the mid bass is no slouch either representing adequate fullness and lush factor to the presentation.

MID SECTION:

Forward and engaging mid-section is what will strike everyone’s mind during the initial listen.

• The tonality being neutral, the whole replay feels realistic and true to its source.
• The lower mid-section has precise warmth delivering enough fullness to the male vocals.
• The upper mid-section is elevated in controlled fashion to give that airy feel to the presentation.
• The background instruments are neatly laid out in the background, allowing the vocals to take the front stage.

TREBLE:

• Fola gets the treble that’s elevated linearly without any noticeable spikes
• This got that shimmer and brilliance in the top end to give that sparkle to the replay.
• The sibilant is well under control and provides a soothing longer listening sessions.
• Percussion instruments strike precisely with proper attack and decay with no sharp edges.

TECHNICALITIES:

STAGING AND IMAGING: Fola gets a massive stage presence especially in terms of width. Its expansiveness allows the notes to sweep nicely from extreme left to the right paving way for a stellar imaging experience.

DETAIL RETRIEVAL: On par with the Oxygen in terms of technical aspects. Extracts the essential nuances without any hiccups.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS WITH USB-C:

The USB C has its inbuilt DSP feature and an app support. The Tanchjim app provides immense features that can be fiddled with. The app has some presets for the Fola, out of which I liked the default setting to be more mature and accurate sounding.

The interesting feature is the surround sound (5.1 and 7.1). Basically, they dialed back the mid-section which creates a sensation of deeper staging. Though not great for critical listening, they can be a boon for gamer.

PROFILE CURVE:

• USB-C has a more dynamic sound displaying a stronger mid bass presence but at a cost of dialled back mid-section.
• A sense of darkness can be seen with USB-C due to the added warmth and lushness.
• Though this feels more dynamic, the 4.4mm sounds open, airy and detailed.

VERDICT:

Fola, the new mid-tier contender from the house of Tanchjim nails this time with its commendable sonic output. The flagship grade DMT 5 Dynamic driver with DLC Diaphragm inside the Fola stands true to its source and makes this a blind pick under 200 USD!

BUILD AND DESIGN:

Fola is built solid with lightweight aluminum shells and sapphire glass faceplate. The cavity itself is a patented design by Tanchjim that has a semi open back design for enhanced frequency response.  Minimal branding is done to enhance its aesthetics and the 2 pin connectors are nicely recessed into its body. The LITZ SPC stock cable feels premium and has interchangeable terminations that gives user the freedom to switch between them. The interchangeable nozzles felt gimmick because of its similar sound out of all the three options. Though the Type C DSP termination has a dynamic sound with added warmth, Fola scales well with good sources. The 4.4 termination with Xduoo Link2 Bal gave the best sonic output that extracts the full potential of the DMT 5 driver.

PERFORMANCE:

Fola has a balanced in-house sound curve that replays a sub bass focused attack with a forward mid-section and a sparkly treble. Accompanied with that neutral tonality, the Fola pleases whoever is listening and makes them drool. Finding that balance between the sub and mid bass is what the Tanchjim’s master at. The cleaner bass presence leaves enough room for the mid-section to take up the front chair and make the listen more engaging. The treble’s got that brilliance factor which paves way for airy and vivid feel to the presentation.

Technical chops are handled with ease by the Fola. The coherency of a single dynamic driver can be witnessed here with its linear and a more connected sound. Fola gets a massive stage width which eventually gave an edge in imaging to it. Got enough headroom to spread out the notes and does feel grand in its presentation. Out of all the releases, the FOLA appears to be the FINAL ACT from the house of Tanchjim. Starting from the build till the sonic output, everything’s been taken care of!

POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES:

Pros:

1. Balanced Sound Profile
2. Neutral Tonality
3. Fast and Clean Bass (Sub bass Focused)
4. Superior Resolution
5. Forward and Engaging Mid-Section
6. Holographic Stage
7. Premium Accessories
8. Type C DSP with App Support

Cons:

1. Gimmick Nozzles
2. Not the best in technical department (Against Competitors)