At the end of 2022, Tanchjim surprised the ChiFi community when it announced it would launch its first DAC/AMP model. Famous for quality IEM models such as Oxygen, New Hana, Prism, Tanya, Zero, … and has no experience in DAC/AMP production. However, Tanchjim’s first DAC/AMP, Space, still created a lot of buzz in domestic and foreign audio forums. With the use of dual DAC chip CS43131, equipped with both SE and Bal ports and a relatively large pulling capacity (up to 230mW@32Ohm), Tanchjim Space is considered one of the DAC/AMP with many equipment “best” in the entry segment.
Packaging and accessories
Unlike Tanchjim’s headphones, Space has a more “serious” style of packaging and does not have a waifu image printed on the box. This is a rather unfortunate point, but anyway, what audiophiles want is still a product with good finishing and good sound quality.
On the front of the cover box there will be an image of the DAC/AMP along with the brand logo, product name and decoder chip configuration. More detailed information about the technical specifications of Tanchjim Space will be available on the back. To unbox the product, gently slide the outer shell and open the inner box lid.
It must be admitted that Tanchjim’s packaging is done very meticulously and methodically. Even the included accessories are very complete. In addition to the DAC/AMP, you will receive an additional set of accessories including:
- 1 USB Type-C to Type-C cable
- 1 adapter converts to USB Type-A connection
- 1 card with printed QR code (scan the code to access Tanchjim’s Wechat channel)
- Detailed user manual
Table of Contents
Design
Compared to other DAC/AMP models in the same segment, Tanchjim Space has a neat design and a more elegant design. Space’s elegance comes from its delicate silver shell and small transparent glass layer that allows users to clearly see part of the circuit structure inside.
Measuring 4.1 x 2.1 x 1.2 cm and weighing only 14.8g, Tanchjim Space is truly a compact DAC/AMP. Space’s sturdiness is also very surprising. With the entire outer shell made of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, Space is extremely impact resistant. Due to being machined by CNC technology, the lines on the body of the machine have extremely good perfection. In order to increase brand recognition, the words “TANCHJIM” will be sculpted on the body of the device.
Besides the Type-C input and pair of 3.5mm SE & 4.4mm Bal outputs, Tanchjim Space will have an integrated hard key on the right side to adjust the volume. In the same segment, very few DAC/AMP models own this equipment.
The included cable is well finished and has a transparent cover that looks very fancy. The wire core inside the cable is made of OCC copper, providing good signal transmission and limited noise interference. Because you use a separate cable, you can completely replace the Type-C cable with an OTG Lightning cable to connect Space to devices using the iOS operating system.
Outstanding features and technology
Tanchjim Space and its competitor iBasso DC03 Pro use the same DAC chip, the dual CS43131 chip produced by Cirrus Logic. The decoding performance that this chip brings is extremely impressive. This is clearly shown in the extremely low distortion (only 0.00017%), almost no background noise while the dynamic range is relatively high (up to 117dB). With a pair of CS43131 chips, Space easily handles high-resolution music files such as PCM 32bit/768kHz or DSD256 Native.
Because it supports both Single-Ended and Balanced outputs, Tanchjim Space connects perfectly well with all headphones on the market. And with 2 Gain levels (Low/High) and pulling power of 137mW@32Ohm (when using the 3.5mm port) and 210mW@32Ohm (when using the 4.4mm port), Space is completely powerful enough to coordinate with Popular IEM models such as Letshuoer S12/S12 Pro, Truthear Hexa, Tanchjim Tanya, …
By using the dual Crystal Oscillator as the basis for the clock system, audio performance will be maximized. Vibration and signal noise are reduced to extremely low levels.
Sound quality
In terms of technical specifications, Tanchjim Space is completely capable of competing with other competitors in the same segment such as Shanling UA2/UA2 Plus, iBasso DC06 or FiiO KA3. So what about sound quality?
Quite similar to the DC03 Pro and Dawn, Tanchjim Space has smooth, natural and clean sound. The subbass part is compacted while the midbass part is added a bit to increase warmth. The mid range is bright, detailed and has relatively good volume. Meanwhile, the treble strip is smooth, with additional volume to ensure good detail but does not create too harsh sib sounds.
The most impressive point of Space is probably its ability to stage space. The soundstage has been increased in size in terms of width, depth and height. You can easily feel this when using the 4.4mm Bal port. The sound imaging is quite good, easy to accurately position each instrument in the orchestra, and the ability to retrieve details. There will be a little difference between 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports. With the 4.4mm Bal port, the stage space is expanded, the sound sounds more dynamic and energetic.
Fanmusic TANCHJIM Space Portable DAC Headphone Amplifier Support DSD256 32Bit/768kHz 3.5mm/4.4mm Output USB Type C Input DAC Amp: Buy it now
Compare
Vs E1DA 9038D
Both DAC/AMP have very good pulling power, but the Space is equipped with an additional 4.4mm Bal port while the 9038D only uses a single 3.5mm SE port. Tanchjim Space’s appearance will certainly be more attractive to users due to its more beautiful exposed design. However, the 9038D has slightly better build quality. Another plus point for Space is that it has a built-in hard key to adjust the volume. Increasing/decreasing the volume on Space is therefore a bit more convenient.
Moving on to sound quality. The sound on the 9038D is neat compared to the Space. Both add brightness and detail to the treble range. But the 9038D has better technical elements. Specifically, the soundstage is boosted better and the soundscape also has more impressive volume. However, a big minus point of the 9038D is that RF interference often occurs when you use this DAC/AMP with a smartphone.
Vs Moondrop Dawn
Currently, Dawn has two versions: 3.5mm (square shape) and 4.4mm (round shape). Regardless of version, Dawn has a beautiful design and good finishing. As for Tanchjim Space, it has a more compact design and a more eye-catching appearance thanks to its exposed design. Because it integrates both 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports, Space is more convenient when connecting to headphones. However, Dawn has a support application on smartphones that allows changing filters or Gain levels.
Having better pulling power allows Space to provide more power to the IEM and earbuds models. In terms of sound quality, Dawn has quite warm and clean sound but the resolution is not as detailed as Space. Besides, Space has better stage staging capabilities (both in terms of soundstage, sound imaging, and the ability to layer and position).
Unlike before, the launch of many new product models has made the process of finding a quality DAC/AMP in the entry segment no longer difficult. Tanchjim Space is a good choice that you should not miss. “Good” here comes not only from decoding quality and sound performance, but also from the perfection of design as well as accompanying equipment.