Thanks @antdroid!
So as a quick impression they wouldn’t knock the KPE and the Etymotic of the top of your preferences?
I am still interested in checking these out, let’s see what the price is like here when they finally become available.
I really like your reviews!
Your writing style, clarity, judgment and comparisons to other iems was excellent without sounding too pretentious. Thanks
3 Likes
Thanks, bud. Still waiting on my review sample to arrive; communication with the vendor hasn’t been as good as I’d hoped, but my son does have a pair. Worst case, we’ll work out a trade so I can make it happen.
Hope you enjoy the ZSNs! These things sure can get addictive.
Thanks for the feedback!
That’s a tough call. Out of the box, I like the tuning of the Etymotics and KPE a little more, but the P1 is very capable of sounding excellent. Below is my EQ and I am really like this sound now, as it matches more of my “antdroid” target curve and the detail resolution is very very good on this IEM.
3 Likes
Below is my review of the Tanchjim Oxygen. You can also read it on my blog.
The Tanchjim Oxygen is an in-ear monitor with a single 10mm diamond-like carbon diaphragm dynamic driver per side. This review is based upon a retail unit purchased by me at list price for personal use from Linsoul Audio.
SOURCES
I have used the Tanchjim Oxygen with the following sources:
Windows 10 PC > JDS Labs The Element > Tanchjim Oxygen
Pixel 3 > Fiio BTR1K (Bluetooth Apt-X) > Tanchjim Oxygen
Windows 10 PC > Fiio BTR1K (USB-DAC) > Tanchjim Oxygen
Pixel 3 > Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle > Tanchjim Oxygen
I have tested these headphones with local FLAC and Spotify Premium.
PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES
The Tanchjim Oxygen comes in a mid-sized grey cube-shaped package. The front panel of the slipcover bears a rendering of the IEM, as well as the model name, the Tanchjim logo, and manufacturer tagline “Feel more, Hear more.” The left- and right-side panels bear the Tanchjim logo and the model name, respectively. The back panel of the slipcover shows an exploded diagram of the IEMs, along with specifications and manufacturer contact information. This information is presented mostly in Chinese.
Underneath the slipcover and a top lid removing the slipcover reveals a series of smaller overlapping boxes, the topmost containing the eartip selection, a warranty card, a card indicating how to attach the cable, a QC pass chit, an owner’s manual, and a set of 20 spare nozzle filters. There are two sets of dark grey silicone eartips, one set of short, wide bore tips (S, M, L) and one set of more typical eartips (S, 2xM, L).
Underneath this top box is a mounting foam sheet holding the IEMs faceplate-up, and a box containing the zippered carry case. The carry case is on the small side, made of dark grey leather embossed with the Tanchjim logo in black. The carry case will fit the IEMs with either of the included cables, but if you use a bulkier braided aftermarket cable with the Oxygens you will likely need a larger carry case. The two included cables are stored underneath the foam mounting sheet.
BUILD QUALITY / DESIGN
The Tanchjim Oxygen’s housings are polished dark grey stainless-steel slabs in the shape of a heavily rounded right triangle. The machining and polish are impeccable. The left and right faceplates bear the model name and manufacturer’s logo in black. The standard .78mm 2-pin cable connections are flush with the housing on the forward-facing side of the IEM. “Tanchjim Oxygen” and “L/R” is written on the inner surface of the housing in silver. The forward-swept short nozzles protrude from the bottom corner of the housing. The serial number is written in silver around the nozzle of the right earpiece.
Each earpiece has two circular vents, one above the nozzle on the inner side of the housing, and one on the rear-facing side. There is no driver flex, but I did experience diaphragm popping upon first insert in the first day of using the Oxygens. This only occurred while using dual-flange eartips. The nozzles have substantial lips, which facilitated use with a wide variety of eartips.
The 2-pin connections are snug and secure, but are slightly recessed, limiting alternative cable options. The mic’d cable is encased in a black rubbery sheath, while the OFC silver plated cable is enclosed within a clear plastic sheath. Both cables have straight 3.5mm terminations, use pre-formed plastic ear-guides, and have blue or red dots on the 2-pin housings to indicate left or right. The silver cable has a choker, but the mic’d cable does not. The silver-plated cable is flexible but does have minor microphonics. The mic’d cable is more microphonic than the silver-plated cable. Neither cable is prone to tangling. The pause control on the mic’d cable works as intended, but the +/- volume controls trigger an increase or decrease to maximum or minimum volume rather than a single volume step change. I did not have the opportunity to test mic call quality before writing this review.
COMFORT / FIT / ISOLATION
The Tanchjim Oxygen is intended to be worn cable-up only. The Oxygen has a shallow insertion depth and the housings are on the small side, but because the cross-section of the Oxygen is more aesthetic-focused than ergonomic I did experience some discomfort after prolonged wear over the course of several weeks.
Extensive tip rolling is essential. For me, getting a secure fit and a good seal was troublesome with any but the largest conventional silicone eartips. I settled on using Sony Hybrid type tips, which are made of a grippier material than most eartips. Double or triple flange eartips will also work. Noise isolation is average for a single dynamic driver design.
SOUND
The Tanchjim Oxygen has a cool, neutral-ish tuning with an emphasis on presence, detail, and clarity.
The Oxygen has accurate, insistent bass. The well-extended sub-bass is slightly elevated compared to the mid-bass. The mid-bass is impactful yet precise and does not bleed into the lower mids at all. Bass comes across as textured despite the restrained presentation. There is some rumble but little slam. Bass articulation is lightning-quick.
The midrange tonality is dead neutral, and listeners coming from IEMs with a warmer tonality will likely find it cool. The lower mids are recessed compared to the upper mids, but male vocals are crystal clear. Both male and female vocals can overshadow instruments in the lower midrange. Female vocals are vibrant without being sibilant. There is enough presence to render detail and grit convincingly, but not so much that the IEMs are inherently harsh.
The treble is crisp and energetic with ample air and sparkle. Transients are very natural sounding. Resolution is outstanding but unforgiving to poorly recorded sources. Instrument separation is superb. Soundstage is small compared to hybrid or multi-BA designs but compares well to other single dynamic designs. The Oxygen is the first IEM I have heard that has “holographic” imaging.
MEASUREMENTS
My measurements were conducted with a Dayton iMM-6 microphone using a vinyl tubing coupler and a calibrated USB sound interface. The measurements use a compensation file derived from comparing my raw measurements with Crinacle’s published measurements. The measurements are presented with 1/24th smoothing. There is a resonant peak at 8k. Measurements above 10k are not reliable.
AMPLIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SOURCE PAIRING
With a sensitivity of 110dB and an impedance of 32ohms, the Tanchjim Oxygen can be driven to comfortable listening volumes with a smartphone or dongle but will benefit from the additional headroom provided by a dedicated source if one wants to listen at high volumes. I did not notice hiss with any of my sources.
COMPARISONS
Tanchjim Oxygen [$270] vs Nicehck M6 (brass filter) [$94]
The Oxygen has much more extended sub-bass. The Oxygen’s bass is faster, better articulated and is much less boomy. The M6 has more textured bass. The M6 has more slam than the Oxygen. Even with the brass filter, the M6 has more midbass bleed than the Oxygen.
The M6 has a warmer, less recessed lower midrange, and a more aggressive upper midrange. The M6 has more intimate midrange, while the Oxygen creates more space between the listener and vocals. The M6 is more prone to harshness and sibilance.
The M6’s lower treble is elevated compared to the Oxygen. The M6 has more sparkle but less air. The Oxygen has more realistic transients. The M6’s treble is splashy in comparison.
The Oxygen is more detailed and resolving. The M6 has a much larger soundstage. The Oxygen has better instrument separation and more precise imaging. The M6 is slightly easier to drive.
The Oxygen has a more premium unboxing experience and a greater variety of eartips. The Oxygen includes two cable variants and a higher quality case, but the case included with the M6 is larger. The M6 is tunable via swappable filters.
Tanchjim Oxygen [$270] vs Simgot EM1 [$60]
Despite the price difference between the two, the Oxygen and the EM1 have similar frequency responses. The Simgot EM1 has slightly better sub-bass extension. The Oxygen’s bass is faster and better articulated.
The two IEMs are nearly identical in frequency response between 40hz and 4000hz, where after the EM1 exhibits a pronounced 5k peak. With that said, the EM1 has a warmer midrange tonality and a slightly brittle timbre compared to the Oxygen.
The Oxygen has more air than the EM1. The Oxygen is significantly more detailed and resolving.
The EM1 has a slightly wider soundstage, but the Oxygen has better imaging and much better instrument separation. The EM1 is easier to drive.
The Oxygen is more comfortable but the EM1 sits more securely in the ear. The EM1 has a venting issue that the Oxygen does not have. The EM1 has a more premium unboxing experience and a similar variety of included eartips but does not include a real zippered carry case. I prefer the braided cable that comes with the EM1 to either of the cables included with the Oxygen.
CLOSING WORDS
The Tanchjim Oxygen is a lightning-quick, highly resolving IEM with outstanding instrument separation and imaging. However, the unboxing experience is underwhelming given the more premium packaging of IEMs which cost less than 1/3rd of the price of the Oxygen, and while the design and finish of the IEMs themselves are astonishing, the cables are disappointing at this price point. Commendable from a performance standpoint but not the best value in IEMs.
6 Likes
Thanks for the great two reviews!
I also did not like the TP10. It’s just missing too much low end to be a good rec for anything besides maybe piano music.
The Oxygen has been on my radar for a while but I have been holding off on spending money on mid-tier gear and just focusing on totl stuff, however the Moondrop Blessing has been in and out of my radar since it came out and it’s currently back on my list of things I want to potentially buy. Have you had an opportunity to compare Oxygen to any of the Moondrop stuff?
I am starting to make separate discussion threads for popular brands to help keep this thread under control 
3 Likes
I have not heard anything by Moondrop yet.
Kinboofi Mx3
disclaimer: I was provided the Mx3 by Kinboofi (via their Amazon Store) in exchange for reviewing it. I have no financial interest in either Kinboofi or Amazon. arrived 6/22
Unboxing / Accessories:
The Mx3 comes packed in a blue leather(?) box similar to what the older generation will remember as a watch box. The lead edge of the box tilts back and is hinged with a snap-open/closed mechanism to hold the box open. Inside the box is a small square clam shell style case and the warranty card. All other items are hiding inside the clam shell. A foam insert with a cutout for the clam shell would be a welcomed improvement as it would improve the aesthetic of the packaging if little else. Inside the case, we find the cable, earpieces, and 6 sets of tips. The cable and earpieces are individually bagged to prevent scratches and each type of tips is bagged separately. Tips provided are 3 sizes of black silicone star type tips and 3 sizes of spin-fit style tips with green center cores and translucent domes. No explanation of the tips is provided, but my observations were the black are a bit more bass oriented while the clear are a bit more balanced.
Build/Fit:
Ok, so yes these are a looker. Shells are acrylic with what appears to be polished steel wool in the face plates and a medium blue transparent body. The most distinct feature of the Mx3 is the stainless vent immediately in front of the mmcx ports. When illuminated one can trace the tubing from the back of the vent to the rear of the dynamic driver. This means the shell can be poured acrylic and solid rather than hollow as is more common with dynamic driver models and hybrids. Size wise, these are on the larger side and are similar to the Fiio FH5 or Kinera Idun in both shape and overall dimensions. Nozzles centered at the lower end of the shell with no rake to speak of and allow for fairly deep insertion. Isolation is fairly good as a result. Nozzles do have a lip for tip retention as well. MMCX connectors are mounted cleanly with no visible gaps or glue. These appear to be a handmade and polished shell which is quite an accomplishment at the $135 price being asked.
Internals:
The MX3 is a hybrid design using a 10mm dynamic driver paired with 2 BA drivers. The BA drivers consist of a Knowles ED29689 handling the mids and a Belssing 30095 handling the high end. Details about the Dynamic driver are a bit harder to find. The dynamic is set up with a vent immediately in front of the MMCX connector and a sound bore from the front to the nozzles so unlike many which utilize the chamber, the dynamic driver is completely enclosed in this design. Measured impedance was 21Ω with a sensitivity of 116dB\mW (+/- 3db between 200hz-12kHz). I found the Mx3 easy to drive, but better with a bit of extra power as the coherency suffers when not powered adequately.
Cable:
The cable provided with the Mx3 is a 6 line braid below the splitter and a 3 wire braid above. Fixtures are a straight 3.5mm jack with a polished aluminum case, a brushed aluminum splitter, and a clear bead chin slider, followed by brushed aluminum mmcx connectors with pre-formed hooks. MMCx are marked for L/R with the standard red ring on the right side. The cable shows good pliability with little microphonics. I had no issue with the earpieces shifting once in place due to cable pressure so use running or in the gym is quite possible.
Sound:
Bass:
Sub-bass has good rumble and authority. Mid-bass follows with equal thump, but not particularly ahead of the rest of the signature. Attack speed is good with just slightly slower decay that leaves some warmth in its wake. Bass texture is well done and I found little if any tendency to get thick as tracks got more complex. Its a dynamic driver bass doing a good job of mimicking a BA bass. Tight, and clean, but without a lot of sub-bass. I do think it delivers a bit more warmth than a typical BA bass and departs from that comparison in that way.
Mids:
The transition from mid-bass to lower-mids is clean and smooth without notable bleed or obstruction of the lower-mids. Thankfully, there is no dip in the lower-mids as is so common today. They are near linear from the mid-bass and the detail level of the lower mids is quite good. I have to remind myself that this is still arguably a budget model as its mids are competitive with things I’ve paid considerably more for. Texture of the mid-range is better than expected and as such the growl of electric guitars (Lenny Kravitz anyone?) is satisfyingly realistic. Upper-mids push forward and do emphasize the vocal range well with upper range vocals cutting through a bit more than lower counterparts. Bass and baritone vocals are inline with guitars and lower instrumentation while anything tenor and up starts pushing a bit more forward in the mix. The push is well done and isn’t a ball of spikes as some are but more of gentle curve that is difficult to establish the exact boundaries of.
Treble:
While I am beginning to think I could write about the treble of the Belssing 30095 in my sleep due to its popularity, I have to admit this is one of the cleaner implementations I have heard and lacks the grain and big peaks and valleys often associated with it. Lower treble is elevated but not jagged or harsh, there is a drop off above that and then a bump around 9k that brings some air to the top end. Final roll-off becomes perceptible quickly above the 11kHz mark. Overall, a very pleasant treble with enough energy to feel lifelike without getting strident or harsh. Cymbals are reasonably well executed and believable.
Soundstage / Imaging:
Soundstage is a bit wider than deep, and does give some sense of height. I would define the sound stage as smaller theater size rather than cavernous. Instrument separation is quite good and seating the orchestra by listening puts pretty much all in the correct place. Spatial cues are well handled so movement around the stage is very precisely rendered. Layering was quite good as well with complex passages being well rendered. The Mx3 did not have any trouble with more complex tracks and didn’t seem to get dirtier as track complexity scaled upward.
Comparisons:
I have tried to compare to models at roughly the same price point. I am not going to go into build comparisons as all are well made.
ikko OH1 – Both have similar tunings with the major differences being the sub-bass digs deeper on the OH-1, and the Mx3 has a cleaner treble and handles complex tracks a bit better. Those looking for more bass will appreciate the OH1 while those looking for something a bit closer to neutral will like hte Mx3.
Simgot EN700Pro – The 700pro is a good bit more V shaped than the Mx3 and struggles as volume increases. While I like the 700pro at lower volumes, it is hard to compare it here as it simply cannot be driven hard without introducing considerable distortion.
Fiio F9 Pro – Way more V shaped and nowhere need as detailed in the mids, the kit on the Fiio is way better, but the sound on the Mx3 easily distances itself from the F9 Pro.
Kinera Idun – These two are more similar than not. Both have good bass control, but will not satisfy the basshead crowd. To me, the Mx3 is a bit better on lower mids, while the idun is a bit closer to neutral in the upper-mids and lower treble. those who prefer a bit brighter signature will opt for the Mx3 while the treble shy may prefer the Idun.
ToneKing 9-tails – regardless of which filter I used, the 9-tail is more of a V than the Mx3. Bass is a bit heavier hitting on the 9 tail, but speed and texture is a bit better on the Mx3. Mids have more detail on the Mx3 while treble is slightly more detailed on the 9-tail. Fit can be an issue with the 9 tail, while the Mx3 is a bit more of a conventional design.
BGVP DMG – The DMG with its stock filter set digs deeper in the bass than the Mx3 but is not nearly as clean as decay is a bit slower and comes across as a bit loose when compared to the Mx3. Mid detail is good on both, but timbre and texture are a bit more realistic on the Mx3. Treble is a bit more forward on the DMG and both roll-off at roughly the same point.
Thoughts / Conclusion:
The Mx3 is extremely well made especially considering this is a handmade shell at an asking price of less than $150 USD. I am impressed with the venting system utilized and hope it becomes more common as it removes variables associated with materials when the shell is used rather than using a tubed vent like the Mx3. (The Magaosi DQ4 shares a lot of design similarities with the Mx3 and also uses this sound bore vent dynamic driver design.
Sound wise, Kinboofi is obviously coming of age as each successive product has a bit more coherent and mature tuning. I was impressed with the Mk4 and the Mx3 may be a bit better with respect to coherency if not detail where the Mk4 still has the advantage. The Mx3 shows good linearity with a push in the upper-mids/lower treble that brings vocals to the forefront and adds a bit of vibrancy to the mix.
Having recently auditioned the Mk4 and now the Mx3, I now believe that Kinboofi is a highly underrated brand in the mid-fi space. Both of these two models are very cost competitive and deliver excellent sound for the asking prices. Those who are more familiar with the <$40 models are not seeing what Kinboofi is really capable of. Having reviewed a few models in the lower space, they do not do the brand justice and Kinfboofi should really consider splitting the higher-end models into their own sub-brand to differentiate them from the lower end products.
SOUND QUALITY
6.9/10
- Bass - 7/10
- Mids - 7/10
- Treble - 7/10
- Soundstage - 6.5/10
- Imaging - 7/10
Summary
Pros: Fantastic build quality and better than average sound quality.
Cons: packaging and kit are more pedestrian than other offerings at this price point.
3 Likes
The shell pattern on that looks a lot like the Fearless S6 Rui and the qdc Anole VX… that …I … may… have … just ordered…
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Looks quite a lot like the Magaosi DQ4 but I’m told they are no relation.
You ordered the Anole VX??? Looking forward to your thoughts…
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Yea. It started with something constant badgering on crinacle’s discord, then @MCM going to canjam and immediately loving them and letting me know (since we both have equally same tastes in gear and music) and then a random Reddit thread where @jrockwell set me up to meet with a local Anole VX owner and within about a minute of listening, I was sold.
And then when I got home I ordered it within an hour.
I happened to be in a vulnerable position of having recurring fit issues with Solaris.
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Awesome! Hope you love them!
On that note, what do you think of qdc as a brand? Tempted to pick up a fusion but I really don’t trust stuff that come from 深圳, would I be better off with a Fearless ACME or FH7/ Moondeop A8/ BGVP Art magic? (My grandpa lives near Fearless’s HQ in 鞍山 so it would be cheaper to get).
This would be my first experience with qdc, but you can buy it from musicteck in the US. The brand makes quality products from what I’ve been told by the online community, especially those in the Singapore and southeast Asia where the iems are very popular and very accessible for demoing.
Many of them rate qdc brand iems quite highly. The fusion was on my radar as a Solaris replacement but some folks I tend to trust said it wasn’t as good in a few technical areas as the Solaris, while still being a good IEM.
The Gemini and Anole VX are very well liked but also the most expensive.
Oh, of your list I haven’t listened to any of them but the Moondrop A8 was on my list as well as the Fearless S6 Pro
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5 posts were merged into an existing topic: Knowledge Zenith (KZ), CCA, Tripowin and Associated Brands Discussion