u/Friendly-Driver1725

Hey guys, I'm Iceberg, and this is a quick review of the brand-new Tanchjim Space II – a portable DAC running on dual CS43131 chips for around $87.

So, this is a continuation of the Space lineup, and outwardly it’s almost identical to the first gen: so we got the same compact aluminum body (available in black, blue, and gunmetal), same tiny size, and same 3.5 + 4.4 outputs.

But behind this outward similarity, there are some serious changes happening under the hood. Tanchjim completely redesigned the board, simplified the signal path, added their own PureBridge USB interface, and most importantly - installed a DSP chip. just like in the Ola II, which unlocks support for the Tanchjim app with a 10-band parametric EQ, gaming presets, gain control, 5.1/7.1 modes, and much more.

So, sound-wise, the Space II has a more stretched V-shaped signature, where we get a fairly tight, well-defined sub-bass, transparent and airy treble without artificial muddiness, and a noticeable boost in the upper mids that adds articulation and presence to vocals and instruments. As for IEM pairings, I tested it with a wide range of models, from the Ola II and the new Erand Resonance 5, to hybrid sets like the Dunu 142 and Kiwi Ears Halcyon. And the Space II shines the most with Harman-tuned and planar IEMs, as well as analytical sets like the Simgot Supermix 4 or ZiiGaat Luna. But with warmer or bright-sounding IEMs, the synergy is noticeably weaker.

Overall, I'm giving the Space II a 9 out of 10 taking off a point only for the lack of a display and the not-so-powerful output, so this device is clearly built with IEMs in mind rather than full-size headphones. That said, Tanchjim managed to keep the compact form factor, lower the price compared to the 1st gen, and still deliver functionality on par with the higher-tier Space Pro - complete with app support, an EQ, and lower power consumption...

More in my full YouTube review!
https://youtu.be/I8VTMYxc0oo

Hi guys, I'm Iceberg, and this is a quick review of the Tanchjim OLA II - 1DD + 1BA hybrid configuration IEMs for $57-60. So, basically, this is the successor to the OLA og from 2022, but here Tanchjim decided to move away from the neutral-bright sound signature in favor of a more V-shaped and fun sound, which is more popular these days.
So, the Ola II shells remain the recognizable bullet shape, which is quite comfy, especially for small ears, though the fit isn’t the most secure, and the sound isolation is average. But, as a nice bonus, the set comes with a 3.5mm cable that has a mic, though for an extra $3 you can get the version with a USB-C cable and a built-in DSP chip, which makes these IEMs a plug-and-play device compatible with the Tanchjim app.

Sound-wise, the OLA II is like a high-end option under $60 segment, with tons of detail in every single range, yet it never sounds overly technical or analytical.
So, the bass here is way more dense and meaty, the midrange now emphasized in the lower mids, so fundamental instruments and male vocals sound more weighty and full-bodied, and the boost in the upper mids gives the vocals a tangible closeness and presence, though this may cause some fatigue for those who prefer a strictly neutral sound.
And the treble here is detailed, airy, and nicely extended, but sometimes tends towards slight sibilance with wide-bore tips, so tip-rolling is a necessity here.
And finally, the soundstage is medium-sized, without a distinct chamber-like quality, however, the separation and imaging are surprisingly precise, so instruments don’t blend together even during intense moments, which is rare for hybrids in this price range.

In conclusion, I consider OLA II to be one of the best values for money currently available, and the DSP version is worth every dollar spent, thanks to the flexibility of sound customization using the Tanchjim app.
So I’ll give these a 9 out of 10, taking off a point for the not-so-universal fit, average sound isolation, and sometimes sharp treble.

Hi, it's me Iceberg, and this is my quick review of the Hidizs AP30 Music Boy. It's a super-compact retro player in Nintendo Game Boy style that you can get for $75-83, depending on the version you choose: plastic or aluminum.

Okay, so this player is literally tiny, with dimensions of 68 × 53 × 17 mm, and weighs just 56 grams in plastic, so it fits easily in your hand and takes up almost no space in your pocket. And his design is a throwback to the ’90s, with a joystick and buttons similar to the Nintendo Game Boy, 2-inch IPS screen, 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs, and a transparent Shadow Black case (in my case), through which you can see the parts inside.

In terms of functionality, the AP30 works as an audio player, USB DAC, and Bluetooth transmitter, though it only supports SBC codec. Besides that, it also has 5-band EQ, Tetris, e-Book reader, and easy-to-use Hidizs OS.

Specs-wise, it’s built on a Cirrus Logic CS43198 chip paired with an RT6863 amplifier, so its power outputs (61 mW @ 3.5 mm, 137 mW @ 4.4 mm) is sufficient for practically all IEMs, and the 1,200 mAh battery provides about 8 - 10 hours of playback.

So, I tested the AP30 with different IEMs: from simple single DD models, like the CCA Phoenix, to complex hybrids and planar IEMs, such as the Kiwi Ears Halcyon, Simgot ET142, Hidizs MP145 Pro, and overall, the sound was transparent and neutral, without any excessive coloration, where the player does a good job of unlocking the full potential of the IEMs, especially planar and neutral models, though it isn't a magic pill that can fix all the flaws of IEMs. And, for me, the best synergy here was with the Kiwi Ears Halcyon and Simgot ET142, where the brightness of the latter was noticeably softened.

Overall, I give the AP30 an 8 out of 10, and it’s an unusual device with solid specs wrapped in a nostalgic design, but with obvious flaws like the lack of Wi-Fi, modern Bluetooth codecs, and high output power for demanding headphones.
But for fans of compact retro devices, this is a reasonable purchase with good sound quality and battery life. Although features like Tetris and the e-Book are, of course, a nice addition but not a deciding factor...

Hi, its me iceberg, and here’s a quick review of the Simgot ET142 - 1 planar and 1 PZT hybrid IEMs for $250, released in early 2025, but remains popular among audiophiles thanks to their unique and customizable sound.
So, the shells here are made of mirror-polished metal with a simple design and feature replaceable titanium nozzles with a blue tint. And thanks to their streamlined and friendly ergonomics, they fit comfortably even in small ears, providing excellent sound isolation.

And the main feature of this model is the replaceable nozzles, which dramatically change the sound from a bright W-shaped profile with gold and titanium nozzles, which emphasize the highs but make vocals sound metallic and fatiguing. And more balanced black and red nozzles, which smooth out that metallic tone and deliver a much more pleasant and listenable V-shaped sound with natural highs and emotional upper mids.

Personally I tested these with the Fosi K7 on various tracks, everything from Phil Collins to the Manchester Orchestra and Lana Del Rey, and was very impressed by the textured, deep bass, the lively midrange, and the controlled treble thanks to the damper inside, which smooths out the flaws of the PZT driver. Meanwhile, the soundstage is quite wide and spacious, with clear separation of vocals, instruments, and reverberations.

Overall, I would give the ET142 a 9 out of 10, but only with the right ear tips and a powerful source. For me, this remains a unique model on the market thanks to its combination of planar detail and the airiness of the PZT driver, premium appearance, and system of interchangeable nozzles. And I would even rank it higher than some of my favorite planar models, such as the 7Hz Diablo or Hidizs MP145 Pro, especially for vocal genres.

Hi, its me iceberg, and here’s a quick review of the Simgot ET142 - 1 planar and 1 PZT hybrid IEMs for $250, released in early 2025, but remain popular among audiophiles thanks to their unique and customizable sound.
So, the shells here are made of mirror-polished metal with a simple design and feature replaceable titanium nozzles with a blue tint. And thanks to their streamlined and friendly ergonomics, they fit comfortably even in small ears, providing excellent sound isolation.

And the main feature of this model is the replaceable nozzles, which dramatically change the sound from a bright W-shaped profile with gold and titanium nozzles, which emphasize the highs but make vocals sound metallic and fatiguing. And more balanced black and red nozzles, which smooth out that metallic tone and deliver a much more pleasant and listenable V-shaped sound with natural highs and emotional upper mids.

Personally I tested these with the Fosi K7 on various tracks, everything from Phil Collins to the Manchester Orchestra and Lana Del Rey, and was very impressed by the textured, deep bass, the lively midrange, and the controlled treble thanks to the damper inside, which smooths out the flaws of the PZT driver. Meanwhile, the soundstage is quite wide and spacious, with clear separation of vocals, instruments, and reverberations.

Overall, I would give the ET142 a 9 out of 10, but only with the right ear tips and a powerful source. For me, this remains a unique model on the market thanks to its combination of planar detail and the airiness of the PZT driver, premium appearance, and system of interchangeable nozzles. And I would even rank it higher than some of my favorite planar models, such as the 7Hz Diablo or Hidizs MP145 Pro, especially for vocal genres.

More about the Simgot ET142 in my FULL YouTube REVIEW:
https://youtu.be/CtpSEms8HbA

Hi folks, it’s me, Iceberg, and this is a quick review of the new budget Kiwi Ears Chorus for $40, which is essentially a sequel to the Belle, created in collaboration with Axel from B_Media. Well, it’s obvious that the shells are a slightly different design here, with new faceplates and a large vent in the center, which isn’t just for looks. And they’re very comfy for most ears thanks to their anatomical inner shape, though after a few hours I sometimes felt like taking a break.

>Alright, the Chorus sound is built on the same single DD driver with a DLC diaphragm as in the Belle, and I have to say it works absolutely wonderfully.
They have a mild V-shape signature, noticeably bassier than their predecessor, with a slightly warmer midrange that’s pushed forward, while the treble remains quite dark, just like in the Belle.
And the main difference here is thanks to the larger vent, the sound has become much more open and spacious, with better height and depth in the soundstage, eliminating that confined, chamber-like feeling that Belle sometimes had, while the technicality and separation remain at a good level for its price point.

All in all, for me as a basshead, the Chorus is a nice upgrade from the Belle, where for an extra $10 we get more bass, an expressive midrange, and a more three-dimensional, open sound, which is especially enjoyable with modern genres: from hip-hop and pop to rock, metal, and EDM.

You can learn more about the Chorus in my FULL review on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/oeCdJaHL8vE