Alright, let’s talk about the Tangzu Wan’er S.G 2. Anyone paying attention to the budget IEM scene over the last year or so absolutely knows the original Wan’er S.G. It practically redefined what you could get for around twenty bucks – solid build, decent cable, and a surprisingly well-tuned sound that punched way above its weight, becoming an instant benchmark and a default recommendation for countless people dipping their toes into the Chi-Fi pool. You saw it everywhere, recommended constantly, and for good reason.
So, naturally, the arrival of the Wan’er S.G 2 stirred up quite a bit of buzz. The big question on everyone’s mind wasn’t just is it good?, but is it the same kind of good? Is this a simple refinement, or did Tangzu decide to shake things up? Having spent some quality time with it, and soaking in the initial reactions across the community, it’s clear this isn’t just a Wan’er 1.1. You’ll find an IEM at the easy-to-swallow sub-$20 price point on AliExpress or Amazon.
Design, Build & Fit
Jumping straight into the unboxing experience for the Tangzu Wan’er 2, things feel familiar yet slightly altered from the original. The box art gets a refresh, which is expected, but Tangzu made a curious swap inside. Gone is the little microfiber cloth the first Wan’er included – a small but appreciated touch. In its place is a printed piece of cardboard art. Apparently, the idea is you can prop this up on some kind of stand, maybe one Tangzu sells or just expects you to have? It feels a bit like a cost-saving measure that adds minimal value compared to the practical cloth. Inside the usual compartments, you get the IEMs themselves, the cable, and the ear tips.
Speaking of ear tips, this is actually a notable upgrade. The Tangzu Wan’er 2 now comes bundled with Tangzu’s Sanchai tips. These are the textured silicone tips that usually ship with their more expensive models like the Fudu Verse 1 or Nezha and sell separately for around ten bucks. Finding them included with an IEM hovering around the $20 mark is a pleasant surprise. While claims about textured tips drastically altering sound are debatable, they are genuinely comfortable and provide a secure grip in the ear canal. This is a definite step up from the more generic tips included with the first version.
Looking at the earpieces, the Wan’er 2 sports a noticeably different shell design. The somewhat angular shape of the original, which could occasionally cause comfort issues for a small number of users around the upper edges, has been replaced with a much more rounded, organic form. It feels smoother in hand and potentially slots into the ear concha more universally. The build material remains a clear resin, allowing a view of the internals, available in both black and white variations with distinct faceplate art – the black featuring a subtle dragon motif.
However, this redesign brings two significant physical changes. First, the Wan’er 2 shell is noticeably thicker than the original. While the original could sit quite flush for many, the V2 tends to protrude more noticeably from the ear. Second, the nozzle length has been shortened. Combined with the shell thickness, this means achieving a deep, secure insertion might be trickier, especially for those used to IEMs that sit further in the ear canal. Initial fits with the included dome-shaped black Sanchai tips felt a bit shallow; switching to the narrower, more conical colored Sanchai tips (also included) helped achieve a slightly deeper and more secure feeling fit. So, while the shape aims for better ergonomics, the thickness and nozzle length introduce new fit variables.
The Cable & Connectivity
The cable situation brings its own set of changes and one significant compatibility quirk. Visually, the new stock cable (in white or black depending on the shell color) looks different – the white is brighter, less creamy than the V1’s, and the cable structure uses a different twist pattern. Some feel the original cable felt a bit more robust, almost rope-like, while the new one feels slightly thinner, though perfectly functional with low microphonics. The big news is the connector. Tangzu ditched the QDC-style hooded 0.78mm 2-pin connector of the original for a standard recessed 0.78mm 2-pin socket on the Wan’er 2 shell.
This leads to “the twist”: you cannot use the original Wan’er S.G cable with the new Wan’er 2 shells. The hood on the V1 cable’s connector physically prevents it from plugging into the recessed socket of the V2. However, the new V2 cable (and most standard 2-pin aftermarket cables) can fit both the V1 and V2 shells. This lack of backwards compatibility is a bit baffling. On the plus side, the Wan’er 2 offers far more termination options from the factory: standard 3.5mm (with or without mic), a 4.4mm balanced version (a fantastic value proposition under $20), and even a Type-C version with a built-in DAC and mic for direct plug-and-play convenience. This broadens the appeal significantly based on user needs.
Sound Signature
Now, for the sound – arguably the most critical aspect and where the Wan’er 2 diverges most clearly from its predecessor. While Tangzu states they’re using a similar 10mm PET dynamic driver, possibly with some diaphragm material improvements aimed at enhancing mid and high frequencies, the resulting tuning is perceptibly different. The original Wan’er gained its fame largely due to its satisfying bass presence – it had a good amount of kick, rumble, and weight, making music engaging and fun without overwhelming the rest of the frequencies. It was a benchmark for balanced-but-fun bass in its price bracket.
The Wan’er 2 pulls back significantly on that bass emphasis. That characteristic warmth, impact, and satisfying thump of the original are noticeably diminished. It’s not that bass is absent, but it lacks the authority and character that defined the V1 sound for many. In exchange for this reduced bass quantity, the Wan’er 2 does seem to offer a bit more clarity and perceived detail through the midrange and treble. Vocals, both male and female, come across clearly, perhaps slightly more forward, and the higher frequencies feel a touch smoother and more refined than the original’s sometimes slightly grainy treble. The overall impression shifts from the V1’s warm, bass-leaning balance towards a more neutral-bright signature in the V2, prioritizing clarity over low-end heft. Some might even find the V2 tuning closer to something like the Wan’er S.G Studio Edition.
Regarding technical performance like soundstage and instrument separation, there isn’t a massive leap reported between the two versions. Both offer a respectable presentation for their price point, capable enough for most music genres and even some casual gaming, providing adequate directional cues. Drivability remains excellent; with an impedance around 19 ohms, the Wan’er 2 is easily powered by virtually any source, from phones to dongle DACs. Microphone quality on the mic-equipped versions is standard fare – perfectly usable for calls in quiet environments but lacking noise cancellation, so background sounds will come through.
The Verdict: Should You Buy the Wan’er 2?
So, who is the Tangzu Wan’er 2 actually for? If you currently own and love the original Wan’er S.G, especially for its engaging bass response, rushing out to “upgrade” to the V2 probably isn’t necessary or even desirable. The sound signature change is significant enough that it feels more like a sidegrade to a different flavor profile rather than a direct improvement. You’d be trading away that signature bass for a bit more clarity up top.
For newcomers entering the budget IEM space, the decision is more nuanced. The Wan’er 2 presents a compelling package deal: you get the improved Sanchai tips, potentially more comfortable ergonomics for some ear shapes, and a fantastic array of termination options right out of the box, all while maintaining that very attractive low price.
If your sound preference leans towards neutrality, detail, clear vocals, and you aren’t seeking a bass-heavy experience, the Wan’er 2 is an excellent modern option and arguably a better starting point package-wise than the original. However, if that satisfying low-end thump and warmer character are what you crave in an affordable IEM, seeking out the original Wan’er S.G (while stocks last) or looking at other bass-focused budget options might be the better path. Tangzu hasn’t necessarily made the Wan’er “better” across the board; they’ve made it different, catering to a slightly shifted preference within the same budget category.
