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.

Truthear Hexa, Truthear Pure, 7hz Sonus, HE Xiao Qiao, Sivga Que, Tanchjim Nora This is, of course, without considering one's preference of tonality, because I'd pick Que over anything else in the $60 range (the only reason I dont is because I already have IE200)