TForce Audio Yuan Li

Review Of The TForce Yuan Li​

Introduction​

In the low-mid fi electroacoustics, Tforce, a Chinese business, has made waves after changing its name to TangZu. Numerous audiophiles have given this company's founding, as well as their initial model, the Yuan Li, high praise. Tforce (now TangZu) has always been committed to giving its supporters the impression of high fidelity, which has helped the company flourish to this day. Although they listed a dual and tribid IEM as three separate product introductions, I was unable to obtain any additional information. Today I'll be reviewing their first product, the Yuan Li, but let's first go over a few things I need to cover.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the people at HiFinage, I am grateful to them. And 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 "Yuan Li."
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Yuan Li based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

Each side of the Yuan Li houses a single dynamic driver, a 10mm dynamic driver with a carbon diaphragm that resembles a diamond. The shells are composed of aluminum, have a silver colour, and appear to be glossy. They feel solid and reliable. The TForce logo is on the faceplate. The cable, which is a 6N OCC soft and high-quality cable with 0.78mm 2-pin connections and a 3.5mm straight plug, is created and made available in association with TACables. Along with the IEM and cable, the kit includes three balanced silicon tip pairs and three vocal tip pairs, all of which available in small, medium, and large sizes. A leather case with a magnetic flap and a pair of foam tips are also included. The impedance is 32 Ohms, and the sensitivity is 103.5 dB, to go technical. The frequency range where the total harmonic distortion is less than 0.5% is between 20Hz and 20kHz.

Sound​

The Yuan Li offers a true V-shape sound, with the entire response emphasising the lower treble and upper midrange. With such high peaks from 1.5 kHz to 5 kHz encompassing the upper mid range and the lower treble, based on what I have seen, I anticipated that these may sound offensive, but I am surprised to find that nothing seems unbalanced or obnoxious. The lower treble, upper midrange, and sub bass all have a focus on energy, with the lower treble being the most prominent. Overall, the presentation came across as easygoing and seamless. Let's explore the sound thoroughly.

Treble​

Since the lower treble is where most of the energy is lost, the lower treble is where the treble is most affected. The top treble is weirdly tuned because, despite the fact that I can hear the extension and sense the airy presence, they seem to shy away from the mix or leave me unimpressed. I couldn't really tell if the vocals are stretched out and seeming lengthy, but I can sort of hear the instruments, like cymbal smashes. For this reason, I think the upper treble still has presence. I'm generally perplexed as to what I grasp in the upper treble because of the ups and downs in this range. When it comes to the lower treble, it sounds shockingly forward in the mix while also being smooth. Both the vocals and the instruments are quite clear and have lots of subtle subtleties; neither seem obnoxious. Overall, the treble energy's presentation is interestingly calibrated, lively, and devoid of any overtly irritating tones.

Mid Range​

While I find them silky and expressive, especially in the upper mid range, the upper mid range holds wonderful forward approach. The mid range is smooth and relaxed. There are no signs of sibilance, hotness, or metallic characteristics in the vocals, which sound pleasant and silky smooth. As an example, having recessed lower midrange and upscaled upper midrange and lower treble may sound a little unnatural and lean, but that is not the case in this case as I do not hear odd or unevenness in the sound. Usually the differences between upper and lower midrange determine how they will sound in the higher frequency. The vocals are clearer and more energising in the upper mid range, although the instruments have a strong grasp of their tone and sound forward. In general, the upper mid range sounds the same as the lower treble. Both voices and instruments have a unique place in the mix, and occasionally they each have their own emphasis and sound distinct from the rest of the presentation. The response pulls back the lower treble as the vocals sound flat and uninteresting and the instruments lack note weight and richness. The most of the parts have a disorganised presentation, but the bass line has just enough weight to sound correct. Overall, the mid range region has a forward, silky tone that is unoffensive and separated from the rest of the response.

Bass​

The bass is most likely the best element of the entire composition because it is well-textured and controlled. The deep resonant sub bass packs great punches and rumbles sufficiently to generate the sensation in the mix without messing up the balance. The emphasis is on the sub bass region, which sounds pleasantly extended. The punches are not strong hitting and the slams are something that doesn't keep value as the bass cuts off at 200Hz and shaves of the mid range sounds weak. However, the control over the bass region makes it sound enough to represent the low frequencies and dissolves fast. Although the mid bass has presence, I think it is inadequate and unrefined. The bass notes are rich and contain good detail, although they are played in an awkward manner. However, the overall sound of the bass region is good, with powerful and rumbling sensations that maintain the whole mix clear and undisturbed.

Technical Performance​

In comparison to its competitors, where Yuan Li excels in some areas while the others thrive in others, the technical performance is average. The separation sounds a touch jumbled, yet the stage is sufficiently large to sound spacious. Perhaps the imaging was better. The speed is brisk but not faster than its rivals, and the resolution is adequate but not outstanding.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The stage has a decent feeling of width and depth, which keeps it seeming spacious—not overly so, but just enough to sound fine. Although it sounds clear, the imaging might have been clearer and sharper. Elements sound distinctive yet unusually far apart, indicating that the separation is a touch odd.

Speed & Resolution​

The details are artfully presented, and I find them to be easily approachable, yet the resolution of this IEM is better than I had anticipated. Although fast paced, the attack and decay of notes are not particularly striking. However, the technological aspects do their part to make it distinctive in the eyes of audiophiles.

Sound Impressions​

Sources​

Tempotec V6 - The response changed dramatically when paired with the V6, with the high treble feeling more alive and the lower and upper midrange having the same vigour. The mid bass felt more depleted, while the lower mid range remained unchanged. However, the sub bass region had a punchier and more textured sound. The way the soundstage is presented changes, becoming more expansive and having greater depth. The imaging was crisper and the elements were better separated, but no further technical advancement was noticed. The Yuan Li performed at its peak when combined with a V6. It suits my tastes, I think.

iFi Hipdac - The Yuan Li sounded less detailed but tonally more expressive when paired with the Hipdac. The upper treble appears dark and distant from the mix, while the bottom treble sounds forward and full of life. The transition between lower and upper frequencies smooths out the mid-range. While keeping the same sub bass, the mid bass portion of the bass sounds meatier. Only the soundstage seemed to have altered because everything sounded closer together, but other technical characteristics remain essentially unchanged. The coupling with Hipdac struck me as amusing and humorous. I enjoy it.

Tracks Used​

Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Earth, Wind & Fire - Let's Groove
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere(Remastered)
Toto - Africa
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Daft Punk - Tron Legacy (End Titles)
GOJIRA - Amazonia
Fergie - Glamorous
50 Cent - In Da Club
Skrillex - XENA
Skrillex - Torture You
The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Blck Cobrv - Candy Shop
LMYM - 0 (zero)
Indila - Love Story
Marina Hoiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
Wayne - Not Enough

Conclusion​

I agree that the Yuan Li is a solid IEM with good tonal and technical qualities. It is a capable IEM that directs an audiophile's head to a unique tuning that may seem enjoyable to listen to because of its mid centric focus and sub bass emphasis. But if anyone is interested, please give these a shot first.

Disclaimer:-

I received the Yuan Li as a part of the review tour being organized here by by HiFinage India. My thoughts are based on my usage for a week and by no means this is a professional review. I'm a rookie who is trying to understand the world of audiophile.
Thanks to @gadgetgod for including me in the tour.

If interested, you can buy from HiFinage website from the link below.

https://hifinage.com/collections/t-force/products/t-force-yuan-li

Introduction:
TForce Audio(Now Tangzu) was a very new name in audio community when their first IEM Yuan-Li was launched. Fast forward, they are now one of the acclaimed and trusted audio company in Chi-Fi industry. Goes to say they have been making great IEMs and Yuani-Li is no exception.

Yuan Li is targeted at 100$ budget segment, a highly competitive segment. IMO Yuan li is one of top performer in this segment.

Build/Fit/Package:
Yuan li is made of full metal shell and has a smooth finish all around with no sharp edge that pokes or causes any discomfort. Solid build quality.
Yuan Li has got good fit overall and can be worn for long hours. But to me personally the ear grooves gets bit bothersome after few hours. Not just on this IEM but in general I prefer a clean design IEM without the grooves.
One of the things that separate Tangzu from competitors is their package, they come loaded with tips and a beautiful case. Placement of tips, case and overall unboxing experience is great. Special mention about the case that is included, it is pretty sturdy and has good space to stuff in a dongle, extra cable and also looks sleek.
Personally I did not use the stock tips but they look like acostune 07 clones. They seem fine.
The included 2 pin cable is pure copper and it is decent enough, no complaints.



Sources Used:
Qudelix 5k
Shanling UP4
Avani
Abigail

~Though Yuan Li being 32 ohms can be run on low powered sources, it would shine better with little extra power such as Q5k

SOUND:
Yuan li has a balanced sound signature, slightly boosted low end with fairly neutral warmish overall tonality.



Bass:
Yuan Li has excellent low end, well controlled punchy bass. The mid bass has a decent slam, a tad bit lower than what I would prefer but i wouldn't notice it unless I look for it. It could also be good in a way that it could contribute to cleaner mids. Even though the sub bass is not boosted too much, it provides good rumble when called for( slightly recessed mid could be the reason). Overall a well done clean and not overwhelming bass.

Mids:
Mid range on this is the main focus. The vocals are presented front and sounds natural the way I like it. Both male and female vocals sound lively and fuller. They are presented in smooth manner that it takes the center stage. The instruments has above average note weight and it's a bliss to listen to.

Treble:
Treble is mostly smooth and has a slight bite to it when powered enough. No sibilance or harshness experienced. Even poorly recorded or known sibilant tracks sounded smooth to my ears. Has enough air and extension to enjoy.

Soundstage, imaging, separation are commendable.

Comparison:
Olina SE: First thing to notice with Olina SE is that it has got a tad bit more sub bass and mid bass slam. Mind you Yuan li is no slouch when it comes to low end, and yuan li seems to have slightly better texture on low end. Mids on olina SE is bit more clean and thin(maybe it sounds cleaner due to the thin vocals/notes) than Yuan li. Treble is better on Yuan li, has a bite that gives good feel to it.
Olina SE was my fav in this segment before I listened to Yuan li. Now I'm torn haha. I feel Yuan Li is more fun type and olina bit more analytical.

Conclusion:
Yuan li, being the debut IEM of Tangzu and would say still relevant for someone looking for a safe daily driver.