Review Of The TangZu X HBB XuanNV
Introduction
It has been a while since I reviewed any new TangZu products; the ones I was able to check out were the ones that were recommended at the time of its introduction, such as TangZu Wan'er, Shimin Li Encounter, FUDU Verse, and so on, with FUDU Verse and NehZa being the most recent. The firm was founded not long ago, but it has only just gained traction. Originally known as T-Force, the Chinese company was later renamed TangZu. The company launched the XUAN WU GATE shortly after NehZa, which I was unable to review; however, they just released another IEM known as the Xuan NV, which I was lucky enough to obtain for review. Before starting, I would want to clarify a few things.
Disclaimer
*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. As I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Xuan.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Xuan based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
*For source I relied on the Sony WM1A and Apple Dongle for my review.
Specification
The Xuan features a dual driver system that consists of two dynamic drivers, one 10mm ceramic and the other 8mm PU+LCP. The shells are constructed of medical-grade resin with red highlights all over the body, and to be honest, they are one of the most gorgeous shells I've ever seen. The red semi-transparent shell with a faceplate with a butterfly-inspired gold design is incredibly attractive and artistic. Though the shell body is larger than any other IEM, the fit was a bit difficult for me to obtain, but with smaller eartips, I was able to achieve a decent grip and isolation while being comfortable. The cable included with the IEM is the same one used with the FUDU VERSE and maybe the SHIMIN LI ENCOUNTER. The cable has a rubbery feel to it and appears to be quite flexible, making it ideal for use with any IEM. The cable features a two-pin connector on one end and a straight 3.5mm termination plug. Aside from the cable, the accessories include three pairs of wide Sanchai ear-tips, balanced Sanchai ear-tips, one pair of medium ear-tips, and a carrying pouch. Technical characteristics include an impedance of 8.5 ohms and a sensitivity of 98 dB. The frequency response ranges from 7Hz to 20kHz.
Sound
I'll come right out and say that the Xuan is the most cohesive and resolved IEM among its rivals, including the SIMGOT EA500 series, the new Kefine Delci, and even the EPZ Q5. In comparison, when it comes to the Xuan, the response throughout the region is the most fluid and transparent. Although I find that the response is not as forthright as the other, it raises questions about its clarity and detail understanding, which may not be its strong strength. The balance of all regions helps bring everything to the table, making it sufficiently comprehensive and illuminating. The intensity of the notes in the upper frequencies prevents fatigue or harshness in the mix, so I was able to listen to these for a whole day without having to remove them once. The strangest thing is that I slept while listening, which may be the magic of dynamic drivers. The bass is done very cleanly, and it does not provide a lively engaging response like the Delci, nor does it produce a bright neutral sound in the mix like the EA500LM, but rather a warm-neutral presentation that maintains the whole response sounding extremely safe, coherent, and silky. Let's go further into the sound and learn more about it.
Treble
While observing responses objectively, I observed that most of the IEMs that I'm comparing Xuan to other IEMs in this price bracket, such as Delci and EA500, have the similar response, with just the energy variable, but the peaks and troughs are almost identical. Though, personally, I find the treble region laid-back but not dark sounding, the response adds enough energy to keep the region seem engaging and fascinating. The high treble has good air and extension, allowing vocals to sound more complete and full-bodied; the same can be said for the instruments, although on busier songs, chimes and cymbals are overwhelmed by thick note response. The lower treble has more energy and results in a more forward response from the vocals and instruments, while also being correct in note weight and density. The notes are vivid and expressive, but the mix lacks sparkle and openness; yet, the cohesive response makes it sound quite calming and comfortable while sounding complete. Tracks like ANLY's Sukinishinayo sound fuller while also revealing; her voice adds soft textured notes, resulting in a more natural presentation overall, while the instrumentation mixes in and complements the vocals without drowning them out. Tracks like Kenka by Kujira Yumemi bring the chimes and sparkle forward, with the voices correcting in terms of tone quality, making the response sound richer yet very natural sounding; when listening to Xuan, I think this track sounds better. As a result, the overall presentation of the treble area is appealing, relaxed, and smooth-sounding.
Mid Range
The mid-range is properly elevated while sounding as thick and natural as possible, with no peaky or shouty noises introduced into the mix. When I compare Xuan to Delci, I feel that Delci has a less energetic but more refined response owing to more energy in the treble region. The same may be stated for the EA500LM and Xuan, however, the EA500LM is more pronounced in the high frequencies, whilst the Xuan is only noticeable between 3kHz and 4kHz. The upper mid-range has strong heft and energy, which allows the vocals to be more revealing and forward, while the instruments complement them. The notes have nice note weight and depth, bringing a natural timbre over the region, although the thick notes might obscure the voices' expression slightly, despite the fact that the instruments sound just acceptable. The lower mid-range has a clean and dense response, whereas the instruments and vocals have a thick response that sounds like mumbling and drowning. Tracks like AURORA's Black Water Lilies have a very upfront vocal presentation, but they lack airier and open-sounding vocals, while the instrumentation sounds quite calming and excellent in terms of cleanliness and resolution. The voices stretch nicely but lose their charm. However, tracks like Hall of Fame by Script sound really well matched in terms of voice timbre and note reveal. The voices have a strong grasp of the mix and do not drown or get overwhelmed by the instrument's impact, while the notes are mild, allowing for genuine expressions overall. As a result, the overall presentation of the mid-range is expressive, warm, and expressive-sounding, even if the voices are occasionally muffled on busier tracks.
Bass
Allow me to explain why the bass does not sound like one based on its appearance in the graph. Even though the emphasis is on sub-bass, the bass response leans toward a pleasing sound. Whether sub-bass or mid-bass, the presence and impact are subtle, but they enhance when listening to bass-heavy tracks. One thing I particularly like about the bass is how smooth and warm it is, without being overly analytical. The bass of the EA500LM is textured and articulated, which I enjoy, but it is not as fulfilling as the natural warm-sounding bass of Delci or Xuan. The sub-bass is deep, but only enough to provide a faint rumbling and discernible punches. When it comes to slams and thumps, I feel slams to be more obvious, but thumps are more like presence rather than impact or influence in the mix. Tracks like Kool-Aid by Bring Me The Horizon sound clean and rich because the notes have a substantial warm presence, making the response seem fuller and more engaging. The vocals are not drowned out, but the bass notes from the kick drums have a significant presence and impact without being authoritative. The same can be stated for TOOL's track Vicarious, since the vocals and bass notes are far apart and do not interfere; in fact, the kick drums are prominent but not overpowering, maintaining a superb balance between all instruments and, of course, vocals. And when the bass guitar notes come over, they sound incredibly clean and fluid, with vigour and decent note weight, resulting in quite realistic sound. Overall, the bass response is warm, rich, and satisfying to listen to.
Technical Performance
In terms of technical specifications, the Xuan is a moderately performing IEM when compared to its peers, particularly the technical monster EA500LM. To be honest, with such a response, I never expected a very technically proficient IEM, so I find it slightly below its peers but better in some technical aspects. Let's be more specific.
Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation
The soundstage takes a closer approach with a decent holographic response, resulting in good note separation, but it is not particularly distinctive; the imaging is not very exact or clear, so the quality of the note projection is not sharp or immaculate. However, I like the separation of the notes to the Delci.
Speed & Resolution
In terms of resolution, I find the presentation to be revealing, but only in the sense that the macro subtleties are simple to grasp, whilst minute nuances are hardly noticeable. The attack and decay of the notes are more organically controlled, resulting in a natural sound.
Tracks
Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring Me The Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Goyte - Somebody That I Used To Know
Script - Hall of Fame
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun
Conclusion
To conclude this review, I must state that Tangzu adopted a new approach this time around, providing a superb sounding IEM to a different target audience. Xuan delivers a warm-neutral sound with excellent treble extension, full-bodied and natural mids, and a warm but organic bass response. This IEM bridges the gap for folks who desire outstanding treble yet have dark-sounding IEMs. I honestly feel Tangzu did an excellent job of presenting a safe alternative in the 80USD pricing range. So my recommendation goes to folks who seek the smoothest and most cohesive sounding IEM under 80 USD that provides superb treble without sounding harsh, lean, or bright, and I would advise people who want a detailed and clear sounding IEM to try Xuan first.
