$20 Budget Battle of the Storm, Hola & Wan'er - Honest Audiophile Impressions

A BIG thanks to KeepHifi for providing the KB Ear and to inToit Reviews for providing the TruthEar Hola, much appreciated.
Budget IEM have been improving as of late, are these my budget picks?
Purchase:
KB Ear Storm: keephifi.com/products/kbear-s...
TruthEar Hola: shenzhenaudio.com/products/tr...
Tangzu Wan'er: www.linsoul.com/products/tang...
inToit Reviews:
website: www.intoitreviews.com/
KZbin: / @intoitreviews
CHAPTERS:
00:00 INTRO
01:00 SPECS
01:33 BOX CONTENTS
03:55 DESIGN
07:52 COMFORT/ISOLATION
09:30 DRIVEABILITY
09:55 SONIC IMPRESSIONS
10:23 BASS
12:38 MIDS
14:28 TREBLE
16;10 TECHNICAL ABILITIES
20:15 CONCLUSION
21:32 OUTRO
I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.
Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.
Instagram: pB4LG7Kqp_...
Twitter: / talkdbs @TalkDbs
Website: www.thehonestaudiophile.com
Patreon : / thehonestaudiophile
KZbin membership: / @thehonestaudiophile
The Honest Audiophile research/review process: • Let's Talk - My resear... Tierlist:docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Audio Terms/Definitions: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Test Tracks: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Amazon playlist: music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Recommended Gear:
Audeze LCD-5: www.audeze.com/products/lcd-5
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: mezeaudio.com/products/meze-e...
Hifiman Ananda: hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD600: en-us.sennheiser.com/best-aud...
Sennheiser HD660s: en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-660-s
Austrian Audio Hi-X60: austrian.audio/headphones/hi-...
Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)
ADV. M5-12D: www.adv-sound.com/collections...
CTM Da Vinci X: cleartunemonitors.com/product...
Tin Hifi T2: www.linsoul.com/products/tinh...
Sony NW-A105: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Sony NW-WM-1a: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Mytek Liberty DAC ii: mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-...
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: www.headamp.com/products/gs-x...
Tor Audio Roger: toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Audio BiFrost 2: schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-789...
Massdrop THX AAA One Linear: drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one...
If you like the content of this channel and want to see more like this in the future, please
consider donating. All funds donated to the channel will be used to purchase headphones and audio gear for the channel.
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Linsoul: www.linsoul.com?sca_ref=910677.dpweP21PzL

[@gabech2789]

Tangzu Wan’er is definitely a lot of fun with music across different genres 🎶

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

100% agree

[@waterman1ify]

Very good review! You went over all the important facts and details quickly.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks 🙏

[@rubensnvs]

Dave, your reviews are the best.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.

[@jari121]

Excellent review. The Wan'er is my favorite 20€ earphone with the KZ ZVX. I hope you could review also the ZVX.

[@ImAWSMDanny]

Yoooooooo budget shoot out let's go

[@yashkatiyar8431]

Great review 👍🏾

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks 🙏

[@javierjp8549]

I have no idea about IEMs (just learned the word today) but love this guy's energy, I wish all the best for your channel. On a side note, I ended up buying the Hola just because I managed to find it $5 cheaper than the rest, will see how they go!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. Glad you enjoy the channel content. Look forward to hearing your impressions of the Hola.

[@javierjp8549]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I am happy with my purchase, worth the money (considering I wanted an all purpose IEM that was comfortable for long durations). Much better compared to the previous basic headphones I was using, but, although I can notice the difference, I don't think is anything crazy. What is crazy though is Amazon's next day delivery

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoy the Hola.

[@Olga-iw5hy]

Thank you for the video with detailed description! I discovered your channel few days ago, you actually help me in deciding what usb-c dongle to buy. I like your approach, you don't try to act as your opinion is an objective fact like some other "youtube specialists" do, and the way you present everything is very accessible, even for an audio noob like me, that is just trying to learn and get more into that world because I really like it. Now I'm absorbing all the info about iems.. actually already ordered my first (budget) pair that also appeared in your reviews to decide if it's something for me, a full time heaphones user. Of course already subscribed :)

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad you enjoy the channel content.

[@JoseSantos-uc8cl]

Had to add a 10 Ω Bass+ impedance adapter (One that came with the Truthear Zero Reds) in order to cut an edge I hear coming out from the Wan'er in some songs. Got the sensitive ears, so they start getting harsh in the mid high area when entering 65db+ levels. It is warmer too. They are ,though, EQ friendly (For those who like to tweak). Prefer EQing with the adaptor on. Lot's of of FUN in that domain. And YES you can tweak them to THUMP. As long as one remains within a level the Wan'er can handle. It works. Above that level. Not for me. Thought the $20 iem hype was just exactly that...I was wrong. For those on a tight budget or simply curious. Yeap! They are quite impressive. Dave: Got these through a Gizaudio review. Thanks to your recommended YT channel tier list. Wanted to check out another set of ears. And your help came through again. Youu, Youuuu. Thanks again and Be Well Used: Moto Ace 5g, FiiO BTR5, Poweramp EQ/Android , stock tips and cable. KZbin/Music streamer...and the adaptor. Simple and pleasant...Works for me...😊

[@maxpayne69.]

What are your recommended EQ levels for the lower end?

[@frederf69]

can't believe how cheap these are getting. some of these cheapies are embarrassing some audio companies much more expensive models. another good review, thank you.

[@yds1133]

Hi Dave. Thanks for your review. You are my go to person for reference check to understand what i am hearing. I found Tangzu strength is in its tone (or maybe audiophile refer as timbre) and its richness/full range from mid bass all the way to, i suspect, the lower treble or maybe even mid treble. But i could be wrong though However i always find it relatively or even sometimes muted or cut off at the higher treble regions making tracks less airy and sizzle or energy up top. I use TRI Clarion to help with that and it's my favorite tips, but couldn't seem to bring out enough of it. I find myself noticing it often. I am not sure if it's anything to do with my tracks as i listen to a lot of live worship recordings. Otherwise it's a really nice set that's a safe listen for long hours

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Wan'er is a bit rolled in the very upper regions. It is a bit tame and lacks some air for sure.

[@rajithfernando6200]

I really want your opinion on the Kiwiears Dolce. I have a Wan'er and I absolutely love it ❤

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Dolce and Quintent are in transit, review to come at some point.

[@gutsthestruggler3052]

Great Review Dave👏👏 please suggest me some ALL-ROUNDER IEMs under 150$ Dollar that can cover Pop, Ballads and Classical Symphony Orchestration.Thank you

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Moondrop Kato

[@ikejennings1154]

Nice review, THA!! I avoided these 3 iems, instead i bought the kz/ dqs...so glad...of all my iems, The kz dqs, is the best fitting/ snuggly, iem ,that i have..Sounds really good too....kz dqs is a great budget iem..you get that geeat seal, which is gonna create a full sounding iem, with comfort..

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoy the DQS. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ikejennings1154]

​@TheHonestAudiophile If ,ya ,getta chance., to, review the kz/ dqs, I'll definitely tune in for that one..thanx again!! THA..peace

[@tdtdtd1826]

Tangzu 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 and I have hola too but nothing can beat the excellent Kz Edx pro for 5 usd ,yap just 5usd

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoy the Wan'er.

[@amitpatnaik2314]

Can you please tell me the best equalizer settings for Tangzu waner .!!!!

[@lucasmarchette10]

Which headphones under 50$ do you recommend to replace Tin Hifi T2? So far, I haven't found any headphones with mids and highs as natural as the Tin T2.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The only one in the sub 50 range that is similar is the Wan'er

[@mrxcs]

Tangzu Wan’er is my favorite for music.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness 😎 Glad you enjoy the Wan'er.

[@user-jx9qf5cs1p]

i actually have the wanners ad they are great, but i wonder if you were to step up to do an upgrade over the wanners what would you pick? i mean something under 50 usd...

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

TruthEar Zero Red

[@tigerbalm666]

Just got my Moondrop CHU 2, my first IEM.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@tigerbalm666]

@@TheHonestAudiophileUsing it with my Phinistec Z6 DAP which has a 3.5 jack for outdoor use like running/biking/yardwork. TBH, the DAP's EQ presets were lacking, so I made a EQ that sounded excellent, not too bassy or too trebly (inverted smile curve). Sounds so much better than the cheap earbuds I've been using! IDK why I've just recently heard about these IEM's! I hate wearing big headphones outdoors and also BT buds cutting out or dropping out of my ears! Also the high S/N let's me turn to only 30% volume and not 90%. I think I am hooked to IEMs now and getting the TANGZU Wan'er S.G next???

[@damnbrosky]

Sir I very much like your reviews and if I want to know something about audio gear, way I will understand it, I finally always landed here for your opinion. You help me to choose some stuff and for sure I will look for your words about things that I want to have. I like to add something from me coz channel is growing and more people will looking here for advice, I like to suggest to upgrade little bit your video gear not only audio 🙂. this great educational and entertaining content needs a little bit better visuals to be 100% complete. At least something that will zoom fast enough.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I'm glad you enjoy the channel content and find the videos helpful. Thanks for the feedback.

[@JimiMckeever]

I had thrown away the Wan'er out after a month of trying using them. I found them to be too shouty for me, I had to have volume down to at least 40% on any of my players or phones and after 30 minutes they still were too fatiguing. I really enjoy the Hola, the fit, feel and even the cable was not bad. I put these on a Balanced and just boost the 1k a little and they are good. For the heck of it, I will try the Storm, but not having high hopes. Thanks.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the impressions.

[@1337wafflezz]

lol if you think wan’er was shouty(it’s really not, it’s about as shouty as the hd6xx give or take with a smidge more 2khz) then you’re gonna despise something like the storm which is straight up standard traditional chifi v-shape nonsense

[@VSN-wb2ly]

You have similar ears to me, I don't really mind treble but upper midrange is a big no to me. Maybe it's not neutral but I like it that way

[@VSN-wb2ly]

And fun fact 64 audio u4s also has dip in the upper midrange, which is interesting because that thing is 1000$+

[@pappsa8]

I love the wan'er!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

It is a fantastic performance value IEM! Glad you enjoy it.

[@ashuchan69yearsago92]

How's the soundstage?

[@Shahbas_]

Can u suggest an iem for watching movies and listening musics with little bit bass under 25$

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Tangzu Wan'er is my favorite sub $25 IEM

[@himashwitharana3263]

Hi Dave! I've checked many reviews but you seem to be the only person going in depth about imaging and detail retrieval on IEMs. This is key to what I'm after. I've seen way too many reviews at this point and I hate to ask, but would you be open to making a recommendation for me? If so, what I'm looking for is an IEM that has a neutral balance in terms of tuning. I don't want any rumbly bass or shouty vocals etc. What I am after is excellent technicalities. Tracking, detail retrieval and resolving is my main requirement. So far, from your reviews, the Moondrop SSR seems to be highly capable for this and also fits well into my tight budget of under $50-$60. My current pair is the Moondrop Chu 2 and while it does an okay job of imaging, tracking and resolving, I feel there is more to be had here. As I said, I'm willing to stretch up to $60, but if there is anything around that range (perhaps the SSR or something else maybe), I would love to know your thoughts. Hope you have a great day!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The Tin Hifi T2 is a neutral IEM with solid stage and imaging in the 50 price range. The Tangzu Wan'er is solid in the 20 price point. The Moondrop SSR is more mid forward and can be aggressive presentation to some and isn't as neutral like the T2 or Wan'er. Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy the channel content and find it helpful.

[@himashwitharana3263]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks Dave! I've added T2s to the list also. Do you have any thoughts on how the T2s compare to the Kotori Dauntless?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@himashwitharana3263 Dauntless is a presentation with heavier hitting bass, slightly more forward mids and sparkly, energetic treble. The stage is a little more defined. The Dauntless is better with detail retrieval and resolution. They are quite different in presentation with Dauntless having a more full sound.

[@himashwitharana3263]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I pulled the trigger on the Dauntless! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@himashwitharana3263 Awesome 👍 Look forward to hearing your impressions. You're welcome, my pleasure.

[@JohnClarkW]

I still think the Hola and QKZxHBB are my two favorite budget sets.

[@Bushviking]

Agree with your assessment of the HOLA. It's by no means bad, but not very exciting. I like my kiwi-ears cadenza much more and it's almost as cheap. And in my ears more comfortable.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Cadenza is a lot more fun for sure.

[@0x7f2c]

Personally, i've had the cadenza and since i tried the Wan'er and the Hola, i can say that for my music taste the cadenzas are quite bad..

[@Bushviking]

@@0x7f2c I rate my Cadenzas quite a bit higher than my Holas. Which shows that all ears are different. And music libraries probably as well.

[@ashwinms19]

Im confused between tanguzu waner and 7hz salnotes zero. Which one have better techicality and details?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Tangzu Wan'er

[@shabbufateh]

Hi, I owned tripowin tc01. I lost them 2 days ago. Now I want new iem probably same priced or lesser if possible. I loved the bass in tripowin it was little more than I like. Other details was also good. For gaming it was also good. Hope its enough to guide me as you have guided me before. Thanks!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Kiwi Ears Cadenza

[@shabbufateh]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Any thoughts on TANGZU - WAN'ER S.G.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I love the Wan'er but I'm not sure it would have the bass that you love on the TC-01. Personally I'd take the Wan'er over the Cadenza.

[@shabbufateh]

Sorry for bothering you again. I would like to go with tanzu but I don't want to miss the details of tripowin. Like that iem was for 4k and this is for 1.8k. it's was cheaper. So I don't want to feel I'm missing something.

[@juanleon4446]

The new Moondrop Chu 2 has been realeased. I need your review

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@shrenikoo7]

Hello, i have been using CCA CRA and wanted an upgrade, and i feel its treble is kinda fatiguing. How is the treble region in Tangsu Warner in comparison? Also how is its bass in comparison to CCA CRA? I was thinking of getting Waner, but few reviews had me confused say that i can be lil bright or fatiguing. Now i am thinking of getting Hola 😅 Pls help

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Waner is better controlled, less fatiguing in the treble. The upper mids are a little more forward than the CRA. As for the bass, the Waner doesn't have as much bass extension or impact but has better details, resolution and is more controlled. Overall the Waner is an upgrade to the CRA.

[@shrenikoo7]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thank you very much. Really appreciate it 😊👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@shrenikoo7 my pleasure, you're welcome

[@StarBuccaneers168]

Enjoyed this review where you combined three budget IEMs in one video. I think wan'er spent too much on the box design and it could have improved the IEM build quality.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

True the Wan'er build could be better but it is quality for the price. The box is overkill for sure.

[@rafsnchz]

100% agree. I like how they sound, but compared to Moondrop Chu II or Truthear Hola, they feel so cheap, it’s crazy. Same with Salnotes Zero, they feel cheap too, if you compare them with Chu or Hola.

[@kamrankambang7953]

Krila is 16usd. I hope more reviewer compare it to other under 20usd iem.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Krila is inbound and rest assured it will be compared to 20ish price point.

[@zyphoxxs3]

iems For (KPOP & gaming) What iems could i get at a $55 price point Looking for good vocals not super heavy on bass but enough to satisfy or all around good iems for that price point

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

TruthEar X Crinacle Zero Red

[@KashanArtist]

Hi, I have tangzu wan'er & kz zs10, can you suggest me one iem $80 to $100 range.. I feel your listening taste very close to mine. I appreciate your suggestion thanks, God bless you 🙂

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Here are a few suggestions: LetShuoer Galileo Kotori Dauntless DUNU Titan S Tin Hifi T2 mkii (review coming soon)

[@KashanArtist]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks God bless you, waiting for review. 👍🙂

[@RenimakBagio]

One question I have hola and i m upgrading to titan s is titan s have more bass than hola or equal or low and hola bass is enough for me just let me know dave

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Hola has way more bass impact but the Titan S is better detailed and resolving. The Titan S is more neutral and accurate.

[@VSN-wb2ly]

Titan S tuning is a reference tuning style, quite boring tbh but that's just for me.

[@hashtag_hehexd7662]

any difference on the hola with mic and without?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Didn't have a mic cable to test it.

[@ShadowFire266]

which one would you recommend for fps gaming?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My budget go to for gaming IEM is Tin Hifi T2. But out of these options, the Wan'er is decent choice.

[@alemusicgirl]

would you consider wan'er over the zero 2 ? or not?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Yes, I think the Wan'er is special for it's tone and timbre in the price range.

[@chris.asi_romeo]

Can you do a review of nicehck eb2s ???

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@chris.asi_romeo]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I've been looking forward for your review. Thanks

[@Dhananjay1008]

Wan'er with ibasso dc03 pro DAC what do you think about this combo.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the iBasso DC03 Pro.

[@Dhananjay1008]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks for your quick reply, your videos are just great

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome. Glad you enjoy the channel content.

[@gutsthestruggler3052]

Please Suggest some portable Dac under 80$dollar ​@@TheHonestAudiophile

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Hiby FC4, Hiby FC3

[@manish_6]

Hi, I love my Wan’er ! What would be a good upgrade over it in the rage of 100-150 USD Thank you

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Moondrop Kato Tin Hifi T5s LetShuoer Galileo

[@svilenp]

👍

[@Weareonenation303]

I bought a Wa ner for funsies last year, I'd take it over my Fiio FD5 and Thieaudio L4 which are much more expensive. I think it's a pretty good starting point for people with very low budgets or are unwilling to spent good dough on IEMs

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness! Glad you enjoy the Tangzu Wan'er.

[@souravsethi-bz3lv]

my warner mesh got damaged because i wore them for long time but i try to clear but i am getting imbalanced sound what should i do

[@MIRSHAKILRESVIASHIK]

please suggest me a IEM around 50$

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Here is a link to my gear ranking tier list, please read the ranking grade tab first. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing A couple of 50ish IEM I recommend: Tin Hifi T2 Kinera Celest Pandamon TruthEar x Crinacle Project Red Zero

[@paulosilva8200]

Agree with you at medium volume. At blasting volumes. The hola takes the cake

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thank you for the thoughts.

[@paulosilva8200]

@@TheHonestAudiophile you always welcome...

[@user-fu8gu3js2m]

hello, can the wan'er one be used in smartphones like samsung?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sure if your phone has a headphone output or you use a USB C dongle.

[@user-fu8gu3js2m]

thanks!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@user-fu8gu3js2m my pleasure, you're welcome.

[@jack3400]

How do these compare to the kiwi cadenza? (which one is better)

[@lirox79]

Has anyone noticed this? with the Waner, the nozzle comes out of the housing at a 90 degree angle, with no inclination for anatomy.

[@Guna-qt8pe]

Hi Sir, Thanks, what about 7hz salnotes zero?

[@Trevor_Philips_industries977]

where is 7hz selnotes zero?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Here's link to my review of the 7hz Zero kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYnTeZ5mabSAqJY 7hz Zero 2 is in house and review will be coming in a few weeks.

[@omkaramre4576]

Can you suggest an iem for gaming under 25$

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Tangzu Wan'er

[@Andyxx15]

what about moondrop chu

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Here is a link to my Moondrop Chu review, pretty obvious why I would take the Wan'er over it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHmxhJ-IpcuKrNE

[@sanderhoogeland9161]

Nice review Dave. So, I only learned about the existence of this category yesterday. The only thing I have experience with in this price range, are the Apple EarPods. Now, I don’t know if you have ever used those, but if you have, how would you say they compare to IEMS such as these when it comes to sound quality? Especially when compared to the Tangzu, those definitely sound interesting.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I've not heard the Apple Earpods

[@sanderhoogeland9161]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I kind of thought as much, but thank you for the reply anyway. I did buy the Tangzu’s, and they should be arriving tomorrow, so I’ll know soon enough.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@sanderhoogeland9161 look forward to hearing your impressions of the Tangzu

[@sanderhoogeland9161]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I’ll definitely let you know.

[@maxpayne69.]

@@sanderhoogeland9161updates? 😇