TONALITY: 9/10
TECHNICALITIES: 8.5/10
TIMBRE: 8.8/10
SOUNDSTAGE: 8.2/10
IMAGING: 7.8/10
MUSICALITY (subjective): 9.5/10
ACCESSORIES: 8.5/10
SOUND VALUE: 9/10
INTRO
TANSIO MIRAI (TSMR) is an IEM company from China that has neasr 10 years old of audio engineering experience but seriously begin to create their own IEMs in 2018.
I have review their TSMR Feat about a month ago and it was such an intense love affair that I make everything possible to test the X which seem logical upgrade of the Feat.
Why?
Because it use the same incredible dual coaxial DD than feat, but with more BAs, a back passive radiator module and 3 switch. All this for only 160$ more.
Priced 400$ (with an elusive MSRP of 700$), the X is an hybrid IEM using 2DD + 4BA + 1 Custom Film Retarding Driver Hybrid Audiophile IEM with Switches.
The tuning is explained like this:
''"X" as the 10th anniversary of the establishment of TSMR is a collection of years of technical accumulation, we continue to learn from experience, countless fine tuning, ten years of grinding a sword, through this work, complete self-breakthrough, and interpretation of our new understanding of sound.
The film slow pressure driver creates a more comfortable and relaxed listening feeling, which not only expands the sound field, but also makes the overall sound more natural and smooth, and the bass is more flexible.
Hollow coaxial structure dual dynamic driver, the rear driver through the hollow’s hole complete sounding, and produce a certain push-pull force on the front driver, not only to ensure sufficient energy, but also to provide a richer sense of layer, so that the quality and quantity of low frequency are greatly improved.
Using more efficient filtering technology, the background sound is cleaner, the mid-frequency vocal is clear and pleasant, the spatial stratification and positioning are clearer, and the high frequency is smooth and non-irritating.''
While i'm not sure how ''Limited'' is this TSMR X edition, it sure is one of a kind of an IEM that push sound technology to it's limit, at least bass wise due to all this sophisticated tuning care that use both driver and acoustic technology to boost both performance, quantity and presence of bass response.
Yes the expectation are sky high with the X, since the hype is real and invade my ChiFi Love group with praise.
But is it a legit hype?
Let see in this review what are my personal thoughs about this very promising hybrid earphone.
CONSTRUCTIONS&ACCESSORIES QUALITY
The construction design of the X is like no other IEMs have own or see and look very exotic and unique, the housing is all made of 3D printed thick resin plastic that feel extremely sturdy. It’s translucent blue so you can see all drivers inside the shell.Their a wave like texture on the back plate that creates beautiful light reflection.
Oddly, the TSMR X gold logo is on the front part of the housing in contact with the ears so not visible when you wear them.
At the side we have the tuning switch deeply embedded in the shell, which means you need a tool to change switch position: something I personally find both annoying and too common. I literally bring nails in my pocket when on the go to be able to use those switches. I guess the nicest solution would be to hook the included switch tool to your key ring.
The housing shape is organically ergonomic and naturally sits inside your ears but the nozzle is very very short, so these are thinked solely for shallow fit, you can’t push those deep.
yet the passive isolation is very good, this is due to the unique passive reflector module that block sound from entering the back of IEM since it's not open venting.
To note: you can pull off this module and in fact it seem designed to be swap. Oddly, TSMR hasn't exploit this incredible extra tuning opportunity that could modulate bass dynamic in different way a bit like the 64audio doe with it's (less sophisticated) apex back vent module. I've try the X without the film module but the result was bass weight less and apart for instrumental without drum the musicality wasn't natural. Conclusion: better letting the module in it's place and waiting for TSMR to offer proper extra modules if it ever happen.
All in all, while the aesthetic look will be hit or miss depending of subjective consumer taste, the construction of X is very impressive due to complexity of it's acoustic design. It seem very sturdy too. The translucent plastic permit a captivating look of all this complex audio engineering which is a plus.
The cable is excellent (as well as very same model included with the Feat). Its a thick 2 core cable that seem to be high purity silver plated. Their no official info about it but it feel very high end and would suprise me to find this kind of cable quality at less than 50$ since it's near on par with Simgot LC7. The construction look invincible, the core is soft and flexible, the 2pin connector are made of metal and the balanced 4.4mm jack is heavy duty, promising long durability.
In fact, this is among best cable ever included with an IEM i've encounter.
Then for the unboxing experience, it come in a small eco friendly box with no bling bling presentation, as I like.
Their 6 pairs of silicone eartips, which is a bit underwhelming, including short wide bore eartips would have been very welcome since it's what I use with both the X and Feat.
TSMR seem to love ultra small carrying case, i can understand practicality of such mini case but not with this very IEM due to big and thick cable, so yes I find it too small even if both the look and construction is excellent.
Other accessories is cleaning tool and tuning switch too. All in all, good accessories quality but i would like more eartips included.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
Tonal balance can be described as warm and bassy W shape with the 3 switch that can boost sub bass, lower mids-high bass and mid treble up to 10khz. When 3 switches are down, it means NO BASS mode which is the only switch choice I suggest to fully bypass due to lack of dynamic and wonky distant musicality that doesn't feel natural.
These are the kind of IEM that can please both basshead and mid centric lovers but these will not be bright and analytical enough for treble heads nor neutral enough for purists.
Even if warm, I can see bassist and vocalist using those for on stage purposes because of how focused and well layered these are within an holographic and intimate spatiality.
Switch Flavor:
100 is warmest, darkest and bassist
020 is most balanced tuning
003 is most U shape and clean sounding
120 is darkest, thickest and most mid centric tuning
103 is bassiest U shape
Bass lovers rejoice because we are in quality meet generous quantity territory here without much of the guilty pleasure cons it should imply. The dual coaxial DD is incredible in the X and deliver an elastic attack like no other DD i’ve heard: it’s dense, weighty, rumbly and very round in punch without being to fatiguing in hard thumping impact due to this special back driver film that rebound and densify the infra bass extension and impact. This makes the mid bass creamier and heavier but most of all add meat and highly addictive vibrancy to bass lines that become more tactile and rounded in presence.
This is the wow effect here, at least for me, being able to follow bass lines even in busy rock, being able to appreciate its pure tone flesh that digs so low yet doesn't get lost in diffuse resonance nor feel too compressed.
The electric bass has both the textured attack lead that mixes naturally to the juicy bass release, we can see more frequencies under 50hz since it’s not suck out of soundscape and get captured and magnified by the unique acoustic design of the X.
It’s rare that in a rock track the electric guitar and bass line are as full sounding yet perfectly articulated and separated with their own singular space, and that…without feeling detached or artificial and staying smooth.
Then as a cello lover, i’m spoil here, this instrument can’t be confound with violin because bass is all but thin and sub bass isn’t just about dry presence, it’s warm and rich in texture, so the cello sustain is lush and wide in dense presence with this flexibility of attack that permit a life like rendering as if you were very close the instrument.
The kick is round and slightly warmed with extra air in and around it’s presence envelope, acoustic drum has this needed note weight and tuck that permit proper definition, the resonance don’t bleed over mids but blossom around naturally adding macro dynamic cohesion and richness, their no scoop in lower mids to make its presence sharper nor tame it’s natural attack-release, so those seeking colorless bass might find mid bass not clean or lean enough.
The X deliver a multi dimensional musicality that never feel static or too lean, the bass inject dynamism, note weight and density to lower mids instrument which become lusher without going too dark or warm, thanks to excellent macro layering of hybrid drivers configuration.
As a bass lover that feel always underwhelmed either by lack of flesh around the bass or tone naturalness due to this nowadays harman tuning obsession that is all about presence boost and sub boom without soul, the X is the ultimate solution to fully enjoy all aspect of bass goodness from electric bass tactile grunt, to vast weighty rumble to proper punch authority kick drum as well as proper articulation of low range instrument.
I will go as far as stating the X is the budget alternative to the incredibly over priced (yet great sounding) Firaudio Xenon6. Like with X6, once you get addicted to this kind of bass quality and fullness, you can't forget about it.
Keywords: Natural, Tactile, Weighty, Meaty, Vibrant rumble, elastic transient, bassist and cello specialist, warm lower mids transition
When you don’t listen to big bass music,
you can think the X are mid centric because we have both lower mids and upper mids boost here, glued together with the bass and lean yet intense enough treble. This is why I conclude X offers a W shape tonality, because it’s a ‘’Jack of all trades, master of Bass’’.
Both male and female presence is lush and loud, the female are a notch more forwards and bright so people that are very sensitive to upper mids might find it too upfront even if not shouty nor sibilant, for warmer smoother mids i’ll suggest the little brother TSMR Feat which is even more mid centric yet darker in term of resolution.
Piano lovers like me are very spoiled with those X, we have the note weight and fullness, the natural warm tone when it comes to fundamentals, piano do sound papery or thin or too grainy in texture, and good treble extension permits natural note release too. Listening to Adam Baldych violinist playing in duo with Leszek Mozdzer pianist is pure bliss, each instrument layers is dense and wide in presence with organic layering, it sound bigger than life, so those preferring distant cerebral listening might find himself too invested in music here which is what I seek personal: being part of music. Lower note register of the piano has next level realism and fullness that few IEM can achieve. It's rare I can say piano has rumble and grunt unless I play on my own with the top open.
And this violin is mind blowing, even when it goes pizzicato and mixes in speedy playing with higher pitch piano note we have this well felt attack lead and release, and the BA speedy controlled attack is fully shown. As well, violin never sounds harsh or metallic, it has bite in a softly crunchy way, it doesn’t have abrasive harshness. Those who hate thin violin are in heaven with the X.
Again, we have a bit more loudness energy in upper mids, this makes the higher note of piano a bit more focused and sharply rendered, but not to the point of being piercing, just affecting the otherwise very mellow dynamic, without this boost I think macro dynamic will be too lean.
To note that if you choose 003 switch it does make attack of violin and other instruments more edgy, mids a bit more open, airy and crisp, but a notch thinner too, suddenly piano fullness isn’t as dense and vibrant. Most mid centric switch choice is 020, it's the one with fuller lower mids too, it mean vocal are more focus and dominant in the mix as well. Overall more organic balance too and more natural timbre.
Keywords: Lush, mid centric, colorful timbre, no harsh edge, good macro layering, intimate, male and female vocal specialist
Unlike the Feat, the treble of X isn’t too dark at all, the use of 2 sonion BA for highs sure permits a full presentation with plenty of crunch and snap though not a lot of sparkle and brilliance. This is to be expected with BA, but this time we have enough air, especially when going 003 switch choice that adds an attack edge as well as sharper and more forwards percussion which is great for classical symphony, rock and jazz with complex percussionists.
The resolution is very good with the X even if not analytical nor the cleanest on top when you use bass boost that adds euphonic resonance in the background.
The snare has plenty of energy and snap, while metallic percussions sound full with well controlled release extension but have softer attack lead. This means fast drum rolling will not be crispest in articulation and super speedy percussions line will not be tightened up in microsecond separation, it’s no EST treble here, yet it never sounds thin or unbalanced too.
The Percussion brush has this texture richness and natural release that truly impress, so the X shines even more with snare hits of all types than ultra highs percussions needing brilliance bite for proper attack definition, we can appreciate the drum texture while it’s hitted in different positions or with different sticks.
I think this underlines how rich the treble is but most of its energy comes from the lower and mid part of the treble then after 10kHz we get a smooth roll off, not a plain scoop or drop, just like using a slow filter instead of a sharp one on a DAC.
Sound info is plenty to be found but not forced on the listener.
Lack of brilliance will affect acoustic guitar and harp sharpness in note definition mostly as well as sens of air release, fingerpicking will feel tamed in attack, making string pulling movement hard to perceive and feeling scooped in energy, but fullness of instrument will be preserve some time with a peak in high pitch sustain then soften in release energy.
Electric guitars sound better and very rich in both harmonic and non harmonic sound info.
Overall treble is free of spike yet energic enough, it's not boosted in brilliance nor the sharpest in attack edge, the highs don't dominate the mix yet if we go 003 tuning choice these will sound quite bright and clear too.
Keywords: Balanced, crunchy, thick, speedy, smooth, not very sparkly-airy
The soundstage is above average, wide and tall, but not very deep especially when big bass hits occur. It's spherical in its shape and surrounds the listener like a cocoon. You're in the middle of music, center stage not being too recessed or compressed in presence density.
While not bad, Imaging isn’t a highlight of the X. It’s very holographic so it does not monitor like a realist to precisely pinpoint instruments which surround you closely. Bass lines are the main focus in terms of easy positioning, this means even in a busy track you’ll be able to follow it but mid and treble will not be as tactile and well rounded in layering.
SIDE NOTES
You might think that the X are very easy to drive due to their 10ohm impedance but their low sensitivity of 103db ask for proper power to fully wake up dynamism as well as bass fullness joy.
A minimum of 200mW@32ohm is suggested to fully appreciate soundstage openess and macro dynamic energy, as well, clean crisp source will improve imaging. Too warm or too dark source as well as too lean source isn't suggested, especially source with mid bass euphonic boost that will blur even more bass and mids separation.
Due to very short nozzle, these can't be deeply inserted and foam tips lover might struggle. Proper shallow fit that don't block 4 nozzle hole of the nozzle end is suggested to fully avoid spatial compression, macro muddyness and tonl unbalance. Short wide bore eartips like the one seen in my pics is my go too, the Penon Fan2 blue eartips is a good choice too. I get good result with the Tangzu Sancai too even if not a short wide bore inner tips nozzle isn't too long and it's plenty wide.
Then when it come to cable, i find the stock cable good enough and not justifying urgent upgrade. Yet, depending of your need you can get slightly warmer or crisper resolution as well as more laidback or energic dynamic if you select a cable like Simgot LC7 (crisp and lively W shape) or Letshuoer Nebular (more mid centric, warmer but transparent sounding still).
COMPARISONS
VS TSMR FEAT (2DD+2BA-240$)
The Feat is a warmer, darker and slightly more mid centric version of the X, which means going to X is a logical upgrade since it is superior in technical performance like resolution and imaging and offers a more energetic W shape balance.
The bass is extremely similar in both quality and quantity since these 2 use the exact same (excellent) dual coaxial DD. But the back passive radiator module connected to the DD of the X improves separation, clarity, transparency, texture details and layering as well as speed coherency of the X, it makes bass less thicken by warmth but a notch less weighty and punchy too. The Feat is chunkier and weightier in mid bass but more sloppy too, not as clean in separation nor as well defined in bass line delivery.
The Mids are darker but lusher with the Feat, vocals are a bit wider and more upfront in presence but in a less edgy way than clearer X. Mids' sound layers are more mushy and laid back in attack energy than more open and bright minds of the X.
The treble is more rolled off, less airy and snapp than the X, sound info are notably lower as well as percussions can get lost in the mix more easily.
Soundstage is superior in sense of openness, it’s wider and deeper while the Feat is taller and more closed on the listener.
Imaging is from another league with the X even if no end game in that department.We have more space between sound layers in both X and Y spatial positioning, separation is edgier in definition and less foggy.
All in all, I try to convince myself to get rid of the Feat but just can’t since I love that fully rounded tonality which is warmer, bassier and more laid back than the X. For people very sensitive to treble and aiming for a lush, dark and natural tonal balance i’ll suggest the Feat while i’ll suggest the X for warm W shape end game.Again, those 2 are very similar and the X is logical technical performance upgrade and offer even higher sound value due to this aspect as well as 3 and up tuning choice covering wider musical genre.
VS HISENIOR OKAVANGO (1DD+6BA-400$)
The X offers a warmer and darker W shape balance which feels smoother, more buttery and natural in balance.
The bass is chunkier and weightier, both mid and sub bass has more corpulency, attack is less boomy and more flexible. Slam has less resonance and lower mids are feed by warmth instead of getting veil by inner acoustic resonance that isn’t part of recording, bass line are juicer and more tactile with more natural tone and less presence boost that favor texture over substance more with the thinner boomier bass of Okavango which ultimately sound more out of place and more detached than more liquid, warmer tone of X.
The mids are lusher, warmer and thicker, more natural in timbre, less edgy and prompt to sibilance as well as slightly darker than dryer and thinner mids of Okavango. Oka is more transparent and open sounding in mids, it has more BA timbre grain and less cohesive transition in terms of lower mids which are less present. Mids attack has more bite and is overall crisper but more recessed too.
Treble is leaner and less crunchy with the X, the Okavango has more air around percussions as well as more accent in attack lead, level of micro details is superior too. It sounds thinner and more grainy too, it’s not as refined in both balance and timbre matching as the darker X.
The soundstage is similar in width, but taller and more holographic with the X, while it’s deeper and a notch airier with the Oka.
Imaging of both these IEMs isn't their main highlight, but the Oka have a more edgy definition of instrument presence as well as more space between them, so I conclude it’s superior in this department.
All in all, both musicality and balance coherence goes to X hands down, while technical performance can be concluded as on par yet the bass quantity and quality is superior with X as well as its impact control is less resonant and sloppy. Balanced armature used are superior too in terms of distortion and timbre, but tuning isn’t as analytical on top, it’s not as spiky in treble region which dig out more percussions and micro details presence with the Okavango.
VS ORIVETI OH700VB (1DD+6BA-1switch-700$)
The OH700 is more U shape sounding as well as crisper and more open in spatiality.
The bass has more sub bass boost and focus and less mid bass weight and punch (wtv switch choice). Punch definition is less edgy and rounded and bass line dominate more the balance which seem L shape in dynamic. The sub bass has longer rumble sustain than more dense, grunty and vibrant bass line of the X which is more tactile and meaty. X packs way more punch too but doesn't have as clean separation with kids, lower mids being less scooped and overall balance more warm and V shape.
The mids are clearer, more open and multi-layered with the OH700, macro dynamic is better articulated and upper mids are smoother and leaner. Vocals are a bit thinner and brighter, less lush and sirupy than the X. Male vocals especially sound less smooth and thick in timbre, as well it’s more prompt to sibilance with problematic tracks. Definition of instrument is crisper with the OH700 too which make polyphonic instrument ensemble better articulate.
X offers thicker, lusher and more natural mids that favor tone color over presence texture.
The treble is snappier and sparklier with the OH700, percussions have more bite and sharper presence, we have greater amount of sound info and micro details. X sounds less airy and smoother on top, more organic and cohesive together in balance, treble doesn't distract from mid range instrument and make overal X feel more mid centric and warm in macro dynamic.
The Soundstage is just slightly wider and deeper with OH700 but less tall and holographic, with the X your more in the middle of the music.
This means imaging goes to OH700VB, in that regard more BAs do improve sound layering which is more transparent and edgy in definition.
All in all, there is no doubt I prefer the lusher and more mid centric tonality of the X which sound more cohesive and natural as well as versatile for low and high pitched vocals and instrument. In terms of technical performance, the bass is superior with the X and mids is better tuned due to fuller covering that doesn't bypass lower harmonic as much. The OH700 is superior in clarity and imaging as well as treble extension and spatial cleaness.
The 300$ price difference doesn't offer a notable sound benefit, here it’s more about the more U shape tuning choice.
CONCLUSION
The TSMR X truly blew my mind with its utterly addictive musicality and capable technical performance that don’t go clinical or overly bright and analytical.
The X focuses on music and injects it with a bassy and vibrant dynamism that favor tone fullness and naturalness over texture grain and noise artifacts we often call micro details.
The balance is fluid and full of lushness, yet the X main highlight it’s is incredible bass quality that is generous in quantity too. Should you be a bassist seeking to monitor your bass line in lowest range, a bass tactility and density lover or even a basshead, you’ll find yourself mystify by the dual DD acting in tandem with it’s passive radiator to offer both a physical and musical delivery of blossoming low end.
But don't worry if your not just about bass, the X is a maestro of mid range naturalness and fullness too, with very impressive male and female vocal versatility as well as an energic focus on presence that avoid sibilance, shoutyness and harshness even with loud upper mids.
All in all, it's rare I have intense IEM crush like I did with the TSMR X, the Feat as well as Oriveti OH700VB come to mind, but one lack the technical greatness while other the tonal fullness and mids density.
So the TSMR X seem to be my favorite 2024 IEM for now, and this explain why it get a 9.5 for subjective musical enjoyment.
VERY HIGHLY OVER ENTHUSIASTICALLY RECOMMENDED
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PS: I want to thanks Penon for sending me this review sample after my interest about X was too overwhelming due to TSMR Feat sincere love. As always, i'm not affiliated nor get $ compensation to write this review. The X is now part of my 300 IEMs collection. Here to stay.
You can order the TSMR X for 399$ here:
https://penonaudio.com/TANSIO-MIRAI-X-10th-Anniversary-Limited-Edition.html
