Introduction
Introducing TangZu Audio, the wildcard entry of this brand in the audio world with their Wan’er. Their latest and greatest creation, the TangZu Xuanwu Gate has 1 Dynamic Driver, 4 Balanced Armature and 2 Sonion Est Drivers. Constructed with Aerospace-Grade Aluminium Alloy CNC, feels incredibly premium in hand, and even looks like it is something, there is Terraced Field Line Design all over the IEM. I recieved this IEM as a part of a review tour held locally, desipite I would like to mention at first that by no means this review is being influenced in any way.
Build and Comfort
The TangZu Xuanwu Gate is a pair of headphones that truly showcases the brand's dedication to quality craftsmanship and user comfort. Made with a sturdy aerospace-grade aluminium alloy shell, the Gate feels durable and expensive in hand; it exudes a sense of sophistication. The intricate terraced outlines inspired by rice terrace fields add a touch of elegance to its design, showing the attention to detail put into its creation. However, the large shell size may be a bit of a challenge for users with smaller ears. Once adjusted properly, the Gate sits securely in place, reducing the problem of slippage during long listening sessions. The modular cable allows for easy interchangeability between single-ended and balanced outputs, adding to its versatility. The luxurious PU-leather carrying case ensures that the Gate remains protected during transport, keeping it in pristine condition when not in use. Overall, while there may be some initial adjustments needed, the Gate's thoughtful design and premium materials make for a comfortable and enjoyable listening experience, making it a great companion for extended use. The cable that comes with these IEM’s are excellent, looks like the Effect Audio - Cadmus, comes with quality plugs, also modular, basically there is no need to replace the cable of these, the stock is an excellent cable in my opinion.
Sound
Let's start with the
lows. The bass response of the Gate is precise and controlled, striking a fine balance between impact and texture. The sub-bass presence is notable, providing a deep and rumbly foundation without overpowering other frequencies. Instruments like bass guitars and kick drums sound fantastic, with a satisfying resonance and articulation that adds richness to the overall sound. However, if you're someone who loves a pronounced bass slam, you might find the Gate falling slightly short compared to other bass-centric IEMs.
Moving on to the
midrange, the Gate truly shines. The midrange is characterised by clarity, coherence, and natural tonality. Vocals are rendered with exceptional detail and accuracy, allowing the nuances in the singer's performance to shine through. Whether it's male or female vocals, each note is delivered with precision and warmth. Instruments like guitars and pianos sound lifelike, with a captivating presence that enhances the listening experience across different genres.
Now, let's talk about the
highs. The treble response of the Gate is smooth and shimmering. The treble remains articulate and well-defined; the details are best in this price range competing with the likes of mk2. Cymbals have a sparkling clarity, and string instruments possess a delicate yet lively presence. The transition between the midrange and treble is seamless, creating a cohesive and engaging soundstage that is free from any harshness or fatigue.
Overall sound characteristic of Gate is neutral with slight more yet controlled bass, the midrange is on the baseline and treble feels a bit more sparkly, it has tons of air and feels very incisive, it's more of an analytical listening, so not very smooth or musical, it will sound excellent with good tracks and with poor recordings it will not forgive. Otherwise this IEM is very enjoyable.
Soundstage
The TangZu Xuanwu Gate presents a commendable soundstage, It gives an immersive and expansive auditory experience. Despite its in-ear form factor, the Gate manages to create a sense of spatial depth and dimensionality that belies its compact size. The soundstage of the Gate is wide although not in the realm of mk2, with instruments and vocals positioned across a broad lateral expanse. This width allows for a sense of openness and airiness in the presentation, enabling individual elements of the music to occupy distinct spatial locations within the listener's perceptual field. Additionally, the Gate demonstrates impressive depth in its soundstage, with instruments and vocals projected forward and backward along the depth axis. This depth adds a layer of realism to the listening experience, creating a sense of distance and proximity between the listener and the performers. Moreover, the Gate excels in imaging accuracy, with precise placement and localization of sound sources within the soundstage. Instruments are rendered with clarity and precision, allowing listeners to discern subtle nuances in instrument separation and layering.
Comparison with Monarch Mk2
Comparing it with the renowned mk2, it is more similar that it is different, the Gate is already up to the the marks and hanging there with the big boys, it can even go head to head with the mk2, overall if talking about the differences, the build is there, Tangzu being metal and the other being resin. Tangzu feels more premium tbh, anyways coming to the sound experience the Gate sounds more balanced in the mid range, the bass of both of these IEM are on the same page but gate bass sounds to have more quality and control over the mk2, the treble section I would say the gate has more sharpness, but the details on both of these IEM are on par. Soundstage is the one difference that is noticeable, Gate even though it has an ample amount of soundstage the mk2 has a better sense of space, feels wider.
Comparison with Performer 8
An unfair comparison as performer 8 costs half the price of gate. Coming off to the build quality it's again the same story resin and metal difference, the size is a huge difference, the gate is almost twice as big as P8 (not really twice). The sound quality, starting off with the lows, the gate has a bit more punch and better authority. Basically the quality of the bass is slightly better than P8, quantity wise also the gate feels a tad more. The mids section on both IEM’s are great but again gate feels more natural where P8 at times could feel artificial, and lastly the treble both IEMs are again similar P8 Being slightly more sharper, it lacks the finesse of the EST drivers, although the P8 has excellent treble for the price, it competes with the likes of Gate and Mk2, but then yes obviously the EST drivers can do treble a lot more smoother than BA that is lacking on the P8. Basically P8 is a great IEM, but if you have the funds for Gate, it is an excellent choice.
Rating Scores:
Sound Quality:
Low Frequency (Bass):
(4.5/5)
Mid Frequency:
(5/5)
High Frequency (Treble):
(4.5/5)
Comfort:
Fit and Ergonomics:
(4/5)
Prolonged Wear Comfort:
(5/5)
Soundstage and Imaging:
Soundstage Width:
(4/5)
Soundstage Depth:
(4/5)
Imaging Accuracy:
(5/5)
Overall Rating: (4.5/5)
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