Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV

General Information

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Latest reviews

SemperMalum

100+ Head-Fier
The new RED standard
Pros: Overall package (accessories & looks) is a home run
Warm bass that does not bleed over
Buttery smooth mids
Non-fatiguing but not boring treble/highs
Size of the IEM makes it more accessible to different shaped ears
Cons: Needs some power to make them shine
Price point is fair (considering everything you're getting) but does put it in a higher tier bracket vs some of the competition
Squigs have reflected some channel imbalance (was not noticeable on my unit but YMMV)
TL;DR: Buttery smooth - a new easy to recommend IEM for starters (that can afford to drop the extra $)

Overview/History

Hi all. Welcome to another probably long winded review. Going to plaster the disclaimer early!

Disclaimers: This is my own personal unit. I've followed HBB on YT and other forums since I've gotten back into the audio game and I typically find that HBB's sound preference matches mine. That being said, this was purchased of my own accord; I did not receive any units and I'm reviewing this because I had an inkling (and it was 100% met) that this would be a great introduction point into IEMs like the Zero Red were when they first burst onto the scene.

Suffice to say, I really like this set so if you're already tired of reading, my summary is that "This be good, buy not be bad idea" and you should consider it if you're looking for a smooth ~$100 IEM.

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The Xuan NV is a new collaboration between TangZu and HBB (aka Hawaii Bad Boy aka Bad Guy Good Audio). They are a 2 DD set with, according to linsoul's website, integrates 'ceramic and PU + LCP diaphragms to produce a rich, detailed sound profile' which may not mean a lot to everyone that's newer to the hobby but there you go. From prior videos and history, the Xuan NV was meant to come out around the same time as the QKZ x HBB Hades so you'd be getting a "blue pill or red pill" option at the same time. Obviously, considering the Xuan NV didn't start hitting the retailers until months after the Hades, this didn't line up according to plan. But, c'est la vie. Onto the photo dump!

Build Quality, Comfort and Accessories
Photo dump time!

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My goodness, they're freaking gorgeous. This is my second TangZu IEM that I've ever handled with the first being the Fudu Verse 1 which were super stealthy looking. That was a great unboxing/presentation/accessory filled release and I'm happy to point out that TangZu knocked it out of the park on this one too.

One underrated aspect to the Xuan NV is that while the nozzle feels larger, the overall size of the IEM isn't too much and they fit extremely well in my ears. YMMV.

You get a nice cable (very soft and I could see people thinking it feels flimsy but I find it very pliable/agreeable) and a small travel case.

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You also get TangZu Sanchai Tips

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They've included 2 different sets - Wide Bore would reduce base and open up vocals/treble while Balanced is... balanced.

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You also get 3 different sizes so you can find the best fit.

Tip Rolling
Taking a moment to talk about tips, this is the first time that I really enjoyed the stock tips! They had a set of white tips that were already on there and I think they brought the character of the IEMs that TangZu/HBB wanted you to experience.

That being said, I did try out the TangZu Sanchai tips vs my own flight of tips as well. I typically rotate between the Final Audio Type E, the Dunu S&S and the SpinFit W1.

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Stock Tips: Absolutely solid. I'm usually not a fan because they don't fit me perfectly but these sealed well and provided a similar experience to the Final Audio Type E.
TangZu Sanchai Tips - Wide Bore: Not a fan. Bass was gone while the mids/highs felt too inflated. Soundstage was great on these though. Maybe these aren't the best on the Xuan NV.
TangZu Sanchai Tips - Balanced: Balanced. I don't know how else to put them. They sound solid. My only issue was that they felt more intimate/closed compared to the stock tips or the others.
SpinFit W1: I think a bassier version of the Wide Bore tips but with more natural mid/highs. I still didn't prefer these tips on the Xuan NV.
Dunu S&S: Because the Xuan NV have chonkier nozzle, I was expecting my go to Chonky Nozzle dominators (the Dunu S&S) to be my preferred. They work extremely well on the Truthear Zero Reds. But, while they worked well in this set up, they were a runner up the Stock/Final tips.
Final Type E Clear/Reds: Not only does the colors work in this case, but they sound amazing together. Final Type E are usually my go to ear tips (preferred over Divinus). I will say, though, that while I think the overall sound presentation with the Type Es are my favorite, the white stock tips actually worked very well. I don't know why but they do.

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Cable
The cable is very nice and soft. It does borderline feel almost flimsy but I think that works in certain situations especially if you're using these on the go. I do have some Xinhs cables (two different ones, Rainbow one is a bit stiffer vs the black/silver balanced one that I have) and Tripowin Zonie and I think the Xuan NV's cable is right up there for different reasons.

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Sound
But, how do these sound? Overall, smooth. Don't be fooled by the Squig; the bass is there and it's not anemic at all. This would probably skew towards the 'warm neutral' sound signature (which is a total cop out summary). You can listen to anything with these and be satisfied. This is a good all rounder, IMO, and is easily my new benchmark for the price point.

Gear Tested On: Primarily streamed music via either dedicated Streamer, Laptop or Phone
Phone chain: Pixel 8 Pro -> Abigail Dongle
Streamed Music Chain Workstation: Laptop -> Fiio K11
Streamed Music chain: WiiM Mini -> JDS Labs Atom DAC+ -> JDS Labs OL Switcher -> Geshelli Labs Archel 3 Pro.


Lows/Bass: The low end for the Xuan NV is warm. I would not call it a bassy set (mainly because I do have a basshead set that is probably my reference point to bassy) but I think it's important to note that the Squigs available online make this set seem anemic when it's fuller than you'd think. I think the nature of the IEM (where it's not as sensitive and needs more power) help drive this home.

There isn't a lot of mid-bass because this isn't the intention with this set; this is supposed to be an opposite, in a way, to the Hades which is sub/mid-bass boosted for bassheads.

I would say that bass here is like a warm blanket on a cool evening; enough to make you feel comfortable without needing to grab anything else (like EQing, etc.) - could you grab more and further tune it? Yes, absolutely. But, that's not tuning choice in these. And, if you want to tune/EQ it to have the deeper sub-bass/mid-bass hit, there are a lot of options to provide those hits out the gate (Legato, Hades, QKZ x HBB, etc.).

Mids: The midrange is very full as expected based on the tuning/squig presentations. There is no deficiency when it comes to vocals (either male or female) and I think the smoothness of the mid-range accentuates the music you're listening to.

I would say that the mid-range is on par with a lot of it's competition and presented in a very musical manner that further makes this set a natural all-rounder.

Treble: Smooth and inoffensive. There isn't a lot of extension and energy but, again, that makes this set something you can listen to for hours and blends well with the bass/mids.

There isn't a lot to really say about the highs beyond that I think the tuning choice makes sense given what TangZu and HBB were trying to accomplish here and they found the best balance without making it boring.

Specific songs listened to and other Etc.:

I listened to a lot of my library but here's some key highlights. Without breaking down each track, I think the Xuan NV did great on a lot of tracks with some standing out (marked by an asterisk).

Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child of Mine*
Death Cab for Cutie - Everything's a Ceiling*
Fleetwood Mac - Dreams
Black Keys - Gold on the Ceiling*
Queen & David Bowie - Under Pressure
Jackie Wilson - Higher & Higher (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me)*
Coconut Records - It's Not You It's Me
SEATBELTS - Gotta Knock a Little Higher*
Earth, Wind and Fire - September
Camille - Le Festin*
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds*

I would say that my music taste is extremely eclectic and there wasn't a lack of anything found in my listening.

The Xuan NV sound extremely natural with it's timbre, there is no extra highlight of any one aspect of the sound balance but this isn't really meant to be a detail monster.

Soundstage is very adequate on the right source and gear. They scale very well with power so the better the equipment, the more you get out of them. Details are there and while not brought to the forefront, I don't think you're missing out on anything. Imaging/Layering is all extremely competent but not leading in it's price point.

Other Things to be aware of:
At this time, there's two things to be aware of. My order was delayed due to there being a lot of pre-orders so I was anticipating getting this sooner than I did. I'm not sure if the stock has finally caught up and there's an availability now but hopefully, if you're interested, you don't have any long delays.

The other thing is that some squigs have shown some channel imbalance; I don't have a measuring rig (as I don't want to be fully colored/influenced by utilizing one myself) but I will say that I did not notice any imbalance on my set. Just something to be aware of.

Another thing to note, these are very power hungry and I do find that I have to increase the power/volume more than the Kato to get to the similar volume. They also pair very well with good sources/equipment. As prior mentioned, the Abigail dongle does an adequate job with them but playing them on the Fiio K11 and my Archel 3 Pro really opened them up. They respond very well to power.

I also used balanced cables on these with the K11; it helped a bit with sound separation (and I do mean just a little bit but it could be a placebo effect) and meant I don't have to ramp up the volume but I didn't notice any fully audible change in sound.

Last thing to note is where this IEM falls in the current market place.

IMO, this is a Jack of all Trades type of IEM and while it won't lead in class in any particular one aspect of it's sound, I don't think you'd be able to find any negatives with it.

I've listened to the Zero RED (extensively as this was one of those IEMs that everyone recommended as a first/starter) and I own a Moondrop Kato. The Xuan NV feels right in between there like if you took the Zero RED, gave it a bit more tactile bass, gave it a bit more details/vocal warmth and then went in between the Kato and Zero RED size.

That being said, the Zero RED does exist and is comparable; you'd basically have to figure out do you want a similar sounding (albeit a little bit better) Zero RED in a more comfortable package? There would be no reason to sidegrade if you're already feeling fine about the Zero RED. Other IEMs in this price bracket (ones that I've tried include Fudu Verse 1, Kiwi Ears Melody, Singolo, Galileo) each bring something different to the field to warrant consideration vs the Zero RED whether it's better bass, better vocals, etc. so I would say that the Xuan NV not going to bring something definitively better than it's competition. The competition each have different drawbacks to me while there was none really found here. How much you're willing to spend on an all-rounder really depends on you.

But, honestly, that's a winning aspect to me where you get a very good/warm/balanced sound signature but in a much more comfortable shell so I would consider this right in my ballpark and what I was looking for to add to my collection.

Conclusion:
This is an absolutely smooth operator. Based on the balanced yet warm sound, the amount of accessories you get and the overall looks, TangZu and HBB went out of their way to provide an amazing package at a relatively affordable price.

This is pure conjecture but, in thinking about HBB's intent with the Xuan NV/Hades combo, it felt like HBB saw what Crinacle had done with his Truthear Zero/Zero RED and decided:

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While the Zero/Zero RED are different, they still have aspects that are closely aligned to each other while HBB decided that he wanted a sibling set that was drastically different from each other. Each serves a different crowd. You have one for people that want that subwoofer in their ear rattling and another for the people that want a smooth/buttery sound that helps them relax with their music. But, at the end of the day, you're going to enjoy your music with either one so pick your 'Blue Pill' or 'Red Pill'.

I would go so far to say that I think the Xuan NV is such a compelling package that it would be my go-to set that I would shill if someone was interested in trying out IEMs in the first place (and could afford to save up more vs the Zero RED or other budget options). This would be a great set to show someone the evolution of how far IEMs have come, how much more capable they are vs some random wireless earbuds that are lossy and not tuned well and even allow them to further tune via tip rolling.

Consider me got by the Red Pill.

Thanks for reading!
J
jbfps116
I'm tempted to get these because they look amazing! But I wonder WHY did they go back to using the recessed 2-pin vs the newer style raised connection that all the new KZs use, AND their own Wan'er SG use?! Seems like a step backward.
SemperMalum
SemperMalum
Thankfully, it's not that recessed in this case (they work well with my other cables) but yeah, it's definitely not that same style.

mars chan

New Head-Fier
TangZu X HBB Xuan NV review and comparisons.
Pros: .
What I like:
.
+ the bass.
+ the design and color.
+ the overall good sound.
+ the price.
+ the eartips.
Cons: .
What I don't like:
.
- for the price, none.
TangZu X HBB Xuan NV review and comparisons.

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I would like to thank Linsoul Audio for sending me these great-looking in-ear monitor (IEM) earphones for a review. Linsoul Audio never told me what I could or could not say. I have no money to gain from this review. Rest assured that everything I say will be in my own words.

TangZu Audio is a relatively new audio company based in China, and TangZu X HBB Xuan NV (79 USD); a dual dynamic driver configured IEM, is a collaboration between TangZu Audio and a popular YouTuber and audio reviewer, Hawaiian Bad Boy, or HBB. His YouTube channel's name is Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews, but I think he is a good person.

The TangZu x HBB Xuan NV is one of the few IEMs that made me smile upon first listening. It sounds better than some IEMs I've heard that cost many times more. If you were to listen to them side by side like I did, man, I'm sure you'll be smiling too.

It looks stunning in person, especially if you like the color red. Personally, it reminds me of candy. And the finish is shiny and seems durable, as I haven't seen any scratches in the week that I've been daily using it, in a hard case when in my pocket.

The uboxing experience is just okay and aligned with its price, but the box looks good enough to be worth keeping.

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Eartips and cable:

The effects of the eartips on sound are subtle but can't be underestimated. There are three types of tips included: the first is the white one, the one pre-installed on the IEM, which sounds the warmest; the second is the Tang Sancai normal bore tips, which sound average; and the third is the Tang Sancai wide bore tips, which, to my ears, make the IEM sound more like an audiophile type of tuning; it has the best technicalities in sound but sacrifices the bass presence just a little; this is the tip I like most, and the one I used in this review.

The cable included is average in quality for the price of the set; I upgraded it to a thicker and higher quality XIHNS cable.


Synergy:

The TangZu x HBB Xuan NV is not fussy about sources when it comes purely to sound quality, as it is not tuned for critical listening in my opinion, but it is revealing enough, at least for me, to reveal the subtle differences between the sources I tried it with.

Sensitivity, power handling, distortion, and amplification:

The TangZu x HBB Xuan NV is less sensitive than average; I have to pump up the volume about 30 to 40 percent more to match the loudness of my other IEMs on average. It may not be fussy about pairing purely for sound quality, but its low impedance, hence a difficult load and lower sensitivity, needs a powerful enough amplifier to reach its full potential.

I find the Moondrop Moonriver 2, Moondrop Dawn Pro, and Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha in balanced mode with a 4.4mm connection to be more than adequate for my needs. At 75 percent volume, they can drive the TangZu x HBB Xuan NV to very loud but safe volume levels, but when I reached 85 percent volume, the output protection on the Moonriver 2 and S9 Pro Plus Martha would kick in and cut off the music intermittently. On my bigger sources, such as the Fiio M15s DAP, Topping G5 DAC/Amp, and FX-Audio R07 desktop headamp, there was no problem driving the Xuan NV to a very loud volume, and it can take high power and go very loud without obvious distortion.

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Sound signature, tonality, coherency and dynamics:

Bassy, warm, neutral, and energetic: The bass is obviously boosted but never overbearing, the overall tonality is warm, and the midrange and treble are very neutral in tuning. There was no circumstance that the Xuan NV shouted at me unless recorded in the music; the upper midrange was tuned on the safe side, but it never sounded boring. It sounds consistently energetic across the audio range. The Xuan NV sounds very coherent from low volume to high volume levels. There were no signs that the sound was being produced by two different drivers; it's as if they speak as one.

One thing that is also worth mentioning is that the Xuan NV sounds open, unlike some budget hybrids and dual dynamic driver sets I've heard that sounded a little congested and lacked dynamics.

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Resolution and details:


The Xuan NV has enough resolving power to make you enjoy the details in the music, but not so much that it sounds analytical. It never pushes the details in your face; it has a soft-handed presentation of the details, but when you search for them, they are there. It also has a fair amount of fine micro-details, but not so much that they call your attention, just enough to make the sound naturally enjoyable.
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Soundstage, imaging, and holography:

It sounds spacious and never claustrophobic; the vocals are never in your face; and the imaging and holography are good but average for the price.

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Bass:

This is the best part of the Xuan NV; it's the best boosted bass I've heard, but take this with a grain of salt as I haven't heard all the bass-boosted IEMs available. The bass, though boosted, doesn't sound overbearing; it sounds fast and very coherent with the rest of the music; there is no sensation that it is getting left behind by the speed of the midrange and treble; it sounds very musical and energetic. I am confident to say that even neutral-head audiophiles who are looking for a bassy set as a variety would be very pleased with the bass that's in the TangZu x HBB Xuan NV.

On the song "Jessie Ware - 12 [Demo]" (please search YouTube), the bass sounds very pleasantly accompanying the vocals and keeping up with the rest of the music.

On the song "Take This Love by Sergio Mendez" (please search YouTube), the timing of the bass drum and bass guitar is very tight, and the bass has a very pleasant depth and growly texture. I've never heard this song's bass section sound this good.

Midrange:

Warmish-neutral and lush sounding; smooth and non-fatiguing; there are no frequencies that jump out at you; the upper midrange is a little laid back; and when it comes to vocals, it tends to favor the male vocals just a little more than the female vocals.

Treble:

Surprisingly refined and delicate, it sounds as if you are listening to a more expensive set. Very smooth yet energetic, with a good amount of macro details, micro details, air, and sparkle. The upper treble extension seems to be very finely tuned, as it's neither too much nor too little; it's just the right amount for my taste. There is no harshness in the highs; it is totally non-fatiguing.

Comparisons:

Compared to QKZ x HBB Khan (40 USD):


The QKZ x HBB Khan, released in the year 2022, is a collaboration product of HBB and QKZ. The Khan has a good and clean subwoofer-like sounding bass, but when it comes to the midrange and treble, there's no contest; the Xuan NX absolutely obliterates the Khan. The Khan has a thin midrange note weight and a less refined-sounding treble that can sound fatiguing at times.

Compared to Simgot EA500 (65 USD):

The Simgot EA500 has been, for a long time, a benchmark in sound quality in the 60- to 100-dollar price range. It is now supplanted by a newer version called the EA500LM.

The EA500 has a thin note weight and sounds tiring in long listening sessions because of it. The EA500 has a more forward presentation and also has good amounts of details, but it has a flat soundstage, meaning the instruments and vocals all seem to come from a space near you in a flat manner. It lacks three dimensionality, not like the Xuan NV which sounds more holographic by comparison and never fatiguing as it has a thicker note weight and a smother overall presentation.

Compared to Moondrop May (60 USD):

Using a third-party cable and not the DSP cable that it came with, the May is my previous top contender in the 60 to 100 dollar category; it is now surpassed by the TangZu x HBB Xuan NV. The May has a very tasteful sub-bass boost, a mildly recessed midrange, and a very articulate sounding treble due to its planar treble driver that operates at 8 KHz and above. The only obvious fault of the May in my opinion, is the lack of cohesion between its dynamic and planar drivers. I can hear some incoherency in the treble, but even so, the sound of the May is very good, and it is still on my recommended list in its price range.

Compared to QKZ x HBB Hades (50 USD):

The Hades is a recent collaboration product between HBB and QKZ. The Hades is a straight-out bass-head IEM, and the bass is so loud that it drowns out the midrange and treble. When it comes to sound quality, the Xuan NV has much better-sounding bass and overall sound quality in general. I can't personally recommend the Hades; just go with the Xuan NV insteads.

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What I like:
.
+ the bass.
+ the design and color.
+ the overall good sound.
+ the price.
+ the eartips.


What I don't like:

- for the price, none.

The wrap-up:

I was pleasantly surprised about how good the TangZu x HBB Xuan NV sounded the first time I listened to it, and I'm still reveling about it now after a week. This is an excellent value for money, and to be honest, if I weren't a reviewer and just a regular audiophile looking for an IEM on this budget and magically knew what I knew now, I would just buy the Xuan NV and just enjoy the music. Needless to say, I wholeheartedly recommend the TangZu x HBB Xuan NV to my friends and everyone. Cheers!

5-3-2024
Last edited:

Ianbanz

New Head-Fier
TANGZU X HBB XUAN NV
Pros: • Clean and rich bass response without overshadowing other frequencies.
• Sweet and smooth midrange presentation with warm, rich, velvet-like smoothness.
• Inoffensive treble lacking harsh peaks for extended listening sessions.
• Good technical performance with exceptional bass depth, separation, and layering.
• Wide soundstage with depth.
• Offers a compelling blend of design, sound quality, and technical performance at an accessible
price point.
• Amazing value accessories, including two sets of Tang Sancai tips and a good quality leather carry
pouch.
• A must-have for fans of the HBB sound.
Cons: • The black cable feels cheap and has a sticky rubber-like material, reminiscent of old KZ ZST cables.
This collaboration between Tangzu Audio and the revered reviewer HBB promises an experience as captivating as its name, The Xuan NV, which translates to "mysterious woman" in Chinese, promises an intriguing soundscape. But will it live up to the hype? Linsoul kindly sent this IEM my way for an honest review, and I'm eager to dissect its every aspect – from design and comfort to, most importantly, the soundscape HBB has helped craft.

UNBOXING:

Upon receiving the Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV in the mail, the first thing that caught my eye was the stunning artwork adorning the box, featuring captivating waifu illustrations and yes i like waifu and It sets the tone for what's to come—a blend of artistry and craftsmanship and some HBB love.

Opening the box reveals a black soft leather pouch, It's a thoughtful inclusion for safely storing your iem but the real surprise are the two sets of balance and wide bore Tang Sancai tips nestled within the packaging. These tips when bought separately cost 12usd per set.

Moving on to the IEM itself, the shell immediately commands attention with its striking bright blood-red hue, exuding elegance and sophistication. The gold-painted graphic art on the face plates further enhances its aesthetic appeal, the black cable however feels cheap and has a sticky rubber like material which remineds me of my old kz zst cable but not a deal breaker i just replaced with my 4.4 balance cable.
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FIT and DESIGN:

• The Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEM fits like a glove, providing a snug and secure fit that ensures comfort during extended listening sessions. Its ergonomic design contours to the shape of my ear, minimizing any discomfort or strain. The shape allows them to sit flush against my ears without causing any pressure points. Overall, the fit of the Xuan NV enhances my listening experience by providing stability, comfort and a good seal.
• 3D Printed Resin Shells: The Xuan NV utilizes lightweight and comfortable 3D printed resin shells. They come in a sleek red finish with gold artwork are visually appealing.
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DRIVER:

Ceramic drivers are known for their high sensitivity and low impedance, which means they can produce ample sound output with relatively low power input. This makes ceramic driver IEMs generally easy to drive however, while ceramic driver IEMs may be easy to drive, they can still benefit from higher-quality amplification for optimal performance.

PU, known for its flexibility and damping properties, provides the foundation for the dynamic driver. Its ability to absorb unwanted vibrations helps minimize distortion and coloration, resulting in cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction. Additionally, PU dynamic drivers often excel in reproducing mid-range frequencies with warmth and richness, making them well-suited for vocals and instrumentals.

On the other hand, LCP is renowned for its exceptional stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio. This allows LCP dynamic drivers to produce highly detailed and articulate sound. LCP's rigidity enables faster transient response and reduced resonance, resulting in improved clarity and resolution, particularly in the high-frequency range.

By combining PU and LCP dynamic drivers in the Xuan NV, most likely Tangzu audio aim to leverage the complementary strengths of both materials to achieve a balanced sound signature. The PU driver provides a solid foundation for the mid-range frequencies, delivering warmth and body to vocals and instruments, while the LCP driver adds clarity, detail, and precision to the overall sound presentation, especially in the treble region.

The dual dynamic driver configuration of the Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEM combining two distinct driver to deliver a balance audio experience with the help of a little amplification, its not hard to drive but to fully enjoy a dynamic sound of this iem a simple dongle dac amp will open it up to its full potential.

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SOUND:


Bass:

One of the most impressive aspects of the Tangzu X HBB IEM is its clean and rich bass response. the Xuan NV delivers a bass that strikes a perfect balance between warmth and clarity. Sub bass rumble is strong but well controlled The mid bass is smooth, unintrusive, and maintains remarkable clarity and energy even in bass-heavy tracks. Whether you're listening to bass-shy tunes or 90s alternative rock anthems, the Xuan NV bass adds a layer of depth and richness without overshadowing other frequencies.

Mids:


The midrange of Xuan NV is the best part where i think it truly shines, offering a sweet and smooth thick sound signature that is captivating and immersive. Instruments and vocals are presented with a warm, rich, thick velvet like smoothness. Vocal clarity is superb, pristine and well-layered. Vocals sound so natural with warmth you can almost feel, the mids have weight, thick but not dark sounding. Male and female vocals are represented accurately without adding color.

Treble:

The treble of the Xuan NV is characterized by its inoffensive nature, lacking any harsh peaks or excessive emphasis. While it may not satisfy treble enthusiasts seeking heightened energy, its soft and smooth presentation makes it ideal for extended listening sessions. The treble energy is gentle and still manages to sound airy which adds to clarity and a sense of widened space and overall providing a relaxed listening experience without causing fatigue over time.



Technical Performace and Sound Signature:

• Warm Neutral with a U-Shaped Tilt: The Xuan NV strikes a delightful balance between warmth and neutrality. Bass is present and rich, adding a satisfying foundation to your music without overwhelming the mids. Vocals take center stage, presented smoothly and intimately. Treble is relaxed and inoffensive, avoiding harshness but maintaining enough sparkle to keep things interesting. This U-shaped tuning creates a very listenable and forgiving sound signature, perfect for extended listening sessions.

• Timbre and Tone: This is where the Xuan NV truly shines. Instruments and vocals have a natural and realistic quality, thanks to the excellent timbre and tonal balance. Guitars sound full-bodied, drums have satisfying impact, and strings have a smooth, articulate character. Vocals are a particular highlight, rendered with thick, warmth and clarity.

• Technical Performance: While not the most analytical IEM on the market, the Xuan NV offers a good level of detail retrieval for the price. It won't reveal every nuance of complex recordings, but it provides enough clarity to keep you engaged with the music. Soundstage isn't the widest, but imaging remains decent, allowing you to distinguish the placement of instruments within the mix.
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Who is this for?

• Listeners who prefer a warm and musical sound signature.

• Vocal lovers: The smooth mids make vocals a real treat.

• Budget-minded audiophiles looking for great sound without breaking the bank.

• Those who find overly analytical IEMs fatiguing.

Things to Consider:

• If you crave a super detailed and analytical sound, the Xuan NV might not be your best bet.

• The bass, while present, might not satisfy extreme bassheads.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, the Tangzu X HBB IEM offers a compelling blend of design, sound quality, and technical performance at an accessible price point. The collaboration between Tangzu Audio and HawaiiBadboy (HBB) results in a finely-tuned, well balance and musical sound signature that strikes a good balance between audiophile performance and mass appeal with its clean bass, silky midrange, and smooth treble, it provides an immersive listening experience suitable for a wide range of music genres unlike my other fave hbb collab Xuan NVs alter-ego of sorts the Hades which shines and caters to a specific genre of music. In conclusion Xuan NV represents excellent value for listeners and enthusiasts who likes overall musicality and with the striking red with gold aesthetics this stand out in a crowded market by offering exceptional value and performance that appeal to both audiophiles and everyday music lovers.



https://youtu.be/NZP8PWkT00U?si=vLyezkOrLZYOY1CX

**Disclaimer:** The Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEMs were provided to me by Linsoul Audio for the purpose of this review. I did not receive any compensation for my comments and the opinions expressed here are solely my own based on my personal experience with the product. This review is meant to offer an honest and unbiased impression to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

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