Tangzu Audio Shimin Li

Review Of The TangZu Shimin Li​

Introduction​

After changing its name from Tforce to TangZu, the business unveiled its first item, an IEM dubbed Shimin Li. I was unable to determine the motivation behind the rebrand, but so far they have been very successful in winning over audiophiles. They release excellent IEMs with each new product. TangZu also produced my preferred and most affordable Warner S.G. model. But before I review the TangZu Shimin Li today, let's clear up a few ambiguities.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the people at HiFiNage, I am grateful to them. 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 these IEMs as "Shimin Li."
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Shimin Li based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

One dynamic driver, a 10mm dual cavity driver utilising N52 neodymium magnets, is housed inside the Shimin Li. The metal used to make the shells—an aviation-grade alloy—feels strong and well-built. It appears that one hole has been strategically drilled into a hexagonal pattern that covers half of the faceplate and serves as a pressure release vent. I had no discomfort or exhaustion while wearing these, thus the fit and comfort are excellent. The cable is a very long 5N OFC black cable with 0.78mm 2 pin connections and a 3.5mm straight plug for terminating. The casing is flimsy, but the cable is substantial and reasonably dense. Along with the IEM and cable, the package also contains a variety of eartips in various sizes and colours, as seen in the picture below. In terms of the technical specifications, the sensitivity is 109dB, and the impedance is 18 Ohms. The total harmonic distortion is less than 0.5% over the frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz.

Sound​

The Shimin li's sound is bright and V-shaped rather than balanced, and I would describe the tuning strategy as mid-centric with strong bass, with an emphasis on the upper midrange and lower treble. The higher frequencies have a lot of intensity, which makes it a detail-oriented IEM. While the bass is delivered well with good spectacular bass, the lower midrange feels a little off, or better put, not correct. Let's explore the sound thoroughly.

Treble​

Shimin Li's intention, in my opinion, is to sound more apparent in the lower treble than the top treble. The treble is vigorous sounding with decent clarity and acceptable extension. The details are a little screwed up, but the tonal balance is kept thanks to the top frequencies' sufficient range. The instruments seem a little tinny, but the voices are fine. I have no problems listening to it because it doesn't wear me out much and the overall response makes it enjoyable to listen to. The lower treble is full of energy with every part being highly exaggerated, which makes it sound a little unnatural. The vocals have an aggressive, rather synthetic tone. Although the instruments have a crisp, sparkling sound, in my honest opinion, I believe they should have been more detailed. The reaction is enthusiastic and forward-sounding overall, with indications of unnatural characteristics.

Mid Range​

The midrange still feels natural, however in this case the upper midrange is prioritised over the lower midrange. The bottom treble and upper midrange sound somewhat similar and resonate well together. In the mix, the upper mid range comes off as vibrant and forward. The voices seem direct but raw; I detect a gritty subjugated presence in the vocals in contrast to the nice, decently vibrant sounding instrumentation. The lower midrange is boring and drowning, and it can occasionally sound timid on the mike. The lower mid range is unquestionably pushed back and isn't successful. However, other than in the tonal balance, none of the higher frequencies are hampered by this. The vocals are presented in a drowsy manner. The majority of the time, I find them muffled, yet the instruments sound better because of how deep and organic their tones are. In the lower part, the bass line naturally strikes. The mid-range region's overall presentation is quite forward-prominent, clear, but slightly out of balance with respect to vocals and lower and upper frequencies.

Bass​

The sub bass has strong punches and excellent control throughout the entire bass response, and the bass feels wonderful. The sub bass is highlighted; it has strong punches and enough rumbling to sound sensual but is still well-controlled. Due to a 200Hz bass cutoff, which makes the response more pronounced in the sub bass area, the mid bass is only partially audible. The components' laid-back and nebulous tones are condensed to sound more pleasing. The sub bass extension is effective enough to produce a rich, resonant sound. Another of my discoveries highlights the bass control, which, in my opinion, is preferable. Although I doubt any other IEM in this price range sounds the same, the texture and details aren't particularly clear.

Technical Performance​

In terms of technical performance, the IEMs are being sold in a price range where the technicalities are average. The stage is big enough, but the separation could be better and the image might be sharper. Although the resolution is high, the notes' tempo is constrained.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

Although the stage is wider than it is deep, the sound quality is good. Even if the imaging may have been crisper, it feels clear. The division of the components is not particularly distinct. I occasionally hear some pieces that sound disorganised due to frequency overlap.

Speed & Resolution​

Although the detail retrieval occasionally fails to draw attention and sound intriguing, the resolution is adequate for the price these are being provided at. Although not quite fast paced, the notes' assault and decay don't sound too slack either.

Sound Impressions​

Sources​

Tempotec V6 - When used in conjunction with the V6, I discovered that the treble was more finely detailed and flourished with good upper mids, yet the midrange sounded the same with smoothed upper mid range. The bass was kept in check as it was, but the impacts of hits were a little clearer. Although there weren't many technical changes, I thought the soundstage had expanded. The most ideal combo, in my opinion.



iFI Hipdac - When used in conjunction with the Hipdac, I noticed that the tone grew more lively and warm, the treble felt less airy, and the midrange as a whole became mild and smooth, with the upper midrange feeling smoothened and the lower midrange a little more present in the mix. The other technical aspects felt the same, with the exception of how near and immersive the stage got. However, I thought the answer was unoriginal and typical of previous IEMs. As a result, I enjoy the pairing yet find it uninteresting.

Tracks Used​

Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Earth, Wind & Fire - Let's Groove
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere(Remastered)
Toto - Africa
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Daft Punk - Tron Legacy (End Titles)
GOJIRA - Amazonia
Fergie - Glamorous
50 Cent - In Da Club
Skrillex - XENA
Skrillex - Torture You
The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Blck Cobrv - Candy Shop
LMYM - 0 (zero)
Indila - Love Story
Marina Hoiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
Wayne - Not Enough

Conclusion​

Shimin Li is a good product from TangZu and sounds nice for the price they're being provided for, but before purchasing them, I'd still encourage everyone to listen to them first. Overall, these aren't terrible, but they're also not really good.

Disclaimer:-

I received the Shimin Li as a part of the review tour being organized by HiFinage India. My thoughts are based on my usage and nothing else. I do not receive any monetary benefits out of this.

You can buy Shimin Li from HiFinage website from the link below. There's no affiliate.

https://hifinage.com/collections/tangzu/products/tangzu-shimin-li

Build/Fit/Package:

• For the price I think the Shimin Li has pretty big package. Bunch of Eartips (Kbear 07 types) and a cable in separate paper boxes. Well NGL they could have reduced the size of package by eliminating one of the box or add a carry case(Maybe too much to ask for at this price). The outer box looks cool nevertheless. Cables on these are weird, they kinda have a rubbery layer which also smells rubber. It's a let down to me.
• The build quality is top notch at this price point, feels solid in hand and to wear. Bit on heavier side though.
• Fit on these are great but it's on heavier side so could be a problem for some to wear it for long hours.

Sources Used:
Qudelix 5k
Shanling UP4
Avani
Abigail
VE OHD



SOUND:
The sound signature of Shimin Li tends to be balanced and overall tilts towards warmer side.
Bass on these have pretty good authority for the price, Sub bass is decent and has good quantity but lacks a bit on texture. Sub bass extension is decent. Mid bass has good impact and good body. The negatives are more of nitpicks in low end. Overall it's enjoyable low end to me.

Mids are forward presented and has a touch of warmth to it. I would say these have lush mids with no shrills. Instruments sound natural and has good note weight for the price point. On some tracks it may sound a bit shouty due to upfront presentation but for majority of tracks it will be fine.

Treble is sibilant free and smooth. No aggression in the treble region. Doesn't have much extension so might lack the openness.

Soundstage is bit on intimate side, lacks depth. Separation and imaging are average and details seems okay acceptable for this price bracket.



Comparison:
Kiwi Ears Cadenza: I had this set briefly for about a week. Main difference between these are the presentation. Cadenza has laid back while the shimin Li is forward and energetic than Cadenza. Fit wise I would prefer Cadenza for the light weight and better fit for me. Both the sets are dark but cadenza feels darker than the other. Shimin Li has better note weight and thick sound while the cadenza has leaner presentation.

7hz Zero: Well it isn't fair comparison due to price difference but this has the hype, so.... zero is more brighter set while the shimin li balanced. Naturally the zero feels to pull in more details. But major drawback on the zero is it severely lacks low end something I can definitely feel and the treble can get too much after a while for me on the zero. While shimin li can be listened for longer. I would reach to both the sets based on mood and tracks that i will listen. They compliment each other.