Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate VS QoA Martini
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate and QoA Martini use 1DD+4BA+2EST and 1DD+4BA+1BC driver setups respectively. Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate costs $649 while QoA Martini costs $599. Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate is $50 more expensive. QoA Martini holds a clear 0.8-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 8.5). QoA Martini has better bass with a 0.7-point edge, QoA Martini has better mids with a 0.6-point edge, QoA Martini has better treble with a 0.7-point edge, QoA Martini has slightly better dynamics with a 0.4-point edge, Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate has slightly better soundstage with a 0.4-point edge and Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate has slightly better details with a 0.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate | QoA Martini |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.9 | 8.6 |
| Mids | 7.9 | 8.5 |
| Treble | 7.6 | 8.3 |
| Details | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| Soundstage | 8.7 | 8.3 |
| Imaging | 8.6 | 8.4 |
| Dynamics | 7.9 | 8.3 |
| Tonality | 7.3 | 8.7 |
| Technicalities | 8.3 | 8.4 |
Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
QoA Martini Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.5Excellent
Reviews Comparison
Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate (more reviews)
Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate reviewed by ATechReviews
8.2
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
Tangzu Xuanwu Gate arrives as a full-blown flagship aimed at a neutral reference style tuning, packaged in an over-the-top presentation with a massive box, a large leather storage case and a thick yet supple cable that feels genuinely premium. Build quality is excellent, with copper toned shells, clean machining and comfortable ergonomics that sit securely despite the weight. Accessories are generous, but stock tips are merely serviceable and many listeners will prefer aftermarket options to get the best seal and comfort.
The bass is classic reference style: very clean, fast and punchy with high resolution, yet clearly on the lighter side for a 650 dollar flagship and lacking the slam many expect at this level. A touch of bass bleed into the lower mids adds pleasant warmth to male vocals without truly muddying the sound, while the midrange stays detailed and resolving rather than forward or shouty. The problem area is the upper mids and treble, where an elevated 8–12 kHz region pushes cymbals, electric guitars and female vocals into a spicy, sometimes sharp territory that treble sensitive listeners may only tolerate at low to moderate volume.
Where this set really shines is in detail retrieval, soundstage and imaging, reaching a large, three dimensional stage and precise localization that feel legitimately flagship worthy and not far off much pricier sets like Dunu Glacier in overall technical performance. Micro detail, separation and layering are on another level compared with common benchmark hybrids such as the Blessing line, and the drivers handle EQ well, allowing extra bass and reduced 8–12 kHz energy without collapsing the presentation. For listeners who value technical performance above all and are willing to tweak the tuning, Xuanwu Gate offers a very high resolution, neutral bright experience that can be breathtaking, while those craving more slam and a smoother top end will likely be happier elsewhere or only with EQ in the chain.
ATechReviews Youtube Channel
Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate reviewed by Audio-In Reviews
7.9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
As Tangzu's flagship XuanWu Gate presents a beautifully crafted all-metal shell with a concave, terrace-like faceplate and copper finish that looks every bit its price. Despite the larger shell size the fit is surprisingly light and comfortable, and the cable on this unit with interchangeable terminations feels premium and practical, rolling up easily without tangling. Overall build quality and design sit confidently in the $600–$700 bracket and make the XuanWu Gate a visually striking piece of gear.
Sonically the XuanWu Gate leans toward a neutral tuning with a tasteful bass boost, offering excellent extension on both ends and a clean, controlled low end. Bass quantity sits just below basshead levels and is reminiscent of Sennheiser's IE600 in speed, dynamics, impact and sub-bass reach, delivering some of the most satisfying low frequencies heard under $1,000. A touch of extra mid-bass and low-mid energy adds warmth and weight to male vocals and instruments while still keeping texture and detail intact, and the upper mids rise more gently, giving vocals a slightly relaxed but natural presence that maintains center focus without sounding shouty.
The treble region carries a hint of extra sparkle on top of those smoother upper mids, adding contrast and excitement without becoming harsh, supported by strong extension and enough air to reveal micro-nuances and keep cymbals, hi-hats and strings sounding natural. Technical performance is very solid: resolution and microdetail come close to sets like IE600 and SA6 Mk2, while soundstage is wide with good front-to-back depth and engaging immersion, and imaging and layering are cleanly rendered and a clear step above OG SA6, DM9 and Mercury. At $649 the XuanWu Gate does not quite reach the absolute top of its class and its value is held back slightly by strong competitors and the uncertainty around prototype versus production tuning, but as a whole it remains a very capable and handsome neutral-warm flagship for listeners who prioritise refined bass quality and a spacious, airy presentation.
Audio-In Reviews original ranking
Audio-In Reviews Youtube ChannelTangzu Xuan Wu Gate reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
6.5
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelTangzu Xuan Wu Gate reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.2
* score rescaled + normalized
QoA Martini (more reviews)
QoA Martini reviewed by Joyce's Review
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
QoA Martini fits right into the cocktail-themed lineup as a 1DD + 4BA hybrid at $599, presented in packaging that feels like unboxing a classic wine bottle and a pair of shells that shimmer like a deep blue, purple and pink galaxy. The included 4.4mm OCC copper cable, AZLA Crystal tips set and neat carrying case underline a sense of refinement and attention to detail, while the multiple vent holes and ergonomic shell aim for a comfortable, stable fit. Overall, the visual and tactile experience already suggests a premium and slightly playful character before any music starts.
On the sonic side, the Martini focuses on a strong yet controlled sub-bass shelf of around 8 dB that dives deep below the jawline, delivering thick, full-bodied impact that stays clean and never turns boomy thanks to a quick decay and restrained mid-bass. The midrange comes across crisp, clear and slightly airy-loose, with vocals that are light and bright yet still intimate, revealing breathing and grain textures without smearing or sounding messy. Instruments in the upper mids are layered bright and crisp with just enough mid-bass body to avoid thinness, so the balance between vocals and instruments feels natural and complementary rather than pushed forward or recessed.
In the treble, the large 3 kHz peak followed by dips and rises through the lower and mid-treble create a bright, cool and airy top end with rich detail, extended yet delicate upper treble and no harshness or sibilance, giving the sense of hearing glasses clink in a spacious room. Soundstage projects with a more distant, mastering-style spread rather than simply a bigger room, and compared to a similarly priced hybrid like the Emerald, Martini trades some warmth and density for greater openness, detail retrieval and sense of space. Altogether it captures the martini vibe of strong but controlled bass, spacious mids and crisp, refreshing treble, earning a solid 8.5/10 with even more potential hinted at by a future cable upgrade.
Joyce's Review original ranking
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QoA Martini reviewed by Web Search
8.5
Reviewer Score
The QoA Martini is a six-driver hybrid IEM using 1 dynamic driver, 4 balanced armatures and 1 bone-conduction driver in a four-way crossover, positioned in the upper mid-tier with an MSRP around $599. Its resin shells and bundled 4.4 mm OCC cable are repeatedly described as well-constructed and comfortable, though the relatively large shell size can be a limitation for smaller ears. Accessory quality is objectively strong, with multiple silicone tip sets (including premium options) and a structured leather case that match expectations at this price level.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
In terms of tuning, the Martini follows a neutral-with-bass-boost profile derived from a 3:5:2 low–mid–treble balance concept, with moderately elevated sub-bass, slightly forward mids, and smooth but extended treble. Reports consistently highlight tight, deep bass without excessive mid-bass bloom, a full and natural midrange that suits vocals well, and treble that avoids harshness while maintaining clarity and air. Soundstage depth, imaging precision and fine detail retrieval are generally rated above average for this segment, giving the Martini a balanced mix of musicality and technical capability rather than an aggressively analytical presentation.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
From a value perspective, the Martini sits at a price where competition is intense, yet several reviewers compare its timbre and resolution favorably with some four-figure IEMs, suggesting strong price-to-performance for listeners who prioritize a smooth, resolving signature over exaggerated excitement. The main objective drawbacks are its mid-forward balance, which may not appeal to listeners seeking a pronounced V-shape, and ergonomic constraints for very small ears due to the substantial shells. Considering its price bracket and the scoring constraints across the market, a high-8 overall rating appropriately reflects its strong but not unprecedented performance among upper-mid-tier hybrids.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: TangZu Top TangZu IEMs
Price (Msrp): $649
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QoA Martini Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+1BC
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Price (Msrp): $599
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Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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QoA Martini User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming Grade
AQoA Martini Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8Gaming Grade
A+Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Tuning lands in a pleasing sweet spot with mostly coherent frequency integration. Tonality stays consistent from track to track.
Average Technical Grade
A+- The tuning feels expertly organized, marrying agile dynamics with well-defined spatial cues. Technical listeners will appreciate the poise.
QoA Martini Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Expect an elegant tuning that highlights detail while staying true to real-world timbre. It adds refinement without sounding sterile.
Average Technical Grade
A+- A very capable technical display delivers articulate layers and poised imaging. It portrays reverbs and echoes with confidence.
Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate User Reviews
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QoA Martini User Reviews
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