SuperTFZ Force1 ($79)
TFZ is a very well-known chifi brand which has been making audio products for quite some time. They have come out with many iems over the years that have been very well done in their respective price points. I have owned many of them myself. In fact, the TFZ No. 3 still holds up against budget V-shaped iems even today. The TFZ Live 3 as well was, and is, a very well-done big bass banger of a set.
So, as I do, I begin checking what’s out there, scrolling through different markets looking for iems to check out and I come across this very cool looking, blingy, almost trippy looking iem. I then noticed the brand… “SuperTFZ”? What?! I came to find out that SuperTFZ is in fact a sister company of TFZ. I had to laugh because the naming schemes of chifi borders on being ridiculous. This isn’t just TFZ, no… its “SuperTFZ”!! TFZ isn’t “super” enough I suppose. Anyways, I came across the Force1 which is flat out striking in appearance. As always, curiosity got the better of me and I hit the “Buy Now” button.
There really isn’t much that I could find across the Internet as to why TFZ went this route. I did learn that this is supposed to be a more upscale style focusing on the best quality in each of the models’ price points. From what I found this line of iems is meant for stage use as well as recreational listening. I don’t really know how well these would fit a person on stage other than, spoiler: there is only one tiny vent which helps a lot in isolation. I’m not going to guess though and lead astray. Also, I do believe that SuperTFZ also has a more expensive unit, the Force5. Let’s get into this review and stop mindlessly blabbering.
Force1 Pros
-Beautiful Crystal-Clear Shells
-Nice Timbre for a Big Bass V-Shaped iem
-Controlled Bass for its large quantity
-Deep and textured low-end
-Nice extension up top
-Very fun V-shaped tuning
-Passive Noise Isolation
-Imaging / Separation
-Ergonomic shape
Force1 Cons
-Some pierce & shoutiness in lower treble
-Driver Flex
-Bass may be too much for some
-Bass can take over soundstage in bass heavy tracks
-Treble has a metallic edge at high volumes and in complicated tracks.
-Slight recession of the midrange (picky)
-Thinner female vocals
Gear Used
–Ibasso DX240 w/ Amp8 MK2
Later Comparisons: Whizzer Kylin HE01, Moondrop Aria, Fiio FD3
Packaging
I gotta say, SuperTFZ puts together a nice unboxing presentation. The Force1 Box is a vertical rectangle cube with the lid covering the greater portion of the package. Just pull the top off and the beautiful Force1 iems sit glistening in the plastic insert. Right away you can see the colors change as light hits this set from different directions. Under the plastic holder you will find two sets of silicone ear tips, both narrow and wide bore of decent quality (I use KBear 07s). SuperTFZ added a small drawstring carry bag to protect your new iems. You also will receive the 4 core SPC cable (more on that further ahead) and some boring paperwork.
Not a bad set of accessories compared to similarly priced iems. Certainly not luxurious but the unique unboxing is pretty cool. You can tell a lot of thought went into the layout of the unboxing. I realize most of us are like children on Christmas day and we want to rip and tear, but also, it’s nice to open a well put together package. That said this is not the most robust and plentiful of packages. Still, not bad.
Build/Durability/Design/Isolation
Look
The Force1 is something else! An absolutely gorgeous design. Every slight movement reveals new colors in the crystal looking transparent Shells. At some angles the internal driver almost has a zoomed in effect and is always easily visible. Yellow, pink, turquoise, blue, purple and more are the colors which dance and refract when the iems move under light at different angles. Really this is a very unique and cool looking design. The Force1 actually looks like colorful gems. SuperTFZ… A+, nice job.
Graphic imaging and wording appear on the Faceplate area and are laid out in an elegant way. I say area because this set doesn’t really have a Faceplate to be exact. On one earphone you get the winged person (TFZ Logo), I don’t know, maybe an angel of sorts and on the other earphone it simply reads “SuperTFZ”. Even these small graphics refract and change colors. It truly is a stunning and resplendent display of craftsmanship.
Isolation
Isolation is fantastic. It’s very difficult to spot any vent holes anywhere in the housing, nozzle or Faceplate area. However, if you really search, you’ll find an extremely small vent towards the back of the shell. I mean… extremely small. A small tube runs from the backside of the Driver and out the vent hole. The only other venting is through the actual nozzle itself. Obviously, this lack of openness creates great passive noise isolation. When a good seal is had the Force1 seems to drown out the outside world so very well. Much better than your average in-ear monitor.
There is a downside, you may get some driver flex and crinkling of the driver. I don’t get this every time I put them in because I try to take my time. The way around this is to slowly insert these into the ear and even pulling up on your ear helps to alleviate some of the suction on the driver. I know some of you folks detest driver flex so you may want to stay away from this set. As for me I’m not bothered at all, I just take an extra second or two and insert…slowly.
I can see the benefit here for stage purposes. SuperTFZ truly did create an iem which does a great job at attenuation outside sounds. The other benefit is these cancel out enough noise to not need to listen as loudly to your music.
Build
Another win for Force1. The build is extremely well done. One chunk of molded resin covers the entire iem. The design is a universal design and at least for me is perfectly fitted to my ear. I mean spot on! The Force1 hugs my ear as though it was shaped and molded to me. I’m sure this will not be the case for everyone. The nozzle appears to be a brass nozzle with a quality metal filter mesh.
Durability
I can’t imagine a world where this set is not completely durable, just look the Force1, feel them. Like a perfectly sculpted smooth chunk of crystal. All one piece, no seams at all. A very well crafted and imagined set of earphones which really invoke a sense of peace in their durability.
What’s Inside?
Inside of these nice-looking shells is a Dual-Magnetic, Dual-Tesla, Beryllium coated Single10mm Dynamic Driver. Sound tubes run from the driver to the nozzle. Not much to say here except the layout of the internals and the visual of them is very nice.
Dual magnetic circuits-dual sound cavity 4K cinema sound system
The well-designed fourth-generation Dual-Magnetic force system makes the sound extremely natural and full, picks up all kinds of subtle information, and restores the sound effects of blockbuster level. Completely complete, coupled with strong low frequency flexibility, it is comparable to 4K-level high-definition visual effects.
Hi-Res high-resolution audio design standard
The reference-level dual magnetic circuit dynamic system, the sound field bandwidth is powerfully improved, the performance in music quality and sound reproduction is incisive, the experience is completely refreshed, and the ultra-clear atmosphere of the live performance is truly felt, and the resolution is outstanding. It is the brand of SUPERTFZ Dynamic earphones with a leap in performance.
TFZ Promotional
Force1’s Cable
The included cable is a 4-core Silver Plated Copper and is white in color. This is a 2-pin cable with a 3.5 single ended jack. For the price this cable is quality. I would pit this against any cheaper chifi upgrade cable. It’s not bad at all. SuperTFZ used rectangular silver stainless metal blocks at the 3.5 connector Jack and the cable split. It kinda goes along with the theme of this set; Quality meets art, meets luxurious appearance.
Drivability
The Force1 is pretty easy to drive at 32 ohms and 105 DB sensitivity. I was able to bring them to good volume and fidelity even from my Zooaux Dongle Dac. I do have to say that everything tightens up with more power. For instance, moving up to the IFi Go Blu using a balanced cable was an immediate upgrade. Not by much but that extra power does certainly tighten and add a certain dynamic flare. Same thing with the Fiio KA3. Same story.
Using the Ibasso DX240 with Amp8 Mk2 on medium gain and volume around 50/100 was the best synergy of any pairing. The added power scaled my listening session a bit more as well. Bumping up to high gain proved that these Beryllium coated drivers can handle more and respond well to it. Beryllium is one of those metals which seem to always be a bit hungrier than most. In my experience anyways. They just seem to love more energy thrown at them.
I certainly don’t think one would need a desktop situation with this set. Truth be told even a low powered dongle dac sounds really nice. I only use more power because I have more. If all I had was the Zooaux dac I would be more than happy.
Sound Impressions
The Force1 is a warmer, south of neutral deep V-shaped iem. This is a transparent sounding unit with coloration at both ends of the spectrum. Supposedly the Force1 was created for recreational as well as stage use. I would venture to say that stage use would relegate to only certain Instruments as the low-end hits hard on this set. Hard and pretty quick is the bass, with boatloads of impact. The Midrange does have a recession, though not to any great detriment. There is no veil over the sound as the Force1 has nice clarity. In fact, the upper midrange is actually more forward and energetic against the rest of the midrange. This helps to bring some shimmer to the mix and female vocals. The Force1 treble area has a big presence and a nice downward trajectory with good extension to my ears.
Some areas of the mix are better than others for me but as a whole I hear a very fun, dynamic and expressive iem. Big sound, big bass, and dynamism emanates from the Force1, yet at the same time this bad boy can get a tad bright up top. Like I said, this set is dynamic to the core! Bold is a word that comes to mind when describing this set. I gotta spell this out so nobody is confused… this set is not for everyone… AT ALL! If you have audiophile dreams, then I’d suggest moving along. Ha! This isn’t the iem for you. This is energetic all the way through at a basshead level. The bonus is this… For a bass head earphone, the control is very nice. Especially compared to other bass head level iems. Let’s call it audiophile bass head. I am only half kidding though.
Bass
Sub-bass
Ooh those sub-bass drops hit with authority! You can feel as well as hear the rumble down low. The texture to the sub region is pretty darn good. I hear rounded and sonorous notes here which stand out on the Force1. “Paradigm” by the Head and the Heart begins with a very deep bassline. The Force1 began showing me why they named this set… Force1. The sub-bass rumble has a juddering vibration in this song, especially listening with this set. Leading edge attack is well defined in the sub bass with a natural decay for a great atmosphere. Like I said, this is bass head territory, but the rest of the mix is not forgotten.
Sub-bass dominates
The sub-bass is most certainly the dominant part of the low-end. Every Instrument which plays in this area is presented forward and full. Some may not like the large quantity here, but I enjoy it. Remember… Just for fun. Bass guitars growl deep and bass drops are big and bullish. There isn’t anything that I would call too sloppy here, but instead controlled in this region for the size.
Is it too much?…
One con would be that some would probably consider the sub bass too much as it can encroach on the other areas and even make the bass area sound a bit one dimensional. It really all depends on the track being played. Only on congested tracks with multiple basslines and even then, it isn’t all the time. Other than that, I hear good control.
I am reviewing from a fun perspective by the way. In no way did I first hear this iem and think I was going to critique it in any other light. However, fun doesn’t have to be uncontrolled and sloppy. So far, the Force1 has decent control taking advantage of the beryllium plating and the tech housed within. Still, one could make a valid argument that the sub-bass presence is a bit too much but that is a matter of taste.
Mid-bass
Mid-bass is also on the larger side and does bleed over into the mids a bit. Nothing which washes out other frequencies but enough to add warmth and fullness. The mid bass is on a fast slope down into the Mids. This helps to not congest the mix too much while still having plenty in quantity.
Attack/Decay
The mid-bass is very punchy as it slams pretty hard when asked to. Kick drums boom with roundness and decay quicker than one may be used to for a larger bass profile. Not fast, but not slow as the Force1 decays in a way which sounds appropriate to my music. The attack is fast and forceful coupled with a decay which shows nice sustain and sounds as natural as possible considering the size of the bass. Attack only slightly lacks true definition. The leading edge in the mid bass does have an ever-so-slight fuzz to it yet still maintains that forcefully blunted BOOM! Nothing even close to hollow or pillowy. In fact, this is the exact opposite.
The potential of a Beryllium coated driver used for a big V-shaped bass is on display here. For a budget single Dynamic with a huge bass presence, I would say that the SuperTFZ have done a nice job. Especially considering other noteworthy basshead competitors in the price point. Granted we don’t often see these unicorns anymore.
Bass in a nutshell
It’s big and bold with a ton of energy! Instruments which play in the low end have solid weight and are forward. The bass can be a tad on the one-dimensional side on certain tracks, but this only pertains to tracks with a lot going on. Note edges are not too soft in this area also. Obviously, there is coloration in this region, but the timbre is not so out of whack. There is evident warmth yet not so much to throw off the whole spectrum. The only other downside is the bass can overtake the soundstage in bass heavy tracks. The treble area is enough to fight back a bit against this occurrence, but I have to point this out. I’ll say it again… This set is not for everyone.
Midrange
Lower Mids
The lower mids are helped a bit by the slight bleed into this area from the bass. Male vocals are recessed but still have decent clarity and heft. This recession is done well for a V-shaped signature as it plays great with the rest of the mix. What I mean is, nothing sounds muted or too distant. In fact, the weight is quite nice which gives a tonal balance to the sound as a whole. I’ve certainly heard better but of course this is not the highlight of the Force1 and more so a casualty of a V-shaped sound signature.
Larry Fleet’s voice in “Where I find God” has some nice definition and a certain plumpness to it. He sounds a bit warm but not unnatural or veiled. In this song there happens to be a fairly deep bassline (55 seconds in) and Larry’s vocals cut right through without issue or bloating. The mood and emotion of the song is easily captured. I think the deeper bass is a great touch and adds emphasis to the memory Larry is talking about. The Force1 does well to express this gratitude within the song with meaty vocals and a crisp edge to his voice.
Upper Mids
The Upper-mids have an almost natural and slightly brighter tonality. Females are pushed forward more than the rest of the midrange. Sopranos sound very clean and have a subtle shimmer to them. I think note weight thins out a hair in the upper mids, but also resolution is enhanced and there is more energy here to add some gleam to my music.
Take “Almost” on Jewel’s newest album. Her voice sounds forward and has an emotional tilt. Her voice sounds elegant and natural, with a textured edge to it. That said, her voice does come across a bit thin. There is a give and take with a budget iem which should be expected. I should also add that at higher volumes the upper areas of the midrange can almost reach shout. A lot depends upon the song being listened to, and the volume you listen at, and the ear tips you choose, the source you listen with, etc. etc.
Midrange as a whole
The midrange is average to me. Nothing too exciting. Which in the grand scheme of things may translate to a con. I guess that all depends what sound signature you enjoy. On the plus side, there isn’t anything to call bad. There is some recession in the Midrange but nothing that takes away from my music. It also doesn’t enhance my library either. I hear no shoutiness at all and no sibilance. Nothing to cause horrible fatigue for me. The technical side of things is lacking in the Midrange a bit but again, nothing which takes away from my music… Another plus is the imaging, it isn’t bad at all in the Midrange, more on that later.
Treble
The treble is actually… pretty nice. There is some shimmer and shine up top. I do hear a peak around the presence region. I cannot confirm this using a graph unfortunately. Instruments don’t suffer too often from any odd tonality and mostly veer more on the natural side. Though at higher volumes and on complicated tracks there are some metallic artifacts which only slightly show their face. I am being extremely petty here. Please make a note of that. All in all, the treble region adds much needed levity in the overall sound.
Extension is actually quite good giving a nice trail to cymbals. Violins sound correct enough for a budget iem as well as flutes and other instruments. What the Force1 adds is nice clarity which leads to a more technically adept playback in the treble. I still hear some decent representation in the air region which does lift up the overall sound.
The only real issue occurred in the song “In Bloom” by Nirvana. Right at the opening of the song you are hit by straight chaos. Cymbals crash with heavy guitars blaring and on the Force1 the cymbals are slightly drowned out by the low end and upper mids/lower treble. A situation such as this is the only issue on this set.
Not bad TFZ or… SuperTFZ. Not a detail monster, but for what it is, the Force1 really isn’t bad. Just enough lift for macro and even some micro details to be floodlit to the surface. So long as the track isn’t really congested. I’d say these are average to even above average for the price point in this area.
Soundstage/Imaging/Technicalities
Soundstage
For a mostly isolated and stage ready experience due to a single teeny-tiny vent, the soundstage is actually not bad. I hear average width, slightly outside my ears. Height is above average, and depth is about average. The rendered psycho-acoustic image is accurate to me. Not quite 3D or holographic (whatever the that means), but the stage is enough to properly lay out a band and different instruments with a decently sized field of audio. All I really need is “appropriate”. I don’t care if it’s big or small, it just has to make sense. I don’t want to hear anything stuffy or congested and the Force1 is definitely neither of those two things.
The biggest con in the soundstage happens to be the overwhelming bass presence at times and in heavy bass tracks. This sometimes causes the stage to sound a bit smaller or confined as the field of sound is filled with low end boom. Other than that, the soundstage could probably be considered average to slightly above.
Imaging
Imaging is above average hear. If there was a bit more depth, I think these would have been outstanding. Voices and instruments are positioned accurate to the track being played. Separation is very good for a budget iem which aids in the many layers to music. In complicated tracks things can get a bit blurry (not unlike most single DD budget iems), but for a single dynamic I’d say these do very well. The great majority of the time I hear correct positioning and seemingly correct partitioned off areas for each element on the stage.
Technicalities/Details
The most overused word in the Audio world… technicalities. However, I think we all have the gist of what we are talking about. Basically details, separation, layering Yada, Yada, Yada.
Obviously, these are not technical masters of anything. They aren’t the most open and airy or refined. That said, the Force1 actually fare pretty well where details are concerned. Not all areas of the mix, however. From the upper-mids and up through the treble, things are nicely illuminated, and details have the perception of being brought to the forefront. Also, the low end is also pretty resolute in its playback and pick up some nice details as well.
Most certainly there are many iems which specialize in this area and do deliver more easily identifiable details. Truthfully though, like I’ve said a bunch of times already, the Force1 doesn’t take anything away from my music in casual listening. This is not the specialty of the Force1. I think the Force1 is more emotional in delivery rather than calculated and dry. The low end is textured and resolute, the mids are smoother & more digestible, and the treble is illuminated and with good resolution as well. As a whole you have a fine V-shape for the price. Of course, there are better iems for technicalities but anyone buying the Force1 for its detailed playback there are other iems I’d direct you to.
Comparisons
*Note: Choosing comparison iems I mostly try to find some similarity as purchasing decisions normally are based around a few variables; Price, sound signature and Driver type and implementation etc.*
Whizzer HE01 ($79)
The Whizzer HE01 is a slightly underrated iem. If not, it’s definitely a forgotten one. There was a very brief period where it got some love but that came and went like the breeze. However, I was one of the people who picked this set up and I do enjoy it quite a bit.
The HE01 features a high magnetic circuit, metal Composite 10.2mm Single DD. This little gem is another pretty looking iem.
The Force1 has a much more V-shaped approach whereas the HE01 is closer to the Harman Target. The HE01 has snappier bass across the low end. Of course, it is also less in quantity. The Force1 has a lot more authority for bass drops and more of a guttural growl listening to bass guitars. The Mids of the HE01 sound more forward and truer. Details are more readily discernible in the Mids on the HE01 as well. Treble on the Force1 is brighter and more technical sounding. The Force1 also has a bit more perceived extension and detail retrieval.
Between the two the HE01 is the more laid back and an easier set to digest over long periods of listening. I do think if you are after a fun listen then there’s no doubt the Force1 would fare better. If a bigger Bass is what you are after both of these sets will suffice. Still the Force1 simply has more in quantity.
Moondrop Aria ($75)
The Moondrop Aria needs no introduction but for the sake of those who have been living under a tree stump… the Moondrop Aria everyone.
Aria is another single DD. A 10mm LCP Diaphragm single DD actually. The Aria is created after the Harman Curve and follows that trend very closely. Truthfully these are two entirely different animals with entirely different tuning. One is absolutely fatigue free while the other is exciting and big and bold.
The Force1 has a lot more in the low end with a snappier attack and much bigger Bass with a more forceful punch. The Aria has almost a pillowy bass yet still has enough punch to carry most genres. The Mids of the Aria have no contest here as the midrange can be lovely on this set. More forward and more of a full sounding and complete midrange. The Aria is simply more resolving and transparent in the Midrange. Simply put… Mids go to Aria. The treble of the Force1 is more detailed and has more of a lively energy. The Aria has great extension but simply doesn’t carry the same expression and lift like the Force1. Not that the Aria is missing anything in this area.
What is it friends… lively, fun and dynamic or easy going, inoffensive and melodic. Imaging and technicalities mostly go to the Force1, but that even handed and versatile sound of the Aria is stuff of under $100 legend. The Force1 is a certain contender for V-shaped iems in the price point. Again, two different animals and truthfully two separate listening styles all together. More often than not I would reach for the Aria as it is just so very well done as a whole.
Fiio FD3 ($99)
I bounced around adding the Olina instead of the FD3, but the FD3 simply is closer in sound to the Force.
The FD3 has a very large 12mm DLC Diaphragm boasting a 1.5 tesla magnetic flux unit and using a semi-open acoustic design in the small shells. One of my favorites at the price point. It has interchangeable sound tubes, built wonderfully and has fantastic accessories, the whole nine yards. Really a well-tuned iem and a beautifully crafted aluminum magnesium shell material.
The bass region of the Force1 is simply bigger as a whole. More authority. However, the punch in the attack carries more of a rounded edge on the FD3. I suppose like anything this is a matter of taste. There is good clarity in both bass regions, yet I do enjoy the FD3 quite a lot. Both iems have nice texture but the added air of the FD3 helps to sound a bit more open. Again, neither disappoint in the low-end, both offer plenty of thump.
The midrange of the FD3 has a more believable and detailed replay and simply sounds more refined. Thicker note weight in the lower mids of the Force1 sound hefty but the FD3 have better resolution in this area. On the flip, the FD3 have a thicker note weight in terms of female singers. Both iems have a more forward upper-mid area but again, the added feeling of air caters to a better sound on the FD3 to me.
The treble area of the Force1 is extended and bright. The FD3 has a good extension as well with similar definition and details. The FD3 sounds a bit more subdued with less of a shimmer though. Please don’t take this as a rebuke of the FD3 as the highs play off the rest of the mix very well. This doesn’t mean the FD3 completely lacks shimmer as it is there just less in quantity. This is more a testament to the top end of the Force1. SuperTFZ’s product does sound a bit more resolute in the treble region.
The stage is more open on the FD3 which gives the impression of a larger field of sound. Layering is a bit more evident on the FD3 as well. The FD3 is like a Harman set with a bass boost. Very well done and non-fatiguing. The Force1 is a classic V-shaped iem with good internals that is meant for fun and guilty pleasure. Take your pick.
Conclusion
This set really surprised me. I was looking for a banger of a set for certain genres. Truthfully, I’ve always loved big bass. Growing up on Gangster rap and rock n’ roll I’ve always had a guilty pleasure craving for a bit more on the low end. Since then, I have shifted to different music but that want to sometimes escape to a more fun playlist still lives on. I have refined my listening the last 5 to 6 years to crave more quality over quantity but at times it is very nice to feel my eyeballs vibrating inside my skull. This set can get me there. As far as budget V-shaped iems go the Force1 is a promising set with many good qualities. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include that this set is absolutely not for everyone.
Great isolation, transparent for the style and price and beautiful to look at, the Force1 is a great addition to the TFZ family. I think if your collection needs a more fun and dynamic and immersive earphone to compliment the rest of your iems then this is one to consider. Under $100 the Force1 can really stand out for what it offers.
People I say this in every review. Please don’t simply take my word for it. Gather other ideas and thoughts about this iem. Read or listen to other perspectives. This is one of, if not thee most subjective hobbies on planet earth as we are all different. I cannot stress this enough. I’m quite sure there will be many whom vehemently disagree with me, and you know what…they aren’t wrong. This is the one hobby where we are all right, all the time when it comes to how an audio device sounds to our subjective experience. We all have different likes and dislikes, maybe different libraries, different gear and that all takes part into our listening experience and opinions. So please, before you hit the “Buy Now” button…check out another opinion.
I want to thank anyone who took the time to read the words that I write. It will always mean a lot to me. I greatly enjoy putting my thoughts to digital ink as it can be very therapeutic for me. Music is what all of this is about, and I believe this is a shared interest between us all. We try to find the absolute best way to hear that music with what we can afford. I realize not everyone has a billion dollars burning a hole in their pocket and many people have to save for quite some time to get what sounds good for them. So, with that said, I do hope this helps even one person in some way. Thank you very much and take care.
