Review Of The TangZu Fudu Verse
Introduction
TangZu is a Chinese company that has gained widespread recognition for its audio products. One of their most popular products is the Wan'er S.G, which is an ultra-budget set of in-ear monitors. Other sets that have become popular include the Zetian Wu and Princess Chang Le. TangZu has also released a range of assorted eartips. Recently, they launched their flagship IEM, the NehZa. Today, I had the opportunity to review another recent release from TangZu, the Fudu Verse. This product is a collaboration between DIVINUS and TangZu. Yet, prior to that, I have to specify some details.
Disclaimer
*Since this unit tour was organised by Pritam Halpawat from Audio Store, I am very grateful for this opportunity. And 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 the IEM as “Fudu”
*I am using various eartips and sources for better judgement and versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Fudu. based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
Specification
The Fudu in-ear monitors feature a multi-hybrid driver configuration with a single dynamic driver and two balanced armature drivers, all custom-made by TangZu. The 10mm dynamic driver is responsible for handling the bass, while one of the balanced armature drivers handles the mid-range and the other handles the highs. The shells are made of medical resin, which feels sturdy and of premium quality. The faceplate is made of metal, and the comfort and fit are really nice as the shells are smaller than expected. The left side faceplate has DIVINUS printed on it, and the right side has TangZu printed. The IEMs come with a 4-strand high-purity silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable, which has a matte-colored rubbery texture that may feel cheap to some users. Other than the cable, the IEMs also come with other accessories like three pairs of Sanchai Eartips, three pairs of DIVINUS eartips of different sizes, and a carrying pouch. In terms of technical specifications, the Fudu IEMs have an impedance of 16 Ohms and a sensitivity of 106dB. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz, and the total harmonic distortion is less than 1%.
Sound
I was surprised by how well-balanced and richly tonal the Fudu's sound is. After hearing the first song, I was certain that these IEMs, which had BAs in the vicinity of this price range, did not have any BA timbre. It sounds quite calming and pleasant thanks to the FUDU's outstanding range balance. Naturally, there are enough details to highlight subtleties. However, they have a greater proportion of those rounded notes and a dense response that is precisely adjusted to make the top frequencies seem wide and light rather than peaky or sibilant, while the bass notes sound thick. While most IEMs at this price range don't offer the same tuning or, if they do, they don't sound as smooth and pleasant as this one, the response seems real and spontaneous. Naturally, the technical specifications aren't exactly comparable to those of other items in this price bracket, but more on that later. Let's examine the sound more closely.
Treble
While the Fudu verse sounds expansive, airy, and natural with enough details to bring nuances forward in the mix, most IEMs in this price range have bright tuning or dark response, which makes it seem sharp and detailed. The sounds aren't particularly sophisticated or detailed, of course, but they sound as authentic as possible without being offensive because to the rounded tones. Overall, the musical presentation is enhanced by the upper treble, which stretches quite far and seems airy enough to make the voices sound bigger and clearer. The instruments sound slightly muffled but cleaner than ambiguous. Both the instrumentation and the vocals have a clear, uncluttered tone without any hotness or peakiness. The lower treble adds more energy, but it doesn't come across as aggressive or forward in the mix; instead, it gives the notes enough room to sound tonally pleasing and more detailed and clear. Because of the peak in the 4k region, the instruments and voices provide a more forward approach than the treble, where the voices of the male and female balance. As a result, the treble region is presented in an expansive, airy, and musically pleasing manner overall.
Mid Range
When it comes to the mid range, it sounds the smoothest of all the IEMs in this price range that I have heard. The notes in this range have a texture that is both detailed and silky, which keeps the notes from straying and preserves their integrity. The response is more forward in the higher mid range, yet it feels as though the same amount of energy is produced as in the lower treble. It sounds smoother thanks to this cogent answer that retains all the subtleties and doesn't sound grainy. Despite the female voices sounding a little "wisping," I think the vocals in the upper mid-range and lower treble sound balanced and attractive because of the 3k dip and the small peak in the 4k region. I do think that the notes have a less sharp and more dense response, but overall, the vocals' slight forwardness makes the instruments complement them. The vocals and instruments sound open and spacious, which helps them to sound mature and separate. Note dynamics also help individual instruments sound fuller and realistic. Because it adds warmth to the top frequencies and creates a rich, genuine tone, the lower mid range sounds hazy and dense—exactly how I like it. The instruments and voice feel warm and heavy, lacking any sense of expression. As a result, the mid-range region has an open, smooth, and organic appearance overall.
Bass
To put it simply, the bass is warm and rich but still controlled. Although the bass's sound is not very smooth or textured, it does have an impact on the mix because of its useful approach. When listening to bass-heavy music, the emphasis is in the sub bass zone, which extends pleasantly and deep enough to cause modest, subtle rumbles in the ear canals. Punches are introduced by the sub bass, and while they don't hit hard or feel potent, they are sufficiently strong. The mid bass, on the other hand, has a more meaty presence and produces distinct, albeit weak, slams and thumps. The response, in my opinion, is neither very crisp nor soft, but it does contribute to the warmth, which reminds me that the mid bass also extends into the lower mid range. Ultimately, the bass area has a warm, meaty, and soft appearance overall.
Technical Performance
Let's take a closer look at the Fudu's technical performance. It feels fairly mediocre because it doesn't excel in imaging or details, but its resolution, stage, and separation are excellent for an IEM in this price range.
Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation
The stage is sufficiently large and open to create a feeling of spaciousness, with the left and right sounding more like a 3D response than a stereo response. The response feels tonally natural, therefore it's a positive thing that the picture is clear but not very sharp or clear. The sound source is clearly separated and far away, as I can pinpoint its location.
Speed & Resolution
The resolution is better than I had anticipated because the large elements are very expressive but the micro details struggle a little to show the response. The majority of the mix is extremely rich and bright, but it lacks vibrancy. The notes' attack and decay have a good pace—not too quick to elicit a definite answer, but not too slow to leave a disorganized one either.
Sound Impressions
Sources
Sony WM1A - It sounded more expansive because the WM1A's sound was more soothing and pleasant, which made it possible for a more roomy and expansive response. Although it smoothed out the subtleties where they weren't as interesting, the treble made the sound more authentic. Despite being expressive, the midrange had a harmonic sound. Not much, but the bass felt more dynamic. Naturally, though, depth was much better.
Tempotec V6 - The sound was generally crisper and more dynamic while using the V6. To be honest, the vocals and instruments in the higher frequencies seemed forward and a little chaotic, but the bass felt more powerful and forceful. Unless the audio is really simple, I think I like the WM1A more since the bass gets really loud when the notes get louder and more distinct. Thus, it's a suitable response.
Tracks
Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun
Conclusion
In summary, the Fudu Verse is an extremely well-balanced IEM with a warm, open, and airy sound. This IEM seems to be perfect for those who like a stagey yet subdued response. To be honest, this IEM checks all the boxes for those searching for a safe tune. It seems to me that this IEM has a clear, natural sound. If I had to compare its sound to anything, it would be the Moodrop Aria, which has a more pleasing midrange and superior treble. I therefore recommend this IEM.
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