TangZu Audio Nezha

Hi guys, this is my first review here, I received my Tangzu Nezha kit in a big cool Tangzu case and all this for a while as a review sample and also as a gift I have very cool Tangzu Wide Bore ear tips!
No one paid me for this review and in general I do not have any pre-confidence everything that I describe here is just my opinion.

These headphones oh, how they look to me, it's just super, I can look at them every day and all the people who notice them pay attention to it, because in reality it looks just amazing, as if I bought myself a Bentley hahah

But I was more surprised by this convenience, despite the rather large dimensions, they sit in my ears just fine, I use them together with tangzu ear pads and this is just maximum comfort, I can sit in them for a long time and it really pleases me!

But where are the headphones without a cable, really!
It uses a very high-quality copper cable that has the ability to install 4.4 Jack and 3.5, and it also has very well-formed earplugs, so it is very convenient to use, it does not rub anything and does not interfere with listening to music, I would even advise you not to change it, but use this cable and just do not worry about it haha!


Let's talk about sound
-The low frequencies in these headphones surprised me, it's too good for armature headphones, I didn't expect to get such an extremely punchy massive beating and clearly focused bass that just says I'm the boss here, bow down to me, but I notice that these are not bass headphones and there is really a very high-quality and textured bass with a neat attenuation that does not It doesn't affect the midrange, it doesn't sound like it's booming or muddy, so I definitely like it.
- The midrange frequencies are extremely amazing, they are very correct and detailed in overtones and sound super lush and weighty, as if everything is implemented here at such a good level that you can't calm down and not listen to all your favorite music, whether it's driving rock and metal and something lighter like daft punk, everything is so super worked out with with a wonderful resolution that just surprises me, let me reveal your entire music library properly and immerse myself in this world of audiophilia.
- The high frequencies here are slightly darkened quite slightly at the edges, but I will note that the overall tone is very balanced, they do not feel bright, but on the contrary very neat detailed airy with excellent technicality and analytics, you literally hear all the details, nothing is hidden from you and I like the way I sort out all the music, every detail,micro nuance any barely noticeable sound is literally right in front of you, a very good and not tedious feed here definitely pleases me and I can listen to these headphones for a very long time and only rejoice.
- The sound stage is very wide, literally space takes you to another level, you just turn on the music and fly away as if you are floating in a light sky and feel great, but the most important feeling of its depth is literally as if you can dive in there and leave yourself, it's a really cool feeling that I haven't experienced before
- My conclusion is that these are just the most beautiful headphones that just let you enjoy music and feel literally on another level, I think you understand what I mean, not all headphones give this, you just travel when listening to music, these are unreal emotions, so I advise you to pay attention to them.
Buy Tangzu Audio Nezha https://tangzu.net/products/tangzu-nezha-hifi-earphones-6ba-1ptz-in-ear-monitors-iem-headest

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Tangzu for including me on the Singapore leg of the Nezha tour.




SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 6 x balanced armatures (2 Sonion BAs + 4 custom BAs) and 1 x EST driver
• Frequency response: 10 Hz - 20 kHz
• Impedance: 16 Ω
• Sensitivity: 106 dB
• Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm; OCC silver-plated cable; 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm modules
• Tested at: $399 USD

ACCESSORIES




Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of wide-bore SANCAI silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore SANCAI silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 1 pair of balanced silicone eartips
- Cable
- Modular plugs for 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminals
- Large carrying case

The accessories are certainly princely and befitting of a midFI set. No complaints here, perhaps other than the lack of foam tips.




Other than 1 pair of balanced silicone tips, we have 2 variants of the popular SANCAI eartips. The wider-bore SANCAI tips boost treble and soundstage, whereas the narrow-bore ones increase bass, though with some compromise in staging.




Tangzu has provided an OCC silver-plated cable. This comes with 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminations to pair with single-ended and balanced sources, depending on your preferences. This cable is braided extremely well in a Litz design, with a PVC external sleeve that promises to reduce EMI. It has minimal tangling and has a chin cinch for added grip. Microphonics are zero.




Last but not least, we have a huge leatherette zipper carrying case, lined internally with a velvet and webbing. It is semi-rigid to withstand compressive forces, and is large enough to contain the IEM plus accessories. Definitely an elegant yet functional addition in the packaging.

The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock wide-bore SANCAI silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT



The housings are fashioned from dermatological-friendly and hypoallergenic medical-grade resin. The shells are a real looker, incorporating electro-plated aluminum flakes in the faceplate, with laser-cut aluminum gold-plated motifs etched into the earpieces. These metal flakes are hand-layered onto the shells, with one side of the Nehza featuring rising flames, whereas the other earpiece has lotus fires, which ties in with Nezha's firewheels (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nezha).



Though the shells lie on the larger side, they are light and ergonomic, with a concha protrusion for stability. There are no weird protrusions to poke the ears, and the Nezha can be used for hour long sessions on my end.

I found no driver flex on my unit, though isolation is below average in view of the vented acoustics.


INTERNALS

The Nezha utilizes a unique 6 BA + 1 EST driver setup, with no DD being used at all. Instead we have the following configuration:
- 2 Sonion vented subwoofer BAs handle the low-end
- 2 custom BAs take care of the midrange
- 2 custom BAs settle the treble
- 1 EST is added for upper treble air

These eclectic drivers are paired via a Q-IAO crossover.


DRIVABILITY

I tested the Nezha with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

This IEM is easy to drive, and amplification is not 100% essential.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES


Graph of the Tangzu Nezha via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact.

Tonal-wise, the Nezha sports a U-shaped smooth and darkish signature.

This set is sub-bass focused, but bass extension is not the deepest. Quantity is just north of neutral but not at basshead amounts. We hear a whiff of BA bass, in terms of a lack of movement of air and decay, compared to traditional DD bass. Sets with BA bass generally face this issue, even with a vented subwoofer concept implemented here in the Nezha, but it thankfully redeems itself in bass quality, with a very nimble bass without bleed, coupled with solid texturing.

The lower mids are slightly depressed, but this region is still relatively transparent without any bass encroachment. The upper midrange hits about 5 - 6 dB, resulting in smooth and fatigue-free vocals.

Treble rolls-off relatively early, and the Nezha is quite dark in the treble. Thus, this furnishes a very sedate and sibilant-free upper-end, which is well-suited for the treble-sensitive amongst us. There is no splashiness or harshness, and this IEM is a great option for longer chill listening sessions. Conversely, this IEM may not be for the trebleheads.

Timbre is surprisingly natural for a BA-containing setup, with not much BA timbre heard for acoustic instruments. There are way worse offenders in this arena for sure! Note weight is on the thicker side and the sonics are lush.

In terms of technicalities, the Nezha won't uproot any trees, and I would class it as being quite middle-of-the-road. While imaging is quite accurate, layering and soundstage are bang average; the Nezha may struggle to be smear-free when it tackles complex riffs with competing instrumentation. Micro-details are decently captured, but the darkish tone does contribute to some veiling of resolution. As such, the Nezha is a musical rather than analytical IEM.


COMPARISONS

Comparisons were made against other midFI multi-driver types. Planars and single DDs are omitted, as the different transducers have their own pros and cons.




EPZ 530


Graph of the EPZ 530 via IEC711 coupler.

The EPZ 530 is a bright V-shaped pure BA setup. It has much more treble than the Nezha, which may lead to sibilance and fatigue, but on the flip-side, the 530 has better resolution.

The 530 has superior isolation, but has a metallic timbre and a thinner note weight. The 530 has improved technicalities - in soundstage, imaging, micro-detailing and transients.


Yanyin Canon II


Graph of the Yanyin Canon II via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact.

On paper, the Canon II has 4 tuning permutations. Sadly, as one can visualize above, the tuning switches are gimmicks, with not much change in tonality (just a 2 dB difference in the bass across the most extreme of tunings). This IEM also has a U-shaped signature across all the tunings, though the Canon II is a bit more recessed in the lower mids, but with a hair more treble extension.

The Canon II is slightly better in soundstage, imaging and layering, with micro-detailing about on par. Timbre is also quite natural on this set.

The Canon II comes with a poor accessory inclusion, but has better isolation.


CONCLUSIONS



The Nezha is a buttery smooth sibilant-free set, which is felicitous for relaxing late-night listening, with no harshness present in the upper frequencies. Timbre is surprisingly good for a BA-containing IEM, with the darkish signature a match made in heaven for the treble-sensitive. The thick and lush signature furnishes a hefty note weight. The accessories are quite premium, coupled with fetching looks and easy drivability.

Admittedly, trebleheads will need to look elsewhere for their kicks, and analytical-junkies may find the technical chops middling. Indeed, the Nezha is a beast that aces musicality over outright technicalities. Bassheads may also yearn for more quantity, but the Nezha makes up for that with good quality - with a quick and textured bass, with no bleed.

This IEM promises a tranquil and pleasant soundscape, and should be in the conversation for the treble-sensitive, or folks wanting a set for chilling back to enjoy music, rather than to analyze every fine minutiae in the track.

Introduction!
Hello friends!
Today in the review we’ll talk about amazing hybrid headphones from Tangzu and this model is called Nezha!
And they come in a very large stylishly designed box and it seems to me that their designer has literally outdone himself and done his best, after all, this is their debut model!

And the sound here is reproduced by a powerful combination of 6 armature drivers along with one electrostatic driver for better reproduction of high frequencies, the sensitivity is 106dB, and they have a fairly low impedance 16 ohms, and I’ll say right away that the headphones are quite light for drive!

Let's take a look at what's included!

And here we get very beautiful headphones that are made of very smooth medical resin, have a 2-pin connector next to which there is a single small compensation hole, and there is the inscription NEZHA on both headphones with the channel marking.

And as for me, the headphones look simply excellent from a design point of view due to this red flame complemented by emblems, and I like that they have that signature and even more improved Tangzu style and, as for me, every time they pay special due attention and approach to the design of the front panels and I very much approve of this.
Well, the sound guide here is standard, it is neat, slightly elongated and has a very clear edge so that the ear pads cling here reliably, and it fulfills its function 100% since the fit and comfort are generally in order; the headphones sit in the ears very comfortably and without discomfort none despite the fact that this model is quite large.

And I used these branded high-quality tangzu sancai balanced tips with headphones, and there is also this wider option, that is, they give us a really good choice those that are narrower give a good boost of low frequencies, and those that are wide have a more open sound, so there is somewhere to roam here.
Accessories!

And of course they didn’t forget about the cable, it’s very high quality, made of oxygen-free copper with silver plated, has 2-pin connectors, and the ability to install both a balanced 4.4 jack plug and a regular 3.5 jack, in general the cable is really excellent and convenient and you don’t even have to change it to something else!

It looks great together with headphones.

But that’s not all, they also decided to pamper us with this large branded Tangzu leather case, with a gold zipper, and you can put both headphones and a player here as it is very roomy, although of course it’s not small you definitely won’t be able to hide it in your pocket haha!

How do these headphones sound?
And now we come to the most important part of the review, namely the analysis of the sound of these amazing headphones, which I could literally talk about for hours.
And I think it’s worth starting with the fact that the tuning and concept of adjusting the sound of this model is, first of all, tailored as much as possible for true audiophiles, and yes, this is exactly what I expected to see from tangzu, since if we remember their excellent success in creating other models, such as the latest Fudu Verse 1 which really stood out with their warm and bassy tuning,for example the same real budget killers Tangzu Waner, or for example, maybe you still remember the original Zetian Wu which immediately became a real planar hit where it became immediately clear that yes, these guys definitely understand how to properly tune headphones and understand what will really be in demand among audiophiles in different price categories.
And I also believe that all the success of their models was absolutely justified, they did not have any incomprehensible risky fun settings with very different and not obvious tuning, but on the contrary, a very clear goal was immediately visible to which they were going all this time, so friends, I paid maximum attention when listening to these headphones to share my thoughts with you, since there really is something to talk about here.

And I’ll say right away that the tuning of this model is very balanced, there is no distortion here either in the bloated basshead low frequencies, or, for example, in the bright tiring presentation or dark presentation.
Low Frequencies:
And despite the use of an armature driver at low frequencies, there is a very surprising volume and weight and depth, and a vigorous punch in the mid bass that is not lost, and the texture is also in perfect order, the kick here is very clearly visible in the mix and has a clear highlighted attack and delineation which cannot please.
And the saturation and harmonics of low frequencies are very clearly audible and there is no feeling of blurred image of low frequencies or some kind of strange dryness and constriction as I have encountered in other armature headphones.
Yes, the bass, of course, in any case, differs from the dynamic emitter in its character, but I have no questions about its quality of impact and density, since it is presented dynamically with a very distinct and, most importantly, not smeared attack, which is complemented by a very long, accurate decay.
Mid Frequencies:
But at mid frequencies, these headphones are just real dominators, I haven’t seen such weight and very natural elaboration of instruments and vocal parts for a long time, the vocals are perceived as so voluminous, as if a 3D effect is perceived here, that at first I was extremely unusual from such a very rare and more interesting super enticing delivery, with vocals being more clearly brought forward and with a more transparent feel and its better overtone development than other armature headphones.
And the preserved energy and emotionality that was emphasized here on the drums with their crazy attacks simply cannot but delight every time I listen, literally no matter what I turn on, no matter what day I play music from my playlist, I just literally immerse myself in this insanely dynamic atmospheric cheerful a feed that does not give any fatigue or tiredness at all since there is no brightness or intrusiveness of this area as is the case among other headphones, that is, if my favorite planar set Letshuoer s15 delivers this area more calmly and neutrally, then the Tangzu Nezha is the real opposite of them, which definitely pleased me since I have two different sound signatures at hand I think it's very cool.
High Frequencies:
The completion of this whole large-scale mesmerizing picture is the high frequencies, which here, due to the use of an electrostatic driver, turned out to be very long, super natural and detailed, with an insane amount of air and transparency in this area, just the way I like it.
Therefore, cymbals and various percussion micro and macro details are all here literally in the palm of your hand, not a single aftersound or slightest residual trail or overtone will disappear from your field of vision, and I would call it this way: you literally own this range, which is so well developed here which literally drives me crazy at first, and I’m even afraid to imagine those people who are planning or switching to such headphones from something more budget-friendly since even I am already a very experienced listener who has long been in the whole audio topic, these headphones amazed me with this extremely pleasant and truly audiophile, most importantly, mature presentation that I had been looking for for a long time, yes, of course, I sometimes came across something similar, but as soon as I got to In comparison, no, everything was very different there.
Stage and stereo panorama:
Here, with this, there is generally complete order, just a real wall of sound is being built in front of us, an insane and not limited in width sound stage, and the elaboration of the depth perfectly depicts that various instruments, drums, and what is most important, everything here sounds as separate as possible and there is absolutely no feeling of constriction here or closedness, each synthesizer or any individual sound is perceived very clearly in space and is localized no problems arise at all with determining the location of anything.
My conclusion on this headphones:
Tangzu Nezha are emotional and super driving hybrid headphones with a very mature audiophile presentation and competent, completely non-tiring tuning, and personally, every time I listen to them, they give only real true and those very necessary positive emotions that everyone probably loves to receive, these are one of those headphones that I highly recommend everyone give it a listen.
Link where you can buy them!
Aliexpress:https://aliexpress.ru/item/1005006189333591.html
Tangzu:https://tangzu.net/products/tangzu-nezha-hifi-earphones-6ba-1ptz-in-ear-monitors-iem-headest
I will be glad if you subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch this full review on TANGZU NEZHA!

Disclaimer

The company has kindly sent their review sample to the Australian Audio Reviews Downunder tour group for our honest evaluation, and for that we would like to thank Tangzu.
Introduction

This is the first complete resin shell set from Tangzu and uses their self-developed BA drivers along with Sonion brand BA drivers. Also used is an EST (electrostatic driver) to improve the air and high frequencies of the earphone. The Nezha packs a seven-driver hybrid setup per side featuring six high-performance BA drivers and 1 EST driver unit. The pair adopts two SONION Woofer BA drivers combined with four Tangzu’s self-customized BA drivers (2 for Midrange, 2 for Treble).

To get the best out of their seven-driver hybrid setup, TANGZU has adjusted the driver using their self-developed Q-IAO electronic crossover technology.

Tangzu bundles the Nezha with an all-new OCC Silver-Plated high-purity stock cable. The cable has a swappable termination plug system with replaceable 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs included in the package. The cable has Litz structure braiding with a customized PVC outer sleeve that protects the sound signal from outside interference.

Nezha retails at $399 usd.


Technical information

Impedance: 16Ω.

Sensitivity: 106dB.

Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-20kHz.

Connector Type: 0.78mm Two-Pin.

Termination Plug: 3.5mm+4.4mm.

The Sound

I approached this IEM with great interest as it was the first time, I had the opportunity to listen to an earphone without the inclusion of a dynamic driver.

Listening was done using my Hiby R3 Saber DAP playing lossless music files. My ears don’t range past 9 kilohertz in the upper frequencies but still I could hear cymbal shimmers and bell like percussion with exquisite clarity. The music has a great sense of air and space, and the tuning is very mid to upper mid centric. Soundstage is nice and wide, and instruments are placed with great precision and with nice separation.

We are talking an all-encompassing sound that is full of detail yet smooth and coherent. The sound tends to the warmer side of the spectrum. Female vocals are sweet and soaring with a nature timbre (despite the use of BA drivers).

The Sonion drivers do an interesting job of handling the bass frequencies. Rest assured theNezha has got bass and when called upon can rock out with some Nirvana or Daft Punk, but these are genres best suited to IEMs with dynamic drivers and plenty of sub bass. Nezha’s bass is lightning fast and punches well but tends to a more boomy quality. Bass guitars have a good solid sound and anchor the music well but bassheads will miss their fuller bass sound.

There are albums I can put on and listen right through, lost in the Tangzu’s delicious smooth and detailed sound. The best way to describe this is with some music examples.

The National’s “The Alcott” is a sumptuous music feast with Matt’s voice suitably expressive and Taylors vocals smooth and captivating. The piano sounds rich and authentic and the percussion detailed and solid.

Caroline Polacheck’s grammy nominated album (best engineering) “Desire, I want to turn into you”, is a great way to showcase the Nezha’s resolving ability and to present a mesmerizing soundscape with fantastic microdetails. Song to showcase is Butterfly Net.

For male vocal and bass performance I suggest Foy Vance and ‘’Joy of Nothing” from the album of the same name. Is that sub bass…? Why, I believe it is!!

If you sample some of the best recorded albums of the past 30 years or so the Tangzu will please you with some amazing hi fidelity. Supertramp, Crime of the Century, Tom Petty, Wildflowers (Remastered) Fleetwood Mac, Rumours. All recognised as superbly recorded and mastered. Songs aren’t bad either.

Conclusion

The Tangzu Nezha, in my mind, Is somewhat of a bargain. An all BA IEM with an EST with amazing capabilities at the $400 price point is pretty tempting. Purchasers should be aware that this set is not for metal, EDM, or heavy rock genres. There are plenty of V shaped bass monsters around to fill that niche. This IEM is for serious enjoyment of artistry and virtuosity in music. It is a delicious and smooth mid bass biased performer that will captivate an entrance the listener. Simply its one of the most enjoyable IEMs I have had the pleasure to audition. Its also by far one of the most attractive IEM’s I have had the pleasure to view.

Review Of The TangZu Nezha​

Introduction​

Tangzu, a Chinese firm that made its debut with one of the most affordable/budget IEMs, the Wan'er, has since developed a variety of IEMs, including planars like the Xuan Wu Gate and multi-driver units like the Fudu Verse. However, this electroacoustic product manufacturing business participated in a multi-driver arrangement that included the use of EST drivers with balanced armatures, resulting in the Nehza IEM. I was lucky enough to receive the Nehza from a fellow reviewer for review, but before we go any further, I'd like to clarify some things up.

Disclaimer​

*I am appreciative to my fellow audiophile Pulkit Dreamz for lending me this unit. And just as I've stated in every one of my assessments, this one is no different: every idea I've presented below is wholly original and entirely mine, uninfluenced by anyone else. Click on this "link" to show interest.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Nezha.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Nezha based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The Nezha has a multiple driver arrangement with 6 balanced armatures and 1 EST. Although I'm not positive, the entire setup employs Sonion drivers that are combined with a Q-IAO crossover. The shells are constructed of medical resin, and the faceplate features a different hologram on each side in gold, with a pattern of falling leaves underneath that is really electroplated aluminum. The cable that comes with the IEM looks and feels quality since it is a silver plated oxygen-free copper cable with replaceable termination on one end and two pins on the other. The fit and comfort of the IEM are excellent, with no pressure buildup in the ears. I had no trouble wearing it for extended periods of time, however weariness set in after 3-4 hours of use. Other accessories include a selection of eartips in various sorts and sizes, a travel bag, and interchangeable plugs (3.5mm and 4.4mm). Technical characteristics include an impedance of 16 Ohms and a sensitivity of 106 dB. The frequency response spans 10 Hz to 20 kHz.

***Above Image Credit***

Sound​

The sound of the Nezha leans towards a balanced sound signature which has a more emphasis in the mid bass. This might be the first time that I heard a unique response out of a an IEM around this price range but it does produce good tonal pleasing response. The quality of the notes feels more mature with a more natural timbre than a metallic one which one may expect from a BA configure IEM. However the drivers implemented I never expected the balanced armature drivers to produce a more soothing and a natural response. Th treble sounds expansive with a cleaner response whereas the mid range produce an open and a pleasant response. The bass itself out of a BA sounds unexpected, which I will talk about later on. But for an IEM which has no dynamic driver and sounding this dynamic with a physical sense of notes makes the Nezha a worthwhile IEM to consider. Let’s dive deep into the sound.

Treble​

Listening to the treble region reminded me that not all BAs or EST drivers tend to produce an artificial sound. The response out of the Nezha sounds smooth relaxing and surprisingly natural rather than sharp or metallic. It is not the the notes do not sound refined or clear, the details and the clarity is up to the mark as a 400-500 USD IEM should sound like but it represent more of a stage and widespread spread response for a resolving response. The upper treble sounds extensive where the vocals stretches far and wide which gives it a more cohesive and smooth response where it doesn’t sound artificial or lean. The instruments sounds a little lean but rounded in note texture which makes them sound more satisfying to listen to. The lower treble sounds more energetic yet not aggressive or sharp sounding, although the details and the quality of the notes is improved. The vocals and the instrument shave a more prominent response which brings out more characteristics of the notes of the vocals and the instruments. The response never allows an offensive sound which would cause sibilance or shouty response. The response is more rounded and clean with decent sense of perception and details. Hence the overall presentation of the treble region is detailed, smooth and extensive sounding.

Mid Range​

When it comes to the midrange, the singers and instruments are excellent, with notes that sound more linear in intensity and mature than I have heard on any IEM in this price range. The characteristics are more clear and expressive, with more vitality, while yet sounding unified with a smooth response. The upper midrange seems more prominent and upfront without being forceful or intimate, implying that the voices and instruments feel more approachable and open, something even DD isms struggles with. The vocals are clear and expressive, and the instruments complement them by sounding more rounded and realistic rather than tinny and thin. The lower midrange sounds ambiguous, with decent note weight and depth, which produces a strong organic response but lacks the tactile reaction that would have seemed more true and realistic. The notes provide a cleaner and more linear response, but they lack a more thick and eighty response, even as the mid bass spills into the lower mid register. As a result, the overall response of the midrange area is pleasant, open, and clear.

Bass​

In terms of bass, it seems artificial and made up rather than organic or empathetic in the mix. The bass region's notes seem textured and rounded, striking a balance between sounding detailed and natural, however owing to the circumstances, listening to additional recordings made it feel like it was there but not compelling or a part of the reaction. The quality is excellent, but more quantity would have been preferable. The emphasis is on the mid bass, but the sub bass provides adequate extension for forceful punches, but the rumbling and deep response are lacking. The thud and smashes sound more prominent, allowing for more exposure of the bass guitar plucking and heavy drum beats; additionally, the mid bass seeps into the lower mid region. The texture and details are comparable to other IEMs in this price range while sounding clearer. Overall, the bass area is presented as controlled, textured, and pounding.

Technical Performance​

On average, I believe Nezha sounds better in terms of technical response since it is more resolved and has higher tonal accuracy than other BA Iems. I mean, the specifics aren't really upfront or expressive, but they balance out to give a broad and separated reaction. Let's go further into the specifics.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The soundstage leans more towards a wider response that extends from far left to far right, but depth and height are lacking, limiting the reach of the notes to sound more expressive. The picture is clearer and sharper than I expected, and the separation is apparent and distant enough for me to determine where the sound is coming from.

Speed & Resolution​

In comparison, the Nezha sounds more detailed and resolved than any other IEM with this tonal accuracy. The resolution is fantastic, with improved macro and micro details, but it lacks vitality to go forward. The assault and decay of the notes seem reasonably timed, resulting in a more natural reaction.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Sony WM1A - Listening to Nezha with WM1A, the treble response seemed more spacious and controlled, while the midrange notes sounded more open and light, resulting in better placement of the voices and instruments. The bass seemed deeper and more resonant, which helped to provide a dynamic response.

Tempotec V6 - With the Nezha and the V6, the response seemed more full of macro subtleties and more intimate, with a more relaxed response in the treble and bass regions. The midrange seemed more vocally expressive, while the instruments sounded slightly restrained. The bass felt more controlled, and the treble sounded more upfront, with no difference in detail or clarity.

Tracks​

Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

To summarize my evaluation, I feel Tangzu nailed the tuning of this IEM, since I don't find any weak points or serious problems. The sound quality is excellent for the price, with a good combination of tonal performance and technical aspects. Congratulations to Tangzu on developing a superb IEM; nevertheless, one thing I miss is the dynamic quality of the lower frequencies, but that is my own preference. Therefore, the Nehza receives my endorsement.

DISCLAIMER:
I would like to thank TangZu for including me in this review tour which is held in my country. No sort of financial assistance has been provided to me for this review.

INTRODUCTION:

Tangzu, the brand which needs no introduction is a relatively new brand based in China, they have been quite popular in recent times given their previous Yuan Li & Shimin Li iems. Today we take a look at their high end Nezha iem.

SPECIFICATIONS:

IMPEDANCE: 16Ω
SENSITIVITY: 106dB.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10Hz - 20KHz.
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M.
PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR.
PLUG TYPE: MODULAR 3.5mm, 4.4mm.
DRIVER UNIT(S): (6) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER(S) + (1) ELECTRET DRIVER.

Tangzu nezha overview:

the body of the nezha is on the bigger side but i found no issue in comfort. the outer face plate looks beautiful and classy and the red color is very flashy. Sound wise it offers a smooth and very detailed sound reproduction that I enjoy very much. There is no harshness in the sound even though the upper treble region is very extended.

Sound Analysis:

Bass Section:
1) The bass is strong and punchy, the mid bass is more punchy than the subbass.
2) Subbass extension is good and captures plenty of detail.
3) Midbass provides warmth and fullness to the sound.
4) Bass rumble is present but it can be better.

Mid Section:
1) The mid section is the star attraction of Nezha's sound. It is detailed and very full bodied sounding.
2) Male and female vocals sound lush and full bodied, with nice tone.
3) Mids are more on the forward side but it is not too much.
4) Timbre of vocals is good and realistic, providing a realistic experience overall.

Treble Section:
1) Treble is smoothly extended to upper treble but it is not harsh at all
2) Very resolving treble which adds to overall resolution.
3) Cymbal hits are sharp but not fatiguing so it leads to a comfortable listening experience.

Technicalities:
The soundstage is wide and the layering is very good. Imaging is also spot on. Resolution is high because of the extended upper treble. Details are not forced so it is a relaxing listen. Tone and timbre overall I feel is smooth and neutral.

Verdict:
The Nezha is a high end iem with a high end sound. The included accessories and case are premium quality and the overall sound profile is neutral and smooth.

Tangzu Nezha was released a couple of months ago, in October 2023. The company mentions that this is their first resin-made IEM. Nezha features a customised 7-driver hybrid setup featuring six high-performance balanced armature drivers and an EST driver unit on each side. These IEMs were sent to be reviewed by a friend. I am putting up my honest impressions about Nezha and am in no way influenced by the brand or anyone.


Specification:

• Sound pressure: 106dB, 1 kHz
• Impedance: 16Ω
• Frequency response range: 10-20kHz
• Cable: copper with silver-plated wire
• Drivers: 6 Balanced Armature Drivers, 1 EST Driver

Design and build:

The Tangzu Nezha in-ear monitors (IEMs) have a visually striking design with a vibrant red and black color combination, creating an aesthetically pleasing and attention-grabbing appearance. Additionally, the IEMs exhibit an impressive shine, contributing to their overall appeal. Despite their seemingly big shells, these IEMs are quite lightweight, which ensures comfort during longer usage. I did not feel any fatigue whatsoever. So, quite confidently, I can say that fit should not be an issue for anyone. The package includes a nice set of accessories, notably a high-quality leather case that I really liked. It certainly adds a touch of sophistication to the product. I really like the Tang Sancai eartips that come with these IEMs. All these features collectively make the Tangzu Nezha IEMs a satisfactory product, providing value for their price point.

Accessories:

• 1 pair of headphones
• Oxygen-free copper silver-plated wire 1
• 4.4mm headphone plug
• 3.5mm headphone plug 1
• Tang Sancai (large diameter): 3 pairs
• Tang Sancai (balanced): 3 pairs

The included cable with the IEM features oxygen-free copper silver-plated wire and is of very decent quality. It's not prone to tangling. It comes with modular options and offers both 4.4mm and 3.5mm terminations. The cable quite nicely blends with the IEM's aesthetics. Sonically, it very well complements the IEMs sound, and I don't think there is any need to replace it unless you want to go for some cable rolling and find a well-suited pair.


Rating Criteria:

I want to lay out my rating criteria before we start off. For me, the primary criterion for evaluating audio gear is its intrinsic value rather than its price tag. A higher price doesn't always correlate with superior quality, and similarly, a low-priced product can give enough listening pleasure for it to be called outstanding. I consider the build, features, and, most importantly, the impact on the listening experience. I think the fundamental purpose of audio gear is to enhance the listening experience. So for me, this degree of enhancement in the listening experience is a key determinant in rating a product.

Rating below 4: I really won't be posting reviews of such items unless someone has asked for them.
Rating of 4: The product is good, and some users may find it more satisfactory, but it does come with a few caveats.
Rating of 4.5: The product is excellent and comes with an easy recommendation, reflecting its high quality and overall positive attributes.
Rating of 5: This product can be deemed groundbreaking, a trendsetter, and an eye-opener and deserves a spot on everyone's list due to its exceptional features and outstanding performance.


Sound Quality:

Most of my listening was done using the default cable and Azla Light tips, my go-to eartips. The Azla tips fit well on the slightly wider nozzle of these iems. As always, these tips provide a very decent level of isolation, which enhances the listening experience with these IEMs.

Sources Used for Review:

1. Lotoo Paw Gold Touch
2. Earmen Angel
3. iPad Pro

Straight out of the box, the Nezha proves to be good. I find the sound to be a bit on the warmer side. It's ease of driveability and pleasant sound quality remain consistent across different sources. The tuning is particularly likeable. What's even more surprising is the technical performance of these IEMs, which sometimes catch me off guard with their capabilities. The sound is rich in details, creating a sense of spaciousness, and the sound-stage reaches an impressive level. It very easily accommodates a wide range of genres, from metal to acoustics to jazz to everything, making it versatile for various musical preferences. Overall, the Nezha offers an immersive sound experience—something that will keep you hooked from the time you put it in your ears. Let's talk about how these IEMs handle different aspects.


Bass:

The bass in these in-ear monitors (IEMs) maintains the characteristic qualities of balanced-armature (BA) bass. More to that, the implementation of the bass is really different from what I have heard in other BA iems. The Sonion sub-woofers deliver a very pleasing sub-bass, adding a distinct flavor to the lower end. If you are looking for hard-hitting, layered bass, there may be a bit of disappointment. For those who appreciate the nuances and finesse of BA bass, I am sure you will be happy to find the way lower end has been handled on these iems. I am not sure why the bass has been kept so lean.

For example, in Limit to Your Love by James Blake, a song that literally tells how well subbass is handled on an iem, I feel the subbass on Nezha goes quite deep when it is called for but still fails to impress much. In cases where more impact is needed, for example, in metal and rock songs where there is a lot of drumming, there is a lean bass production, which is a bit of a turn-off.

Mids:

The mid-range performance of the Nezha is smooth and enjoyable. Vocals demonstrate a rich quality, and the sound from string instruments carries a good body. However, I perceive a slight thinness in the mid-range at times, particularly noticeable in female vocals, which makes me think that a bit more lushness and thickness could really enhance the overall experience. Per my personal preference, I want the mids and vocals to be a bit forward. I think jazz numbers are ideal for these IEMs, as those strings still sound good on them.

Personally, I haven't detected any peaks or sharpness in the upper mid-range, although for some people, it might approach the borderline for some tracks. In the case of the track Code Cool by Patricia Barber, I don't find any sharpness or sibilance, yet I believe there's room for improvement in rendering the vocals even richer.



On the song Helplessly Hoping by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, there is a good separation of the vocals. There is a hint of clarity in the midrange and a sense of warmth, which makes the song sound really good. The sound of male vocals on this track is rich enough to indicate that the male vocals on these iems carry good weight.



Treble:

The upper frequencies are well-extended, capturing the intricacies of instruments and vocals with a very good sense of space and airiness. The treble maintains a balanced presence, contributing to an overall non-fatiguing sound signature. The well-controlled treble on these IEMs contributes to a response that is free from any harsh or piercing elements. This makes the IEMs safely tuned and quite enjoyable, something you'd prefer for longer listening hours.

An example of a good and controlled treble can be heard in the song You've Got to Have Freedom by Pharoah Sanders. The saxophone sound from this track never sounds thin, harsh, or fatiguing. You can really enjoy the raw sound, which can very easily sound coarse on some other IEMs.



Technicalities:

Nezha is a decent pair when it comes to technical prowess. The sound-stage on these IEMs is quite wide, and there is a good sense of spaciousness with good layering. Nezha's open and spacious sound profile handles complex and busy tracks quite well, making it well-suited for genres like metal and rock. The instruments get enough space to breathe. The accuracy in imaging allows for precise positioning of instruments, making it a good choice, particularly with jazz compositions where it does its job really well. Nezha excels quite a lot at detailing too, throwing in those little nuances quite well. However, I need more clarity and a better overall resolution.


Comparison:

I do not generally believe in comparing IEMs as I think every one of them has its own characteristics and a distinct implementation. However, for the sake of positioning an IEM in terms of performance, I would compare these IEMs to my much-loved Simgot EA1000.

Needless to say, in the bass department, the EA1000 is the clear winner of the two. The bass on the EA1000 has a good impactful punch, whereas the Nezha has a very lean and unimpressive bass. This good bass adds quite a bit of fun to the sound on the EA1000 and makes it a lot more enjoyable. In terms of sound-stage, Nezha has a better and noticeably larger sound-stage and the EA1000 is a bit intimate and has just above-average sound-stage, lacking the spaciousness that Nezha has. The mid-range sounds more forward and lusher and has more weight on the EA1000 than on the Nezha. The treble on Nezha is more controlled, whereas on EA1000 it becomes quite hot and spicy at times. EA1000's sound has a cleaner and crisper resolution than on Nezha.

In comparison between the two, I lean more towards the EA1000, and it is a preferable pair for me, which is totally a personal preference based on the above-presented facts.


Areas of improvement for Nezha:

1. I would like the mids to be more forward. Female vocals need a touch of warmth.
2. The bass is not very impressive. The impact is missing.
3. A touch of crispiness and clarity in resolution is certainly needed.


Conclusion:

From the company's perspective, this release really puts Tangzu in the front seat. Nezha, if not an absolute gem, is certainly going to please a lot of listeners. It is still one of the noteworthy releases of the year 2023. The good looks, excellent package, and above-average sound make it a good IEM, and it's nothing short of a winner. I will give them a rating of 4/5: the product is good, and some users may find it more satisfactory, but it does come with a few caveats. The price, in my view, remains justified, but it's important to note that the performance of these IEMs doesn't necessarily exceed expectations for their price range. One can surely grab a unit if they find a really good deal on these IEMs. I will certainly be watching for the next releases from Tangzu.

Disclaimer: The unit was sent by Tangzu as a part of a review tour, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I will be comparing the Nezha closely to Tangzu's own Zetian Wu Heyday, which is one of my personal favorite earphones to come out recently.

Build & Fit
The Nezha is significantly lighter than Heyday as it's a resin shell as compared to all metal. Size wise the Nezha is bigger as well. The Nezha looks more eye catching due to the red flakes (specially when the light hits them directly) as compared to Heyday which is really understated. When it comes to fit, even though the Nezha is a bit bigger, it sets better and snugger than the Heyday and that translated to better comfort in the long run. But both are comfortable to my ears. One thing to note though: The 2 pin on the Nezha is very tight, I wish it were a bit looser. Time will tell if it loosens up. The luxurious carry case and the cable that came with the Heyday was amazing, at any price range. And the same is the case for Nezha but it is now even more refined. The material on the carry case is now leather (mock leather I presume) and is textured. It is also a bit more streamlined as compared to the Heyday version. I would consider the Nezha case an improvement. But either way, neither can be fit in a pocket. They are transportable cases, meant to be put in bags.
The improvement carries to the cable as well. Both cables are gorgeous looking, but the Nezha plug is significantly smaller and less bulky, even though it retains the modularity.
The Nezha also comes with Tang Sancai Wide Bore & Balanced set of eartips (more in sound quality section).




Amp Needs
The Nezha is a BA+electret combination and it should be very sensitive, and it is. It is easy to drive. It is significantly easier to drive than Heyday which is a big (for portable uses) planar driver and needs more current. I use them both with my time tested E1DA 9038D and also the Fiio UTWS5 when outside. With Nezha i get loads of headroom, much more than I will ever need. With the Heyday I get loads of headroom on the 9038D but and also sufficient headroom with the UTWS5 unless the recording is quiet and, in that case, I need to max out.
So, in conclusion, no external amp is needed for the Nezha.



Sound Quality
As a reviewer, lots of earphones have come over the past to me. Some good, some bad, mostly "okay". I had really liked the Heyday, so much so I purchased a retail unit for myself. Up to that point, it remained one of the most resolving earphones I had heard, by a big margin. I really couldn't find much fault with it.
Honestly, I expected Nezha to be at most as good as Heyday for my personal taste. And I was a bit apprehensive about the electret driver, hoping it would be treble murder. Boy was I wrong. The moment I put it on, I was shocked to hear the smoothness in the treble, AND that excellent extension. It sounded open, un-restrained, extremely resolving as well. It out-resolved the Heyday by a big margin. A/B'ing the two, it sounded like the upper treble of Heyday was almost missing in comparison. I was shocked really. It was like going to 4k from 1080p. All of a sudden, the Heyday sounded a bit spicy in the upper midrange, slightly thin and simply put, a bit V shaped.
Nezha's sound is what you get if you take Heyday's sound, flatten it a bit and stretch it on both sides. The treble extension is very smooth and very high, devoid of sharp peaks. Upper treble extension is key to hearing ambiance of the recording and low-level details. And it shows. Then entire midrange is so natural and very resolving. The ear gain region is not overkill at all, which is not the case in most earphones. I have used the Nezha for hours each day- at home, while commuting as well. Just plug them in to the UTWS5 and it's a done deal. The included Tang Sancai tips are also of higher quality than the tips included with Heyday. With wide bore, that sound becomes lighter footed and becomes more analytical, shifting the focus on the treble, pushing the details in front. I preferred the Balanced tips, which simply makes the sound more balanced and makes the midrange sound "bigger" and more "open". The skin-compliant softer silicone is also more comfortable to wear in the long run.
But does it have "BA timbre"? What does it even mean? I have heard multiple BA sets before and yes, there is a "sound" to some of them. But that is only due to bad implementation. I have heard all BA sets like the BGVP DM8 which have minimal "BA timbre" because it was designed properly. Etymotic's BA driver is insane as well. The Nezha is also a BA earphone majorly. I kind of do hear it in the bass region, just slightly. The bass punch and extension are very good, simply put. But the bass presentation of a BA is different to that of a planar or DD. It is not a bad thing; it is just different. It is similar to the materials chosen for speaker drivers. Each material does impart a characteristic sound unless specifically engineered to do otherwise (and yes, it is done more often than not). I do hear the slight "BA timbre" in the bass of Nezha, but that takes away nothing from the resolution, speed and overall punch that it already provides. I would categorize it as neutral (yet very resolving) bass with a slight hint of that "BA timbre". Except the difference in presentation, Nezha's bass is similar to that of Heyday.





Conclusion
It is the best earphone I have heard it to this day and yes, it is not some hyperbole. I rarely rate something 5 stars on headfi, but this is an easy 5 stars for me. Tangzu knows how to tune stuff, excellent job by them.