Tanchjim Fission VS Truthear Pure

Youtube Video Summary

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.

Youtube Video Summary

The Truthear Pure offers a neutral, JM1-style target tuning aimed at a studio-reference sound, achieving this goal competently for its price point. However, its build quality and accessories feel disappointing and recycled from older models like the Hexa. The shell contouring is rigid and unimpressive, while the tips and case lack innovation. The cable is a slight improvement over the Hexa's – supple but lacking clear right/left indicators – making the overall package just okay, not exciting.

Sonically, the Pure presents a linear bass rise and a generally neutral presentation, differing from the Hexa by offering a bit more warmth but less sparkle and magical mid-range presence. While it fixes the Hexa's "pillowy bass," it doesn't fully surpass it, lacking the Hexa's legendary status. Comparisons reveal it's very similar to the Audio Sense DT200 in tonality, though slightly preferred. It falls short against competitors like the Kiwi Ears Quartet (better bass/mids), Ziigaat Lush (better technicalities), Softears Volume S (more natural curve), or planar options around its price. Crucially, the fit is problematic, often requiring expensive aftermarket tips like the Baroque to work well, which feels impractical for a $90 IEM.

Ultimately, the Pure is a solid but middling release, earning a B rating. It suits those specifically seeking an affordable JM1-style neutral signature or dedicated Truthear fans. For most listeners, however, better alternatives exist: the Hexa remains preferable within Truthear's lineup for its magic, the Nova offers more fun, or competitors like the Aful Explorer (bass-focused), TANGZU Fudu (value planar), or slightly pricier Volume S provide more engaging or technically proficient experiences. It's not a strong general recommendation.

Youtube Video Summary

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.

Youtube Video Summary

Truthear Pure brings a warm, bass-impactful presentation from its 1DD+3BA setup, but the rest feels like it’s under a blanket. There’s a noticeable 2 kHz hump, then the upper range ducks hard past ~8 kHz, leaving the sound veiled—like three comforters thrown over the music. Great for bass-centric tracks (think Arcane S2 remixes), yet dull and somehow fatiguing at the same time. The shells look cool—semi-transparent with a heatsink-style back—and the stock cable is soft and supple but fixed 3.5 mm. Accessories are classic Truthear: small leather pouch, tip array, and a waifu postcard. Listed around $89 (feels more like $50 value).

The real curveball is the imaging and stage. On 3D test tracks that should sweep smoothly around the head, motion skews and snaps—front/back depth behaves weird and timing feels off. It’s the kind of tuning (or implementation) that begs for EQ just to “open it up”. For listeners who want warmth + bass and the bunny-girl aesthetic, this will scratch the itch. For a cleaner, properly integrated 1DD+3BA experience, alternatives like Defiant make more sense, especially at a similar price. Net: an acceptable set for bass enjoyment, but with odd staging and a rolled-off, veiled top end that keeps it off the must-buy list.

Youtube Video Summary

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.

Youtube Video Summary

Truthear Pure lands as the so-called Hexa successor, but the tuning pivots hard: it’s warmer, darker, and even more laid-back. Male vocals pop with weight, extension, and a lush low-end foundation. At mid-to-low volumes it can come off bloated and a little low-res up top, with dulled upper-mid/treble detail; push it to around 75 dB+ and it scales nicely, opening the stage, adding clarity, and staying non-fatiguing thanks to the tamer upper mids.

Genre pairing leans into hip-hop, rap, R&B, jazz, and rock/metal: there’s satisfying mid-bass impact and sub-bass rumble, with restrained upper mids keeping sibilance and shout in check on hotter recordings. Tipwise, avoid bass-boosters like Final E, Divinus Venus, and even the stock silicones. Go with Softears Ultra Clear or other clear, open-bore tips to nudge in more treble air while keeping the smoothness.

On raw technicals, Pure isn’t class-leading for its bracket—less detail and separation than the older Hexa despite sharing drivers, because the warmer/darker tilt trims perceived clarity. Buy it for the tuning and volume scaling. It plays like a more vocal-centric spin on the AFUL Explorer (darker, immersive, vocals pop more, a bit less sub-bass-centric). Chasing value or technical bite? Sets like EW300 (on sale) or Moondrop Aria 2 Red, and of course Hexa, will feel cleaner and crisper. Bottom line: a side-grade with its own niche—great for listeners who prefer a warm, smooth presentation and aren’t shy about turning the volume up.

Youtube Video Summary

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.

Youtube Video Summary

The Truthear Pure keeps the $90 hybrid recipe of the Hexa (3BA+1DD) and most of its shell geometry, but tweaks details: a slightly smaller nozzle eases fit for those who struggled with Hexa, while a thicker body changes how it sits against the antitragus. Accessories are sensible—the pocketable soft pouch and three styles of ear tips help dial in seal and stability—though the bold logo and faint channel markings won’t win style awards. Overall comfort is compact and easy, with fit security largely dependent on tip choice rather than ear-conforming contours.

Sonically this is a shift from Hexa’s laser-neutral baseline to a warm-neutral flavor: ~1–2 dB more energy from 1 kHz down adds body and density, while slightly pulled-back upper mids/treble relax the presentation. Stage size and separation aren’t the selling points, yet the treble execution is impressively clean and controlled for the price, avoiding the congestion feared from early listens. Bass remains not the star, but attack is snappier and kick definition more satisfying than on Hexa, making drums feel better outlined without abandoning neutrality.

Think HD600 vs HD650: Hexa reads brighter, airier, and a touch more “technical,” while Pure is fuller, warmer, and more relaxed—arguably the more mature tonality. For contrast seekers, the Jazir/Z Reviews Defiant hits harder with a lively V-shape; to split the difference with extra low-end and micro-contrast, the AFUL Explorer fits. As a sub-$100 choice, Pure lands as a five-star set: not a technical monster, but a beautifully tuned, dense take on neutral that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Hexa rather than replacing it—pick Hexa for openness, Pure for tone and treble refinement.

Youtube Video Summary

Tanchjim Fission follows the brand's long-arc approach with a full bass arc and upper mids set just under Harman, yielding natural lower mids and balanced male/female vocal weight. A four-way switch plus three swappable, clearly labeled nozzles alter geometry subtly and nudge treble/texture, so cycling nozzles matters; in total there are up to twelve tuning combinations that stay coherent rather than gimmicky.

Compared with Origin, bass sits lower/back on the stage, freeing space for vocals and instruments; presentation is bigger and airier with better imaging and layering. Mids are more neutral in weight and closer to the open “Oxygen” style than the thicker, in-head feel of Origin, which helps EDM and mixed-genre playlists sound cleaner while avoiding mid-bass bloat.

Technical resolve is modest for the class: detail retrieval trails the stage/imaging strengths, and treble extension is good but not top-tier for a dynamic driver. Value is price-appropriate; pick the most resolving nozzle and consider lowering bass via the switch. The modular USB-C DSP connector and app add five sensible warm U-shaped presets—this brings real versatility—whereas a CS43198 “Luna”-type dongle tends to flatten depth, making the DSP path the preferable pairing.

Youtube Video Summary

Truthear Pure arrives as a $90 1DD+3BA hybrid with a solid accessory set: postcard, soft pouch, six pairs of silicone tips plus foam. The non-modular cable is notably soft, tangle-free, low in microphonics, and the chin slider actually stays put. Shells are semi-transparent 3D-printed resin with a grooved faceplate, a vent, and a nozzle lip that keeps tips secure; there’s a recessed 2-pin connector. Size is only slightly larger than Hexa, but comfort is similarly excellent—low-profile, secure, and easy for long sessions.

Sonically, Pure shifts firmly into warm territory. Bass is abundant with strong slam, yet its slower decay and “glide” into the lower mids introduce a thick, relaxed presentation that can cloud mid-range clarity and leave vocals a touch hazy; the upper-mids sit a bit too laid-back for the bass level. Treble is safe, smooth, and non-fatiguing rather than airy. Technicals are middling for the class—imaging decent, detail behind more incisive sets. Versus Hexa, Pure adds bass and impact but loses the Hexa’s clean, neutral midrange; compared with Moondrop Aria 2, it’s the “too warm” side of warm-tuned. Best suited for listeners who want a cozy, laid-back signature; not ideal for clarity seekers unless EQ is used to trim the low-mids/bass. Final verdict: 3/5 stars—comfortable build and enjoyable smoothness, but the warmth dominates the balance.

Youtube Video Summary

Truthear Pure follows the beloved Hexa with a smarter twist on neutrality: a hybrid 1DD+3BA at $90 that keeps the sturdy 3D-printed shell, slightly chunkier but similarly comfortable. The package is generous—three pairs of “thick” tips, three “thin,” plus foams—along with a much softer, less tangle-prone cable (still a fixed termination) and a soft leather pouch that’s actually pocket-friendly. Build, fit, and accessories punch above price, making this feel more premium than the tag suggests.

Sonically, Pure takes Hexa’s neutral core and downtilts it: a touch more lower-mid energy for weight and body, with the Hexa’s brighter colorations eased back. The result is a warm-neutral, enveloping, and non-fatiguing presentation—vocals and instruments gain richness without mud, and timbre/decay stay natural rather than dark or blunted. Think of the duo like HD600 vs HD650 for IEMs: pick Hexa for cleaner/brighter clarity, pick Pure for fuller, relaxed musicality. Choose Pure if a superbly executed warm-neutral tuning, long-session comfort, and broad genre versatility are priorities (great as a first “do-it-all” IEM). Skip it if a crisper, more analytical, or treble-forward edge is needed—the Pure presents detail naturally rather than pushing it. Either way, Pure carves meaningful space beside Hexa: neither redundant nor straying too far from true neutral, just the right amount of warmth done right. (Also, a white Pure would be fun—name kinda begs for it.)