Headphones — Tanchjim Tanchjim x Effect Audio Force

The Force is a flagship dual-dynamic-driver in-ear monitor born from a genuine collaboration between Tanchjim and Singapore-based cable specialist Effect Audio, the two brands working together from the earliest development stages to strike a considered balance between acoustic performance and artistic aesthetics. Priced at $279.99, this marks a genuine departure from Tanchjim's usual single-dynamic-driver signature, moving to a dual-DD configuration for the first time in this collaborative flagship.

Key specs that matter

The driver array pairs an 8.2mm dynamic driver with a 10mm double-chamber composite dynamic driver, using Tanchjim's DMT 4 Ultra dynamic driver technology alongside low-distortion waveguide cover technology. Diaphragm construction uses a PU-suspended-edge PET composite plated with a beryllium dome on the 8.2mm driver, and a titanium dome composite on the 10mm driver. Total harmonic distortion is rated at 0.05% or below at 1kHz and 94dB. Impedance is 17 ohms (plus or minus 10%), with sensitivity at 120dB/Vrms, making the Force easy to drive from virtually any source. Frequency response spans 8Hz to 48kHz. The semi-open-back rear chamber design lets reverse sound waves interact freely with the surrounding air, significantly reducing the sound-quality degradation rear-chamber reflections typically cause, while dissipating vibration energy to suppress distortion and expand both horizontal and vertical soundstage alongside enhanced high-frequency extension - despite this open construction, in-lab testing found passive sound isolation comparable to a closed-back design in everyday listening environments. The shell combines high-precision transparent resin, 3D-printed to medical-grade standard, with aerospace-grade CNC-machined aluminium faceplate for optimised weight distribution and comfort, plus a stainless-steel mesh grille for airflow diffusion. The bundled Effect Audio co-developed cable uses NEOTECH UP-OCC (Ultra-Pure Ohno Continuous Cast) single-crystal copper in four hand-braided 26AWG silver-plated strands, with a modular 0.78mm 2-pin connector accepting swappable 3.5mm, 4.4mm and USB-C DSP plugs - the USB-C termination specifically enables companion-app control on Windows PC and Android, offering a 5-band custom EQ alongside Harman 2013/2016/2019 PEQ presets.

Sound and use context

Expect a neutral, slightly warm, open and disciplined tonal signature that reveals detail without pushing it forward - neither bright nor dark, with the balanced output notably opening up the soundstage and detail retrieval further as more power is fed in, without ever losing composure or falling apart under demanding material.

Pairing

The 17 ohm impedance and 120dB sensitivity mean the Force is easy to drive from any source, and the modular cable's interchangeable terminations let a listener match output to whatever device or amplifier is on hand without buying a separate cable.

Alternatives

Effect Audio's own Pilgrim IEM sits as a more affordable, warmer and mid-bass-focused alternative within a similar price bracket, worth considering instead if a relaxed, fatigue-free plug-in-and-listen character matters more than the Force's considerably more resolving, balanced and technically capable presentation.