In this review, we’ll take a look at the Tanchjim One In-Ear Monitor, a single dynamic driver IEM, the latest release from Tanchjim which is the successor to the Tanchjim Zero. With a base price of $24.99, this IEM aims to provide great sound quality at an affordable price point. Huge thanks to Forhifi for sending this review unit and to Practiphile for facilitating.
Enjoy my Tanchjim One IEM review!
Disclaimer: Reviewing audio gear is highly subjective. There are many factors that influence the sound characteristics of a product, such as ear tips, fit, music choice, prior experience, and more. What I experience may not reflect what you experience, and vice versa. So please take everything I say here with a grain of salt, and always cross-reference reviews. So now, let’s proceed.
Summary
Pros:
- Removable cable
- Inoffensive, fatigue-free tuning
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Satisfying bass region
- Good fit due to its design
Cons:
- Hard to fault this set due to its price
- Lacks nuance
- Trebleheads might want a bit more energy
About the Tanchjim One
Company Overview
Tanchjim Audio is no stranger to the audiophile world. They have been active in the industry since 2015 as a premium hi-fi in-ear monitor brand from China. With a professional team of acoustic engineers, Tanchjim has released several award-winning in-ear monitors over the years, including budget-friendly and premium models such as the well-received Tanchjim Oxygen, the Tanchjim Hana, and more.
Tanchjim came into the limelight with their highly successful “Harman-Tuned” IEM, the Tanchjim Oxygen, praised for its excellent build quality and sound. Tanchjim treats each earphone of theirs with utmost precision and craftsmanship, ensuring a high-quality product.
Technical Specifications
- Sensitivity: 126dB.
- Impedance: 16Ω.
- Frequency Range: 7Hz-45kHz.
- Driver Unit: 10mm Dynamic Driver.
- Cable: 3.5mm 0.78mm 2-pin Connectors / Type C 0.78mm DSP Connectors
What’s Inside the Box
- 7 sets of ear tips small-large (One came pre-installed)
- Manual
- Carrying pouch
- 3.5mm 0.78mm Cable
- IEMs themselves
Review
Bullet-type IEMs always have a special place in my heart. I remember my first good-sounding in-ear monitors were from Xiaomi – their Piston 1 and 2 models had a bullet-type shell before they departed from this design with the Hybrid IEMs.
The Tanchjim One has 3 options when you purchase it. The base model is $24.99, the mic version is $25.99, and the version with the DSP (Digital Sound Processing) cable is $27.99.
My review unit came with both the Type C cable and the 3.5mm cable, so I was able to test the Tanchjim One with the DSP and its standard sound profile.
Frequency Response
Frequency response courtesy of Practiphile.
Experience
On my time listening to the Tanchjim One, I used my Cayin N6ii DAP and also switched the stock ear tips with my trusted Tri Clarion tips.
One advantage of the bullet-type design and lightweight construction is wearing comfort – you can easily forget you have the Tanchjim One in.
Switching to the 3.5mm cable brings out a bit more treble energy, while the DSP cable has a more relaxed sound.
Music
My initial listening impressions were with the Type C cable. Putting on Tears For Fears’ “Woman in Chains”, I wasn’t greeted with a sharp or shouty signature. Instead, the Tanchjim One sounds warm, with a really good low end that has enough impact to satisfy bass needs without being overly boomy. Though throughout the frequency spectrum, the low end seems somehow more present, almost overpowering the mids and highs.
Switching to Clairo’s live version of “Bags” from her Electric Lady Studio session, I couldn’t help but notice the thick, well-rounded, and satisfying bass.
I wanted more sparkle and spice in the treble – it lacks refinement and control, which is especially apparent on busy tracks. But that’s to be expected at this price range, so I can’t complain too much.
Listening to Damien Rice’s “Volcano” featuring Lisa Hannigan, the vocals seem a bit behind in the mix compared to my preferences. They aren’t overly recessed, but I was really spoiled by the vocal clarity and forwardness I heard on the BQEYZ Winter. The Tanchjim One’s vocals lack nuance, sounding somewhat dull, especially with female vocals.
There’s less emotion compared to previous units I’ve tried, like my personal Fiio FD11 which has more of the vocal quality and emotion I look for. With male vocals, there aren’t as many issues. I believe these IEMs may better suit those who mostly listen to male vocalists rather than female. The Tanchjim One also lacks a 3D effect – I didn’t feel the same sense of panning on tracks as I did with other IEMs.
Overall, the tuning leans towards more relaxed rather than engaging. I’d say neutral-warm sound signature.
Gaming
In gaming, the One has nice imaging but is just within range. The soundstage isn’t expansive so you won’t get a competitive advantage, as footsteps sound kind of muted as the enemies get further away. The sound coming from the guns doesn’t sound full or thin, it’s just average. For the price, it is acceptable for gaming, but if you want an immersive-sounding IEM like the Dunu Falcon Ultra, this might not be for you.
Conclusion
My comments above that may come across as “negative” are just nitpick at best because honestly, there’s not much I could complain about it at this price point.
So if you are tired of your current piercing IEM and you are looking for a sub $30 option that would complement your current setup, the Tanchjim One is a viable choice. It may not be the best, with lots of IEMs coming out within this price range, but it is surely a good value in this category with its non-mainstream sound profile approach.
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