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Sen-Fi's 2023 IEM Tier List

Before the year ends I created this tier list for fun and wanted to categorize the IEMs I reviewed, auditioned, and owned. DISCLAIMER: Anything on this tier list is subjective. You can refer below to how I logically categorize some of the IEMs on this list This list is not the "one true tier list" or the "gospel". Geez, I'm not that much of an expert and what's good for you may not be good for others, vice versa. I'm basically doing this for fun, I currently have an issue on my right ear so I won't be doing some reviews for a while. Everything on the list is tried and tested, I won't include anything I haven't tested. I won't put description on every IEMs on the list unless I have to justify it. Just have fun reading my tier list, no need to be too serious. Sen-Fi 2023 Tier List GOD Tier  (not in my official Tier List. These are basically revered being in God Tier because of their paramount price, only a selected few can own it, and it ha
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Zetian Wu : The Planar Empress



 


TANGZU, a fairly new company, was also known as TFORCE until their rebranding in 2022. Their first IEM, the Yuan Li, which I haven't tried, received quite a lot of praise during its release. After their rebranding to TANGZU, they released the Shimin Li in Q2 and received such hype and mixed reviews. Shortly after Shimin Li's hype, they announced a new project, the Zetian Wu.

The Zetian Wu is TANGZU's new attempt to join the planar game, which has been raving the audiophile community with planars released over here and there like Muse HiFi Power, Kinera Celest, and LETSHOUER S12. Gods, even KZ and CCA  started to join the fray as well and released their own planar IEMs. Now, how would TANGZU's Zetian Wu compete with planar IEMs in the market? Let's see if I can recommend it.

Lately I have been reviewing some planar IEMs. I had the Muse HiFi Power, the LETSHOUER S12, and this time, the Zetian Wu. In my observation, planar drivers are quite demanding in terms of driving power, but once driven properly, you will be rewarded with more detailed imaging and a wider soundstage than dynamic driver IEMs.


DISCLAIMER: 

- This is a review unit and does not have the full package. I was only sent the unit, cables, and case itself. 

- I am not affiliated with TANGZU and received no monetary compensation during or after this review. 

- This will be an honest and unbiased review.

 


Pros:

  • Good all-around IEM
  • Neutral sound signature
  • Best technicalities I have heard so far 
  • Perfect for most genres 
  • Comfortable to wear and has a beautiful faceplate design.


Cons:

  • Scales wellS with more power
  • Sounds boring and unimmersive with a phone
  • Average imaging


SOUND



The Zetian Wu has a balanced sound signature that doesn't feel too lean yet not too energetic.

LOWS : Lows are fairly balanced and does not overpower one another. You can still feel some rumble, but it might not be enough for some hardcore bassheads. So far, midbass bleeds are not evident to these pair. Attack is average, not particularly fast, but decay keeps up with the pacing better; overall speed is slow enough that it lingers on some tracks.So far, it can still deliver bass that you can definitely feel and provides a satisfying dynamic energy. 

MIDS : The Zetian Wu aims to provide vocals that are as natural as possible, and I can say they somehow managed to keep it that way. Female and male vocals works great on this pair. Instruments may sound somewhat recessed at times, and most of the time, vocals seem to be the main star here.

HIGHS : The treble has good air and is quite open. Trebles offer great details that don't offend my ears and are free from sibilance, which is quite a banger. It also offers a very balanced extension throughout. It has a sheen sound that is not offensive.

SOUNDSTAGE AND IMAGING : The soundstage of the Zetian Wu is decent. It is able to deliver a realistic, lively, and natural soundstage. The imaging is fairly average but the instruments and vocals don't feel limited; it is still recognizable and on-point.


COMPARISONS


Muse Hifi Power : Zetian Wu is a much better all-rounder IEM than the Muse Hi-Fi Power. It is also cheaper and less bulkier than the Power. Zetian Wu is more suitable for prolonged listening sessions and less offensive than Power's treble.


LetShouer S12 : S12 has more bass quantity and impact than the Zetian Wu, the Zetian Wu leans on a more balanced sound than S12. The Zetian Wu mids are fuller and more forward and have better resolution. The Treble has more sparkle and air in the Zetian Wu. Basically, Zetian Wu is more versed on the side of technicalities and tonality, while the S12 is better for certain consumers.


FINAL RATING


It won't be long before these Chi-fi manufacturers start to make different iterations of their initial planar IEMs or plan a completely different approach to their preceding projects. I can recommend the Zetian Wu to be able to compete with other planar IEMs in the current market. However, in a wider scheme, I believe its tuning would soon be taken over by the market; its sound is not sufficient to be appreciated for years to come and will be outdated. Maybe a few would still be able to appreciate its sound. For now, yes, I can still recommend the Zetian Wu and it is a great addition to your next planar experience.



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