TANCHJIM ZERO – A TASTE OF NEUTRALITY

INTRODUCTION:

Tanchjim, a China-based audio brand, is renowned for its exquisite sound signature. They have their presence both in the budget and premium arena with standout products like the Zero, Tanya etc. The Tanya being their warmer earphone in their catalog, the brand has released the Tanchjim Zero to satisfy the needs of Neutral cravers!

SPECIFICATIONS:

Sensitivity: 118dB/Vrms @1Khz

Impedance: 32Ω+10% @1Khz

Frequency response range: 7-50kHzTHD: <0.5% @1Khz 94dB SPL

Driver: 10mm composite diaphragm dynamic driver 

Driver technology: DMT 4

Cable: 1.25M+3.5MM gold-plated non-magnetic high-performance plug

Cable material: oxygen-free copper silver-plated core

TANCHJIM ZERO OVERVIEW:

Tanchjim Zero adopts a nice single DMT4 10mm Composite Dynamic Driver cased in a neat and simple plastic housing. It comes with a non detachable cable that’s available in both type C and 3.5mm termination as per the user wishes. 

The single Dynamic Driver delivers an astounding neutral sound profile representing a cleaner and leaner bass response, a melodious and natural mid range with smoother yet revealing treble section. The tonality is very natural with accurate timbre thus revealing a realistic sound experience.

The technical aspects are no slouch either where its layering, transient response and detail retrieval are just above the league of its price.

TANCHJIM ZERO IN DEPTH ANALYSIS:

BASS:

• The Zero delivers a neutral low end performance with adequate weight and slam. The sub bass reach is adequate thus delivering subtle rumbles when the track calls upon. 
• The mid bass sounds tighter with no distortion. The warmth is on the leaner side making the presentation more cleaner.
• The slam and weight in this neutral bass profile is precise and adequate thus leaving no room for over exaggeration.
• This neutral bass response feels precise in terms of attack and decay making the whole presentation feel realistic and natural.

MID RANGE:

• A centered stage presents the mid range, neither too forward nor too laidback.
• The vocals have a neutral tone and the timbre feels pretty natural making the instruments shine naturally.
• The lower mid section has adequate warmth and fullness carried along from the cleaner mid bass section. We have seen no bass bleed, delivering a cleaner presentation overall. Male vocals have a clear distinction with the instrumentals paving way for a detailed sound reproduction.
• The upper mid section has a smoother and engaging extension allowing the female vocals to come out and shine. The notes have adequate crispness and weight to them.
• The piano notes and the snare drums get proper attention making them sound coherent along with the vocals.

TREBLE:

• They smoothly do treble elevation without unwanted treble spikes. They never feel muted out throughout one’s listening period with this.
• The presence of air seems to be on the good side with adequate brightness throughout the presentation.
• The cymbal crashes and the trumpets sound pretty natural with accurate timbre response. The attack and decay appears to be precise with no delay.
• They keep the sibilance under control to make the listening experience fatigue free.
• They bring out even the smallest nuances without any hassles in our detail retrieval.

TECHNICALITIES:

STAGING AND IMAGING: The staging is on the bigger side with more than adequate width and height. The depth sensation appears pretty minimal since the low end here is on the neutral side. The transient response feels fast enough with no stutters during the channel sweep.

The listener can easily spot the instruments and vocals due to the very precise and accurate placement of them.

DETAIL RETRIEVAL: Though they are not on the top tier grade, the work done by the ZERO in this aspect is worth praising. They have brought out the details in a smooth manner, providing a very pleasing and an easy listen without exaggerating.

TANCHJIM ZERO VERDICT:

The house of Tanchjim has well executed the Zero, their budget offering as a gem of a product since it is very rare to see this unique tuning in this budget arena. The Zero adopts a 10mm DMT Composite Dynamic Driver enclosed in a compact plastic casing with a fixed cable that comes in a 3.5mm termination. 

Though the size is smaller, the sound delivered by this is definitely bigger for its price. This adopts a different approach in this price segment by going towards a neutral sound signature which is pretty rare to see in this segment. Despite being a budget product this requires a lot of power to drive them.

Coming to the sound, the bass appears tighter with precise attack and decay. Being on the neutral side the warmth and the fullness appears on the leaner side but the separation and clarity is exceptional hence this may not please the bass heads. 

They keep the midrange smoother yet reveal details.The tone and timbre feels natural thus providing a realistic experience. They neatly elevate the upper mid section of the presentation and keep sibilance under control.

The treble section has nice room for air allowing the percussion instruments to shine in the presentation. The detail retrieval is stellar in this category with adequate brightness throughout the track replay.

Technical aspects feel great with faster transient response and a bigger staging. Imaging feels precise with accurate placement of the instruments. 

Consumers seeking a well-executed neutral product or to taste its sound character in the budget arena will find the Zero as a GEM!

POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES:

Pros:

1. Neutral Signature
2. Faster transients and Layering
3. Natural Tone and Timbre
4. Price to Performance

Cons:

1. Power Requirement