Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate VS Softears RSV MK II

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Softears RSV MK2 shifts from the OG’s vocal-centric tilt into a bass-forward all-rounder. The sub-bass and mid-bass hit with real slam and weight, giving drums and bass guitars a satisfying, dynamic punch. Upper mids (3–6 kHz) are tamed to avoid shout, while a gentle 1–2 kHz rise keeps vocals open and natural—slightly less pushed than the original but still clear. Treble is smooth with decent air; not super sparkly and there’s no EST “sauce,” but it stays clean and non-fatiguing.

As a package, MK2’s standout is the low-end texture—thunderous yet controlled—making it one of the more engaging bassy sets under four figures. Technical performance is solid for the tier, though some rivals at lower prices bring more raw detail and EST extension. Build and accessories get a tasteful, modern refresh. For best balance, the stock tips work well; bass-boosting or treble-opening tips can shift it toward a more V-shape at the expense of overall smoothness.

On genre fit, MK2 shines with hip-hop, pop, EDM, and R&B, where its punch and warmth bring rhythms to life; for orchestral or leaner acoustic picks, the bass can edge forward depending on the mix. It scales to mid–high volumes nicely (around the 70–80 dB zone) without turning sharp. Compared with the OG RSV—now likely affected by a silent retune in recent units—the MK2 is the safer buy: less shout, more authority down low, and a broader all-rounder appeal. Recommended, especially if found below full MSRP, for listeners craving tasteful bass with natural mids and relaxed, smooth treble.

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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.

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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.

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The Softears RSV MK II is a 5BA set at $699 with a sleek, performance-driven look—carbon-fiber “V” and RS badge on the faceplate—paired to an ergonomic shell and fish-mouth nozzle that stays light and exceptionally comfortable over long sessions. The package is solid: a braided 4.4 cable (plus a 3.5 mm dongle), cleaning cloth, two pouches, and two sets of silicone tips; the only nitpick is wishing for a more premium carrying case at this price.

What sets RSV MK II apart is how a generous bass boost/extension coexists with top-tier imaging, separation, and layering. In Valorant, footsteps hit with extra energy and impact yet subtle cues—water steps, micro-movements—cut through even during Vandal spam and 5v5 ability chaos. In Battlefield the set is a standout for immersion (planes, tanks) while preserving precise gunfire placement and the light “clinks” that win fights. The latest mix in Apex plays to its strengths: thermites don’t mask light taps, elevation cues remain clear, slides and shield pops are easy to track; and in Call of Duty, airstrikes and mortar fire don’t swamp critical information. It’s scored as the lowest-priced S-tier on the WallHack-certified list—note the tonality skews a touch dark, so strict reference seekers may prefer something lighter, but for impactful low-end plus elite competitive clarity, RSV MK II is a killer pick.

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Softears RSV MK2 takes the original’s idea and pushes it into a bolder, bass-centric direction. The compact shell is comfortably contoured, isolates well, and uses a slightly recessed 2-pin; the angular faceplate gives off an “evil Voltron” vibe in the best way. Packaging and accessories feel premium—a silky cable terminated in 4.4 mm with a matching 3.5 mm adapter, tip selection, cleaning tools—though the bundled case looks nice while feeling a bit faux-leather and questionable for durability. Under the hood is a 5-BA array around the ~$700 mark, presented with the fit and finish expected at this tier.

The tuning is unabashedly bass-heavy with a warmer rise through ~150–200 Hz and a slightly dark-leaning top end; not super airy, but undeniably full, rich, and musical. That weight can introduce occasional roughness/sibilance in certain vocals and can muddy spoken-word content, so this isn’t for everyone. Within Softears’ catalog it stands out: far more low-end than RSV (OG), Volume S, Twilight or Studio 4, and a different philosophy than Enigma’s vivid upper-mids. Versus sets like Monarch MK4, this goes for a deeper, thumpier shelf with a gentler upper air—trading a bit of “technical” sheen for tonal density and groove.

As a “tactfully executed bass-head” Softears, RSV MK2 delivers: impactful low end, natural mids, comfortable build, and a coherent, down-sloping balance that suits modern music exceptionally well. It isn’t flawless—moments of aggressiveness, plus a case that feels more pretty than tough—but the overall package is compelling. In the $400–$900 bracket it scores a 9.4 on this scale, while strong lower-priced options (e.g., bass-shelf specialists like Punch-tuned sets) may satisfy similar cravings if budget leads. For listeners craving a plush, powerful low end done with intent, this is a distinctive and deeply enjoyable take from Softears.

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Softears RSV MK II brings back the all-BA ethos at $700 with five armatures and a promise of “re-engineered BA bass.” Build and accessories feel premium (sleek shells, plush case), while the cable choice is quirky—4.4 mm only with a 3.5 mm pigtail. Fit is outstandingly secure and custom-like but on the larger side with a longer nozzle, so comfort depends on ear size. Softears’ Ultra Clear tips work well; the new metal-ring variant adds little beyond novelty.

On the graph, bass looks like gigabass, yet in ear it settles into a warm, weighty foundation without steamrolling the mids. The midrange follows a “new-meta neutral” tilt—fuller than Harman with forward upper-mids—while treble lands clean and sparkly without fatigue. Imaging is tidy rather than cavernous; separation and delineation are convincing, with the top end executed better than the bottom. BA bass here is among the more physical and satisfying of its kind, though tactility can be track-dependent and turn a bit tubby on very bass-heavy mixes.

Against peers, Symphonium Meteor sounds warmer and more “special” but less all-round; DUNU SA6 MK2 is more colored with janglier treble and the least convincing bass; 7th Acoustics Supernova trades warmth for vivid, bright-tilted imaging; Softears Studio 4 is lighter on bass and airier; and the old Moondrop S8 stays the lively, vocal-centric counterpoint. Net take: a supremely competent, character-light all-rounder that favors bass weight over panoramic staging. Verdict: 4/5 stars—a welcome throwback done right, and notably cheaper than the original RSV launch price.