TANCHJIM Space Portable Headphone Adapter Review

[VientoB]

Tanchjim description is somewhat confusing: “DRE on” appears to be “DRE optimization on”. I assume they’ve done something similar to the Ibasso DC04 Ultra: engaging DRE only below a sound level threshold. But what does “off” mean then…? DRE off? DRE on & optimization off?

Off is the default when you haven't upgraded the firmware, and it says turning it on optimises it for multitone tests?

 

[CedarX]

Just updated mine to firmware 9. Need the Tanchjim app for PC found here: https://tanchjim.com/en/tanchjim-pc

Which one are you talking about: Space (this thread...) or SPace Pro (off-topic...)? According to the Tanchjim app, 1.0 is the latest fw for Space Pro.

Off is the default when you haven't upgraded the firmware, and it says turning it on optimises it for multitone tests?

And "off" is what: DRE "off" or DRE optimization "off"?

EDIT: Space Pro also has an interesting virtual 5.1/7.1 sound section available through the app—though I'm not sure how sophisticated it truly is... EPZ TS01 is the only other dongle I know having similar 7.1 virtual sound effects (TS01 is built around a rather uncommon Nanosic WN8034 SoC, RISC-V+ADC/DAC).

 

[pangcukaipang]

Which one are you talking about: Space (this thread...) or SPace Pro (off-topic...)? According to the Tanchjim app, 1.0 is the latest fw for Space Pro.


And "off" is what: DRE "off" or DRE optimization "off"?

EDIT: Space Pro also has an interesting virtual 5.1/7.1 sound section available through the app—though I'm not sure how sophisticated it truly is... EPZ TS01 is the only other dongle I know having similar 7.1 virtual sound effects (TS01 is built around a rather uncommon Nanosic WN8034 SoC, RISC-V+ADC/DAC).
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Fosi DS3 (XMOS Powered chip) also have 7.1 virtual surround in gaming mode.

My Tanchjim Fola IEM also have it if using the included USB C plug (KTMicro chip).

 

[CedarX]

Fosi DS3 (XMOS Powered chip) also have 7.1 virtual surround in gaming mode.

My Tanchjim Fola IEM also have it if using the included USB C plug (KTMicro chip).

Is DS3 a true, native, 7.1 device with onboard downmix? Based on Fosi’s description, it appears to be, which would place it in the same category as Qudelix T71 for that feature. Tanchjim Space Pro, on the other hand, is entirely virtual: it is a 2-channel device, it simulates 5.1 or 7.1 sound to a 2-channel output (interesting, but most likely “marketing” stuff).

 

[pangcukaipang]

Is DS3 a true, native, 7.1 device with onboard downmix? Based on Fosi’s description, it appears to be, which would place it in the same category as Qudelix T71 for that feature. Tanchjim Space Pro, on the other hand, is entirely virtual: it is a 2-channel device, it simulates 5.1 or 7.1 sound to a 2-channel output (interesting, but most likely “marketing” stuff).

You're right, they're using different technology, my bad.

Gotta be honest, I haven't try it much on my Tanchjim Fola. I prefer just using the EQ feature there.

Btw, my Space Pro haven't arrived yet as I ordered the standard version. Only the Asano Tanch version is readily available here now, lol.

 

[WestonWW]

Has anyone noticed a slight and random crackle during playback with their unit? It sounds like a single piece of dust on a vinyl record. I notice it the most with IEMs, it's very subtle. I've tried on different sources, cables, hardware and it's still there. I'm on firmware 9. I've tried different filters to no effect. Thanks.

 

[VientoB]

Has anyone noticed a slight and random crackle during playback with their unit? It sounds like a single piece of dust on a vinyl record. I notice it the most with IEMs, it's very subtle. I've tried on different sources, cables, hardware and it's still there. I'm on firmware 9. I've tried different filters to no effect. Thanks.

Have you tried the DRE toggle?

 

[WestonWW]

Have you tried the DRE toggle?

I have, unfortunately that didn't make a difference either. I have a TRN Black Pearl that works just fine, but it's a little more bulky. I think I just have an oddly defective unit. These dac/amps come out so quickly, I'm sure there will be something better around the corner.

 

[3VRMS]

Having used the Tanchjim Space Pro for a bit, one thing I really hate is just how slow it is to change the volume significantly. You need to hold the volume button down for quite a bit before the volume seems to start adjusting, and the ramp up is very slow. Timing it, going from 0% to 100% takes just over 10 seconds.

As for pressing the button step by step, there's a lot of steps, so it also takes a very long time. Kinda hope the design for the interaction was a bit better. If I want step by step fineness, I can press the button, but if it's clear I'm holding the button to quickly ramp up, it should be able to be responsive and ramp up fast.

For various reasons, it currently feels awkward and unresponsive, like a technically amazing product that's held back by poor human interface design.

With the amount of customizations in software, I kinda hope they have a "fast" mode for volume, either by making the volume adjustment quicker when holding down a volume button, or by reducing the total amount of steps for adjustment, for situations where you really don't need such fine adjustments. Since it's a software toggle, you don't lose anything, you can still keep the fine adjustments as default if you prefer, but give more options for situations when you want something else.

 

[pangcukaipang]

Tanchjim Space II in 3 different colors. Not much info other than dual CS43131 and now with PEQ. Image taken by local store guys from CanJam Singapore.

I hope it'll be available soon since they canceled my Tanchjim Space Pro pre-order, lmao.