Kiwi Ears Airoso VS Tanchjim Fission

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Solid build for the price: compact metal shells that feel durable, a metal nozzle with a small lip, and a flat 2-pin cable with a working chin slider and clearly marked channels. The accessories are straightforward but good—three tip sets and a surprisingly nice, leatherette-style case. Overall fit is comfortable and the presentation feels a notch above typical budget fare.

Tonally, Airoso is a fun, slightly V-shaped hybrid (1DD+4BA) with punchy bass, weighty mids, and a lively top end. The graph shows a tasteful bass rise to ~300 Hz, a small presence dip around 4–5 kHz, and extra energy through the 6–8 kHz and upper “air” region—peaking near 13 kHz—that can sound brilliant on many tracks yet occasionally spicy for sensitive ears. Note weight, air/space, and overall engagement are strong; however, that treble character can nudge imaging and highs to about 7/10 depending on the listener and fit.

Comparisons paint it as a smart tuner’s set: echoes of high-end shapes (e.g., Annihilator and X-Elise Audio Europa) with less 6 kHz sting and less ultimate air; kinship with the Kiwi Ears Quintet (Airoso has more bass, Quintet’s zing is nearer 10 kHz), and a more energetic, “not boring” alternative to K4. Versus the AFUL Explorer, Airoso brings bigger upper-mid punch while Explorer offers a tidier treble; think of AFUL P7 as a cautionary tale for those sensitive to upper air—Airoso can poke similar nerves if that 13 k region doesn’t agree. At $129—often discounted—this is an excellent value for anyone wanting bold bass, confident mids, and sparkle, with the caveat that treble-sensitive listeners may prefer something smoother.

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The Tanchjim Fission presents fantastic value right out of the box, largely thanks to its inclusion of a high-quality USB-C DAC cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. The all-metal build feels premium, and the included cable is extremely silky and pleasant to use. A standout feature is the set of interchangeable nozzles that allow for sound tuning; the gold nozzle is the clear winner, providing the best balance, while others can make the bass less impactful. However, the fit can be a challenge for some as the shell lacks a pronounced lip, and the nozzles can be tricky to remove and replace.

Sonically, the Fission is extremely close to the more expensive and beloved Tanchjim Origin, offering a smooth, energetic sound with a tonality that is highly enjoyable. It provides a touch of warmth, pristine detail, and good air, making it a set that is easy to recommend and daily drive. When compared to other sets in its price range, it holds its own against competitors like the Dunu Kima (which has better fit and accessories) and the Kiwi Ears Quintet (which offers more bass), though the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference for tonality and the value placed on its tunable nature.

While it doesn't break the so-called "curse of the $150 IEM," the Fission is a strong contender and gets a full recommendation. Its few cons include a fit that may not work for all ears and a bass quantity that some may wish was greater. For those who value its specific sonic qualities, the excellent build, and the incredible package value with the included DAC cable, the Tanchjim Fission is a fantastic and competitive option that is very easy to enjoy.

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Kiwi Ears Airoso brings a hybrid recipe that just works: 1DD + 4BA with the dynamic driver clearly doing the low-end heavy lifting while the BAs keep mids and highs clean and balanced. The presentation is warm, musical, and staged with satisfying depth—vocals sit a step back without getting hazy, and the overall image is organized rather than in-your-face. Comfort is on point, the stock cable is light and nicely straight, and the box tosses in a case plus three styles of silicone tips. At around $129.99, the feature set and tuning feel cheekily generous.

On music, the Airoso delivers sub-bass authority without bloat, stellar imaging that pins pianos and cellos in distinct spaces, and treble that’s controlled enough to survive vinyl/tape hiss tests without turning sharp—there’s only a hint of “S” energy on some tracks. Separation through the midrange is strong for the price, and the whole signature has that “sing-along” ease that makes long sessions effortless. Isolation is decent with the right tips, and at about 15 Ω it’s easy to drive from modest sources.

Nitpicks? The look is not a showpiece—plain metal faceplates and a logo font that won’t win design awards. The cable is 3.5 mm only, so balanced users will want an upgrade. Beyond that, it’s hard to gripe: this set behaves like a confident all-rounder with better-than-budget control up top and real weight down low. Value talk veers bold—easily feels like a $160–$200 tuner—so at the actual tag it’s an easy recommend, nudging into “nine-ish” territory on a scorecard.

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The Tanchjim Fission is an absolutely spectacular IEM that feels and performs far beyond its $129 price tag. It comes loaded with a ridiculous amount of customization, featuring three interchangeable nozzles (stainless steel, titanium, and brass) and a four-way tuning switch, creating a potential 12 different sound combinations. The entire package feels flagship-tier, boasting an excellent interchangeable cable system with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C terminations, a waterproof bag, and even a keychain tool for adjustments.

After extensive testing, the definitive "cheat code" for the best sound is using the brass nozzles with the tuning switch set to Pop mode, which seemingly bypasses internal circuitry for a pure, direct sound. This configuration delivers exceptional clarity and a surprisingly wide soundstage, though they are not bass monsters. The fit is excellent, passing the "pinky test," and the build quality on everything from the IEMs themselves to the accessories is exceptional.

While not every combination of nozzles and switches is a winner, the sheer number of options ensures you can find a sound you love. For the price, the value is unmatched, feeling like a product that should cost $279. It comes as a full recommendation, offering a premium, highly tunable experience that is arguably one of the best deals in the IEM market, cementing Tanchjim's reputation for making no bad gear.

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The Kiwi Ears Airoso (1DD + 4BA) goes for a slightly warm-leaning, smooth presentation with a bit of treble air and contrast. It sits between sets like the EM6L and SLA3: fuller and more contrasty than the EM6L, but smoother and less peaky than the SLA3. Vocals are thicker/huskier without congestion, and treble reaches cleanly for a sense of openness; overall the tuning feels intentional and musical rather than clinical.

Technical performance is solid for the price, though options like Nova and SuperMix 4 still edge it for neutral/Harman value. The Airoso scales well but watch the 8–10 kHz region, which can get lively on energetic tracks—best enjoyed at moderate volume. As an all-rounder it fits pop, hip-hop, ballads, and instrumentals, with the appeal driven more by its tonality than by raw resolution. Versus its sibling Aether, the Airoso is warmer and more colored, while Aether is cleaner and more technical. Think of Airoso as a tasteful upgrade over sets like EW300—better timbre and a touch more air—delivering an engaging, musical listen that’s recommended if this tuning profile hits the sweet spot.

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The Tanchjim Fission presents a neutral, balanced, and clean sound signature that is also described as smooth and full. It offers a very natural and laid-back listening experience, making it a strong option for those seeking a safe, non-fatiguing tuning. The technical performance is solid for its price, with good detail retrieval and instrument separation, though it isn't the most dynamic or sparkly set available.

Tip selection is crucial, with recommendations for the Tri Clear or Final E tips to open up the sound, while the Spinfit CP155 can add a touch more bass. The included tuning switches are largely seen as a gimmick; only the middle silver setting is recommended, as the others introduce a significant sub-bass roll-off. The Fission excels with genres like rock, indie, acoustics, and classical at moderate volumes, but its lack of sub-bass rumble and extension makes it a weak choice for hip-hop, EDM, or rap.

Its greatest strength is its value proposition, as it is essentially a cheaper version of the Tanchjim Origin, sharing the same driver and sound profile for a lower cost. This makes competitors like the Moondrop Kato seem less relevant. However, when compared to other all-rounders like the Juzear 4U or Simgot EW300, the Fission faces stiff competition. The EW300, in particular, offers more bass, tuning variety, and similar technicalities for half the price, making the Fission a tougher sell unless its specific brand of smooth, neutral tonality is exactly what you're after.