Tanchjim Fission VS TANCHJIM x Effect Audio Force

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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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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 TANCHJIM Force goes for a “vented open-back” vibe—don’t expect true openness, but those rear vents give the presentation extra air and size. Inside are dual dynamics: a 10 mm PU-suspended titanium driver for low end and an 8.2 mm PU-suspended beryllium-coated unit for mids/treble, blending so cleanly it feels like one big, exquisitely tuned DD. Stage is wide with a clear sense of distance between singers and instruments; bass is deep, textured, and superbly integrated, with zero awkward crossover tells. Tip-rolling matters (silicone tightened things up more than foam), and source pairing shows typical dynamic-driver scaling—push it and it rewards.

Build and kit are peak Tanchjim: a light, clear shell showcasing the drivers, a huge but rigid case, two sets of silicone tips, and even a bundled USB dongle for plug-and-play. The Effect Audio co-designed cable is a pleasant surprise—properly sized, not a garden hose, with interchangeable right-angle plugs and neat touches like matching mesh and an angled slider. Sonically it’s the “big-stage + big-bass” experience done right—energetic, cohesive, and a little addictive. Priced around $279, the package feels worth ≈$320 on sound and accessories alone, making this an easy, emphatic YES for anyone chasing a lively, spacious DD signature without BA weirdness.

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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.

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Tanchjim Fission comes in at $130 with a quirky onboard tuning dial that offers four bass positions—but every setting trends toward modest bass anyway, making the adjuster more novelty than necessity. The default “bass-max” profile presents that familiar single-DD contrastiness with a bit of dynamic punch, a slightly bright/forward tilt, and overall inoffensive treble. It never tips into harshness or sibilance, but the bass attack reads a touch pillowy and the whole presentation stops short of truly incisive.

In direct comparison, it’s more comfortable tonally than the spikier sets yet less engaging and less tight than the standouts, settling into a solid C-tier alongside other “fine but unremarkable” options. Resolution and imaging are serviceable, treble stays safe, and the included cable is surprisingly nice, but there’s not enough slam or bite to push it up the chart. Net result: a competent, easy-listen single-DD for those who value smoothness over excitement, with limited payoff from that bass dial.

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The Tanchjim x Effect Audio Force is a dual dynamic, semi–open-back IEM around $280 that leans decisively mid-centric. Accessories are standout: a hard leather case, two silicone tip sets (wide/narrow bore), and a genuinely nice Effect Audio modular cable with 3.5 / 4.4 / USB-C terminations. Build mixes a CNC-milled aluminum faceplate with a 3D-printed resin shell; isolation proves surprisingly solid despite the vents. Fit seals well but sits a bit tall, preventing a very deep insertion. Sonically, bass is light to moderate—clean but short on slam and sub-bass rumble—while upper mids push forward, putting vocals front and center and occasionally edging into “too clean” territory at volume. Treble is smooth, extended, and airy, staying safe in the lower treble while adding breathable sparkle up top.

Technicalities read as clean, resolving, and especially articulate through the mids. The USB-C plug unlocks the Tanchjim app with multiple profiles plus a 5-band parametric EQ that saves directly to the dongle—great for tailoring the bass and easing the upper-mid bite. Versus Truth Ear Nova, Nova digs deeper in bass and runs closer to a Harman-style balance; compared to Tanchjim Fission (and Origin), the single-DD options sound fuller, more natural, with better timbre and separation, and a more comfortable fit. Hybrid alternatives like AFUL Performer 7 and ZiiGaat Odyssey bring punchier low-end and relaxed upper mids for a more fun tilt. Recommended for listeners who want clean, vocal-forward tuning, lighter bass, and the flexibility of a premium modular cable plus on-dongle EQ; not ideal for those sensitive to upper-mid energy or craving a warmer, weightier mid-bass foundation.