In this review, I’m testing the Tangzu Xuan NV IEM. The Xuan NV is a dual-dynamic driver IEM made in collaboration with HBB. It’s priced at $79.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Linsoul for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
Tangzu Xuan NV
Specifications
- Driver configuration: 10 mm ceramic DD + 8mm PU + LCP DD
- Frequency response: 7 Hz – 20 kHz
- Impedance: 8.5 Ω
- Sensitivity: 98 dB
- Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm; single crystal oxygen-free copper cable; 3.5 mm termination
- Tested at: $79
In the Box
- Tangzu Xuan NV IEMs
- Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin OFC cable
- Carrying case
- 6* pairs of silicone eartips
Design
Xuan NV’s physical design is stunning. Transparent red resin reveals the dual dynamic drivers within the shells. Red faceplates, accented with black and vibrant gold, complete the fetching aesthetic. This IEM’s beauty is truly captivating.
The shells are large, which might be an issue for people with smaller ears. Despite their bulk, I found Xuan NV fairly comfortable with the right eartips. Passive noise isolation is pretty good, so you can enjoy your music without distractions.
The stock cable is a generic black twisted type with a rubbery sheath. It’s decent enough but is prone to tangling.
Sound
Xuan NV has a focus on the sub-bass and can produce some deep rumble. However, its mid-bass is heavily attenuated in comparison and as a result, it lacks punch and impact. It also means that bass guitars are faint and pushed back, resulting in a lack of rhythm.
The leanness in the mid-bass carries over into the lower midrange, making male vocals and string instruments lacking in richness and saturation. On the upside, this makes the mids sound more spacious but at the cost of lower engagement.
The treble has a smooth and laid-back nature. It’s free of sibilance and sharpness but it lacks sparkle and vibrancy. Treble lovers will likely find the Xuan NV’s highs dull and lacking in precision but treble-sensitive listeners will feel at ease.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The Tangzu Xuan NV has an average soundstage and imaging. However, it falls short regarding detail retrieval and instrument separation. The overall resolution is moderate and there’s not much layering.
Comparison
Simgot EA500LM ($89)
The EA500LM (review here) looks similar to the Xuan NV on the graph above but the listening experience is very different. EA500LM’s sub-bass is more restrained which opens up the lower mids more. This gives the lower mids more forwardness whereas the Xuan NV puts its bass forward first.
The midrange on the EA500LM has better clarity due to its extra upper mids and treble presence, in addition to a more balanced sub-bass. This adds more dynamics and details to the music and better overall coherency.
EA500LM’s treble is a little more elevated, providing better clarity and detail retrieval and widening the soundstage. As a result, the Simgot’s technical performance is a lot stronger regarding instrument separation, imaging and overall resolution.
Kefine Delci AE ($89)
The Delci AE (review here) has a more linear balance of sub-bass and mid-bass, giving it more body and rhythm. The lower mids, male vocals and string instruments have more power and richness whereas the Xuan NV lacks saturation.
The Delci AE’s upper mids aren’t pushed as much, making them less shouty, while a bit more energy at 8kHz gives it more airiness and vocal Intelligibility. Furthermore, the Delci AE has better detail retrieval and a more organized soundstage.
Verdict
The Tangzu Xuan NV is a visually stunning IEM with good build quality and comfort. However, when it comes to audio quality, it fails to impress, especially considering the abundance of similarly-priced IEMs that not only offer superior sound quality but also come with more comprehensive accessories.