TANGZU - Xiaoqiao

**It's a new single DD semi-openback set from a new(?) underbrand of Tangzu.** I got it off the official Tangzu shop on AliEx for around 60 bucks, but it varies wildly in price from retailer to retailer. **Great unboxing experience!** The box and the accessories seem very premium and puts a lot of other brands to shame. I also love the design of the shells! Quite Zenless Zero-like. The transparent orange color is beautiful, especially in the sunlight. Like everything Tangzu, they are very comfortable in the ear as well. **The accessories aren't just padding either, after an hour of listening, they seem very good value for the buck** to me! I haven't looked at a graph yet, so take this with a pinch of salt. To me, this sounds like a vocal-forward set with bass that is fast and textured, but not huge in quantity or physicality, and a somewhat dark upper treble. It's one of those sets that despite being vocal-forward, sounds both fun and smooth to listen to! No sibilance, shoutiness or weird graininess or anything like that. A lot of detail for this price, particularily in the lower end. Listening to some Knocked Loose, the chunky bass guitars sound very "high-resolution" and full-bodied. **Although it's the early days, I think this is a definite winner!**

Agreed! I think this is a very good "starter pack" option if you're new to the game

Not close to the effect of an open-backed headphone or anything like that. This probably has a more wide and open sound than most IEMs at this price though. It feels "lighter" in the ear, if that makes sense, and there's little to no pressure build-up.

Depends a bit on what register we're talking or genre we're listening to. I think separation in the lower registers is very good, while it can sometimes get a bit congested in the upper mid territory for J-pop and stuff like that due to its 4k-ish forwardness and lack of treble extension. I'd say overall the XiaoQiao is better than most IEMs in its price range for separation and detail retreival, and maybe a slightly above average soundstage.

Without having listened to the Yu Xuan Ji, I think you could consider them a sort of YXJ Remaster from looking at the graphs. They've got the same type of sound it looks like, although slightly retuned. Main difference is that the XQ has a slightly higher bass shelf with more subbass in particular, an overall more forward and even upper mid to low treble region, and a less aggressive upper treble roll-off.

Just got mine and I agree with you, fun and nice looking set. Paired them with the Penon Liqueur Orange tips. Great synergy, both sonic and aesthetic.