It’s always exciting when a new piece of audio gear promises to push boundaries, and the Xenns Mangird Top PRO certainly arrives with a lot of buzz. For $449, you're getting a pair of in-ear monitors (IEMs) packing a serious punch: ten drivers in each ear, all working together in a hybrid configuration. This isn't just about raw numbers, though; it's about how those drivers harmonize to create a listening experience that aims for depth, musicality, and a revealing touch.
Linsoul, a name familiar to many in the Chifi audio scene, has a long-standing relationship with Xenns, and together they've been crafting IEMs that often hit that sweet spot of mid-centric tuning and excellent value. I've personally found Xenns' offerings to be a great choice for those who appreciate a sound that's both sweet and euphonic, and the Top PRO seems to continue that lineage.
Digging into the tech, the Top PRO boasts some impressive engineering. The bass frequencies are handled by a pair of dual dynamic drivers, featuring robust neodymium iron boron magnets. For the mids and highs, Xenns has opted for a selection of balanced armature (BA) drivers. Specifically, there are two custom Knowles BAs for the midrange, two Sonion E50D composite BAs for the treble, and a custom composite Knowles Super Tweeter BA to reach those ultra-high frequencies. Now, you might look at that and think, 'Where are the ten drivers?' Linsoul clarified that some of these drivers are indeed composite, essentially housing two moving parts that function as a single unit, thus accounting for the ten-driver count. It’s a clever way to pack in more sonic potential.
The accompanying cable is no afterthought either. It's a handcrafted, 196-core affair, built from a blend of single crystal copper and silver. Braided into four strands, it features a 0.78mm 2-Pin design, which is great because it makes it easy to swap out for Bluetooth adapters like the FiiO UTWS5 if you fancy going wireless. Plus, the cable is modular, coming with both a 4.4mm balanced and a 3.5mm single-ended connector, offering flexibility right out of the box.
From a technical standpoint, the Top PRO is surprisingly easy to drive. With an impedance of 16 Ohms and a sensitivity of 103 dB, it doesn't demand a powerhouse source. In my testing, I found it needed less juice than some of its similarly priced competitors, like the Yanyin Canon Pro or Moritz Enzo, making it quite versatile across different playback devices. And yes, it comes with a sturdy, rather handsome transport case, which is always a welcome addition.
Comfort is a big deal with IEMs, and Xenns seems to have nailed it here. The Mangird Top PRO shares the design philosophy of many other Xenns IEMs: a lightweight construction with a splash of color on the shells, but crucially, an incredibly comfortable fit. The shells are on the smaller side, which contributes to a pleasant, almost forgettable feel in the ear. Passive isolation is decent, around -10 to -16 dB, meaning that once your music is playing, the outside world tends to fade away nicely. I experienced no driver flex or void, and the shells, despite their normal appearance, are remarkably ergonomic. The flexible cable is also a win, free from microphonic noise and featuring a natural ear-hook design that enhances overall comfort.
One of the aesthetic touches I appreciate is the semi-transparent shell, allowing a peek at the drivers within. It’s a subtle detail, but it adds a certain charm. The fit is described as medium-shallow, but the included eartips are of high quality, comparable to what you might find with brands like ddHiFi. Overall, comfort is definitely a strong suit for the Top PRO.
When it comes to sound, the Top PRO proved to be a joy to pair. I tested it with a range of sources, from the Rose Technics RT-5000 and Dethonray Clarinet to the iBasso DX340 and FiiO K17. As mentioned, it’s easy to drive and sounds full and well-powered with most devices. What's particularly impressive is its stability; it doesn't require any special treatment to sound its best and shows great synergy with everything from entry-level dongles to more premium portable players.
While I've reviewed several Xenns Mangird series IEMs before, none have quite felt like the 'end-game' product. However, the Top PRO feels like it's really stepping up to the plate, aiming to solidify Xenns' reputation for delivering exceptional audio experiences. It’s a complex driver setup, yes, but the tuning seems to bring it all together in a way that’s both engaging and musically satisfying.
