Tangzu Wan'er SG - Review

The Wan'er SG is a model released by Tangzu in 2022, priced around $20 USD. You can often find it even cheaper during sales on platforms like AliExpress. I purchased this model with my own money.

Specifications:

• Driver configuration: 1DD (10mm Dynamic Driver with PET diaphragm).
• Impedance: 20Ω
• Sensitivity: 107dB (1kHz)
• Frequency Range: 20-20kHz

In the Box:

• Tangzu Wan’er SG IEM
• Detachable QDC 0.78mm cable (3.5mm Single-Ended)
• 3 Pairs of white silicon eartips S/M/L
• 3 Pairs of gray silicon eartips S/M/L
• 1 Handkerchief
• User Manual

Why did I buy it?

I liked the design. After watching reviews and comparing the most popular options in the $20 USD range, it was the one that caught my attention the most (especially when compared to the Moondrop Chu2 and the 7Hz Zero). I also appreciated the packaging and accessories for the price. I bought it after the Jade (green) version had been released, and I noticed it had won a VGP2023 award.

Packaging, Build and Design

First off, the packaging is beautiful and feels premium, definitely above what you'd expect for the price. The moment you remove the top cover, you’re greeted by a uniquely designed handkerchief. Beneath that, you’ll find the IEMs. There’s another layer below containing the accessories (ear tips) and the cable. It comes with a wide variety of ear tips in all sizes. One set of tips is nearly identical to my favorite Kbear 07 tips, which is a huge plus. You can use these tips with other IEMs, and if you like them, you can easily buy more separately.

The Wan'er SG is made of plastic and feels very lightweight, but the build quality is solid. It uses a QDC 0.75mm connection, but you can easily swap it for a 2-pin 0.78mm cable without any issues. The included cable is decent, but it’s very thin and can feel fragile, especially where it splits for each side, as it’s just a simple two-strand twist. It only comes with a 3.5mm termination option.

Comfort

Honestly, this isn’t the most comfortable IEM I’ve used. The ear hooks on the stock cable were uncomfortable after a while, so I ended up swapping the cable. I’m currently using the cable from the Zero:RED by Truthear, which solved the issue.

Sound

The following impressions are based on using the stock white ear tips. As always, I tried them with different eartips. Honestly, the stock white ones are really good (some other tips can reduce the clarity even further or make the sound feel more congested). If you’re curious about my testing setup, you can check it out HERE

The first thing I noticed is how easy they are to drive. The sound signature feels warm and balanced. Sub-bass and bass are well-controlled, with the mid-bass slightly elevated. The mids don’t feel too recessed and transition smoothly from the bass with a warm touch. Vocals are undoubtedly the star of the show, particularly female vocals, which always take center stage without sounding shouty or harsh. The treble is one of my favorite aspects. It has a natural and smooth timbre. However, some may find it lacking energy or excitement.

The technical performance is where these IEMs show their weaknesses. The soundstage is mostly 2D with decent lateral width but lacks 3D height and depth. This is common in this price range, so it’s not a major drawback. Instrument separation struggles on demanding tracks and can feel congested at times, though this isn’t a constant issue. The overall clarity isn’t razor-sharp, but it’s not bad either. Combined with the subdued treble, some tracks may feel a bit “dull” or “uninspiring.”

Let’s test some tracks:
* The songs I pick might vary, but I include this section so you can see if you hear the same things I do or if our impressions differ. This way, you can choose the level of trust you place in my review, as long as you have some of the IEMs I've reviewed.

• After The Storm – Kali Uchis: Passed the test. It doesn't sounds weird, which is the main thing I look for in this song.
• Magnetic – iLLit: Passed the test. While the snare can feel a bit congested, the overall listening experience is pleasant. The bass and vocals are well-balanced, and the treble isn’t overly energetic but could use more detail. Surprisingly, nothing stands out too much in this track.
• Woke Up – XG: Passed the test. Sub-bass is slightly lacking but complemented by the mid-bass, making everything feel balanced. The vocals aren’t aggressive in the mix, but the treble could be cleaner.
• Blacken the Cursed Sun – Lamb of God: Passed the test. It does get congested toward the end, but the rest of the track performs well and remains enjoyable. Nothing particularly stands out.
• All the Small Things – Blink 182: Passed the test. No noticeable congestion despite the instruments feeling close together.
• Los Aretes de la Luna – Flora Martinez: Passed the test. Vocals are full-bodied and well-positioned. The background instruments feel cohesive and natural, with the bass filling in the empty spaces.
• La paciencia – Ekathé: Passed the test. The drums don’t sound muffled, and the soundstage doesn’t feel too claustrophobic. There's a sense of immediacy in the sound and the instruments have a natural timbre.
• Certainly (Live) – Erykah Badu: Passed the test. Incredibly enjoyable to listen to.
• Fly Me To The Moon (Live in Paris) – Diana Krall: Passed the test. The sound feels warm, cozy, and cohesive with a natural timbre. However, it lacks the 3D spatiality that other IEMs in this price range can achieve with this track.

Measurements

1. Frequency Response

This graph helps visualize the sound curve and gives a basic idea of the IEM's sound signature. It also helps spot issues like channel imbalance or damaged drivers, which might affect certain frequency ranges. In this case, the graph shows an expected result, with no noticeable issues in the frequency response.

Conclusions

The Wan'er SG is an excellent pair of IEMs. It delivers a warm, well-tuned sound with natural tonality and a focus on vocals, steering away from the elevated (and sometimes artificial) treble that is common in this price range. Its technical performance isn't exceptional, but it doesn't take me away from the overall enjoyment of listening to music.

I think it’s hard to dislike these IEMs. They might not be your favorite in your collection, but I find it unlikely that anyone would hate them. Considering the packaging, design, accessories, and sound quality for the price, this remains one of the best purchases you can make, even today. Plus, if you’re new to the hobby, it’s a great way to discover your preferences.

If you're curious about where they rank on my rating list, you can check it out HERE

I hope you found this review helpful. Thanks a lot for reading this far! If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to drop a comment below. Cheers!