Letshuoer Cadenza 4

INTRODUCTION

Dear reader, please keep in mind that whenever there is an opinion in a review, it is my opinion, which may differ significantly from yours. We are all different from each other and have different tastes. Something, that does not give me an accelerated heartbeat, may bring you much fun, so I always recommend listening before buying, if there is such an opportunity. I would also like to point out that in the evaluation of individual parameters, as well as the entire set, I try to relate to the price level that has been set for them, which simply means that any opinion I give should be followed by the thought “.... for its price”. I believe this is the only fair form of evaluation and best represents the value of the reviewed item.

PRESENTATION





The headphones come in standard Letshuoer packaging, so a two-chamber box with a drawer. Included are the headphones, cable, screwable container, three pieces of L-shaped modular cable terminations (3.5, 4.4, and 2.5), a set of tips (6 pairs), and some literature (instructions, warranty). As is always the case with Letshuoer, everything matches in color and overall looks very professional. The cable has a length of 1.2m and is made of 392 bundles of silver-coated monocrystalline copper. A 2-pin 0.78mm connector goes to the headphones, and on the other side, there is a socket for modular terminals. What I would like to draw your attention to is the way the so-called ear-hook is made, i.e. the rounding that is applied over the ear. My previous experience with Letshuoer cables (DZ4, S15) was, unfortunately, not one of the best, because the way this part of the cable was bent was such that I could not use it. I had to perform the infamous act of cutting the rubber stiffener, which freed the cable to a loose form, and only then it could be used. Here we have a new way of bending. I have no intention of doing anything to it this time, because it just works fine, the way it is. It works well enough that I used this cable when testing another headphone set. It seems to me that this follows the feedback sent by many reviewers to which the company has responded, improving the quality of the product. Bravo Letshuoer! As for the rest of the set, the container lies unused, because the screwable form doesn’t work well as a portable audio storage case, more for storage. The modular tips work great. I have changed them several times according to my needs and had no problems with them.

As usual: Letsuoer presents its products in a great way.

As for the appearance of the headphones themselves, they look great in my opinion. I have seen reviews in which some people complain about the plastic construction, giving the impression of a low-end product. I would completely disagree with this. In my opinion, they are built very solidly. According to the manufacturer's description, the handset chamber is a 3D print made of resin. You can't see any places where the parts are joined. The shape is also perfect for my ear, i.e. I didn't have even the slightest problem using them for several hours, and I got the right fit from the first moment I put the headphones in my ear. They also provide passive muting comfort at a very good level, allowing you to enjoy music even in a crowded place, like subway. In addition, they are surprisingly lightweight, so they don't weigh you down during use.



LISTENING IMPRESSIONS

The first thing that struck me was the clarity of the sound. Everything sounds very clear, and what is most important to me, and in my opinion most characteristic of this set, the sounds of the upper midrange sound exceptionally clear here. This area of the frequency range, where much of the budget set failed, here is refined and clean.

Another thing that “caught my ears” was the balance in the sound. In the Cadenza 4, all frequencies are equally taken care of. No area is exposed in an obvious way. Sure, one could debate whether by chance there is a bit of treble boost, or maybe a bit of sub-bass boost, but these are minor deviations from what I could call BALANCE. In terms of tonality, for me, it is a neutral sound, neither warm nor bright. I was under the impression that you can slightly tilt the scales in a commanding direction by changing the source and tips, but I think the basis here is a neutral sound, without much coloration.

Okay, I guess it's time to move on to the individual ranges:

BASS

The bass here is clear and pleasant to listen to. It has texture and a pretty solid portion of it, but at the same time, I'm sure that the lovers of a large portion of bass, the so-called bassheads, will call this set too thin because the bass here is just a complement to the whole - an element of a larger whole. The bass impact alone can shake things up, thanks to the large amount of sub-bass, so the proper dynamics are also maintained. The bass guitar sounds natural and richly detailed and, for example, songs such as Marcus Miller's “Jean Pierre” impress with their bass timbre. His Fender Jazz Bass sounds downright gorgeous and natural.

MIDS

The mids, or registers most often associated with vocals, acoustic guitars, percussion elements, etc., in the Cadenza4 sound excellent, especially the high-mid registers, which surprise and delight with their clarity and transparency. Probably the best description of how it sounds is the fact that when I happened to hear some rustling, crackling, buzzing sounds, I knew immediately that it was the fault of the source, or song, not the headphones. It's obvious enough that you start listening to those crackles as if they were music I know, sounds a bit absurd, but listening to Marcheeba, for example, I could easily pick out the added crackles of a vinyl record from the mix.

Various kinds of drums and percussion instruments sound very tasty. They are characterized by the naturalness of sound and are very pleasant for dynamic presentation of sound. What I like most about them is that they sound natural yet transparent and penetrating. The acoustic guitars are precise and accurate. You can hear the feathering on the strings very well, especially with acoustic and classical guitars.

As for the vocals, they also sound great, especially the female vocals. In the case of the male vocals, I sometimes felt like there should be a bit more warmth in the voice. for me, this is the only thing I would change in the cadenza4, i.e. add a bit more weight to the notes. The default sound has a bit of a flat transition from the bass to the midrange, so that low-mid notes can at times show signs of low energy, especially in songs where the demand for this energy is high, such as popular, dynamic, energetic music. However, I think that this should not be considered a flaw, but only a characteristic of this set. As for the positioning of the vocals, I did not feel that they were somehow particularly prominent or withdrawn. I think this is another element that fits perfectly into the concept of balanced sound. I think many will be pleased to hear that the sibilants did not make themselves known in a way that could qualify as a problem, so there is no need to be concerned about this phenomenon.

The only nitpick I can think of is the naturalness of the sound of vocals. Drums, bongos, and other percussion instruments sound very natural, but the vocals, even though they are very clear, they don’t sound as naturally organic as they could (some Penon sets have this characteristic). As I’ve mentioned, this is rather a nitpick than a problem to me.

TREBLE

What I like about the treble is their non-intrusiveness. It happens that when someone says that the sound is very transparent he means transparency built by the exposure of the treble, above the rest of the registers. Such someone hears details because they are boosted, and thinks that they build transparency. In reality, such a boost may create the impression of transparency, but it also deprives the listener of the naturalness of the sound. This is not the transparency I have in mind. The Cadenza 4 presents the treble in a natural, clean, and clear way, but not overly boosted or intrusive. There is no question of irritating sounds here, well, unless that was the artist's intention, in which case the Cadenza 4 will let you enjoy them all. Classical music, film music, and other genres associated with orchestral ensembles of musicians are “like-suited” for this set. Everything sounds very selective and clear. As for sparks in the treble, they sometimes appear and can delight, but this is not an element with which the Cadenza4 somehow exceptionally shines. Nevertheless, in the highest registers, it is clear and very transparent. In jazz pieces, one can listen to the dance of sticks across the cymbals without the slightest effort, and tracks set in trip-hop atmosphere will endow us with juicy crackles as if from vinyl records.

TUNING SUMMARY

I stole the following frequency chart from the squiglink account of Mr. Paul Wasabi, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him very sincerely for making his measurements publicly available. At the same time, I encourage everyone to read Paul's reviews, which, in addition to their high level of knowledge, are always characterized by an unparalleled level of honesty, full of conclusions and thoughts.



From the graph, it is evident that from 200 Hz onward, the Cadenza4's frequency graph fits practically perfectly into the curve of a certain esteemed headphone reviewer, a certain Crinacle from In-Ear Fidelity. The bass area shows a pin gain of about 7db, with a corresponding level in the sub-bass area, with no so-called roll-off, which can also be noticed in listening sessions. The roll-off in the treble area starts at about 14kHz, which is practically in the “air” area, so it is correct to say that we rather lose nothing. An increment of a few dB in the 7-14kHz area, in my opinion, is somehow not exceptionally audible during listening and does not negatively affect the overall perception.

TECHNICALITIES

Imaging is very good. Instruments are effectively separated from each other, and sounds are distributed around the head. Listening to the track “Bubbles” by Yosi Horikawa, you can close your eyes and visualize the position of the balls bouncing around your head without the slightest problem. The soundstage is also very good, especially in terms of its width. As for the pitch, the variations are not so noticeable, but nevertheless some are. A good example of this is another track in Yosi Horikawa's album, “Letter,” in which the location of the appearance of the sound of pencil writing also changes their position. This is also a good example of the naturalness of the sound, as the sound of the pencil scratching is faithful to the real one. It is worth mentioning here that although the sound presentation profile itself is analytical, it also remains melodic, making the song sound as a whole. I already mentioned that the passive isolation is above average here and I can confirm it provides a very effective “disconnection” from the outside world, letting you sink into the music.

PAIRING

While testing the headphones, I used a variety of sources, and although the headphones are quite easy to drive (sensitivity 102dB), providing them with more power had a positive effect on scene building and improved dynamics. Most often I used Moondrop Dawn Pro, ONIX ALPHA and Fosi Audio DS2 (CS chips) and with each of them, I had no problems at all.

I must also describe here a certain pairing with the specific tips because it worked very well for me and I highly recommend others to try this combination. I am referring to the latest product from EPZ, the M100 model. Below find few words about the tips themselves:

I must admit that when I saw the material used for the M100 headphones, I was immediately reminded of AZLA XELASTEC - or what I call “dust catchers.” The nickname is not due to their long periods of storage in a drawer (although that is also apt), but rather because everything seems to stick to them. While this stickiness provides a firm grip, it can be quite annoying and for me was unbearable. To my pleasant surprise, the M100s are much better in this regard. I later learned that the M100 tips are made of silicone, while the XELASTEC tips are made of TPU (thermoplastic elastomer). In terms of sound quality, I noticed that to my ears the highs and mids became a bit sharper and cleaner with these tips. There was also more space in the high registers. The bass remained relatively unchanged for me (maybe boosted a bit). Using these amplifiers with the Letshuoer Cadenza4 gave me additional transparency and clarity in the highs and mids. I think the M100s enhanced these registers a bit, making them seem even more refined.

JUST A FEW MORE WORDS ABOUT THE SOUND

I authentically thought that I would be bored, that it would be a flat, unengaging line sound, but fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. The sound is spacious and rich in detail. Perhaps at times, because of its purity, it can be a bit clinical, and analytical, but it still retains a very pleasing to the ear, melodic character.

PAIRING WITH DIFFERENT GENRES OF MUSIC BASED ON EXAMPLES




Eric Clapton - Got to Get Better in a Little While (live)

• Genre: rock, blues, live recordings
• track recorded during a concert
• from the first sounds we know that we are in a room, surrounded by instruments (headroom)
• instruments are very well separated
• nicely separated, but enriching the listening choruses, sound great in the chorus
• due to the raw nature of the recorded recording, the percussion cymbals may sound a bit harsh and rough, but they are very clear, which works especially well during the solo
• the bass guitar warms up the recording, and although there is not much bass, it is audible all the time and it complements the track

Against All Logic - This Old House is All I Have

• genre: electronic music
• some of the crackles and cycles of the drums are so prominent that “they burn”, but in that clean way, that you know that's what the recording was about
• when the beat comes in, it's very pleasant and quite warm, and the cracking sounds bring you the resemblance of jumping sparks
• again, the bass line only complements the recording
• Deep stage, and imaging that arranges the samples in different parts of the head
• despite the sharp sparks and crackles, these sounds did not bother me as sibilants sometimes do
• I was never fond of this piece, because I associated these crackles with a bad recording, surprisingly with Cadenza4 I have the confidence that it is not a bad recording, but the intention of the artist

Snarky Puppy - Bent Nails

• Genre: speed jazz, funk, instrumental
• in truth, any track by Snarky Puppy or Cory Wong could be here, because Cadenza seems directly made for this genre of music
• the sound is detailed and precise, and every instrument is audible in a clear way
• the biggest advantage is the ability to listen in and at the same time delight in the way the sounds of guitars or drums are articulated
• 
  
• Hype Alert!
• If you like the work of Snarky Puppy or Cory Wong you will fall in love with the way their songs sound on Letshuoer Cadenza 4

Between The Buried And Me - The Coma Machine

• genre: metal, heavy rock
• good imaging - drum transitions are spread all over the back of the head (from left to right)
• the drums sound natural, the transitions are very clear, the cymbals are also quite clear and, despite being quite prominent, do not pierce the ears
• vocals good, clean, and pleasant sounding
• guitars are fast and dynamic, and although not exceptionally selective
• bass here is also rather a companion only, and unfortunately, in this genre of music, a little too far behind - despite some withdrawal, the bass line is audible throughout the song
• a little lacking in heavier notes - I have the impression that the musicians would have liked the guitar riffs, especially of the main theme, to have more impact - although it's not bad (just could have been better)

Ekik Truffaz - Yuri’s Choice

• just after the first few bars you can be delighted with the percussion: clean, detailed with sparks in the form of sounds of sticks hitting cymbals or other bells - it sounds great
• the piano itself is presented in a very correct manner
• the trumpet also sounds natural,
• the double bass could be a little more pronounced, but it's not too bad, especially when played only with the drums
• vocal is clear and quite natural

CONCLUSION

I have to confess that at first, I’ve somewhat qualified this set for quiet, delicate genres of music, but as I listened to it over time I can confidently say that the Cadenza 4 is worth trying for other genres as well. It will certainly be loved by fans of jazz, and classical music, but also by fans of highly complex and devilishly fast music in the style of artists such as Snarky Puppy or Cody Wright. While energetic songs from genres such as metal may not exude tremendous dynamics, they can delight the listener with clean and detailed sound. This set handles heavily congested tracks very well, of which metal has quite a lot, and although the “Satan” won't sit here in power, it can be found in detail and transparency.

SUMMARY

Is the Cadenza4 worth the price in my opinion? By all means. This set offers a clean and detailed sound while remaining melodic and pleasant to listen to. I know that the price is not low, but you get high-quality workmanship, professional tuning, and a clean sound that will delight many music lovers.

Another great product from Letshuoer

Below, please find a few photos of the set.

Introduction​

Hello everyone!! I have the Letshuoer Cadenza 4 here, also called the “True Virtuoso”, the brand’s latest multi-driver hybrid configuration IEM. I covered a couple of Letshuoer IEM reviews in the recent past and I have been impressed with each one of them. Letshuoer has been on a winning streak here with each of their releases and we will see if Cadenza 4 continues its track record and lives up to the expectations.

Configuration​

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 is configured with a single DD and 3 BA hybrid driver combination. Single DD is a 10mm dual-chambered Beryllium coated DD responsible for the Bass. One Sonion BA for the mid-frequency and 2 Knowles BA for the high frequency through a 4-way electronic crossover. Letshuoer has yet again collaborated with HeyGears for the custom 3D-printed chassis. The faceplate is CNC machined aluminum alloy with a matte finish that provides a textured feel to the touch.

Cable and the tips​

The stock cable provided is of high quality and is the best I have come across from the Letshuoer branded IEMs I have reviewed. It is a 392-strand high-purity silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable. Comes with 3 right-angled interchangeable plugs. The ear hooks are of great improvement personally to me compared to the other Letshuoer IEMs I have reviewed including the Letshuoer S15. The ear tips come in 2 variants of silicon – Vocal and balanced. Vocal ear tips appear a little flimsy and did not give me a proper seal. However, the balanced ear tips are good and give me a tight seal. I only did a little tip-rolling here as I started to like the sound output from the balanced tips.

Carry Case​

The carry case provided is similar to the S15 case which is a round resin-coated box – The build is good and decent enough to fit the IEM, cable, and tips. The interchangeable plugs are uniform across the Letshuoer S15 and Letshuoer Cadenza 4 which is again a great comfort and can be interchanged in cases of loss of one plug. And having interchangeable termination plugs is a blessing in disguise.

Finally… ​

At the time of this writing, I had this IEM run for more than 200 to 250 hours including some hours of burn-in. The IEM sounds close to neutral with a decent bass boost and the emphasis is on the mid-range with a balanced presentation across the board. Finally, I thank Betty from Letshuoer for arranging this review sample. I greatly appreciate her gesture. So without further ado, here we go to the best of my intentions and abilities:

Specifications​

• 10mm dual-chambered beryllium-coated DD
• 1 Sonion and 2 Knowles BA
• Custom 3D printed resin chassis by HeyGear
• CNC machined Aluminum Alloy matte finish faceplate
• 50 Nanometer 3D printed Acoustic Tubes
• 4-way electronic crossover
• 392-strands silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable
• 3 Right-angled swappable connectors
• Impedance – 15 Ohms
• Sensitivity – 102dB
• Frequency Response – 20Hz to 40kHz

Disclaimer​

• The review is based on extensive and critical listening and was not influenced by any written or video review.
• The review is subject to unit variance and my personal listening preferences.
• The review is subject to the gears I used for testing – DAC/ DAP/ Tips/ quality of the track
• Last but not least, I have no affiliation with the supplier of the IEM.

Gears/ Audio used for testing​

• S24 Ultra
• Cayin RU7
• Aful Snowy Night
• Tempotec V6
• Tempotec V6 + Topping NX7
• Spotify Premium

Driveability/ Scalability​

I used Letshuoer Cadenza 4 with 2 sources most of my time – Cayin RU7 and Tempotec V6 interchangeably and Tempotec V6 + Topping NX7 for comparisons. The IEM is easier to drive and does not require much power to shine. However, it scales well with power and takes the increase in volume like a champ without undue shout or aggressiveness. On my NX7, I have to go up to 50% as I use for S15 for decent volume levels on medium gain. At the same time, IEM shines very well on decent volume levels on my DAP and Dongle. I enjoyed listening to this IEM with all the pairings as aforementioned but the Cayin RU7 comes out on the top and imparted a great musical listen.

The Sound Impressions​

Bass​

Sub-bass​

Sub-bass has an excellent depth with a decent rumble and the quantity is on the subtle side. More tactile in its execution and decay due to the speed of the driver. As a result, although sub-bass digs pretty deep, in certain use cases, it may leave you wanting more quantity. You don’t get the feeling of a lot of air in the sub-bass region that usually comes with the quantity. But the sub-bass has an airy extension, nevertheless. I don’t see any issue here as the tuning intentions were pretty clear. Overall, it is an impactful sub-bass that is tactile, analytical, and textured but may not please a basshead. For those preferring neutral uncolored tuning, this is a perfect bass tuning with sub-bass over mid-bass ensuring the music does not sound boring in the first place.

Mid-bass​

The mid-bass quantity is subtle at best prioritizing quality here. The tone and texture are excellent within that confinement – You can easily decipher the tone/pitch from various instruments which are very clear. A tamed mid-bass that does not project itself with a complete potential and is closer to neutral. Again it may give you the feeling of wanting more at times. The execution and decay again are on the faster side and don’t linger around a while which can also be a cause for a slight lack of certain naturalness in the way the bass decays giving you that auditory pleasure – It is well done with certain complex tracks keeping it more clean sounding but not ideal for not so busy tracks that requires a slower natural decay with palpable hits.

However, the speed of the driver contributes to excellent dynamics in the bass region and attack/slam are hard-hitting in general. You won’t notice a bleed here that was so carefully tuned not to sound boring with a lean body but with a subtle touch of warmth that is so close to neutral. Overall, mid-bass speed, texture, tone, and dynamics are excellent but left me wanting more quantity in some bassy tracks.

To sum up…​

Seriously, this IEM is not for the bass heads as the Bass is more of an enabler than a focal point here and the objective is to not sound boring in the first place and contribute to an overall clean sound. All that is done here is not for nothing and the brilliance in the tuning reveals itself from what’s coming next. However, this extreme audiophile-centric sound may sound boring to some as the Bass isn’t authoritative here. For me, it is quite good for the most part and the credit goes to its tuning.

Mids​

Instrumentals​

The lower mids sound very clean with no noticeable bleed from the bass region. It does not appear lean either. The balance between the crispiness and roundedness achieved here is excellent and there is a solid depth to the sound of the instrumentals. The sound appears fuller from the viewpoint of the depth that makes it rounded yet crispy too – just terrific. However, it may appear slightly leaner for some who prefer a slightly warmer sound with a fuller mid-bass. But to me the noteweight is excellent. If leaner, it would have been a boring sound. But I hear quite the opposite here – These sound full arc with excellent timbre and dynamics. A slight lack in the mid-bass is adequately compensated by the forward midrange here.

The tonality appears natural to me irrespective of BA drivers being part of the configuration. The timbre from various instruments appears natural, lively, and musical with great depth and clarity. The transients appear very fast and seamless together with excellent stage, layering, and imaging, contributing to an overall pleasurable listen. The result is a very clean and clear mid-range with excellent resolution and details. The upper mid-range is so well controlled and open with upper registers of guitars, Violin, and woodwinds sounding very detailed but not fatiguing and harsh. However, there are occasions of aggressiveness and sharpness but are manageable and quite rare. Overall, I’m in awe at times listening to how detailed and dynamic the instrumental tracks sound on Letshuoer Cadenza 4. The accuracy of the timbre here is the icing on the cake be it the Electronic, Jazz, and Acoustic genres.

Vocals​

Like how the mid instrumentals are given so much prominence in the mix, vocals are given good prominence too. They are not very forward on the face nor laid back/ recessed. It sounds very appropriate and is rightly balanced with the instrumentals in the track. The separation of vocals from the rest of the mix was very well done.

Male Vocals​

There is a tad hint of warmth to the male vocals and do not sound dry or recessed. The lower mids are well done in the way clarity and micro nuances are extracted here while not being too forward either. Overall, the clarity and texture is great with the male vocals.

Female Vocals​

Female vocals are rightly placed with the right energy depending on the track and sound more balanced than overly prominent in the mix. I didn’t notice any hint of shrill or shouting from the vocals even from the upper pitches of certain energetic spicy tracks. All this is achieved not at the expense of openness and detail, which is excellent.

Overall, I dig the vocal performance here. They sound balanced and in line with the rest of the instrumentation in the mix and are not overly prominent. Separation is done well ensuring the needed clarity and fine details.

Overall, the mid-range is all in its full glory here – Truly fantastic.

Treble​

The treble is detailed and open sounding with a decent extension and the right energy. No sibilance was noticed and not fatiguing either. When I compare them against the energetic extended treble of the S12, I am not missing much, to be honest. Cadenza 4 sounds open, even more detailed with good resolution but with a right non-fatiguing energy and decent sparkle/ shimmer.

However, the airiness is better with the S12 and there is adequate spaciousness between the notes with the S12 when compared with the Cadenza 4. The cymbal strikes and decay sound right with more air around them on S12, however, they sound less airy on the Cadenza 4 but not overly smoothened, blunt, or suppressed. But a little congested to be exact in more busier tracks. The treble is still open and detailed which satisfies the treble-sensitive listeners with a decent extension and good clarity in the treble region. Overall, I wish the airiness could have been a little better especially in the complex tracks when a lot is going on around where the legendary S12 shows its true prowess.

Technicalities​

The soundstage has an adequately wide width with great height and depth that is molded according to the venue instead of being widely spacious all the time. It is spacious on all fronts and contributes to an excellent stereo separation. Imaging is excellent with precise note-weight definition and pinpoint accuracy. Resolution and details especially in the mid-range are excellent considering the price point. There are micro details and nuances audible with the extremely pleasing vocals and instrumentals.

Layering and separation are above average and there is slight congestion noticed with treble-heavy tracks and it has to do with the treble presentation of the IEM. The speed of the drivers is excellent resulting in a seamless transient response like that of a planar contributing to its overall musical sound. Overall tonality appears very natural and there is no hint of a BA timbre whereas the timbre reproduction of this IEM can be considered a highlight of this IEM. It is that good.

Overall, brilliant technicalities considering the price point.

Comparisons​

I have two IEMs for comparison – Letshuoer S15 and Gizaudio x Binary Chopin. S15 is a planar magnetic IEM that shares certain similarities with Cadenza 4 in terms of tuning, especially the mid-range emphasis. Although both have different configurations, they are highly musical with excellent natural tone – there are similarities and differences between the two, however. The Chopin has a similar driver configuration and is slightly priced less than the Cadenza 4. The tunings differ here and I had a tough time comparing them both as they were neck-on-neck than I thought they would be. So, without further ado, let’s proceed:

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 (249$) vs Letshuoer S15 (329$)​

Fit and build​

S15 is a planar magnetic IEM from Letshuoer that employs a 14.8mm third-generation planar driver with a proprietary R-Sonic filtering module.

Both the IEMs are HeyGear built with resin structures and different shapes. Cadenza 4 has a more regular and generic fit, but the S15 has an odd fit. Trying to find a suitable cable other than the stock cable to pair with S15 can be a challenge. However, the S15 fits perfectly with stock cable with a rather aggressive ear-hook design. When fitted properly, the seal is great with S15. Cadenza 4 naturally fits properly like regular IEMs and the seal is excellent in general. Both the cables appear to be of the same build quality but the Cadenza 4 cable stands out in comparison. Carry cases are the same between the two. The balanced tips of both the IEMs are good.

Driveability ​

S15 is slightly difficult to drive being a planar but it rightly falls under the 3rd generation Planar technology being more power efficient than its predecessors. But still, I don’t prefer listening to S15 without NX7 in the picture. In comparison, Cadenza 4 is much easier to drive and scales well when amped.

Sound​

Sub-bass​

Cadenza 4 has slightly better depth present in the sub-bass region. Quantity is better on the S15. Rumble kind of evens out on both due to the above aforementioned, but I am slightly inclined towards Cadenza 4 due to more depth. I think the DD plays a role here contributing to a certain naturalness in the decay but the decay is faster on both. Both have an airy extension. Texture-wise, I don’t see a big difference between the two but again, due to the less quantity and added depth, I lean slightly towards the Cadenza 4 here for texture. For sub-bass, although the difference is very subtle, I would go with Cadenza 4. S15 does not lack sub-bass to be clear. But Cadenza 4 is better perceived with a noticeably better depth.

Mid-bass​

Mid-bass quantity is better and appears fuller with the S15. Quality is similar between the two. The hard-hitting punch and slam appear at the same level on both the IEMs. The dynamics in the bass region are better on both the IEMs. Both are fast and agile, and dynamics showcase well on both IEMs. The Cadenza 4 is more clean and sounds more close to neutral due to the less mid-bass quantity. S15 sounds more fuller, and warmer in comparison. I prefer the S15 here due to the fuller bass profile and more musical and fun-sounding, especially in some bassy tracks.

Instrumentation​

The tone is excellent on both the sets. One is a planar and the other includes BA drivers in the configuration – They both sound very natural to my ears. I slightly lean towards the more musical tone of the S15.

When it comes to resolution and details in the midrange, I would go with the Letshuoer Cadenza 4 over S15. I perceive better micro details on Cadenza 4 due to the overall clean sound not at the expense of the leaner note weight resulting in an excellent timbre across the board. S15 sounds more fuller in comparison and as a result, clouds the details a little – The difference is noticeable in comparison than otherwise. Both are great in their own way, nonetheless. Some may prefer the clean sound of Cadenza 4 and others may prefer the more musical sound of S15 with a little less detail. Cadenza 4 is highly musical too because the note weight is very well balanced. I prefer the instrumentation on the Cadenza 4 for that balance and the high-class timbre it comes with.

Both sound with the right energy in the upper mids. Upper registers of woodwinds, violins, and Acoustic guitar sound a little more energetic and sharp on the Cadenza 4 but polite. Both don’t cross the thin line from sounding harsh or shrill here and stay controlled. But the Cadenza 4 is comparatively more energetic. S15 is a little smoother in comparison. Overall, I’m in awe of the timbre reproduction and accuracy of the Cadenza 4. So, I slightly prefer the Cadenza 4 over the S15 for more critical listening. However, I consider S15 more musical and smooth sounding here.

Male Vocals​

Both the IEMs have greater emphasis on the mid-range and vocals in particular. Male vocals have more warmth from mid-bass and sound a little more meaty on the S15. The clarity with subtle nuances goes to Cadenza 4. In rare instances, there is sharpness in vocals on both. I don’t say sibilant, the way the track was mastered. A little more prominent on Cadenza 4 but nothing to worry about.

So both are neck-on-neck here and are far from boring. The differences I mentioned here are subtle at best. I prefer both for male vocals.

Female Vocals​

Female vocals have the right energy on both, a little more on Cadenza 4. S15 sounds a little laid-back in comparison. Cadenza 4 sounds a little forward with more clarity and energy. Energetic tracks sound great on both. Those who prefer slightly less energetic and relaxed female vocals will be more satisfied with the S15.

I slightly prefer Cadenza 4 over S15 because of the added energy and clarity which isn’t overly done and is right considering my tastes. S15 is excellent too and I prefer them for a more relaxed listening that is detailed as well. Both are not sibilant to me but a little sharp on Cadenza 4 at times and sound a little edgy but controlled. Very rare to be honest.

Overall, I enjoy vocal performance on both. One does not undermine the other and I respect both for what they offer here.

Treble​

The treble is open-sounding, detailed, and smooth on both. Does not sound subdued or dampened. More airy performance on the S15 and is a tad smoother as well. Clarity is a tad better on the Cadenza 4 thanks to the driver configuration. Both are tuned matured here with a little more airy extension on the S15. Both are well done here. I prefer the Cadenza 4 for the clarity, and the S15 for its smooth airy performance.

Overall, I prefer S15 a little better here considering my tastes with airy treble notes whereas Cadenza 4 can sound a little congested in comparison, especially in busier treble tracks.

Technicalities​

Stage width is a little wider on Cadenza 4. Height and depth are great on both. Resolution and details are slightly better with Cadenza 4, thanks to the multi-driver configuration again. Imaging is a little more precise on Cadenza due to the more clean and precise note weight definition including the stereo separation but both do a great job here. Layering/ separation is slightly better on the S15, noticeable in busier tracks. The dynamics are excellent on both sets. Both are agile, and seamless in the transient response.

Overall, technicalities are neck-on-neck here and excellent on both. I slightly lean towards Cadenza 4.

Comparison Conclusion​

S15 and Cadenza 4 are highly musical in their way. Cadenza 4 has a better sub-bass extension. S15 sounds fuller in mid-bass and lower-mids. Bass is more authoritative on S15. Cadenza 4 has a very balanced precise presentation in the lower mids. Mid Instrumentation sounds more clean and detailed on the Cadenza 4 with excellent timbre across the board. S15 has prominence in mids with its smooth, lush vocals and instrumentation for more relaxed listening. Cadenza 4 for more critical listening.

Treble is slightly better on S15 due to the airy spacious notes, and smoothness, and Cadenza 4 has more clarity and energy in the treble notes although sounds a little congested in busier tracks. Both are open-sounding, nonetheless. Technicalities are neck-on-neck between the two. Cadenza 4 sounds a little energetic and sharp at times in comparison. S15 is more of a relaxed listen. I highly prefer both of them for what they offer. Sound-wise, no real winner here to be honest. Considering the price points, Cadenza 4 has more return on the money here.

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 (249$) vs Gizaudio x Binary Chopin (199$)​

Fit and build​

Chopin is a collaboration between the YouTube reviewer/ influencer Mr. Timmy Vangtan a.k.a Gizaudio (A YouTube channel popular among the IEM community) and Binary Acoustics, a Chinese IEM brand operating since 2017.

The fit of Chopin was an issue for me owing to their odd shape until I replaced the stock tips with Zeo’s render tips. I should say that the ear tips have held the IEM in my ear rather than providing just the seal and comfort. The build quality is excellent though. The cable that comes with the Chopin is of inferior quality compared to the modular cable of Cadenza 4. Cadenza 4 stock cable is leaps ahead if one goes by the looks. But still, the modular option is great with Cadenza 4. Both the fit and build quality of Cadenza 4 are excellent.

Driveability ​

In comparison, Chopin is very easy to drive. It gets louder easily compared to Cadenza 4. I find the Cadenza 4 more scalable here and can be experimented with a little higher volume range.

Sound​

Sub-bass​

More quantity but slightly less extension with Chopin in comparison. Rumble is more with the Chopin as the quantity compensates for the slight lack of extension here. The texture is slightly better with Cadenza 4. More tactile feel with Cadenza 4. Overall, both are impactful in their way.

Mid-bass​

Mid-Bass sounds more fuller and authoritative on the Chopin while the Cadenza 4 leaves with the feeling of wanting for more in some bassy tracks. Both are hard hitting but the Chopin pushes more air here. Cadenza 4 sounds more neutral in comparison. The tone is slightly better with Cadenza 4.

Overall, Bass lovers will be more pleased with Chopin whereas people who prefer neutral uncolored sound with decent bass to get things moving should go with Cadenza 4.

Instrumentation​

Tonality stands out on the Cadenza 4 due to its balanced presentation throughout and not impacting the tonal balance. Chopin sounds brighter in comparison, especially the upper registers and tonal balance is slightly affected because of that. However, both sound natural to me. The resolution is slightly better with the Cadenza 4. I perceive better details with Cadenza 4 as it is more clean sounding and dynamics are better too in comparison.

Note weight appears to be the same but slightly better rounded and full with Cadenza 4 yet crispy. The timbre accuracy is a standout feature of the Cadenza 4 and is spot-on in comparison. Chopin does a great job and comes close but not of the same level as Cadenza 4. Neither of them is sibilant nor harsh sounding but the Chopin is a tad brighter, energetic, and aggressive sounding in comparison. Cadenza 4 gets aggressive and sharp too but on rare occasions. In general, Cadenza 4 is less aggressive compared to Chopin.

Male vocals​

Slightly better nuanced, resolving, and depth on the Cadenza 4 compared to Chopin. Chopin shows more energy and is a little forward in comparison. Other than that both are well-placed placed, does not sound dry or recessed. I slightly prefer Cadenza 4 over Chopin.

Female vocals​

Female vocals sound with a little better energy, open, and maintain better clarity on Chopin. Less energetic on Cadenza 4 in comparison. But in certain tracks, the energy can get too much and convert to borderline shout on Chopin. Chopin has a more forward presentation here. In some spicy vocal tracks like Titanium (Sia), Cadenza 4 exhibits controlled energy and isn’t shouty or harsh in comparison. So I’m kind of even here but still slightly prefer the openness of Chopin here.

Treble​

Treble has an airy presentation on the Chopin that is slightly lacking on the Cadenza 4. Comparatively more energetic on Chopin but not harsh. Both sound open and detailed with decent extension. Chopin has a better airy extension. More smooth sounding on the Cadenza 4 but isn’t subdued. Resolution and clarity are slightly better on the Cadenza. I love treble performance on both but I am more inclined towards the airy and energetic presentation of the Chopin considering my tastes. Both do a great job here.

Technicalities​

Overall resolution and details are slightly better with Cadenza 4. I hear more micro details/ nuances, especially in the midrange of Cadenza 4. Dynamic presentation is better on the Cadenza 4 as well. The soundstage is spaciously wide on the Cadenza 4 as the venue demands. Chopin is adequately wide too but Cadenza appears a little wider in comparison. Height and depth are great on both. Layering and separation appear to be the same on both. Imaging including the stereo separation is slightly better on the Cadenza 4. Chopin does a great job too but Cadenza 4 appears more precise and dynamic in both imaging and stereo separation.

Comparison Conclusion​

Both are gems at their respective price points. Cadenza 4 is a slightly better IEM than the Chopin especially for its mid-range instrument timbre, resolution, details, and technicalities where the Cadenza 4 stands out. The Chopin still has the upper hand over Cadenza 4 in the mid-bass and overall treble performance. Both cater to different audiences and the credit should be given where it is due. They complement each other for their respective strengths and shortcomings. I prefer both of them at their respective price points. Cadenza 4 is priced slightly above Chopin and is well justified for the stated reasons.

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 Review Closing Thoughts​

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 ‘The True Virtuoso’ possesses outstanding musical and technical abilities for the asking price as the name indicates. There’s the catch though – this IEM may not please a bass head or a treble head but everyone in between would surely fall in love with this gem of an IEM, especially those who prefer a neutral uncolored sound. The mid-range is glorified and probably the USP of this IEM with its exceedingly accurate and natural timbre reproduction and fantastic vocals. Listening to instrumentals with a source like Cayin RU7 is pure bliss. The bass and treble are well-done anchoring the balance than being the focal points. Brilliant technicalities are the icing on the cake. Overall, a fantastic and pleasurable listen especially for mid-range enthusiasts.

Review Of The LetShuoer Cadenza 4​

Introduction​

Recently, the brand LetShuoer has been on a roll with continual releases of IEMs and now a dongle dac. The firm was founded in China in 2016 and has been manufacturing IEMs in every category, whether affordable, mid-range, or premium. Their IEMs, such as the S12, EJ07M, and now the Cadenza 12, which is their flagship IEM, have been popular since its introduction. They just launched Cadenza 12's younger sibling, Cadenza 4, which I was fortunate enough to obtain for review reasons, but before we go any further, I'd want to clarify a few points.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the lovely people at Letshouer, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Cadenza 4.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Cadenza 4 based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The Cadenza 4 has a multi-driver hybrid configuration with three balanced armatures from Knowles(2) and Sonion(1) and one 10mm berryllium dynamic driver. All drivers use 50 um 3D printed acoustic tubes and an electronic four-way crossover to enable target-specific tuning. The shells are composed of skin-friendly plastic, while the faceplate is constructed of CNC machined aluminum alloy. The shells are ergonomically curved and have a matte white finish, which feels quite safe and comfortable in my ears while still providing a fresh and crisp appearance. This wasn't an issue either because I was able to acquire a suitable fit with smaller eartips. The cable offered is a 392-strand high purity silver plated monocrystalline copper cable that feels amazing and performs well, with two pin connections on one end and an L-shaped modular termination plug on the other. Aside from the cable and IEMs, the kit contains six pairs of eartips in two distinct kinds and three different sizes, three interchangeable plugs (2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm), and a sleek and matte-finished carrying bag. According to the technical standards, the impedance is 15 ohms and the sensitivity is 102 decibel. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 40kHz.

Sound​

The Cadenza 4 produces a brightish neutral tone with a very revealing and expressive presentation. In terms of technical specifications, I believe these are among the best-sounding options in this price range. When compared to my ideal objective, the IEF Neutral, I believe they are the clearest and most on-point graphs I've ever seen. The response appears light and lean in compared to the likes of the Quintet, Falcon Pro, Da Vinci, and so on, but being one of the finest resolving IEMs, many people will like it for its expressive and vibrant presentation. Although I've always thought DUNU IEMs had a forward and lively sound, these outperform in terms of overall balance, with superb extension on both sides. Even while not every component of the presentation is crisp and well-received, I believe it lacks warmth and authority in terms of note weight and thickness. Let's take a closer look at the sound.

Treble​

The elongation of the notes in the treble is absolutely captivating, and the entire area has enough excitement and air to bring out the aftermath sound completely and clearly. Despite the fact that the treble might become lean and metallic in character, the vibrant exposure and details compensate. The upper treble sounds airier and crisper in presentation, particularly in terms of how notes are pushed in this region; the vocals and instruments have great details and clarity at the expense of sounding metallic and sharp, which are frequently brought up in the mix; however, the clarity is one of the best I've heard in this price range while producing a bright response. Tracks like Elton John's I'm Still Standing have a highly expressive and distinctive presentation of the note over the track, and the way the Cadenza manages the air and extension adds a lot of resolve, particularly to the vocals, which become complete and full sounding. In the lower treble, the singers and instruments generate a more lively presentation, and I feel the notes have a bit more weight, which keeps sibilance and shoutiness at bay. The vocals take a more prominent approach in the mix, while the instrumentation compliment them. For example, ToTo's track Africa sounds really delightful, with all of the instruments sounding intriguing and engaging. The instruments have a very clear and nice response, allowing the vocals to deliver a vivid presentation. To be more specific, the overall location of the singers and instruments results in one of the track's cleanest and most emotive presentations. Consequently, the overall presentation of the treble area is crisp, detailed, and sharp-sounding.

Mid Range​

When it comes to the mid-range, the response stands out in the mix, bringing out the full vocal and instrument approach while keeping the note purity. The response lacks note weight, which may result in a less full-bodied sound, but with such a roomy and unique presentation, I doubt anybody would have any issues. The upper mid-range has the same energy as the lower treble with better note weight, and to be honest, it rarely makes a difference, but better energy and prominence in the mix allow the vocals to become more consistent with the instruments, as tonally the vocals sound open and captivating while the instruments bring a more fuller presentation of the notes, allowing for a more distinctive presentation. The lower mid-range sounds clean and hazy in the approach of the notes; I believe the purity of the notes does not allow for that depth, and the notes lack complete composure of weight and thickness. While listening to tracks such as The Reason by Hoobastank, the overall response is quite clear and resolved, making it sound distinctive, but the guitar notes, particularly in the lower frequencies, sound weightless and dry; despite the fact that the response is precise, the overall dynamics appear missing. At the same time, the notes have better contrast and resolution when listening to tracks like URU's Kamihitoe, as her vocals bring a very vibrant and captivating presentation; I truly prefer her crisp notes and delicacy in expressing them, which Cadenza 4 brings. As a result, the mid-range area sounds wide, clear, and unique.

Bass​

When it comes to bass response, I believe it has a strong impact and presence but lacks depth and character. The bottom bass is beautifully defined and textured, but it falls short in terms of generating exciting bass, despite the fact that it does its job well. The emphasis is on the sub-bass, which packs appropriate punches and rumbling, but it lacks in the mid-bass; personally, I have no qualms with it, but others believe it is either perfectly tuned or missing in dynamics and engagement. The mid-bass features significant crashes and thumps, but they also sound weightless and artificial. While listening to Miliyah's tracks ISOxo how2fly and Kono Yumega Samerumade, I noticed that the bass lacked punch and force in comparison to its rivals. The bass has precision and speed, but the weight and dynamism were lacking. Overall, the bass area sounds detailed and textured but lacks weight and solidity.

Technical Performance​

When it comes to technical elements, the Cadenza 4 outperforms every other IEM in this price range, including the Quintet and Falcon Pro, as well as IEMs priced more. I believe the Cadenza 4 has more targeted and detail-oriented tuning. Let's go into the specifics.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The Cadenza 4's soundstage is fairly wide and spacious, allowing for a holographic presentation and accurate note positioning. The imaging is sharp and clear, and the precision of the notes can be felt due to the distinctive nature of the notes, which have a great separation. The faraway aspect of the sounds makes it easier for me to determine where each given sound is originating from.

Speed & Resolution​

I feel they are the most detailed-sounding IEMs I've heard in this price range, bringing outstanding resolution and both macro and micro details to the surface with ease. The assault and decay of the notes are superbly fast-paced, resulting in a very clean-sounding presentation.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Sony WM1A - While listening to Cadenza 4 through WM1A, the response seemed more wholesome and full-bodied, making it well-rounded and enjoyable to listen to. The dynamics increased in comparison, with the bass sounding huge and powerful in the sub-bass while losing punch and warmth in the mid-bass. The treble seemed tamed in terms of details and forwardness, allowing the region to sound smooth and silky; the same can be said for the midrange region, but the voices and instruments sounded more weighted and bodied, resulting in a more unified and genuine sound. Tracks like Milet's Anytime Anywhere sounded larger and richer because the notes had more to offer, particularly the voices, which seem appealing and composite.

FiiO M15S - While listening to Cadenza 4 via M15S, the response sounded more sterile and clean with a drop in note weight, but it did not introduce or modify the sound of tuning to become sibilant or shouty. The notes got more illuminating as their differentiation improved. Personally, I noticed that it removed whatever musicality I had from the sound and made it seem dull. The neutral element of the M15S, along with the Cadenza 4's brightish neutral tuning, results in one of the most detailed and clear-sounding responses I've ever heard, without compromising the note's purity. I mean, tunes like Kokoronashi by Majiko were incredibly clear and expressive in a way that made the vocals and instruments seem distinctive and more resolving, but they removed any unified and musical approach to instruments and vocals that used to feel like a recorded live performance.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Goyte - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

To summarize this review, I believe that anyone who like an IEM particularly tuned for the IEF target with a 10-12dB sub bass increase would LOVE these IEMs, as they provide a vivid, sharp, and energetic response while being lean and neutral. Though I'd want to point out that this is not for individuals who prefer fun and warm sounding IEMs, they are welcome to try since the details and clarity will blow your mind for the $250USD price they are being sold for, thus I'll absolutely suggest them.