I was curious what would come out of combining Tanchjim’s good tuning and Effect Audio’s cable craftsmanship. Tanchjim x Effect Audio FORCE is the first product of this collaboration, and right from the first listen, I realized: this IEM doesn’t try to put on a show. Instead, it gives space to the music. It reveals details without pushing them, draws you in without wearing you out.
Unboxing Tanchjim x Effect Audio FORCE
It smells like a Tanchjim. You know what I mean.
The impression was a kind of “quiet strength.” Neither bright, nor warm, nor dry. What I heard was clear — but full-bodied. Especially through the balanced (BAL) output, it starts to open up. As you feed it more power, both the detail and the soundstage grow — but it never falls apart.
Bass
The bass character of FORCE feels like “just enough.” Not too little, not excessive. Especially from the SE output, the low end can feel limited — sometimes a bit restrained and distant. But that distance gives the mids and treble space to breathe. Still, some listeners might wonder, “what if it reached just a little deeper?”
But once you go BAL, things shift. The low end deepens, gains body, but still doesn’t cross the line. It hits, but doesn’t smear. Especially in layered electronic tracks (like The Electro Suite or Africa), the sub-bass adds fullness. Sub-bass extension is noticeable, and decay is relatively quick and clean.
Midrange
The midrange is one of Tanchjim x Effect Audio FORCEs most characteristic areas. Neither too forward nor too recessed. Vocals sound natural, leaning slightly neutral. Male vocal resolution is particularly impressive. Guitars, drums, backing vocals — all are clearly separated but nothing jumps ahead. That creates a balanced and unbiased presentation.
With BAL output, mids gain more body and life. Especially in complex recordings like Harper Lewis, FORCE separates instruments cleanly without introducing artificial sharpness. There’s an organic sense of resolution. The 3D stage becomes clearer, and tonal fullness increases slightly. The mids aren’t purely analytical — there’s emotion in them too.
Treble
The first impression in the treble region is “smoothness.” Even with SE connection, the highs are patient. They don’t try to shine, nor do they pull back. Cymbal decay, high synth notes, and upper vocal details all come through gently but distinctly — reducing the risk of ear fatigue.
With more power (BAL output), treble steps slightly forward but still remains “polite.” For example, synth textures in Africa are faster and clearer but never harsh. The sense of air is well-balanced. FORCE’s approach to treble isn’t reference-sharp, but pleasantly neutral. There’s no harshness, but also no missing detail.
USB-C Version Impressions
With the USB-C output, the soundstage becomes slightly narrower, but the presentation feels more centered and compact. Treble is softer, and the bass is a bit rounded off, though it can be adjusted with EQ. Mids are more forward and clearer; vocals feel closer to the ear. Overall, the character is warmer and softer. It doesn’t cause fatigue over long listening sessions, but it’s not as dynamic or spacious as the BAL output.
In short: the USB-C version offers a more relaxed, intimate, and mobile-focused presentation; it doesn’t scale with power like the analog version, but it still sounds enjoyable and clean.
Comparisons
vs Effect Audio Pilgrim
Effect Audio Pilgrim stands out as a more affordable and easy-to-listen-to IEM. Tonally, it’s warm, mid-bass focused, and overall presentation is relaxing. Treble is rounded off, leaning more toward comfort than detail. Mids are slightly recessed but sweet, with a bit of romanticism in vocals. The bass is fun but not tight; sub-bass extension is limited. The stage isn’t narrow, but it lacks layering. Pilgrim is a fatigue-free, cozy, “just plug in and listen” kind of earphone for everyday use.
FORCE, on the other hand, sits in a completely different league. It’s more balanced, with significantly higher resolution and a far more refined overall sound. Bass is controlled but impactful when needed, mids are clearer and more forward, and treble is airier and more detailed. FORCE doesn’t bring the music to you — it places you inside the music. The stage is both wide and three-dimensional. While Pilgrim is smoother and softer, FORCE is more disciplined and open; one feels like a tasty dessert, the other like a clean, refined main course. Which one to choose depends entirely on what you’re looking for.
vs Yanyin Canon
In terms of sound, the Yanyin Canon offers a more flexible and user-adjustable structure. With its triple switch system, you can shift between different profiles: in the DUD position, Canon provides a very balanced and natural tone, while the DDD mode keeps the stage wide and pushes the bass forward. In the UDD setting, the low frequencies increase significantly, resulting in a warm but occasionally mid-obscuring character. Canon’s stage is wide, imaging is successful, mids are natural, and the bass is controlled yet lively. Treble is clean and detailed; however, when the treble switch is turned on, it can become too sharp. With the right combination (especially with the stock tips), you can achieve a very enjoyable and balanced presentation.
FORCE, on the other hand, follows a single path — but it’s a very clear one. Its tonal character is fixed but highly refined: neutral, slightly warm, open, and disciplined. The midrange resolution is higher than Canon’s, and especially in instrument-heavy tracks, its separation is noticeably superior. Bass is controlled but deep when needed, and the treble is soft yet detailed. The stage width is similar to Canon’s, but it feels more realistic and without artificiality. Instead of putting you in different moods, FORCE creates its own: a simple, clear, and clean musical space. Canon is more fun and variable, while FORCE delivers a more consistent and “correct” listening experience.
✅ Pros
• Balanced, mature, and clean sound
• Scales very well with power
• Wide and airy stage thanks to open-back design
• USB-C version with EQ and mobile flexibility
• High-end build and aesthetic
• Excellent midrange resolution and overall clarity
❌ Cons
– Bass is limited and stage is narrower on SE
– Treble may feel too soft for those who prefer aggressive tuning
– USB-C app still feels like it’s in development
– Fit may vary by ear shape; isolation is average
Tanchjim x Effect Audio FORCE Review Conclusion
This isn’t the kind of IEM that tries to impress you at first listen. But the more you listen, the deeper it gets. Especially with powerful sources, it delivers the kind of detail that doesn’t shout — but speaks clearly. It has presence without being loud, character without exaggeration.
And it hasn’t forgotten mobile users either, with a surprisingly good USB-C version.
