Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV

Introduction!
Hello friends!
Today in review we’ll look at dynamic headphones from Tangzu in collaboration with Bad Guy Audio.
They come in a small box with a very nice design, and two dynamic drivers here are responsible for the sound, one with a diameter of 10mm and the other 8mm, but what else is interesting here is their very low impedance of 8.5 ohms and the sensitivity here is 98 dB, which you will agree is quite rare, therefore You definitely won’t be able to listen to these headphones with a smartphone, as they are not so easy to drive.


Let's take a look at what's included!
- Headphones
- Two sets of Tangzu branded silicone ear tips
- Tangzu leatherette bag
- Convenient but simple cable with 2 pin connectors and a 3.5 jack plug

The headphones here are made of transparent red resin with a golden design of the front panel in the form of a butterfly, next to it there is a 2-pin connector for connecting the cable and the first compensation hole, and by the way there are only three of them, two more are located on the inside of the case where those are very clearly visible the most dynamic drivers, one a little larger than the other, a little smaller, and the sound guide here is quite elongated with a small side so that the ear pads can be fixed normally, so with the fit, everything is fine here, as well as with sound insulation, both with the supplied ear tips and with others of the divinus type.


How do these headphones sound?

Now, friends, we have come to the most important part of the review, namely the analysis of the sound of the tangzu xuan nv dynamic headphones, and let's start, as usual, with an analysis of their tuning, which is presented here in the form of an excellent neutrality and warm tonality familiar to me with an increase in low frequencies by 10 decibels and with a parity emphasis on the upper middle, that is, so that this area does not take a lot of attention , they didn’t amplify it unnecessarily here, and I approve of this, and the high frequencies, as part of the use of two dynamic emitters, turned out to be very long, in my opinion, at least there is no sharp cutoff, but on the contrary, at the edge of the range after 15 kHz they fade very smoothly, then As far as possible they were handed to us here and these headphones definitely cannot be called deaf, since there are enough high frequencies here.
Low Frequencies:
And as you probably already guessed, with low frequencies things are going well here since we have a weighty and deep weight of sub bass notes with a very neat strengthening of the mid bass, but I’ll say right away that there is no kind of bloat and excessive booming bassheadness here, since the image The bass is perceived as extremely precise and focused on the impact with a very smooth transition to the midrange.
And with the reproduction of the texture and audibility of the saturation of all these harmonics, everything is fine here, the bass is clearly defined, textured in perception and quite transparent, and I would even call it literally outlined in the mix and there is no blurring of its image, and I think that its quantity should definitely be enough for most listeners, especially in the electronic or hip-hop genres; after all, this neat, precise shelf with a very noticeable gain of 10 decibels is done here very accurately and under control, that a clear and a familiar proven plan.
Mid Frequencies:
But the mid-frequencies here are presented in a neutral, airy way with a little extra energy in the vocal part and weight in the drums, due to which here we have not boring but, on the contrary, more exciting, and most importantly a transparent and driving presentation without any dryness or cold monitoring, which well reveals the instrumental, vocal or rock music, since everything actually sounds with a very pleasant warm tone without any aggression or an incomprehensible crooked timbre that happens, for example, with inexpensive armature headphones ,and I think
It’s good that they decided to use exactly two dynamic emitters, since their timbres are usually more natural in perception without any color or pseudo resolution, and sewing them together is much easier, so the output is more uniform and correct, yes and it’s good that they didn’t take the model into the backlit brightness, but made everything very familiar to us that we’ve seen in both Tangzu Fudu and Tanzu Wan'er, and I think you still remember these headphones very well, and maybe someone still owns them.
High Frequencies:
And the high frequencies here are presented as very neutral with good duration, with a slight pleasant smoothness without any excessive harshness of sibilants and additional improvement in detail by enhancing this area and as a result, it is felt by ear as a very warm and neat pleasant warm presentation with good and open resolution and intelligibility of cymbals and percussions of various aftertones and residual trails , and the amount of air here is surprisingly very sufficient, so it’s much easier to analyze and parse musical compositions since all the images and plans are more easily separated from each other and you don’t get the feeling that everything is close and squeezed or concentrated in one place.
What also pleased me is that the headphones here have a good bias towards technicality and speed, due to which they cope well with heavier instrumental tracks and are especially well suited for something acoustic or classical music, and in general this It turned out to be a very all-genre model.
My conclusion on this headphones:
Tangzu Xuan NV are very pleasant dynamic headphones with a neutral, not at all bright and not tiring tuning, with a good boost of low frequencies, which should already be enough for most listeners, of course, except for the very fierce bassheads, but for everyone else this will be enough to hear those deep and booming sounds well bass notes complemented by pleasantly warm and very transparent mids and detailed highs.
Aliexpress DD-Audio Store:https://aliexpress.ru/item/1005006808421987.html
Linsoul:https://www.linsoul.com/products/tangzu-xuannv
I will be glad if you subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch this full review on Tangzu x HBB Xuan Nv!

The TANGZU x HBB Xuan Nv Universal IEM
Redcarmoose Labs MAY 23rd, 2024



Many don’t realize the very first made IEMs were collaborations in a way. As such IEM maker Chris Lindrop in the 1980s made IEMs for Steve Wonder, yet they were not for sale to the public. In 1995 Jerry Harvey’s IEMs were a first multi driver CIEM for Alex Van Halen, who was looking for something to neutralize the SPLs of the band's sound system.

Some of these IEM side benefits for these musicians were being able to customize the mix, hearing protection……..even the artist could (jump around) and hear the mix clearly wherever they were. If the musician was inside or outside, the mix coming through the IEMs was the same. A big thing is use of the IEM on stage reduces the possibility for amplifier feedback.

So nowadays Youtube luminaries get extra pocket change from putting their name and tuning skills to work in the creation of Chinese Inner Ear Monitors. And if they hit it big with a (popular) model the extra money may become substantial. Of course all this is just a logical guess on my part……..really those guys talk about everything under-the-sun, yet they keep any profits made tight-lipped. In the end it’s none of our business. Though a concern arises if we are paying (too much) extra for this collaboration, and if so are the IEMs still a value?

The value of the actual IEM tune:
Many tuning ideas have been put forth. At Head-Fi intense curiosity over IEM graph curves. Hence the almost over-inflated concern over graph curves. And due to the fact that we are trying to get objective (graph) ideas about a complex and convoluted subject………such as recreation of a live musical event through ear-speakers, it does make sense to try and gain all the information possible. Though often an IEM will get avoided due to the horror of a particular graph.



https://hbb.squig.link/?share=Bad_G...p_Target,Tangzu_X_Hbb_Xuan_Nv,Samyz,Sample_BL

Now what I wanted to show I was able to show with just three HBB collaborations.

Yep, here is a graph that shows how the BLON X HBB Z300 measures, the QKZ x HBB Hades measures and our IEM in question today, how the TANGZU XUAN NV measures.

In fact there will be a total of 5 other IEMs besides the TANGZU XUAN NV in my IEM comparisons shortly. And sure enough the BLON X HBB Z300 and QKZ x HBB Hades will be a big part of those side-by-sides. Yet I’m posting this graph right-off to kind-of get an idea of what part of town we are driving to. Look at the graph. Really I already knew of this relationship between the three IEMs before the graph, though it is always a little heart warming when you pull-up a graph and it will go to substantiate what you are hearing. There is much sense to having the graph come after the first impressions, if you are so enabled, by having the IEM on hand.

“looky here”

The graph shows the TANGZU XUAN NV to have the least bass of the three, and also a prominent vocal display. Well what do you know? Also will you look at how the XUAN NV drastically runs away from the BAD GUY’s target curve. Really and truly that is the main information that I wanted to get across early in this review. That for once we are meeting-up with a change of pace, in fact an increase in pace. That and no-way are we submitting ourselves to the bass DOMINATRIX of the HBB Hades.

I mean sure the world is full of all types, and I gave the Hades a good score, but at first listen, I didn’t want to. In fact it took me a few days to reset my hearing from the devastating trauma inflicted by her fiery bass whip.

So you may think I find this new TANGZU XUAN NV to be the best thing ever from the HBB camp…….and yes it is. Almost a month ago I did first impressions and that is what came up. Now we are both encountering more vocals and due to the reduction in bass, those vocals become even more clear.




Review prospective summary and side-by-side comparisons:
Really here at Redcarmoose Labs there is no better way to figure out what the personality is of a new IEM, other than side-by-sides. Yep, easy as it is, I will simply use the WM1A with the Tangzu Tang Sancai wide-bores and the OC849 cable with every test vehicle. After that I will do a music review, talking about how the XUAN NV plays back tunes, then show packaging and construction, then wind-up this little review with a conclusion, with purchasing links. You may question why I’m using an aftermarket cable, and the reason is it is in 4.4mm, where the included cable was not. What is nice is at $79.00 they even included the Tangzu Tang Sancai wide-bores and a complete set of Tangzu Tang Sancai balanced-bore ear-tips.


Left to right:
Top row:
TANGZU XUAN NV $79.00 = 2DD 1 8mm PU X 11mm LCP
Kiwi ears Singolo x Crinacle $79.00 = 1X 11mm LCP DD

Middle row:
QKZ x HBB Hades $49.99 = 2X9mm DD
TINHIFI T5S $129.00 = 1X 10mm DOC DD

Third row:
TINHIFI C2 $29.00 = 1X 10mm PU+LCP DD
BLON X HBB Z300 $35.00 = 1X 10mm Silicone diaphragm


Music used:


DCD
Anastasis
Kiko
44.1 - 24bit
Now the thing is, this song seems to enhance all the IEMs. Yet I’m using the song here because I like it, and it is well recorded. It really brings out the best of every IEM in the test. And you know, I’m OK with that, because I have had the TANGZU XUAN NV almost a full month and I have listened to a gambit of musical styles, plus I already did reviews of the competitors with even more music. To narrow this song down, it has well produced cymbals that are easy to itemize in the stage, there is a specific fall-off and reverberations to everything, there are female vocals at the right place, and the vocals are recorded well. There are heavy bass qualities to the keys and heavy drums which if done well are well spaced apart. This song even holds examples of timbre response (as most all songs do) but since I use this song a few times a week I know it like the back of my hand, and that counts for something.

After listening to the TANGZU XUAN NV, I quickly switched to the The Kiwi ears Singolo X Crinacle.

Kiwi ears Singolo x Crinacle:
Really even and complete is how I note the Singolo, free from any off frequency coming across as clean. Clean is the word for what this IEM does 24/7. And while in this review I partake of the TINHIFI C2 and the TINHIFI T5S, really the two and the Singolo could be viewed as riding in the very same automobile. Yep, to where the Singolo takes that midrange luster and profound delineation and runs slightly farther than the C2 (due to technicalities) and the T5S due to a more forward tuning. Yep, to where the Singolo makes the T5S sound almost sleepy and it is far from asleep at all. So you may be wondering why I’m not comparing the TANGZU XUAN NV yet. Well it is easy to get a handle on what the TANGZU XUAN NV is about. Really in so many ways it is the exact opposite of the Singolo. More forward vocals, less bass action and still holding a giant stage. Stage is a funny thing because I believe it is both from frequency and technicalities, Yep. And the Singolo has the combined effect of the two going on in unison. What makes the music as such become lifted off the ground into the midrange, forgetting and grounding taking place in the XUAN NV at all. Nope, we are flying slightly higher off the ground. Cruising with our buddies in a low-rider 1962 Impala, yet we are Head-Fi geeks too, so it is a midrange car stereo taking place minus the heavy bass kickers of the XUAN NV.

As such these images of midrange, like a few to follow make the Kiwi ears Singolo x Crinacle the perfect complementary IEM to a XUAN NV purchase. I mean there is no denying the Singolo is great, just how great compared to the more sloppy XUAN NV could be a matter of taste, or the time of day, or mood you found yourself in.

QKZ x HBB Hades:
Can you say bass. Even if you open your window and yell B A S S outside your house, listeners may think you’re crazy, but they still won’t be illuminated as to how much bad-as Bass the Hades truly has, Yep it is that much. Where it took me a month to write this XUAN NV review, it took me almost that long to reset my hearing after visiting Hades. OK, all joking aside, the Hades actually got a great review from me, and you know why? Stage, a giant stage, bigger than the TANGZU XUAN NV and maybe one of the biggest here today. Yet a part of that is the bass stage, to where the following T5S is cleaner and more strict as to TINHIFI’s idea of correctness. It is like this Hades represents the bass needy…….those low frequency vagabonds who are jonesing for more than their fair share of bass material. But the truth riddle of Hades is how after listening to it for a while this extra bass becomes almost normal? To where if any IEM could lead you over to the Dark Side then the Hades could. Just like a drug dealer handing out fun free samples to try, only to permanently mess-you-up in the end.

TINHIFI T5S:
Look, this is my favorite IEM on this list. I chose it for a few reasons, yes it is way more money than the TANGZU XUAN NV, except what I’m attempting to do is show the diminishing returns per dollar spent, but also there was another reason. The T5 came out in May of 2021, almost exactly 3 years ago. It reviewed very badly, the T5 was just too bass light, that and with the treble and midrange that were even amplified more by this whacky balance. So to have this T5S just recently show-up and be my favorite TIN out of everything, well that is sentimental. OK the T5S is better in many ways from the TANGZU XUAN NV, but they are different too…….let me explain why. First off we can start to hear the TINHIFI sound. This sound is a no-playing around totally organized and scheduled intent of sonics. A proposed venture into TINs commander ruthless careful idea of just how they think IEMs should sound. Imagine the little $29.00 IEM to follow in this review and start adding on accessories. Where the C2 is in its underwear, the T5S is in so many ways a mature and complete sound, that while the C2 has less bass, there is a smoother and harmonically rich embellishment into which we interpret the full-throttle approach of the T5S. I know I said I was going to compare the XUAN NV, and I will. Yet hearing the C2 really drove home what TIN is doing here. That really the C2 and the T5S are tuned and technicalities wise are driving in the same direction. Big expanded mids of clarity in proportion to the XUAN NV. Yep, so imagine the C2 as the younger weaker sibling and the T5S going all out. Sure it is more IEM and fighting (the XUAN NV) here is like a bodybuilder taking a slug during a bar fight at a drunk unsuspecting Mesomorph! Yet while yes, there is way more detail held in what the T5S does, and sure it is considerably more change, still just like the C2, this T5S ends being complementary to owning the XUAN NV? Where the XUAN NV is more relaxing and quirky. Yep……there I said it. I was waiting this whole review to drop the word quirky on you. As is relation to back-to-backs the XUAN NV is a little less dressed up-for-a-wedding than the T5S. Sloppier and more casual in technicalities. Maybe a tad blurry even. Where TINHIFI are like a military IEM, the XUAN NV is cutting school and ***-off.

It may be how the T5S does technical bass, but this warmth, a first for TINHIFI, really combines with the mid technicalities to create a winner in my book. A 5 out of 5 score. Hooray!

TINHIFI C2:
What a $29.00 addition to the battle? HA, the little C2 is exactly $100.00 less dinero than the TINHIFI T5S. And really it was out and around so I saw it, and thought that it would be good to contrast what you get. Showing-up right at the very end of 2022, the C2 wins points for being a cool design, and I really like metal IEMs if they are done right. But the question here is what does less than half the money of the TANGZU XUAN NV get you? God I love this little guy. Look at it as a full hiccup in TINHIFI design. They must have let the junior engineers out for a session in design. Does any IEM in the history of TINHIFI look like a metal robot ear? No, and the song is fabulous for the money. None of that brittleness is found in the BLON X HBB Z300 to follow. Yet we are working with a very up-front and thinner posture than what the XUAN NV is about. Where what becomes of this is higher relief into how the midrange is spread out into luxurious fashion. No it does not hold the overall micro or macro density of the XUAN NV, yet who is complaining here. I am not complaining! Bigger more vibrant details in the upper midrange and treble. As such those factors are pushed even farther into reality by lesser bass action too. Really this style of playback, believe it or not, becomes complimentary to the XUAN NV. Enough said! Word for today is Windex Spray!

BLON X HBB Z300:
Why did I include this one? Primarily due to it being a HBB collaboration, it also very much defined my point in relation to this new direction in XUAN NV bass curtailment. Very clean, meaning one single 10mm driver in a solid anti-resonance shell will emit a clarity and absorption of off frequencies and lesser harmonic resonances at times. This directness is in contrast to what the TANGZU XUAN NV is about, the XUAN NV is actually a little softer due to the 2X DD fighting. Yet this purity of the HBB Z300 has its merits. Thinner on all counts despite what the added mid-bass does. I hope this makes sense, that there is more mid-bass and lower midrange held in HBB Z300 playback, and a lesser push at 3kHz, yet for whatever reason the forwardness is both more brittle and over-all sounds a hint more sterile? I mean I looked at the graph and while the graph makes sense, this is one IEM that contradicts some of the graph, and makes a reality that 8kHz peak energy oppose from it being just measurement resonances. As such that forward energy combined with the rest makes this IEM way less musical in the end, in comparison to the XUAN NV! Sure it is good for the money, but will ask for less volume levels in playback due to such strict Nurse Ratched character!




Music Tests:
Yes, I chose the same song to start as in the IEM comparison section. All tests with Sony WM1A in 4.4mm balanced with Tangzu Tang Sancai wide-bore ear-tips and OC849 aftermarket cable.



DCD
Anastasis
Kiko
44.1 - 24bit
Timestamps are only on the digital file, not the included video. Probably the first thing that comes to mind is the sheer size of the drums. That while the drum holds authority, it is also the cymbals that take the cake, this show of clarity and details. At 00:18 this show of bass note emphasis is positioned in a new part of the stage, an area where we didn’t know sound could be placed. At 00:27 we realize that all these instruments are in correct timbre as there are no BAs involved. It is in fact this stage, this big stage that has us stop for a second to realize this is an under $100.00 IEM doing its thing? Where, yes the stage is primarily wide, there is ample front and back plus top to bottom, too. After 160 hours of burn-in the bass is sounding…….really everything is coming off more fluid and effortless? At 00:38 a yangqin (a Chinese hammered dulcimer) shows offing of a higher frequency and positioning out-front. And the thing is this dulcimer instrument has also been fully drawn-out through effects to fall into multi-points of interest upon the stage. There is panning back and forth, and then what sounds like a flute, but it is keyboards. At exactly 01:14 Lisa Gerrard makes her entrance. That while entering we get a good idea of where she will sit in the stage, and frequency wise. See that’s the thing, her voice is neither too forward or too back-set. This idea of vocals has me a believer, and none of that vocal sitting malarky previous from HBB. I don’t mean to make fun of past HBB creations……cuz I haven’t heard them all, but from what I have heard, vocals are not the strong point in the past. Maybe TANGZU said, wait a second, we want some vocals here? And the deal is of course all the components heard from the vocals……….more subtle details than you would guess, the reverberations, the panning from right to left and back again, really the overall vocal textures are better than I was prepared for? Really as far as vocals go, they have gone done it with the correct positioning and frequency to allow exquisite details and realness. With many HBB ideas we have had the female voice seem like an afterthought, but no not here, really not here!



Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch
Blade Runner 2049 OST
Wallace
44.1kHz - 16bit
Here we are entering the atmosphere, and while the bass is strong it is also fast and tight. At 00:14 to 00:15 there are treble details, which due to high frequency are unidentifiable. Yet being at the very threshold of hearing are just barely there, yet there. These show floating on an ocean of bass ambiance. Same as the backwards which sound like faint singing at 01:54……yet we are in a giant room, a space delineated by the various synths……all deep and all very processed, yet showing the spatial area inwhich they each exist into the stage. This room we are visiting is just that, a separate place into which sonics creates a space. It is the fact that this stage is produced wide, tall and front to back that we are enveloped inside such an effect, that low frequencies are still able to observe changes quickly into new striations.



Hans Zimmer
Inception
Old Souls
44.1kHz - 16bit
Look, I use this song every week to test IEMs. And sure the bass is well done, and the piano placement at 00:23 sounds natural but it is not as forward or separated as encountered by Hybrids. Still the tone is correct, not showing even a hint of off-timbre. As I really start to understand the goals that TANGZU had in regards to both tuning and technicalities. Where the overall mood is very analogue ( whatever that means) but that while the attack holds considerable weight at our first 00:54 bass drop. It is this attack which shows a style of quality in the yes, the bass is not terribly forward, yet totally separate found into the stage, inhabiting its own private zone. Such a zone is smooth and round, yet not the very most vibrant I have heard, yet there is no denying it is possibly even more correct here. Meaning this song excels at finding each and every one of the known sound constituents alive and real sounding, but more than that, found in their natural space inside the stage. And I’m sorry to say, that this song sounds like an IEM made it that was exactly like one in the TANGZU XUAN NV supplied graph here. What I’m trying to say is the XUAN NV really holds balance, that it is a form of a correct tune, also even and complete. You see I’m learning that it is the most balanced I have heard HBB involved with. Now sure I knew such things at the start of the review, yet such a confirmation is double confirmed when hearing a song like this in action. It is what it is……that’s all.

Music conclusion:
To summarize the sound, we are basking in this stage, really the stage can’t be over emphasized as it is a value here. And while not holding BA Hybrid pin-point details, the TANGZU XUAN NV makes-up for that with correct timbre and realness. As such there are finite detail examples in playback, those examples are not always pushed forward like what a Hybrid would do. This flatness of relief gets made inconsequential due to the great vocals, both in frequency and stage positioning. This overbearing cohesiveness that is almost always par for the course with DDs, becomes that much more endearing when we realize we are experiencing pace too! That must be one thing that 2X DDs do better than one? We have one 8mm PU DD and one 11mm LCP DD which go about their day offering well defined pace. I mean as I was listening I could almost hear a small section of the music offer better transients than what a single full-range DD would do, and I like that. This small section (of sound) I’m talking about is not the most defined I have ever heard, that it makes points with the use of layers, though even those layers are not separated despite the stage size. There becomes this blending, yet when full-on vocals take place they are created alive, in living color, holding details, textures and transient abilities far above the asking price. It is just this replay character can only do so much to itemize the far up treble details……that we are met with a more compact upper stage, missing that itemization that Hybrids do with their eyes closed. We are offered corrected timbre, in fact uncanny correct timbre.

Packaging:
One of the greatest surprises here is the inclusion of both styles of the Tangzu Tang Sancai ear-tips.

Cable:
The cable was fine. Though LOL…..look at the photograph. Here I tried to use the photo to really explain the character of this 4 core Litz configuration. I mean Yes, I used it in testing and TANGZU XUAN NV had a warm smooth sound. I truly try not to be a cable snob, because it isn’t everyone's choice to combine a 4.4mm GUCCI cable with a $79.00 IEM, I understand that fact of life. But later in the review you will learn that 3.5mm from a regular phone doesn’t cut the mustard. Nope, the TANGZU XUAN NV needs just slightly more power. I had to check this a few times, because I was surprised how much juice this little sucker drank-up? So you are fine taking this to a Dongle, just realize that only if you are a super low-volume listener, or a medium low volume listener, would a regular phone work-out. It is just not loud enough, that’s all. But in the photos here I’m using a $99.90 dollar cable, just because I feel this is an IEM that at its price-point benefits from 4.4mm balanced out-put, and the TANGZU XUAN NV scales up with a better built cable. Though keep in mind this is not in any way a cable review. As such we as readers can reach a conflict of interest concentrating on aftermarket cables in a review of an IEM. The important part is to find an aftermarket cable that simply does not color the original sound. That lets the soul of the IEM become transferred, let cable enthusiasts pick a colored cable later if they so desire. We are only looking for an increase in stage (maybe pace)and a cleaning-up of sorts compared to the included cable, with the full character of the TANGZU x HBB Xuan Nv coming through.



Ear-tips:
So the Xuan Nv comes with a generic simple white small ear-tip on the IEM to protect the 3D printed nozzle. Of the 6 other pairs, they are 3 pairs of Tangzu Tang Sancai wide-bores, and 3 pairs of Tangzu Tang Sancai balanced-bore ear-tips. Let me just say, these tips are amazing. They went and put friction grabbing surface design just like car tires, yep to all six pairs. The great part is yes the large balanced-bore gets me better fitment, yet the wide-bores get the best stage and imaging size.


Build:
Achieving a new style of design due to sophisticated 3D printing. Yep, they are now making IEMs dual constructed with only about 1/3 of the shell hollow and the other 2/3rds solid. What this all means in the end is a few IEMs have surfaced this year with seated drivers and 3D printed sound tubes. At only 5 grams a piece in weight, we are seeing though to observe 1/3 top half hollow. Yep, the back section of these two drivers exits into a resonant chamber under the faceplate. It is also vented near the 2Pin insertion point. The 2nd vent as seen in photos off the back and a third near the bass of the nozzle. Typically all these vents would mean stage expansion, and that is with-out a doubt happening here. Almost the greatest thing about the design is the form. Yep, here we are met with a medium-size build, yet offering a gambit of fins and curves. You can tell TANGZU went the extra mile in semi-custom form. Number two the nozzles are not too short. Where sure I will probably get a more secure fit with the regular Tangz Tang Sancai ear-tips, but I have done this review with the wide-bore tips. Where really I would call the regular Tangz Tang Sancai tips medium. But I’m a fanatic for wide-bores and always am endeared when there is enough nozzle length to use them. Yet the phenomenon is donut tips naturally have less barrel to join with your ear canal. Thus with less contact, there becomes an easier way for movement of the cable to pull the IEM into a different place. As long as you understand these issues, all is well, but often wide-bores don’t allow for the firm fitment regularly achieved with longer barrel ear-tips.

Phone use:
These draw some juice. In fact, while sounding great from a regular 3.5mm phone output, they really don’t get loud enough. Where unless you were a super low-volume or maybe medium low volume listener there would be cause for concern while using a phone. I mean it is right on that border where you could want a taste of more volume here. This was while using the included 3.5mm cable. One of the best experiences of the day was casually placing the ifi hip dac 3 in-between the phone and the 3.5mm included cable of the TANGZU XUAN NV. This is my first review in a while where the IEM here needs more power to come alive, where a regular phone just borderline doesn’t cut it. Really it is probably slightly less than medium volume for me, but the regular phone stage means I’m looking for more volume to try and gain interaction?


Conclusion:
While in no way the most detailed for the money, the TANGZU x HBB Xuan Nv is kind-of looking for other aspects in music replay. Where there is close to perfect balance in the tune, that means really that this makes the TANGZU x HBB Xuan Nv very well rounded going with every source and every genre of music. Sure Symphony Lovers may not get their fair share of separation and string luster, but Rock lovers will truly find pace in regular Rock tracks. The totally unexpected thing was the vocals. That sure you can see from the graph that vocal playback was catered to, yet hearing it in action is another story all together. These vocal textures and details are just right. Right and with correct placement into the stage positioning, and of exquisite timbre. Crazy as it may sound, there are great details found in the vocal area too. That as a player the HBB tuned TANGZU x HBB Xuan Nv doesn’t make vocals an afterthought, and for that I am grateful. While the TANGZU x HBB Xuan Nv only gets medium loud from a cell phone, some types are looking for medium loud as a goal, like for slightly more background at the workplace. I can say (that while missing a little of the DAP separation) the warmth and overall tone from a phone was truly moving, holding all those things you look for as emotional triggers, minus the all the DAP stage.

As far as a looker, hah, just look at this IEM? Construction is very well done, with a new style of two-story build. Yep, Some of the IEM is solid resin with no actual (aquarium style) tubes for sound. Such tubes were formed in place by the 3D construction only. As was the top loft under the faceplate allowing for resonances to form, combined with the 3 sound vents and there is no avoiding the stage taking place.

Holding the TANGZU x HBB Xuan Nv in your hands we are welcomed with completely seamless construction, even the faceplate has somehow been fused to the lower body? And while forming a medium size TANGZU went all out with this one creating a semi-custom form. Each nozzle is truly middle length in creating a nozzle that lets me have my ear-tip freedom, freedom to choose longer ear-tips of donut shaped tips. There is even a lip at the nozzle end allowing secure placement of really any tip you choose.

Yet the most exciting thing to surface was the use of only two different sized DDs. Yep that TANGZU went and found creativity in use of an 8mm PU Dynamic Driver and one 11mm LCP Dynamic Driver. That TANGZU in many small ways is climbing closer to a Hybrid sound, as both of these drivers are made very differently. So we find that separation (to a point) of a Hybrid, with none of the off-timbre associated with Hybrid construction. What this ultimately delivers is a form of clarity for all day listening. There are no bright flood lights beaming, and the treble details are found warm and inviting. Let those other IEMs take hold of the bright intensity, because the TANGZU x HBB Xuan Nv simply doesn’t care……nope, the Xuan Nv is going about its day the very best it knows how, proclaiming vocals with uncanny charm and sophistication and a tight controlled bass that still doesn’t let you forget this is a HBB creation in the end.

$79.00
https://www.linsoul.com/products/tangzu-xuannv

Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Kareena from Linsoul for the love and the TANGZU XUAN NV review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm
Samsung Phone 3.5mm
HiBy R3 II DAP 4.4mm balanced
ifi hip dac DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm balanced

Intro

This time a new product from collaboration of Tangzu and HBB called Tangzu Xuan NV a new innovative gear uses 2 DD ceramic and PU + LCP diaphragms. A warm neutral tuning IEM produces full, clean bass response and satisfying thick and lush vocals.




Disclaimer


I would like to thank Linsoul Audio for arranging a unit for me. My opinions are unbiased, and I haven't been influenced or instructed to praise these IEMs. Every detail in this review is actual experience made by listening for hours everyday.





Specifications


Driver configurations : 10mm Ceramic Dynamic driver unit + 8mm PU + LCP Dynamic driver unit

Sensitivity : 98dB 1kHz

Impedance : 8.5Ω 1kHz±20%

Frequency range : 7Hz-20kHz

Cable material : Single crystal oxygen-free copper

Cable Length : 1.2m±5%

Socket interface : 2pin0.78 3.5mm SE





Packaging


Pair of Tangzu Xuan NV
4 core OFC cable
Leather button case
6 pairs of Tangzu Sancai (3 pairs of Balanced, 3 pairs of Widebore) *these are treasures* best stock tips I encountered so far.


Build and Comfort


The build is made from medical grade resin, and the aesthestically beautiful design gives a more premium look than expected in this price range. The earpiece are suprisingly lightweight despite of the size of the earpiece , the fit is good to my ears making them comfortable for extended use.






Sound Aspects


Source used :


Realme 9 Pro

KiwiEars Allegro

Ibasso DC04 pro


This iems spend 40-50 hours of burn in using pink noise before taking details of this review

Xuan NV is a warm neutral tuning showing full and clean bass response and thick and lush midrange suits for vocal lovers out there. I'm currently using tangzu sancai widebore I prefer the improvement of vocals here. I also tried my aftermarket cable IvipQ SPC Graphene midrange cable suprisingly its the perfect synergy with the Xuan NV. It brings out the emotions of vocals hidden with this gems.


Bass


The bass is its forte, showing clean and full sounding yet non-intrusive bass. There's no predominant bass character midbass nor subbass showing equal quality and quantity. Sometimes it lacking of texture but then again overall bass quality is superb for the asking price.


Mids


Another spotlight of Xuan NV, the buttery smoothness of midrange. It shows enveloping relaxed and warm tone vocals. Both male and female exhibits thick, lush and excellent quality vocals here. Despite of the uppermids never become shouty it has enough energy to sound engaging and enjoyable. The natural timbre adds satisfying to overall performance of the midrange.


Treble


The treble is smooth and inoffensive showing not a hint of harshness in this frequencies. Despite the safe of the treble it is energetic enough to become not to sound boring. One more thing is to take note it is a warm tuning gear picking up micro details is superb imho.


Technicalities


The soundstage is average in this price point but if you give it ample amount of juice to drive this xuan nv it shows its true colors. I found my best pair with Kiwiears Allegro. It has enough to power the xuan nv. Improving the dynamics as well as imaging and layering.




Conclusion

This is the best tuned HBB I've tried so far. From clean and full bass response, velvety smooth midrange to inoffensive highs it is different to the usual tuning of HBB collab but their fans will surely love this tuning. It is quite hard to drive and I recommend to prepare a decent source to run this thing, it will shows the emotion of the vocals. At this price point I can simply say this is a step up for those pips who want an upgrade to their budget-fi category.

Highly recommended!


Order here using the non -affiliated links below :
https://www.linsoul.com/products/tangzu-xuannv

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.



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!





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.








You also get TangZu Sanchai Tips



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



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.



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.



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.





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:



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!

TangZu X HBB Xuan NV review and comparisons.

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.



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.



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.

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.
.
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.



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.



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

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.

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.

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.


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.

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.

General Information (Build/Packaging/Comfort)
Xuan Nv is a collaboration between Tangzu and HBB if you don’t already know. It is a dual dynamic driver config where the 10mm dynamic driver and 8mm driver
Xuan Nv got a very beautiful faceplate. It's 3D printed and the unit is very light and I don't feel the weight on me when I'm wearing them. The packaging is the usual Tangzu’s styled packaging. Within the box, you have the IEM itself, two types of Tangzu’s eartips, the balanced and the wide, i personally preferred the wide tips with Xuan Nv, we will get to that later. So you are spoiled with choice in terms of eartips, the balanced and wide also affects the tuning so feel free to try out and see which is your preference

Gears used for this review

• Cayin N3 Ultra
• Hiby FC6
• Fiio K9 AKM
• Tangzu x HBB Xuan Nv with Sancai Wide Eartip

Foreword
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far


Sound Impression (with Wide eartips)
To my surprise, the Xuan NV, despite bearing HBB’s collab badge, doesn't sound like the usual HBB”s tuning that I have heard of, especially on the bass region. Tonality wise, the Xuan Nv is a warmish set and sub bass focused, i would say, it is a very safe set overall

Bass

• It is not a bassy set like one of the collab, Hades, rather the bass has quite good control when it is properly powered
• Sub bass does rumble when the track calls for it, not bass head kind of rumble but sufficient in terms of quantity for it to be fun
• Mid bass does lack a little punch, which is why i’m surprised as HBB’s collab usually have punchy mid bass
• Not the best in terms of control and texture, but for the asking price, i think it is fair
• Bass is speedy enough to handle complex track, but there are also times where it fall shorts (Metallica’s Lux Aeterna)

Mids

• The mids are slightly recessed and retains a little warmth from the lower region that was carried over
• Vocal positioning are neither too intimate nor recessed
• Male vocal has good enough texture, female vocal has sufficient energy, but might be lacking for females with higher vocal range

Treble

• The treble response is smooth and non sibilant, a very safe approach and I'm sure even the treble sensitive guys/girls will be able to handle it
• While it’s good to have a safe approach, it also kills off some air which is evident on some busy tracks where everything will sound a little like “mashed” with each other. This is just me nitpicking, and of course something's got to give
• Detail retrieval is good enough for the price. Definitely not for critical listening
• A very smooth set overall

Soundstage/Imaging

• Soundstage is slightly out of the head but lacking a little height and depth to my ears. Imaging is average
• instruments can be picked up easily but of course it struggles a little on busy tracks.

Driveability

• This Xuan Nv, loves power, in fact if you fed it when some source which doesn’t have sufficient power, the bass sounds very uncontrolled or muddy at times, lacking dynamics as well, once again, i have to re-iterate, volume does not mean/equivalent to driving power
• Hiby FC6 for example, works well with the Xuan Nv, depending on your preference, i prefers the Xuan Nv to have a slightly cleaner sound, hence pairing it with Fiio’s K9 AKM works for me

Comparison (Dunu Titan S)

• Bass is definitely not the strong point of Titan S, lacking in terms of quantity, but compensated with quality bass (fast and tight)
• Vocal is more prominent on the Titan S but also having a little more energy on the upper mids, this might be a little problematic for some people who are sensitive at this range
• In term of treble, Titan S has got a bit more energy and air but nowhere near offensive sounding or harsh
• Detail retrieval on Titan S is slightly better
• Soundstage and Imaging is slightly better on the Xuan Nv
• I made it sound like Titan S is a better choice, isn't it? It is not, well, i’d say Titan S is focusing more on technical performance while Xuan Nv is easy going and fun. To me, the target audience is different.

Final Thoughts
All in all, the Xuan Nv is a smooth and fun set that’s targeted at those who want to just plug in and listen to their music without going into a critical listening session. The Xuan Nv does everything alright and to be honest, if you already owned something similar in this price range or similar configuration, this is a sidegrade for you, but if you’re looking for some fun and smooth set and you don’t own anything with similar sound signature, by all means, get it, considering the asking price and also two types of eartips bundled, the price performance ratio is actually quite high.

*Xuan Nv is sent over by Linsoul for the purpose of this review. I thank them for the opportunity and support as always.

Head over to their store if you’re interested in getting a pair:

Tangzu x HBB Xuan Nv - Non affiliated

Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV Review: BEST TUNED BUDGET HBB IEM!​

WATCH FULL REVIEW HERE: ​

PRICE: $79 (PHP. 3,940)​

PROS:​

• Superb, natural timbre
• Clean but rich-sounding bass
• Great midrange note weight
• Safe and fatigue-free treble
• Good separation for a warm tuned IEM
• Solid set of accessories for the price
• Good comfort
• Beautiful aesthetics (bias)

CONS:​

• Source sensitive (wants more power)
• Not the most tactile bass presentation
• Upper mids may lack a bit of energy
• Not the most detailed, airy or technical set
• Meh cable

WHO THIS SET IS FOR:​

• Fans of HBB tuning but want something clean and warm
• People who want a non-fatiguing set
• People who want natural sounding timbre
• People who want a good looking and fitting IEM
• People who want a full-package set

WHO THIS SET ISN’T FOR:​

• People who want the most the most technical-sounding set
• People who want the best value sound for the price
• People who want a more energetic and airy sound
• People who want a more tactile sound
• People who want a proper basshead set

RECOMMENDED GENRES:​

• R&B
• Soul
• Rock

SHORT REVIEW:​

The Xuan NV is by far the best tuned budget HBB set for those who are looking for a neutral-warm sound. It brings a harmonious balance of musicality and neutrality in one beautiful red package. While not the most technical sounding set, lacking a bit of low end texture and top end energy, it makes up for being well-accessorized with superb tone and timbre.

FULL REVIEW​

One of the benefits of collaboration IEMs between brands and reviewers is that you get a rather consistent level of sound to expect based on the reviewer’s preferences. And when a reviewer has developed such a distinct taste, you’ll know exactly where that kind of sound would fit your own preferences.

HBB or Hawaii Bad Boy is one of the biggest creators to bring his sound to the masses with his numerous collabs that, due to the frequency of release, has the most successful collabs in the market today. While not every release is perfect, you’ll find a unit that will fit exactly your preferences.

But how can you define a reviewer’s preference with one definitive set? Well, let’s talk about the Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV.

DISCLAIMER:
The Xuan NV was sent over by Tangzu in exchange for my honest thoughts. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity. I was not paid. Rest assured, my thoughts and opinions on this product will be of my own honest opinions and will not be affected by the facts beforehand.

Audio is a very subjective hobby and as much as I try to objectively explain my thoughts and opinions, your mileage will vary. My preferences will also affect how I perceive the gear that I review. Sources and other accessories will also modify your experience. Lastly, my reviews should always be used only as a guide and not as the definitive bible. Trust your ears to know what’s good.

THE SECOND RODEO​

While HBB has had multiple collabs with other companies, the Xuan NV only marks 1 out of the 2 times Tangzu and HBB have collaborated. The first is the highly successful planar-magnetic IEM called the Heyday. You may or may not have heard of it before, but I still think it’s one of the best-tuned planars to date. With this knowledge in mind, the Xuan NV raised hopes and hyped me up knowing how Tangzu was able to balance HBBs sound and my own bright-leaning preferences. So how does the Xuan NV fair compare not only to his own collabs but also the other sets that have littered the very competitive price range?

UNBOXING:​

As you may expect from Tangzu, the presentation of their products are top-notch. A beautiful artwork that is not your usual waifu and instead a very tasteful art that deserves to be hung up in an art gallery. It’s just so beautiful and the artists deserve all recognition for their work.



Beyond that, we get a rather straightforward and clean layout of the IEM itself and the accessories. Although I will admit that mine came with the IEMs deep inside their foam thrones, which was a little sad but that realistically doesn’t matter.



Here’s a full list of the inclusions:

• 1 pair of Tangzu Xuan NV
• 1 cable
• Pleather button case
• 6 pairs of Tang Sancai (3 pairs of Balanced, 3 pairs of Wide)

When we talk about value, Tangzu has always kind of been at the fore front due to their accessory offerings. FuDu came with the Tang Sancai Balanced and Divinus, and now the Xuan NV comes with 2 pairs of their Sancai. And that is an insane deal for how much a 3 pack of Sancai cost. You’re essentially buying a $50 IEM (spoiler alert hehe) with $30 dollars worth of eartips with the Sancai.



Outside of the Sancai, it also comes with a rather basic button pleather case that will protect your IEMs from scratches but not pressure from getting sat or crushed. It’s an alright case, but I expected better for the price considering what other bands could offer.

BUILD & FIT​

I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t biased with the color choice of Tangzu with the blood-like Red on gold and black accents. It’s literally my favorite color and the way that Tangzu executed the aesthetics of the Xuan NV is just absolutely perfect. Plus, the butterfly motif that they used on the packaging makes its way here with a rather genius idea of being able to put the set side by side to make the image of a buttery fly.



As fo the quality of the build itself, it’s made from resin so don’t expect it to be as beefy as your full metal IEMs. But to give credit where it’s due, the resin that Tangzu used is quite impressive as it doesn’t feel ridiculously cheap like their Wan’er and reminds me a little bit of the $109 Kiwi Ears Quartet. At least to say, it’s a tough resin feel that doesn’t feel like it’d break if you accidentally dropped or even stepped on it. Don’t do that to your IEMs, though.



As for fit, the Xuan NV fits like a damn glove in your ears. Just like their Wan’er which was a superb fitting IEM, the Xuan NV is a very comfortable and stable IEM to wear even for long listening sessions. I had 0 issues listening to this thing for actual hours on end as I didn’t experience any fatigue or pains. This also does not have any air pressure build-up or driver flex thanks to its dual vent that relieves the pressure. Pair that up with the Tang Sancai tips and you have the recipe for one of the most comfortable IEMs to wear for the price. It is on the larger side so sleeping with this isn’t really something I’d recommend unless you have gigantic ears.



Unfortunately, the cable is nowhere near as magical as the IEMs themselves. It’s a very similar cable to the ones they used for their previous sets under $100 which is really not my favorite cable. It’s a very grippy and tangle-prone cable that feels quite cheap, especially on the jack side. I don’t think it’s a horrible cable and no one should use it, I just wouldn’t use it myself due to how icky it feels, especially in the long term. It also has the tendency to irritate my sensitive skin more than other cables that I’ve tried, so I’m personally cable-rolling this to maybe something with 4.4mm in the near future. But comfort is not the only reason why I’d get a 4.4mm for these bad boys:

SOUND​

Sound Signature:​

The Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV has a warm neutral that borders being slightly U-shaped. As a 2DD IEM, the timbre of this thins is immaculate. It’s very soothing, rich and relaxed which is a hallmark of HB sets, but this arguably does the timbre the best out of all his budget offerings.

Source Pairing:​

And this is where the Xuan NV might become a turn-off for some. The Xuan NV is quite hard to drive for an IEM. With an impedance of 8.5 and a sensitivity of 95db, this will eat up power like no other. Using this on a low-powered device will not bring out the full sound and using a dongle DAC with at least 2Vrms is recommended to really make the Xuan NV sing. The benefit of this is that the Xuan NV is a scaling monster. Throw this one a powerful source and the sound will improve exponentially. I also prefer pairing this with more neutral sources or brighter sources that will improve its upper frequency extension

Volume Levels:​

Topping DX1 - 11 o-clock

Bass​

The biggest aspect of the Xuan NV that I was genuinely surprised with on first listening was how clean the bass sounds. Often, you find HBBs set to exude warmth and the cost of low end clarity and timbre, often sounding a little too warm or too thick that it masks the rest of the midrange. Not the Xuan NV. The bass on these genuinely sounds so rich while keeping a very smooth, clean, and unintrusive bass that just shies from being too warm.

Listening to usually bass-shy tracks like Toto’s IV album gives a much needed richness that balances the older, brighter mixing with Xuan NV’s relaxed and clean low end presentation. It honestly feels like Tangzu and HBB tuned these to fit older pop and rock tracks that need rich but clean low end.

Where the Xuan NV will vary depending on your source is tactility. The low end of the Xuan NV admittedly feels a little too smooth to my liking due to the subbass emphasis over midbass. This means that the tactility of bass instruments may feel a little too subdued in the name of cleanliness. This isn’t outright a bad thing as this has the intended effect of keeping the midrange sounding natural and rich without any bass bleed, but I just prefer a little bit more texture than what the Xuan NV offers. That is unless you throw this on a source that can emphasize the low end while keeping the rest of the frequencies untouched, which was the case when I plugged this into the Topping DX1. The combination of the power and its emphasis on giving the low end some texture truly made the Xuan NV sing unlike anything else. This is both a pro and con to my eyes (or ears in this case) as depending on your source, you might have a completely different listening experience to me.

Listening to something like D’Angelo’s Untitled (How It Feels) feels like heaven on the Xuan NV, but just barely has enough texture to sound exactly the way I want. It has a realistic balance of thickness and cleanliness that I honestly haven’t heard in an HBB IEM ever and I am absolutely all for it. Especially once the first verse starts and that slow and soothing bass line plays, the Xuan NV is able to play that bass with such finesse and richness, unlike anything. I just wished it was a little bit more tactile/

Mids​

By presenting the bass in a clean but rich way, the mids of the Xuan NV are one of the sweetest and smoothest sounding mids that I’ve heard in a set at this price. Instead of focusing on the minute details in vocals and instruments, it focuses on providing a very rich, balanced, and soothing sound that makes everything sound like it’s glazed in a very thin layer of honey that keeps getting redipped in every lick. Weird analogy, but that’s just how silky smooth the midrange of the Xuan NV is. Instruments and vocals have a very satisfying amount of body without any bloat from the bass. It might come across as a little thick for those who prefer a leaner midrange, but perfect for those who are sick of IEMs nowadays sounding either too thick or too thin in the midrange.

Daniel Caesar’s vocals on Freudian were absolutely perfect, particularly in Get You where his usually thick and rich vocals sound cleanly thick on the Xuan NV. Vocal layering is also superb as his harmonies in this track are laid out in such a clean way.

Due to this focus on cleanliness, however, you may find the upper mids lacking a little bit in terms of sparkle and energy. This is partially due to the upper mids and treble presentation along with the focus on the low end but this is not a set that I’d personally pick up if I’m listening to female vocals. The thickness admittedly gives upper-frequency vocals a slightly husky and thick mask that might come across as lacking much-needed vocal energy on certain tracks. Its focus on the low end also affects upper-frequency vocals and instrument transients where it’s quite smooth on the Xuan NV compared to other vocal-centric sets. It’s not necessarily outright dull or overly smoothened as it still has a satisfying amount of energy, but it’s not a sparkly set either.

Laufey is probably the perfect example in this situation with her mezzo-soprano vocals not really pairing well with the Xuan NV’s thicker overall sound. However, I will give credit where it’s due as compared to other warmer sets, the Xuan NV does Laufey’s vocals the best due to how clean the lower midrange was presented. Where Laufey’s vocals lacked on the Xuan NV is the upper frequencies where her vocals lacked the sparkle to balance out her thicker vocals. Listening to a track like California and Me with a very orchestral instrumentation, the low-end sounds clean and rich but the upper frequencies can sound a little too smooth.

Treble​

This is the aspect of the Xuan NV that, as a treblehead, made me both wish there was more of but at the same time, respected that it didn’t. The treble of the Xuan NV is simply inoffensive. No unnecessary peaks or emphasis which gives the treble a very safe sound that is perfect for long listening sessions. This has the effect of making it both one of the best sets for most people, but also limits it to being a relaxed set. Treble energy is undoubtedly soft and doesn’t provide sufficient energy for upper-frequency instruments and vocals to make them truly sparkle. It’s not dull per se, but if you’re used to sets with a lot of energy, the Xuan NV might come across lacking lacking a little bit. Extension isn’t also the most fantastic as airiness is quite audibly tamed to give way for the lower frequencies to shine (ironically). It’s not choked or low-res sounding by any means, but definitely not the most resolving set for the price.

This, however, makes it perfect for older tracks with a brighter-leaning mix like the aforementioned Toto IV or Earth Wind and Fire’s Best Of Vol.1. I never experienced any harshness or edginess in the mix which made it such a smooth and soothing listen overall. Cymbals never crashed too hard and vocals never sounded overly sharp. But most importantly, nothing felt uneven. It’s such a smooth treble that I honestly could listen to music for hours on end without getting any fatigue.

However, throwing this into jazzy tracks like Samara Joy’s Linger A While, Laufey’s Bewitched or Diana Krall’s discography, you’ll start to hear where the Xuan NV falls short due to the lack of upper-frequency energy to make their vocals truly sparkle. Pair that with the rather tame upper midrange energy and that leaves the Xuan NV not being the most ideal set for listening to female vocals.

Technicalities:​

The Xuan NV is not the end-all-be-all for technical sets, which is to be expected when you consider its tuning philosophy. Warm sets, especially in the budget, don’t usually offer top-notch technicalities and resolving ability due to limitations on the driver as well as tuning. It doesn’t mean this sounds cheap by any means, but it’s not for those seeking a very technical sound.

I will say that I am impressed with how this set does bass depth. Due to the clean, sub bass-focused low end, there is a somewhat expansive feeling of depth of field effect on low-frequency instruments that make them sound quite wide.

Separation and layering were also surprisingly impressive for being a warm set. It’s not exceptional, but it separates and layers instruments better than other warm-leaning sets in the price, including HBB’s own collabs which I’ll talk about very soon.

REAL WORLD USAGE:​

Casual Use:​

One of the benefits of a warmer sounding IEM is that it gives a deeper and more immersive listening experience on casual use, whether that’d be watching YouTube videos and Music Videos or even watching movies. The Xuan NV perfectly captures that balance by providing a deep sense of warmth without the muddiness to make vocals sound dull or sunken. It’s also perfect for clips that are a little too bright as it softens the upper frequencies really nice. Commutes are also fantastic on the Xuan NV thanks to the warmer tone, but it’s not going to block out lower frequency noise as well as pure basshead sets. Where I’m not as crazy on about the Xuan NV is the cable being really disappointing. I really do not like the texture of the cable and it caused a bit of discomfort over some time. I’d recommend cable rolling for comfort purposes. Also, it’s harder to drive so using this with your phone might make it sound a little soft or lacking.

Gaming Use:​

This is honestly where the Xuan NV shines. I’ve talked about using IEMs for gaming before and my favorite IEMs to use for Valorant specifically were warmer IEMs with shout tendencies. And while the Xuan NV doesn’t have shout tendencies, it has the warmth to bring out footsteps and low frequency sounds up without muddying up the mix. The upper mids being a little bit helps a lot in bringing the higher frequency sounds to be audible without harshness. Object separation and imaging where unfortunately not the best, but that’s to be expected for a warmer budget IEM. Regardless, this is honestly a fantastic gaming set that I’m more that willing to recommend for gamers who want an edge in their audio game

COMPARISONS​

vs BLON x HBB Z300​

Compared to HBB’s all metal collab with BLON, the Z300 offers a much warmer but oddly brigther sound compared to the Xuan NV. The Z300 has a rather odd peak somewhere in the mid treble that kind of makes it a little undesirable to listen to on higher volumes, but the bass is considerably thicker and more tactile on the Z300 compared to the Xuan NV. Technicalities on the two are quite similar, but the NV edges the Z300 out in terms of separation and layering thanks to a much cleaner low end.

vs TRI x HBB Kai​

Another darker sounding HBB set, the Kai offers a more tactile and richer low end presentation at the cost of a natural timbre that the Xuan NV offers. The Kai’s bass is one of the most tactile and textured bass I’ve heard in any HBB collab, but suffers from a rather abysmal treble roll off that the Xuan NV thankfully balances out with a flatter overall sound profile. Technicalities are also similar on the two, but the Xuan NV edges the Kai in separation and layering once again.

vs QKZ x HBB​

HBB’s cheapest collab to date, the first iteration of the QKZ x HBB was one of the most beloved Warm - Basshead set when it came out and is still one of the best budget basshead sets you can get. The Xuan NV is essentially a slightly tweaked but direct upgrade to the sound of the QKZ x HBB. Better timbre, cleaner but just as engaging of a bass presentation, better vocals, better resolving ability. Overall just a better IEM and a perfect upgrade for the QKZ x HBB

vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero: Red​

Compared to the Zero Red, the Xuan NV takes on a very similar goal but diverts by focusing on the warmer, smoother and more relaxed sound but still keeping superb timbre all around. This is arguably the closest comparison that the Xuan NV will get because the Zero Red is not only sonically similar in tone and timbre, but also in aesthetics. It all comes down to whether you want a larger shell and a more “neutral” sound or a smaller shell with a “warmer” sound. Regardless, both are honestly solid competitors between each other and the only real difference is the amount of accessories that the Xuan NV offers compared to the Red. The Xuan NV offers 6 pairs of Sancai, after all.

vs QKZ x HBB Hades​

I’ll be real, this a no competition for me. Hades is just pure bass and nothing else while the Xuan NV is more balanced and smooth. If you’re a diehard basshead, Hades is for you. If you’re literally anyone else, get the Xuan NV

vs Truthear Hexa​

Arguably the closest in terms of graph, the Hexa provides a similar neutral sound with superb timbre, but edges the Xuan NV in terms of techical ability. The Xuan NV on the other hand provides a more natural, smoother and more soothing tone to the Hexa that some might find sounding a little too sterile. Both sets are great choices, but the decision lies on whether you want a warmer sound or a more neutral sound

CONCLUSION​

While not the most revolutionary HBB collab set, the Xuan NV offers something that no other HBB collab has had so far in the budget. Warm sound without messing up the timbre. Great vocal weight and balance, natural sounding instruments and a very safe and inoffensive tuning that would be perfect for those who just want to relax and listen for hours on end.

Obviously, this is not for bright or technical lovers. This is a very relaxed set and it does not bring out the fine details in the music you listen to. It’s also not the most resolving set, so don’t expect this to punch above its price bracket in terms of fidelity. However, for what it’s trying to be, it’s one of the best-tuned HBB set that aims for a balance of musicality and neutrality.

Thank you for reading my review on the Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV. If you would like to order one, consider using the non-affiliated link below: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tangzu-xuannv