Something Big, That's Very Small
EQUIPMENT
Topping a50s Headphone Amplifier
Xduoo MT-602 Hybrid Tube Headphone Amplifier (Sylvania 5654 Tubes)
SMSL Sanskrit 10th MK2 DAC
TempoTec E44 , Apogee Groove & Shanling UA2 Dongles
iFi Hip-Dac
Eartips: Final Audio E (2020 Version)
Cable: Stock Cable 3.5mm SE
Sources: Flac Files From my Personal Collection / Apple Music
SPECS
Impedance：16Ω± 10%
Frequency Range: 20-42KHz
Sensitivity:12dB@1KHz
1K T.H.D<0.3%
Wire: Litz oxygen-free copper wire
Transducer :7MM moving coil transducer
Diaphragm material: PEEK
Plug:3.5MM in-line (gold plated)
Price: $20USD
NOTES
The Tanchjim Tanya is an unassuming earphone sporting in a small bullet formfactor. Featuring plain looks, a single small 7mm dynamic driver and a thin captive cable, it would be easy to dismiss the Tanya as just another budget offering, being more fodder than food. That would be a huge mistake. Within its rather plain Titanium Alloy and plastic shell lies real magic. On deck here we have an inoffensively Harman Tuned iem whose real trick is the coherent and pleasing sonics that it presents. Driving the Tanya proved to be interesting as it is definitely source sensitive and for such a small unassuming package, can soak up power readily. The Tanchjim Tanya can sound two dimensional and flat when underpowered and deserves a source with good power delivery to really show it's potential. It was also found that it also does not shine it's brightest at lower volumes but really comes alive at moderately high levels which serve to bring out its true character.
BUILD, QUALITY & FIT
Build quality is not exactly confidence inspiring and this has most to do with the cable which feels thin and less than sturdy. The Tanya is also very light and being so small at the same time does not seem to indicate a durable item. That being said, there were no quality issues noted during many hours of listening and these fears were put to rest. Fit is very good but being a bullet style earphone, really makes proper tip selection a must. The Tanya had no issues staying in the ear probably due to good tip selection and its light weight.
:SOUND:
BASS:
Bass is surprising on the Tanchjim Tanya. It has a midbass emphasis with good speed, texture and detail with an additional warm richness that is very pleasing but can sound less than desirable when the Tanya is not adequately driven. It does not dig as deep into the sub-bass as the Venture Electronics BIE for example, but the quality observed here is quite good, in particular at the $20USD asking price.
"Circumstance" by Wayman Tisdale highlighted the pleasing articulation and texture presentation of the Tanya with a touch of added warmth. "Protection" by Massive Attack showed how with the Tanya, the bassline could be the force driving the track forward without getting in the way. In the price segment where the Tanya lives, it was a good showing.
MIDRANGE
The midrange is where the Tanya shines. Slightly recessed and warm, with good note weight and lush in presentation without being harsh. "Tenderhearted Lover" by John Stoddart had this talented male vocalist sounding incredibly engaging and expressive. Emotions were readily conveyed which many earphones just miss the boat on. Female vocals also had an additional warmth but retained their expressiveness. The upper mids were interesting in that initial sparkle could be somewhat subdued, but recover as we reach the treble range. The Tanya is not a micro-detail monster, but still the Tanya with respect to the midrange, manages to provide ample details and presence all the while furnishing good layering and separation. In a nutshell the Tanchjim Tanya conveys a musical midrange that is engaging in particular when compared to it's closest peers. Timbre is good but that extra "richness" means that it isn't in the excellent category.
Treble
Treble is clean and well controlled with an early roll-off lending itself to a slightly dark tone. It is inoffensive and thankfully devoid of harshness with average detail and air. It does not detract from the overall presentation but treble-heads will have to look elsewhere. Treble is safe and as such will not offend, but sometimes it may seem too reserved.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE
The Tanya projects a wide soundstage with nicely laid out space between instruments. Depth and height are adequate if not expansive. Imaging is clear and stable with distinct placement.
VERSUS
- Venture Electronics BIE
The BIE digs much deeper in the low end with true sub-bass power while the Tanya is more mid-bass oriented. The Tanys has a slight edge in bass texture but is comparable with respect to speed and detail. For lovers of bass there is not comparison, the BIE is the way to go. With respect to the midrange the Tanys is a legit mids oriented earphone with mids that are more musical than the BIE overall even though the BIE mids are surprisingly good given its bass output. Treble is interesting as where the Tanya is more polite and seems to roll off just a little bit before the BIE does, what is there is a touch more separated but with less air and sparkle than offered by the BIE. The Tanya is a more balanced and chill gal while the BIE is just more fun. Choose your date.
CONCLUSION
The Tanchjim Tanys is a $20 USD iem that is tuned like a more expensive model. To fully appreciate the Tanya she has to be fed properly from a quality source with good power delivery. It doesn't bombard the listener with in your face treble or teeth rattling bass, but opts for a more balanced and coherent approach. At times the Tanya may even seem boring due to it's more even handed presentation but more often than not the focus is on musicality rather than being brash. The Tanchjim Tanya is a gem of an earphone at it's paltry asking price and garners a solid recommendation.
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