:
All rounder (in my opinion)
Generous accessories and premium packaging
Nice and controlled bass (Slight lift but not overly emphasised)
Well tuned
:
Shell size might be a little big for some with small ears
Detail retrieval can be better
General Info (Packaging/Build/Comfort)
Tangzu is quite new when it comes to the Chi-Fi scene, previously known as T-Force and debuted their first iem YuanLi and that model was highly praised by many reviewers including myself. Fast forward to today, they rebranded to Tangzu due to some issues and they are relentless when it comes to new releases. Just a few months ago, they released an entry level single dynamic driver Shimin Li, that model however doesn’t do quite well, Tangzu then took the feedback that they have gotten from Shimin Li and made changes to the tuning and applied it to Zetian Wu.
The packaging carries the usual Tangzu design language. You can easily tell that the packaging is from Tangzu. Premium packaging that comes with two types of eartips and a very solid zipper carrying case.
The shell is 3D printed and matched with metallic faceplate. The shell is slightly big but it sit well on my ears, comfortable to wear for long sessions without feeling fatigue, it doesn’t have any sharp edges that will cause discomfort as well
Source
Macbook Air M2 Tidal/Apple Music -> iFi iDSD Nano Black Label -> Zetian Wu (with 4.4 to 3.5 Adapter)
Macbook Air M2 Tidal/Apple Music -> Zetian Wu (with 4.4 to 3.5 Adapter)
Macbook Air M2 Foobar2k -> Dunu DTC 500 -> Zetian Wu
Tempotec V6 -> Zetian Wu
Sound
Upon first listen on Zetian Wu, it has got a relatively smooth tuning, a rather safe harman tuning with a boost on the low end. Timbre sounds quite realistic to my ears. I am using it with Azla SednaEarfit Vivid Edition’s eartips
Bass
- Bass is slightly emphasised to my ears, but not too much to the point where it over power other frequency, adequate amount for the fun factor if you ask me
- Good texture on the bass and the speed is adequate for most genre unless you’re talking about insanely high speed heavy metal, but it is adequate to handle anything you throw at it
- Slipknot’s People = crap is being rendered effortlessly on the Zetian Wu, there isn’t a hint of muddyness during the intense drumming opening
Mids
- Mids are very lush to my ears, instruments in this range carries sufficient note weight and doesn’t sound thin at all
- I’d picture the vocal positioning as a few steps away from your face, not recessed nor too intimate, just nice in my opinion
- Female vocal has got decent texture and sweet sounding, evident when playing back Adele’s When We Were Young
- Male vocal is a little lacking in terms of texture, evident in low baritone note, doesn’t sound as thick as it should be, a little more warmth will be great
- Upper mids are never offensive even when you turn up the volume, rather safe for those who are sensitive
Treble
- Zetian Wu’s treble is never offensive and yet it doesn’t sound dull and quite musical to my ears, rather safe approach
- Not as revealing in terms of detail retrieval but good enough for the price point, certain instruments can be picked up easily when listening to Hans Zimmer’s Why So Serious
- The treble is never sibilant even when you turn up the volume, or even on some sibilant prone track
Soundstage/Imaging
- Soundstage on Zetian Wu is quite decent, slightly out of your head and doesn’t sound in your head at all, good width and depth but a little lacking in height
- Imaging is good as well, instruments can be pin-pointed easily and the left and right transition and vice versa is easily noticeable, instrument layering is good, the instruments doesn’t sound muddy and all mashed up in Kid Rock’s Bawitdaba
Driveability
- Zetian Wu is not hard to drive, you will be able to push out decent volume from Macbook Air M2’s 3.5mm jack
- It does scale with better source and amplification as with most planars, in terms of dynamic and more controlled bass
Final Thoughts
I have tried several planar IEMs, namely TinHifi’s P1 Max and Letshuoer’s S12, they all have different characteristics and tuning style tailored to different audiences or music libraries. For the case of Zetian, I find that it’s safe for me to label it as an all rounder (At least it works well with my library, Metal, Nu Metal, Jazz, Classical, Jpop, Rock, CantoPop). For those who prefer a less prominent bass response, or rather a neutral bass response, you might want to consider other options. I’m not a basshead myself but I do find myself enjoying the slight lift on the low end.
Zetian Wu is an easy recommendation to anyone who is thinking to venture into planar iems or even seasoned audiophiles will like Zetian Wu i’m sure.
*Zetian Wu is sent over by Tangzu Audio in exchange for this review. I am not under any influence nor do I receive any monetary compensation to produce this review.
If you are interested in getting a pair, head over to their AliExpress store to grab one
Tangzu Zetian Wu(40% OFF) - Non affiliated
