Video summary
Tanchjim Origin - Like the AKG K701 in Your Pocket
Main summary
Key takeaways
Product reviewed
Tanchjim Origin (IM / in-ear monitor) — review based on extended testing of the Tanchjim Origin IM (the review mentions a box was included).
Key sound / performance takeaways (unique points)
- Bass quality: described as technical and punchy, with depth. The reviewer emphasizes that the bass presence is clear (e.g., “BB Weekend” confirms low-end impact).
- Not warm: the reviewer repeatedly notes it isn’t “warm” and doesn’t have a “warm gooey feel.”
- Treble / tonality:
- It leans toward bright, but the reviewer avoids calling it “bright.”
- Female vocals have “sheen” and sound full and great.
- Vocal character:
- Male vocals: “nothing taken away.”
- Vocals are clean and full, not clinical.
- Comparative reference-ish sound: presented as detailed and very accurate/neutral-ish, even relative to reference targets.
- Not sibilant: explicitly states it isn’t sibilant.
- Not synthetic (likely): reviewer wouldn’t call it synthetic yet, but suggests it may take more time to judge fully.
- Comparison to common reference tunings: tonality is likened to the AKG K71 series, while still retaining some “girth.”
- Separation / clarity: voices have clarity, bass is punchy, and overall presentation is detailed.
- Mix / edit potential: reviewer claims it could work well for mixing/editing, and that when listening to their own voice it sounds like themselves (implying good accuracy).
Comfort / usability
- Comfort is “very good” and described as seamless.
- The fit feels smaller than many larger IEMs, improving comfort (compared to models like Blessing / Dusk / Hexa).
Pros (as stated)
- Punchy, technical bass with depth (strong low-end despite not being “warm”).
- Excellent female vocals (sheen + fullness).
- Clear and detailed presentation; not dull or overly clinical.
- Non-sibilant listening.
- Comfortable fit (smaller shell/shape).
- Accurate enough for practical use, potentially helping with editing/mixing and matching the reviewer’s own voice.
Cons / uncertainties (as stated)
- The sound leans bright-ish, even if it’s not called “bright.”
- Warmth expectations: repeated emphasis that it’s not warm may disappoint people wanting a warm/gooey signature.
- Possible bias from prior reviews: reviewer wonders whether early exposure to many reviews colored impressions.
- Needs more time to determine whether it’s synthetic (not ruled out completely).
Comparisons with specific other products mentioned
- Honest Audio File (reference influence):
- Reviewer respected Honest Audio File’s focus on neutral, accurate sound.
- Mentions several “neutral/reference-like” IEMs Honest Audio File reviewed (e.g., Hexa, ER2XR).
- References a wish for a soundstage closer to ER2XR with Blessing/Supermix style stage, and that Honest agreed on Studio 4.
- Studio 4 (Direct):
- Origin is described as very good, but the reviewer wouldn’t say it’s better than Studio 4.
- Studio 4 is described as more full and musical, while Origin is clear/punchy and less warm/gooey.
- Reviewer notes similarity at points, but ultimately says they’re similar yet very different.
- Moondrop Blessing 2:
- Mentions a claim that someone said Origin is better than Blessing 2.
- Reviewer initially disagrees, then later changes stance and says it’s better than Blessing 2, including depth.
- Etymotic ER2XR:
- Reviewer notes Origin may have more low-end than ER2XR, but wants confirmation.
- Moondrop / Hexa (warmth difference):
- Hexa has more warmth in vocals; Origin is more clear.
- Dusk / Blessing / Hexa (comfort + tuning context):
- Origin feels smaller and therefore comfortable versus those models.
- Hexa is described as warmer than Origin.
- HD 660S / HD6X (warmness reference):
- Origin is said to be less warm than the HD 6X.
- AKG K71 series:
- Origin’s tonality is likened to AKG K71, including “girth.”
- Other IEMs mentioned (mainly aesthetics / future interest):
- Tanchjim Nasa: reviewer dislikes the artwork/looks.
- Fat Frequency Reference Pro: also disliked visually.
- Tanchjim Mach 60: reviewer says they’d consider it, but wants to listen at CanJam.
Overall user experience notes
- Strong emotional takeaway: “Definitely keeping this” and “absolutely love the sound.”
- Described as enjoyable/pleasurable (“toetapping”).
- Feels like it opens up a new side to sound and isn’t redundant versus what the reviewer already owns.
Verdict / recommendation (based on the video)
Highly recommended for listeners who want:
- Clear, detailed tuning with punchy bass
- Full, non-sibilant female vocals
- Comfortable fit
- Potential accuracy for mixing/editing
If you strongly prefer warm, gooey, fully smooth low-end, the reviewer’s repeated “not warm” comments suggest it may not match that preference—though they still rate it highly overall.
Unique points list (all distinct claims)
- Tested the Tanchjim Origin IM over time.
- Includes a box.
- Review influenced by Honest Audio File’s neutral/reference style.
- Origin described as a “beast” and “amazing.”
- Bass is technical.
- Bass is not warm.
- Comfort is very good (“comfortable,” “seamless”).
- Fit feels smaller than many larger IEMs (Blessing/Dusk/Hexa).
- Tonality veers toward bright but not called bright.
- Bass is punchy.
- Female vocals have sheen.
- Not warm and not quite MDR7506 treble.
- Less warm than HD 6X.
- Tonality resembles AKG K71 series while retaining girth.
- Male vocals: no loss (“nothing taken away”).
- Not warm and not synthetic (but needs more time).
- Possible bias due to prior review exposure.
- Not V-shaped; Hexa has more warmth in vocals.
- More accurately/enjoyably relays bass.
- Contradicts the common “weak bass done well” complaint: bass is good.
- Vocals are clear while bass is punchy.
- Not bright but possibly neutral bright (wording varies).
- Compared to “Truthier Pure” being warmer.
- Studio 4 sounds more full and musical.
- Origin vs Studio 4: not “better than,” but very good.
- Some initial disagreement then later agreement vs Blessing 2.
- Origin may have more low-end than ER2XR (needs confirmation).
- Sound is detailed.
- Keeps it because not redundant—unique sound.
- Origin later still described as veering bright.
- Female vocals sound great again.
- Has low-end (explicit bass emphasis).
- “Toetapping” / highly enjoyable.
- Female vocals sound full (repeated emphasis).
- Not sibilant.
- Lacks warm gooey feel; more punchy clean.
- Not clinical, but can open new sides.
- Comfort described as very good again.
- “BB Weekend” confirms bass presence.
- Claims better than Blessing 2 with depth.
- Overall: keeping it; loves sound.
- Possible use for mixing/editing.
- Accuracy claim: listening to own voice sounds like the reviewer.
- Design/aesthetics complaint: Tanchjim Nasa artwork looks bad; reviewer won’t buy it.
- Aesthetics complaint: Fat Frequency Reference Pro doesn’t look good to the reviewer.
- Future intent: will listen to Mach 60 at CanJam.
- Agreement with Honest Audio File that it’s great for enjoyability and accuracy.
Speaker breakdown
- Single speaker (no distinct multi-speaker sections). All impressions and comparisons come from the same reviewer.