Synergy
Efficiency
The FUDU verse1 has an impedance of 16Ω and a sensitivity of 106 dB @1kHz SPL, which means it is easy to drive and does not require a powerful source or amplifier.
The FUDU verse1 can be driven by most smartphones, laptops, or portable players, but it can benefit from a better source or DAC, such as the 7hz SEVENHERTZ 71, that gives it an even wider sound stage, giving it an even more inviting and relaxing presentation.
Pairings
The FUDU verse1 pairs well with sources that have a neutral or slightly colder sound signature, as well as a good resolution and dynamics.
In my daily rotation, the 7hz SEVENERTZ 71 was able to drive them fairly well, but the additional warmth it added was too much for my taste.
Select Comparisons
Kiwi Ears Quartet
Technical
The Quartet uses dual 10mm dynamic driver and dual balanced armature drivers with an impedance of 32Ω and a sensitivity of 110 dB @1kHz. The FUDU verse1 uses a single 10mm dynamic driver and dual custom BA drivers.
The FUDU verse1 has an impedance of 16Ω and a sensitivity of 106dB @1kHz, making the FUDU verse1 easier to drive. Additionally, both IEMs make use of the standard 0.78mm 2-pin connector.
Design
The Quartet makes use of a smooth resin shell with a swirled black and purple design with a glossy finish, whilst the FUDU verse1 also makes use of a 3D printed resin shell.
However, it has a much darker transparent color with more of a matte finish. The FUDU verse1 also makes use of a CNC metal faceplate whilst the Quartet is made from one resin body.
The FUDU verse1 fits slightly better in the ear due to its smaller size, making it slightly more comfortable all around and perfect for all-day listening. However, this does not mean that the Quartet is uncomfortable by any means.
Performance
The Quartet has a V-shaped sound signature that leans more toward the warm side. In terms of both bass quantity and quality, the Quartet’s execution is superior in every way.
Bass hits have more rumble, whilst also having a better sense of texture. There was a night and day difference between the bass detail retrieval between the two IEMs, with all strikes sounding easily distinguishable on the quarter, and strikes sounding all the same with the FUDU verse1.
Despite having a warm leaning somewhat neutral sound signature, the FUDU verse1 was not able to outclass the vocal and mids performance of the Quartet.
Vocals are more forward by virtue of their tuning, but they do not have additional detail, and in some cases, the vocals on the FUDU verse1 sound thinner than that of Quartet. String instruments are more forward on the Quartet, but once again, the detail retrieval was still worse than the Quartet.
The highs on the Quartet are more resolving than that of the FUDU verse1. Cymbals and snares have a better sense of sparkle and air but do not come off as sibilant at all.
The veiled presentation of the FUDU verse1 really does it a disservice since, in some tracks, it completely hides subtle cymbals that are perfectly clear with the Quartet.
Tempotec IM05
Technical
The TempoTec IM05 uses a single 8mm dynamic driver and four balanced armature drivers with an impedance of 33Ω and a sensitivity of 99dB @1kHz, whilst the FUDU verse1 uses a single 10mm dynamic driver and two custom BA drivers.
The FUDU verse1 has an impedance of 16Ω and a sensitivity of 106dB, making the FUDU verse1 easier to drive. Additionally, both IEMs make use of the standard 0.78mm 2-pin connector.
Design
The IM05 makes use of a shell that seems to be constructed from 3D-printed resin with a glossy finish. The FUDU verse1 also makes use of a resin shell, with a similarly dark transparent color, however, the FUDU verse1 has a more matte finish compared to the glossy finish of the IM05.
Both the FUDU verse1 and the IM05 make use of a resin shell and a separate metal face plate, with the one on the IM05 having a brushed black metal finish with a stylized yellow piano or TempoTec logo.
The FUDU verse1 fits significantly better in the ear due to its smaller size and lighter build, making it slightly more comfortable all around and perfect for all-day listening. However, this does not mean that the IM05 is uncomfortable by any means, the FUDU verse1 is simply superior in terms of comfort.
Performance
The IM05 has a V-shaped tuning style as opposed to the warm leaning neutral turning employed by the FUDU verse1. The bass on the IM05 hits lower and a much more satisfying slam, with also a superior sense of texture and resolution.
Bass hits on the FUDU verse1 all sound like they come from the same instrument, whilst the IM05 can easily articulate the differences between different bass strikes. In terms of bass performance, the FUDU verse1 stands no chance against the IM05.
Surprisingly, the mids performance between the two IEMs was closer than I originally thought. Despite having more forward mids and vocals than the IM05, the FUDU verse1 only achieved a similar level of detail retrieval, albeit with much more energy.
Not only is this a testament to the class-leading resolution performance of the IM05, but it also highlights the lower resolution performance of the FUDU verse1 even in regions where it is more forward in comparison.
The treble comparison was absolutely no contest. The IM05 delivered cymbal strikes and snare hits with very good detail in comparison. Not only were cymbal strikes lifeless on the FUDU verse1, but in some cases I couldn’t hear them at all.
Our Verdict
The TANGZU x DIVINUS verse1 is a laid-back, warm-sounding pair of IEMs that sacrifice detail and resolution for a relaxed sound signature. They offer a unique value proposition by offering 2 different sets of boutique ear tips at a relatively affordable price point.
Within this price range, they become competitive when you consider all the accessories that come with it.
Don’t get me wrong, they are not bad by any means. However, they aren’t good or exceptional at any single attribute either.
They are quite relaxing to listen to, but it does so at the cost of resolution and clarity. Additionally, there are other competing IEMs in the price range that provide a similarly relaxing tonality, without taking as big of a hit in terms of detail retrieval.
The FUDU verse1 isn’t offensive, but this is not an exceptional tuning either. If you already own multiple pairs of IEMs are interested in trying out additional ear tips and are in the market for a decent 4.4mm balanced cable, the FUDU verse1 may prove to be valuable just for that.
TANGZU x DIVINUS FUDU verse1 Specifications
- Driver Type: 1DD + 2BA
- Plug: 4.4mm or 3.5mm standard 0.78mm-2pin
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Sensitivity: 106dB
