General Information

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FEATURES:

● Dynamic Driver + Balanced Armature Drivers + Sonion EST
● Aerospace-grade CNC Aluminium Alloy
● Terrace Field Line Design
● Premium Modular Cable


SPECIFICATION:

MODEL
: TANGZU AUDIO XUANWU GATE
IMPEDANCE: 10.5Ω
SENSITIVITY: 103dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 7Hz - 20KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.5M
PIN TYPE: 2-PIN CONNECTOR (0.78MM)
PLUG TYPE: MODULAR 3.5mm, 2.5mm, 4.4mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER, (4) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER, (2) ELECTRET/"ELECTROSTATIC" DRIVER

Latest reviews

Mesteves77

New Head-Fier
TANGZU XuanWu Gate - Knocking on Mid-Fi's Gates
Pros: Neutral Warm'ish Signature - Analogue Tint
Technically Competent - Great Detail Retrieval and Separation/Layering
Even Note Weight
Tidy Bass
Balanced Midrange
Build Quality
Included Accessories
Cons: Uncomfortable Fitting - hard to keep a proper seal
Lower Mids Timbre is not natural
Aesthetics
Pricing
Howdy fellow audio friends, today we dive into the realm of Mid-fi with the TangZu Audio XuanWu Gate, a loan unit from Akros, a great reviewer and human who has thrown me a mentoring hand, of which I am eternally grateful for.

This is my first go at this price range, so please bear with me not having any direct comparisons to better describe its sound in relative terms. At the time of this review, I also don't own a source or amplifier that matches this set's quality or price, thus my impressions are limited to my Qudelix 5k (used on wired mode), which I find quite neutral in flavor, however might lack power output to make the XuanWu shine brighter.

The XuanWu Gate feels like a U-shape signature, with warm'ish/dark'ish tints. It is a musically oriented set that doesn't sacrifice much of technicalities in order to exist. It has great layering and separation capabilities that blend really well with a warmer signature so it doesn't feel convoluted, rather very precise. There is some degree of bass tucking which might not please everyone but indeed is a safe bet that allows the mids to feel breathe and be unveiled.

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Sub-Bass (7.5/10)

Vibrant and deep, well extended.
It has boosted intensity, it's not as textured as it is intense, but there are still texture details present.

Soul deep rumbles, although not very gargling, so you do get your bones vibrating however not in a crackling way. It feels as if the attack phase is not ultra fast, rather smoother and organic.

This leads to outstanding performance on acoustic/organic bass instruments, allocating great depth that is perceived as instrument "body". It feels very natural on these, honestly, a delight, working wonders on modern Jazz recordings, rendering them very richly.

Although the subbass is on the verge of not being natural, which is a fun trait and, for instance, doesn't wrongly color classical music (but it does color it).

I would quantify it as 65/35 subbass to midbass ratio. Not for neutral heads.


Midbass (7.5/10)

Feels tucked, which leads to cleaner lower mids, however steals some note weight in both the midbass and lower mids. When listening to fast Metal subgenres the midbass-tuck works well, making the sound less convoluted and of quick recovery.

Analogue kickdrums on jazz recordings behave inconsistently, depending on the pitch. Lower pitch kicks tend to capture more sub-bass and sound richer and fuller, same with electronic/synthesized kickdrums. Higher pitch kickdrums feel leaner and not as thumping.

Despite this, agility is still a main perk here, offering snappiness and tidiness over the instruments, especially the percussion ones.


Lower Mids (7.5/10)

No mud at all, super clean presentation.

Slightly nasal/honky performance, more evident on male voices. Percussion toms can feel a bit boxy. This is the only aspect I nitpick as a timbre incoherence.

A bit leaner note weight, noticeable on the piano, but as it is a set with very good instrument separation, so the piano and other instruments aren't crowded by other neighboring instruments, rather having their own room to perform.
This also makes details more easy to pick on, not being veiled.

There is NOT an accentuated contrast with neighboring frequencies, so it feels very coherent tuning wise, which to me is a strong sign of tuning maturity. It is also due to the midbass tucking and not ultra forward upper mids.


Upper Mids (8/10)

Balanced, meaning not too forward, which is quite welcomed as of 2024.
Coming from the lower mids without the feeling of dip (veil) and having these Upper Mids, it gives a sense of evenness amongst comping instruments of different timbres and registers. This is refreshing.

Attacks are moderately crisp and informative, quite more so than on the release phase. This means you feel more texture on the first instrument attacks, like on guitars, harps and horn instruments, but less texture during the sustain or decay phases. When guitars play chords it feels less defined than when a lead guitar solo is played with a pick. From my experience, this benefits metal genres over indie or acoustic guitar genres, as they feel snappier and more forward.

No harshness whatsoever, being mostly smooth and lush.

Vocals feel natural and effortless, yet they are positioned at the same level of other instruments in this range, not popping out of the mix.


Treble (7/10)

Tamed in intensity whilst retaining details and air.

Hi hats do miss some sparkle, they are textured but not sizzling as a brightly tuned IEM. They don't mush when played fast - no amalgamated hi-hat noise.
There are some distortions happening on higher register xylophone/vibraphone and trumpets, on specific resonances, not happening on every track with these instruments.

Higher pitched clicking noises can sometimes be distracting as they get heavily boosted. On the other hand it perfectly renders a lot of the IDM genre Easter Eggs (ear candy, dug deep in the mix) so you can go hunting for them, and surely you will feel like an audio explorer.

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Technicalities

MacroDetails (8.5/10) and microdetails (8/10) are to be retrieved like the dog breed. There are tons to be picked on, on any frequency range. The quality of details stamps "mid-fi" all over the XuanWu.

Soundstage (8/10) is rather wider than taller. Not impressively big for the price, but the panning sounds feel holographic. Sounds tend to spread more horizontally than vertically, and dont always revolve around your head.

Impressive instrument separation and layering (8.5/10) This can be a bit under appreciated due to the hefty dose of sub bass that can distract or "shadow" this ability. However the multi-driver configuration and crosstalk are well implemented, so we do get space for each instrument to "live" - great for critical listening.

Timbre is incoherent on the lower mids, as stated before, but that is it.

It is not a relatively easy to drive IEM, needing quite some juice to shine its best, also working better with not so warm sources, in my opinion, so it doesn't over saturate the bass domain, risking the mids cleanliness.


Fit and Comfort

Bulky shell. I didn't enjoy the extra weight plus the fitting is uncomfortable and I wasn't able to have them for longer than 1 hour.

I tried a couple of tips and it was hard finding one that seemed to improve the seal quality, so there is some quirkiness to the nozzle angle.


Design and Aesthetics

Not really a fan of the name nor of the looks (color scheme and shape). I believe the naming and history might cater better to the Eastern consumer.

This might have been an IEM that wasn't intended for the Western consumers, even if it is not mid-centric or vocal oriented. Or maybe it was, as a history lesson when we search for the origin of this IEM name.

Includes a sturdy and good looking cable, non-microphonic and the unboxing experience is premium, opening up like a gate, to reveal its insides. You also get a really sturdy leatherette case, with stuffed insides that accommodate both the IEM and the cable in a fresh new way.

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Final Words

Regarding my own taste, I didn't vibe with the XuanWu, solemnly because I often don't enjoy warmer sets nor midbass tucking, plus the fitting didn't allow me to comfortably listen to them for longer periods of time.

This doesn't mean you won't like it. If you are treble sensitive and want clean mids without losing a thick bass presence, the XuanWu Gate is definitely an option to consider. Add some great details and separation capabilities for when you feel like critical listening, and you are in for a treat.

I think it is a very capable set, definitely unique in the combination of perks: warmth, musicality and technical capabilities - characteristics you rarely see in the same sentence.
I have noticed amongst my audiophile friends that the ones who often enjoy more oldschool tunings tend to love the XuanWu Gate for the aforementioned perks that are not easy to find bundled on the same unit.

I hope you have enjoyed my observations,

Miguel Esteves
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Argha

100+ Head-Fier
GATE to a beautiful world governed by Sparkly, Deep textured Male voices
Pros: Bass Delivery
Lower Midrange Tonality
Upper treble extension
Micro-contrast
Transience
Cons: Upper midrange recession (in Eargain Region)
The cable is not comfortable
Earshells are larger
Needs deep insertion depth to sound optimal (which was tough for me)
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Disclaimer

Tangzu provided me with this IEM for an audio tour, organized by Indranil Mitra. I will be borrowing this IEM for a week and passing it on to the next person. Just to clarify, I am not being compensated to share my thoughts on this product - all opinions are my own.


Price Competition

The current price on Linsoul is $597, while HiFiGO is selling them for $649. Today is 08/05/2014, and at this moment, it is competing very competitively in terms of price. It's important to note that the IE600 is still relevant even to this day. If you're interested, you can check out my review of the IE600 on the Mobile Audiophile website.

The philosophy behind the tuning

The tuning approach of this IEM is a balanced and vibrant sound with a touch of richness in the midrange. The review will reveal how they achieved this, but I must say that this IEM captures the signature Sennheiser sound that I have cherished for many years. Needless to say, I am quite fond of its tuning. To my ears, this IEM resembles the sound of an HD600 paired with a high-quality solid-state amplifier and a lively audio source. Ultimately, this IEM excels in delivering exceptional performance for male vocals and blends beautifully with Indian music genres such as Folk and Contemporary. It's worth noting that this unique tuning sets it apart from other IEMs, making it a must-try for me.


Design

I'm not a fan of the design of this IEM. Firstly, the ear shell is just too big for my ears. Maybe it won't bother you as much if you have average-sized ears. Secondly, these IEMs are quite heavy, making them more prone to breaking if they accidentally fall. I've seen it happen before, so I don't trust them in that regard. Lastly, I'm not a fan of the concave shape of the IEM plate. It makes inserting them feel unnatural and awkward, especially because of their large size. I understand that fitting 1DD 2BA 2EST in a single shell is challenging, but I would have preferred a design that prioritizes depth over width. So, yeah, the design is definitely my least favourite thing about this IEM.

Build Quality

The design of this IEM in the other part is absolutely stunning. The copper colour is truly mesmerizing. However, it definitely stands out in a crowd and demands attention. The wire is noticeably thick and heavy, but the splitters and connectors are top-notch in terms of quality. Personally, this IEM is quite large for me and the ear hook has been a persistent issue. On the bright side, the resin and metal faceplate exude a sense of luxury. Rest assured, this IEM is a true symbol of opulence.

Initial Sound Impression

When I first tried the IEM, it had a nice balance and a bit of brightness. Being someone who loves treble, the brightness was perfect for me but might be too much for others. However, after adjusting the insertion depth, I realized that it can drastically change the treble. The sound will be greatly affected by how well it fits in your ears.

Cable Rolling with Effect Audio Eros S

When I decided to experiment a bit, I decided to connect the Effect Audio Eros S cables to my setup. To my astonishment, it had a significant impact on the soundstage and high frequencies. The previously present sharpness and inconsistencies were eliminated, resulting in a pleasing and refined treble. Additionally, the soundstage expanded in terms of stereo width, creating a more immersive experience. It's safe to say that using the Eros S Cable took my current IEM setup to the next level compared to the default cable.

Objective Sound Impression

Bass


The Bass is powerful and punchy. Some IEMs may have good bass extension, but lack the midbass authority to truly make an impact on the sound. As a result, even if the bass is technically present on the Frequency Amplitude graph, it may not be very audible. Luckily, this IEM doesn't suffer from that issue at all.

The sub-bass is nicely pronounced, without being too overpowering to cause any discomfort. This is especially beneficial for me since my ears are sensitive to lower frequencies. The midbass smoothly transitions from the sub-bass, maintaining its own distinct presence. There is no muddiness or interference from the sub-bass. The gradual and steady increase in mid-bass adds the punch I crave when listening to bass-heavy songs.

Overall, the bass on these IEMs is truly impressive. It strikes a perfect balance - not too overpowering, yet not lacking in presence either. What sets it apart is how it doesn't overshadow every song with bass, only enhancing tracks that call for it. When a song lacks lower frequencies, the bass remains neutral and full, but when needed, it confidently delivers a solid low-end performance.

Midrange

The main emphasis of this IEM lies in its midrange. The mid frequencies are far from being neutral or clinical. Instead, they provide a luxurious and exaggerated sensation. Every sound will be enriched with additional textures, vibrancy, and a radiant quality, all without causing any discomfort when the volume is appropriately adjusted.

The male vocals are the highlight in this range especially. The heft it offers and the grunt it has in the male vocal region is simply unparalleled at this price point. It is not forward or recessed by any means, it sits beautifully in the Amplitude graph as well as my ears. There is a grand feeling in the earthy tones of the male voices. Chest voice sounds wonderful although head voices are portrayed very well but not at the same level as chest voices. Nasally singers don't sound on these.

The male counterparts outshine the female vocals in terms of quality. The main issue lies in the extension of the upper mids and lower treble. As a result, some female singers lack the ethereal and sparkling sensation that I adore. Additionally, while the voices are not of reference grade, they also possess a touch of colouration.

Treble

This IEM has a slightly subdued lower treble, which makes it perfect for fatigue-free listening. However, there are some drawbacks to this. The female vocals and treble-focused instruments are the ones that are most affected by this deviation. Despite that, everything sounds smooth and there are no overwhelming peaks to be found.

This IEM has a slightly subdued lower treble, which makes it perfect for fatigue-free listening. However, there are some drawbacks to this. The female vocals and treble-focused instruments are the ones that are most affected by this deviation. Despite that, everything sounds smooth and there are no overwhelming peaks to be found.

The upper frequencies are skillfully managed, with the EST drivers leading the way. They truly expand the air quality of the sound. Every sound is filled with plenty of air. The speed and crispness are remarkable, with excellent transience. The peak at 11K (or 15K on B&K 5128 Coupler for in-ear) greatly contributes to the IEM's capacity to effortlessly display microcontrasts.

Timber

The quality of the timber is exceptional considering its price. However, there may be some inconsistencies in the lower treble range. The violin produces a pleasing sound with the desired transient nature and low end. The guitars have a textured and snappy tone. Wind instruments also perform above average, thanks to the EST drivers in the IEM. As mentioned earlier, the male vocals have an earthy and grunty tone, which adds character but may not be neutral. On the other hand, the female vocals, while not as good as the male vocals, do not sound unnatural and never become shrill or fatiguing.

The timber reproduction of this IEM is far from natural, so it's not recommended for critical listening. However, if you're looking for an IEM that enhances the sound of music and does a great job at it, this is a very tasteful option to consider.

Subjective Sound Impression

Resolution


You won't be left wanting more resolution with this IEM. It resolves just as well as Studio 4 (A/B Tested). The subtle nuances and micro details, largely due to psychoacoustics, contribute to an overall very resolving sound with this IEM. (My friend even mentioned a slight resemblance to Performer 8, hinting at its quality).

Imaging

The stereo imaging is impressive, although it lacks pinpoint accuracy. Occasionally, it can sound holographic when the albums require stereo imaging rather than full positional cues.

Soundstage

The soundstage with the stock cable is quite average. However, the soundstage usage is quite impressive. The vocals are centred in the head, while the instruments create a nice ambient effect.

Drivability

Driving it is quite manageable, although it does demand a bit more power to really bring out its best sound. It operates well with a volume level similar to my HD600, only with a slight difference of +4/5db in amplitude. It works smoothly with 4V and 200mw Dongle Dacs.

Comfort & Fit

The comfort and fit of these IEMs are not up to par. The Cable is quite weighty and bulky, and the ear hooks on the cable are not well-designed for my ears. Since my ears are on the smaller side, it could be just my problem, but the ear hooks kept slipping off. It would be wise to consult someone with medium-sized ears for a second opinion.

The shell size is quite large for my ears, and I struggled to achieve the correct insertion depth with the stock cable. Believe me, GATE needs a proper insertion depth. If not inserted correctly, this IEM can sound sharp and harsh occasionally.

Comparison

IE600 - The only contender at this pricepoint worth comparing to, in my experience.


  • IE600 has better sub-bass
  • GATE is more thumpy in mid-bass
  • Mids are better on GATE
  • Lower Treble is better on IE600
  • Upper treble (>12Khz) is better on GATE
  • Resolution is better on IE600 by a slight margin
  • Soundstage and Imaging is also better on IE600
  • The mids tonality and timber are better on GATE
  • GATE is more musical and suited for most genres I listen to.
  • IE600 is leagues ahead in comfort and fit.

Given a choice, I would have chosen GATE 7 out of 10 times over IE600 in a day because of its unique and personally preferred tuning philosophy. But fit would get me worried every time.

Conclusion

To sum up, this IEM has been an incredible find for me, mainly due to my extensive music collection. I've never experienced anything quite like it before. Whether it's the distinctive design or the way the drivers are set up, every time I listen to this IEM, I'm blown away by the exceptional quality of the lower mids and treble tuning.
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pradiptacr7

500+ Head-Fier
Tangzu Audio XuanWu Gate Review
Pros: Neutral Tonality, Sublime Female Vocals, Superb detail retrieval, Precise Imaging, Class leading Build Quality
Cons: Not for Bass Lovers, Price could have been better for the competition, Male Vocals lacks Bodies a bit
Tangzu XuanWu Gate: Tangzu’s Take on Neutrality

DISCLAIMER:
The Tangzu XuanWu Gate was on a tour organized by Tangzu Audio and @machinegod , we are thankful to them for arranging it. The review reflects our honest opinions as always. However, our evaluation is based on a comparison of the price of the item.

Introduction: -

Tangzu is a China-based company founded initially by the name of Tforce Audio back in 2021. They have debuted with IEMs named Yuan Li. Due to some reason; they have rebranded themselves as Tangzu Audio in 2022. They have always commemorated their IEMs with the golden era of China, the Tang dynasty. This time they have named the IEMs as XuanWu Gate. It’s also an important incident in the history of the Tang Dynasty. Tangzu identifies itself as “A Traditional Aesthetic Company” specializing in portable earphones and drivers.

Tangzu XuanWu Gate is Tangzu's flagship offering and features a tribrid setup with 1DD+4BA+2EST. Each shell of XuanWu Gate is composed of a single custom 10mm Carbon-composite Diaphragm Driver for handling the lows, four custom-made high-quality Balanced Armature (BA) units for handling the mids and the highs and two Sonion Electrostatic Drivers (EST) for handling the ultra-highs. XuanWu Gate's utilization of 1:2 electrostatic speaker units optimizes the balance between dynamic drivers and balanced armatures. This configuration enhances detail amplification, The Tangzu team through this setup insist on achieving a mellower and more transparent sound, while improving separation and density. The production process of Xuanwu Gate took more than six months. After numerous overseas exhibitions, shows and feedback collection, with repeated adjustments, they aimed to create a mature and balanced solution.

This is our first introduction to the brand Tangzu Audio. Tangzu XuanWu Gate can be bought for 649 US$ from Tangzu's official website.

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Specifications: -

  • Driver Configuration: 1-Dynamic Driver + 4-Balanced Armatures + 2-Electrostatic Drivers
  • Impedance: 10.5Ω ± 20%
  • Freq Response: 7Hz-20Khz
  • Sensitivity: 103dB/mW @1kHz
  • Cable: 1.2 m Single crystal copper silver-plated Modular Cable
  • Socket Interface: 2-pin 0.78mm
Packaging & Accessories: -

However, the item we received came without the official package, but we have seen in various sources that the Tangzu Audio team left nothing to pamper the soul of an audiophile. The unboxing experience of the retail box should be one of a kind. One can see a high-quality Leather case inside which the IEM cable and accessories are reliably kept. The case consists of IEMs, Single crystal copper silver-plated Modular cable, 3 pairs of Tang Sancai Wide-Bore Eartips, 3 pairs of Tang Sancai Balanced-Bore Eartips and Modular Terminations of 3.5mm and 4.4mm. The cable features 98 cores, 8-strand design in a finely woven structure. The silver colour ultra-soft insulation on the cable goes hand in hand with the elegance of the XuanWu Gate. The 1.2-meter cable also features high-quality gold-plated 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and, an anodized alloy modular plug case. It can be terminated as both 3.5mm and 4.4mm. With the given accessories and the quality, the team at Tangzu Audio impressed us as this is our first interaction between.

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Build & Design Concept: -

The shell of XuanWu Gate is made using high-quality aerospace-grade aluminium alloy CNC, curved in delicate lines. The design of the shell is quite ergonomic but on a larger size which provides excellent passive isolation, but we are not sure it will be comfortable enough for everyone for longer sessions. The panel looks premium and sophisticated, smooth, and exquisite. The Aluminium Alloy effectively reduces internal resonance, making the sound output more stable and cleaner. The diameter of the nozzle on the XuanWu Gate IEM is a bit big but it gets comfortable during usage. The line design on the exterior of the case gives Xuanwu Gate a three-dimensional appearance. The overall build quality and craftsmanship is worth mentioning.

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Sound Analysis: -
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Credit: @therollo9
  • Tonality: - After listening to the IEMs with various sources we have at Aural Café we can say that when it comes to the tonality of the IEMs, XuanWu Gate features a very neutral tonality. The custom 10 mm carbon-composite diaphragm Dynamic Driver is tuned to provide lower-end warmth to the neutral. The Tangzu Audio team ends up achieving a neutral yet smooth tonality. They wanted this IEM to be presented in the most balanced way possible and we also feel that the given cable adds up to achieving neutrality. On using the high-quality copper cable (PWAudio Monile Shielding in our case) the tonality surprisingly becomes more musical and soulful.

  • Lows: - The lows in XuanWu Gate are tuned using the custom 10mm Carbon-Composite diaphragm Dynamic Driver contributes to a balanced bass. The lows are tastefully tuned providing a very natural texture to the bassline. The bass has decent slam and rumbles without hindering the Mids. Although we feel at Aural Café, this IEM is not meant for bass-heads. The mid-bass sounds fun when listening to popular pop numbers like “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa. The bass's speed is balanced at best to keep up with the neutral tonality. That’s due to the lightweight and rigidness of the dynamic driver. But we at Aural Café would love to get more Sub-Bass emphasis. Sometimes we felt that it was on the lighter side when we listened to tracks like ‘Angel’ by Massive Attack.

  • Mids: - Mids of the XuanWu Gate are the most emphasized aspects and certainly the star of the show. Tangzu makes use of two custom-designed BAs for the mids. The mids are just balanced and neutral to merge smoothly with the low and high frequencies. The lower mids are on the thinner side while the upper mids are smooth and intoxicating without any shoutiness. The female vocals sound sublime while listening to ‘Skyfall’ by Adele and listening to ‘Listen Before I Go’ by Billie Eilish while the male vocals are not too far in comparison and the same can be felt while listening to ‘Billie Jean’ by Michael Jackson, but it is the female vocals which are a bit ahead in texture in comparison to male vocals. The timbre of the string instruments like Acoustic Guitar, Violin and Harp are lifelike. Whereas the instruments like Vina, and Electric Guitar fall a bit short in comparison to the previously mentioned instruments. The transient response is above average to complement the smooth and neutral tonality of the IEMs.

  • Highs: - The highs on the Tangzu XuanWu Gate are tuned using two custom-designed BAs as well as two Sonion ESTs. The highs on XuanWu Gate have a tinge of spices, natural, and airy without any dryness. The upper treble is specially tuned very tastefully with the help of two Sonion ESTs which are well extended without any thinness. We loved listening to ‘Variations’ by Submotion Orchestra where the female vocals are natural and complete along with the beautiful extension as well as listening to ‘In Your Eyes’ from the Weekend. The Sonion ESTs are tuned very technically and showcase their calibre while listening to Western Classical and Jazz. However, the sparks in the trebles might be sensitive for some.

  • Soundstage & Imaging: - The Soundstage on the XuanWu Gate can be described as decent with the width being average and with decent stage depth as we felt it could be a tad bit more cohesive. The same can be felt while listening to ‘Hotel California’ by the Eagles and ‘Thriller’ by Michel Jackson showcases its imaging as a very precise one. We enjoyed listening to ‘Game of Thrones-Soundtracks’ composed by Ramin Djawadi for the series. The microdetails are retrieved effortlessly by this tribrid beauty.

  • Synergy: - The XuanWu Gate is easy to drive but the lows and high frequencies really shine with powerful high-quality portable sources such as iFi Hip DAC 3 amd Dethonray Pegasus SG1 Gold and desktop sources such as Dethonray Listening M1. Dongles capable of clean sound such as Aune Yuki can also be used if one likes to use the XuanWu Gate with their mobile phones on the go. So, we at Aural Cafe will suggest using a clean warm source to match with the tonality. Sources like iFi Hip DAC 3 recover the warmth and thickness of male vocals we we listen to Muddy Waters ‘Captain Captain’. The stock premium cable complements well with the overall tonality of the Tangzu XuanWu Gate and adds a hint of more energy to the upper treble. We would here like to add that the stock cable is enough but if you are treble sensitive and looking for a warmer laidback sound, we would recommend pairing it with a high-quality copper cable like Rhapsodio Copper Wizard Mk. II. When it comes to the tips the supplied Sancai Matte Tips have done a great job with the IEMs.
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Conclusion: -

The XuaWu Gate sounds like the way the team at Tangzu Audio wanted them to be. Each part from lows to highs is tuned very carefully to reflect Tangzu's take on neutrality. We at Aural Cafe are honoured to own and listen to many EST-based IEMs such as Shozy Pola, Shozy Pola 39, Penon Audio 10th AE, Hisenior Mega5EST and many more IEMs in this span. But we can say that dual Sonion ESTs are beautifully implemented to achieve a superb extension in the upper treble and detail retrieval section. However, it might face solid competition in the tri-brid market whereas some of the others not only have a value advantage but also offer customizations. We would love to have more sub-bass presence and more bodied male vocals out of the box. Also, more cohesiveness would be welcomed. However, if anyone looks for a neutral and detailed sound experience and premium build certainly look out for this one.

Non-Affiliated Link: -
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S
syd67
I bought these monitors for $400 without a cable. Do you think this is a good deal?

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