Almost Zero Cost, Natural Performance – TanchJim Zero IEMs
TanchJim Zero is a 15 USD pair of IEMs that has a Dynamic Driver at the core and will be once again my challenge to see if a really affordable entry-level pair of IEMS can survive in today’s market.
Introduction
This ultra cheap range of products is usually simply not recommended for audiophiles as products have to cut corners to deliver a decent experience, but TanchJim is known for a high price / performance ratio, with as few sacrifices as possible, so today we focus on the Dustproof and Waterproof filtered Zero IEMS, the most affordable earphone designed by TanchJim to date. TanchJim is a company carried by Linsoul, which can be found on Aliexpress, Amazon, Linsoul’s website and other outlets too.
As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases, and using the purchase links in my reviews helps me maintain this website and Youtube Channel. Huge thanks to TanchJim for providing us with the sample for this review.
Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/44h4IRo
Aliexpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_o2aHoIm
Build Quality – Subjective Usage
TanchJim Zero is designed with a dynamic driver at the core, with a precisely developed cavity, and with DustProof and WaterProofed filters making sure the transparent IEM stays free of issues. There are both variants with a microphone and with no microphone available on the market, and with cables that are not removable. The driver used is a DMT@4 driver, which is then optimized for the sonic chamber of the TanchJim Zero.
Technically, this is a 10mm composite dynamic driver, and Zero has an impedance of 32 OHMs, a SPL of 118 dB, with a 3.5mm jack connector at the end of the 1.25m cable. This cable is an OFC Silver-Plated Copper cable, and it uses a Litz Anti Oxidation structure.
Subjectively, it feels odd to wear the Zero. It is a straight-down IEM hard to wear over-the-ear although the fit is clearly made to be over-the-ear. Left earpiece is the one with a microphone / remote, and you cannot wear them the other way around, basically comfort is average. Although they isolate well from the outside noise, there’s quite a bit of movement inside of the IEMs when you move them or move your head, the whole driver + cable assembly moves a bit, this is different from driver flex or void, a unique experience. Cable is not kinky, does not have a memory effect, but it is springy and a bit sticky.
Sound Quality
Pairings – To test the TancJim Zero, I have paired it with a selection of sources, including Rose Technics RT-5000, Dethonray Listening M1, Dethonray Clarinet, iBasso DX340, Lotoo PAW GT2, SMSL C200 PRO, Singxer SA-1 V2 connected to the C200 PRO, TancJim Luna. TanchJim Zero is exceptionally easy to drive, no need for a high-end source or lots of power, it is moderately sensitive to source noise, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Overall Signature – TanchJim Zero is a natural, slightly dry sounding earphone with a good detail and resolution, natural impact and bass, slightly recessed midrange, and a smooth, clean, somewhat waxy sounding treble. Tonal balance works equally well for male and female voices, it has a strong impact and punch, it is super enjoyable with EDM, Dubstep, rock and metal, but not great if the song is too busy. Seems to be sensitive to impedance of the source, and will work best with dongles and sources with a low power, which is great considering what a low power Zero itself has.
PRaT / Textures / Dynamic – TanchJim Zero sounds a bit dry, it has a fast texture, which sounds pretty good for details and resolution, but can add a bit of grain and texture to sound. Dynamics are on the compressed end of things, which works well for electronic, rock and metal, but can be a bit too compressed for classical.
Volume Control – TanchJim Zero handles high volumes as well as low volumes, it is an earphone with a good control and low distortion, and sounds fairly consistent regardless of the volume you’re listening at.
Soundstage – Staging is natural, slightly narrow, image is focused and instrument separation is natural. Overall, TanchJim Zero is not expansive, but not keyhole either, has a natural overall sound.
Value and Conclusion
TanchJim Zero has the lowest price I’ve found on an IEM released this year, so I had no expectations, yet it delivers a fair performance. There are some drawbacks, comfort is not ideal, you have to wear them over-the-ear for a good comfort, no left / right markings on the earphones, and sound is a bit dry. But for 15 USD, it sounds close to what you get at 60 – 70 USD usually, so not bad at all, value is insane if you want to think about it.
At the end of the day, TanchJim Zero is not here to take on a world record, but if you want to get the most you can out of 15 USD, this will bring you far more fun than a Mconalds meal or packet of cigs, listening to music is healthier than either, and will keep you going for at least a year, which is one of the highest bang for your buck you can get.
PROs
- Cheap but good
- Detailed sound
- Natural midrange
- Strong bass and impact
- Good control at higher volumes, consistent sound
- It exists and did not break immediately after I started using it, which is great for 15 USD
Cons
- Comfort leaves a lot to be desired, needs L / R markings
- Dry sound
- You hear a bit of movement inside the IEMs when you adjust them, unique type of driver flex
- Cable is a bit sticky
Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/44h4IRo
Aliexpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_o2aHoIm
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Full Playlist used for this review
We listened to more songs than those named in this playlist, but those are excellent for identifying a sonic signature. I recommend trying most of the songs from this playlist, especially if you’re searching for new music! The playlists are different for Spotify, Tidal and Youtube, and based on the songs I enjoy and are available on each!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_cjBXGmwSHSdGcwuc_bKbBDGHL4QvYBu
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5J3oloz8Riy9LxEGenOjQ0?si=979ba4f082414be7
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/330fd544-8e5b-4839-bd35-676b2edbb3d5
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