LETSHUOER CADENZA 12 (NEW VERSION)

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was provided to me for tour by Letshuoer in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Sherry for arranging this tour!

Non-affiliate link for those interested:
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...9MlcJ-yxUMaxWB3Fp9GirQ3oYO3N7SfFLWbazKlm55GdD

Gear used:
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●Letshuoer DT03
●Dunu DTC480
●BLON V1
●iFi xDSD Gryphon

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Letshuoer is a fairly well-known company in the audiophile world. They produce many well-received IEMs in various price brackets. Last year, I reviewed their DT03 dongle DAC and the S08 and S12 2024 planar IEMs, all three of which received high scores from me. The Cadenza 12 is Letshuoer's flagship IEM that debuted in 2023. It recently received a driver update, and although the driver count and configuration did not change, the overall tuning of newer units may be slightly altered from the original version. To be clear, the Cadenza 12 discussed in this review is the updated 2024 edition. It sports a hybrid configuration featuring one dynamic and eleven balanced armature drivers and is currently available through Letshuoer's site for $1999. Let's break down this flagship IEM and see if it is worthy of carrying the company's banner.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
The unboxing of the Cadenza 12 is truly great. The presentation looks and feels premium and luxurious. The box itself is very well-made and can even double as storage, with the inclusion of optional dividers. Upon opening the box, the very shiny shells are on full display. Removing another small, flat accessory box reveals the case and a 3D art piece. There are nine sets of tips located under the IEMs. The build quality of the shells is immaculate. They are made from a titanium alloy with a mirror finish, which may turn off some buyers, but they are undeniably beautiful when clean and blemish-free. They feel very solid and sturdy in hand and have a decent weight. They have a semi-custom shape and are well contoured, allowing for a very comfortable fit. The insertion depth is about average, but perhaps just a bit shy of what I prefer. The nozzle measures 6.1mm at its widest point, where there is a very small lip. A vent is located just in front of the flat, 2-pin connection to help alleviate pressure buildup. The stock cable is a 6N monocrystalline copper and silver hybrid, with a fabric sheath on the bottom and a plastic sheath above the Y-split. While it has excellent build quality, it is thick, very stiff, and can be unwieldy. I much prefer a more supple cable, but its quality is hard to fault. The cable is also modular, with 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, and 4.4 mm terminations. It is not the most intuitive modular system I have seen, but it works well. Nine pairs of tips are included in three styles: silicone Balanced, silicone Vocal, and foam/silicone hybrid Bass. Of the stock tips, the balanced ones worked well for me, but I preferred my JVC Spiral Dot tips for the best fit and seal. The included case is excellent. It feels nice in hand and has a smooth, leather-like feel with a magnetic closure. It may not be the most pocketable because of its size, but it is a great case. The accessories package is rounded out with a cleaning cloth and a 3D metal bulldog art piece resembling Han Solo in carbonite. It is a fun little inclusion but it is also very heavy.

Sound impressions:
I'd characterize the Cadenza 12 as having a very well-balanced tuning with an almost neutral approach, but it doesn't come across as boring or lifeless. It presents a mostly faithful, uncolored reproduction of music, with just a bit of extra energy and excitement, which takes it out of truly neutral territory. It really feels like each frequency complements and plays off the others, and no single section of the tuning stands out as more prominent. Personally, I am usually drawn to a more laid-back and warmer tone, but the Cadenza 12 is impressive in how it presents everything in a mature and refined way. The overall note weight is very well-balanced, not too thick or thin. This set can reach high volume levels off a simple dongle, but to my ears, it does benefit from amplification. There is great detail retrieval, but it also has a hint of musicality, preventing it from sounding too clinical or cold. The soundstage, unfortunately, is not one of the Cadenza's strong suits; it lacks depth and comes across as somewhat flat, lacking some fullness and body. The timbre sounds mostly natural and organic, with maybe just a hint of an overproduced quality at times, though it is probably negligible. The imaging is strong, with great spatial cues and three-dimensional awareness. The dynamics are pretty good, but the bass loses some rumble and reverberation at lower volumes. The separation is impressive, but it still has a cohesive overall sound with fantastic and seamless transients. Overall, I find the Cadenza 12 to have a fantastic tuning balanced with great technicalities.

This one paired best for me with the iFi xDSD Gryphon, using the GTO filter. This combination preserved the overall balance of the tuning and helped draw out a slightly deeper bass extension and better impact.

●Lows - The Cadenza 12 is not a basshead IEM, though it does have a very good bass response. I would definitely welcome a bit more quantity, as it can come across a little understated at times. But most importantly, it is still very satisfying and not light or anemic. Those looking for a large bass shelf will be disappointed, but the quality here is very good. It is resolving and has a certain nuance, depth, and maturity that I find missing in some other sets at this price point and above. The sub-bass and mid-bass are pretty balanced and both are well-represented. The extension can reach quite low when called upon, but it is track-dependent. On bass-heavy tracks, the Cadenza 12 has a very satisfying rumble and thump, but it will not bring out more bass than each track warrants. It has a very clean texture and never sounds muddy or dry. The impact and slam are fun and bouncy, but perhaps lean a bit toward the polite side. The rumble and reverberation are adequate, but a bit lean compared to my usual preference. The midbass avoids any bleed and has a very clean transition into the midrange. The speed is quick and agile, with excellent clarity and separation on double bass kicks. The decay is about average, neither too fast nor too slow. The bass of the Cadenza 12 is truly impressive, and though it might not have enough quantity for the most devout bassheads, I find it has one of the best overall balances of any set I have heard.

●Mids - As someone who loves a forward and pronounced vocal presentation, the midrange doesn't quite hit the mark. However, the finely tuned balance is undeniably impressive. Vocals are not shouty, but neither are they laid back; they are definitely accentuated, but not too forward. There is just enough emphasis for them to stand out without being the standout feature of the midrange. Both male and female artists are well represented, and neither is prominently featured over the other. The lower mids are done well, too, if not just a touch recessed for my taste. I would like a bit more weight to instruments like cello and lower brass in classical music, but that's a minor nitpick. The timbre of vocals and instruments is mostly realistic, but there is sometimes a tiny gleam of something unnatural. It's difficult to explain, and I don't want to overemphasize it because it's a very small factor, but I believe the midrange could be slightly improved, perhaps with a touch of warmth to smooth it over. Though, again, it's not quite to my usual preference, I am very happy with the midrange as a whole and the way it is presented in conjuction with the other frequencies.

●Highs - The Cadenza 12 has a great treble response. I do typically have a mild aversion to treble, but this set has an impressive amount of air, extension, and energy that takes it just to the edge of my tolerance without crossing the line into sibilance or fatigue territory. Cymbals and hi-hats are crisp, clean, and lively. They sound true and correct, not metallic or splashy, and they are exactly as I'd expect them to be if I were standing in the same room. I'd say the energy level is just north of neutral to my ears. There's a good level of excitement and playfulness without taking it too far. It can still be a bit incisive at times, and there are some notes that approach the edge but stop just short. Some "s" and "sh" notes stick out, but again, they don't cross the threshold into being harsh. On other sets that have more treble emphasis, those same notes would probably cross that line, but the Cadenza 12 has a way of pushing my tolerance for treble in a good way. I wouldn't really call the treble safe, but neither is it aggressive in its presentation. It might be a bit livelier than I usually prefer, but it's really all about the balance with the other frequencies. Without the extra energy, the tuning would just not be the same.

Comparisons: Credit to Elise Audio for the graphs. Disclaimer: These measurements were made using the original Cadenza 12 model, which may differ slightly from the updated version, so please take them with a grain of salt.

●Elysian Annihilator 2023 ($3,000) - Here we have the Annihilator's 7-driver tribrid configuration (1 DD, 4 BA, 2 EST) versus the hybrid of the Cadenza 12. I like the Annihilator's overall design and resin build a bit better, but the Cadenza's all-metal shell feels much sturdier, even if it is prone to scratches and fingerprints. The Cadenza's shell is also smaller, better contoured, and has a slightly deeper insertion. Overall, it offers a better fit and is more comfortable for me. I also prefer the Cadenza's 2-pin connection. I cannot make a judgment on total accessories since one of these is a tour unit. The tuning of the Annihilator is quite V-shaped compared to the Cadenza's more balanced and somewhat neutral approach. The Annihilator's bass is much bolder, with deeper sub-bass extension and more rumble and reverberation. The bass on the Cadenza sounds cleaner, with superior texture and resolution, but the quantity might be underwhelming for bass enthusiasts. The midrange is where the Cadenza wins a lot of points for me. Vocals are more forward, and both male and female artists are better represented, which is much more in line with my preferences. The Annihilator's midrange can be overshadowed by the bass and treble. The Cadenza also wins in the treble department. It is very well balanced with plenty of air and sparkle without venturing into fatiguing territory. The Annihilator undoubtedly has a brighter overall treble response and can be too energetic during long sessions. From a technically standpoint, these two trade blows pretty well. The Annihilator has a slight edge in soundstage, detail retrieval, and dynamics, whereas the Cadenza wins in timbre, imaging, and note weight. Overall, these two have quite different tuning philosophies. The Annihilator is more energetic and fun, with bigger bass and brighter treble, but it sacrifices some midrange magic. The Cadenza is much more balanced and closer to neutral, with a clean and inoffensive tuning that just sounds right, but it might considered be a bit boring for some. This is an easy choice for me, as the Cadenza offers a more refined and mature tuning that I expect when moving to the multi-kilobuck tier. Plus, it doesn't hurt that it is over $1,000 cheaper.
My pick: Cadenza 12

●Elysian Diva 2023 (~$1,100) - This comparison pits the Cadenza's hybrid configuration against the Diva's 6 BA design. I cannot accurately compare the stock inclusions since I did not have all of the Diva's accessories. The Diva sports a resin shell with a metal nozzle, while the Cadenza has a titanium alloy shell. The Cadenza offers a better fit and seal for me due to its smaller nozzle and deeper insertion. I personally prefer the unique blue design of the Diva's faceplate to the Cadenza's mirror-finished shell, but both are very attractive. As for the tuning, the Diva's blue setting offers a bassier and more laid-back, U-shaped profile, while the Cadenza has a well-balanced and more neutral approach. The Diva's sub-bass reaches deeper, is more prominently featured, and has a bigger punch. The Cadenza's bass has better balance with the other frequencies, and although less in quantity, the quality is much better. It sounds cleaner and more refined, with better texture, resolution, and a more natural decay. One of the Diva's biggest draws for me is its midrange, but when compared to the Cadenza 12, it falls a little flat. Don't get me wrong, the Diva sounds great and has a smooth and slightly warm vocal response, but the Cadenza pushes the midrange forward a bit more and strikes a better balance across all frequencies to really help vocals grab the spotlight. The Diva does win some points in the lower midrange, though, due to more representation and note weight. The Cadenza has better treble extension and air, but it is also a bit brighter and more energetic. I would usually prefer the Diva's laid-back treble response, but the lack of air is really apparent when comparing these two side by side. The technicalities go almost entirely in the Cadenza's favor, save for the note weight. When it comes to detail retrieval, dynamics, separation, and timbre, the Cadenza wins handedly. Overall, these two are quite different and have their own strengths and weaknesses. Although the Diva's tuning should be my favorite on paper (boosted bass, smooth mids, rolled-off treble), it somehow fails to stack up against the Cadenza 12's incredible sense of balance, refinement, and correctness. While I might occasionally choose the Diva for specific genres, the Cadenza 12 is truly fantastic and much better suited as an all-arounder.
My pick: Cadenza 12

●Penon Impact ($2,499) - While these two both have hybrid configurations, their makeup is quite different (10BA, 4EST vs 1DD, 11 BA). Again, I can't really weigh in on the unboxing and accessories since the Impact was a tour unit. The shells of these two are about the same size, and I do like the design and full resin build of the Impact better, but the Cadenza feels much sturdier and has a better contoured fit for me. Its nozzle is also thinner and more accommodating for smaller ears. The overall tuning of the Cadenza is much more balanced and neutral compared to the energetic U-shaped tuning of the Impact. The bass response on the Impact is noticeably bigger and more mid-bass focused. The Cadenza has deeper low-end extension, better balance between mid and sub-bass, and is more resolving. The Impact's midrange is a bit more forward for things like female vocals, and it has slightly more overall energy and excitement. Unfortunately, the lower midrange is a bit encumbered by the mid-bass boost. The Cadenza's upper midrange is also forward, but it has a much better balance for me, and the lower mids are cleaner and better represented. The Impact's EST treble is energetic and exciting, with an airier and more ethereal sound. It does have a few harsh spots and can be a bit fatiguing over longer listening sessions. The Cadenza, in contrast, has a much smoother and somewhat tamer treble response, yet still with plenty of air and sparkle, and no harshness or sibilance. Both sets are very technically capable. The Cadenza presents a more natural timbre and a slightly wider soundstage. The Impact offers slightly better imaging and dynamics, a thicker note weight, and a deeper, fuller soundstage. I'd say that detail retrieval and separation are about even and not noticeably different between the two. While my ear is initially drawn to the Impact's overall musicality and note weight, the Cadenza's superior sub-bass extension, tamer treble, and overall more balanced tuning win out in the end. While it may be less exciting and engaging than the more vibrant Impact, I find it perfectly matches my expectations for a well-balanced all-rounder.
My pick: Cadenza 12

In conclusion:
You may have noticed the recurring theme of "balance" throughout this review (in fact, I used that word 27 times). Well, there's a good reason for it; for me, the Cadenza 12 is the poster child for a refined, well-balanced, and mostly neutral tuning done right. While I am not usually a big enthusiast of neutrality, this newly reinvigorated flagship is a fun and seriously impressive take on this style. It also makes a fantastic all-rounder for my library, and I find it really hard to find much fault with what Letshuoer has done here. The bass quantity remains true to each individual track, the midrange instruments and vocals are incredibly well-tuned, and the treble has fantastic air and energy without pushing too far. The Cadenza's technical performance is commendable as well, but there are a few caveats to consider. While the detail retrieval, separation, imaging, and timbre impress, I find the soundstage lacks depth and fullness, and the dynamics are not the strongest. Even with its few technical shortcomings and a treble response that can be a touch bright at times, the Cadenza still succeeds in setting a very high bar for IEMs at the $2,000 mark and above. One thing that should not be taken for granted is Letshuoer's honesty and forthcomingness about the potential change to the Cadenza 12's tuning legacy due to the need to procure new drivers. Many companies would not bother with a public release and simply perform a silent retuning, but Letshuoer's transparency is the mark of a company that understands and cares about its audience. The Cadenza 12 is a really impressive and strong offering at $2000, and it even competes at higher tiers. Sure, it's not the most exciting tuning, and it might not grab your attention immediately, but everything sounds right, and it really is one of the best-balanced tunings I've heard to date. While I haven't had the chance to try the original 2023 version, I can say with certainty that this new 2024 model is fantastic and absolutely worthy of carrying Letshuoer's flagship banner into the future.

LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 - The balanced flagship

Copied over from main review page since I got the 2024 version.

Disclaimer

I got Cadenza 12 for free in return for a review, I am free to say whatever I want.
All impressions are my own subjective thoughts after having used them for a good time. These are my thoughts at this moment, and as time moves I might change my opinion.
This is also a very subjective hobby where everything from experience, anatomy or age will affect what we hear. Also keep in mind that it is easy to use bold words when talking about differences, while it may be perceived as a small change for you.
While I can perceive something as natural sounding, I do believe we can never get a perfect performance similar to what is achieved live.

https://letshuoer.net/blogs/news/ca...uE1mfBXn3EMdPBoC6g_aem_aQc6IrhhZd53374dCKlewg

Ranking System:
1 Very bad or unlistenable
2 Listenable but not good
3 Average
4 Very good
5 Exceptional or having a special sauce

My rating system highly values what is musical for me, so my rating will always be a subjective opinion.







So what is the LETSHUOER Cadenza 12

This is the flagship IEM from LETSHUOER, as I understand this was updated slightly now in the end of 2024. It follows a similar tuning as the original with some small changes to the drivers, from HBB measurement it showed less low treble but more upper treble on the 2024 version.

The Cadenza 12 is a hybrid IEM with a 10mm LSS Kevlar dynamic driver and 11 balanced armatures from Sonion and Knowles. It has a six way Electronic crossover, with five acoustic bores to direct the sound from the drivers.

The shell is made in titanium and has a small ergonomic design, it is actually almost like CIEM in fit. The curve of the shell is carefully done without being excessive, the nozzle is also a little smaller than the average and it has good length. The polished titanium looks premium in a minimalistic way, only negative being that it easily gets fingerprints or scratches overtime.

Driver Type：
10mm LSS Kevlar Dome DD
Sonion composite mid-woofer drivers
Sonion composite mid-tweeter driver
Knowles composite tweeter drivers
Sonion composite super tweeter drivers

Six-way Electronic Crossover
Five Acoustic Bores
Sensitivity: 110dB/mw±1%
Distortion：<1%
Impedance: 16Ω ±1%
Frequency Response: 20Hz-30KHz
Cable Material：204-strands of 6N monocrystalline copper and silver hybrid
Termination Options：2.5 & 3.5 & 4.4mm
Cable Length: 1.2m



The box is as clean as the Cedanza 12 itself, it is black and minimalistic. The box is solid and presents everything neatly inside, the box is also made so it can be a 4 slot hard case to store your IEMs in.







The included accessories are of good quality, the cable is a modular cable with 3.5mm single ended and 2.5mm and 4.4mm for balanced connection.
It uses screw on connection for the modules, this makes it secure so it doesn't fall out.

The included tips are okay, they are not my personal favorites as I have a little picky ears on getting good seal.

The included IEM hard case is also quite premium, it has a magnet lock that snaps into place preventing it from opening. It is a little on the small side, but can still fit the Cadenza 12 with the stock cable. The problem is more of you change it out for thick after market cables.



Then it is the metal plate included, this I believe is the dog that is also on the chrome packaging. Other than added weight I'm not sure what the meaning is behind it being included.

https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-cadenza-flagship-12-hybrid-drivers-in-ear-headphones



Sound impressions

The Cadenza 12 is what I call natural sounding, just enough warmth and balance all over to not have anything being in focus. The sound is also a little rounded on transient making it smoother, this is what I often prefer and find natural.

Going to use the ranges here in review:


Details and soundstage

Detail in IEMs is down mostly to quality driver and how it amplitudes the frequencies, also when the driver is faster it also increases the resolution you hear.

The LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 is a technical and resolving set, due to the tuning being done well but also due to excellent drivers. The dynamic driver is fast and matches well together with the balanced armatures, together they provide a detailed sound with clean transients that just have a little smoothness to them.

The soundstage is also good, it is not the best set on depth and height but it is also better than your average set. The imaging is pretty spot on, and everything is layered good in an oval stage.



Bass

What came as a surprise to me was how good quality the bass of Cadenza 12 is, it is not the most elevated but the quality is excellent. It sounds so natural and clean, there are not many DDs that nails a good balance having such good quality.
What makes it so good is that it has fast decay that doesn't linger too long but also not too fast where it sounds unnatural, the attack is also fast and clean. The combination makes the bass sound very realistic and matches both fast drums in metal or slower bass elements from string instruments. The balance between sub bass and mid bass is also close to perfection, sub bass elements can go deep while the mid bass can be punchy without drowning out the other.

The quantity of bass is what I would say is natural, music that is supposed to be warm is bassy while music that is not supposed to be it stays neutral.

Mids

Clean and natural midrange, there is some bloom from the bass into midrange. This helps instruments sound a little more realistic and not hollow, this also helps darker pitched vocals sound full. It is still super transparent and fast, it just has that little extra that harman tuned sets lack. The upper midrange is a little smooth and clear, there is no metallic sound or sibilance.

I find this close to perfection for my taste in how the balance is in the midrange, but folks who love more bite and presence might find this a little too soft. For me this is what is neutrality, it's clean and full without doing anything extra.

Treble

The upper frequencies are well extended and airy without being sharp, this can depend on treble tolerance, source or music played. The low treble is not elevated to much while it brings it back in the upper treble, the combo is an airy sound without the usually shrill performance that can happen on some sets with treble focus.

Cymbals especially get a crisp and airy sound to them, also does this without making me flinch. It's always hard to evaluate treble and explain it, it's more easy to say if something sounds off or lacks good treble as it's then either dull or maybe shrill. Here it's just well behaved and airy, just remember this is for me. This is actually the best treble performance I have heard from BAs, and is better than other well regarded sets like Crimson or U4s.



Synergies

I have used the Cadenza 12 mostly with its stock cable and with Divinus Velvet tips, as for source I find it perfect with the SONY WM1AM2 but I also have used the iBasso DX180 and my desktop stack. Changing the source for more warmth or clearer sound affects the Cadenza 12, so it's easy to tailor it more to your taste.

I have tried cable swapping, and it does change it a little bit. Adding a high quality silver cable from Lavricable can smoothen the sound and keep the treble even in more control, not sharper but more detailed and shimmery.



The PlusSound Dual-Copper is very similar in sound as the stock cable, but adds a little extra warmth at the cost of less treble clarity. The changes are small on the cables, and I would advise you to play around with tips and sources first.



Comparisons

When evaluating the sets I use each of them over longer periods and also some shorter sessions swapping back and forth, it takes a long time and is not done in one sitting. The most critical comparison is done on my desktop setup that is highly resolving, with volume matching to take away loudness variance.



The spider chart is exaggerated on some points to show differences, it is also a very subjective evaluation.





LETSHUOER Cadenza4

The Cadenza4 is the little brother of Cadenza 12, it is 1DD 3BA and retails at $249. They have almost the same shell design with some small differences and both are very ergonomic with almost CIEM like shells, the resin shell on Cadenza4 weighs less.
The tuning of Cadenza4 is a milder variant of harman 2019, sounds natural with good vocal clarity.

The Cadenza4 is less resolving than Cadenza 12, this is both for the DD in the bass but also for the rest of the frequencies. It is as expected when we look at the price difference here, still Cadenza4 is very capable at its own price point. The soundstage is average on Cadenza4, doing nothing wrong but it's also less layered and not as spacious as Cadenza 12.

Cadenza4 is less warm, it is also brighter since the upper mids are more pushed. But the transient is also less smooth and has more crispness to the sound, for some this might be a good thing but for me this is less natural and not as pleasing to listen to.

Bass quality is great on both, but the Cadenza 12 has more weight and slam. It also has stronger sub bass rumble, the Cadenza4 can get closer in quality if you EQ but even then it's a step behind the bass texture and impact of Cadenza 12.

Midrange is thinner and brighter on Cadenza4, Cadenza12 has more weight into the low midrange that makes the mids more full sounding. This also goes to preference as some dislike it when the low mids are colored, for me that is what is closest to instruments in real life.
The upper midrange is pushed more on Cadenza4 making it more intense on brass and brighter vocals, the Cadenza 12 is instead softer and not as sharp.

The highs are good on Cadenza4, especially when we look at the price and it's only a few hybrids I find as good in this price range. But it lacks the control of Cadenza12, easy to notice when you listen to cymbals as I often flinch if I have the volume loud on Cadenza4 while it never happens on Cadenza12 while also sounding more airy at the same time.



Grand Oriveti Supremacy

The Supremacy is a tribrid IEM priced at $1999, configuration is 1DD, 4BA and 4EST. The shell is made of stabilized wood, both have ergonomic shells with the Cadenza 12 just being smaller and more comfortable on long sessions.
The overall tuning of Supremacy is W shaped sound signature, balanced with some warmth.

The Cadenza 12 has a smoother sound with more note weight, the sound is slightly more airy while being less bright. For me personally I think the Cadenza 12 is the more beautiful sounding and natural of the two, both have a sound within what I find neutral and depending on what your preference is one can like either one.

They compete at a technical level, the brighter tonality on Supremacy might make some music more sharp but not more resolving.
Supremacy is more intimate in the stage while the Cadenza projects everything deeper in a traditional stage, Supremacy strength is the holographic stage that surrounds you. Both have great imaging and can easily pick apart where instruments come from, everything is just more intimate and circular on Supremacy.

Bass is a little more impactful on Cadenza 12, both are on the natural side with just some extra slam on Cadenza 12. Bass is high quality on both, little faster and denser on Cadenza 12 and slightly softer Supremacy. Quantity should be the same, just that Cadenza 12 sounds slightly warmer as the overall tonal balance is a little less bright.

Midrange is natural on both, where they differ is that Supremacy has more bite in the upper midrange that affects many vocalists or brass instruments. Vocal lovers might prefer Supremacy but if you like a more coherent and neutral sound the Cadenza 12 have better midrange. Supremacy is actually more similar to Cadenza4 midrange than Cadenza 12, Cadenza 12 is instead slightly softer and less intense.

Both have very good airiness, even with the EST being used on Supremacy they compete in how nice they are up top. Supremacy is a little brighter and Cadenza 12 smoother, but they still sound equally airy.



UM MEST MKIII CF

This is a quadbrid with 1DD 4BA 4EST and 1BC, and retails at $1919. The shell is smaller than Cadenza 12 but a little less ergonomic, both have premium shells.
The tuning of MEST MKIII CF is neutral with some brightness and warmth, they have similar tonality with some differences.

The Cadenza 12 is actually as resolving as MEST MKIII, I would maybe say even more as the bass is fuller and more textured. But some stuff like cymbals can be clearer on MEST MKIII CF as it has a sharper tonality with little extra air.
The soundstage is different, it is a little extra holographic and goes more around me on MEST while Cadenza 12 is more traditional. Both are similar in how wide and deep, the height is slightly better on MEST.

The bass is of higher quality on Cadenza 12, why I say that is because of how notes linger but also since it has more punch when asked for. Both can deliver good sub bass rumble, it's more in how the mid bass is more impactful and nuanced on Cadenza 12.

The midrange is more full and smooth on Cadenza 12, the MEST is more clean and has more clarity on the midrange. The MEST has more crispness of the midrange because it has sharper transients, while Cadenza 12 is a little rounded making it sound smoother. Both are tuned away from harman and not having pushed upper mids, so none of them are shouty and both handle sibilant vocals well. If anything the MEST is more prone to sibilance if the music is already there.
The treble is brighter on MEST, think this is because of the drivers used as on paper they should be close to the same from measurements. Some music gets too much for me on MEST while being perfect on Cadenza 12, it is also very hard to hear that the Cadenza 12 uses BA instead of EST as it's ethereal in the same way. If anything the treble is smoother on Cadenza 12 and more crisp on MEST, so it comes down to preference what is best.



Music

Click here for Audio with Leo playlist

When comparing IEM to other sets I have used the tracks listed here and more, I will also share some albums I have enjoyed with Cadenza 12 during the period of the review. I love most I put on, the natural tuning has just enough warmth for me to enjoy almost every genre.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/383878692?u

Always a few years between every record from London Grammar, came as a nice surprise when I saw this on my recommended new releases. Some good tracks this time, the lyrics are maybe a little more simple than before. But the music itself is nice to relax with, I recently was traveling and the album was good company while flying.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/386275882?u

I love the HAEVN, it's very nice to get another record even if it's quite short. Tender vocal and pleasing instruments from violin to guitar and more, hard to fault the album as it's very well put together. Lovely to kick back with and just enjoy the sound of Cadenza.




https://tidal.com/browse/album/68002093?u

Usually I go for more warmth when I listen to metal, but Cadenza 12 has just enough warmth to sound full and not be too bright for this. Jinjer is awesome and the vocalist is female, always nice how she can go from normal voice to the dark growling. The whole group plays really well, and it's a good recording also. I had a break recently from listening to metal, @MatW thanks for bringing me back in.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/29618525?u

One of the best jazz albums ever made, going for the 2013 Remastered version. More traditional style than what I often listen to, but it's always nice to go back to the classics.
There are parts where the sax or flute goes more intense that the Cadenza 12 rides perfect, clear and crisp but not shouty or sibilant.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/375722248?u

Another great release from one of my favorite metal groups, Swallow The Sun with Shining. Some really nice tracks, they make music within the doom metal genre. Read some complaints from folks about their new release, but clearly not true for me as it's been on repeat for more than I want to admit.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/393312620?u

The Welsh electronic artist Kelly Lee Owens released her new album Dreamstate, I have followed her music since the album Inner Song. This is more close to electronic dance music, it's also nice hearing her use her voice more. Similar to metal music I often reach for sets with more bass for electronica, but surprisingly enough I am enjoying this alot with Cadenza.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/351809184?u

Latest album from GoGo Penguin, usually I avoid most live records but this one is great. Modern jazz by the trio, playing piano, double bass and drums. It is my favorite instrument arrangement for jazz trio, and they play as excellent and interesting as always.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/361569216?u

Acoustic instrumental music, a beautiful and relaxing album with guitars. Been liking the work of Black Hill for a long time, was a little skeptical at first with this being an acoustic guitar cover by The Blind Siberian. But it sounds great, a short but beautiful record.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/18683744?u

Experimental techno from Berlin, quite an abstract record made out from other people's arrangements sampled down to small snippets that he uses to its fullest here. Hypnotic and relaxing to me, but also very interesting and keeps me listening to the small details. This deserves a clean and well extended treble with good balance elsewhere also, perfect for the Cadenza 12.



Conclusion

I love the LETSHUOER Cadenza 12, it has become my faovorite set for when I want a resolving natural sound. It is really hard to fault the Cadenza 12, the tuning and build quality is excellent.
Among the best sounding hybrid IEMs I have used, with its coherent tuning that's balanced with a hint of smoothness making music more pleasing.

The highs can be different from person to person, but for me this is close to perfection and has among the best qualities I have heard from BA. I don't miss EST when listening to this set, and that tells something. The bass goes deep and has good texture and punch, but it's not highly elevated and is more balanced to give some warmth to the music. Midrange is clean and full, just enough vocal and instrument fullness without being pushed too much.

No set is perfect, but this is very close when I am listening to genres like Jazz or Neoclassical. Even when moving into genres like electronica or pop I find it excellent, and is to me a well balanced allrounder that could be one of my endgame sets.

I also need to mention it has one of the most ergonomic shells I've had, and it is built like a tank in polished titanium. Excellent accessories with the small storage puck and the 4 slot storage box, the cable is also excellent. Everything to make this feel like a true flagship model, as it is.

I highly recommend the LETSHUOER Cadenza 12, I will give it a 5 star ranking on head-fi with a personal score of 91/100.