Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV

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.
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Soundstage, imaging, and holography:

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



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