LETSHUOER DZ4

Three dynamic drivers + single passive radiator in-ear monitor HIFI earphones.
Four-way Acoustic Tubes, Two-way Crossover Circuit.
Semi Open Faceplate Design, A Fusion of Metal and Resin.
The drivers are connected to the dual-pin receptacle via a flexible printed circuit (FPC) crossover board.
Joint Effort With HeyGear, The Leading 3D-Printing Supplier
Four cores of 216-strands, 0.05mm in diameter silver plated copper cable.
DZ4 comes with a standard 3.5mm single-ended plug, featuring a standard 0.78mm dual-pin design.
High precision in 3D Printed chassis production to meet ergonomic principles.
CNC-milled anodized aluminum casing with semi-open design.
Its outstanding sound performance brings exceptional adaptability and compatibility, catering to various usage scenarios from music reproduction, gaming, to basic monitoring needs.

Packaging and accessories:
Earphones
Carrying case
Two types of ear tips in three sizes each
Silver-plated copper cable
3.5mm single-ended plug
Warranty card and instruction manual

Specifications:
Sensitivity: 104dB
Frequency response: 20Hz - 40kHz
Impedance: 12 ohm
Chassis material: 3D printed resin
Cable: 1.2m silver-plated copper
Drivers: triple 5mm titanium dome DD + 6mm PR (passive radiator)

The DZ4 is a truly unique configuration. The packaging is beautifully simple. Inside is all the great accessories included. The DZ4 themselves are light and comfortable. They are a sturdy 3D printed shell and I really like the look as well. The case is very sturdy but on the smaller side, still it works good enough. The cable is both pretty and well made, it also comes with tips of good quality.

Sound:
Bass: presents neutral with a little Sub-Bass boost but tastefully so. Bass in general is more quality than Basshead. The speed and details are excellent but is a little less in texture than the average Harman.

Mids: midrange shows off the DZ4s neutral tuning mids sound fantastic and have a nice natural sound with plenty of energy and details. vocals are forward and female vocals sound a little better in my opinion.

Treble: The highs have air and sparkle without harshness and over extension, good energy and details in general things sound crisp.

Soundstage: Is accurate and open but the Width is much more impressive than depth. Still, it doesn't suffer on busy recordings.

Afterthoughts: The DZ4 offers an exceptional value for someone looking for a neutral IEM with good quality Bass, Mids, Stage and non-offensive treble.

DZ4 the first model of its kind from this manufacturer. In this case, I'm talking about the layout and material of the shell

In short, this model has three dynamic drivers and one chamber called a passive radiator

It turned out very interesting, considering its low cost layout and non-standard materials

Let's start with the equipment: one earphone has three dynamic drivers and one passive radiator. Shell has a very interesting body, made of plastic, apparently. This is not 3D printing, most likely it is casting, but at the same time the material itself, namely plastic, has an interesting structure, color and density. This material is lightweight, apparently very durable, pleasant to the touch and quite interesting visually.

The cable is ordinary for your budget, but at the same time it is moderately soft and quite good, and it sounds very well assembled

Im note the interesting design uh, both the shell and the faceplate. Uh, they play very interestingly from a design point of view. It is original, unusual and futuristic

Let's shower, like some, respected manufacturers have finally come up with a universal shell shape that fits almost all ears. They fit me very comfortably

They're very comfortable and I don't feel any discomfort from wearing them for a long time and listening to music. It is really very comfortable and anatomical

The main thing about the sound is that the sound has a very balanced tuning with good separation of high mids and low frequencies, high and low frequencies do not touch the middle, coherence is at a very high level

The driver coordinated three dynamic drivers of the same diameter very well. Each driver is responsible for its own frequency spectrum, in addition to the three drivers, as I wrote above, there is a passive radiator

It’s difficult for me to say what physical role it plays in terms of sound, but apparently it plays a significant role in coordinating the three drivers. That is he is engaged in cutting off unnecessary frequencies, unnecessary pressure or make deep bass, meybe...))

I often came across the fact that it is famous manufacturers who cannot coordinate uh drivers in multi-driver and e-mom systems

Be it hybrid circuits or circuits with the same type of drivers. In this case, the LETSHUOER perfectly coordinated the three drivers

In general, the presentation is very comfortable, detailed with the presence of a sufficient amount of bass, a solid midrange and quite beautiful high frequencies

These high frequencies are very comfortable, not sawing, not rattling, not screaming. The overall presentation is very comfortable and melodic for this price segment - this is a very good proposition

I highly recommend this model for people who want to get acquainted with magadrivers. Or, for example, they want to get acquainted with multiple drivers of the same type, drivers in a given price segment. This is a great deal and this model is a very strong competitor in this budget

#LetshuoerDZ4 #LETSHUOER LETSHUOER Letshuoer Audio

Introduction!
Today we’ll talk about headphones from LetShuoer, the model is called DZ4 and their cost is $89 !!!
They come in such a very attractive medium sized white cardboard box, and on the front there is the letshuoer logo, the model name is dz4 and such an interesting drawing with circles that reminds us that this model uses 4 drivers, and of course there is a logo hi-res audio.

Well, at the back, the technical characteristics for the sound are 3 6mm dynamic drivers, and one 6 mm passive radiator, and the sensitivity of the headphones is 104 dB and they received 12 ohm impedance.

Let's take a look at what's included.
Now let's look at the package in more detail.
And the first thing that greets us is a product certificate, a card with advertising of the company's social networks with scanning QR codes, and a card with after-sales service, well, this is a rather beautifully designed instruction manual and cable connection in three languages.

Well, here these wonderful headphones are very neatly located and they look quite attractive for my taste and they have such a beige color of the case itself and they are quite light, and they are made of a very smooth and pleasant resin made to order by HeyGear, and in front they have such a metal an insert with an orange grille and a pattern, which we also saw on the box, and they also have a standard 2-pin connector next to which the inscription dz4 letshuoer and the marking on the right and left earphone, respectively, and this is how their nozzle looks and here you can see three such holes, two are slightly larger with a white mesh inside, and one is of a smaller diameter.

Ergonomics and convenience.
Well, as for the fit, everything is in order here, they fit very tightly to the ear and provide excellent sound insulation, you can use them for literally hours.
Accessories and handy organizer.
Well, in this black jar there is an excellent 4-core copper cable, which I immediately liked and it definitely makes no sense to change it, it has 216 threads and a silver-plated coating and 2-pin connectors are installed, and very conveniently shaped earplugs and a standard jack connector 3.5 mm.
Well, in such a convenient organizer there are branded ear pads from lethuoer, such black vocals and such balanced vocals are more dense and I recommend using headphones with them.

How do these headphones sound ?
Well, now friends, let's talk about the most important thing, namely the sound of this model !
Low Frequencies :
At low frequencies, the headphones demonstrate a very precise and neat and cheerful rise with a great emphasis on the sub bass, which has excellent weight and volume filling the space, and I was very pleased with the smooth and well-controlled transition to midbass, due to which the bass is perfectly controlled and literally allows the middle frequencies to breathe and open up completely without interfering with them.Yes, of course it's worth saying right away that I was very worried about the midbass that it wouldn't really be enough for me, but in fact everything turned out quite well for me since the mid bass is quite dense, assembled and attacking with good textural elaboration, but of course it doesn't feel super massive, especially if you switch to these headphones after more bass models with a more pumped mid-bass, and at first it will really feel a little strange and unusual and the bassheads will definitely not have enough punch here, but for all the other guys who are familiar with this setup it will be just right.
Mid Frequencies :
Well, the midrange frequencies in these headphones are a real madness stunning from the first listening, they are insanely smooth and correct and clearly focused, I would say that this is literally their calling card, there is also an insane transparency and airiness because of which everything sounds clearly separate and detailed on overtones, there is no box effect or closed space,this whole range literally breathes, and despite the fact that it is very smooth, it did not get excessive overt monitoriness and dryness because of this, but on the contrary everything sounds exciting and emotional, you literally live with music.
And the vocal part is just wonderful that male and female vocals are very clean and insanely transparent and clear, and of course it's worth saying that it's immediately noticeable that the vocals focus on themselves and are pushed forward along with the drum part and everything sounds literally next to you and this gives a very pleasant immersion effect and additional bounces due to clearly emphasized percussion drums that have excellent transients.
High Frequencies :
Well, high frequencies have a very good and correct approach to tuning, there is also sufficient technicality and there is a good bias in analytics and there is a good amount of air for better separation of cymbals and percussion in this range, and of course it is worth saying that headphones are great for heavy and high-speed genres that require a good attack and very little pleasant by ear underlining plates, I am glad that they do not merge the sound into a porridge and a single whole, but on the contrary, on the tops of all the plates, each long after-dinner sounds very detailed and separate, that is, the images are not lost in the mix and are drawn very accurately and informatively.
Stage and stereo panorama :
In Letshuoer DZ4, in my opinion, everything is in perfect order here, the scene itself is wide enough and has an excellent slope in depth, that is, the space and instruments do not feel flat, but on the contrary have good weight and volume, and all images are drawn in great detail and separately from each other.
My conclusion on these headphones :
LetShuoer Dz4 turned out to be very interesting emotional accurate and quite technical headphones that give only positive emotions, yes, it's definitely worth saying that they do not have the most typical tuning at low frequencies for fans of powerful mid-bass punch and basheads, but otherwise everything is in perfect order!

Icygenius was with you, I will be glad if you subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch this full review on Letshuoer Dz4!
Review:

Prelude:
There has always been a lot going on in the headphone market, but manufacturers of IEM headphones, i.e. universal in-ear monitors, are constantly competing with each other in interesting ideas. Letshouer is a brand known for impeccable workmanship, exemplary approach to its products and innovations. This time they served us a quite unusual design, because their latest DZ4 model consists of as many as three dynamic drivers with a diameter of 6mm and an additional passive radiator with a diameter of 6mm, which, thanks to the semi-open design, is designed to strengthen the whole transmission. It’s all packed into a small resin case and priced at $89. It’s not an easy price range because the glut of products under $100 is huge.


Unboxing:
When it comes to unpacking, we have a cardboard box made of slightly cheaper materials than those used to produce the S12PRO packaging. However, it is still very pretty and attractive. Inside we find our headphones, a nice matte and tightly screwed case in the shape of a can, covered with rubber on both sides. It is nice and has the manufacturer’s logo on the cap. However, it is hard to finger and does not protect the headphones from scratches inside. Still, in this price range, the mere presence of a case is a feat, and the more the addition of a case of this class deserves huge applause. In addition, we find a couple of information leaflets, a great braided cable 3.5mm – 0.78mm similar to that of the gaileo model. And three pairs of vocal and balanced tips. Although in my opinion DZ4 are not particularly sensitive to tips. The set is complete and functional, personally I would only give at least one pair of wetsuits, but they are not mandatory for this tuning.


Sound:
DZ4 are headphones strongly focused on a specific style of musical presentation. They are very close to neutral with a slight mutra of warmth. They don’t play bass, instead they maintain a beautiful tonal balance. So let’s move on to a slightly more detailed description of the sound. Their extreme opinions are caused by rather unusual in this price range „audiophile approach to tuning”, instead of entertaining and warm, which is quite rare and may cause that many people did not expect such a move. After all, audiophiles with much more expensive headphones certainly began to look for similarities, and users of cheaper musical models were looking for the same. In my opinion, however, the DZ4 is a unique product that deserves a lot of recognition. First of all, because of its unconventional and correctness. It’s a specific sound for a specific audience. So who is the recipient and what is the sound you will find out in the next part of the article. So I invite you to continue reading.


Bass: Low tones are neutral, slightly warmed in the sub-bass, there is little mid-bass. Which translates into a certain sense of contour, but it is not a defect. Such a procedure helps to strengthen the analytical and technical nature of DZ4. Yes, the DZ4 are not overly selective, but they remain coherent and well-tuned. Bass is present, but still linear and does not stand out above the overall musical presentation. I will not agree with the opinion that the DZ4 does not have bass, but these are not headphones for lovers of low tones. They have much less bass than the s12pro. Its structure close to neutral works great for music monitoring. This is a rare and innovative approach in this price range. However, if the midrange of the bass was slightly strengthened, on the one hand, the whole would gain weight, but on the other, it would lose its analytical and unusual in the positive sense of the word transmission. These are headphones that play as the artist intended.
Diameter: DZ4 focus on direct and clear musical transmission, especially in the field of female vocals. The males are also well realized in a very direct way, but it is the female vocals that gain extra magic with a bit of warmth in the sound. Imaging and separation are at an average level, but in this price range it is acceptable and correct. When it comes to the separation of instruments, it is just right and it is not surprising that the headphones themselves sound above average well for their price and cannot be outstanding in every context, because investing 89 USD and not 200 USD we have to take into account a certain compromise. In this case, it will be a compromise in terms of instrument separation. However, what I want to emphasize is that the DZ4 still has good imaging, which does not stand out above the price, but is not a disadvantage either. This allows you to reduce the feeling of fatigue and just relax listening to your favorite music.

Treble: The treble is present, but due to the strong neutrality, it does not stand out above the whole, so we can have the impression of their reduced presence. It’s not that the DZ4 doesn’t have treble, because it is present. It’s more about how they’re set up. In rock or pop music, it brings very good results, eliminating the feeling of fatigue or sibilants. The soundstage is of average width, but with a nice and good depth, which I personally like a lot. The highs are clean and smooth to show our favorite music, plus we don’t have any impurities or sibilants here.


Comparison:

Letshuoer DZ4 ($89) VS Letshuoer S12PRO ($139)
At the beginning, I would like to point out that comparing planar and dynamic headphones is hard. The S12Pro are more resolving, faster, but at the same time they have strongly withdrawn vocals, which is not present in the DZ4. Of course, the S12Pro are more expensive and better headphones. However, if you have a limited budget and want to buy something neutral and entertaining, the DZ4 will be a good choice because they are a bit easier to listen to and do not require such a powerful amplifier.
Letshuoer dz4 ($89) VS QoA Vesper 2 ($79)
QoA are headphones with more detail, but also less neutral and balanced tuning. It’s all about our individual preferences. More bass will definitely be QoA Vesper 2, but if we are looking for a quiet tuning, it is worth reaching for Letshuoer dz4.
Letshuoer dz4 (89USSD) VS BQEYZ topaz (89USD)
Topaz are very good headphones that I really like. However, they are very bassy and have almost subwoofer bass. Their scene is similar to DZ4. The DZ4 are definitely more balanced, neutral and calmer in presentation. If we are looking for a quiet tuning, we will find it in the DZ4, and if we prefer entertaining and spectacular tuning, then the topaz will show more claws.


Summary:
The Letshuoer dz4 at $89 is a great deal. Great accessories and beautiful neutral tuning with minimal warming make them a great deal if you appreciate a calm and balanced tuning. The build quality is phenomenal and the quality control is excellent, which makes me strongly recommend this model. I was also surprised by the good isolation despite the semi-open construction of the headphones. It is worth considering buying the DZ4 if you are looking for inexpensive headphones to work with music or if you like neutral tuning. Let’s not look for $200 sound here, but remember that there are still few innovative headphones under $100. Thus, the DZ4 are a kind of unique, taking into account their advanced design and stunningly good build quality. In my opinion, it is worth taking a closer look at them and listening to them with your own ears.

Letshouer Dz4, a pair of IEMs that boast natural, clean vocals and, in my opinion, are one of the best in their class. But there's something unique about these IEMs, so read the review until the end.

Oh yes, firstly, thank you to Letshuoer Audio for giving me the opportunity to review this product.

Note: This review is based on personal listening experience, so it remains subjective, but nothing is exaggerated or diminished for specific reasons.






Starting with Packaging & Cable: The packaging for these IEMs is simple, with a round case inside the box containing small, medium, and large ear tips, totaling 6 pairs. In my opinion, the ear tips are somewhat hard and not very comfortable to wear, so it's better to get aftermarket ear tips. The build quality of the cable is quite good, with a thick braided design and an elegant silver color. However, despite the nice appearance, the stock cable doesn't deliver the best sound for the Dz4 IEMs, which I'll discuss below.




Build Quality & Fitting: In terms of build quality, these IEMs use a combination of metal faceplates and resin throughout the shell. The design is simple and attractive, with a broken white color and some semi-open back with the letter 'z' on the faceplate. Although slightly bulky, the IEMs feel lightweight. However, when using the stock cable, I felt some pressure on the upper part of my ears or the ear hook, as if it was pressing too hard. It might vary for different ears since everyone's shape is different, so it's subjective.

Now onto the sound, starting with the Low: The bass on these IEMs isn't overly deep but still maintains a decent punch, with drum beats sounding clear and good texture with enjoyable rumble. The decay is sufficient, even for faster songs, but don't expect too much since these IEMs aren't specialized in bass. Tested with songs like Meghan Trainor's "All About that Bass" and Paramore's "Anklebiters."

The Midrange is where these IEMs shine: They possess natural, clean, and pleasantly sweet vocals. They're not too thick to feel muffled nor too thin to be piercing or boring. In my opinion, the vocals sound very natural and pleasing. There's a hint of sibilance, but it's not bothersome; it adds energy and clarity to the vocals, stopping at the right moment, which is surprisingly unique and enjoyable. Tested with songs like BabyMonster's "Sheesh" and ILlit's "Magnetic."

Moving on to the Highs/Treble: The IEMs deliver energetic, crisp, and airy highs without being piercing or fatiguing even during long listening sessions. This is my second favorite aspect after the vocals. Listening to songs with many instrumental trebles is very comfortable and fun, with guitar plucks, violin strings, and cymbal strikes sounding clear and smooth. Tested with various songs from an audiophile sound test playlist on YouTube Music.

Lastly, Technicalities: These IEMs have a fairly wide soundstage thanks to their passive driver and semi-open back design. However, the 3D imaging with the stock cable feels a bit odd, lacking focus in instrument placement. But don't worry, replacing the stock cable solves this issue. Regarding gaming, these IEMs are excellent for pinpointing enemies accurately; sounds are directional, making it easy to locate threats. Tested on Apex PC. The timbre is also very natural, and instrument sounds are rich and lifelike. Above-average resolution with a good sense of clarity.

Conclusion: These IEMs are worth buying if you're looking for clean, natural vocals with fun and energetic highs. However, keep in mind that some may find the stock cable's sensation a bit odd or peculiar, so you might want to try third-party cables like Tripowin Zoe or Xinhs Cooper. That's all.

If asked what's the best IEM for vocal under 1.5 million rupiahs? I'll honestly answer this IEM.

Some say they don't quite like its warm sound and somewhat ethereal imaging, which "can be fixed with a new cable." And DZ4's sound is indeed somewhat warm, maybe not for those seeking energy... even the passive radiator seems to make the IEM feel even warmer or more relaxed.. its bass quality doesn't make you go "wow" but the mids are seriously pleasant, everything sounds smooth without any weird upper mid or treble spikes... its musicality is very comfortable with heavy dynamics... Letshuoer achieves a somewhat unique Harman target where the mids aren't thin, which I think is very important in the market... if not all Harman IEMs will sound the same with somewhat recessed mids with increased upper mids that are more noticeable + the presence of instrument-vocals is more noticeable than richness and natural musicality.

Vocal sound needs warmth and airiness in it, if not, the people you talk to will sound somewhat boxy in the real world, and that's not the case here.

**Rating:**
- Low: ★★★★☆
- Mid: ★★★★★
- High: ★★★★✮
- Technical: ★★★★★ (changed cable -1 stock) (4.8/5) {☆ 0 point, ✮ 0.5 point, ★ 1 point}

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Disclaimer:
- I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as how earphones should be used.
- Letshuoer sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
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(Additional note here: I have seen some discussions regarding this IEM’s unusual configuration and its implementation. I have to admit that those discussions are not my forte and will not be the focus of this review. I will review this IEM just like how I usually review my IEMs: hearing them personally and telling everyone what I hear.)
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Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.

Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- Fosi Audio DS1
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
- Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock large eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 3.5 SE plug, 40-60% volume, low gain and high gain.
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Sound signature:
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- The Letshuoer DZ4 exhibits a somewhat “neutral” sound signature, with a noticeably forward mids, which makes it “midcentric” in sound to my ears. This certain sound is one of the unique ones under 100USD in my humble opinion, along with the Truthear Hexa and Celest Pandamon.
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Lows:
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• - The lows here in the DZ4 are fairly controlled, clean, have equal levels of midbass and subbass, and decay quickly. In some instances, the texture may lack and may sound “monotonous” to some. The DZ4 definitely is nowhere near enough for it to be a basshead IEM, but it caters most tracks, particularly the bassy ones quite nicely.

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Mids:
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• - This is where the highlight of the DZ4 is at - its forward, clean, lively mids.It managed to exhibit a somewhat lush, non-fatiguing timbre while keeping sufficient details during my tests. Lower mids show a good amount of thickness and texture. Some would prefer a thicker approach in this region but I’d say that the thickness of the lower mids of this IEM reminds me of my Etymotic ER3SE. It is close, but not quite because the the mids of the ER3SE sounds more natural and uncolored. Upper mids are forward, showing very good clarity, air, and sparkle. Despite being forward, it never sounded sibilant or harsh to my ears. However, in very rare cases, it may sound “shouty” to some sensitive ears. Overall, I love how the DZ4 presented the mids as it reminds me of a somewhat similar approach just like the Etymotic ER3SE and ER2SE sounded to my ears. But if you prefer the profile of the mids of most recent IEMs at this price, you may find this “odd”.

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Highs:
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• - As for the treble, it is well extended and has a good amount of presence albeit not being the highlight of the DZ4. It isn’t as airy as what I would prefer, but it doesn’t sound dark to me nor lifeless either. It managed to avoid any form of harshness and sibilance in this area, while showing a very good amount of macro and microdetails for its asking price.

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Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:
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• - The soundstage is the first thing that I have noticed in this IEM, along with its forward mids. The stage is rather intimate in width with a very good amount of height and depth. The DZ4’s soundstage isn’t compressed nor cramped by any means, and it is comparable to the Truthear Hexa’s soundstage. Layering and separation is average for its price as it is able to render heavy passages neatly most of the time. Imaging is above average in my opinion and leans to the precise side of the spectrum rather than accurate.

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Comparisons!
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VS Simgot EA500 (Black nozzle filter)

• - The EA500 is noticeably brighter and more neutral in the mids when compared to the DZ4. With that being said, the EA500 is also more prone to sibilance and peaks unlike the DZ4. Lows are a bit thicker on the DZ4, but the EA500’s bass is cleaner and tighter. Technical performance is better on the EA500.

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VS Truthear Hexa

• - The Hexa is better on bass performance, particularly on the quantity. Mids are more upfront on the DZ4 but very negligible unless compared side-by-side.The Hexa has an airier and more extended treble as well. Technical performance is better on the Hexa except for the soundstage as that is the region where the DZ4 and Hexa are more or less the same in terms of width and depth.

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VS Celest Pandamon

• - The Celest Pandamon is thicker and more balanced in sound when compared. It has better lows in terms of both quantity and quality while not sacrificing any speed and detail. Mids are a tad bit forward on the DZ4 but the Pandamon has its mids thicker. Treble extension and air of the two IEMs are more or less the same. Technical performance goes to the Pandamon, mainly because of its Square Planar Driver (SPD) and versatile tuning.

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VS Simgot EW200

• - The Simgot EW200 is definitely more airy, engaging, spacious, and technically competent when compared. The mids on the DZ4 are more forward compared to the EW200, but the EW200’s mids are more “well-placed”.Highs are definitely brighter on the EW200 and are more prone to sibilance. The soundstage is definitely wider and taller on the EW200. Layering, separation, and imaging are miles better on the ew200.

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Pros:

• - Unusual“neutral-midcentric” sound signature.
• - Very good, detailed, forward mids!
• - Controlled, adequately thick lows.
• - Non-fatiguing upper frequencies.
• - Average technical performance.
• - Unique IEM design! (highly subjective)
• - Matte, pseudo-rubbery finish (subjective)
• - Very good fit, comfort, and isolation.
• - Visually-pleasing packaging and accessories!

Cons:

• - The overall sound may be perceived as “thin/lacks body” to some (but if you are a fan of Etymotic type of sound, it’s alright, more on that later).
• - The stock eartips do not isolate well (highly subjective)
• - Female vocals may sound “too forward” on some tracks.
• - Bass may lack texture at times.
• - Mids may sound “too forward” to some.
• - Soundstage is intimate.

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It’s quite refreshing to hear a sound like the Letshuoer DZ4 has. While may not be the best in technicalities and timbre for its asking price, what made this IEM stood out or at the very least make this unique among the rest is its forward, lush yet detailed mids which is quite rare in today’s saturated, harman-dominated Chi-Fi market. Do I recommend this IEM? To me, it depends on what type of sound you prefer within the 100 USD range. If you want a mid-forward sounding, non-fatiguing IEM with a quite unique design, consider the Letshuoer DZ4 as one of your choices!

Pairing recommendation/s:

• Source: This sounds just fine when plugged straight to a phone, but is vastly better when used with a proper source.
• Eartips: The eartips are alright and enough for the most part. However, it did not fit my ears well. You may always use your preferred eartips. I find the KBEAR 07 eartips work well with this IEM.
• Cable is really good, and robust. You may always use your preferred cable.

Thank you for reading!

Non-affiliated product link here!: https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...ngle-passive-radiator-edc-hifi-in-ear-monitor

Additional Photos Here:

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.“

--General George S. Patton, United States Army General

Click to expand...

That's how I perceived LETSHUOER's philosophy on striving for the success and pushing some innovation in their products as this quote remind on them. No need further to introduce the LETSHUOER again as I already did a lot of impressions, reviews and assessments on their products and all of their products are impressive as usual and have their own tonal character and distinctive design viewpoint.



This is LETSHUOER's latest model product for the entry-level segment, The LETSHUOER DZ4, it has an interesting driver set-up as it has three (3) dynamics drivers and single passive-radiator on each side. The three (3) dynamic drivers are of a titanium dome micro dynamic driver type and all are of the same dimensions of 6mm and each of them will handle a specific frequency range. The passive-radiator concept in IEM is quite an interesting implementation as it is usually found on a loudspeaker enclosure. This is not the first one as there are some products with this kind of implementation like a certain IEM and a headphone. The passive-radiators aren't really electrically charged, instead they are powered by air pressure from other active transducers and its principle is to trap sound waves generated from active transducers to create a resonance effect to add more depth on pitch and improve reverberations. There is another benefit on implementation of PRs as it somehow lessens the constant motion on woofers that is akin to dampening effect as it will give a longevity and less chances of degrading the quality of active drivers due to constant motion.



The drivers and the single passive-radiator were also connected into four (4)-way acoustic tunes with a tiny bi-channel crossover circuit for less distortion and cleaner sonic quality. These components are encapsulated in a 3D printed acrylic resin, UIEM-style shell chassis. It has a CNC-milled, matte-finish aluminium alloy faceplate with a zig-zag pattern with each point probably serving as vent holes that makes it somewhat an open-backed design. Like all LETSHUOER products, it uses a proven 2-pin connector as its detachable mechanism for cable swapping.



The fitting is quite comfortable as these sets rest well in my lugholes as it encompasses to give a good passive noise isolation to filter out some external noises coming from the outside environs. I can wear them for a long listening session and I don't feel any driver flexes that might be annoying during insertion or any motion.



The stock cable included on LETSHUOER DZ4 is quite good. It was carefully braided and has a sufficient thickness to give a solid yet light and flexibility. It is made of 4-core, 216 strands of monocrystalline silver plated copper wirings to deliver a better conductivity to have seamless transmission of electrical signals. And it has a gold plated 3.5mm single ended as its termination plug.




Like all LETSHUOER products, each of their product packaging has its different approach from the amazing unboxing experience with Cadenza 12 to a more simple yet satisfying product presentation of their Galileo. The LETSHUOER DZ4 takes a different approach as it has a more modest yet logical on its product presentation as we check some of its contents.




Here are the following inclusions inside the box:

■ a pair of LETSHUOER DZ4 IEMs.
■ bi-coloured braided stock cable.
■ a disc-shaped ear tips organiser plate.
■ a rubberised, circular hard plastic IEM container.
■ three (3) pairs of vocal ear tips of different standard sizes.
■ three (3) pairs of balanced ear tips of different standard sizes.
■ some paperworks like instruction manual, contact card with QR codes, warranty card and a q.c stub.



The LETSHUOER DZ4 can be powered up efficiently with just a decent amount of power output from usual portable multimedia devices like smartphones and tablets. But putting it on devices like DAPs and USB DAC/amp dongles with better power output will have a noticeable and significant improvement particularly on dynamics and ambience.



As to determine its tonality and tuning, the DZ4 has a mild-U shaped tuning to a balanced-neutral sound profile as I was able to determine its slight elevations and downward slopes on its frequency range to compensate as it delivers a well-balanced tuning.


(This graph was provided by @baskingshark , Credits to him)


LOWS/BASS:

The low frequencies of LETSHUOER DZ4 is slightly elevated just to display a sufficient slam, incisiveness and depth while retaining its clean and sufficiently separated bass response from other frequencies.

The sub-bass presence was observable as I was able to hear clearly and felt those reverberations and rumbling sound coming from low toned bass guitars, drum machines and synthesisers especially on tracks from music genres like synth-pop, classic rock, R&B and old school hip-hop. Mid bass has an ample texture. Mid-bass is equally presented and well-balanced with the sub-bass as it was able to give an ample note weight and definition on mid bass focus instruments like bass drum kicks, bass guitars, violas on its lowest register and bass baritone vocals. Bass guitars sound have a resonant and sustaining tone to produce a sufficient roar on bass lines as I listen to Steve DiGiorgio and Les Claypool, while violas on hitting their bass note have this warm and reedy sound to give that eerily sombre feel. Bass drum kicks have thudding and resonant sound as it hits its deepest tone. On bass-baritone, singers like Barry White and Peter Steele have sufficient depth, dark and woolly in nature on their distinct gravelly vocals.



MIDRANGE:

Well-balanced, neutral, dynamic and has enough warmth as it presents a solid, more density on note weight on all vocal types and tonal characteristics on different instruments, those my initial impression on how I perceived and those characteristics still retains.

Vocals on both genders are well-rendered as they sound very natural and almost tonally accurate but there are some minor gripes on which I will address later. On male vocals, baritones have a good heft and power as they deliver a lush and adequate warmth as I listen to Lenny Kravitz and Eddie Vedder. Tenors have those brassy and bright tones as I clearly hear those vocals from the great Three Tenors; Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo on opera, then Justin Timberlake and Robert Plant on modern pop and classic rock. On countertenors, they have this captivating and pleasant vocal quality as they sound velvety and poetic on their smouldering tones as I listen to Andreas Scholl on opera and King Diamond on the heavy metal scene.

As for female vocal types, contraltos have its distinct dark and chesty tones that gives a rich vocal qualities on singers like Annie Lennox and Tracy Chapman. Mezzo-soprano vocals are smooth, velvety and full as I find them sweet and harmonious as I listen to Andrea Corr and Sharon Den Adel. On soprano vocals, this is where I was able to differentiate the limitations due to its intended tuning and probably, the limited capacity of its driver performance. The dramatic and soubrette soprano types were able to execute well as they sound natural with their silkiness and silvery vocal characteristics of Mariah Carey and Alison Krauss, but on lyrical and coloratura types like Tarja Turunen and Diana Damrau, this is where I find the limitations on DZ4's drivers as it is less energetic and insufficient air on projecting those high tonal pitches when they belted it out but at least it has a decent gleam which is not bad at all. (Try to listen the Aria: Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen by Mozart)

On instruments, all of them sound organic with the particular tones that we are familiar with. On strings like guitars (acoustic ones) and violins, the former have more midrange-y with a tad zesty on its tone while the latter have a lustrous and a flute-like sound. Brass like trumpets, trombones and horns, trumpets have a full, brilliant and rounded sound while trombones have mostly a taut and "heroic" sound characteristics and then horns have these sonorous and earthy sound in them. Woodwinds particularly on flutes and pipes have these rich and penetrating sound on them while saxophones have a reedy and warm sound on them. I tested on brass and woodwinds (with the exception of saxs) on some tracks like Luftwaffenmusikkorps band's rendition on Der Hohenfriedberger Marsch, Dvorak's A New World by New York Philharmonic Orchestra and Stockholm Conservatory Orchestra's Mozart's Requiem: Dies Irae. On percussives, toms drums have a hard, resonant and menacing sound, while snare drums have a shuffling and a more noticeable rustling sound on them. And last but not the least, Chordophones instruments like celestas and piano, celestas have a sweet, lustrous and mellow sound while piano have a tad warmer with just sufficient shimmer tone on them.



HIGHS/TREBLE:

The overall treble quality of LETSHUOER DZ4 that it is well-balanced, with enough shimmer due to a slight boost on the upper mids just give a considerable amount of detail and clarity on female vocals and percussives while retaining a smoother and evenness response probably due to gradual down slope from the upper mids to brilliance part of treble region. That smoothness will also give a non-sibilant and harsh tuning that treble sensitives can take it.

For a micro dynamic driver, it is commendable that despite of its physical limitation, it was able to deliver a decent amount of air and sparkle though not the most expansive one but at least it has an enough sparkle to give shimmer and crisp sound on cymbals. Hi-hats fares even better on this one on how it reproduce its distinct chick sound.



SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

The DZ4 projects a rather average to above average sound/speaker stage dimensions, an average width on lateral point to point, a decent height reach and a more immersive depth distance from front to rear which give me a more enveloping head room.

With its immersive presentation, it has 3D-like imaging presentation where I was able to locate and perceived a right position of instruments and vocals. It also has good spacing and gaps on separation of specific instruments and tones. But here is a quite a surprise. This is the first time where layering capabilities on either single DD or multiple DDs in an entry-level segment that are properly exhibited as it was able to perceive a decent stacking of tonal layers either frequency or dynamic layering that it handle some of the most complex tracks from multi-instrumental movie scores, orchestras and jazz ensembles at satisfactory level.

Three drivers along it passive radiator driver were able to perform a very cohesive rate as all active drivers carry out a snappy and faster transient responds without any hitches that it might distorts and out of phase issue.

It has a homogenous and emphasis on macro-dynamics while it has decent micro-detail retrieval as it was able to extract a decent amount of nuancies and subtleties of background from audio tracks though not the sharpest but at least it doesnt have blunted definition.

The overall tonality of DZ4 is closer to sound very natural as possible it was able to playback an almost faithful reproduction.



PEER COMPARISONS:

QKZ X HBB KHAN

● Like the DZ4. It has an all-dynamic driver albeit it only has 2 with different type of diaphragm and the dimensions of each driver differs on sizes. Khan have an unoriginal shell design that eerily similar to some CCA models but it has a more solid built quality. As for inclusions and product packaging, compared to DZ4, KHAN is quite inferior and meagre in quantity.

● Tonality-wise, it has more V-shaped which make it more coloured sounding, it has more authoritative bass response, more recessed and yet warmer midrange and an almost dark sounding treble thats devoids shimmer that affects the quality detail and clarity. On technicalities, it has average width sound/speaker stage, a usual two-dimensional stereo presentation, a poorly executed layering capabilities and a middling resolution capabilities.


7HZ LEGATO

● Like the KHAN, it has a dual driver set-up with different sizes as it has large 12mm dynamic driver that was supported by a smaller 6mm. It also noted that it has some capacitor to improve further the sound quality. As to compare between the shell chassis of DZ4 and LEGATO, LEGATO's shell is made of light yet solid aluminium alloy which make it more resilient and durable compare to a shell chassis of DZ4's made of composite materials. It also have a good quality amount of included accesories.

● Again on tonality, LEGATO sound profile has a more warmer, more coloured, V-shaped tuning that reminds you on vintage speakers that sounds very analogueish. On bass response, heres is an analogy, if a DZ4 is the MG42 machine gun, then the LEGATO is the Mörser 18 heavy howitzer. DZ4 has rapid, incisive bass response then LEGATO has very authoritative and bombastic bass, it has a more recess and yet warmer to give a denser note weight on midrange and a smoother and a tad darker treble response. On technicalities, it is very similar to the aforementioned KHAN albeit it has more solid and vivid macro-dynamics.


In a few days on continuous usage of this device, I can't still believe on how LETSHUOER be able to release such product that despite of limitations of micro dynamic drivers, They are able to execute a proper implementation of micro dynamic drivers on this device with its unusual application of passive-radiator to deliver an unexpected remarkable sonic performance.

LETSHUOER DZ4 is somewhat a rarity when it comes to tuning in under US$100/£79 as it is one of the few sets that focuses on a more balanced-neutral sound signature amidst to a massive crowd of other sets that has a commonality type of tuning, either a Harmanish type or a V-shaped sound profiles which make it exudes stagnation on entry-level segment. LETSHUOER DZ4 truly stands out with different perspective and philosophy on how will it make them agreeable.


LETSHUOER DZ4 is now available online, check out the unaffiliated links below:

★★LETSHUOER DZ4 - OFFICIAL STORE★★


And also, If it happens that you are currently situated here in the Philippines, you can check other LETSHUOER products by visiting the Egghead HiFi Gallery store at Shangri-la Plaza in EDSA Manduluyong. Check out their official Facebook page HERE for more information.


Here are my previous reviews on other LETSHUOER products:


◆ LETSHUOER GALILEO (First impressions)

◆ LETSHUOER CADENZA 12

◆ LETSHUOER EJ09 (First impressions)

◆ LETSHUOER CONDUCTOR (First impressions)

◆ LETSHUOER D13

◆ LETSHUOER S12 PRO

◆ LETSHUOER EJ07M





SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: LETSHUOER DZ4
IMPEDANCE: 12Ω
SENSITIVITY: 104dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.25M
PIN TYPE: 2-PIN CONNECTORS
PLUG TYPE: 3.5MM
DRIVER UNIT(S): (3) DYNAMIC DRIVER + (1) PASSIVE-RADIATOR DRIVER

Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*



P.S.

I am not affiliated to LETSHUOER nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to IVY GAO for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

Review Of The LETSHUOER DZ4​

Introduction​

Letshuoer is a well-known company that manufactures electroacoustic products. Founded in China, the company has produced many well-known and highly regarded IEMs such as the EJ07M, Galileo, and Cadenza, and continues to delight audiophile fans with their dedication to delivering faithful sound to their listeners. They recently released their new IEM, the DZ4, with a unique configuration never before seen in this audiophile realm, which I will be reviewing today. But before we go any further, I'd like to address a few issues.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Letshuoer, 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 “DZ4.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the DZ4 based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The DZ4 contains four drivers, three dynamic and one passive, which are linked by a four-way acoustic tube and a two-way crossover circuit. The dynamic drivers are titanium dome 6mm dynamic drivers, and the passive radiator is also a 6mm unit. The shells are made of resin, and the faceplate is a CNC-milled anodized aluminum casing with a semi-open design. The shells are light weight and feel very comfortable in the ear; however, listening for a longer session causes fatigue. The cable is a four-core, 216-strand silver-plated copper cable with a 3.5mm termination single-ended plug on one end and a 0.78mm standard dual-pin connector on the other. Other accessories included with the package include a carrying case and six pairs of eartips of different types and sizes. The impedance is 12 Ohms, and the sensitivity is 104dB, according to the technical specifications. The frequency response ranges between 20Hz and 40kHz.

Sound​

The response of the DZ4 fascinates me because the overall presentation is neither new nor unique, yet it sounds so right in every way, especially when only dynamic drivers are pushing such intricate details. Without a doubt, these will easily compete with other IEMs in this price range and higher. The drivers do have a questionable effect in some areas, which I will explain later, but aside from that, it sounds almost perfect for my taste, which is neutral with sub bass boost. The response that follows does sound thin, but only in the sense that it maintains tonal decency and tries to sound natural regardless of whether it is bass, mids, or treble. The use of its drivers, which are three dynamic drivers and a passive radiator, distinguishes this IEM from others. The dynamic drivers provide a non-artificial sound that never allows the signature to sound off or strange, so no need to expect any off timbre or sibilance, I assume. When compared to IEMs like the Quartet and Kima, I find this to be more faithful to reproduction.But let's see what else it has to offer and dig deeper.

Treble​

When it comes to treble response, the DZ4 sounds energetic and expressive, even if there are some nuances that I find a little off due to its tuning, which is explained by what it has achieved thus far. It doesn't matter because the entire treble is detailed and clean. The upper treble is adequately extended, with clean and crisp details, particularly the cymbal crashes, which deliver a non-offensive sound while sounding expressive. Of course, either instrument sounds intricate and forward, but the vocals also seem to shine with good exposure in the mix, though they fail to stretch far enough to fill the entire response of upper treble sounds. This type of response reminds me of 7Hz Legato and Kima, but it provides different details. The lower treble is exciting and precise, with light notes that appear lean but keep the response as tonally decent as possible. The vocals sound forward and vivid, and the instruments sound prominent in the mix, not interfering with but complementing the vocals, keeping the sound vibrant and energetic. Overall, the overall presentation of the treble region sounds intricate, vibrant, and exciting.

Mid Range​

The mid range is extremely well tuned, with just the right amount of energy that I find enjoyable to listen to, though the nuances I mentioned make it a little difficult to sound right for me. Everything about the energy and positioning in this region sounds fantastic. The vocals and instruments sound a little light, which would have been more enjoyable to listen to if there was more warmth in the lower mid range, though I believe this level of clarity would not have been possible if that was the case. The upper midrange is as energetic and exciting as the lower treble, and it maintains the engagement. Because the presence is more dense, the delivery of the vocals and instruments makes it sound more expressive while also sounding a little more tonally acceptable. Now, the vocals may come across as forward and full of energy; the female vocals may be a little too strong for some, but the male vocals sound fantastic. The'ss' sounds are occasionally audible while listening to energetic vocals. The same is true for the instruments, as their response complements the vocals while keeping the response free of any overbearing or clustering mess in the mix. Though the clear response of the vocals and instruments may sound captivating, I prefer a little more dense response that may bring more warmth in the response, though I do not find it unnatural. The vocals and instruments have a clean response with no wobbling sounds or thick dense sound in the mix. Overall, the mid range is expressive, forward, and energetic.

Bass​

I feel the same way about the bass as I do about the midrange, as the response is to my liking with no complaints. However, when considering everyone, I believe the mid bass may lack the weight and organic vibe. When it comes to emphasis, the sub bass is heavily emphasized, whereas the mid bass lacks a lot of presence, though it is noticeable. According to the graph, the DZ4's fourth driver, the passive radiator, should've brought a lot of sub woofer-like bass into the mix with the bass dynamic driver, but it surprisingly sounds very clean and detailed. The reaction is very clean and precise; the punches hit you hard and quickly retract; it is strong but not heavy. The sub bass extension is deep, with a subtle rumble felt in the ear canals. The presentation maintains the flow of interest, making it sound conclusive. The bass delivery of this IEM is a unique experience, even though I was mistaken in thinking that the passive radiator doesn't provide that sub woofer explosive bass, but when only lower frequencies are heard, it radiates it so finely and brings the lows alive, where the sensation of rumble exponentially increases and gives a very thunderous response, which I find thrilling. When it comes to the mid bass, the bass lacks the slam and thick thumps that some may find lacking in organic response, which I agree with, but the bass guitar keeps the notes dense enough to make it sound natural, and the drums have the physicality of its frequencies. However, some would have preferred more warmth in the mid bass; the mid bass does not bleed into the lower mid range, which I find disappointing; if it did, it would have made it sound much better. The bass texture and details are fantastic. The bass region's overall performance is detailed, sub bass focused, and clean.

Technical Performance​

The DZ4's technical performance is actually good for the price, as it competes with other IEMS in this price range, particularly the Legato and the Quartet. The stage is large and open, with good separation between elements and clear imaging. The resolution and details are excellent, and the resolvability is fast.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The soundstage is wide but not very deep because it is set on a flat plane rather than a 360-degree space, but the response is very spacious sounding. The separation between the elements is distinct, making them far enough apart to easily determine which direction their sound is coming from. The imaging is clear and sharp, which is excellent because a more complex response could have introduced irregularities.

Speed & Resolution​

The details, whether micro or macro, have a very expressive nature, which I find very up front and staggering. The attack and decay of notes are paced very quickly, resulting in a clear and transparent response.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Tempotec V6 - When listening with the V6, the treble felt more energizing, while the mid range maintained the same level of energy. The bass sounded more controlled and clear, which I thought was a little weak. The overall energy was sufficient to allow the full pontential to emerge from the DZ4, but it sounds too lean for my tastes. The technical aspects remained unchanged, but the stage felt larger and deeper. The pairing with the V6 was acceptable but not appealing to me.

iFi Hipdac - While listening with the Hipdac, I noticed a lack of energy in the treble and midrange, which made the sound more pleasing while retaining as many details as possible. To me, the vocals sounded more natural, dense, and rich. The bass was more prominent throughout the region, particularly in the mid bass, which felt warmer and more natural. The stage, imaging, and resolvability seemed to suffer as the stage became more intimate, and the details weren't as sharp or expressive as they had been. However, I find the sound more appealing and pleasant, so the response is both acceptable and likeable to me.

Tracks​

Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

To summarize this review, I believe the DZ4 is a worthy competitor in this price range, particularly when it sounds like what I prefer, neutral with sub bass boost. If you're looking for a neutral sounding IEM that brings out great vocal energy with great details and a captivating response, this is the one to get. However, I prefer and recommend that everyone try these because of how well the dynamic drivers are tuned and integrated.

I’ve been quite a fan of LETSHUOER’s recent releases such as the S12 and Cadenza 12. They’ve had a harder time IMO breaking into the ~$100 price bracket. They had the D13 which I wasn’t a fan of and the ~$100 and under price point has quite the competition already. They would need to come out with something that was unique if they wanted to stand out in the crowd IMO. They definitely came out with something different for the entry level IEM bracket. The DZ4 is using 3 dynamic drivers and a passive radiator setup. It comes in at $89.

Quick shoutout to LETSHUOER for sending the DZ4 to check out and review. While I always appreciate the chance to test and review products sent in from manufacturers or dealers, it never affects the rating of my reviews.

The LETSHUOER DZ4 can be pickup below:
https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-dz4-triple-dynamic-drivers-single-passive-radiator-edc-hifi-in-ear-monitor

Onto the review of the LETSHUOER DZ4! My personal preference is a hybrid/tribrid IEM where I get good hitting bass and have a detailed treble with decent mids. When it comes to an over ear headphone I prefer a spacious sound with a deep low end, the mids to be more forward and the highs to be a little bright with some sparkle. I listen to a lot of genres but I hover in the classic rock, blues and edm music with some rap here and there.

Gear Used​

IPhone 14 Pro Max with headphone adapter, Hiby R6 PRO II, Moondrop MoonRiver 2 Ti, Moondrop Aria, Truthear HEXA and Everolo Z8/SMSL SP400 stack

Looks and fit​

The DZ4 shell has a different design compared to the rest of the LETSHOUER lineup. It has a beige “hearing aid” like color that is softer on the shell. I like the way this feels against my ear and it makes for a comfortable experience on longer listening sessions. The faceplate has a close matching silver-beige color and an orange design that is vented. The vented design on the faceplate does make this an semi-open IEM design. I like the comfort and fit of the DZ4.

Isolation and sound leakage​

The DZ4 does passive isolation pretty well. It does however leak more sound than other hybrid designs. It seems that semi open faceplate probably helps with the passive radiator which has the benefit of a better isolated seal for the user but the trade off is a lot more sound leakage in quiet areas. I wouldn’t use this at normal or higher listening volumes in quiet areas.

Packaging and accessories​

The DZ4 comes in a nice and average size box. When you open the box up, it has the IEMs in some foam, under that is the set of tips on top of a circle style case. The tips come in small bore and large bore sets of 3 sizes. I think this works well as the DZ4 does benefit from tip rolling. The case is a screw on type so it does require a second or two to unscrew which is fine. A more secure case but I still really like their magnet style case from their more expensive offerings.

Sound(overall)​

These final impressions were done off the Eversolo DAC-Z8 connected to the SMSL SP400. These impressions are what the DZ4 sounded like to my ears. This was also using the Spinfit CP100+ tips. Things like ear tip selection and DAC/amp selection will produce different results and impressions vs what my ears hear on my specific gear.

The Dz4 has a neutral tuning which is surprising given the 3 dynamic drivers. I was expecting fun bass cannons but instead I was decently surprised and given a very balanced tuning instead. The Bass does have some decent slam/impact. The mid bass is full but it doesn’t have much weight to the bass notes. It just sounds neutral to my ears. The mids and vocals are nice and relaxed. They don’t sound super fast or artificial. They also don’t have any sweetness or warmth so we get a really neutral sound here. The vocals IMO could use a little extra energy since they blend in with the background instruments more than I personally like. The upper mids are really balanced here but I would say they do lean into a neutral-bright sound which gives a little needed energy to notes. The treble is really tame and it doesn’t sound metallic or lacking in sharpness. Once again, neutral. I would say the treble does trail off pretty quickly which makes sense for the dynamic drivers used. I tend to only like neutral and safe tunings in really high end IEMs but I do like the sound the DZ4 produces. It does feel like it could use a little energy either in lows or highs to make it sound unique but I think it’s fine given that it doesn’t sound bad at anything, it just doesn’t sound fantastic at anything either.

Soundstage/Imaging​

The staging is a little strange here. With my preferred tips, I get a wall of sound type of staging. The depth isn’t very good but I do get fantastic width and a little reverse imaging which does make it sound a little different. The imaging is very good which makes sense given how safe the tuning is.

Sensitivity/Drivability​

The DZ4 is very easy to drive and it doesn’t scale much with higher end gear so I think almost anything modern in the last few years will work well with the DZ4. Some super high volume output amps might be too much for the DZ4 and if you have bad channel imbalance at lower volumes, the DZ4 will possibly not be a good pairing with those specific amps. I also had zero floor noise issues with any of my current gear when run balanced.

Stock cable​

The stock cable looks a lot like the ones they include with the standard S12. I like the braid and cable material is a little thicker which I prefer. This makes for a really high quality feel. I also find it light enough to be comfortable when listening for longer sessions. I wouldn’t swap the cable unless you really wanted to run it balanced.

IEM comparisons​

Moondrop Aria​

The Aria is my favorite under $100 IEM. Does the DZ4 dethrone it? No, it's just a good alternate option to the Aria IMO. I would still pick the Aria for a more exciting listen with the drawbacks being I might run into some sibilance on some music. The DZ4 is just a safer listen for pretty much all genres. The Bass impact is stronger on the Aria and the mids are a little sharper as well. The DZ4 has a more balanced lows and mids and I find the vocals are a little more natural sounding on the DZ4. The Aria has a little more energy in the vocals however which makes them pop. The upper mids are much stronger on the Aria which will result in sibilance issues on some genres. The DZ4 never has this problem which can make them boring at times. The treble is tame on both but the Aria is still sharper but a little more metallic sounding. Both pull in good details given the price. Staging is a little more balanced on the Aria vs the wall of sound I get from the DZ4. Both are great. Aria is more fun and risky. DZ4 will play it safe and be more enjoyable.

Truthear Hexa​

The Hexy is another neutral tuned IEM and is a little more traditional with DD and BA drivers. Bass is stronger on the Hexa but the bass sounds a little more natural on the DZ4. The mids are a little more artificial on the Hexa where they sound a little more realistic on the DZ4. The vocals sound great on both with Hexa still sounding just a bit more artificial. The upper mids have a little more of a noticeable boost on the Hexa over the DZ4 but I prefer the Hexa here. The treble is way more sharp and brighter on the Hexa. The downside is that it also sounds somewhat splashy and not as refined. That being said, both are super neutral sounding in the treble, this in no way suggests the Hexa has a strong treble because it doesn’t compared to other IEMs. Both have about average staging but the Hexa has a more balanced soundstage. The DZ4 has a more pronounced wide but short depth to its soundstage. Both are good in my book.

Amping Combinations​

Moondrop Moonriver 2 Ti​

The DZ4 is a really nice neutral sounding set of lower cost IEMs. This is also a pairing I like with the MR2 Ti. The bass does sound like it has a little extra warmth and adds to the already decent bass performance. Mids and vocals sound accurate but they still sound a little on the sweet/warm side. The treble is about the same as other source gear and it performed the same to my ears. The staging was average(but wide) and imaging was spot on. A good pairing but it doesn’t have much of a sound effect from the small changes as some other IEMs I tested.

Eversolo DAC-Z8/SMSL SP400​

This combo is what I use to review all my current audio gear with. I found the DZ4 did sound a little more lively from my desktop stack. This might be due to the more powerful amp playing well with the 3 DD setup in the DZ4. I however got the same or close to the same results from my DAP as well. So I think an entry level DAC/amp will be good enough.

Overall thoughts​

I do like the DZ4 and I’m interested to see what they can do with this design if they pursue it going forward. A Semi-open design is always neat, even if it’s not quite a traditional semi-open setup. I don’t normally like safe tunings for entry level since it doesn’t normally do anything special. This is still the case for me. I don’t think the tuning is anything special but I do like the way it sounds and I have no issues with the DZ4 that I can think of. My preference for something unique in the ~$100 price range is just a preference and the DZ4 does perform well overall. As such! The DZ4 is an easy recommendation for those hunting a safe yet well balanced neutral tuning. LETSHUOER is willing to think outside the box and try new designs with their IEMs and I really like that mindset. I can’t wait to see what they come out with next! Thanks for reading!!!

TONALITY: 8.2/10
TECHNICALITIES: 8/10
CONSTRUCTION: 8.2/10
ACCESSORIES: 8.5/10
SOUND VALUE: 8.2/10

INTRO

Letshuoer don't need long introduction. It's an earphones maker company from China that exist since 2016 and release diversify IEMs model including hybrid, tribrid, single DD and planar. Their best seller is the S12 which is a very good planar earphones offering a energic and fun musicality.

Today I will review their newest release, the DZ4.

Price 90$, the DZ4 is one of a kind IEM using 3x6mm dynamic driver and 1x passiave radiator.

Let see in this review if the DZ4 offer a special musicality and technical performance that will stand above the crowd


CONSTRUCTION&ACCESSORIES



The DZ4 have a good looking design made of half mate plastic and metal built with semi vented open back which isn't decorative. It's light and comfortable but the nozzle is a bit short but I don't think DZ4 is designed for deep fit anyway.
As seen, their 3 hole in nozzle instead of full open one with mesh, this is a sign of serious acoustic engineering and justify the use of wide bore eartips to avoid blocking any of these holes.
Overall construction doesn't feel cheap but I can't say for durability.



The cable is quite nice, especially for a sub-100$ IEM, its a good 4 strands silver plated cable that feel sturdy but I would have love to be able to choose a 4.4mm balanced cable too.



The package experience was nice too, with an interesting design that share same esthetic as the IEM back plate design. It's quite generous in good quality accessories too, i love the carrying case with screwable top. The ear tips choice are mostly valuable, especially the wide bore. Cable is great too as noted above. All in all, packaging and accessories is very good here.


SOUND IMPRESSIONS


Did anybody is familiar with this ''analog sound'' rendering? I am but I know we don't all have common ground about it, since their the solid state and tube amp vintage memories approach as well as the DAC of ol'time that tend to boost more the musicality than technical plain cold high fidelity approach…

So, we could say it's about ol'memories of an audio era where musicality was main focus, and the fun and immersive experience it deliver.

In that regard, the DZ4 nail it for me since even if the use of 3 dynamic driver with 1 passive radiator can seem like an acoustic perfectionism for better technical performance, it's not exactly that, it's about delivering a musical experience a single DD can't...but does it mean it's in a big wow effect way?

Here it will depend where your psychoacoustic sensitivity tend to focus. If it's timbre, dynamic and vocal, you'll sure be in for alot of joy and wow effet, smooth cozzy way. If it's about highest definition and attack speed and control, you'll be underwhelmed.

The DZ4 tonality is a warm W shape to me, with rolled off upper treble pass 10khz, which mean it's a sticky meaty musicality, that surround you in a close and intimate way, suck you in music closely and with good tactility of main instrument or voice presence. Warm way, which doesn't mean plain dark, dull or muddy way at all.

It's a one of a kind dynamic and sound layering within a familiar tonal balance, like a warmer thicker and boomier (in a good way) harman target. Their no thin mids to my ears, nor there overly agressive peak. If it's anything Harman, it's the most euphonic and beefy in slam approach i've ever heard within this target whatever the source I use.

But this mean there something imperfect with the bass too, even if the punch is chunky we have a peculiar sub bass dominance here. It's not a clean and boring sub bass like Moondrop Aria, which have pros and cons about this maturity and control, it's a chunky boom with fast rumble and extension sustain, this sustain have slight euphonic warmth in it which make the mid bass heavier and better rounded but not very resolved for kick drum, and strangely not very well separated too. I mean, it's not clean sounding.
We don't have lot of texture bite too, so the pulling of bass line will be softed but it's density boosted.
So it's mostly about slam here, meaty one, fast enough and well layered enough.
DZ4 are 2 way crossover, i do think 2DD work for bass and mids in tandem since it's what dominate the tonality here, then the treble try to pop out but is too well balance for that. We will go back to treble section soon.
The tone of the bass is very nice, timbre is rich and tick and tactile, if i use the word boomy, it's in a mostly positive way here since i dont feel it lack alot of mid bass, just a bit of separation between bass line and kick drum and then mids. Cello sound good and can even produce vibrant grunt, but in a warm way, while conterbass is where the word boomy come to mind, yet, electric bass will sound very focus. But in rock track i struggle alot to ''see'' the kick drum density while its presence is well rendered enough.
Euphonic impactful bass don't fit all music genre and I was expecting better technical performance due to passive radiator, which in fact seem to add this extra density to rumble, for the better and the worst.

Mid range is very appealing to my ears, dark and lush way where tone color is magnify and presence of instrument have a creamy blurry edge. It's not an open sounding and crisp mid range, nor recessed and thin, and vocal lover are in for alot of joy since it's the main focus.
Female vocal are fowards, full bodied and offer a thick natural timbre in phase with macro resolution, is loud but smoothed in edge so no sibilance nor problematic shoutyness. This type of mids favor woodwinds and vocal, saxophone sound very natural and tonaly right, dense with textured air and well layered enough with other instrument. Piano in the other hand will lack a bit of attack definition, so each note aren't fully carved in presence and can feel foggy in resolution and prompt to get lost in the mix with busy jazz track, for example with Adam Baldych and Helge Lien Trio, the violin dominate center stage and piano seem more distant, even when goin solo the dynamic amplitude is restrain.
Then for male vocal, they are warmer in resolution but full bodied and sweet, without upper mids spike that can affect their tonal balance, Califone singer feel a bit mixed in the music in an overly homegenous way unlike female vocal that will pop out better this one is a bit darker than other instruments surrounding him.

Then the treble, this is where i'm a bit underwhelmed since I do think their a whole 6mm DD cover this section, yet it's roll off after 10khz and lack sparkle, brilliance, decay and air on top.
It doesn't sound thin, nor very edgy, it's a safe treble we can say and this explain the lack of excitment it trigger in me. This isn't a very technical treble either, the attack control is average and foggy in sustain-release, it's not snappy nor speedy but not completely dark or dull. We do have minimal crunch and bite, which explain violin attack is abrasive and well define though it will not release natural resonance after stroke due to lack of clean black background to achieve proper macro resolution crispness.
The highs are full and tactile, not half cook in term of micro rendition it's bodied, the percussions are round but....again this word....euphonic, a bit contoured with harmonic distortion blur, buttery way.
It's part of this holographic rendering where all sound seem rounded but not perfectly delimited in presence contour, nor very transparent.
It's hard to find something to hold on in the treble section, it's cozzy, darkish, but dynamic and dense with texture naturalize with romantic sustain distortion. I try to explain this treble with a mix of esoteric and scientific repair, so don't take the word distortion in first degree here, it's micro blur that color the texture with peculiar warmth in fact.

Now, the soundstage is perhaps the most esoteric part of this unique sound experience the DZ4 deliver. It's like puting your head in a ''holographic bubble'' , not a gigantic one but not one that asphixiate you either. Its immersive and fascinating, with a 3D rendering. Wide and tall, but not deep.

Imaging isn't the highligt of DZ4 due to thick sound layering, which are perceivable and possible to pull apart but not with alot of space in Y axis, while for instrument separation in X axis, it lack clean air and wideness between them as well as proper definition edge for positioning precision.



COMPARISONS



VS PENON SERIAL (3DDs-300$)


Let's begin by saying the Penon Serial is at least 3x the price of DZ4 and it's evident they are superior earphones both tonaly and technicaly. In fact, it represent the logical upgrade to DZ4, which is more compressed in layering and grainy in timbre, not as open, transparent and smoothly balanced as the Serial.
Fact is that I was a bit sad to know DZ4 use 3x6mm titanium DD instead of 3 different model that can permit a richer and more capable sound performance. The Serial use 3 superior DDs, all different (10mm-8mm-6mm) and this permit a more transparent, clean, well layered, technical and detailed musicality.
The DZ4 feel more V shape and punchy, thicker but noiser in timbre, with more fowards upper mids but less open and well resolve mid range, the texture isn't as detailed as Serial too and have sign of harmonic distortion going on.
The bass doesn't extend as deep, isn't as well layered and transparent in rumble, bass line are more clean, articulate and resolved with the Serial, but not as thick and energic in punch.
Mids are a hint leaner with Serial and can keep up with fast busy track without going muddy like the DZ4 wich have more compressed center stage, less wide vocal and instrument presence, more euphonic timbre and more fowards female vocal in a less smooth and organic way than Serial.
Treble is really where the Serial put to shame the DZ4. Its more open, airy and sparkly, we have way more micro details, cymbal crass decay naturally while it fell splashy with DZ4, attack is more controlled and definition notably cleaner and airier.
The Soundstage is way wider and deeper with Serial, while a bit taller but notably more closed and boxed with DZ4 that have near zero depth and an intimate holographic presentation.
This mean Imaging is sharper, cleaner, more precise and accurate with greater spacing between instrument with the Serial.

All in all, i wasn't expecting the DZ4 to beat one of my fav sub-500$ IEM, so i'm not surprise by the fact tonal balance is smoother, cleaner and less V shape, nor that imaging, resolution, attack speed-control and soundstage are all superior. Yet, to some extend, some people might find the DZ4 more fun due to more punchy and energic dynamic, thats to be noted.

VS TRI Star river (2DDs-60$)

This is a 2 dynamic driver IEM which sound more technical and W shape than warmer more V shape DZ4.
Bass is cleaner, more mellow in impact and lean in extention, sub bass line are less muddy and more transparent. DZ4 offer better rounded punch, chunkier sub bass but less textured low end.
Mids are more open, thinner and more agressive in upper mids so more shouty, presence is less euphonic and thick but more textured than DZ4.
Treble is superior and sharper here, more emphasized too, it dig more micro details, sound more open and airyand attack is more speedy and less distorted in sustain release, but it's more spiky and fatiguing than DZ4 too.
Soundstage is notably wider, taller and deeper, less congested and filled with thick sound layers.
This mean center stage is more recessed too, but imaging have cleaner resolution and clinical separation, it's not as holographic and realist sounding as DZ4, but more precise in separation and cue.

All in all, i'm surprise to conclude the TRI offer superior soundstage, imaging and resolution since the balance is a bit wonky and displeasant, in term of cohesive tonal balance and most of all musicality their no doubt i prefer DZ4 more dynamic rendering, and thicker less artificial timbre.

VS UM 3DT (3DDs-400$)

3DT is notably brighter and more W shape. Resolution is more boosted and sound layers more define.
The bass is similar in punch but less chunky and muddy in sub and mid bass layering, it's faster and more controlled too, more textured and sub bass is leaner in rumble.
The mids are less warm, more vivid and agressively bright, they are better layered too and definition is more edgy and abrasive. DZ4 mids feel more intimate and natural, with concentrated presence thickness that isn't as open as 3DT but not as prompt to sibilance and harshness in upper mids.
Treble is crunchier and again more agressive with 3DT, its more snappy and attack speed and control is superior, it dig more micro details and texture info without going imbalance or wonky.
Soundstage is similar in wideness, but taller and deeper.
Imaging is superior, we have more transparency and definition of each instrument layers, it's accurate and near monitor like, bright way, while DZ4 is too euphonic for proper instrument placement and separation.

All in all, technical performance are superior with 3Dt, which was previsible at this big price difference and well, better dynamic drivers quality and diversity that permit more heterogeneous macro-resolution that still keep it's coherence. DZ4 feel more laid back and smooth though, it's not as vivid and captivating, but it's more fun and cozzy. So, tonaly wise it will be the winner for me due to thicker smoother timbre mostly.



VS TEMPOTEC IM05 (1DD+4BAs-160$)

DZ4 is warmer, more balance V shape and main difference is thicker, more natural timbre that offer fuller mids and bass.
Treble is darker though, and spatiality is less open and airy.
IM05 sound more technical, W shape with sub bass resonance boost, recessed in mids which are notably thinner and more artificial (colder)timbre wise
Upper mids are more upfront with IM05, treble is more focus with sharper definition and attack speed which make the DZ4 sound darker, bit rolled off pass 10khz, so less sparkle, brilliance,decay.
Note weight is heavier, bass is warmer less well separated but better rounded, chunkier, punchier, more textured too.
Soundstage is notably more open, wide and deep with IM05. Imaging too is next level compared to thicker more blurry, thick in layering DZ4 which doesnt offer same level of transparency.

All in all, technical peformance is notably superior with the IM05, but tonality is more clinical and timbre lover might prer the DZ4 which feel more mid centric and less spiky, less prompt to hear fatigue than IM05.


CONCLUSION



I really enjoy to listen to the Letshuoer DZ4 warm holographic musicality, which offer among the most beautifull female vocal in sub-100$ price range. In that regard, they are very close and perhaps even better than my beloved Raptgo Hook X HBB (logical upgrade to DZ4 in fact).

With DZ4, I listen to music first and foremost with great emotional response and a cozzy immersivity where I can get lost for hours. Its not a technical nor clinical sounding IEM, and timbre naturalness is one of it's highlight which benefit vocal, and instrument like saxophone and piano.

While I find them versatile due to the safe tuning nature, it excell with female singer and music like Soul and R&B.

The DZ4 offer one of a kind musical experience that is impossible to mimic with other driver configuration, it's rich colorfull tonality with dense sound layers is something to be enjoy, laid back way.

Recommended!

-----------------------------


PS: I want to thanks Letshuoer for sending me this review sample after I try to get more info about how it sound. As always, I think it's evident i can't be bias for anything I review and these are my 100% true subjective sound impressions.


The DZ4 will be available for order July 15th for 90$ here:
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...ngle-passive-radiator-edc-hifi-in-ear-monitor

LETSHUOER DZ4 Review: Lean Into The Vocals!​

PRICE: $89 (PHP. 4,800.00)

PROS:

• Superb unboxing experience
• Decent set of accessories with an interesting screw-style case
• Comes with one of my favorite stock cables (similar to Galileo)
• Pretty shade of beige with an interesting design and colorway (subjective)
• Clean, generally neutral sound
• Detailed, well-defined bass
• Fantastic vocal clarity and detail for the price
• Relaxed but still decently detailed treble presentation
• Solid separation and layering
• Great value considering the driver configuration

CONS:

• Driver configuration doesn’t really match what it sounds like
• Larger nozzle might cause fit issues
• Material might corrode over time
• Might be too lean sounding
• Bass lacks texture and weight
• Lower mids are featherlike and borderline thin
• Upper mids have tendency of shout
• Treble might come across dark to people who prefer more extension
• Narrow staging

WHO THIS UNIT IS FOR:

• Driver aficionados
• Mid-heads
• People who want a clean but detailed low end
• People who want a fatigue free treble
• People who want a complete package on a budget
• People who want a more than decent separation and layering capabilites

WHO THIS UNIT ISN’T FOR:

• Shoutlets
• People who don’t like lean sound signatures
• People who want a textured, tactile or weighty bass
• People who want sparkly treble
• People who want wide stage
• People who have small ears (due to the large nozzle)

FAVORITE GENRES TO LISTEN TO:

• Classical
  Jazz
• Vocal-centric (like adult contemporary)

SHORT SUMMARY OF REVIEW:
“The Letshuoer DZ4 provides a lean, vocal-centric presentation with really good vocal nuance along with a solid unboxing experience and great accessories for the price. However, the 3 dynamic drivers and passive radiators seem to not do much to give body and weight into the music, as well as the somewhat poor fitting makes it a little cumbersome to wear. Regardless, the DZ4 is a competent set for vocal lovers and neutral-heads on a budget.” RECCOMENDED WITH CAVEATS

FULL REVIEW:​

We’ve recently gotten a plethora of IEMs with weird or unusual configurations in the market with varying levels of effectivity. Granted, it is quite difficult to pull off a completely unorthodox driver configuration without going really deep into the R&D. But what if a brand who’s been in a market for quite a while and have proved themselves capable of working with multiple driver types takes a gander? Well, then you get something interesting.

DISCLAIMER:
This unit was tested as a tour unit provided by Lethuoer and managed by Mr. Eiji Romero of KVLT on Euphonia. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity. However, I was not paid to say anything and all my thoughts and opinions on this review are mine and mine alone. Audio is a very subjective hobby and as much as I try to objectively explain my thoughts and opinions, your mileage will vary. My preferences will also affect how I perceive the gear that I review. Sources and other accessories will also modify your experience. Lastly, my reviews should always be used only as a guide and not as the definitive bible. Trust your ears to know what’s good.

SOURCES USED:

• Zishan U1 (AKM variant)
• Hiby R2 Gen II
• Audioquest DF Red
• Not-by-VE Avani
• Non-HiFi Phone (Huawei Nova 7 SE)

TRACKS USED:
A mixture of lossy, lossless and Hi-Res files will be used to give a general overview of the different formats in which the gear will be used.

Docs file explaining each track and what to look for: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oMa7GPLaqtpnnoR9tixvWI4aK-7tXMyTEZCJAVkIZx0/edit
Spotify Playlist:


PREFERENCES:
I currently prefer a lot of R&B, Indie, Funk and Adult Contemporary/Vocal centric. However, I am very flexible with the music that I listen to and always try to look for the best genres for the gear.

ACCESSORIES USED:
Tips:

• Stock tips (in S&M)
• Final E (in S&M)
• Newbees (in S&M)
• TRI Clarion (in S&M)

Cable:
Stock Cable (3.5mm)

NOTE ON ACCESSORIES:
The stock tips were adequate for the DZ4, but using smaller tips improved on the overall stability. It also tames the upper mids, but also affects the already narrow stage. For this review, I primarily used the stock tips in Medium, but tip-rolling is recommended.


BRAND BACKGROUND:
Letshuoer is a brand many of us are familiar with in the hobby with their legendary planar prodigy, the S12 and their EJ series taking up the mid-fi market by storm and even having the likes of HBB, Zeos and Timmy collaborating with them. Least to say, they’re no unknown Chi-Fi brand in 2023. However, not only is this their first 3DD + 1PR IEM, this is THE first 3DD + 1PR in the market. So whether this is merely a tech demo or something compelling, we’ll find out today.

UNBOXING: ​

Of course, we can’t talk Letshuoer without talking about their unboxing. I’ve really only unboxed 2 Letshuoer’s as of writing, but both provided some of the cleanest yet prettiest external packaging in my experience. The Letshuoer Galileo being one and the DZ4 now keeping up the pace (spoiler: that won’t be the only similarity they have)

Greeting you as you receive your box is a clean, white background with what seems to be a series of lines and circles that, presumably, represents the 4 drivers that are inside of the DZ4. Clever stuff, haven’t seen it before. But what else have I not seen before? Different printing textures and different paper materials. Yes, I know I’m probably the only one who is amazed by this but the orange bits and the printing of the DZ4 and Letshuoer are debossed and embossed respectably, giving a three-dimensional tactile experience to the DZ4’s packaging. This also applies to the Letshuoer logos on the side of the box which is a pretty awesome touch. Flipping the packaging, you’re met with the usual specification sheet, warnings and contact info on different languages.

Removing the sleeve reveals a clean, white box with Letshuoer’s logo printed in silver in the middle. Removing the top box, you’re met with a couple of paperwork and a rather pretty instructional manual printed in a thematic orange. It’s not as intricate as the Galileo’s pamphlet, but still very much creative in intention I’d say. Removing the paperwork reveals the dope looking IEMs, as well as the puck case right below it, housed in a foam cutout. And that’s about it.

Here is a full list of the inclusions:

• The IEMs themselves
• Puck Case
• 3 Pairs of Vocal eartips
• 3 Pairs of Balanced eartips
• Cable
• Warranty Card
• Instruction manual

Inspecting the puck further, you’re met with the nice 4-core braided cable that I’m quite a big fan of along with a circular tip-holder and some silica gel packets.

The puck itself is very sturdy, akin to the Galileo’s case which is made from a very sturdy material that I’m not so sure what. And just like the Galileo, Letshuoer decided to challenge their consumers with their case as I was a little dumbfounded at first on how to open the case. Eventually, I realized that it was a screw-on cap which was nothing I’ve seen prior. It’s a decently spacious although definitely not pocketable case that is best to store whatever the DZ4 came in with (along with the IEMs) and nothing more.You can opt to store more than 1 IEM, but that could be a little cramped if I may say.

The tips are decent with a slightly wider bored clear tips and black narrower bored tips. The clear tips seem to be the vocal tips, although the labeling seriously needs some work because it was not aligned to a specific tip. The balanced tip on the other hand is of a similar style and material with different color schemes. They’re alright tips, the clear ones being reminiscent of the KBEar07/AET07 tips which are my darlings, but upon further inspection, they are quite different on the stem area. Whether this affects the sound, I couldn’t really tell as both the tips sealed crap with the IEM itself, but they do feel nice and might work for you.

Overall, a decent unboxing experience that is akin to the Letshuoer Galileo in which it’s more than satisfied with what it comes with for the price. The box is intricate but tasteful, the presentation is good and the inclusions are alright. Nothing much to say about it, honestly.

BUILD AND FIT​

Cable:



The cable that the DZ4 use is a 4-core, 216 strand 0.05mm Silver Plated Copper Cable with a 3.5mm SE termination and a 0.78mm 2-pin interface.

If you’ve seen the Galileo, this is exactly like the Galieo’s cable in a different color scheme. No kidding. So here’s my cable impressions from my Galileo review since I’ll just be saying the same things.

The build is definitely on the beefier side with an interesting stiff but malleable material that allows it to behave while feeling durable. Each strand feels quite thick and durable but never felt too hefty or weighty in any way. It is, however, definitely on the stiffer side which would occasionally make it feel a little bit janky to pull around. Due to the thickness, it does not tangle easy and when it does, it's quite easy to untangle.

There are thankfully no microphonics despite the textured and beefier nature which I absolutely adored as I really liked the stock cable.



Starting with the jack, it’s your standard 3.5mm gold plated jack housed in a minimalist cream housing with Letshuoer’s typography printed near the jack itself. It then tapers off with a jack tail to the 4 core strands.

There 2 grey strands and 2 silver strands and they are both housed in a textured material that allows them to feel quite durable.



Moving up then reveals the y-split which uses the same material as the jack and a chin-cinch which, interestingly, is of a clear material and seems somewhat out of place. Thankfully, due to the combination of the cable material and the shape of the chin cinch, it is quite usable and I’d argue is one of the most sturdy chin cinches that I’ve tried.



Moving up, the cable then split to the two 2-core strands all the way to the preformed ear hooks and the 2-pin interface. The earhooks, for the first few hours of listening, is definitely on the more aggressive in terms of fitting as I found that it really dug into the back of my ears and gave me some discomfort not only behind the ear but also in the inner ear due to the fitting.. However, the earhooks would then form into your ear and it becomes more comfortable. Of course, if you choose to do it manually, you may use a hairgun or heatgun to form it to your desired shape. The interface itself are smooth and uses the same material as the jack and y-split and has a small engraved section for easier pulling. The right side is indicated with a red ring covering the interface while the left is covered with a plain opaque material.

Overall, a solid stock cable that rivals even more expensive IEMs. I seriously wouldn’t mind using this cable for my other IEMs and even more expensive IEMs. It feels durable but not beefy, although a little bit stiff for my liking. The chin cinch, as mentioned is one of the best that I’ve tried in stock cables. The texture definitely helps making it feel more premium than it is. But definitely keep the preformed earhooks in mind, especially if you’re buying a new unit. And honestly, them using a similar cable to the Galileo is a very smart way to save money because as the famous saying goes: if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.

IEM:

The DZ4 features a total of 4 drivers. Three 6mm Dynamic Drivers and One passive radiator. This is all housed in a 3D Printed Resin topped off with a CNC-milled Aluminum with a semi-open design. Letshuoer also states that the drivers are connected to the dual-pin receptacle via a flexible printed circuit or an FPC crossover board. They also collaborated with HeyGears in the creation of the IEM itself

To those uninformed, a passive radiator according to Sweetwater is defined as;
“A passive radiator is an element that is designed to move sympathetically with the energy in the cabinet. They generally resemble a low frequency driver or woofer, but have no voice coil or any element to actively generate sound.”

The faceplate features an awesome looking pattern that is similar to the packaging of the DZ4. Looking closer into the faceplate, you are met with the design actually showing a somewhat grill that could potentially be the faceplate vent to make the DZ4 a semi-open back IEM. It’s effectiveness is debatable, but that’s a really cool touch to see the small circles or vents in between the pattern. The faceplate itself feels like a metal with a distinctive tactile feel when you rub your finger against it. It then transitions into a different material for the inner shell that holds the drivers and the 2-pin connectors. It’s a very smooth construction with a very small wing to hold the IEM in place. The nozzle is very reminiscent of the Galileo as it is absolutely massive. I found myself needing to use my smallest tips in order to properly fit into my ear as the stock tips just would not fit. More on this later. I’m quite a big fan of the usage of cream as I don’t really see a lot of IEMs having a cream or skin color which I think is a shame. Cream or beige is a very pretty color when done right, and I’d say that the DZ4 has got that in the bag.



The IEM itself admittedly feels a little bit cheap. Reminiscent of the Hola, it has this somewhat matte texture giving off this somewhat smooth, rubbery but concerning feel. You know, the type of plastic that if enough heat from long periods of use will cause it to melt or just feel icky.





As for fit, the IEM does feel comfortable, but that large nozzle definitely causes some problems. Initial fitting may be problematic for those who aren’t used to large nozzles and long term fitting may cause fatigue around the ear. This is also due to the earhook angle being so darn aggressive and ending up causing more pain than stability. Stability however is very good as, when I get a good seal, it really stays in my ear.




This then transitions into its surprisingly impeccable seal and isolation without causing and air pressure build up or driver flex. Occlusion effect is also very well controlled as I didn’t find my voice too annoying while I spoke with the IEM which was seriously surprising considering its seal.

Comparing this to other IEMs, I can’t help but really find that this and the Galileo fit very much alike. No other set has given me a mixture of comfort and discomfort as the nozzle can be quite problematic, yet a good seal with this is absolutely perfect.

Overall, it’s a mixed bag for me as the build can raise concerns over its longevity due to the material and the comfort due to the larger nozzle, but on the other hand, the cream color as well as the unique stylings and its solid isolation and comfort, when paired with the right tips, give it a pass for me as I genuinely think that this is a very nicely built IEM that has had to take some compromises somewhere to keep it as cheap as it is.

SOUND:​

Sound Signature:

The DZ4 follows a neutral sound signature with extra energy in the vocals, reminiscent of a diffused-field target like an Etymotic. Although not exactly, they follow a very similar lean and vocal centric tuning that should appeal to those allergic to bass and like a lot of vocal energy.

Efficiency and Source Pairing:
The DZ4 is middle of the ground in terms of efficiency. It’s not the easiest to run set with it still needing to crank the volume quite some ways but also not insanely difficult to drive that a smartphone can’t effectively power it. Speaking of, a smartphone can decently power it but not at its full potential. Pairing it with a dedicated DAC/AMP will improve your listening experience and it does scale quite decently with power in smoothing out the edges of the treble and vocals

Bass:
The overall bass presentation is sub-centric with a very lean, clean and tight midbass that is more quality over quantity.

The subbass goes in decently deep but not necessarily hitting harder than it should. It’s quite tight too, despite the 3 dynamic drivers pointing out that it would be a very bassy set along with the passive radiator to enhance than even more. But to my surprise, it was a very clean, non-boomy subbass. This is DEFINITELY not for bassheads as there is barely enough bass to get you to shake your head.

Midbass is even cleaner and tighter. You hear the notes more than you feel them, which means the texture is virtually absent. Grunginess and engagement in this region is low, but details and tightness is very high, just like the subbass. This then gives it a leaner, more grounded and clearer bass listening rather than being immersed into it. What it lacks in authority, it makes up for in clarity.

Tracks that have any thick bass, the DZ4 really won’t do any justice. But it does bring out a lot of the notes and is quite articulate in providing some of the tigthest bass I’ve heard in an IEM in a very long time. The intro to Do I Wanna Know by Arctic Monkeys is very clean with the electric and bass guitar having quite the detail, but not so much the warmth as well as the impact coming from the kick drum or the heaviness of the bass guitar.


Mids:
The overall midrange of the DZ4 is very neutral, but starts to fall into the leaner side due to the upper mids being prominent and lower mids being quite pulled back.

The lower mids have the tendency to sound quite thin and, dare I say, a little bit stale when listening to tracks that need more energy in the low end. Vocals are affected by this too as male vocals, while not entirely recessed or pulled back, tends to sound a little bit underemphasized and thin on certain tracks. Generally however, male vocals come across as very articulate and clean without any semblance of bleed from the midbass and a tightness in the vocals that never gave out any coloration or unnaturalness in that region.

Upper mids however tells a mixed story. One one hand, vocals and instruments are phenomenal in terms of the clarity and detail being put out which makes critical listening on this set wonderful. However, there are instances of vocals and instruments in this region sounding a little bit too forward which affects the timbre of some vocals, particularly with a more contralto vocal quality. This in turn induced shout on higher volumes which was quite uncomfortable, especially paired with the leaner and thinner midbass not really counteracting the forwardness and elevation of the upper mids. Regardless, it presents vocals and instruments in such a way that really puts them front and center and quite intimate that gives such a crisp image.

A track like Mess U Made by Michelle sounded a little thin in the lower end, but my goodness the vocals of the band sparkled like never before with the DZ4. The ensemble of the vocals along with the percussives gave such a crisp and clean listening experience that truly made me fall in love with vocals in general with this set.

Treble:
With the shout coming from the upper mids, you might expect a similar story to the treble. Yet, this is arguably one of the most baffling parts of the DZ4 as it’s both smooth and insanely resolving and detailed. However. Extension can definitely still be improved on this set, but never coming across as dark. Just closer to a Diffused Field type of treble.

Lower treble thankfully does not follow the upper mids by not inducing and harness and sibilance, yet still forward enough to be able to pump out percussives, air and string instruments to such a degree that gives them a very articulate and detailed presentation while keeping it silky smooth. I usually find smoothness attributed to the lack of incisiveness or attack in the upper frequencies, but in this case, it was genuinely so smooth and refined that I was shocked not to find any hints of sibilance.

This was even more evident in the mid treble where I often find the problems with leaner sets as the lack of bass to compliment the treble presentation give a somewhat grainy or sharp sound that can get uncomfortable which the DZ4 did not exhibit any. Microdetail was absolutely superb with each note sounding very crisp and fast which, considering this is an all DD set, was a splendid surprise.

Upper treble does relax the overall treble presentation a little bit as the air wasn’t as much as I wanted, yet sufficient enough for most people who will try this set. It has enough extension to not make vocals and instruments choked or compressed, but not elevated enough to tickle my ears.

Can’t Hide Love by Earth Wind and Fire will always be a perfect treble test for me because this track often induces quite the harshness on sibilant sets, but the DZ4 passes almost perfectly without any harshness, barring the shout region being quite problematic. Each cymbal strike sounds so detailed and fast with cleanliness that compliments the vocals more than it takes away from the mix.

Technicalities:
While stage may be a little disappointing, DZ4’s separation capabilities are superb with a fantastic layering between instruments minus bass as I just found most tracks to be single noted in that region. Stage is definitely affected by the upper mids having a little bit of a hump at around 1-1.5k which I also noticed in other sets with a similar quality and found that toning this area down makes a difference in the perceived stage.

COMPARISONS: ​

Vs Letshuoer Galileo ($109)

• Similar overall unboxing experience and inclusions
• Galileo has a more traditional resin finish that feels more durable but similarly cheap
• Both have a similar neutral sound signature
• Bass is clean and tight on both, but Galileo has more weight while DZ4 has more impact
• Mids are also similar, but Galileo sounds more natural while DZ4 sounds more analytical
• Treble is MUCH more extended and crisp on the DZ4
• DZ4 has better overall technicalities

Vs 7hz Legato ($109)

• Legato has more inclusions, but DZ4 has a better overall unboxing experience
• Legato has a more confident yet more awkwardly fitting build
• Legato has a BIG bass v-shape sound signature
• Legato has MUCH more bass, but DZ4 sounds cleaner and together
• Legato has recessed and colored mids with DZ4 having a much more neutral and vocal centric mids
• Legato has slightly sibilant treble with DZ4 having a smoother yet more detailed treble
• DZ4 has MUCH better technicalities

vs TRI Star River

• DZ4 has a better overall unboxing and inclusions
• Star River has a shinier resin that fits better in my ear, but both have a similar build quality
• Star River has a U-Shaped sound sound signature with more energy on both ends
• Star River has more bass quantity, but considerably less bass quality and clarity
• Star River has considerably worse midrange presentation, although have a similar shout quality but not at the level of the Star River
• Star River has a more elevated, more extended but harsher and more sibilant treble
• DZ4 and Star River has similar staging but DZ4 has better separation and layering

VERDICT:

The Letshuoer DZ4 is an IEM that tests the grounds for weird driver types that are often found in full sized speakers or ballsack looking IEMs. Yet, execution was quite well done with enough technical chops to make it a compelling choice not only to those looking for weird IEM setups, but for those who want a lean, clean and crisp sounding IEM.

The argument whether the passive radiators actually work is anyones guess, at least until someone breaks one apart and compares the measurements. To me, I don’t think that they work as well as they intend it to be. I mean heck, I’m in doubts whether all the DDs work due to how lean it sounds.

But regardless, these definitely have its shortcomings when it comes to bass impact, note weight and potential shoutiness, but I would say that the DZ4 does not target those big, bassy tracks moreso than taking their usually neutral mid and flagship sets to a much cheaper demographic. And if that indeed is their goal, then they’ve provided one lean, mean crispy machine with the DZ4.


Thank you so much for reading my review! I would appreciate it if you followed my page if you enjoyed.

If you would like to avail the product reviewed today, check the non-affiliate link below!:
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...ngle-passive-radiator-edc-hifi-in-ear-monitor

Have a nice day and enjoy music!

Disclaimer:​

I appreciate Letshuoer for sending me a review sample of their Letshuoer DZ4!
However, the review will remain unbiased and entirely honest.
I do not consider myself to be an audiophile; rather, I am just a guy who enjoys trying out various IEMs and DACs and listens to music frequently.
Consequently, I will not review it using a lot of technical terms, but I will try to describe them as best I can.
Being my first product from this company, I will not be able to compare it with their other products.

Letshuoer DZ4 Tech Specs:​

• 3 x 6mm titanium dome dynamic drivers + 6 mm single passive radiator in-ear monitor HIFI earphones.
• Four-way Acoustic Tubes, Two-way Crossover Circuit.
• Semi Open Faceplate Design, A Fusion Of Metal And Resin.
• The drivers are connected to the dual-pin receptacle via a flexible printed circuit (FPC) crossover board.
• Joint Effort With HeyGear, The Leading 3D-Printing Supplier
• Four cores of 216-strands, 0.05mm in diameter silver plated copper cable
• DZ4 comes with a standard 3.5mm single-ended plug, featuring a standard 0.78mm dual-pin design.
• High precision in 3D-printed chassis production to meet ergonomic principles.
• CNC-milled anodized aluminum casing with semi-open design.
• Its outstanding sound performance brings exceptional adaptability and compatibility, catering to various usage scenarios from music reproduction, gaming, to basic monitoring needs.

Letshuoer DZ4 Packaging:​

For its price range, the DZ4 has one of the most complete packaging.
High-quality packaging has been used. White cardboard with a front graphic that is slightly embossed. Finding such a complete and well-made package makes me happy every time, especially in entry level iems! It has a great cable and, more importantly, very good tips, just like the Kbear 07 tips, which are my favorites.






However, I don’t think it’s important for the packaging to be expensive; instead, I think the focus should be on the product’s quality.

• Hard carrying case
• High-quality Cable
• 6 pairs of tips (Similar to Kbear 07)
• Manual and warranty

Letshuoer DZ4 Design/Build quality:​

The shell was made in collaboration with HeyGears, a leading 3D printing company. The build quality is definitely excellent, and the resin and metal fusion are absolutely perfect. To the touch, the resin shell feels satiny. The nozzle is a bit big and integrates two dampers. No ventilation holes are visible in the shell, but the back, where we find the CNC faceplate and the orange grille, is semi-open (which I deduce allows the passive radiator to work). Internally, from the photos that appeared on the web, the construction is excellent and clean; we see 3 drivers connected by a crossover via a flexible printed circuit, and all the drivers are separated with acoustic tubes.

Cable details
After being worn, the comfort is superb. Even after hours of consecutive listening, no pain is felt. Choosing a matte finish helps keep fingerprints off the shells.

Initial sound impression:​

Right from the start, the sound is different from the mass of IEMs on the market. Being unfamiliar with it, one feels a little out of place. The sound is bright but never sibilant, W-shaped but oddly mid-centric. The voices seem to be in the foreground. The bass is very track-dependent, and even the perceived quality seems very genre-dependent. Tracks that are too complex seem not to be the favorites of this IEM. Being the first impression, I do not express myself regarding the functioning of the passive radiator.

Equipment used for testing above:​

Device:

• iMac
• Redmi Note 7 (MIUI-based)

Software:

• Foobar2000 24bit 192khz (iMac)
• Amazon music UHD 24bit 96khz (Both)

DAC:

• F.audio KS01 (ESS)
• EPZ TP20 3.5 mm (Dual Cirrus)
• Hidizs XO (Dual ESS)
• EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS)
• Less DA1 (AK4493)

Letshuoer DZ4 Final sound impression:​

My ears too need some burn-in time before moving on to final impressions. I stayed with them for a few more weeks so I could figure out how they sound.

I’m not listing all the tracks because they’re too many, but with Billie Eilish’s albums, this set sounds spectacular.



I have listened to Jazz, RAP, R&B, Pop, EDM, and Chill music, and I think it is also the most suitable for DZ4.

It took me longer than expected to understand them. This is the first set where I don’t change the stock tips because they are exactly the ones I would have used.

Its sound and tonality have a neutral tendency; it is focused on the voices that always come first compared to the rest, or at least in 90% of the songs. Bass and sub-bass remain a mystery, and I would confidently state that it totally depends on the track you are listening to. Its soundstage is intimate but has a certain three-dimensionality to what you hear. It’s not a concert hall effect, but you can distinctly hear the individual drivers working on different frequencies, giving the sensation that the sound comes from several points, even if all at different depths. What I seem to hear is a sound that develops in height and depth. For example, in Billie Bossa Nova’s song, there is clearly a 3D effect, while in Billie Eilish’s Your Power, the guitar lacks musicality at the beginning but in other songs is completely fine.

I find them very detailed, but on some tracks they seem less coherent. But I have to say that they sound good, unlike many others.

Bass​

Personally, I really enjoy the bass; it’s punchy and tight, and the vibration or impact in the ear canal is definitely audible. Maybe the passive radiator helps, although it is impossible to say for sure, but the quality of the low frequencies makes me think so. The sub-bass is emphasized, and for a 6mm driver, it sounds really amazing but sometimes seems to be slightly thin.

Mids​

The mid-frequency region is excellent! I would say that this set’s strongest point is the midrange, with remarkable accuracy, transparency, and engagement. Voices are consistently audible, smooth, and focused. However, female voices are definitely better than male ones. I can feel the air in his midsection.

Treble​

The high frequencies are well refined and detailed; they are not tiring, but compared to the mids, they take a back seat. However, they are excellent even if the general tone is a bit strange, but perhaps it would be better to say something different! On some somewhat complex tracks, when turning up the volume, you start to feel a little tired, for my taste.

Soundstage and Imaging​

In comparison with other IEMS, the soundstage is really narrow; it develops more in height and depth but remaining on the sides, without wrapping you entirely.. It’s an IEM that depends a lot on the playing track but also on the genre you are listening to. The image is definitely accurate, it is slightly above average! You can clearly separate the instruments, even in more complex tracks. I sometimes have a three-dimensional feeling probably due to the excellent driver separation. it is a decidedly strange sensation, difficult to describe.

Comparison:​

vs Whizzer HE10



Two completely different souls the Whizzer HE10 is definitely warmer and more relaxed sounding. At their convenience, they are both very comfortable, but the nozzle and shell of the HE10 make them one of the most comfortable. Its warm, relaxed note doesn’t compromise on quality or detail, and it remains one of my favorites. If you are afraid of high frequencies, these are some of the smoothest on the market.

vs Hidizs MS3



Right now, my favorite is the Hidizs MS3. There is extraordinary detail here throughout the frequencies. Micro-details abound in the highs. It is an IEM with a lot of energy and a price that is unquestionably appealing, but it costs twice as much as the Letshourer. Read my Hidizs MS3 review on Head-Fi if you are interested.

Conclusion:​

It is unusual to hear something with a different tuning, and I personally enjoy hearing the Letshuoer DZ4. The choice of 3 small titanium drivers and a passive radiator has resulted in something that stands out from the crowd. I can’t say for sure that this passive radiator is a game changer as it doesn’t have extreme bass, but the sub-bass is felt as well as the vibration in the ear canal. Obviously, they may sound strange to many, but at the same time, they appeal to just as many people. Personally, I advise using them with a DAC that has a warm sound, such as the EPZ TP20, to enhance the low frequencies.

So I recommend them to anyone looking for a headset that emphasizes the voices and, above all, to those looking for something different.

More information & Where to buy (no ref link):​

• LETSHUOER Official Site
• Aliexpress Official store
• Amazon UK
• Amazon USA

Letshuoer DZ4 Review​

Full Review can be found HERE

Letshuoer DZ4 Review​

Intro​

What interest this iem has cast upon the community. Today I am reviewing the Letshuoer DZ4 which comes from the good people of Letshuoer, to which I want to thank first, as well as Ivy Gao. The DZ4 just so happens to have three dynamic drivers as well as one passive radiator which if you’ve been paying attention is not a driver configuration, we see all too often… If ever. So, I was very happy to receive this set and find out what all the fuss is about.

Letshuoer​

Shuoer Acoustics was founded in 2016 by founder and CEO Danny To and co-founder Jeff Wong. It is apparent that Letshuoer seeks out the best in audio engineers, designers, and personalities to create products that are unique and visually appealing while sounding great. Each and every audio product that comes from this company seems to each have a distinct character which differentiates them from the rest of the products that we see in the Audioverse. Whether it be the driver configuration, look and aesthetic or sound qualities I just can’t help but think that Letshuoer prides themselves in achieving something unique and fresh.

We haven’t had many opportunities to try their iems or review them very often. Mahir was able to review the Galileo awhile back (Galileo Review). Also, I was and am wholly impressed with the Letshuoer S12 Pro (S12 Pro Review). I also personally purchased the Letshuoer D13 of which I never got a chance to review due to scheduling conflicts. Another set I use for my personal enjoyment is the Letshuoer Galileo which I listen to regularly but was unable to review. Perhaps I will at some point. I can say for sure that I am very impressed with the premium feel and design language of every iem that I’ve researched or tried from this company. I can also say with assurance that a tiny bump of dopamine drips when I see a new Letshuoer iem. Did I mention that I was happy to receive the DZ4 yet?

Let’s just get into it…​

The DZ4 has been thrown into an ocean of iems which are all competing for your hard-earned money, and it is my job to steer you in the right direction. This is something that I take seriously. Money is tight for so many but in the same breath I feel everyone should have the privilege and ability to hear good sound at any price. I can’t wait to get into this review friends, let’s just jump past my usual long intro and get into this irrefutably unique earphone. The Letshuoer DZ4 everyone…

Gear used for testing​

–Ifi Go Blu
–Moondrop Dawn 4.4
–Hidizs S9 Pro
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
–Shanling M6 Ultra

Later Comparisons: Simgot EA500

​

Packaging / Accessories​

Letshuoer provided a nice set of accessories with the DZ4. You get what you need and everything that you get is of good quality. That’s what’s most important. The box which arrived at my house has a very trendy look to it with a cool looking graphic. Once you open the box you are met with the DZ4. On the same level next to the DZ4 you’ll see the carrying case. Inside the case are the tips as well as the cable. All pretty standard here but I do find Letshuoer gives great quality accessories at this lower proc tag.

Eartips ​

Letshuoer provides six pairs of eartips in total. They give you three pairs (S, M, L) of the Vocal tips which are black in color. They also give you three pairs (S, M, L) of some white Balanced tips. All of the tips are of decent quality, but I chose to go a different route and used the KBear 07 tips instead. I do find the 07’s suit me better sonically as well as seal better for my ears.

It’s interesting because Letshuoer labeled the tips as “balanced” and “Vocal” but to be honest they both have much of the same affect. Both sets of tips that Letshuoer provided have a narrower bore, or a semi-wide bore. Smaller in diameter than the KBear 07’s but wider than a tip like the KZ Starlines. Both sets have a firm flange as well. They are nice tips, no doubt. They will become useful at some point for me, but I found the seal to be better with the 07’s.

Carrying Case​

Letshuoer provided a nice carrying case for the price. Actually, even adding a case with the packaging is nice. It just so happens that the case they add in with the accessories is halfway decent. It’s a cylinder type hockey puck style case made entirely out of a hard plastic and covered in a thin black rubber coating which feels soft to the touch. The lid screws on and off rather than sliding off which I think is a nice touch. You won’t have any unexpected lid openings with this case. As always, I must add that I really don’t ever use a carrying case but for those who do… this one is a nice addition. I have certainly seen better in the price point but c’mon, even adding a case is a thumbs up at this price.

Cable​

I’ve always had a penchant for Letshuoer cables. They’ve always seemed to provide good cables for the price. I love that Letshuoer understands that cables matter. They are important to the consumer. Many of us really dig a nice cable. Now, the provided cable won’t blow your mind, but I do believe that it is one of the better cables in the price point. In fact, it’s basically the same exact cable as in the Letshuoer X-Gizaudio Galileo.

The cable itself is a 2-pin 216-strand 4-core Monocrystalline Copper and Silver-Plated cable that is nicely chunky and ends with a 3.5 single ended jack. Meaning, it isn’t so fat that it becomes a usability issue and isn’t so thin that it looks like a budget chifi cable either. It’s nice. I like the color matching that Letshuoer did with the DZ4 earphones. Both have shades of light tan to off white and all the accent colors match nicely. This cable took a keen eye and an ability to understand the consumer. Of course, for any balanced listening on a balanced source, I did go with the Letshuoer Galileo’s 4.4 balanced cable. Both cables are very close in material and size with subtle aesthetic differences. This is a nice one folks.

​

Build / Design / Internals / Fit / Drivability​

Build​

The DZ4 was constructed and crafted in a collaborative effort with HeyGears 3D printing aficionados. Let me just say that I love the look and feel of this set. I wouldn’t call it the most robust and structurally durable of all iems but the feel of the DZ4 is great in hand and on the ears. The Shells are made of a quality plastic material 3D printed by HeyGears. The Faceplates are made of anodized aluminum with a semi-open design. The mesh takes the shape of a “Z” and for all I know this is a legit semi-open back. The nozzles are medium length, not too long and not too short. At the top are the female 2-pin connectors. Overall, it’s a nice build and a unique shape.

Design​

The look of the DZ4 is not the usual run of the mill looking iems. The off-white coloring with the red Z on the faceplates is minimalist but also very unique and different. This set looks solid in my opinion. Leave it up to Letshuoer to create something that nobody else has made.

Internals​

Like I’ve mentioned, the DZ4 is a 3DD + 1 PR (Passive Radiator). Letshuoer decided upon three 6mm titanium domed dynamic driver and one 6mm passive radiator. Each driver is connected to a series of tubes and a two-way crossover. In fact, the drivers are connected directly to the 2-Pin receptacles via a flexible crossover board. The driver setup is also very unique. Truthfully, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to a setup with this arrangement.

Passive Radiator?​

One thing which caught my attention right away was… How is the passive radiator actually operating? A passive radiator should be in a sealed encasement and tied directly to the Woofer so to allow deeper lows without losing efficiency. Passive radiators have been used for some time. Just not in something this small except for a few sets, that I know of anyways. Now, I’m not claiming to understand it all, there are much smarter people than me to do that. However, there are some in the hobby who have brought up very good points. Namely “Hawaiian Bad Boy” from Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews (from YouTube) through some Facebook posts. He mentioned ways to modify the DZ4 that is worthy of being checked out. Anyways, he along with a few other really influential people in the hobby have mentioned the issues regarding the implementation of the passive radiator in the DZ4. Just thought I’d add that into this review.

Fit​

The DZ4 fits me very nicely. Now, I did have to use KBear 07’s largest tips to get a perfect seal, but I don’t consider this set a difficult fit. The part of the shell which rests in the ear is very smooth and rounded to sit nicely without irritation. I have no clue if the DZ4 will fit you, the reader, but I can’t imagine too many people having problems. Unless of course you have alien ears, in that case… there’s probably no helping you. I do think that most people will enjoy a great and comfortable fit. Isolation is average in this set, and I did experience some slight sound leakage but nothing out of the norm.

Drivability​

The Letshuoer DZ4 is rated at 12 ohms with a sensitivity of 104 db’s. I found the DZ4 to be relatively easy to drive to good fidelity. I had no issue using 3.5 single ended on my Ifi Go Blu. Stepping up to balanced 4.4 was even better to my ears. This pairing was decent with the Go Blu’s CS43131 dac chip, but I experienced a quick step up in sound quality when I went with the Moondrop Dawn 4.4 which uses the same chip. That said, the sound is much more mature on the Dawn and more clean, analytical & punchy.

Listening with a couple of my daps I found the DZ4 begin to max out in its scalability. For instance, I listened with the iBasso DX240 on medium gain and note definition became crisper and the soundstage gained some width as well as separation. My favorite way of enjoying the DZ4 came by way of the Shanling M6 Ultra. The Ultra uses a AK4493SEQ dac chip with its super resolving velvet sound tech and the DZ4 simply synergized. Listening on medium or low gain was more than enough for this set.

I don’t think you need anything greater than a decently powered dongle dac. I think with something like the Hidizs S9 Pro or the Moondrop Dawn 4.4 you will be more than happy. On most mid-range daps like mine, I would go with low to medium gain. I noticed that the DZ4 steps up to the sound signature of the dap you are listening to which is a nice quality. No source I tried was a bad pairing in my eyes.

​

Sound Impressions ​

Note: Prior to critical listening I made sure to burn-in the DZ4 for roughly 100 hours. Due to the fact that the DZ4 employs three Dynamic Drivers, I found it necessary to give this set quite a lot of time doing so. To be honest, I do feel some slight changes occurred for the better after this burn-in period. Also, I performed most of my critical listening using the Shanling M6 Ultra. All listening was done using flac files stored on my devices using UAPP (Most time spent with UAPP), Hiby Player or Poweramp.

The Letshuoer DZ4 is a U to W-shaped set with a warm/neutral tonal color while it caters more to the warmth than to its neutrality. The DZ4 has an organic and analog sound that comes across even vintage to some degree. Like an old cassette tape but very clean in its approach. That may sound like it is contrasting attributes but to me it’s not wrong. The fine lines at the outer edges of note definition are somewhat fuzzy in the low-end, tight and resolute in the midrange, and smooth in the treble, but throughout the spectrum the fundamental body of notes is clean and dense. The timbre is natural, organic, untreated, and unprocessed. The sound is musical, it’s precise and energetic. The sound is also pretty holographic and smooth for the price.

Issues​

However, there are certainly issues that I’ve noticed with the sound, regardless of whether I like it or not, which should be addressed. I will try my best to do so later in this review. I actually find the sound to be pretty charming in its stock form. Despite that, some modifiers in the hobby have stated through trial and error and great knowledge and understanding that you can drastically improve the sound in certain areas by taking out the passive radiator and gluing over the open hole. I have to add this into this review for full transparency and maybe it’ll help someone who purchased the DZ4 and would like to try out this modification. Now, many people enjoy the stock form of this set, as do I, but I am not everyone else and if there is a way to make it better then… That’s a good thing. Check out this video from BGGA HERE.

Back to “stock” sound​

Ya know, upon first listen I was moderately struck by how nice these sounded. I enjoy forward vocals. Illuminated and clean vocals is a major part of my library and the DZ4 does this nicely. However, I only initially listened for about 20 minutes and the DZ4 went straight to burn-in. In spite of my initial impressions and after much time of actually critically listening to the DZ4 I have come to the conclusion that I think this set will be slightly polarizing for the community. You’ll either love the DZ4 or you won’t. Plain and simple. I for one am drawn into this set and it’s tuning. It’s inviting to me and sucks me in as I’ve had a very nice time in this critical listening process. There is this odd mixture of neutral and warm, open and intimate, forward and pulled-back that is very interesting.

Between the 20’s​

First off, the bass is not what one would expect from an iem with a passive radiator, as the bass is somewhat laid back. I found this out when I actually tried out some of my low-end test tracks. There’s some slight robust thump in there, but not what I was expecting from a triple dynamic driver set. The midrange is forward, and I love this quality to the sound, but I know that some will take issue with it. I enjoy the lush and full vocal rendering as to me the DZ4 is a vocal lovers set. The treble is rolled-off and not very sparkly or shimmery to my ears, and the weakest point if the DZ4 in my opinion. I don’t hear any real vibrance up top, but it isn’t as dark as some have said, again my opinion. All in all, the tuning is different. Not bad by any stretch, but I don’t think it’ll fit some hobbyists’ preferences. Does it fit my preference? Yes, I actually like it quite a lot. Of course, it isn’t my favorite, but I like the DZ4. The reason; the DZ4 just sounds good. I will try the modification out after the stock review and hopefully it’ll get even better.

Bass Region​

The low-end comes across as full, yet without concrete & tactile definition. The sub-bass has meat to it and adds a sense of physicality yet without the gritty texture that I listen for. The bass as a whole is slightly laid back or toned down. The best way to describe it is that it’s still effective at providing some thump when needed but not ultra hearty and deep, maybe lacking some dynamism. The bass isn’t slow, which is nice, but it simply doesn’t have the texture and “feels” to the degree that I like to hear. Not that the DZ4 is absent from it because there is a decent energy & rumble. I’d call it “almost pillowy” but also pretty tight and moderately punchy. I hesitate to call it pillowy, but no other word truly fits the description for me. I liken it to a low-pitched drone and rumble covered in a slight layer of cotton. You lose a titch of definition and resolution. Still pretty darn nice.

Let’s put it this way, the bass region is not the selling point of the DZ4, but I would also argue that the bass region is not bad by any means. There is still some thump there and the mid-bass still has a sense of slam as well as punch and the bass region will replay most genres which prescribe to more low-end activity… pretty well.

Not for bassheads​

The DZ4 is absolutely not for bassheads! You’ve been warned. I know, I know… you think, “Triple Dynamic Driver iem, Passive Radiator?!! This set should rattle my eyeballs!” In fact, my JBL speakers have passive radiators… Whoohoo!! Bassheads rejoice!!………. um……… no friends, this is not that set. I’d actually argue that the DZ4 is somewhat bass lite. So bassheads will not love this set and the passive radiator is likely not implemented correctly, just based on sound alone. I haven’t had the chance to delve deep into the driver implementations, but I’ve wondered since I saw the first graphic from the promotional material “how” this passive radiator is actually working when there is a semi-open faceplate. I’m sure it will all come out soon, but beyond that the DZ4 is not for bassheads. Still, pretty good for my library. Basically, I’m not really missing much.

Sub-bass​

The DZ4 certainly has a sub-bass focused low-end. You will get some good feels down low but not the type that sonorously bellows in the deep with a hard surfaced attack. This is somewhat true when listening to “Paradigm” by The Head and Heart, a track I go to often in my reviews to showcase the haptic vibration of an iem. The DZ4 shows more of a fast rumble and there is bite, but I hear almost a recession to the sound. It’s pushed back a bit, which is not normal. Honestly, the DZ4 is very close but also, it’s so far away. This sub-bass is still robust, it’s still reverberant to a degree but it doesn’t give off that depth and deepness of both sound and feel that I look forward to, with a slight lack of forward energy. That said at least the sub-bass is speedy, it decays rapidly even if the attack isn’t as direct. I could’ve just said that the sub-bass lacks some dynamism, but that’d be too easy. It isn’t the best my friends. It isn’t the worst either.

Mid-bass​

The mid-bass is mildly held back as well. It still has some good thump, but it too is not the most tactile and reverberant mid-bass I’ve ever heard and again, lacks a sense of dynamism. That said, the mid-bass is still punchy, still has slam and still represents most genres just fine. This is not a boring mid-bass as it’s quicker and more supple and can replay rapid bass notes to a degree. Note definition isn’t the best in the world but also… it isn’t terrible either. I think the problem is the DS4 doesn’t reach the potential that I was looking forward to, which may be skewing my thoughts to a degree, but in the end, it isn’t bad.

The mid-bass is also a titch soft for something like a good bass guitar riff. You won’t hear a fully meaty bass guitar that brings that gravelly grungy density to the sound. Just not quite there. Kick drums sound more placid at the surface. They do sound nicely hollow and have the boom I look for, yet they also sound pushed back a bit, or recessed. This can be heard on “Billy Jean” by Weezer (Michael Jackson cover). There isn’t any fuzziness at the note’s edge whatsoever and there is some weight to the sound on this song, but it’s almost like a veil covers the energy from escaping. Please understand that I am being ultra critical here. Most hobbyists may be able to overlook this.

Downsides to the bass region​

The worst part of the bass region is that it isn’t anywhere near what I was hoping for. Truthfully, I don’t know what I should have expected. For those who are bassheads, I think you’ll definitely be let down as well. The DZ4 will not have enough emphasis down low, and you’ll be left wanting. I find resolution down low needs some help, but all in all, it’s a warm and speedy low-end that simply lacks that last little bit of full-bodied definition. Perhaps a little more tactility and grunt would’ve helped to round out the low-end. I’d like to hear better separation of sub & mid bass as well. During casual listening it doesn’t bother too much though.

All things considered, the bass isn’t what I expected, but also it isn’t horrible either. I don’t hear any mid-bass bleed into the midrange, and I don’t hear any masking from the bass region over any other frequencies. The bass is pretty nimble, slightly out of focus but there’s enough weight down low for most genres. The question would be if it is enough for you, the reader. As for myself I certainly like a bit more of a concrete note definition and more of a tidy but authoritative punch. Also, there are earphones in the price point that render the bass a bit better.

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Midrange​

The midrange is a more neutral/warm take on things. The mids are generally up front and center and are for the most part… the “center of attention” and one of the selling points of the DZ4. If you are a vocal lover, then the DZ4 will be a fantastic companion to you as I feel this set emphasizes and accentuates the vocal ranges. The midrange sounds organic, smooth, atmospheric & tight, but also dense and weighted. The midrange is smoother but comes across coarse and crisp when needed. I hear nothing that is grating to my ears as far as vocal centric type tracks are concerned. Come to think of it… I hear nothing grating as far as any other type tracks are concerned as well. I hear no sibilance or weird timbre issues and nothing shouty. Truly a great sounding midrange.

Instruments have a more natural timbre, and all share an analog quality listening on the DZ4. I hear this “analog version” of a precise & detailed replay that can sound very silvery, bird sweet, and eurythmic to the ear, rather than analytical, dry, and crisp. However, I also find detail retrieval in this area to be very well accomplished. Transients move along quick with decent decay while holding onto the DZ4’s atmospheric approach. There’s also a nice solidity to the body of each note yet the separation of objects on a stage is average.

Lower-midrange​

The lower mids present male vocals up front and focused. Males come across slightly smooth, warm & even slightly thin, but they also have substance, and with a ubiquitous presence. Songs like “Grace” by Rag’n’Bone Man shows-off on the DZ4 as his vocals have very nice texture and depth with a slimmer profile. Call it lean muscle mass, it’s svelte but also compact and holds onto the meat of the fundamental tone to his voice. I hope that makes sense. The timbre isn’t weird and there aren’t any strange little artifacts floating around at the note edge. Another song is “Curse of the Blackened Eye” by Orville Peck which also sounds fantastic listening on the DZ4. His lower pitched brawny voice has a natural sounding accentuation against the rest of the mix. To say it another way, I enjoy how well Orville’s voice is distinct and singular next to the instrumentation around him. I could keep going but basically, males sound well drawn out, clean & smooth, and with nice note structure.

There were reports of the midrange sounding as though there is a “cup” effect? I don’t hear this. However, I must report that some have said as much. At least on the set I am listening to with the Shanling M6 Ultra, or any source I have for that matter. I heard nothing odd in this regard. There’s no boxy cup effect that I have heard. However, my experience is not everyone else’s.

Upper-Midrange​

The upper midrange is another area where the DZ4 earns their salt. In my opinion anyways. I find female vocals to be graceful, effervescent and flat-out very nice on the DZ4. The vocals sit forward, out front, intimate and are highlighted in a non-offensive way. At times it’s nice to hear a little nudge forward to pronounce female voices. The DZ4 has that forward lean but not enough to feel forced or overcompensated in this region. In truth the DZ4 has a nice ear gain. It’s not abrupt and it’s not uneven or shrill. The females on this set sound sweet, luxuriant, lush, and have a nicely organic timbre that comes across realistic to my ears. There’s a hint… thee slightest hint of shimmer. Other than the slight shine from the ear gain, everything else is simply a creamy or milky take on a female or male voice as each and every inflection or intonation of those voices sounds enriched and gratifying.

Listening to “How Long Will I love You” by Ellie Goulding is a heartening experience. Ellie sounds so very soothing with every feathery straight line vocal note. She sounds simply golden and mellifluous, and I say these words as exact descriptions. There is a sweet vibration that she taps into with this set. It triggers something deep in my temporal lobe, friends. The DZ4 has a way of accentuating the subtle softness in her voice and giving that softness some texture, body, and most importantly the DZ4 has an ambience of musicality and rhythm in its approach. Every slight modulation of her voice feels feathered and engrossing. Similar tracks will get the same treatment as the DZ4 excels in sheer musicality in this region in my opinion.

Upper-mids cont.​

“Skeletons” by Suzannah is another song that takes a softer and more melodic voice and adds in this layered and honeyed tonality that is buttery smooth without a rough edge to be found. Her voice has this southern drawl against a western leaning musical backdrop and the atmosphere is very authentic and is captured nicely. The strings of the guitar are nicely sharp, and the harmonics decay pretty swiftly while Suzannah’s voice glides perfectly in their own lane. There is certainly a slight shimmer that sounds lifted and mood inducing. Another cool thing is that the micro-details do seem to illuminate nicely on this track, or any track for that matter. Also, right out the gate, the macro-dynamics begin to show on the DZ4 listening to this track. The sound is full and big in its auditory expression.

Downsides to the Midrange​

The downsides are coincidentally the same as its upsides; for some, the vocals will be too far forward and intimate. Not everyone is like me and enjoys such an experience, and I get it. To those people, the DZ4 may not work for them. The midrange could use a more articulate resolution enhancement and cleanliness. That said, the midrange also comes across above average in details despite this, and the minutia within this region is fairly easily heard. There is precision there and it is one of the selling points along with the vocal playback in the midrange. Take note, I said “in the midrange“.

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Treble Region​

The treble region I would have to say is the biggest downside for most hobbyists concerning the DZ4. I say this because there is an audible roll-off up top which kind of kills any air or sparkle, or any real luster. Is this a huge problem? Well, not completely for me but yes for some. In fact, for many this may be a problem. As for myself, I do wish I could hear a more uplifted treble. Then again, I don’t know what that would’ve done to an already forward vocal in an already forward midrange. All energy and brilliance aren’t a complete no-show as there is some slight gloss up top, but for the most part the treble does come across smoother, cozier, held back and warmer than some would like. I don’t think it’s a complete miss as the sound as a whole comes together nicely though I’m quite positive this will be an area of contention for some of my friends in the hobby.

Redeeming qualities​

Granted, it isn’t some dire situation, and the ear gain does help to bring uplifted energy to the lower treble up marginally or as much as it can anyways, but the roll-off is noticeable. What I hear is a broad note body that is plump, stout and darkish and without the proper fine-lined articulation. You won’t hear that hard edged and exact profile of treble notes with a sense of brilliance that we typically like to hear. I think of the note edges within the DZ4’s treble like a soft cotton silhouette which lines a textured and full body. It won’t “rate” High in my ratings at the end of this review, but it doesn’t mean it’s a bad treble. There are some redeeming qualities that I do enjoy. The DZ4 is actually quite smooth and relaxing. The treble just needs some definition, some natural contours and some emphasis to lift the whole of the mix. However, when the sound is packaged as a whole, it doesn’t sound bad to me at all.

Treble cont…​

The DZ4 treble region is speedy enough to catch up to Billy Strings banjo tracks like “Ice Bridges” with a good body, a slight loss of transparency yet a rounded 3D type sound or euphonic type sound. The body of the notes moves along okay, with a firm attack while the decay lags a hair. There is some crispness but it’s seemingly overlayed in a warm veil. I don’t find this a big issue on other tracks that don’t prescribe to speed and precision as it simply isn’t as noticeable. Also, more rhythmic sections of treble come across much better, more melodic, yet still lacking some brilliance and extension.

The treble region is warmish/dark, yet still has some roundness and punch in the treble and there is still a strong sense of musicality and tunefulness. Harmonics are a bit attenuated and without that good organic resonance, but the treble is not without decent macro-details. To be honest, I’m already sick of explaining it because I find it difficult to do so. Let me just say, when I package the treble “as a whole, with the rest of the mix”, it sounds nice to me. Certainly, the treble is a “part-to-a-whole” that may not be accentuated nearly enough but is able to walk in good step with the rest of the mix.

Downsides to the treble region​

This entire treble section has been a downside. However, to break it down in the simplest of ways; the treble is too warm and too under accentuated. I find this treble to be very safe, and most will yearn for more BITE. Most will want more brilliance, more Shine, and some may want to hear a more defined profile and structure to the notes within the treble region. Also, treble Heads will not fancy the DZ4.

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Technicalities​

Soundstage​

The soundstage on the DZ4 is intimate for the most part. However, not intimate in the way that the soundstage is small or congested. The DZ4 has a very big and immersive listening experience. The best way to describe the soundstage is to simply say that it is “full”. I feel like sound stretches to the edge of my minds soundscape and fills it out in all directions. I hear a more layered type of sound with decently good depth. Nevertheless, the stage also comes across intimate. It isn’t pulled back like a large auditorium where the sound is in front and spread wide. It’s up close but full in the way it fills the stereo image in my mind.

The soundstage isn’t a flat plane of sound. I am going to try to explain because it’s worth explaining, there is a three-dimensional aspect to the sound that is tall, wide and even slightly deep as well. I hear a stereoscopic and almost sculpted type of holographic image when listening. The sound wraps around me, yet it’s also drawn close to the ear. If none of this makes sense, then I’m very sorry and I will try to do better in the future. Honestly the stage is very unique and i do enjoy this aspect of the DZ4.

Separation​

I find the DZ4 to do an admirable job of separating elements of a stage. I do think it’s an uphill battle to a degree and the tuning makes it tough to accomplish clean separation all the time. Think of an intimate & full stage. Now picture the sound close to the ear, vocals, instruments etc. Try to think of these instruments and voices as having a smoother, tone and timbre that doesn’t have that illuminating brilliance to it. This isn’t exactly the best recipe for separation of elements on a stage. However, I would say the DZ4 is about average. Not the best, but also not a “con”. Obviously in more congested tracks you will find the DZ4 having a harder time in this area.

Imaging​

Imaging follows a hand in hand walk with separation. Instruments and voices hold their perfect spots on a stage, delineated and discernable, somewhat lucid and distinct. Yet the edge lines are fuzzy (mostly in the bass and treble regions), the stage is intimate, the sound is full and there isn’t always that sense of air between elements. Still, placement on a stage is actually pretty nice on the DZ4 and while separation isn’t perfect, I find the imaging is well accomplished. Again, just like the separation, if a track has complicated & fast paced musical arrangements than the imaging may become a bit blurred, but all in all Letshuoer did pretty well here. Above average I’d say.

Details​

The DZ4 is an odd cookie. Honestly it doesn’t do bad at all in the detail arena. I find micro-detail retrieval to be well above average. I’ve already pretty much explained the sound as best I could, but I’ll say it again; the sound is analog, natural, smooth, and intimate with a sense of richness. This is great for a musical sound but doesn’t always bode well for micro-details. I say that but the DZ4 detail retrieval is actually very good.

Comparison​

Simgot EA500 ($79)​

The infamous and fantastic Simgot EA500. The phenom. I wouldn’t be wrong if I called it the… “BUDGET KILLA”! I’m only partially kidding. In all seriousness the Simgot EA500 is a bona-fide stud in the price point and a very tall order for the DZ4 to compare against. Good thing this comparison isn’t about “which is better”. I actually reviewed the EA500 earlier in the year (Simgot EA500 Review) and I must say, I am still loving this set. Without question I regard it as a top 5 under $100. Still, this comparison is meant to hopefully help you understand at least a little bit about what the DZ4 sounds like. This is why I choose something that many folks already may own, or may have heard, or at least seen reviews for. Simgot has been on a crazy tear, like a brushfire they’re sweeping through price points with only ashes and debris in their wake. Okay, I may be going a bit too hard, but you get the sentiment.

EA500​

The Simgot EA500 is an all-alloy beauty with a 10mm DLC single Dynamic Driver and a beautiful design. Well balanced across the mix, the EA500 is a warmish/neutral U-shaped earphone with a penchant for energy, cleanliness and an innate ability to replay most any genre very well. This is one area that the DZ4 may not be able to match as the DZ4 has a slightly more particular sound. The EA500 leans a hair more to the neutral side of things but tonal color is close between the two. I think both sets have a lively and energetic sound, both have very nice dynamism, but I feel the EA500 just has a bit more expressive macro-dynamics. However, the DZ4 has the more euphonic and layered sound to me.

Bass Region​

The DZ4 has a slight bit more rumble in the sub-bass, but it is only by a slight margin. The EA500 has a much denser and more guttural haptic feel though. Neither set are basshead worthy, but the EA500 has a more contoured and clean bass region. I find the EA500 has better slam in the mid bass by a good margin with a very satisfying boom for bass drops. The DZ4 has less definition and is looser in control but probably has a speedier bass region. The DZ4 also has a bit less texture for bass guitar and kick drums. I do like the EA500 a bit more in this area.

Midrange​

The midrange in both sets is very well done. Both iems do vocals very well but the DZ4 has the edge here. The DZ4 is a bit more forward, smooth, and holographic in the midrange. However, the EA500 has better note weight, better transient behavior and a more taught and precise note decay. The EA500 runs the risk of being slightly closer to a shouty sound, although I don’t necessarily think either set is shouty. I suppose for those sensitive to it you may consider the EA500 grating to the ear. Timbre goes to the EA500 by the smallest of margins. I just feel that the EA500 sounds more authentic to a realistic sound in this region. However, if I was judging soley on the ability to render and playback vocals… I’d have to give the nod to the more colored sounding DZ4. The DZ4 are simply wonderful for vocals, and this takes nothing away from the EA500’s vocal chops. I’d also say that the DZ4 has a hint better detail retrieval in the midrange with better layering and depth to the sound. Small margins people.

Treble Region​

The Simgot EA500 comes across quite a bit more lustery and shimmery with a more efflorescent and lively treble. That said, the DZ4 has a fuller treble with less chance at coming across peaky. Basically, less offensive. I feel the EA500 has a more detailed treble region, but this is easily debatable. What the EA500 has is more clean treble bite with a crisper leading edge at attack and perceivably tighter decay and better audible extension up top. Basically, the DZ4 is less bright while the EA500 was tuned with more of an emphasis.

In the end​

I have this natural affinity for the EA500. Something about that set that brings joy to my heart. However, I may be prisoner of the moment here, but I am drawn to the sound of the DZ4 as well. When all is said and done, I just cannot overlook how good the EA500 is. I think the EA500 fits me a bit better, but I absolutely enjoy the sound of the DZ4.

Is it worth the asking price?​

This is the big question, is the DZ4 worth the $89 dollars that Letshuoer is asking? Is it a good buy? Are there other iems at or around the price point which would make more sense? To answer this question for you I’d have to ask a question; what is your preferred sound signature? Do you love upfront vocals? Is bass quantity something that you need in your music? Are you the type who wants the treble to have a sense of brilliance and luster? I would ask these questions because they are absolutely necessary to answer the question in the title of this section.

Particular tuning…​

The DZ4 is very particular in its tuning. Extremely particular. Which also will make it very polarizing. Mark my words… There will be those who won’t be very happy with the sound of this set. They will regard it as if it isn’t worth the price of a budget KZ set. On the filpside, there will be those who celebrate the tuning and absolutely love the sound. We are all very much different and no one person is the gate keeper to what sound is “good” or “right”. I do have a feeling that as reviews begin filtering out that each one will either be “love” or “hate”. That is what the DZ4 is. As for me, I really enjoy this set.

Subjective thoughts​

“To me” and “for me” I will answer this question. I enjoy the sound of the DZ4, a lot actually. Granted, it has obvious issues. Yet, even with the issues, in my opinion the DZ4 is a good sounding set. The DZ4 is a nicely built set as well, and it’s also a set that is well accessorized for the price point. Even with the driver questions, the passive radiator implementation issue, the lack of resolution in the low-end, lack of cleanliness at note ends, or the lack of treble emphasis… the DZ4 sounds great to me. I can only relay what I hear, and this is the absolute truth. Granted, the DZ4 is not my favorite and I do feel there are a mountain of great iems in the price range.

The Why…​

The DZ4 is worth the asking price to me. We have a great build, a dope look that is unique and different and a sound that places vocals on a pedestal. Letshuoer added in a nice cable for the price, a nice case, and nice eartips as well. It’s a good package. No doubt about it. Now, if it was me pricing the DZ4 I would ask $79.99 for it. That would be a good price in my opinion. The DZ4 is not an all-rounder type set and doesn’t do well for all genres of music and likely won’t please everyone. However, for the accessories and good sound as a whole… $89 isn’t bad.

The Letshuoer DZ4 attached to the Hidizs S9 Pro is a nice pairing

Ratings (0-10)​

Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Letshuoer DZ4 ratings below, that would be $50 – $100 iems in any configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5” is exactly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $50-$100 US is a broad scope of iems and so seeing a 9 better mean something special. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings it will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.

Aesthetic ​

-Build Quality: 8.8

-Look: 9.4

-Accessories: 9.8

–Overall: 9.3

Sound Rating​

-Timbre: 9.0

-Bass: 6.0

-Midrange: 9.0

-Treble: 5.5

-Technicalities: 7.5

–Overall: 7.6

Ratings Summary:​

Have I ever expressed how little I enjoy ratings? I don’t like anything that doesn’t come with nuance. I’m the same way in life. Nothing is black and white because there is gray everywhere, or “color” if we are being literal. However, I am digressing here. I sit too long on these ratings friends; I dwell on them. In the case of the DZ4 these ratings almost mean nothing, and it’d be better to exclude them altogether. However, I’m a gamer so imma play the game.

For instance​

For instance, I gave the DZ4 a 7.5 in technicalities. Is this fair? I mean, above average details in the midrange and treble. The bass doesn’t really do so well in this regard but all in all… better than a 7.5 in detail retrieval alone in the $50-$100 range. However, there are other attributes which fall under the “technicalities” label. Separation is average, imaging is slightly above average, but the soundstage is pretty intimate. Now for me, I like this intimate stage, but I have to be a bit more objective when ratings come into play. So, I figure 7.5 is justified against the field that this rating indicates. Do you see why I have a problem with Rating things with such broad strokes when you only really get the full picture when things are broken down. I have an issue with each of the sound ratings in similar ways and could break down each one. So, take it with a grain of salt.

Get it right​

You have to also think of the amount of crazy good iems which reside between $50 to $100 US. It is a long list of nice sets. Giving the DZ4 a 9.0 in timbre must mean something pretty special. Or a 9.0 in the midrange. However, a lot is lost in that. Nuance my friends. There’s always more to the story. This is partially why my reviews are ridiculously long most of the time. Just to explain myself, lol, and I’m not always that good at doing that (explaining myself). Anyways, I truly don’t ever want to disappoint any of you, I want to get it right so that you get it right. Not everyone is made of money. Lord knows I grew up with nothing and so I understand very well what $89 means to the great majority of people who read this.

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Conclusion​

To conclude this review, I have to emphatically request that you check out other reviews as this has been one of the more difficult reviews for me to navigate through. Again, mark my words, others WILL have differing opinions. We are not all the same. Some may have better or worse hearing even. We don’t all have the same gear to listen to these earphones with, we all have different likes and dislikes as well as different libraries of music. Most importantly, not all of us reviewers have been down the same audio road. We are all at different parts of our journey, However, I do believe that most of us have only good intentions and want to help the consumer. So, please finish this review and jump onto other reviews to hopefully help you make an informed and educated decision.

I want to thank Ivy Gao and the good people of Letshuoer for providing this unique iem to me for a feature at mobileaudiophile.com. I also want to thank you, the reader for taking your time to read the thoughts that I have about the Letshuoer DZ4. Take good care and try to stay as safe as possible. God Bless.

INTRO


Hello everyone! This is my full review of Letshuoer DZ4. The unique configuration of this IEM stands out among of its competitors. Let see how it sings!


Disclaimer


I would like to thank @Letshuoer for arranging a unit for me. My opinions are unbiased, and I haven't been influenced or instructed to praise these IEMs. Every detail in this review is actual experience made by listening for hours everyday.



Specifications


Driver configuration : 3 x 6 mm titanium diaphragm dynamic drivers + 6 mm passive radiator

Impedance : 12 Ohms

Frequency response : 20 Hz - 40 kHz

Sensitivity : 104 dB

Cable : 2-pin, 0.78 mm; 4-core 216-strand silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable : 3.5 mm

Price at $89 USD







Packaging


The packaging comes the IEM itself, a premium cylinder case. The two sets of silicone tips "Vocal ear tips" and "Balanced ear tips" The cable has an excellent build and quality.


Build and Comfort


The build is sturdy, and the sleek design gives a more premium feel than expected in this price range. The earpiece are lightweight, making them comfortable for extended use.





Sound Aspects


Source used :


Realme 9 Pro

Jcally AP7

Ibasso DC04 pro


This iems spend 50-60 hours of burn in using pink noise before taking details of this review


The unique configuration of this DZ4 is really interesting. I'm really expecting the passive radiator will help the bass to give more punch perhaps I found if you give it enough power the subbass man it will give you that visceral feeling I discover this experience when I'm burnin this DZ4 with the pink noise its not the usual pink noise experience there's an air blowing rumbling inside your ear.


Bass


It has controlled and clean presented bass. The sub-bass shows more body than midbass.
The passive radiator gives that sub-bass visceral feeling. This is not for basshead people out there. The midbass lacks punch and texture. It has good subbass extension and impact.


Mids


The mids are forward, clear and detailed, the male vocal sounded a little lacking in terms of body and texture. Female vocals does sound fuller and richer compared to male vocals. The midrange instruments are lush and engaging, the strums of guitar in acoustic songs is tastefully done, it doesn't get harsh even at high volume.


Treble


The treble is smooth and safe, energetic enough but not excessive to the point where it get harsh. Treble extension is good and but it has lack amount of air. The relaxed presentation of treble contributes to a long listening session.


Technicalities


Soundstage is wide and spacious with good sense amount of width and height and depth as well. Imaging is good as for the asking price. Separation is quite good. You can easily distinguish the placements of instruments.


Comparisons


Vs. Truthear Hexa


Hexa has better bass quality. Mids in hexa is like artificial sounding for me some sort of hifi experience than the more natural presentation of DZ4. Highs is airier and sparkly in Hexa. Technicalities is ahead on hexa but not in the wide soundstage of DZ4.


BASS

DZ4 << HEXA

MIDS

DZ4 >> HEXA

TREBLE

DZ4 << HEXA

TECHNICALITIES

DZ4 = HEXA

SOUND TIMBRE

DZ4 >> HEXA





Conclusions


The Letshuoer DZ4 provide impressive audio quality at a budget-friendly price. A solid choice for those seeking great vocal clarity, smooth musical presentation, relaxed and smooth treble for long listening session and great reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Introduction

LetShuoer became famous for its planar IEMS, but it was already an established brand with several models under its belt. After introducing a PRO version of its famous S12, the brand released an impressive top-of-the-line model called Cadenza, an IEMS with 12 drivers, titanium chassis, six-way electronic crossover, five acoustic holes and 204-strand 6N monocrystalline copper and silver hybrid cable. This model is priced at $2299. A little later the brand has put its feet back on the ground and surprised with a triple 6mm dynamic driver in conjunction with a passive radiator, also 6mm. This is the model that concerns us in this review. It has a semi-open front design and its body is a fusion of metal and resin. Inside, it uses four-way acoustic tubes and a two-way crossover circuit. The transducers are connected to the 2-pin receptacle via a flexible printed circuit (FPC) crossover board.
The model was released before its price was discovered. During this period the DZ4s have passed through the hands of a few reviewers, myself included, and it has elicited various opinions about the use of its passive radiator in a semi-open environment. Be that as it may, after their $89 price tag was revealed, it is time for me to write my opinion about these great IEMS.



Specifications

• Driver Type: 3 x 6mm titanium dome dynamic drivers + 6mm passive radiator.
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz.
• Sensitivity: 104dB.
• Impedance: 12Ω.
• Chassis material: 3D printed resin.
• Jack Connector: 3.5mm SE gold plated.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
• Cable: 1.2 0.05m*216 silver-plated monocrystalline copper wire.

Packaging

The LetShuoer DZ4 comes in a white, elongated box with dimensions 157x105x51mm. On the main side there are four circles nested by a kind of chains. They are partly orange. They give the impression that they are the three dynamic drivers plus the passive radiator. At the top left is the brand name and slogan. Bottom right is the model name. On the back are the specifications, in several languages. At the bottom are the brand's logos, as well as the logos of the certifications that the product complies with. With the outer cardboard removed, the box is completely white with the brand name in the centre and its slogan underneath in silver ink. After lifting the lid, there is an orange instruction manual on one side, white on the other. There is an enlargement of the external image, focusing on the circle with a tunnel in it. Then there are several cards, a product certificate, a card with QR links to the various social networks and a warranty card. Finally, you come to the foam layer containing the capsules and a rubbery, circular, black box containing the silicone cable and tips, along with a sachet of silica gel. In summary, the contents are as follows:

• The two DZ4 capsules.
• The cable.
• Three pairs of black silicone tips, sizes SxMxL, "Vocal ear tips".
• Three pairs of translucent white silicone tips with black core, sizes SxMxL, "Balanced ear tips".
• Social media card.
• Product certificate card.
• Warranty card.

The round case is rubbery on the outside and has a black rubber coating on the inside. It has a screw top closure and looks like a cream jar, if not for its completely black colour. I think it is a great box for storing and protecting IEMS, although I think it is not completely suitable. Firstly, because the thread is long, it is not quick to open or close the box. Secondly, because of the size and shape of the box, it is not very practical for transport. However, it is possibly a very suitable storage for IEMS.
On the other hand, it is not clear to me which are the vocal tips or the balanced tips. The text "Vocal ear tips" is above the small black tips, but the text "Balanced ear tips" is in between the large black tips and the small white tips, being ambiguous. For the clearest reference, I would say that the black tips are the "Vocal ear tips".



Construction and Design

As mentioned in the introduction, the capsules are made of metal and resin. The outer face is metal and has the N pattern that is on the outer face of the case. At each junction and termination of the N is a circle that grows in one direction. Underneath this pattern is a perforated orange grid, which is the open part of the IEMS. The shape of this face has the form of an equilateral triangle with an extra side on the hypotenuse. On the other hand, the three vertices are rounded. The body is covered with a very light brown rubbery resin. It has been 3D printed. On the edge of the capsules you can read the model, below it the brand name and on another line the channel letter inside a circle, all in black ink. The 2PIN 0.78mm connection is embedded in a rectangular transparent plastic plate with rounded corners. This plate is completely integrated into the capsule and does not protrude at all. The nozzles are projected and regular. It is a double cylinder, narrower at the base, with a diameter of 6 mm. The crown is 6.3mm in diameter and the total length is approximately 5mm. The nozzle has three orifices, one is narrower and does not appear to be protected, the other two have a kind of metal cup inside, at the bottom of which there is a grid attached to the walls.
I have to say that the design doesn't leave me indifferent. While the external N-shape doesn't quite convince me, the body of the capsule and its rubbery look (which is also repeated in the round case) are irresistible to me. It's a pity that the light colour and matt surface can be a magnet for dirt.
As for the cable, LetShuoer is used to creating good cables. On this occasion, the cable is made up of four twisted strands, equal in pairs, some lighter and some darker. It is specified as consisting of 216 0.05m strands of silver-plated monocrystalline copper. The sleeve of the plug is a faint champagne-gold coloured microtextured metal cylinder. The brand name is written on it lengthwise. The splitter piece is the same, but smaller, the past is a hollow translucent plastic cylinder. The 2PIN 0.78mm connector sleeves are both cylinders of the same type, with a ring at the end closest to the cable. The 2Pin base is coloured plastic, red for the right side, transparent for the left side. There is a grey Velcro strap to tuck the cable in, with the brand lettering in white.
On this occasion, the cable is unbalanced and the 3.5mm SE connector has a plastic protector.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

A construction is not excellent if the ergonomics fail. Luckily, LetShuoer knows what it is doing and the ergonomics are outstanding. The weight is low, the feel is very soft, the fit is superior, the insertion is completely adequate, somewhere between shallow and slightly deeper, for use with narrower tips. I can comment that my ear canals are like underground tunnels and that's why the diameter of the nozzles doesn't seem big to me, but it's possible that, together with the length, it could be a problem for some people. In my case, with my large tips filled with homemade foam, the DZ4s fit spectacularly in my ears. The fit is immediate, the seal is high, there is no rotation and none of the capsule parts rub annoyingly against my ears. The experience is very pleasant even for several hours. What makes it not so suitable is that being open, they can disturb people around more obviously than the other closed IEMS.



Sound

Profile

Its profile is close to a neutral curve, but with an emphasised sub-bass nuance, something that adds a point of colour and fun. On the other hand, the treble is smooth, beyond neutral. Despite what you might think, I don't consider the DZ4s to have a midcentric profile, nor a dark one, although they are pleasant, musical and balanced.



Bass

The first thing you might think coming from LetShuoer and being an IEMS with 3 dynamic drivers and a passive radiator, is that the bass should be the star of the show. What's wrong? They are not. The bass is not thunderous, this is not a Bass-Heads set. But neither are they neutral in this respect. It is clear that the size of the drivers can have an impact on the power in the lower range. But there is one element that should add that missing bonus. This is the passive radiator. You can look up information about this element, for example, on Wikipedia. As a quick summary, it is a dynamic driver with no coil, no magnet, "it is simply a cone and a suspension, so it does not need any electrical energy to work. The energy that makes this bass radiator work comes from the driver that accompanies it in the loudspeaker itself, from the air that it displaces with each movement. Its purpose, like the bass reflex, is to add a reinforcement of the lower frequencies by entering into resonance with the frequencies radiated by the driver that accompanies it in the same loudspeaker".
I found it very eloquent to include this description taken entirely from Wikipedia because it puts the finger right on the problem. The idea for the passive radiator to work accordingly is that it must be in the same enclosure as the bass driver and that the enclosure must be closed. In the manufacturer's pictures you can see that the passive radiator is in the same enclosure as the three drivers, but it is not a closed enclosure. So, to what extent does the passive radiator influence the bass development? This could be a clear question, but I am sure there are many others. On the other hand, the discussion of this element is beyond my knowledge and is something that has been commented on in the networks by some famous reviewer we all know. You only have to google it to find out. As a humble reviewer, I will leave aside the actual performance of the passive radiator and proceed to the description of each range, as usual in my reviews.
While it is true that the bass of the DZ4s is not powerful, I repeat that it is not neutral. There is its elevation at the sub-bass end and also the cleanliness of its sudden drop towards the mids. Such tuning generates a bass of fast consumption and very low persistence. Its body mass is low and its energy feels limited by this effect. The volume occupied is small, hence its influence on the sound is quickly diluted. It is also true that the presence of the bass is not superimposed on any other frequency, something that could attest to its neutrality. But the tilt of the sub-bass adds a little more bite to the bass drums, a different sonority, a sensory and subtly visceral motif that brings a bass emphasis beyond innocuousness. It's not big enough to move a newsworthy amount of air, capable of flooding our ears, nor does it possess the power to deliver a punchy kick. But in the very low frequency pure tone test, the DZ4s perform very well, offering a quite sensory and natural low-end, but with limited power. You can clearly feel the power drop from 40Hz to 75Hz, hence the bass feels so clean, albeit with a subtle vibration that becomes more noticeable above 40Hz. Such an effect is very small and not noticeable in real music, but some may wonder where it comes from and why this is so. I don't think in that sense, there are many other IEMS with a similar effect, let alone what happens when the bass driver is a BA.
The result is a relatively dry bass, low in roughness, relatively fast in its punch, faster in its decay and evaporation. Its impact on the sound is low even though the music is loaded with bass. There is a clear presence and energy to it, but so focused on the low end that its impact is minor. Again, that is its cleanliness and the reason for the neutrality in the sound. It is able to follow complex, unfiltered bass lines because its reproduction does not generate an unmanageable mass of air. Being a more low end focused bass its volume is much more limited and that allows for continuous, glued and overlapping bass lines to not pose a difficulty or problem in its reproduction. It is true that its presentation feels reduced and minimised, but it enjoys a realism in its timbre and more controlled execution. In addition, such a differential cut makes the mids be totally decoupled from the bass. As they say: every cloud has a silver lining.



Mids

It is clear that a neutral tuning in the centre favours female voices. In addition, the cleanness of the bass does not generate warmth in the first mids. Although the sound may seem to be slightly warm, it is more because of the softness of the treble than anything else. I must stress that this tuning generates a very analogue, even euphonic, representation of the female voices. They are not sparkling, but their musicality, tone and timbre is extremely pleasant, silky, melodious and musical, highly enjoyable. The mid-highs are controlled in a sweet spot, free of sibilance, with a calibrated and homogeneous amount of brightness, enough to bring clarity, but not brightness. There is no glare, there is adequate lucidity to avoid ambiguity and help discern the elements to gain in freedom, neatness and separation.
The male voices don't have as much of a base, they are a little leaner and less corporeal. But they do have presence and impact in the sound. They feel near and close, but they lack the physicality that the female voices possess, better balanced and more fully composed. There is also a lack of texture in the male voices, a deeper rumour, a broader base. On the other hand, the details are more evident and the balance leans towards this side more ornamental than fundamental. Something similar happens in the instruments of this initial part, the sound is thinner and lacks a certain density to lift the weight of the notes. There is not much forcefulness, the representation is soft, lighter, it may lack punch in certain aspects and in musical genres such as rock, it will lack a certain bite that makes the music more vibrant, realistic and effective. On the other hand, the timbre is not penalised and the sound is really pleasant in this area, although I still think it lacks some brute force to enhance the music.
The upper midrange is sufficiently emphasised to detract from warmth in music that is so, as well as alleviating density in music that is overdone in this regard. Arguably, the DZ4s are able to thin out the music in some respects, but without adding extra or detrimental brightness. Clarity is still very appropriate and calibrated to add detail and widen separation within the density, but without sibilance. The DZ4s are never overdone in negative respects, never sounding piercing, hurtful, grating or out of place. They are, however, delicate, though not overly inclined towards micro detail. The execution is neat, the low density helps in this respect, but the technical skill is not superior in exposing micro nuances to the foreground. In that respect, the DZ4s are not analytical and their level of resolution is good, but it is not an ultra-detailed set. That affects the mids not to feel as exposed in their level of detail.



Treble

The treble is relatively nuanced and smoothed. The DZ4s belong to a set of IEMS that have a more analogue cut, in which the treble is softened and rounded in its representation. They are not sparkling, not crisp, not piercing, not sharp. It is a controlled, respectful, even warm high end. There is an initial sparkle, restrained, but apparent, based more on the gain of the bell than on the treble zone itself. The extension also feels clipped and I don't understand why if, in theory, there is a driver for the high end. A more excited result would have broken the balance of the tuning, perhaps it could have thinned the notes more, but a little more brightness could have raised the technical aspects, at least, in an apparent way. Possibly, the upper zone is too safe and is the least represented band of the ensemble. And this may lead one to think that the DZ4 is more midcentric than homogeneous, but because of the sub-bass elevation I don't think so. This is not a strange range, I have reviewed IEMS with similar tuning in this respect. But it is clear that those looking for more finesse, more incisive, delicate, sharp and refined high notes will have to look elsewhere. The DZ4s are just the opposite, the treble is meant to complement the sound and not for its own showcasing. In this sense, it is a complementary range, which works well for the midrange and adds relative richness. But more was expected.



Soundstage, Separation

The scene is open but not too big. There is a good level of separation and the sound does not feel congested. Its low density helps in this respect, as does its thinness. The sound is wide, especially in width, and is able to offer a good ethereal, vaporous, even three-dimensional feeling. But it is not a very deep sound, nor is it very high. On the other hand, the mids are presented in a close manner, which gives the sound an intimate, close aspect, but combined with a volatile character that helps it to spread out. It seems somewhat contradictory, on the one hand the DZ4 are able to offer a somewhat holographic staging, where the elements enjoy an enveloping provenance. However, the elements are close to the listener. It is not a claustrophobic scene, nor is it concentrated, it is just that the stage is not so big, but a smaller environment, a smaller room. But that does not detract from the fact that there is a three-dimensional projection within it. Perhaps this aspect is what makes the DZ4 unique in this price range.
In terms of detail it is good, bordering on a B. But it lacks the level of resolution to describe fine details with superior descriptive ability. There is some finesse, more for the leanness of its sound than for any technical or analytical skill. However, in some phases of the sound it can be surprising in its exposition of detail, while in others it will remain a mere exposition of it, especially those at deeper levels.



Comparisons

KiiBOOM Allure

Surprising as it may seem, there are a few IEMS that I have reviewed this year that have a similar profile to the LetShuoer DZ4. Perhaps not with as much emphasis on sub-bass, perhaps not as shaded in treble. But, for example, TinHifi has several current models that have similarities, as can be seen in the comparative frequency response graph. Even, the TKZK Ouranos also moves in those parameters, but even with more air (you have to take into account that the IEC60318-4 01 microphones are not very reliable in the high end).
But I'm going to go for another model that is particularly soft in the treble, but with a more powerful sound in the mid-range. This is my beloved KiiBOOM Allure. Anyone could say that this model is also a niche model and looking at the graph there are clear similarities. In principle, the Allure is more expensive, $99 compared to $89 for the DZ4. In terms of construction, the Allure are metallic, except for the external face, with that stabilised wood panel in shades of green and black. Although I like the internal surface of the DZ4s a lot, because of the smaller size, thinner and design, I prefer the Allure. Although the cable is better on the DZ4s, as well as in terms of accessories. The huge zippered case of the KiiBOOM is hilarious, for so few accessories. In this respect, LetShuoer could be a good example in terms of quality/price/packaging. In terms of ergonomics, the DZ4s have a good fit due to the projection of their nozzles. But the integration is superior in the Allure, they are tighter and better inserted in the pinna.
In terms of sound level the first impression is in the sensitivity, at the same volume the Allure sound louder. Another aspect is the density of the sound, while the DZ4s are lighter, the Allure is characterised by a much denser and somewhat darker sound. The emphasised sub-bass of the DZ4s is not present in the Allure. In contrast, the bass-midrange and the first bars of the mid-range are more bodacious in the KiiBOOMs. This is the source of the sensation of density and wall of sound that the Allure offers, perhaps the big difference between the two: the level of power, energy and punch in that area from the lows to the initial mids. In the low end, the behaviour is key. The cleanliness, the restraint, the greater dissipation in the DZ4 contrasts with the more extensive, forceful, voluminous and physical bass offered by the Allure. Both are fast, but the decay is slower in the Allure, because of the differential characteristics it possesses. In favour, the texture is more pronounced, pleasant and enjoyable. Yes, the fun factor falls on the side of the Allure, but they are also deep, weighted, more gummy, but they also enjoy a good level of technical, resolution and agility. They are also capable of carrying heavy loads, generating a good level of layering and drawing bass lines with clarity and crispness. Comparatively speaking, they are darker than the DZ4s. All this is simpler in the DZ4. Due to their tuning, they do not tend to go into difficult terrain, as they have a lower level of presence in these areas. Thus, by avoiding the complex range, certain problems are avoided, although a certain comparative hollowness is also evident, in favour of the Allure.
The battle is very complex between two mid-ranges that I like. The DZ4s are thinner, leaner, with no contamination from the bass. The Allure have a denser, more physical and corporeal first half, also darker and somewhat more nuanced, not so much in the foreground, despite the wall-of-sound feeling they offer. The cleaner DZ4s make the mids brighter and better separated. However, the male voices have a deeper and more fundamental base, they are thicker and that makes them fuller and more complex. That feeling carries over to the strings, guitars, even pianos. With a more succulent base, the descriptive capacity is juicier, other nuances are appreciated that in the DZ4 are more relegated and missed after a quick switch to the Allure. When the music is warmer, the Allure adds more meat, while the DZ4 thins the mix.
In the upper-mids there is a little more light and clarity in the DZ4s. They seem to have more definition, more proximity, sharper edges and that characteristic cleanliness. The Allure is still more grounded, but a little more diffuse and fuzzy. The timbre of both is a very combative point, but for the greater weight, base and fundamental capability I'll take the Allure.
There are also many similarities in the treble area of both models, but I think there is more extension in the Allure and a subtly brighter sound. In terms of definition, cleanliness and separation, the DZ4s are above them, albeit with less airy feel.
The level of separation is more evident in the DZ4s, but the amount of detail is very even. Looking for differences in tracks with hidden detail in the mid-range, the level of resolution of the two is very similar. They are not able to highlight these minute nuances, but they manage to intuit them. The analytical level of both is at that point, neither of them reaches that level of definition. But in more obvious aspects, in terms of better separation, thinness, delicacy and neatness, the DZ4s are a little above.
The soundstage is more open in the DZ4s, with that more pronounced three-dimensional feel. The Allure presents a wall of sound that is louder, wider and deeper, but also more frontal, with more volume, but without that surrounding, gauzy or ethereal feel that the DZ4s possess.



Conclusion

It is clear that this new LetShuoer release has had a certain impact due to its triple dynamic driver, its passive radiator and its open design. At first glance, such a configuration might make some people think that the DZ4s would be a bass cannon. But this is not the case. If you look at the concept closely, these are 6mm drivers, which are relatively small to deliver a powerful bass. But that's where the passive radiator should come in, to positively influence the area it shares with the driver it's attached to. And, well, maybe that's the reason, is it really attached to any driver in the same enclosure? That could be a question. And speculation is just another game in this hobby. But, if one takes away all this theoretical stuff related to the construction of the DZ4, one finds oneself in front of some remarkable IEMS.
When they arrived I didn't know their price and I liked them for their open, clean, smooth and clear sound. The feel of the capsules, their cream box for men, conveniently rubberised both on the outside and, above all, on the inside, their cable and their set of tips led me to expect a price of over 100$. But, to my surprise, they have stayed at $89. And I must say that, for this price, they are very good. Then we have to talk about their profile and performance. These are IEMS that follow a line that is being usual in many IEMS that I have tested lately, but with a clear emphasis on the sub-bass and more smoothness in the treble. Some label this profile as midcentric, but I don't completely agree. The drop from the sub-bass is obvious and that makes the lower range and the transition to the mids very clean and quick, without any aftertaste. Consequently, the mids are clear, but somewhat lean and light in this initial part. Even so, they are present enough to bring out that midcentric aspect that other reviewers talk about. This is coupled with a controlled emphasis on the mid-highs, which favours luminosity, more prominent and vivid female voices. Possessing a relatively light, but natural, smooth, organic and analogue timbre, as a result of the conjunction of nuanced, controlled and not overly extended trebles, which are coupled as a support band, rather than as a single band in its own right. Another big plus is the separation and sense of openness of the sound. Without being too wide in volume, like a small sphere, the sound is remarkably enveloping, ethereal, even gaseous, allowing detail to come from many different directions, yet without giving off a close, close intimacy, driven by a subtle lack of depth. The DZ4s are not analytical, they are pleasant, smooth and musical, made for hours of enjoyment, supported by their great ergonomics and feel.
The LetShuoer DZ4s are a great set, but perhaps, the expectations of their configuration made us ask for something more, even something different. And maybe this is the problem that prevents us from better understanding the sound of these remarkable IEMS.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.
• Tempotec MARCH III.
• Burson Audio Playmate II.
• Aune M1p.
• Tempotec V6.

Purchase Link



You can read the full review in Spanish here

General/Packaging/Build/Comfort
Letshuoer is a company that most in the community would be familiar with. Particularly with their hit release such as the S12 Planar IEM which is widely received even up till today. I have reviewed their S12 as well as D13 in which both I favored and have positive experience with. Today I have their latest release which is the DZ4, which features 3DD+1PR(passive radiator) configuration. Passive radiator is more commonly used on speakers to create a deeper sounding bass. Letshuoer is fitting their DZ4 with this tech and let’s find out how does it perform. As with most of Letshuoer’s packaging, the unboxing experience is always positive, greeted with premium packaging which consist of a black premium looking storage case, IEM cable (too bad they are not available in 4.4 termination as an option), otherwise the cable itself is very good and solid, two types of eartips, namely the vocal and balanced. The shell is 3D printed with a semi open metallic faceplate, which in a way contributes to the soundstage as well. The nozzle, however, is slightly big which might be an issue for some. Overall i’m comfortable wearing the DZ4 for a long period of time.



Gears used for this review

• Earmen Angel Dac/Amp
• Earmen Colibri
• Earmen CH-Amp
• IFi Gryphon
• DZ4 Stock cable and eartips

Foreword
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far

Sound Impression
The first thing that I noticed when I put on the DZ4 is the soundstage, it sounds open and in fact, it is quite capable technically. The bass is also satisfying as well, I noticed the PR is mostly affecting the mid bass as the mid bass has more body and packs a little more punch to it. Timbre is very natural which is expected from a dynamic driver, no odd/metallic sounding instruments here. It also sounds quite neutral to my ears.

Bass

• Bass has good texture and control, has very good speed
• Speed is good and handled Metallica’s Lux Aeterna without sounding bloated
• Bass doesn’t bleed into the mids
• Sub bass does have some rumble when the track calls for it, it doesn’t go really deep but it is good enough for EDM enjoyment, tested this listening to Ping Pong by Armin

Mids

• Mids are not recessed nor overly forward, quite detailed to my ears
• Male’s vocal sounded a little lacking in terms of body, overall it's not too bad, i tested this with Zhao Peng’s song, it doesn’t sound that full, but its not bad either
• Female vocal such as Faye Wong does sound fuller compared to male’s, very enjoyable
• Lower to upper mid range are very lush and enjoyable, even at high volume, it doesn’t get harsh

Treble

• Treble is smooth and not fatiguing, energetic enough but not excessive to the point where its harsh
• Extension is good and it has good amount of air, i believe the design of the faceplate also contributed to this
• Detail retrieval is good, higher expectation is just nitpicking in my opinion

Soundstage/Imaging

• Good sense of width and height, depth as well, it doesn’t sound boxy and very open sounding to my ears
• Imaging is quite good, instruments can be pinpointed easily

Driveability

• DZ4 is not hard to drive, but it does scales with power as with most dynamic drivers
• Amping it does exhibit slightly better bass control in terms of tightness and a little bit of refinement on the top end
• However it does scale with source, in terms of how the dac/amp affect it in terms of colorization of the sound

Final Thoughts
Letshuoer has once again hit the right spot balancing between good sonic performance and pricing it right. At 89$ a pair, this is an absolute steal in my opinion. You get a high quality IEM with solid build quality, good technical performance and it is versatile enough for various genres. Bass has sufficient quantity and good quality, treble that’s energetic yet not fatiguing. Highly recommended!

If you are interested in grabbing a pair, head over to the following link in getting one:
Letshuoer DZ4 - Non affiliated



*Received the review sample from Letshuoer, however, i am in no way influenced by them in producing this review, all thoughts are of my own, big thanks to them for the support as always

Disclaimer

• Huge thanks to Ivy Gao from Letshuoer for sending over the Letshuoer DZ4 for review purposes. I really do appreciate it. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own, and are not influenced in any way.

Source(s)

• Truthear Shio
  • Adds some warmth and body to the midrange, making them sound a little fuller.

Ear tips

• DUNU S&S
  • Adds some crisp and clarity, expands the soundstage a little.

Packaging

• Comes with a decent amount of accessories
  • IEM.
    • Attached to 1 pair of silicone ear tips (Balanced, M sized)
  • Hard case that has a premium-feeling coating.
    • Uses a screwing mechanism to open.
  • Wide selection of ear tips.
    • 2 pairs of Balanced silicone ear tips (S, L)
    • 3 pairs of Vocal silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
  • Cable
    • Quality is very good, but ear hooks are really stiff.

Build Quality

• Slightly more heft than usual resin IEMs but feels way more sturdier.
• Has a premium matte finishing to it, and an aluminum faceplate.

Fit

• Nozzle width is on the larger side, comparable to the Truthear Hexa, length is average.
• The stiff ear hooks from the cable causes a little pain after long hours of listening, as there is a force clamping on my ears, not sure if this problem will still persists in the future. But after mentioning this problem to a rep, the heat from a hairdryer can be used to change the shape of the ear hooks to a certain degree, hope this helps.
• Other than the ear hook issue, the body of the IEM is a little on the bulky side, which may cause some discomfort if you have smaller ears.

Tonality

• Neutral with sub bass boost.

Bass

• Sub bass is definitely more prominent, while mid bass can be a little lacking sometimes.
• Very well controlled with good rumble and depth.
• Bass impact scales very well with volume.
  • The louder you listen to, the more impactful the bass sounds.
• Texture and definition is quite good as well, with decently natural speed and decay.
• Quantity is on the tamer side compared to most IEMs I have heard.

Midrange

• Midrange is very clean, may be a little too lean for some.
• Female vocals sound fantastic and clear, quite forward and engaging, perhaps a little shouty for some.
• Male vocals on the other end is a little thin and pulled back, lacking some fullness to it.
• Note weight and density is a little thin on the lower end but average on the upper end.
• Instruments sound quite natural throughout the midrange overall.

Treble

• Treble is relaxing and laid back, lacking some sparkle.
• Lower and mid treble is generally relaxed and toned down from the upper midrange.
• Slight roll off in the upper treble section but it is not the worst, causing it the extension to be average and not very airy.
• However, there is some slight sibilance to me throughout the treble even though it is an overall smooth experience.
• Details in the treble is quite decent.

Technicalities

Resolution

• Resolution is good, not underwhelming at all but not the most resolving IEM in this price range.

Soundstage

• Soundstage is decent, both the width and depth are quite wide/deep respectively.

Imaging

• Imaging and accuracy is decent, I am able to tell where the instruments and vocals quite well from left/right but struggle a little in other directions.
• Gaming:
  • Apex Legends: Similar situation, I'm able to judge the sound of footsteps and gunfire in terms of left and right really well but not other directions like top and bottom.

Separation

• Separation and layering is good, vocals popped out more than any other instruments while each individual instruments are decently separated.

Comparison

Letshuoer X Gizaudio Galileo

• Bass: DZ4 has a better sub bass extension, causing it to sound more rumbly and deep but will somewhat covers up the mid bass at lower volumes. Galileo on the other hand has a much better mid bass texture and definition but lacks a little bit of the depth and rumble from sub bass.
• Midrange: Galileo excels in almost every aspect here for me. It is just more natural with the little bit of warmth, and less aggressive upper midrange in the Galileo is much smoother and textured to my ears.
• Treble: Both sets are quite relaxed but DZ4 excels a little bit more by having a little more air and extension.
• Technicalities: Galileo has a slight edge in terms of resolution and imaging but the DZ4 has a slightly wider and deeper soundstage.
• Overall, I would personally prefer the Galileo due to its more natural and smoother presentation.

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2598816374113975871/7171077375452243845#

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2598816374113975871/7171077375452243845#
Conclusion

• Overall, I think that this is a good set that I can recommend if you're into:
  • Unique driver configurations (3DD + 1PR in this case)
  • Neutral tonality
  • Engaging female vocals
  • Clean and natural midrange focused sets
• Definitely a good addition of a neutral set into the budget friendly category!

Thanks for reading!

Review of the Letshuoer DZ4​

In the world of portable audio, finding the perfect pair of in ears that deliver exceptional sound quality and immersive listening experiences can be a quest in itself. Letshuoer, a brand known for its dedication to some quite great products such as the S12 Pro, Galileo and EJ07M, presents the Letshuoer DZ4, an impressive in-ear monitor (IEM) boasting a unique configuration of three dynamic drivers and one passive radiator. The DZ4 aims to captivate audiophiles and casual listeners alike. In this easy to digest review with no fluff or tomfoolery, we dive into its features, sound signature, build quality, and overall performance. For the price of $89 let's see what you get!



Specifications:
Drivers: 3*6mm Titanium Dome Dynamic Driver + 6mm Passive Radiator
Crossover: Two way crossover with four way acoustic tubing
Sensitivity: 104dB/mw (1kHz)
Impedance: 12Ω±1 (1kHz)
Distortion: ≤3% (1kHz)

In this diagram we can see the three drivers neatly laid out and the passive radiator in blue, they are hooked up via use of a flat flex with what they advertise as a two way crossover, the use of flat flex greatly improves ease of manufacture and leads to an internal that is as good looking as the exterior, the passive radiator works by using excess pressure of the active drivers by resonating on it's own, creating a deeper lowend and allows the iems to work more efficiently.

Inclusions:​

In the box you will find some paperwork, a plastic tin with a screw lid; quite similar to the one that comes with the EJ07M. It is rubber lined to offer some protection and happily stores the tips, cable and IEMS. You get the as mentioned cable, IEMS and some great quality tips also.



The cable is similar to ones Letshuoer ships with most of their IEMS, it is soft, pliable and presents minimal microphonics. The feel is soft and the earhooks form nicely around your ear. It is a four core, two-hundred and sixteen strand silver plated copper cable for those curious, terminated in 3.5mn and 0.78mm at the IEM. On the IEM side it has a clear and red plastic to denominate left and right (Clear is Left, Red is Right)

Build Quality:​

The design of this IEM is undeniably striking. The combination of the aluminium faceplate and the orange mesh under a lightning bolt type pattern creates an eye-catching aesthetic that is both stylish and attention-grabbing, However the semi-open designs leads to isolation that isn't the best, it lets in almost everything below 1khz and attenuates frequencies higher than this by only about 15dB. Despite this the resin body provides a lightweight and comfortable fit, allowing for extended listening sessions without fatigue. The build quality is solid, and the materials used feel durable and should be capable of withstanding regular use and many years to come.

Sound:​

What is most obvious at first is how natural and punchy they sound, they render vocals clearly and with utmost salience, with only 104 dB/mW at 12 ohms, they are fairly easy to drive, only needing 0.35V (RMS) to drive to 114dB so you'll have plenty of headroom on anything from a phone to a laptop to a dongle. Tested on an EU Apple Dongle, Macbook Pro, iFi Nano iDSD BL and an iFi Zen Can Sig.



Bass:
The punchiness of the bass adds a more dynamic and impactful element to the overall sound, giving each note a distinct and energetic presence. With excellent extension, the bass reaches deep into the lower frequencies, creating a rich and full-bodied sound that hits you with rich, depth and power. The texture of the bass is finely detailed and articulated, allowing for the subtle nuances of each bass note to be fully appreciated. Whether it's the rumble of a kick drum or the smooth grooves of a bass guitar, the texture adds layers of complexity to the sound, resulting in a truly engaging and satisfying listening experience.

In the song "Becoming Insane" by Infected Mushroom there is a hefty rhythmic bass that kicks in at 0:26. This is presented with dominance and speed it kind of slams in your face with it's sheer power, It is as mentioned generously textured and full bodied.



Mids:
For the lower mids, instruments such as pianos have this sort of lush warmth to it, very smooth and joyful to listen to, I wish the middle mids were a little more present but they come through perfectly acceptable, The snap of snares is tight and quick and perfectly blend with the kick drum.

Upper Mids are diffuse field like, which pushes vocals forward with authority, the timbre is quite good, vocals sound, I don't know. They just sound right, I think if say 1.5k was dipped a little more they could come through a little better in the center image but otherwise they are clean and well defined.

On the song "New York Minute - Live on MTV 1994" by Eagles, the strings on the intro are presented in an almost holographic way, timbre is good and they sound full bodied and natural.



Treble:
The treble as a whole is very controlled although many will probably wish for a little more air to give these more sense of openness but otherwise it's very faithful and non fatiguing, hi-hats and the upper register of guitars, etc come through as quite natural, so not much grain or metallic layer here

Technicals:
I wouldn't say detail or resolution is much of a strong point here, It's okay but it isn't groundbreaking. They do present finer details and you can pick these out quite easily but they aren't space age and for what they are, they do everything I'd expect them to. The IEM stage isn't that wide but it's accurate and instruments are placed where I'd expect them to be. Micro and Macro Dynamics are quite good however so you can feel contrast in your music if it is present.

Conclusion:
In a market saturated with countless earphone options, the Letshuoer DZ4 emerges as a standout contender, armed with its unique configuration of three dynamic drivers and one passive radiator. Whether you're a discerning audiophile or a casual listener seeking to try something new the Letshuoer DZ4 won't disappoint you in my opinion.

TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - Letshuoer DZ4

The Letshuoer DZ4 has been sent to me directly by Letshuoer in exchange for me to try it out and share my impressions in this review. Letshuoer have not made any requests or comments and I will do my best to be as unbiased as humanly possible.

You can find the official page for the DZ4 here: https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...ngle-passive-radiator-edc-hifi-in-ear-monitor

As always, this is a non-affiliate link.

To avoid being repetetive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews



Intro…

I first heard the DZ4 back in Munich, or at least I think I did, as my current impressions are slightly different to what I remember. This could be due to the fact that I listened to a lot of stuff in Munich and have listened to a lot more since, but I just remember the set being darker when I listened to it back then.

That is not to say that the DZ4 that I have is bright, I will get to my sonic impressions soon, just that it doesn’t seem to be as dark as I remember.

The DZ4 is a set that features 3x 6mm Titanium Dome Dynamic Drivers, along with a 6mm passive radiator. The addition of a passive radiator is an interesting concept, yet it seems to be implemented in a way that is different to what I would expect for a passive radiator. While I do not proclaim to be an engineer, far from it, I have had experience with the implementation of passive radiators in speakers and subwoofers in the past. I even put one together myself for a bass cabinet some time ago, after a lot of trial and error in WinDSD.

Without getting too far into the science behind it, let me briefly mention what a passive radiator is. It is basically a speaker that does not have a voice coil or magnets etc. and does not produce any sound on its own. In other words, you don’t connect cables or an amplifier to it as it is sort of a dummy speaker. This is used, at least in my experience and understanding, instead of a port in a speaker (the hole that lets air in an out) and allows more response in the bass ranges in comparison to a simple sealed cabinet design, although with a steeper roll off. There are obviously a lot more scientific things going on behind this simple explanation but I wanted to just share the basics.

Why am I saying this? Well, in the case of the DZ4, the passive radiator is not actually in a sealed enclosure (the IEMs are semi open), meaning that the way it is implemented is different to what I have learned about the implementation and functionality of this set up. While I can’t say exactly what the passive radiator is responsible for in the case of the DZ4, it would need to be compared to the same IEMs without the radiator, I will say that there doesn’t seem to be an extra boost in the bass and the roll off is not really steeper, in fact, if anything, it is less than on a lot of other dynamic driver sets.

Anyway, enough rambling on about what should and shouldn’t happen, let’s get on with reality and what my experiences have been with the DZ4.



Presentation…

The packaging and contents of the DZ4 are very respectable for a set of IEMs that cost around 80€. The external packaging is a simple white but elegant box, covered by a white sleeve that has some modern looking designs on it and basic info about the set.

Opening the box we find some paperwork under which the IEMs are sitting in their respective foam cutouts at the top, with a large round storage case below. I say storage case because it is rather large to carry in a pocket (although you can obviously transport the IEMs in it). The case is made of a plastic with a satin finish to it, which feels quite nice. The top screws off which is a nice touch but also takes many turns to open, which is not really a complaint but does mean it takes a little longer to open.

Inside the case we receive the cable, which is a very nice cable at that, along with a circular disc that holds 5 sets of tips, plus the ones installed on the IEMs themselves. The tips are labelled as “Vocal” and “Balanced”, 3 sizes of each. Personally I found I preferred the “Balanced”, as the “Vocals” tend to give a little extra harshness to the upper mids, something I find works against the sound presentation that the DZ4 are going for.



Build and Aesthetics…

The IEMs use a shell that looks like plastic, although it is shown by Letshuoer as being anodized aluminum. The shells are a creamy colour with a bit of a pink hue to them, with a metal face plate which has an aluminum finish to it, also with a hint of pink (matching the hardware of the cable). The face plate features a Z shape cutout with a red grille behind it and I have to say that I am a fan of the aesthetics. They look original and are not too “loud” about being different.

The nozzles are rather large but not large enough to cause any issues, at least for me, and in general I find the IEMs to be nice and comfortable. I spent some long sessions with these IEMs and found no issues with comfort at all but, as always, everyones ears are different.

The cable is reminiscent of the cable I received with the S12, although a little thinner and less bulky, something that I prefer. The IEMs use a normal 2 pin connection and in this case, the cable is terminated in a 3.5mm unbalanced connector. While some will miss the balanced option (which is easy to swap to), I have actually found that, when testing with a balanced cable, I didn’t really find the results to be an improvement over the unbalanced. In fact, as with the “Vocal” tips, the small change moving to balanced I think, again, works against the vibe of these IEMs.

In general they are well built, look good and are comfortable IEMs (all to me personally of course).



Sound…

All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)

Let me start off by saying that these IEMs have a vibe to them that I like but in certain contexts.

I have said many times that a lot of the music I listen to is simple vocal centric music with simple acoustic instruments and I find that the DZ4 give a special flavour to this. These are not the most detailed of IEMs, I don’t find myself focusing on string attack of guitars nor on minute details happening in the percussion section. I find them more relaxed, smooth, with a habit of making simple things sound a little fuller and more “rounded”. They sort of have a warm sound to them when reproducing simple stringed instruments but without the additional presence of bass.

Let’s take a look at the graph in comparison to my usual preference target as a reference:



You can easily see that they are close to my target and that is something that obviously puts them off to a good start for me personally. However, while I have no disagreement with the tuning, nor do I doubt it is very close to my preference target, I do find that the presentation is very different to the usual more clean and neutral response that the majority of IEMs tuned in this way present.

It is difficult to explain with words but to use a reference that I have used sometimes in the past, it is a similar presentation to a set of Sony speakers that I have had for many years. They (the speakers) are not the most detailed nor impressive of presentations, yet they have a relaxed way of making things seem warm and smooth (again, without additional bass presence). It is similar in some ways to that extra vibrance that a tube amplifier adds, where the frequency response may remain the same but the sensation is of more body.

This is something, as I just said, that I find works very well for my usual preference in music. Adding flavour and intimacy but without losing soundstage or presence. In this regard I have enjoyed the DZ4 very much.

However, moving over to my usual detailed listening session and focusing on my list of test tracks (available here, as always), these things that are beneficial to certain music I find to be detrimental to others. They can actually make the lower end sound thin and almost as if phase cancellation is occurring. So, to keep things consistent with all my reviews, here is what I experience when putting them through my usual tests.

Subbass is not rolled off but I would say that, for those looking for a bass head presence, these are not going to fit the bill. While I don’t find the subbass to be too weak for my tastes, in fact it is over my reference on the graph, the DZ4 does not give a sensation of a huge presence in the lowest of notes. “Chameleon”, as my usual reference, is not a track that I find to be impressive on the DZ4. There is rumble but it is not the cleanest and I get the sensation of more presence due to that than due to the amount of subbass per se. I would much prefer more presence but cleaner (or the same presence but cleaner).

Midbass is something that goes the same way. As far as the quantity, I find the DZ4 to be leaner than I would have guessed looking at the graph. Again there is some body to the bass on simpler tracks, with that almost pseudo-harmonic sensation, but with “Crazy” as an example, I find the lower end of the guitar to be a little boomy but lacking in presence at the same time. This is a sensation that I have not come across before in IEMs.

Moving to something more electronic, like “No Sanctuary Here”, again I find the bass to seem to lack presence yet still be a little out of control. It is not terrible, by no means would I say that the bass is loose and boomy, but I get a similar sensation to “Crazy”, where the bass seems to fill out but not present itself in a way that impresses those looking for a great bass hit.

The mid range is something that works much better for vocals and acoustic instruments than it does for electronically produced music. With something like “Sun Is Shining”, there is again this pseudo-harmonic response that makes things seem a little unclear and thin, whereas a track like “Happens To The Heart” the vocals get a lovely smooth body to them, the same with vocals by Dominique Fils-Aimé in “Strange Fruit”.

The upper mids depend on the tips used and here is where I found the “Vocal” tips worked to bring vocals forward and provide them with a little more clarity, for example “Whole Lotta Love”, whereas the “Balanced” tips sort of merge the vocals into the lows and mids on that track. While I would say that bringing vocals a step forwards may be beneficial, as I said before, it seems to work against the overall presentation of the DZ4. I find that when vocals are brought forwards, it makes them stand out against that smooth bodied signature, making them seem harsher than they actually are.

As we get into the upper ranges, the treble is quite tame and again smooth but with a slightly “off” sounding timbre. There is no sibilance, both “Code Cool” and “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” are tamed in this regard, yet I do find that the upper ranges of pianos can come across a little unnatural. This is mainly because, in my opinion of course, the upper ranges don’t seem to have that same pseudo-harmonic sensation that the lower ranges do. This means that when instruments that extend well into the higher ranges, such as the piano, have a tonality that is slightly different to the tonality of the same instrument in the lower ranges. I don’t think that this is because the treble is actually wrong in it’s tonality, just that it is different (possibly more natural even) than the lower ranges, creating the sensation that something is not quite right.

Soundstage is decent. I wouldn’t say it is huge but it is above average for a set of IEMs. However, that extra body makes things sound fuller and as though there is more space around you, which, again, works very well for acoustic instruments and vocals. Detail and image placement is not great but I don’t feel that it is due to it lacking, more that it is smoothed over giving a general presentation rather than individual image placements for the smaller details.



Conclusion…

The DZ4 are a set of IEMs that I have enjoyed immensely for my day to day listening, where I found myself enjoying album after album of acoustic music from many artists. That feeling that there is a bit of tube flavour (sorry but I can’t think of a better description at this moment) going on in the lower and mid ranges is something that I find enjoyable for relaxing and enjoying the music. However, when moving over to specific more detailed listening tests with other genres, I didn’t feel that they were quite as enjoyable.

To be honest, I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing at all. They may not be an all-round detail focused IEM but there are plenty of those already on the market, it is nice to see a different approach to the presentation of music.

I honestly think that if you are someone who mainly listens to vocal centric and acoustic stringed instruments, then the DZ4 are something that you are really going to enjoy. If your tastes lay in other genres and/or you are focused on detail retrieval, then maybe look elsewhere.

By no means is this a negative review, in fact, if I were to review these as a consumer with my tastes, I would say these are excellent. However, reviewing them from the viewpoint of a reviewer, there are things that are to be taken into consideration.

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As always, this review is also available in Spanish, both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)

All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link

<small>All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation