The ultimate Tangzu Wan'er showdown!
2 VS original (OG) VS SE!
Each IEM is outfitted with cables and tips that I think enhance the sound the best. (2 and SE on pure copper cables, OG on silver-plated.) Playback is R4 through DC-Elite.
Song 1: "Unity" by Royksopp. Winner: Wan'er 2
When I switched from the 2 to the OG, it was like a cloud covering the sun. Literally. The 2 is just THAT much more CAPABLE with the bass, and the electronic treble sizzle. Aaaaand... the SE isn't any better than the OG here. It has quite a chunk less bass, and the treble is... SLIGHTLY clearer, but not enough of an improvement to make it sound better overall. The 2's treble is definitely a but more forward than any of the other sets, and the bass is SO much better and cleaner while not sounding too warm like the OG.
Song 2: "Everything Is" by Gungor. Winner: Wan'er 2
Almost like the warmer male vocals on the OG better than the 2 here... But when the first chorus hits, it's a mud-fest. The 2 is just way more competent and detailed. The SE's sound isn't as warm as the OG here, which is nice, but again, it fails to maintain clarity and incisiveness during the intense chorus. In this regard, the Wan'er 2 is EASILY in the ranks of very resolving and capable single DD IEMs like the ZVX Pro and Kefine Klean. (Not sure if it could reach the hushed echelons of the SP01, but it's certainly an aspiring apostle!)
Song 3: "Red Virgin Soil (Live)" by Agnes Obel. Winner: Wan'er 2
In a non-vocal piece like this, I thought maybe the differences in clarity would be harder to determine... well, it's not. The OG just is more... almost hazy or blurry compared to the 2. The SE sounds a little clearer than the OG, but it's still not on par with the 2.
Song 4: "Halfway to Heaven" by Celine Dion. Winner: Wan'er 2
Again, the 2 is just SO clear and detailed, those opening chimes sound AMAZING. The OG's warmer sound DOES sound fairly good with this older song, but realistically, it's technically inferior (pun intended!) The SE's bass is too light... the bass is just anemic coughs on the drums here. Again, the 2 takes the victory here. It doesn't sound too bright or clinical, but while it's not as warm as the OG, I still think it wins the battle here, although fans of warm, organic sound MIGHT prefer the OG.
Song 5: All is Soft Inside" by AURORA. Winner: Wan'er 2
The 2 is bright, clean, yet portrays this soft music and vocals quite sweetly. When the bass line kicks in, it's definitely clear and punchy, but not overbearing, just like the song should be played. The OG is again, smooth and melodic. This is easily the best song out of the five for the OG, even though the bass isn't as clearly defined as on the 2. I could almost see myself liking the OG again if I just listened to music like this! The SE's treble/vocals also sounds good here, and the cellos near the beginning sound cleaner than the OG. But again, the bass is rather light, and hard to hear above the elevated vocals, at times.
So it's a clean sweep for the Wan'er 2! Often, when it's a closer battle, I listen to some more song comparisons other than these main 5 I usually use. Such efforts are clearly not needed here because the 2 is just THAT good.
I had been hanging on to the OG and the SE till the bitter end, but the 2 is just SO much better, it puts them to shame. So, two more IEMs are going in the CULL pile. As pretty as they are on the outside, the internals just aren't measuring up to 2025 standards, much less their own COMPANY'S new standards of awesomeness. I'll be listening to the very appropriate "Anthem" by Epsen Eriksen Trio on the Wan'er 2 as I pack up the Wan'er [blue/gold edition] and the stunning copper/pearl SE
~In summary, I think the Wan'er 2 sounds MUCH nicer than the price suggests. If you thought the Wan'er OG was an amazing bargain, prepare to FAINT when you hear the 2.
***What other showdowns would anyone want to see, among my Owned IEMs in my signature, obviously. I intended at least a few: a planar showdown, and a single DD showdown.
