Tanchjim Zero is a new single-dynamic driver IEM with a compact bullet-shaped design, a single DMT4-based dynamic driver, and an entry-level price point.
Tanchjim has equipped the latest Zero with a 10mm composite diaphragm dynamic driver unit. Tanchjim has designed the driver based on their DMT4 architecture. It adopts FEA Finite Element Analysis software to simulate and analyze the driver data, optimizing the waveguide acoustic structure, strengthening the magnetic circuit, reducing the suspension quality, and adjusting the rigidity of the diaphragm material. Zero is designed to deliver a quality performance at a budget price point.
The cavity structure has been analyzed using Acoustic Structure Coupling ASI and Sound Transmission Loss STL technologies. The inner cavity here is crafted with fully calculated filter density, chosen housing material, and adjusting suspension system variables.
Tanchjim has equipped the front cavity of the Zero with an imported SATTI filter. It protects the driver and internal acoustic structure from dust and water splashes. The pair have got nano-coating on its shell’s surface, making the pair as durable as ever. On the outer filter side, the pair is equipped with stainless steel protector.
Tanchjim Zero has a non-detachable cable. It adopts a high-quality 4N OFC Silver-Plated Copper cable with LITZ anti-oxidation structure. The cable is flexible and durable. It has a standard 3.5mm gold-plated termination plug.
Features
- DMT4 dynamic driver with a composite diaphragm.
- Dust and waterproof SATTI filter.
- Precisely designed acoustic cavity structure.
- OFC silver-plated copper cable.
- Rich, Balanced sound performance.
Specs
- Impedance: 32Ω±10%.
- Sensitivity: 118dB.
- Frequency response range: 7Hz-50kHz.
- THD+N: <0.5%.
- Cable length: 1.25m.
- Termination plug: 3.5mm gold-plated.
- Price: $14.99
I would like to thank Shenzenaudio for providing me with the review sample of Tanchjim Zero (no affiliate link).
Sound
Please note that this is a budget IEM and all my comments about the sound quality are in consideration of this price range.
Tanchjim Zero can be categorized as warm-neutral. It has a tastefully tuned bass shelf, neutral lower-midrange, forward upper-midrange pinna gain, smoother lower-treble, introduces good sparkle, and warmer upper-treble. All in all, Tanchjim Zero comes across as a very well-balanced neutral-warm IEM that will definitely please those who prefer a warm-ish reference sound signature.
Drivability
Zero has an impedance of 32Ω and sensitivity of 118dB which makes for an IEM that likes some juice. It can be driven by the average smartphone and laptop but reaches good levels by using a USB DAC-AMP at least.
Bass
With a neutral-ish signature with a fairly smooth treble presentation, the bass is actually presented extremely cleanly and is quite well balanced. It certainly goes for bass accuracy than quantity but definitely isn’t lacking in any way. Sure, this is not a boosted like a V-shape signature, so don’t expect to hear big in-your-face rumble or slam. This is a very tasteful take on neutral bass tuning that favors staying true to the song than boosting and making the bass sound massive and larger than life. It is still a fun take on reference.
Mids
The midrange is the strongest suite of Tanchjim Zero. It has a fairly neutral lower-midrange and a really good forward upper-midrange with a really good tonality of instruments. There is no muddiness in the lower midrange. Vocals and instruments have a good presence, bite, definition, and crunch because of the well-executed pinna gain rise and peak.
Treble
Zero’s treble presentation is on the warm side but one that comes off well balanced and makes for good clarity and detail retrieval. Its lower-treble and upper treble are slightly warmer than what I personally prefer but it is otherwise so well done that you can’t fault it much. It of course does not have the best upper-treble extension but for the targetted sound signature it does the highs well enough, at least for my liking.
Technical performance
Tanchjim Zero has really good clarity and detail retrieval for the price and fairly good imaging and soundstage. It is actually quite impressive unless you compare it with bigger brothers. It falls short particularly in the left-to-right separation as well as the size and openness of the soundstage when compared to let’s say Tanchjim Ola, but is still better than many of the other IEMs I’ve tried in this segment.
Sum-Up
I’m sure people who like neutral tuning will enjoy the Tanchjim Zero as an ideal mix of reference, fun, and musical. It is a very good-sounding, well-rounded IEM that gets a recommendation from my side. There are not many budget IEMs tuned (non-V-shape) as the Zero out there.