Kurt reviews the XENNS Mangird Tea Pro SE, a new limited-edition hybrid dual dynamic and 6 balanced armature driver IEM priced at $449.00.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or status. I thank Linsoul for their support.
Click here to learn more about the XENNS Mangird products we have previously reviewed on Headfonics.
This post follows our scoring guidelines, which you can read in more detail here.
XENNS Mangird has consistently delivered excellent IEMs that bring out the emotion of the music we love.
They have achieved this through standout releases like the original Tea series, which was one of their top performers, and the Top Pro, which remains one of their most impressive IEMs to date.
The XENNS Mangird Tea Pro SE, priced at $449, represents a more polished and technically focused evolution of the standard Tea Pro.
Following in the footsteps of such heavy hitters, can this new special edition find the right balance between raw power and refined precision?
Features
The XENNS Mangird Tea Pro SE features an eight-driver hybrid configuration consisting of two custom dynamic drivers and six balanced armatures.
This internal arrangement utilizes multiple Knowles drivers to manage the midrange and upper frequencies with high-resolution precision.
The bass is managed by two custom 8mm dynamic drivers equipped with powerful neodymium magnets.
This dual-driver system functions as a dedicated subwoofer, utilizing a sharp 150Hz electronic crossover to maintain strict separation between the bass and the lower midrange.
Then the midrange is powered by a Knowles RDB 34834 dual balanced armature unit designed for a natural and accurate vocal presentation.
This circuitry is supported by a moderate 400Hz tuning lift to ensure the core frequencies maintain proper body and warmth without becoming congested.
Handling the top end is a combination of dual Knowles RAF 32873 tweeters and upgraded Knowles SWFK 31736 ultra-high frequency drivers.
These specific tweeters are assigned to extend the response beyond 20kHz, utilizing refined crossover points to enhance the overall sense of air and soundstage openness.
Design
The faceplate of the Tea Pro SE is arguably the best design from the brand to date, featuring a striking green base with gold and black accents. This organic aesthetic resembles a lush emerald forest floor or a deep jungle canopy illuminated by scattered sunlight.
Departing from the medical-grade resin used on the standard Tea Pro, this special edition introduces a fully CNC-machined metal shell. The switch to metal feels like a significant evolution for the series, offering a more robust and premium tactile experience.
The metal body remains impressively smooth and lightweight, with each earpiece weighing only 6.65 grams. It is especially noteworthy that this model utilizes metal while its more expensive sibling, the Top Pro, still relies on resin construction.
The shell is finished in a clean matte black, which provides a sober contrast to the vibrant complexity of the handcrafted faceplates. Discreet “L” and “R” markings are etched directly onto the inner portion of the housing for quick and easy channel identification.
A small pressure relief vent is placed near the connector to manage the internal airflow for the dual dynamic drivers. The flush 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and polished metal nozzles with distinct lips ensure both cable security and a reliable ear tip fit.
Comfort & Isolation
The Tea Pro SE offers a great fit that naturally conforms to the contours of the ear. Its smooth and cool metal shells provide excellent temperature control for a comfortable tactile experience during long listening sessions.
The housing size is expertly balanced to feel neither too large nor too small, avoiding any uncomfortable expansion of the ear canal.
While those with large ears will find the fit seamless, individuals with smaller ears may notice the outer protrusion of the shell more prominently.
Isolation is a standout feature, matching the high performance of the original Tea Pro to effectively block out environmental noise.
The lightweight design and tangle-resistant cable make it an ideal companion for daily commuting. However, it’s not recommended for sleeping due to the physical protrusion that creates uncomfortable pressure when lying on your side.
Ear Tips
The Tea Pro SE includes three sets each of foam tips, black silicone tips, and white silicone tips. This selection is ultimately disappointing as none of the provided options offer a high-quality experience.
The white and black silicone variants are constructed from the same material, while the foam options are merely serviceable and average. Out of the provided sets, the white tips are the most effective because their wider flange design helps achieve a more secure seal.
None of the included tips provides any noticeable improvement or refinement to the sound signature of the Tea Pro SE. The lack of a great ear tip option is a missed opportunity for a special edition release.
Stock Cable
The cable is an 8-core oxygen-free copper and ultra-pure silver Litz construction finished in a matching green hue. This color coordination with the faceplates gives the entire set a cohesive and premium appearance.
It utilizes a modular screw-lock system that allows for quick swapping between the included 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs. This threaded mechanism provides a far more secure connection than standard friction-fit modular designs.
All hardware components, including the Y-split and plug housings, are crafted from precision-machined metal for maximum longevity. The 0.78mm 2-pin connectors are designed to sit flush against the shells to maintain a clean and professional profile.
Packaging & Accessories
The XENNS Mangird Tea Pro SE arrives in a vibrant green box featuring a high-quality render of the two earpieces on the front. The back of the sleeve is uniquely flipped vertically and lists technical specifications like driver configuration and sensitivity.
Sliding off the outer sleeve reveals a minimalist black inner box with the XENNS logo at the center. Two triangle arrows are printed on the sides to indicate the opening direction of the lid.
Lifting the black cover exposes a paper container with the brand name that holds the user manual. Below this layer, the green carrying case and a separate accessories box are neatly organized in foam cutouts.
The green carrying case is crafted from smooth synthetic leather and uses a simple friction-fit opening mechanism. Inside, the IEMs are found pre-attached to the stock cable for immediate use.
The stock cable features a matching green leather-like strap for secure storage and cable management. The consistent use of the green color scheme throughout the packaging and case design is a standout choice.
The separate accessories box contains three types of ear tips, the modular 4.4mm jack, and a protective carrying pouch. A specialized cleaning brush that includes a mic holder is also included to complete the bundle.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the XENNS Mangird Tea Pro SE were completed using a mix of the Colorfly CDA-M2, the Heartfield R1, and the FiiO JA11.
Bass
The Tea Pro SE sub-bass delivers a deep and satisfying rumble that remains exceptionally clean and controlled. It carries a good amount of energy that lingers just briefly to provide a solid and textured foundation.
The Tea Pro SE -bass slam is authoritative and packs a proper punch without ever feeling overbearing or bloated. The tuning prioritizes clarity over sheer explosiveness, keeping the low end articulate rather than pushing into bass head territory.
Bass guitars are rendered with a lifelike quality that ensures every pluck carries a convincing sense of weight. Drums also avoid sounding blunted, delivering a firm and impactful slam that stays tight and responsive.
The overall low-end performance of the Tea Pro SE is remarkably dynamic and proves to be reliable across various musical genres. Its ability to transition between subtle textures and powerful hits makes it versatile for any library.
Mids
The Tea Pro SE are positioned forward and maintains a balanced presence that never lags behind the bass or treble. This region avoids any dark or overly bright tilt, sitting right where it needs to be for a cohesive presentation.
Vocals are rendered with excellent quality that makes nuances easy to hear while maintaining top-notch clarity. There is very little to fault in how they’re projected as they remain clean and engaging throughout.
Both male and female vocals are depicted with accurate textures that feel lifelike and natural. This realistic approach ensures that every performance sounds convincing and captures the emotional weight of the recording.
There is no trace of odd BA timbre, allowing both vocals and instruments to maintain a realistic and organic tone. Stringed instruments sound smooth and natural without any unusual sharpness or artificial edge.
Treble
The Tea Pro SE detail retrieval is excellent, allowing subtle nuances to be heard with impressive ease. This heightened level of resolution ensures that even the most minute elements of a recording are clearly presented within the mix.
The sparkle is now exceptional, clearly showcasing the performance improvements brought by the updated balanced armature drivers. There is a great deal of energy present in the high frequencies of the Tea Pro SE without any unwanted brightness or sharpness being introduced.
Sibilance is completely absent, ensuring that the treble remains smooth and non-fatiguing for extended listening periods. The presentation also possesses a convincing sense of airiness that contributes to an open and spacious atmosphere.
The Tea Pro SE renders cymbals with an excellent tone that captures their natural shimmer and decay perfectly. This level of accuracy provides a convincing experience that remains both realistic and well-controlled.
Staging & Dynamics
The Tea Pro SE staging size is a standout feature, offering a wide presentation with a convincing sense of height and depth. This is a clear step up from the original Tea Pro, providing a much more spacious and immersive environment for your library.
Imaging is excellent, properly utilizing the available space to place every sound exactly where it belongs. This precision creates an organized sonic image that makes it easy to pinpoint individual elements even in complex arrangements.
The handling of separation is equally impressive, ensuring the stage never feels cramped or congested during busy passages. Even when pushed with dense rock or pop tracks, the Tea Pro SE maintains a clean and layered sound that keeps everything distinct.
Dynamics are unfortunately just average, as the IEM doesn’t seem to scale much when given more power. There is a noticeable plateau in the Tea Pro SE’s performance at higher volumes, where the sound stops gaining any additional impact or refinement.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
