Moondrop Illumination VS Tanchjim Origin

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Moondrop Illumination and Tanchjim Origin are 1DD in-ear monitors. Moondrop Illumination costs $800 while Tanchjim Origin costs $280. Moondrop Illumination is $520 more expensive. Tanchjim Origin holds a decisive 2.2-point edge in reviewer scores (5 vs 7.2). Tanchjim Origin has significantly better bass with a 2-point edge, Tanchjim Origin has significantly better mids with a 2.1-point edge, Tanchjim Origin has significantly better treble with a 2.4-point edge, Tanchjim Origin has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge, Tanchjim Origin has significantly better details with a 1.8-point edge and Tanchjim Origin has significantly better imaging with a 2.8-point edge.

Insights

Metric Moondrop Illumination Tanchjim Origin
Bass 5 7
Mids 5 7.1
Treble 5 7.4
Details 5 6.8
Soundstage 5 7.3
Imaging 4 6.8
Dynamics 5 6
Tonality 5.5 7
Technicalities 5.4 7.1
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Moondrop Illumination reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Moondrop Illumination Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Precogvision Super* Review
Head-Fi.org
Crin

Average Reviewer Score:

5

Mixed to Negative

Tanchjim Origin Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Shuwa-T Jays Audio Precogvision
Jaytiss Tim Tuned Gizaudio Axel Z-Reviews Audionotions Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

7.2

Generally Favorable

Reviews Comparison

Moondrop Illumination reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 4.5 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
C Tech
Mushy transients and imaging, basically par with their other single DDs for techniclaities.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: C+ Mids: C+ Treble: C+ Dynamics: C+ Details: C+ Imaging: C-

Tanchjim Origin reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 6.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B+ Tech
Japanese flavor of tuning (mid-bass and upper-mid focus) finally done justice. Strong technical chops and slightly forward.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: B Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: A- Details: B+ Imaging: A-

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Moondrop Illumination reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 5.5 * score rescaled + normalized
One community member has rated the Moondrop Illumination at an average of 3.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Mixed to Positive.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Tanchjim Origin reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 7.9 * score rescaled + normalized
18 community members have rated the Tanchjim Origin at an average of 4.2/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Moondrop Illumination (more reviews)

Moondrop Illumination reviewed by Crin

Crin 6 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
B Tech
Well-tuned with natural timbre, ultimately marred by subpar detail retrieval and definition.

Crin original ranking

Crin Youtube Channel

Moondrop Illumination reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 4* * score rescaled + normalized
check links for more info:

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Tanchjim Origin (more reviews)

Tanchjim Origin reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 7.8 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A- Tech
Great Clarity, exceedingly tip sensitive.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: C+ Soundstage: A+
YouTube video thumbnail

Tanchjim Origin reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 7.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
Beautiful timbre and treble Bass can use a bit more...volume

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: S

Tanchjim Origin reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 7.5 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A- Tech
Smooth, detailed, and vocal-centric sound. Cohesive, vocal-focused tuning with dynamic bass, smooth extended treble, and excellent detail. Could use more sub-bass.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Tanchjim Origin reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 7.2 * score rescaled + normalized
check links for more info:

Z-Reviews original ranking

Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Tanchjim Origin reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 7 Reviewer Score
Yes, it's expensive for a single DD imaging and separation is top tier with very good layering - frankly, I haven't heard many sets near this price that have done the same. There is a bit of subbass roll off but midbass hits hard. It's on the brighter side but never becomes shouty or sibilant. Timbre is good with vocals a bit forward in the mix. Tuning nozzles are a gimmick - they all sound the same. A better Kato in every way. I had a lot of trouble with fit on with this set - did not have the same problem with Hana 2021. Previously Owned

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Tanchjim Origin reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 6.7 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B+ Tech
One of the more balanced sounding Tanchjim iems, vocal centric Quantity in the bass region, more noticeably the subbass

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: A- Mids: B+ Treble: B+ Soundstage: B+ Details: A- Imaging: B+

Tanchjim Origin reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 6.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A- Tech
Just buy Fission. A cleaner/less warm LM, smoother EA1000 (fermats a little more resolving), very balanced, clean, and neutral sound. Very tough competition.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Moondrop Illumination User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Tanchjim Origin User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!

Moondrop Illumination Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

4.9

Gaming Grade

C

Tanchjim Origin Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7.1

Gaming Grade

A-

Moondrop Illumination Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B-
  • A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.

Average Technical Grade

C+
  • The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Bass C+
Low-end delivery feels competent yet unremarkable, keeping a safe profile. Low-end bloom is kept in check.
Mids C+
The mids are solid and dependable, though not especially remarkable. Vocals stay reasonably grounded in the mix.
Treble C+
The top end is tidy and serviceable, adding air without overdoing it. Extension is decent for casual listening.
Dynamics C+
Dynamic performance is decent, delivering respectable macro swings with limited nuance. There's a fair amount of macrodynamic swing.
Details C+
Decent detail retrieval that handles most textures while leaving some micro-information understated. Most textures come through cleanly.
Imaging C-
You can tell where things generally sit, though exact locations feel blurred. Center vocals sit mostly where expected.
Gaming C
Minimal environmental definition provides only general audio cues. Suitable for games where positioning isn't critical. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

Tanchjim Origin Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A-
  • Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.

Average Technical Grade

A-
  • You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
Bass A-
Bass is strong and well-defined, delivering slam with admirable control. Electronic drops hit with authority.
Mids A-
It delivers an excellent midrange that feels vibrant and true to life. It balances clarity with natural smoothness.
Treble A-
Highs feel superbly executed, revealing micro-detail without hint of sibilance. Highs stay smooth even at volume.
Dynamics B
The performance feels robust, with satisfying punch and natural transitions. Nuances are easy to follow.
Soundstage A-
The stage stretches in every direction, carving out clear three-dimensional pockets for each player. Placement accuracy impresses from the start.
Details B+
Finer gestures snap into focus without sounding clinical or forced. Layering holds strong across genres.
Imaging B+
Good imaging with precise instrument placement and clear front/back localization. Positions snap into place convincingly.
Gaming A-
Good fundamental spatial awareness for most gaming scenarios. Handles basic positioning well but may lack nuance in complex situations. Value-to-cost may not be optimal for gaming-focused users.

Moondrop Illumination User Reviews

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Tanchjim Origin User Reviews

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