Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Tangzu for providing this review unit.

The Tangzu x HBB Xuan Nv can be gotten here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tangzu-xuannv (no affiliate links).




SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 10 mm ceramic DD + 8mm PU + LCP DD
• Frequency response: 7 Hz - 20 kHz
• Impedance: 8.5 Ω
• Sensitivity: 98 dB
• Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm; single crystal oxygen-free copper cable; 3.5 mm termination
• Tested at: $79 USD

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, these are included:

- 3 pairs of wide Tang Sancai silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of balanced Tang Sancai silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 1 pair of narrow bore silicone eartips
- Cable
- Carrying pouch

For a sub-$100 set, the accessories are so so. We do not have a modular cable or foam tips, or even a semi-rigid/hard case, but everything included is nevertheless serviceable.




The wide Tang Sancai tips, as per their namesake, are wide-bore. These boost treble and air, and improve staging. The narrow-bore pair increases bass, albeit at the expense of soundstage. The balanced Tang Sancai ones are a midpoint between the two sonically.




The stock 2-pin single crystal oxygen-free copper cable is braided in a Litz design. It is very tangly, though with minimal microphonics. There's a chin cinch for stabilization during usage.




The leatherette soft pouch can prevent scratches on the IEM, but it may not survive a drop or knock.

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


BUILD/COMFORT



Featuring a beautiful gold motif on a red housing, the Xuan Nv's shells are 3D-printed from medical-grade resin.

While on the larger side to house 2 DDs, the earpieces are light, with a concha protrusion for added grip. Comfort is good in spite of the bigger shells, and Tangzu states in marketing materials that the shape of the housings were designed after accumulating numerous ear anatomies.

Being a vented IEM, isolation is bang average. I did not encounter any driver flex, which is a sign of good acoustic airflow.




INTERNALS

The Xuan Nv is a 2 DD set, packing a 10 mm ceramic DD and an 8mm PU + LCP DD.


DRIVABILITY

I tested the Xuan Nv 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 quite difficult to drive in terms of headroom.

Due to the low 8.5 Ω impedance, it is best paired with sources with < 1.0625 Ω output impedance, due to the rules of eights. Pairing it with higher OI sources may make it overly bassy and mess with the frequency response.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

Graph of the Xuan NV via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

Tonally, the Xuan Nv sports a warm U-shaped profile that is quite laid back.

This is a sub-bass focused IEM, with decent rumble down to 20 kHz. It isn't an outright basshead set in terms of quantity and thump though. The mid-bass is on the slower side, with some bleed and average texturing. This frequency band may smear during complex tracks.

The lower mids are on the thicker side, warmed by the bassy veil. Upper mids reach a climax of 8 dB or so, which translates to vocals being forwards but just lying at the edge. If underpowered or blasted at loud volumes, the Xuan Nv may on occasions hit shouty territory.

Sibilance is absent, and the treble is very smooth and polite, which should please the treble-sensitive amongst us. Conversely, this results in a lack of resolution and clarity, and trebleheads might find a distinct lack of pizzazz.

Timbral accuracy is organic and natural, no complaints on this front. In fact, this is one of the Xuan Nv's stellar aspects.

In terms of technical chops, the Xuan Nv is below average: it goes for a musical tuning over outright technical prowess. While soundstage is above average with decent imaging, micro-detailing and instrument separation are sub-par. This IEM gets overwhelmed when complex tracks with competing riffs appear.


COMPARISONS

The Xuan Nv will be compared against other DD containing budget gear. Hybrids, multi-BAs, and pure planars, which have their own pros and cons, are left out of the comparisons.




Kefine Delci

The Delci is a warm U-shaped set with more mid-bass. It has less upper mids than the Xuan Nv, but a more extended treble.

The Delci is clearly no technical tour de force, but still shades the Xuan Nv in technicalities, with the Delci having a hair better soundstage, imaging and micro-detailing.

The Delci is easier to drive, but has a less natural timbre.


Simgot EA500LM

The EA500LM is a more aggressively-tuned IEM with 3 tuning nozzles - these confer mostly bright Harmanish tunings, with a more jacked-up upper mids and lower treble. As such the EA500LM can come across as more shouty and fatiguing.

However, the EA500LM trumps the Xuan Nv in technicalities, with the former providing better imaging, micro-details and soundstage.

The EA500LM is easier to drive, but has a more metallic timbre.


CONCLUSIONS



The Xuan Nv is a musical dual DD IEM, which is quite relaxing and laid back. It is a suitable transducer for sitting back and chilling to, as the natural timbre and sibilant-free sonics are akin to being surrounded in a warm tub of honey. It can hence be used for longer listening sessions without much fatigue.

However, one may see it as a one-trick pony, as the technicalities on offer are sub-par, with a dark treble shaving off resolution. It struggles with complex instrumentation with competing riffs. To top it off, this IEM is one tricky customer to drive in view of the low impedance; source pairing and drivability may be an issue as such.

In the big scheme of things, the Xuan Nv lies at just below $80 USD, and at this retail price, the competition is really cut-throat. While not an outright bad set, customers have a wide array of more technical rivals to pick from. Verily, I'm not sure the Xuan Nv may still be talked about in a couple of months' time.

𝑻𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒁𝒖 𝒙 𝑯𝑩𝑩 𝑿𝒖𝒂𝒏 𝑵𝑽 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒆𝑵𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕


|| 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ||

TangZu is back once more with another collaboration with HawaiiBadBoy for their all new Xuan NV. Priced at around $79, the Xuan NV sits nicely in one of the most competitive price ranges in our hobby.



Packed with a 2DD driver setup and sporting an elegant design, the Xuan NV may not pack the most amount or the most diverse driver setup, but this doesn’t make it a slouch either.


|| 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 ||

I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with the brands I review and do not give out preview privileges.

This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both
parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.

My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.

I don’t do rankings or tier lists as they can get outdated immediately as a reviewer can change their thoughts of a product to a certain extent. If you do want a recommendation then feel free to reach out so I can help out

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𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 TangZu Audio 𝗮𝗻𝗱 Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews 𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆.

𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 Linsoul Audio 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁. 𝗜 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘂𝘁𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹.

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| 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗨𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

Typically TangZu packaging is still present on the Xuan NV. This means that the Xuan NV is packaged in a glossy box with a nice illustration on the front that has historic references of Chinese history.



It is pretty nice for TangZu to keep doing this on all of their sets despite the differing price ranges. The homage to historic figures in Chinese history is always a treat to encounter.



Sliding off the illustrated cover reveals the IEMs sitting nicely and is surrounded by foam for the shock protection. Underneath that is a neat little compartment that is holding TangZu’s own line of eartips. Another box is present containing all of the remaining accessories included in this package.

𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻:
Paperwork
TangZu Xuan NV IEMs
Folding faux-leather pouch
4-core 2-pin cable(3.5mm)
TangZu Sancai Wide eartips (S/M/L)
TangZu Sancai Balanced eartips (S/M/L)

It is nice to see TangZu including not one but two of their own line of eartips, that being the Sancai tips included on the Xuan NV. I actually like these tips and have my own set of both for use on other sets. The provided case seems to incorporate some sort of origami-style folding which is almost similar to the one provided on the
TruthEar Zero Red I had briefly before.



So far so good but the real downside of this section for the Xuan NV is the cable, the quality is great, the chin slider works, and the cable behaves well for the most part, the only issue here is the bad rubber texture that I predict will be worn down as time goes on. You can always swap them out for other cables but it is quite a bummer that they didn’t have to make it like this from the get-go


| 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 & 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

The overall build of the Xuan NV is amazing. I am notorious for gushing about resin-based IEMs and this one is one hell of a build. It feels quality in the hand and is very smooth overall. It is made entirely out of resin and only comes in this one flamboyant design.



Speaking of design, the Xuan NV is not scared to spread its wings and be as unique as possible. It has a red-translucent shell with golden accents on the faceplate. What really sets this apart like other TangZu products is the characteristically unique faceplate designs on their sets. The design is said to be inspired from butterflies which was a reference to HawaiiBadBoy’s Hawaiian origin but it also seems to suggest a design cue taken from wings of cranes.



Overall, the design is very flashy and elegant. I am quite fond of TangZu’s faceplate designs and this one is no exception to that testament.
In terms of the form, the Xuan NV has a bit of thickness to it although not much. It takes a more universal-type of fit with a minor wing for a snug fit. A single vent is located near the 2-pin ports at the top and another towards the inner part of the IEM near the nozzle. Speaking of the nozzle, it is made out of the similar resin material as the whole body. It protrudes decently well from the body and has a small lip for secure ear tip placement.



Equipped with a dual dynamic drivers, the Xuan NV not only covers the frequency range, but also produces sound that is very organic that is absent when working with other driver types and configurations


| 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

Blocking out sounds on the Xuan NV is just as effective as your average IEM. Given you have a snug and secure fit with the right eartips, the Xuan NV isolates the outside world well enough to focus on the music


| 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 |

Even for hours on end, I didn’t find myself in pain when using the Xuan NV, even with the presence of a small wing. With proper fitment and eartip choice, the Xuan NV sits well in my ear, nice and snug even in the most drastic of head movements. The occlusion effect is just as prominent as other IEMs, so talking with Xuan NV on might feel weird and uncomfortable.


**𝗞𝗶𝘄𝗶𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼 | 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 (𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴) | 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗭𝘂 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗮𝗶 𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲 (𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹) **


| 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 |

Despite being able to run on my Apple dongle, the Xuan NV seems to be able to scale well the more power you give it. I suggest trying out pushing more power on to the Xuan NV to see for yourself.


|| 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 ||

Regarding sound performance, the Xuan NV stated that their approach being “warm and melodious, nimble and grand, delicate and smooth” which I think succeeded in achieving such a claim.

Another highlight about that sound is that even though this is a set tuned by HBB, it does not fit into the impression that it is a bassy set unlike most of his other collaboration

| 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 |

The TangZu Xuan NV delivers a well-controlled bass response. The midbass is present and provides a decent impact with good speed and quickness. While the subbass is
there, it's not as noticeable, and the texture could use some improvement.

Despite this, the midbass delivers a satisfactory performance, maintaining a neat and tidy presentation.


| 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝘀 |

The midrange warmth is slightly affected by the less forward bass, resulting in a leaner presentation with less note weight. Despite this, the midrange performance is decent and acceptable even for those who are particularly picky.

Vocals sound airy and well-extended, along with instruments. However, sibilant vocals can present an issue of sibilance on the Xuan NV. The timbre is very natural and organic sounding, which adds to the overall listening experience.


| 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘀 |

The highs on the Xuan NV are a standout feature. They are nicely extended, providing a taste of sparkle without being harsh or fatiguing. The detail retrieval is excellent, and there was never a time where the highs sounded splashy.

This makes the Xuan NV a great option for those who enjoy detailed and well-extended treble.


| 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

In terms of technicalities, the Xuan NV excels. The soundstage is wide, and the layering, imaging, and separation are noteworthy. They never sound congested, even during busier parts of songs. This makes them suitable for both analytical and immersive entertainment use cases.


| 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 |

The TangZu Xuan NV offers a balanced sound signature with a well-controlled bass, decent mids, and standout highs. Its technical performance is impressive, making it a versatile option for a variety of listening scenarios



While there are minor issues with subbass texture and sibilant vocals, the overall performance is commendable, especially at its price point. If you're looking for an IEM that excels in both analytical and immersive listening experiences, the Xuan NV is definitely worth considering.

Xuan Nv is a celestial benevolent deity of Taoism as she is the goddess that taught the Yellow Emperor with some esoteric military arts to aid his cosmic conquest in the war of heaven. She is also known to be a divine entity that propagates the knowledge of Feng Shui, craftsmanship, shamanism, sexcraft and alchemy arts. In older texts, she was described as a woman with a body of a bird and will sometimes appear to help some heroes in need for protection.

It is quite unusual that TANGZU didn't name a model after a historical personality or an event in Tang dynasty era but rather to a Taoist deity. But I think that I get the general idea on why they named a set after this traditional philosophical-religious movement as Taoism became one of the major religions in Tang China along with Confucianism and Buddhism and all the imperial family claimed to be a descendant of Lao Tzu, the founder of the said religion.



This is TANGZU XUAN NV and this is their latest entry-level offering and their first model that features dual dynamic driver set-up. This product is also the second collaboration project with Chris Ballard a.k.a. H.B.B. (Hawaiian Bad Boy) which is a well-renowned audio reviewer in the YouTube space.



Inside XUAN NV, it has dual dynamic drivers of asymmetrical size as it consists of 10mm ceramic dynamic driver and an 8mm dynamic driver with a composite diaphragm made up of PU (Polyurethane) and LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer). The combination of the two dynamic drivers brings out a cohesive sound that is clear, lush, smooth and detailed quality but there's a caveat, Ceramic dynamic drivers are known for their rigidity and strength that requires even more power output similar to some planar magnetics (cough..cough...RHA CL1 and SIMPHONIO VR1).



The drivers were encapsulated in a 3D-moulded UIEM-style hypoallergenic resin shell chassis with a red colourway and a gold print of a butterfly wing on its faceplate. The design of its shell structure is quite ergonomic on how it fits to my lug holes and its aesthetics exudes a classy and sophistication as red and gold are one of the best colour combinations that makes it eye-pleasing. It is a good decision that XUAN NV implemented a 0.78mm bi-pin connector mechanism on this set as it makes cable swapping easier.



In regards to fitting, the XUAN NV provides a comfortable wear as it rests well into my lug holes without any issues and it also gives a proper sealing for better passive noise isolation.



The included stock cable of the XUAN NV is somehow decently good in my opinion as I've some pricey entry-level sets which have a mediocre stock cable. The cable consists of a Litz oxygen-free copper wire that was grouped and braided into 4-core structure with a straight gold-plated 3.5mm single ended termination plug. The cable itself will convey a seamless transmission of audio signal.



For an entry-level set, The XUAN NV is pretty well accessorised and TANGZU products are known for its well-designed packaging box. It elevates the unboxing experience of the TANGZU product to let their customers know that their choice who bought their product was well spent.



Here are the following contents inside of TANGZU XUAN NV's packaging box:

• Pair of TANGZU XUAN NV IEM transducers.
• Stock cable
• 3 pairs of TANG SANCAI wide bore ear tips in different standard sizes.
• 3 pairs of TANG SANCAI narrow bore ear tips in different standard sizes.
• PU storage case
• User's manual

As for its required amplification, I mentioned a while ago about the ceramic drivers and this set is definitely hard to drive as it really requires more power output just to power up its ceramic dynamic driver. To achieve an optimal power output to drive this set to its fullest potential, either we will use a USB DAC/Amp dongle, a DAP (Digital Audio Player) with medium and high gain mode, or desktop DAC amplifier.



The XUAN NV has a mild u-shaped sound signature with balanced-warmish tonality that makes it a more analogue-ish profile that will have a warm and smooth sound across its frequency spectrum.




LOWS/BASS:

This set has some characteristics to be a bassy one but a well-done bass emphasis which is absolutely coherent and authoritative not a muddy mess. It delivers a punchy, incisive and rumbly bass response that it complements well with its warm, analogue-ish tuning.

Certainly that there's a sub bass presence as I clearly perceived those resonance effects that were generated by some instruments like low tuned bass guitars and double bass, octobasses, drum machines and synthesisers. The mid bass is definitely well-textured that it gives a sufficient note weight on instruments and deep male vocals. The bass guitars have a definitive growl as they sound weight, sombre and broad that also shares with double basses too. Bass kick drums have those authoritative sounds as they sound full and sonorous. Male vocals like basses and bass-baritones have sufficient thickness, depth and warmer sound with rumbling and darker tone on their voices.


MIDRANGE:

The midrange presentation of this set is slightly recessed, but it has warmth, well-textured and richness on it that will give more plush and smoothness on vocals and instruments. The way it was tuned will give a more pleasant and organic timbre to some listeners who adhere more towards analogue-ish type of tuning.

Male vocals like baritones have smooth and lushness on their voices while tenors have brassy and ringing voice quality but I wish some tad of brightness for lighter tenors like leggero and lyric types. Countertenors seem to have a tender, smooth and light vocal characteristic on them similar to some mezzo-sopranos. On female vocals, contraltos will benefit more on how this set was tuned as it gives more rich, full and smoky voice while mezzo-sopranos have a tender and sensitive vocals to give that coppery characteristic. And then, sopranos have that satiny, sweet and sultry vocals in which are more suitable on dramatic and spinto which have emotive and rich voices rather on lyric and coloratura types which need more energetic and bright sound.

As for instruments, brasses and percussives will sound better on this set as it gives a full and rounded sound on trumpets, a brassy and full sound on trombones, and a velvety and warm on horns while on percussives, warm and resonant sound on tom-toms, a tad boomy and sombre sound on field drums, a hard and a tad muffled sound on snares and lastly, a boomy and substantial sound on kettle drums. String instruments sound a bit smooth and warm as it is quite noticeable that guitars have this meaty and “buttery” sound on them while violins sound full and austere, and then cellos have warm, weighty and sonorous sound on them. Woodwinds like concert flutes, piccolos and clarinets have mellow, soft and rich sound respectively but lack airiness and shimmer on them. Pianos have a warm and mellow tone as it sounds sweet and rich but some might perceive it as dull and veiled.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble response of this set is definitely smooth, even and satiny that I can assure that not a hint of harshness nor sibilance will occur on this type of tuning. It has a slight elevation on the upper mids and presence treble region enough to have an ample clarity and finesse on attack of both percussives rhythmic instruments.

The presence of airy extension on the brilliance part of the treble region is quite modest in my opinion as it also has a barely sparkle on it. Cymbals have a lustrous and undulating sound in them while hi-hats have a proper sound which has a short buzzing one albeit with an added warmth on it. Celestas have a velvety and soft sound, then glockenspiels have a lustrous and warm sound than the usual bright and shimmering sound that these instruments should have.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

It appears that the overall technical capabilities of XUAN NV is more of an above-average in terms of performance-wise. It doesn't have that spacious sound/speaker stage as it presents a more intimate presentation with an average width span, above-average height reach and good depth. The stereo imaging on this one projects a concave-like presentation in a sufficiently layered soundscape with surprisingly good separation of instruments and vocals for a dual dynamic driver set.

The cohesive performance of its dual dynamic drivers is pretty responsive and flexible that it executes a fast, fluid transient speed without any sort of issues like detached sound or distortion. And for resolution capabilities, as I don't consider it superbly resolving especially on micro-detail aspect as it doesn't have that sharp definition on retrieving some nuances and details in an audio track but it has a pretty solid on macro-dynamics after all.


PEER COMPARISONS:

TINHIFI T2 MK.II

• While T2 MK.II also has dual dynamic driver but it was encased in a rounded metal alloy chassis and it uses a MMCX-type of connector. While it doesn't have any storage case or pouch included, it has a decent cable and more choices of ear tips to choose from.
• This set has a neutral ish-bright sound signature which is quite in contrast with XUAN NV warmer sound profile. It has tighter bass response, neutral and transparent midrange and brighter and more airy treble presentation compared to the XUAN NV but it might sound too lean to some listeners and probably less-friendly to some treble-sensitive folk out there. Technical performance-wise, the T2 MK.II is a bit ahead on sound field dimension size and resolving capabilities compared to XUAN NV as it has a tad wider lateral span and more clearer and delineating micro-dynamics. And another thing is that the T2 MK.II is even easier to drive.

QKZ X HBB KHAN

• Another set that is also part of HBB's product collaboration, but this time with QKZ. Like the XUAN NV, it also has a dual dynamic driver set-up but it was also encased in a metal alloy shell. It also has a decent amount of accessories that we can choose from and a cloth sack storage pouch.
• QKZ KHAN like the previous models with HBB collaboration, it shares similar sound profiles, a V-shaped with a very warm tonality on it. Compared to its “half-sister”, The XUAN NV, it has an even warmer sound as it has more boomy and authoritative bass response but it really have a noticeable bass bleed across the mids, midrange presentation appears has warmth but a tad hollow sound vocals and instruments and a smooth and less sparkling treble response. On technical capabilities, KHAN is quite inferior compared to XUAN NV in all technical aspect categories from soundstage size up to the resolution capability but KHAN is easier to drive as it can be used on devices with decent power output.

CCA DUO

• This set is still one of my top favourite dual dynamic driver IEMs out there and also has some good quality dynamic drivers that KZ/CCA implemented there, but the DUO, like all KZ and CCA sets, has a QDC-type connector which I have some doubts on its structural integrity. Don't expect a quality and quantity of accessories on this one as it is quite meagre and its stock cable is pretty basic.
• The DUO has a mild u-shaped sound signature with more sub-bass focused bass response, a clean translucent and energetic midrange and a tad bright and some instances of being shouty and minimal sibilance. On technical performance, compared to the XUAN NV, this set has a bit narrower sound field but it is quite taller and it has more resolving on micro-detail retrieval. And also, the DUO is relatively easy to drive to than the XUAN NV.

As I put my conclusion on this assessment, this set is one of TANGZU's endeavours to diversify their product offerings as they try to be adaptive as fast as possible as the constant and unpredictable changes in the audio market on the evolving technologies available to utilised. By implementing such dynamic driver technology which has many potentials to deliver an exquisite tonal quality but at the expense of more power output just to drive it properly along with the collaboration with one of the most premier portable audio product reviewer in YouTube, this set truly performs on its intended tonal target as it delivers a smooth, cosy and harmonious sound quality. This is probably one of my favourite HBB collaboration sets for under $100/£80 and I will surely recommend it to audio enthusiasts who want a musical well-balanced IEM with smooth, inoffensive and a well-done colouration on its tonal profile for their listening pleasure.


TANGZU XUAN NV is now available in TANGZU's official store and LINSOUL, For those who are interested to purchase this product, I just put up some unaffiliated links below.


★★TANGZU XUAN NV - OFFICIAL STORE★★

★★TANGZU XUAN NV - LINSOUL★★


For more TANGZU products, you can click the links below.

■ TANGZU/TFORCE YUAN LI

■ TANGZU WAN'ER SG

■ TANGZU PRINCESS CHANGLE

■ TANGZU FU DU VERSE I

■ TANGZU XUANWU GATE

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: TANGZU XUAN NV
IMPEDANCE: 8.5Ω
SENSITIVITY: 98dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 7Hz – 20KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.25m
PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (2) DYNAMIC DRIVER(S)


Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **


P.S.

I am not affiliated to TANGZU AUDIO nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to the TEAM TANGZU for sending this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

Review Of The TangZu X HBB Xuan NV​

Introduction​

It has been a while since I reviewed any new TangZu products; the ones I was able to check out were the ones that were recommended at the time of its introduction, such as TangZu Wan'er, Shimin Li Encounter, FUDU Verse, and so on, with FUDU Verse and NehZa being the most recent. The firm was founded not long ago, but it has only just gained traction. Originally known as T-Force, the Chinese company was later renamed TangZu. The company launched the XUAN WU GATE shortly after NehZa, which I was unable to review; however, they just released another IEM known as the Xuan NV, which I was lucky enough to obtain for review. Before starting, I would want to clarify a few things.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. As I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*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 “Xuan.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Xuan based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
*For source I relied on the Sony WM1A and Apple Dongle for my review.

Specification​

The Xuan features a dual driver system that consists of two dynamic drivers, one 10mm ceramic and the other 8mm PU+LCP. The shells are constructed of medical-grade resin with red highlights all over the body, and to be honest, they are one of the most gorgeous shells I've ever seen. The red semi-transparent shell with a faceplate with a butterfly-inspired gold design is incredibly attractive and artistic. Though the shell body is larger than any other IEM, the fit was a bit difficult for me to obtain, but with smaller eartips, I was able to achieve a decent grip and isolation while being comfortable. The cable included with the IEM is the same one used with the FUDU VERSE and maybe the SHIMIN LI ENCOUNTER. The cable has a rubbery feel to it and appears to be quite flexible, making it ideal for use with any IEM. The cable features a two-pin connector on one end and a straight 3.5mm termination plug. Aside from the cable, the accessories include three pairs of wide Sanchai ear-tips, balanced Sanchai ear-tips, one pair of medium ear-tips, and a carrying pouch. Technical characteristics include an impedance of 8.5 ohms and a sensitivity of 98 dB. The frequency response ranges from 7Hz to 20kHz.

Sound​

I'll come right out and say that the Xuan is the most cohesive and resolved IEM among its rivals, including the SIMGOT EA500 series, the new Kefine Delci, and even the EPZ Q5. In comparison, when it comes to the Xuan, the response throughout the region is the most fluid and transparent. Although I find that the response is not as forthright as the other, it raises questions about its clarity and detail understanding, which may not be its strong strength. The balance of all regions helps bring everything to the table, making it sufficiently comprehensive and illuminating. The intensity of the notes in the upper frequencies prevents fatigue or harshness in the mix, so I was able to listen to these for a whole day without having to remove them once. The strangest thing is that I slept while listening, which may be the magic of dynamic drivers. The bass is done very cleanly, and it does not provide a lively engaging response like the Delci, nor does it produce a bright neutral sound in the mix like the EA500LM, but rather a warm-neutral presentation that maintains the whole response sounding extremely safe, coherent, and silky. Let's go further into the sound and learn more about it.

Treble​

While observing responses objectively, I observed that most of the IEMs that I'm comparing Xuan to other IEMs in this price bracket, such as Delci and EA500, have the similar response, with just the energy variable, but the peaks and troughs are almost identical. Though, personally, I find the treble region laid-back but not dark sounding, the response adds enough energy to keep the region seem engaging and fascinating. The high treble has good air and extension, allowing vocals to sound more complete and full-bodied; the same can be said for the instruments, although on busier songs, chimes and cymbals are overwhelmed by thick note response. The lower treble has more energy and results in a more forward response from the vocals and instruments, while also being correct in note weight and density. The notes are vivid and expressive, but the mix lacks sparkle and openness; yet, the cohesive response makes it sound quite calming and comfortable while sounding complete. Tracks like ANLY's Sukinishinayo sound fuller while also revealing; her voice adds soft textured notes, resulting in a more natural presentation overall, while the instrumentation mixes in and complements the vocals without drowning them out. Tracks like Kenka by Kujira Yumemi bring the chimes and sparkle forward, with the voices correcting in terms of tone quality, making the response sound richer yet very natural sounding; when listening to Xuan, I think this track sounds better. As a result, the overall presentation of the treble area is appealing, relaxed, and smooth-sounding.

Mid Range​

The mid-range is properly elevated while sounding as thick and natural as possible, with no peaky or shouty noises introduced into the mix. When I compare Xuan to Delci, I feel that Delci has a less energetic but more refined response owing to more energy in the treble region. The same may be stated for the EA500LM and Xuan, however, the EA500LM is more pronounced in the high frequencies, whilst the Xuan is only noticeable between 3kHz and 4kHz. The upper mid-range has strong heft and energy, which allows the vocals to be more revealing and forward, while the instruments complement them. The notes have nice note weight and depth, bringing a natural timbre over the region, although the thick notes might obscure the voices' expression slightly, despite the fact that the instruments sound just acceptable. The lower mid-range has a clean and dense response, whereas the instruments and vocals have a thick response that sounds like mumbling and drowning. Tracks like AURORA's Black Water Lilies have a very upfront vocal presentation, but they lack airier and open-sounding vocals, while the instrumentation sounds quite calming and excellent in terms of cleanliness and resolution. The voices stretch nicely but lose their charm. However, tracks like Hall of Fame by Script sound really well matched in terms of voice timbre and note reveal. The voices have a strong grasp of the mix and do not drown or get overwhelmed by the instrument's impact, while the notes are mild, allowing for genuine expressions overall. As a result, the overall presentation of the mid-range is expressive, warm, and expressive-sounding, even if the voices are occasionally muffled on busier tracks.

Bass​

Allow me to explain why the bass does not sound like one based on its appearance in the graph. Even though the emphasis is on sub-bass, the bass response leans toward a pleasing sound. Whether sub-bass or mid-bass, the presence and impact are subtle, but they enhance when listening to bass-heavy tracks. One thing I particularly like about the bass is how smooth and warm it is, without being overly analytical. The bass of the EA500LM is textured and articulated, which I enjoy, but it is not as fulfilling as the natural warm-sounding bass of Delci or Xuan. The sub-bass is deep, but only enough to provide a faint rumbling and discernible punches. When it comes to slams and thumps, I feel slams to be more obvious, but thumps are more like presence rather than impact or influence in the mix. Tracks like Kool-Aid by Bring Me The Horizon sound clean and rich because the notes have a substantial warm presence, making the response seem fuller and more engaging. The vocals are not drowned out, but the bass notes from the kick drums have a significant presence and impact without being authoritative. The same can be stated for TOOL's track Vicarious, since the vocals and bass notes are far apart and do not interfere; in fact, the kick drums are prominent but not overpowering, maintaining a superb balance between all instruments and, of course, vocals. And when the bass guitar notes come over, they sound incredibly clean and fluid, with vigour and decent note weight, resulting in quite realistic sound. Overall, the bass response is warm, rich, and satisfying to listen to.

Technical Performance​

In terms of technical specifications, the Xuan is a moderately performing IEM when compared to its peers, particularly the technical monster EA500LM. To be honest, with such a response, I never expected a very technically proficient IEM, so I find it slightly below its peers but better in some technical aspects. Let's be more specific.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The soundstage takes a closer approach with a decent holographic response, resulting in good note separation, but it is not particularly distinctive; the imaging is not very exact or clear, so the quality of the note projection is not sharp or immaculate. However, I like the separation of the notes to the Delci.

Speed & Resolution​

In terms of resolution, I find the presentation to be revealing, but only in the sense that the macro subtleties are simple to grasp, whilst minute nuances are hardly noticeable. The attack and decay of the notes are more organically controlled, resulting in a natural sound.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring Me The Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Goyte - Somebody That I Used To Know
Script - Hall of Fame
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

To conclude this review, I must state that Tangzu adopted a new approach this time around, providing a superb sounding IEM to a different target audience. Xuan delivers a warm-neutral sound with excellent treble extension, full-bodied and natural mids, and a warm but organic bass response. This IEM bridges the gap for folks who desire outstanding treble yet have dark-sounding IEMs. I honestly feel Tangzu did an excellent job of presenting a safe alternative in the 80USD pricing range. So my recommendation goes to folks who seek the smoothest and most cohesive sounding IEM under 80 USD that provides superb treble without sounding harsh, lean, or bright, and I would advise people who want a detailed and clear sounding IEM to try Xuan first.

The Tangzu X HBB Xuan NV have been sent to me by Linsoul for me to try them out and to publish my opinions in this review. Linsoul have not made any requests, they never do, and I will do my usual best to be as unbiased as possible in my review.

The Tangzu X HBB Xuan NV can be found via Linsoul here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tangzu-xuannv

As always, this is a non-affiliate link.

To avoid being repetitive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews



Intro…

Can anyone say for sure how many collaborations HBB has? Can HBB even name them all without looking them up? I know that I lost track many moons ago

Seriously though, I don’t think HBB or his collaborations need any introduction at this point in time and the Xuan NV is his latest (or maybe not?) with the brand Tangzu, who he already collaborated with in the past. While I didn’t get to listen to the Heyday, his previous Tangzu collab, I do know that there were plenty of people who enjoyed it. This time, we have moved from the planar in the Heyday to a dual dynamic driver in the Xuan NV and the price has also dropped from 190€ to around 70€ for this model.

We are used to collaborations from HBB being very different from previous models, so, what do we get with the Xuan NV?



Presentation…

Tangzu have a habit of using classic looking artwork on their packaging and the Xuan NV is no different, with a box cover that is still anime inspired but more traditional in its intent. The reference to HBB is also quite subtle, with just his logo appearing on the bottom right corner, without further reference to him on the packaging. The back of the packaging shares some basic specs of the IEMs and plenty of QR codes to scan.

Opening the box we get the IEMs, a pouch style storage case, 6 sets if Tang Sancai tips (3x balanced and 3x wide), plus a set of simple white silicone tips installed and the cable. Nothing extraordinary but plenty to allow us to enjoy the IEMs.



Build and aesthetics…

The shells are 3D printed in medical grade resin, with a transparent red colour to them and gold design on the faceplate to represent a butterfly wing on each IEM. If you look very closely, you will see HBB in lettering on one wing and Tangzu on the other, although you will have to look very very closely, as it is very hard to make out.

The internals contain 2x dynamic drivers, one 10mm ceramic and the other an 8mm PU+LCP. The overall impedance of these drivers is quite low, 8.5 Ohms, but so is the sensitivity at 98dB. I have found that these IEMs do need quite a bit of power to get them to my usual listening levels, so those of you who listen loud (the majority listen louder than me), will need to make sure you have a decent dongle or amplifier, I don’t suggest trying to run these from a phone.

Overall, the IEMs look decent enough, they are very lightweight and I find them to be comfortable even for long listening sessions.



Sound…

All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)
As I said a moment ago, HBB has a lot of collaborations and also has the habit of each one being different. I am not sure if he is trying to collect tunings like Pokemon but here is a quick recap of the tunings he has had so far (and I am probably missing quite a few):



Well, the Xuan NV manages to find yet another variation in tuning, so call HBB whatever you want but he certainly isn’t boring when it comes to choosing a tuning:



So, to put this into perspective against my usual preference curve that I use as a reference, this is what it looks like:



So let’s start off with “Chameleon” as usual and talk about subbass. There is plenty of rumble for my tastes although it is not the cleanest of low notes that I have heard. By that I don’t mean it does a bad job, far from it, it is controlled but it does seem to blend the subbass notes together slightly when this track is at its fullest. To be honest, it is a brutal test for IEMs anyway, as there is a lot of low end there and the Xuan NV don’t fall apart. I have heard better but I have heard many sets that are much worse.

With something a little less overloaded, like “No Sanctuary Here”, there is more clarity, things don’t suffer quite as much. I still wouldn’t say it is amazing in the lowest notes but it is certainly decent enough. There can be just a little too much going on in “Royals” but if we move to something more midbass focused, such as “Sun Is Shining”, then things get a lot better.

Mids are pretty decent and if we don’t overload the lowest registers, the tonality and performance of the mids is more than acceptable. There is a rather large boost around the 3kHz mark which serves well to counteract the subbass but can leave things a little harsh when we take tracks that are not really bass focused, such as acoustic songs like “Tears in Heaven”.

I find that it works much better for some of the older hip hop tracks that are not overly heavy in the subbass but still have enough in the bass department for the vocals to not be overly harsh due to that 3k boost.

One thing I will say is that there is absolutely no harshness to my ears from that 5kHz region, something that I really appreciate. To me a boosted 3kHz is much more tolerable than a 5kHz peak, although each person is sensitive to different frequencies, so your mileage may vary.

Sibilance is also kept in check, or reduced rather, with no sign of sibilance in the usual suspects like Patricia Barber in “Code Cool”.

The treble extension is not great, with a noticeable roll off that does give a sensation of lacking air. This interacts with the overall signature to present a rather laid back presentation that is not the most detailed.



Conclusion…

I seem to have tried out quite a few IEMs lately that have a “relaxed and laid back” presentation, some more than others. In the case of the Xuan NV, it is an enjoyable set of IEMs for the most part, although I do find it to be lacking detail retrieval in general and it can also become a little overwhelming if we pump overly (sub)bassy music into it.

While I don’t have any specific issues with the Xuan NV, I really don’t find it to stand out above other similar alternatives at similar price points. This is not to say that you won’t enjoy it, if you are looking for a presentation that is of this style, then I think that you will enjoy it, I just feel that there are other alternatives with a similar laid back style that can compete.

__
As always, this review is also available in Spanish, both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)

All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link

All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation

Here is my thoughts on this Tangzu X HBB Xuan NV

The Shell is a nice all resin design it is both attractive and comfortable with good isolation for me and they are light.
The tips are unique, and I must say I like them. The cable is not bad quality per say but is a very sticky kind of rubber that catches easily on my clothes and attracts lint, hairs, ETC. it comes with a kind of case pouch thingy like some of the Truethears.


The Xuan NV Sound:

It presents with a neutral-warm signature.
Bass: is punchy and Sub-Bass has a nice rumble and decay. Mid-Bass punches quickly and both are well tectured with excellent control.
Midrange: Mids offer a thick lush presentation with good vocals particularly male but that's not to say female dont sound good as well. vocals have a good potion and clarity this IEM in my opinion leans more towards a U shape tuning.
Treble: The highs offer an almost totally Neutral presentation with good sparkle and air but zero harshness. The highs are smooth and safely tuned so even treble sensitive should find them well tuned. Details are average and the smooth non fatiguing highs are not for treble heads.

Soundstage: The stage is accurate with good placement but less deep than it is wide. While not a technical wounder it does do a decent job for a dual dynamic IEM.

In a nutshell: The neutral-warm signature and relaxing nature of the Xuan NV make a perfect all-around everyday IEM for me I love the enjoyable and fun tone.

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Disclaimer:

• I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as earphones should be used.
• Linsoul sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, transparent review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
• The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.

Source/s used:

• - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
• - Tanchjim Space DAC
• - Hidizs S9 Pro DAC
• - Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
• - Sony Xperia X Compact
• -Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: Stock TangZu Sancai Medium Eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume.

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Sound signature:

• This is quite unusual when compared to most HBB-influenced IEMs in terms of the overall sound signature. It isn’t as bassy nor nowhere near basshead level compared to his other collab IEMs. The Tangzu Xuan NV exhibits a neutral-warm sound signature, wherein the bass is mildly elevated and does not bleed on other frequencies that much.

Lows:

• As I have mentioned earlier, I wouldn’t call this a basshead set as this does not have the “head-shaking bass” that we are used to seeing (or hearing, rather) on his collabs. The bass here is mildly elevated, thick, punchy, and nearly clean. It is midbass-focused, and is quite fast in terms of attack and decay. This doesn’t mean that this lacks bass on his preferred genres at all though. Most genres, particularly the hip hop and EDM tracks are still very enjoyable and do not get mushy at all on this set.

Mids:

• As for the mids, it falls within the “neutral” to my ears, in terms of position and elevation. It isn’t too forward for me to call it nasal, but does not also suffer any recession as well for me to call it drowned or subdued. Lower mids exhibit a little bit of midbass bleed to keep things warm, but isn’t very noticeable and will only show itself when you compare it to a flat-sounding IEM. Lower mids show a bit of thickness and smoothness, which results for a thicker sounding vocals and instruments in this region. Upper mids are present, clear, have a decent air, and quite smoothened out to my liking. This also means that this does not suffer any unnatural harshness and peaks, which can be a good thing for those people with ears that are sensitive to upper frequencies.

Highs:

• Moving on to the treble, it is decently extended, still in the “neutral” category in my book in terms of elevation, and free from any harshness nor sibilance. Some people, particularly those people who prefer brighter sound signatures may find the extension of the treble of this IEM a little bit “lacking”, but this is nowhere near dark in my humble opinion. I’d call this “safe” in terms of extension and air, but never lacking for most people. Detail retrieval is average and does the job really well on microdetails, but nowhere near clinical.

Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:

• Technicalities isn't Xuan NV’s forte, but I can confidently say that it is no slouch either. The soundstage is decently wide, with a good amount of height and depth. Separation is very good on most tracks in terms of handling them but can still get mild congestion on very busy tracks. Layering and imaging is surprisingly good on this set and got me turning my head on certain tracks as it is very precise and clear, even on FPS games.

Other IEM Comparisons!

VS Simgot EW200

• The Simgot EW200 is lighter in bass, wider in soundstage, and brighter in sound when compared. The Xuan NV is thicker in sound and safer in upper frequencies.

VS QKZ X HBB: Hades

• The Hades definitely has the bass in terms of quantity, but lacks the refinement that the Xuan NV has. Mids on the Xuan NV does not suffer any excessive midbass bleed. The treble on the Hades is darker and safer when compared in expense for a less detailed upper frequencies. Technical performance on the Hades is more prone to congestion when compared to the Xuan NV. Both are fairly hard to drive for an IEM.

VS Simgot EA500 LM (Stock Brass Nozzle)

• The EA500 LM is a slightly brighter option/competitor when compared to the Xuan NV. The EA500 LM is also an excellent technical performer under 100 USD in my own opinion, while Xuan NV aims for a more musical, smooth tonal performance. The EA500 LM is also easier to drive when compared.

VS Etymotic ER3SE

• They Etymotic ER3SE is a flatter, uncoloured sound when compared. The Xuan NV exhibits better bass presentation due to its driver configuration, while the ER3SE presents itself in a clinical manner.

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Pros:

• One of HBB’s “best collab” in terms of overall sound! (personal take, subjective)
• A well-tuned, neutral-warm sounding IEM!
• Well, controlled, punchy, bass quality.
• Lush, smooth, thick mids.
• Non-fatiguing upper frequencies.
• Very good technical performance for its price, particularly on layering and imaging.
• Beautiful, visually-pleasing, vibrant IEM shells!
• Very good comfort, fit and isolation!
• No “driver flex” unlike some resin-based IEMs! (I appreciate this a lot)
• Very good included accessories in terms of quality!
• Scales well with a fairly powerful source.

Cons:

• Despite having a very good technical performance in my book, this isn’t the IEM you may want to look at first if you are looking for a highly-technical IEM under 100 USD.
• A bit harder to drive properly than usual; has the same volume needed of the HBB Hades using the same setup.
• Shell can be a bit chunky to smaller ears.
• Cable is not “up to par” in terms of overall material quality for its asking price.
• They did include a pouch, but a hard case would’ve been nice since this is a resin-based IEM (definitely a nitpick)

=======================================================================================================

The Tangzu Xuan NV is quite different, or unusual to see (and hear, of course) when we are talking about HBB’s IEM collabs, in terms of overall sound quality and presentation. This IEM differs from the other HBB collabs by steering away from the usual boosted, bassy sound and focused on achieving the “all-rounder” IEM title. In my own opinion, the Tangzu Xuan NV and the Zu Weitan Heyday are the only two HBB IEMs I find excellent and versatile for its asking price. If we’re going to look at the bigger picture, the Xuan NV holds up really well, and even competes with the recent IEMs under 100 USD, due to its versatile, smooth, lush presentation. I wholeheartedly recommend the Tangzu Xuan NV for those people who want a versatile IEM in terms of sound without sacrificing too much of the technical chops. Highly recommended!

Pairing recommendation/s:

• Source: This IEM needs at least 2vrms of power from the source to sound best. I recommend neutral-sounding dongles for this one.
• Eartips: The eartips are more than enough and really good in quality from their own house. You may still use your own eartips.
• Cable: The cable is quite flimsy and sticky. You may use your preferred cable.

Thank you for reading!

Non-affiliated link here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tangzu-xuannv

Additional Photos Here:

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


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

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


How do these headphones sound?

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

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



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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

“looky here”

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

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

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




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


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

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

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


Music used:


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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





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



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



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

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

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

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



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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intro

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




Disclaimer


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





Specifications


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

Sensitivity : 98dB 1kHz

Impedance : 8.5Ω 1kHz±20%

Frequency range : 7Hz-20kHz

Cable material : Single crystal oxygen-free copper

Cable Length : 1.2m±5%

Socket interface : 2pin0.78 3.5mm SE





Packaging


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


Build and Comfort


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






Sound Aspects


Source used :


Realme 9 Pro

KiwiEars Allegro

Ibasso DC04 pro


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

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


Bass


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


Mids


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


Treble


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


Technicalities


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




Conclusion

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

Highly recommended!


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

TL;DR: Buttery smooth - a new easy to recommend IEM for starters (that can afford to drop the extra $)

Overview/History
Hi all. Welcome to another probably long winded review. Going to plaster the disclaimer early!

Disclaimers: I've followed HBB on YT and other forums since I've gotten back into the audio game and I typically find that HBB's sound preference matches mine.

Suffice to say, I really like this set so if you're already tired of reading, my summary is that "This be good, buy not be bad idea" and you should consider it if you're looking for a smooth ~$100 IEM.



The Xuan NV is a new collaboration between TangZu and HBB (aka Hawaii Bad Boy aka Bad Guy Good Audio). They are a 2 DD set with, according to linsoul's website, integrates 'ceramic and PU + LCP diaphragms to produce a rich, detailed sound profile' which may not mean a lot to everyone that's newer to the hobby but there you go. From prior videos and history, the Xuan NV was meant to come out around the same time as the QKZ x HBB Hades so you'd be getting a "blue pill or red pill" option at the same time. Obviously, considering the Xuan NV didn't start hitting the retailers until months after the Hades, this didn't line up according to plan. But, c'est la vie. Onto the photo dump!

Build Quality, Comfort and Accessories
Photo dump time!





My goodness, they're freaking gorgeous. This is my second TangZu IEM that I've ever handled with the first being the Fudu Verse 1 which were super stealthy looking. That was a great unboxing/presentation/accessory filled release and I'm happy to point out that TangZu knocked it out of the park on this one too.

One underrated aspect to the Xuan NV is that while the nozzle feels larger, the overall size of the IEM isn't too much and they fit extremely well in my ears. YMMV.

You get a nice cable (very soft and I could see people thinking it feels flimsy but I find it very pliable/agreeable) and a small travel case.








You also get TangZu Sanchai Tips



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



You also get 3 different sizes so you can find the best fit.

Tip Rolling
Taking a moment to talk about tips, this is the first time that I really enjoyed the stock tips! They had a set of white tips that were already on there and I think they brought the character of the IEMs that TangZu/HBB wanted you to experience.

That being said, I did try out the TangZu Sanchai tips vs my own flight of tips as well. I typically rotate between the Final Audio Type E, the Dunu S&S and the SpinFit W1.



Stock Tips: Absolutely solid. I'm usually not a fan because they don't fit me perfectly but these sealed well and provided a similar experience to the Final Audio Type E.
TangZu Sanchai Tips - Wide Bore: Not a fan. Bass was gone while the mids/highs felt too inflated. Soundstage was great on these though. Maybe these aren't the best on the Xuan NV.
TangZu Sanchai Tips - Balanced: Balanced. I don't know how else to put them. They sound solid. My only issue was that they felt more intimate/closed compared to the stock tips or the others.
SpinFit W1: I think a bassier version of the Wide Bore tips but with more natural mid/highs. I still didn't prefer these tips on the Xuan NV.
Dunu S&S: Because the Xuan NV have chonkier nozzle, I was expecting my go to Chonky Nozzle dominators (the Dunu S&S) to be my preferred. They work extremely well on the Truthear Zero Reds. But, while they worked well in this set up, they were a runner up the Stock/Final tips.
Final Type E Clear/Reds: Not only does the colors work in this case, but they sound amazing together. Final Type E are usually my go to ear tips (preferred over Divinus). I will say, though, that while I think the overall sound presentation with the Type Es are my favorite, the white stock tips actually worked very well. I don't know why but they do.



Cable
The cable is very nice and soft. It does borderline feel almost flimsy but I think that works in certain situations especially if you're using these on the go. I do have some Xinhs cables (two different ones, Rainbow one is a bit stiffer vs the black/silver balanced one that I have) and Tripowin Zonie and I think the Xuan NV's cable is right up there for different reasons.





Sound
But, how do these sound? Overall, smooth. Don't be fooled by the Squig; the bass is there and it's not anemic at all. This would probably skew towards the 'warm neutral' sound signature (which is a total cop out summary). You can listen to anything with these and be satisfied. This is a good all rounder, IMO, and is easily my new benchmark for the price point.

Gear Tested On: Primarily streamed music via either dedicated Streamer, Laptop or Phone
Phone chain: Pixel 8 Pro -> Abigail Dongle
Streamed Music Chain Workstation: Laptop -> Fiio K11
Streamed Music chain: WiiM Mini -> JDS Labs Atom DAC+ -> JDS Labs OL Switcher -> Geshelli Labs Archel 3 Pro.

Lows/Bass: The low end for the Xuan NV is warm. I would not call it a bassy set (mainly because I do have a basshead set that is probably my reference point to bassy) but I think it's important to note that the Squigs available online make this set seem anemic when it's fuller than you'd think. I think the nature of the IEM (where it's not as sensitive and needs more power) help drive this home.

There isn't a lot of mid-bass because this isn't the intention with this set; this is supposed to be an opposite, in a way, to the Hades which is sub/mid-bass boosted for bassheads.

I would say that bass here is like a warm blanket on a cool evening; enough to make you feel comfortable without needing to grab anything else (like EQing, etc.) - could you grab more and further tune it? Yes, absolutely. But, that's not tuning choice in these. And, if you want to tune/EQ it to have the deeper sub-bass/mid-bass hit, there are a lot of options to provide those hits out the gate (Legato, Hades, QKZ x HBB, etc.).

Mids: The midrange is very full as expected based on the tuning/squig presentations. There is no deficiency when it comes to vocals (either male or female) and I think the smoothness of the mid-range accentuates the music you're listening to.

I would say that the mid-range is on par with a lot of it's competition and presented in a very musical manner that further makes this set a natural all-rounder.

Treble: Smooth and inoffensive. There isn't a lot of extension and energy but, again, that makes this set something you can listen to for hours and blends well with the bass/mids.

There isn't a lot to really say about the highs beyond that I think the tuning choice makes sense given what TangZu and HBB were trying to accomplish here and they found the best balance without making it boring.

Specific songs listened to and other Etc.:

I listened to a lot of my library but here's some key highlights. Without breaking down each track, I think the Xuan NV did great on a lot of tracks with some standing out (marked by an asterisk).

Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child of Mine*
Death Cab for Cutie - Everything's a Ceiling*
Fleetwood Mac - Dreams
Black Keys - Gold on the Ceiling*
Queen & David Bowie - Under Pressure
Jackie Wilson - Higher & Higher (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me)*
Coconut Records - It's Not You It's Me
SEATBELTS - Gotta Knock a Little Higher*
Earth, Wind and Fire - September
Camille - Le Festin*
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds*

I would say that my music taste is extremely eclectic and there wasn't a lack of anything found in my listening.

The Xuan NV sound extremely natural with it's timbre, there is no extra highlight of any one aspect of the sound balance but this isn't really meant to be a detail monster.

Soundstage is very adequate on the right source and gear. They scale very well with power so the better the equipment, the more you get out of them. Details are there and while not brought to the forefront, I don't think you're missing out on anything. Imaging/Layering is all extremely competent but not leading in it's price point.

Other Things to be aware of:
At this time, there's two things to be aware of. My order was delayed due to there being a lot of pre-orders so I was anticipating getting this sooner than I did. I'm not sure if the stock has finally caught up and there's an availability now but hopefully, if you're interested, you don't have any long delays.

The other thing is that some squigs have shown some channel imbalance; I don't have a measuring rig (as I don't want to be fully colored/influenced by utilizing one myself) but I will say that I did not notice any imbalance on my set. Just something to be aware of.

Another thing to note, these are very power hungry and I do find that I have to increase the power/volume more than the Kato to get to the similar volume. They also pair very well with good sources/equipment. As prior mentioned, the Abigail dongle does an adequate job with them but playing them on the Fiio K11 and my Archel 3 Pro really opened them up. They respond very well to power.

I also used balanced cables on these with the K11; it helped a bit with sound separation (and I do mean just a little bit but it could be a placebo effect) and meant I don't have to ramp up the volume but I didn't notice any fully audible change in sound.

Last thing to note is where this IEM falls in the current market place.

IMO, this is a Jack of all Trades type of IEM and while it won't lead in class in any particular one aspect of it's sound, I don't think you'd be able to find any negatives with it.

I've listened to the Zero RED (extensively as this was one of those IEMs that everyone recommended as a first/starter) and I own a Moondrop Kato. The Xuan NV feels right in between there like if you took the Zero RED, gave it a bit more tactile bass, gave it a bit more details/vocal warmth and then went in between the Kato and Zero RED size.

That being said, the Zero RED does exist and is comparable; you'd basically have to figure out do you want a similar sounding (albeit a little bit better) Zero RED in a more comfortable package? There would be no reason to sidegrade if you're already feeling fine about the Zero RED. Other IEMs in this price bracket (ones that I've tried include Fudu Verse 1, Kiwi Ears Melody, Singolo, Galileo) each bring something different to the field to warrant consideration vs the Zero RED whether it's better bass, better vocals, etc. so I would say that the Xuan NV not going to bring something definitively better than it's competition. The competition each have different drawbacks to me while there was none really found here. How much you're willing to spend on an all-rounder really depends on you.

But, honestly, that's a winning aspect to me where you get a very good/warm/balanced sound signature but in a much more comfortable shell so I would consider this right in my ballpark and what I was looking for to add to my collection.

Conclusion:
This is an absolutely smooth operator. Based on the balanced yet warm sound, the amount of accessories you get and the overall looks, TangZu and HBB went out of their way to provide an amazing package at a relatively affordable price.

This is pure conjecture but, in thinking about HBB's intent with the Xuan NV/Hades combo, it felt like HBB saw what Crinacle had done with his Truthear Zero/Zero RED and decided:



While the Zero/Zero RED are different, they still have aspects that are closely aligned to each other while HBB decided that he wanted a sibling set that was drastically different from each other. Each serves a different crowd. You have one for people that want that subwoofer in their ear rattling and another for the people that want a smooth/buttery sound that helps them relax with their music. But, at the end of the day, you're going to enjoy your music with either one so pick your 'Blue Pill' or 'Red Pill'.

I would go so far to say that I think the Xuan NV is such a compelling package that it would be my go-to set that I would shill if someone was interested in trying out IEMs in the first place (and could afford to save up more vs the Zero RED or other budget options). This would be a great set to show someone the evolution of how far IEMs have come, how much more capable they are vs some random wireless earbuds that are lossy and not tuned well and even allow them to further tune via tip rolling.

Consider me got by the Red Pill.

Thanks for reading!

TangZu X HBB Xuan NV review and comparisons.

I would like to thank Linsoul Audio for sending me these great-looking in-ear monitor (IEM) earphones for a review. Linsoul Audio never told me what I could or could not say. I have no money to gain from this review. Rest assured that everything I say will be in my own words.

TangZu Audio is a relatively new audio company based in China, and TangZu X HBB Xuan NV (79 USD); a dual dynamic driver configured IEM, is a collaboration between TangZu Audio and a popular YouTuber and audio reviewer, Hawaiian Bad Boy, or HBB. His YouTube channel's name is Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews, but I think he is a good person.

The TangZu x HBB Xuan NV is one of the few IEMs that made me smile upon first listening. It sounds better than some IEMs I've heard that cost many times more. If you were to listen to them side by side like I did, man, I'm sure you'll be smiling too.

It looks stunning in person, especially if you like the color red. Personally, it reminds me of candy. And the finish is shiny and seems durable, as I haven't seen any scratches in the week that I've been daily using it, in a hard case when in my pocket.

The uboxing experience is just okay and aligned with its price, but the box looks good enough to be worth keeping.



Eartips and cable:

The effects of the eartips on sound are subtle but can't be underestimated. There are three types of tips included: the first is the white one, the one pre-installed on the IEM, which sounds the warmest; the second is the Tang Sancai normal bore tips, which sound average; and the third is the Tang Sancai wide bore tips, which, to my ears, make the IEM sound more like an audiophile type of tuning; it has the best technicalities in sound but sacrifices the bass presence just a little; this is the tip I like most, and the one I used in this review.

The cable included is average in quality for the price of the set; I upgraded it to a thicker and higher quality XIHNS cable.


Synergy:

The TangZu x HBB Xuan NV is not fussy about sources when it comes purely to sound quality, as it is not tuned for critical listening in my opinion, but it is revealing enough, at least for me, to reveal the subtle differences between the sources I tried it with.

Sensitivity, power handling, distortion, and amplification:

The TangZu x HBB Xuan NV is less sensitive than average; I have to pump up the volume about 30 to 40 percent more to match the loudness of my other IEMs on average. It may not be fussy about pairing purely for sound quality, but its low impedance, hence a difficult load and lower sensitivity, needs a powerful enough amplifier to reach its full potential.

I find the Moondrop Moonriver 2, Moondrop Dawn Pro, and Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha in balanced mode with a 4.4mm connection to be more than adequate for my needs. At 75 percent volume, they can drive the TangZu x HBB Xuan NV to very loud but safe volume levels, but when I reached 85 percent volume, the output protection on the Moonriver 2 and S9 Pro Plus Martha would kick in and cut off the music intermittently. On my bigger sources, such as the Fiio M15s DAP, Topping G5 DAC/Amp, and FX-Audio R07 desktop headamp, there was no problem driving the Xuan NV to a very loud volume, and it can take high power and go very loud without obvious distortion.



Sound signature, tonality, coherency and dynamics:

Bassy, warm, neutral, and energetic: The bass is obviously boosted but never overbearing, the overall tonality is warm, and the midrange and treble are very neutral in tuning. There was no circumstance that the Xuan NV shouted at me unless recorded in the music; the upper midrange was tuned on the safe side, but it never sounded boring. It sounds consistently energetic across the audio range. The Xuan NV sounds very coherent from low volume to high volume levels. There were no signs that the sound was being produced by two different drivers; it's as if they speak as one.

One thing that is also worth mentioning is that the Xuan NV sounds open, unlike some budget hybrids and dual dynamic driver sets I've heard that sounded a little congested and lacked dynamics.

Resolution and details:

The Xuan NV has enough resolving power to make you enjoy the details in the music, but not so much that it sounds analytical. It never pushes the details in your face; it has a soft-handed presentation of the details, but when you search for them, they are there. It also has a fair amount of fine micro-details, but not so much that they call your attention, just enough to make the sound naturally enjoyable.
.
Soundstage, imaging, and holography:

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



Bass:

This is the best part of the Xuan NV; it's the best boosted bass I've heard, but take this with a grain of salt as I haven't heard all the bass-boosted IEMs available. The bass, though boosted, doesn't sound overbearing; it sounds fast and very coherent with the rest of the music; there is no sensation that it is getting left behind by the speed of the midrange and treble; it sounds very musical and energetic. I am confident to say that even neutral-head audiophiles who are looking for a bassy set as a variety would be very pleased with the bass that's in the TangZu x HBB Xuan NV.

On the song "Jessie Ware - 12 [Demo]" (please search YouTube), the bass sounds very pleasantly accompanying the vocals and keeping up with the rest of the music.

On the song "Take This Love by Sergio Mendez" (please search YouTube), the timing of the bass drum and bass guitar is very tight, and the bass has a very pleasant depth and growly texture. I've never heard this song's bass section sound this good.

Midrange:

Warmish-neutral and lush sounding; smooth and non-fatiguing; there are no frequencies that jump out at you; the upper midrange is a little laid back; and when it comes to vocals, it tends to favor the male vocals just a little more than the female vocals.

Treble:

Surprisingly refined and delicate, it sounds as if you are listening to a more expensive set. Very smooth yet energetic, with a good amount of macro details, micro details, air, and sparkle. The upper treble extension seems to be very finely tuned, as it's neither too much nor too little; it's just the right amount for my taste. There is no harshness in the highs; it is totally non-fatiguing.

Comparisons:

Compared to QKZ x HBB Khan (40 USD):

The QKZ x HBB Khan, released in the year 2022, is a collaboration product of HBB and QKZ. The Khan has a good and clean subwoofer-like sounding bass, but when it comes to the midrange and treble, there's no contest; the Xuan NX absolutely obliterates the Khan. The Khan has a thin midrange note weight and a less refined-sounding treble that can sound fatiguing at times.

Compared to Simgot EA500 (65 USD):

The Simgot EA500 has been, for a long time, a benchmark in sound quality in the 60- to 100-dollar price range. It is now supplanted by a newer version called the EA500LM.

The EA500 has a thin note weight and sounds tiring in long listening sessions because of it. The EA500 has a more forward presentation and also has good amounts of details, but it has a flat soundstage, meaning the instruments and vocals all seem to come from a space near you in a flat manner. It lacks three dimensionality, not like the Xuan NV which sounds more holographic by comparison and never fatiguing as it has a thicker note weight and a smother overall presentation.

Compared to Moondrop May (60 USD):

Using a third-party cable and not the DSP cable that it came with, the May is my previous top contender in the 60 to 100 dollar category; it is now surpassed by the TangZu x HBB Xuan NV. The May has a very tasteful sub-bass boost, a mildly recessed midrange, and a very articulate sounding treble due to its planar treble driver that operates at 8 KHz and above. The only obvious fault of the May in my opinion, is the lack of cohesion between its dynamic and planar drivers. I can hear some incoherency in the treble, but even so, the sound of the May is very good, and it is still on my recommended list in its price range.

Compared to QKZ x HBB Hades (50 USD):

The Hades is a recent collaboration product between HBB and QKZ. The Hades is a straight-out bass-head IEM, and the bass is so loud that it drowns out the midrange and treble. When it comes to sound quality, the Xuan NV has much better-sounding bass and overall sound quality in general. I can't personally recommend the Hades; just go with the Xuan NV insteads.



What I like:
.
+ the bass.
+ the design and color.
+ the overall good sound.
+ the price.
+ the eartips.


What I don't like:

- for the price, none.

The wrap-up:

I was pleasantly surprised about how good the TangZu x HBB Xuan NV sounded the first time I listened to it, and I'm still reveling about it now after a week. This is an excellent value for money, and to be honest, if I weren't a reviewer and just a regular audiophile looking for an IEM on this budget and magically knew what I knew now, I would just buy the Xuan NV and just enjoy the music. Needless to say, I wholeheartedly recommend the TangZu x HBB Xuan NV to my friends and everyone. Cheers!

5-3-2024

This collaboration between Tangzu Audio and the revered reviewer HBB promises an experience as captivating as its name, The Xuan NV, which translates to "mysterious woman" in Chinese, promises an intriguing soundscape. But will it live up to the hype? Linsoul kindly sent this IEM my way for an honest review, and I'm eager to dissect its every aspect – from design and comfort to, most importantly, the soundscape HBB has helped craft.

UNBOXING:

Upon receiving the Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV in the mail, the first thing that caught my eye was the stunning artwork adorning the box, featuring captivating waifu illustrations and yes i like waifu and It sets the tone for what's to come—a blend of artistry and craftsmanship and some HBB love.

Opening the box reveals a black soft leather pouch, It's a thoughtful inclusion for safely storing your iem but the real surprise are the two sets of balance and wide bore Tang Sancai tips nestled within the packaging. These tips when bought separately cost 12usd per set.

Moving on to the IEM itself, the shell immediately commands attention with its striking bright blood-red hue, exuding elegance and sophistication. The gold-painted graphic art on the face plates further enhances its aesthetic appeal, the black cable however feels cheap and has a sticky rubber like material which remineds me of my old kz zst cable but not a deal breaker i just replaced with my 4.4 balance cable.

FIT and DESIGN:

• The Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEM fits like a glove, providing a snug and secure fit that ensures comfort during extended listening sessions. Its ergonomic design contours to the shape of my ear, minimizing any discomfort or strain. The shape allows them to sit flush against my ears without causing any pressure points. Overall, the fit of the Xuan NV enhances my listening experience by providing stability, comfort and a good seal.
• 3D Printed Resin Shells: The Xuan NV utilizes lightweight and comfortable 3D printed resin shells. They come in a sleek red finish with gold artwork are visually appealing.

DRIVER:

Ceramic drivers are known for their high sensitivity and low impedance, which means they can produce ample sound output with relatively low power input. This makes ceramic driver IEMs generally easy to drive however, while ceramic driver IEMs may be easy to drive, they can still benefit from higher-quality amplification for optimal performance.

PU, known for its flexibility and damping properties, provides the foundation for the dynamic driver. Its ability to absorb unwanted vibrations helps minimize distortion and coloration, resulting in cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction. Additionally, PU dynamic drivers often excel in reproducing mid-range frequencies with warmth and richness, making them well-suited for vocals and instrumentals.

On the other hand, LCP is renowned for its exceptional stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio. This allows LCP dynamic drivers to produce highly detailed and articulate sound. LCP's rigidity enables faster transient response and reduced resonance, resulting in improved clarity and resolution, particularly in the high-frequency range.

By combining PU and LCP dynamic drivers in the Xuan NV, most likely Tangzu audio aim to leverage the complementary strengths of both materials to achieve a balanced sound signature. The PU driver provides a solid foundation for the mid-range frequencies, delivering warmth and body to vocals and instruments, while the LCP driver adds clarity, detail, and precision to the overall sound presentation, especially in the treble region.

The dual dynamic driver configuration of the Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEM combining two distinct driver to deliver a balance audio experience with the help of a little amplification, its not hard to drive but to fully enjoy a dynamic sound of this iem a simple dongle dac amp will open it up to its full potential.


SOUND:


Bass:

One of the most impressive aspects of the Tangzu X HBB IEM is its clean and rich bass response. the Xuan NV delivers a bass that strikes a perfect balance between warmth and clarity. Sub bass rumble is strong but well controlled The mid bass is smooth, unintrusive, and maintains remarkable clarity and energy even in bass-heavy tracks. Whether you're listening to bass-shy tunes or 90s alternative rock anthems, the Xuan NV bass adds a layer of depth and richness without overshadowing other frequencies.

Mids:


The midrange of Xuan NV is the best part where i think it truly shines, offering a sweet and smooth thick sound signature that is captivating and immersive. Instruments and vocals are presented with a warm, rich, thick velvet like smoothness. Vocal clarity is superb, pristine and well-layered. Vocals sound so natural with warmth you can almost feel, the mids have weight, thick but not dark sounding. Male and female vocals are represented accurately without adding color.

Treble:

The treble of the Xuan NV is characterized by its inoffensive nature, lacking any harsh peaks or excessive emphasis. While it may not satisfy treble enthusiasts seeking heightened energy, its soft and smooth presentation makes it ideal for extended listening sessions. The treble energy is gentle and still manages to sound airy which adds to clarity and a sense of widened space and overall providing a relaxed listening experience without causing fatigue over time.


Technical Performace and Sound Signature:

• Warm Neutral with a U-Shaped Tilt: The Xuan NV strikes a delightful balance between warmth and neutrality. Bass is present and rich, adding a satisfying foundation to your music without overwhelming the mids. Vocals take center stage, presented smoothly and intimately. Treble is relaxed and inoffensive, avoiding harshness but maintaining enough sparkle to keep things interesting. This U-shaped tuning creates a very listenable and forgiving sound signature, perfect for extended listening sessions.

• Timbre and Tone: This is where the Xuan NV truly shines. Instruments and vocals have a natural and realistic quality, thanks to the excellent timbre and tonal balance. Guitars sound full-bodied, drums have satisfying impact, and strings have a smooth, articulate character. Vocals are a particular highlight, rendered with thick, warmth and clarity.

• Technical Performance: While not the most analytical IEM on the market, the Xuan NV offers a good level of detail retrieval for the price. It won't reveal every nuance of complex recordings, but it provides enough clarity to keep you engaged with the music. Soundstage isn't the widest, but imaging remains decent, allowing you to distinguish the placement of instruments within the mix.

Who is this for?

• Listeners who prefer a warm and musical sound signature.

• Vocal lovers: The smooth mids make vocals a real treat.

• Budget-minded audiophiles looking for great sound without breaking the bank.

• Those who find overly analytical IEMs fatiguing.

Things to Consider:

• If you crave a super detailed and analytical sound, the Xuan NV might not be your best bet.

• The bass, while present, might not satisfy extreme bassheads.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, the Tangzu X HBB IEM offers a compelling blend of design, sound quality, and technical performance at an accessible price point. The collaboration between Tangzu Audio and HawaiiBadboy (HBB) results in a finely-tuned, well balance and musical sound signature that strikes a good balance between audiophile performance and mass appeal with its clean bass, silky midrange, and smooth treble, it provides an immersive listening experience suitable for a wide range of music genres unlike my other fave hbb collab Xuan NVs alter-ego of sorts the Hades which shines and caters to a specific genre of music. In conclusion Xuan NV represents excellent value for listeners and enthusiasts who likes overall musicality and with the striking red with gold aesthetics this stand out in a crowded market by offering exceptional value and performance that appeal to both audiophiles and everyday music lovers.


https://youtu.be/NZP8PWkT00U?si=vLyezkOrLZYOY1CX

**Disclaimer:** The Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEMs were provided to me by Linsoul Audio for the purpose of this review. I did not receive any compensation for my comments and the opinions expressed here are solely my own based on my personal experience with the product. This review is meant to offer an honest and unbiased impression to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

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

Gears used for this review

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

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


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

Bass

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

Mids

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

Treble

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

Soundstage/Imaging

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

Driveability

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

Comparison (Dunu Titan S)

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

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

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

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

Tangzu x HBB Xuan Nv - Non affiliated

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

WATCH FULL REVIEW HERE: ​

PRICE: $79 (PHP. 3,940)​

PROS:​

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

CONS:​

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

WHO THIS SET IS FOR:​

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

WHO THIS SET ISN’T FOR:​

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

RECOMMENDED GENRES:​

• R&B
• Soul
• Rock

SHORT REVIEW:​

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

FULL REVIEW​

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

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

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

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

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

THE SECOND RODEO​

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

UNBOXING:​

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



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



Here’s a full list of the inclusions:

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

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



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

BUILD & FIT​

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



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



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



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

SOUND​

Sound Signature:​

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

Source Pairing:​

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

Volume Levels:​

Topping DX1 - 11 o-clock

Bass​

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

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

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

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

Mids​

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

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

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

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

Treble​

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

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

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

Technicalities:​

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

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

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

REAL WORLD USAGE:​

Casual Use:​

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

Gaming Use:​

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

COMPARISONS​

vs BLON x HBB Z300​

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

vs TRI x HBB Kai​

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

vs QKZ x HBB​

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

vs Truthear x Crinacle Zero: Red​

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

vs QKZ x HBB Hades​

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

vs Truthear Hexa​

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

CONCLUSION​

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

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

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