Disclaimer:-
I received the Shimin Li as a part of the review tour being organized by HiFinage India. My thoughts are based on my usage and nothing else. I do not receive any monetary benefits out of this.
You can buy Shimin Li from HiFinage website from the link below. There's no affiliate.
https://hifinage.com/collections/tangzu/products/tangzu-shimin-li
Build/Fit/Package:
- For the price I think the Shimin Li has pretty big package. Bunch of Eartips (Kbear 07 types) and a cable in separate paper boxes. Well NGL they could have reduced the size of package by eliminating one of the box or add a carry case(Maybe too much to ask for at this price). The outer box looks cool nevertheless. Cables on these are weird, they kinda have a rubbery layer which also smells rubber. It's a let down to me.
- The build quality is top notch at this price point, feels solid in hand and to wear. Bit on heavier side though.
- Fit on these are great but it's on heavier side so could be a problem for some to wear it for long hours.
Sources Used:
Qudelix 5k
Shanling UP4
Avani
Abigail
VE OHD
SOUND:
The sound signature of Shimin Li tends to be balanced and overall tilts towards warmer side.
Bass on these have pretty good authority for the price, Sub bass is decent and has good quantity but lacks a bit on texture. Sub bass extension is decent. Mid bass has good impact and good body. The negatives are more of nitpicks in low end. Overall it's enjoyable low end to me.
Mids are forward presented and has a touch of warmth to it. I would say these have lush mids with no shrills. Instruments sound natural and has good note weight for the price point. On some tracks it may sound a bit shouty due to upfront presentation but for majority of tracks it will be fine.
Treble is sibilant free and smooth. No aggression in the treble region. Doesn't have much extension so might lack the openness.
Soundstage is bit on intimate side, lacks depth. Separation and imaging are average and details seems okay acceptable for this price bracket.
Comparison:
Kiwi Ears Cadenza: I had this set briefly for about a week. Main difference between these are the presentation. Cadenza has laid back while the shimin Li is forward and energetic than Cadenza. Fit wise I would prefer Cadenza for the light weight and better fit for me. Both the sets are dark but cadenza feels darker than the other. Shimin Li has better note weight and thick sound while the cadenza has leaner presentation.
7hz Zero: Well it isn't fair comparison due to price difference but this has the hype, so.... zero is more brighter set while the shimin li balanced. Naturally the zero feels to pull in more details. But major drawback on the zero is it severely lacks low end something I can definitely feel and the treble can get too much after a while for me on the zero. While shimin li can be listened for longer. I would reach to both the sets based on mood and tracks that i will listen. They compliment each other.