• I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as earphones should be used.
• Linsoul sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, transparent review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
• The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.

Source/s used:

• - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
• - Tanchjim Space DAC
• - Hidizs S9 Pro DAC
• - Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
• - Sony Xperia X Compact
• -Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: Stock TangZu Sancai Medium Eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume.

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Sound signature:

• This is quite unusual when compared to most HBB-influenced IEMs in terms of the overall sound signature. It isn’t as bassy nor nowhere near basshead level compared to his other collab IEMs. The Tangzu Xuan NV exhibits a neutral-warm sound signature, wherein the bass is mildly elevated and does not bleed on other frequencies that much.

Lows:

• As I have mentioned earlier, I wouldn’t call this a basshead set as this does not have the “head-shaking bass” that we are used to seeing (or hearing, rather) on his collabs. The bass here is mildly elevated, thick, punchy, and nearly clean. It is midbass-focused, and is quite fast in terms of attack and decay. This doesn’t mean that this lacks bass on his preferred genres at all though. Most genres, particularly the hip hop and EDM tracks are still very enjoyable and do not get mushy at all on this set.

Mids:

• As for the mids, it falls within the “neutral” to my ears, in terms of position and elevation. It isn’t too forward for me to call it nasal, but does not also suffer any recession as well for me to call it drowned or subdued. Lower mids exhibit a little bit of midbass bleed to keep things warm, but isn’t very noticeable and will only show itself when you compare it to a flat-sounding IEM. Lower mids show a bit of thickness and smoothness, which results for a thicker sounding vocals and instruments in this region. Upper mids are present, clear, have a decent air, and quite smoothened out to my liking. This also means that this does not suffer any unnatural harshness and peaks, which can be a good thing for those people with ears that are sensitive to upper frequencies.

Highs:

• Moving on to the treble, it is decently extended, still in the “neutral” category in my book in terms of elevation, and free from any harshness nor sibilance. Some people, particularly those people who prefer brighter sound signatures may find the extension of the treble of this IEM a little bit “lacking”, but this is nowhere near dark in my humble opinion. I’d call this “safe” in terms of extension and air, but never lacking for most people. Detail retrieval is average and does the job really well on microdetails, but nowhere near clinical.

Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:

• Technicalities isn't Xuan NV’s forte, but I can confidently say that it is no slouch either. The soundstage is decently wide, with a good amount of height and depth. Separation is very good on most tracks in terms of handling them but can still get mild congestion on very busy tracks. Layering and imaging is surprisingly good on this set and got me turning my head on certain tracks as it is very precise and clear, even on FPS games.

Other IEM Comparisons!

VS Simgot EW200

• The Simgot EW200 is lighter in bass, wider in soundstage, and brighter in sound when compared. The Xuan NV is thicker in sound and safer in upper frequencies.

VS QKZ X HBB: Hades

• The Hades definitely has the bass in terms of quantity, but lacks the refinement that the Xuan NV has. Mids on the Xuan NV does not suffer any excessive midbass bleed. The treble on the Hades is darker and safer when compared in expense for a less detailed upper frequencies. Technical performance on the Hades is more prone to congestion when compared to the Xuan NV. Both are fairly hard to drive for an IEM.

VS Simgot EA500 LM (Stock Brass Nozzle)

• The EA500 LM is a slightly brighter option/competitor when compared to the Xuan NV. The EA500 LM is also an excellent technical performer under 100 USD in my own opinion, while Xuan NV aims for a more musical, smooth tonal performance. The EA500 LM is also easier to drive when compared.

VS Etymotic ER3SE

• They Etymotic ER3SE is a flatter, uncoloured sound when compared. The Xuan NV exhibits better bass presentation due to its driver configuration, while the ER3SE presents itself in a clinical manner.

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Verdict:

The Tangzu Xuan NV is quite different, or unusual to see (and hear, of course) when we are talking about HBB’s IEM collabs, in terms of overall sound quality and presentation. This IEM differs from the other HBB collabs by steering away from the usual boosted, bassy sound and focused on achieving the “all-rounder” IEM title. In my own opinion, the Tangzu Xuan NV and the Zu Weitan Heyday are the only two HBB IEMs I find excellent and versatile for its asking price. If we’re going to look at the bigger picture, the Xuan NV holds up really well, and even competes with the recent IEMs under 100 USD, due to its versatile, smooth, lush presentation. I wholeheartedly recommend the Tangzu Xuan NV for those people who want a versatile IEM in terms of sound without sacrificing too much of the technical chops. Highly recommended!

Pairing recommendation/s:

• Source: This IEM needs at least 2vrms of power from the source to sound best. I recommend neutral-sounding dongles for this one.
• Eartips: The eartips are more than enough and really good in quality from their own house. You may still use your own eartips.
• Cable: The cable is quite flimsy and sticky. You may use your preferred cable.

Thank you for reading!

Non-affiliated link here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tangzu-xuannv

KEEPHIFI: https://keephifi.com/discount/XUANNV-BLOG?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Ftangzu-xuannv-in-ear-monitor-2-dynamic-driver-hifi-iem-earphones-wired-gaming-earbuds-with-3d-printed-resin-shell-detachable-2pin-single-crystal-ofc-cable-for-musician-audiophile