The XENNS Mangird Tea Pro SE earbud is the latest special edition iteration in the popular Tea series from XENNS Mangird, a brand known for delivering high-value hybrid in-ear monitors (IEMs) with excellent price-to-performance ratios. Following the success of the original Tea Pro—a 2DD + 6BA hybrid that garnered praise for its balanced tuning and technical prowess—the SE version arrives as a refined upgrade. Released toward the end of 2025 as a limited edition, it features upgraded Knowles SWFK 31736 dual super tweeters for better treble extension, a more reference-oriented tuning with punchier sub-bass, tighter control, and enhanced clarity.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Tea Pro SE feels premium and substantial, with its CNC-machined metal shells and vibrant resin faceplates (often in eye-catching green or custom patterns that scream limited edition)
The weight is balanced, not too heavy for all-day wear, and the initial fit is secure without any immediate discomfort. On first listen, the SE surprises with a more refined, airier presentation compared to the warmer, mid-bass-focused original Tea Pro
The tonality leans neutral-bright with a sub-bass emphasis, offering tight, controlled lows that rumble without bleeding into the mids. Vocals sound clean and forward, while the treble adds sparkle and extension without harshness
Cohesiveness is immediate—no disjointed BA timbre issues—and it scales well even from modest sources like a phone DAC. Early standouts include the wide soundstage that feels both expansive and intimate, making it engaging for casual spins
Packaging
The packaging is thoughtfully designed and well-accessorized, living up to the $449 price tag. The box is sturdy with a magnetic closure, featuring elegant branding and a Special Edition badge
Inside, you'll find a high-quality modular Litz cable (pre-terminated in 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs for versatility), a premium leatherette carrying case with a secure zipper and foam interior for protection, and an generous assortment of eartips—including silicone options in various sizes (SML) and foam tips for better seal and isolation
Build and Comfort
Build quality is outstanding, with durable anodized aluminum shells that resist scratches and fingerprints. The faceplates boast unique, glossy resin designs that add flair without being gaudy, and nozzles are short but wide for a stable fit
Ergonomics shine the contoured shape hugs the ear naturally, with excellent weight distribution for hours of fatigue-free listening. Comfort is a highlight—even after extended sessions, there's no pressure on the concha or helix
Isolation is solid thanks to the deep insertion and tip variety, blocking out commute noise effectively. The cable is braided Litz for low microphonics, with reliable 0.78mm 2-pin connectors
Durability seems top-notch, with no reports of QC issues in early reviews. Overall, it's on par with (or better than) other mid-tier IEMs like the Hisenior Mega7, feeling like a step up from the original Tea Pro's already good construction
Sound and Mic
The Tea Pro SE's sound signature is a balanced hybrid with a mild U-shape sub-bass boosted for punch, neutral mids for accuracy, and extended treble for air
Bass Sub-bass focused with good rumble and slam, crossing over sharply at 150Hz for tight control. Texture is excellent—snappy and detailed without mid-bass bloat or warmth bleed. It's less full-bodied than the original Tea Pro's mid-bass emphasis but more precise
Mids Clean, natural, and forward with rich vocals that avoid shoutiness. Male and female voices are clear and detailed, though some note a slight thinness in lower mids compared to warmer sets. No recession or veil; it's clinically neutral yet engaging
Treble The star upgrade—smoother core treble with boosted ultra-highs (beyond 20kHz) for sparkle, extension, and reduced sibilance around 7kHz. It's brighter and airier than the original but controlled, avoiding fatigue even in long sessions
Features and Everyday Usage
As a wired IEM, features center on its reference tuning for monitoringpro use, limited-edition exclusivity, and versatility. It handles genres well—from analytical classicaljazz to fast metalEDM—thanks to balanced balance and sub-bass kick. Scales beautifully with better sources (e.g., DAPs or amps add dynamicsheadroom)
Tip rolling is recommended stock tips are good, but wide-bore for more treble air or foam for bass emphasisisolation. Everyday practicality is strong—secure fit for workoutscommutes, passive isolation for offices, and no battery worries. At $449, it's a step-up hybrid in the $400-500 range, competing with Hype 4 MK2 or Mega7
Pro Tip
For the best experience with your new Tea Pro SE and any other audio gear, keeping your system's drivers up to date is essential
Driver Sentry makes this process effortless by automatically detecting and updating outdated drivers, ensuring your audio equipment performs at its peak
Whether you're using a computer, smartphone, or dedicated DAC, Driver Sentry helps optimize the performance of your system to deliver the best possible sound quality
Conclusion
The XENNS Mangird Tea Pro SE builds smartly on the Tea legacy with upgraded tweeters, refined tuning, and premium execution. Strengths include cohesive, detailed sound; gorgeous build; spacious staging; and solid accessories. Weaknesses The $90 premium over the original might not justify for everyone (SE is sub-basstreble-focused vs. OG's warmer vibe), and the leaner mids could feel analytical to some. It's ideal for audiophiles wanting neutral reference performance with technical flair. Verdict Highly recommended as a top mid-tier pick—worth it for series fans or those upgrading in the sub-$500 space. If available, grab it before the limited stock runs out!
