Letshuoer S12 (2024 Anniversary Edition)
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The LETSHUOER S12 Pro stands as one of the brand's most prominent earphones to date. It is an economical, comfortable, and high-quality planar magnetic earphone that offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio, contributing to its significant success.
To celebrate their 8th anniversary, LETSHUOER has introduced a special limited edition of the S12 Pro, known as the S12 2024 anniversary edition. This version features an enhanced design and a subtly modified tuning compared to the original model.
Non Audio stuff
The LETSHUOER S12 2024 edition features an expansive 14.8mm planar magnetic driver, which is encased in a newly crafted titanium alloy chamber, complemented by a precision CNC milled shell.
While the exterior design has not changed, the 2024 edition presents a more premium and luxurious appearance compared to the S12 Pro, attributed to the classic pairing of gold and black finishes. Furthermore, each earphone is adorned with a distinct laser-etched serial number, emphasizing the individuality of the product.
Ergonomics and build quality
The S12 Pro was renowned for its exceptional comfort, attributed to its lightweight design, compact size, and ergonomically crafted ear-shells. The S12 2024 enhances this comfort further, being lighter and more skin-friendly than its predecessor. It fits snugly and provides excellent sound isolation without any discomfort, even after prolonged use. The S12 2024 is the type of earphone that allows users to immerse themselves in their favorite music without being aware of its presence.
The LETSHUOER S12 2024 is meticulously constructed, utilizing high-quality materials and outstanding craftsmanship. Its aesthetic appeal and build quality exceed what one might anticipate from a $200 earphone, showcasing LETSHUOER's remarkable ability to surpass expectations.
Cable and accessories
LETSHUOER has outfitted the S12 2024 with a premium 2-pin detachable cable featuring interchangeable plugs. This cable is constructed from 392 strands of silver-plated monocrystalline copper, presented in a braided format. It is crafted with high quality, exhibiting minimal microphonic noise; however, it tends to be somewhat rigid, prone to tangling, and heavier than typical cables. All aluminum components are gold-plated to complement the design of the ear shells, and the package includes hot-swappable plugs in 2.5mm, 4.4mm, and 3.5mm sizes.
The package comprises two distinct varieties of silicone ear-tips, available in three sizes each (balanced and vocal), along with three sizes of memory foam ear-tips. Additionally, it features a plastic carrying case with a screw top and two unique accessories: a metal commemorative keychain and a glossy anniversary card.
Power needs
The impedance and sensitivity specifications have not changed, remaining at 16Ω and 102dB, respectively. Consequently, the S12 2024 is equally easy to drive as the S12 Pro. It is essential that the source can deliver sufficient current without distortion when handling 16Ω loads, and it should operate quietly, as the earphone is particularly sensitive to ambient noise. While the LETSHUOER DT03 serves as a suitable entry-level option, superior performance can be achieved with higher-quality sources such as the FiiO M23 and the iBasso DX180.
Audio stuff
The LETSHUOER S12 2024 features a well-balanced tuning characterized by substantial sub-bass extension, natural bass response, a prominent mid-range, and a treble that is both well-extended and smooth. This tuning is versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of musical genres, from classical compositions to contemporary tracks, without significant compromises. It serves as a true all-rounder earphone, appealing to a broad audience, provided that users do not have extreme preferences in tuning. The overall tonal balance closely resembles that of the S12 Pro, with the primary distinction being the smoother treble, which reduces sharpness and brightness.
The bass performance is not only tonally accurate, exhibiting minimal mid-bass coloration, but it also demonstrates technical proficiency with remarkable definition and layering for its category. While the planar bass may lack some weight and can sound slightly lean, it is exceptionally tight and controlled, free from any noticeable hollowness or bloat. It delivers fast and precise sound with good physical impact and ample dynamic contrast, making it suitable for both critical and casual listening experiences.
The mid-range is well-balanced, featuring less intensity in the upper mid-range compared to the S12 Pro, resulting in a vivid, clean, and articulate sound that avoids sharp or fatiguing qualities. Although the textures may be slightly dry and not as lush or weighty, the S12 2024 offers considerable musicality and deep engagement, maintaining tonal accuracy and realism with a rich array of harmonies.
The treble in the S12 2024 is less emphasized compared to the S12 Pro; however, it remains vibrant and energetic without veering into excessive brightness or harshness. The timbre has seen significant enhancement over its predecessor, presenting a more natural quality with minimal artificiality. Nonetheless, there is a hint of the characteristic "planar" timbre, which can render high-pitched instruments and vocals somewhat peculiar and artificial, though this does not compromise their pitch or tonal accuracy.
The S12 2024 exhibits greater resolution and refinement than its earlier version, positioning it among the top contenders in its class. The sound is clear and well-articulated across the entire frequency spectrum, with detail retrieval approaching class-leading standards, all while maintaining a melodic quality devoid of any clinical coldness.
This earphone offers an open sound profile with considerable horizontal expansion. While it may not excel in depth layering or holographic imaging, it still delivers a spacious and grand auditory experience with excellent imaging capabilities. It is adept at managing complex tracks and effectively conveying the ambiance of live recordings.
Family affairs
The S12 2024 not only surpasses the S12 Pro in aesthetics but also offers enhanced tuning, resulting in improved sonic coherence and overall performance. Users who have expressed dissatisfaction with the "planar" timbre and the pronounced brightness of the S12 Pro should consider upgrading to the S12 2024, as it effectively addresses these concerns.
The LETSHUOER S15, priced at $329, represents the next evolution in the brand's planar magnetic earphone lineup, featuring an upgraded driver design with dual chambers. However, the S15 is less visually appealing and bulkier compared to the S12 2024, which may affect comfort and aesthetic preference.
Opt for the S15 if you desire a more substantial, impactful low-end that delivers a slightly colored sound signature, excelling in technical performance and punchiness compared to the S12 2024, albeit with a less neutral tuning. The S15 also emphasizes the upper mid-range, making it suitable for those who prefer this tuning; however, it is notably subdued in the treble, resulting in a darker, warmer, and less energetic sound profile than the S12 2024. In contrast, the S12 2024 offers a cleaner, brighter, and more transparent sound, while the pricier S15 resolves the "planar" timbre issues and provides a more refined and detailed listening experience than its smaller counterpart.
Conclusion
The LETSHUOER S12 2024 edition was produced in a limited quantity of 2024 units. While the exact number remaining in the market is uncertain, if you come across one, it is advisable to acquire it promptly. This recommendation is based not only on its status as a collector's item but also on its exceptional sound quality.
The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. The price of the LETSHUOER S12 2024 edition is $199.
Disclaimer: For various Google indexing reasons, parts of this review have been processed with an automatic paragraph rewriting tool. However it reads exactly the same as the original content that is available in my website.
To celebrate their 8th anniversary, LETSHUOER has introduced a special limited edition of the S12 Pro, known as the S12 2024 anniversary edition. This version features an enhanced design and a subtly modified tuning compared to the original model.
Non Audio stuff
The LETSHUOER S12 2024 edition features an expansive 14.8mm planar magnetic driver, which is encased in a newly crafted titanium alloy chamber, complemented by a precision CNC milled shell.
While the exterior design has not changed, the 2024 edition presents a more premium and luxurious appearance compared to the S12 Pro, attributed to the classic pairing of gold and black finishes. Furthermore, each earphone is adorned with a distinct laser-etched serial number, emphasizing the individuality of the product.
Ergonomics and build quality
The S12 Pro was renowned for its exceptional comfort, attributed to its lightweight design, compact size, and ergonomically crafted ear-shells. The S12 2024 enhances this comfort further, being lighter and more skin-friendly than its predecessor. It fits snugly and provides excellent sound isolation without any discomfort, even after prolonged use. The S12 2024 is the type of earphone that allows users to immerse themselves in their favorite music without being aware of its presence.
The LETSHUOER S12 2024 is meticulously constructed, utilizing high-quality materials and outstanding craftsmanship. Its aesthetic appeal and build quality exceed what one might anticipate from a $200 earphone, showcasing LETSHUOER's remarkable ability to surpass expectations.
Cable and accessories
LETSHUOER has outfitted the S12 2024 with a premium 2-pin detachable cable featuring interchangeable plugs. This cable is constructed from 392 strands of silver-plated monocrystalline copper, presented in a braided format. It is crafted with high quality, exhibiting minimal microphonic noise; however, it tends to be somewhat rigid, prone to tangling, and heavier than typical cables. All aluminum components are gold-plated to complement the design of the ear shells, and the package includes hot-swappable plugs in 2.5mm, 4.4mm, and 3.5mm sizes.
The package comprises two distinct varieties of silicone ear-tips, available in three sizes each (balanced and vocal), along with three sizes of memory foam ear-tips. Additionally, it features a plastic carrying case with a screw top and two unique accessories: a metal commemorative keychain and a glossy anniversary card.
Power needs
The impedance and sensitivity specifications have not changed, remaining at 16Ω and 102dB, respectively. Consequently, the S12 2024 is equally easy to drive as the S12 Pro. It is essential that the source can deliver sufficient current without distortion when handling 16Ω loads, and it should operate quietly, as the earphone is particularly sensitive to ambient noise. While the LETSHUOER DT03 serves as a suitable entry-level option, superior performance can be achieved with higher-quality sources such as the FiiO M23 and the iBasso DX180.
Audio stuff
The LETSHUOER S12 2024 features a well-balanced tuning characterized by substantial sub-bass extension, natural bass response, a prominent mid-range, and a treble that is both well-extended and smooth. This tuning is versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of musical genres, from classical compositions to contemporary tracks, without significant compromises. It serves as a true all-rounder earphone, appealing to a broad audience, provided that users do not have extreme preferences in tuning. The overall tonal balance closely resembles that of the S12 Pro, with the primary distinction being the smoother treble, which reduces sharpness and brightness.
The bass performance is not only tonally accurate, exhibiting minimal mid-bass coloration, but it also demonstrates technical proficiency with remarkable definition and layering for its category. While the planar bass may lack some weight and can sound slightly lean, it is exceptionally tight and controlled, free from any noticeable hollowness or bloat. It delivers fast and precise sound with good physical impact and ample dynamic contrast, making it suitable for both critical and casual listening experiences.
The mid-range is well-balanced, featuring less intensity in the upper mid-range compared to the S12 Pro, resulting in a vivid, clean, and articulate sound that avoids sharp or fatiguing qualities. Although the textures may be slightly dry and not as lush or weighty, the S12 2024 offers considerable musicality and deep engagement, maintaining tonal accuracy and realism with a rich array of harmonies.
The treble in the S12 2024 is less emphasized compared to the S12 Pro; however, it remains vibrant and energetic without veering into excessive brightness or harshness. The timbre has seen significant enhancement over its predecessor, presenting a more natural quality with minimal artificiality. Nonetheless, there is a hint of the characteristic "planar" timbre, which can render high-pitched instruments and vocals somewhat peculiar and artificial, though this does not compromise their pitch or tonal accuracy.
The S12 2024 exhibits greater resolution and refinement than its earlier version, positioning it among the top contenders in its class. The sound is clear and well-articulated across the entire frequency spectrum, with detail retrieval approaching class-leading standards, all while maintaining a melodic quality devoid of any clinical coldness.
This earphone offers an open sound profile with considerable horizontal expansion. While it may not excel in depth layering or holographic imaging, it still delivers a spacious and grand auditory experience with excellent imaging capabilities. It is adept at managing complex tracks and effectively conveying the ambiance of live recordings.
Family affairs
The S12 2024 not only surpasses the S12 Pro in aesthetics but also offers enhanced tuning, resulting in improved sonic coherence and overall performance. Users who have expressed dissatisfaction with the "planar" timbre and the pronounced brightness of the S12 Pro should consider upgrading to the S12 2024, as it effectively addresses these concerns.
The LETSHUOER S15, priced at $329, represents the next evolution in the brand's planar magnetic earphone lineup, featuring an upgraded driver design with dual chambers. However, the S15 is less visually appealing and bulkier compared to the S12 2024, which may affect comfort and aesthetic preference.
Opt for the S15 if you desire a more substantial, impactful low-end that delivers a slightly colored sound signature, excelling in technical performance and punchiness compared to the S12 2024, albeit with a less neutral tuning. The S15 also emphasizes the upper mid-range, making it suitable for those who prefer this tuning; however, it is notably subdued in the treble, resulting in a darker, warmer, and less energetic sound profile than the S12 2024. In contrast, the S12 2024 offers a cleaner, brighter, and more transparent sound, while the pricier S15 resolves the "planar" timbre issues and provides a more refined and detailed listening experience than its smaller counterpart.
Conclusion
The LETSHUOER S12 2024 edition was produced in a limited quantity of 2024 units. While the exact number remaining in the market is uncertain, if you come across one, it is advisable to acquire it promptly. This recommendation is based not only on its status as a collector's item but also on its exceptional sound quality.
The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. The price of the LETSHUOER S12 2024 edition is $199.
Disclaimer: For various Google indexing reasons, parts of this review have been processed with an automatic paragraph rewriting tool. However it reads exactly the same as the original content that is available in my website.
I got these headphones from a friend and any positive or negative review doesn't benefit me in any way or form. All thoughts and opinions are mine and honest to my findings.
First Impression of the Brand Letshuoer
The first Letshouer I tried was in an Audio-Meet-Up, and it was S12. It was a planar IEM, and I was not quite impressed by that IEM. It was shouty and had very problematic timbre issues. The first listen left a very bad taste in my mouth for this brand and since then I never opted for any IEM produced by them. After the success of S15, I was intrigued again to try them, so I signed up for the review of S12 2024 Edition. And I can tell you at the start that this IEM is unlike the S12 Original version.
Design and Package
It comes in a pretty good box and all, 10/10 on presentation. The IEM looks flashy and has a premium feeling to it, but we are not here to talk about the package. This IEM houses a 14.8mm planar driver and it fits better than any average-sized IEM, quite comfortable for long listening sessions. The wire comes with changeable termination so it’s a huge advantage at this price point, although IDK who use 3.5mm in 2024. I would’ve liked a well-built case instead of this plasticky one.
Sound Quality: Subjective
Now if we come to its sound quality, the first time when I listened to this IEM, it was hard for me to believe that it was a planar IEM. Planar generally always has a distinctive quality to me. They sound different than other driver types and I like the presentation, unlike BA configurations. They sound highly detailed, the sound comes in a tall scope, the bass sounds nice and the overall projection on planar IEMs sounds tall to me. On the other hand, it produces a bit of issues, the treble never impressed me in a Planar IEM and at the same time timbre sounded very lifeless.
The time I played the first song in this IEM, it felt like a dynamic driver. The bass is there, the sound comes tall, projection is big, but the treble didn’t bother me. It is not perfect by any means, but it sounded a lot better than all the other planar IEMs I heard in my past.
The thing is that it comes at a very affordable price, and I hardly notice any flaws that cannot justify the price tag. Now if I start saying everything is good, there is no point in reviewing this IEM so, I am skipping the jargon and cutting straight to the conclusion.
This IEM is extremely natural sounding. The bass is elevated quite a lot. The sub-bass and mid-bass cohesion is there, and nothing feels short in front of others. Although the bass is not very room feeling it feels like a centre blob. The transition to lower mids is very natural too. It offers slight warmth to the lower mids and remains neutral for the most part. The low end does affect the midrange in a good way. The upper mids do sound a bit pushed back in the mix. But the odd part is, the ornamentation of the vocals is very vivid, yet the body of the vocals is a bit distant. Feels airy and sparkly enough. The treble region on this IEM is a bit interesting. On one hand, this IEM sounds upfront, and, in some regions, it sounds way too dark. In the lower treble region, this IEM produces an extended sense of elevation and on the upper treble, it feels safer than usual. I am used to the treble the other way around. But it seems that this IEM adopted the new tuning methodology that is getting popular nowadays.
So, as you can see, this IEM is a very different sound planar I have heard in the past. It feels natural and organic to the most extent, and I am quite happy with it for the most part.
Soundstage
The soundstage is more in-depth than in width. Creating a yolk-shaped stage. The sound seems tall, and it has a bit of an interesting presentation where the vocalist sounds a bit distant but the instruments sound closed in.
Imaging
The imaging on this IEM is not very accurate. The presentation of the tall stage is not very good either. Not that it matters to me, but I know a lot of people who like imaging. Pinpointing instruments and cues are a bit hard, although it doesn’t sound 2D because of the increased depth and vocal positioning.
Dynamics
Dynamics are not mind-blowing, but they justify the price tag.
Timbre
As I already mentioned the Timbre on this IEM is close to natural. The drums sound almost natural but a bit blunted, violin sounded a bit muffled too. The acoustic guitar sounded good, piano sounded average. The saxophone and trumpet sounded very good.
Sound Quality: Objective
The sub-bass of the IEM includes an almost 8dB of bass boost and you can feel the elevation in the sound in terms of the heft and weight. The sub-bass just feels very coherent with the mid-bass. The natural flow of the low-end is there and it doesn’t overuse or underuse this area. The bass on this IEM completes this IEM in a way that is very hard to nail. The ornamentation of the low-end is equally great, texture & details are there, never felt it was lacking any sort of exaggerated sense of decoration.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The bass was not pushing enough air to give the low-end a physical feel which is what I think because of the planar driver. In addition to that the treble tuning didn’t make the bass a super fulfilling experience in overall tonality.
The FRA Graph flushes flat in the midrange while giving a bit of definition in the lower-mids. The tuning in the lower-mids is not something that I can discuss on. It is not bad not extremely good, justifying its price.
The upper-mids are interesting. It rises from 800hz-1kHz instead of 1.5kHz, which I like, gives an extra bit of definition to the vocals. But the problem starts after 2khz. Since it obtains a different pinna-compensation than the norm, which I like but in this IEM it didn’t work. The extension felt a bit missing. The 10kHz dip also made a significant difference in the tonality of the upper midrange.
The 5-8kHz though saves a bit of the issue, which helps the upper mids to add to the ornamentation of the frequency spectrum. But the FR again falls off in the 9-16kHz range.
The 10kHz range dip is important to add depth to the music, since HRTF suggests that, but the refinement should be there which I think there was since this range felt very dark. This might save a lot of music, but it doesn’t sound refined.
All that being said, this IEM costs just $200. All the things I mentioned are said without taking the $200 into consideration due to my transparency towards an unbiased form of subjective analysis. Fortunately, this IEM excels in the value proposition.
Conclusion
I have my full recommendation for this IEM. Considering its price it’s a total banger. Just know that this IEM is not very typical of the planar-tonality IEM. It is very safe and sounds coherent. Looks like Letshouer improved to the moon with their latest iteration of the S12 variant.
Disclaimer:
I never expected to see a new version of the S12, but the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition is now official. Against all expectations, we are now on the third version of the S12, this time a special limited edition anniversary version. Thank you, Letshuoer, for sending me a sample unit to test and review.However, the review will still be 100% honest and in no way biased.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
Tech Specs:
The technical specifications of the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition are almost identical to those of the S12 Pro. I’m not sure if there are any differences in terms of components or if the 14.8mm driver has undergone a revision or update.- Sensitivity: 102 db
- Impedance 16Ω
- Connector 0.78 dual pin
- Jack 2.5mm / 3.5mm / 4.4mm swappable
- Chassis material: titanium alloy
- Driver Planar Magnetic 14.8mm
- Frequency response: 20-40kHz
- Cable 392-strand mono crystalline copper
Packaging:
The Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition packaging looks very premium and neat. The gold-colored box matches the color of the IEMs inside. The box has almost every necessary accessory.
- Improved modular cable with 3 adapters 2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm adapter
- 3 sets of 6 tips each: 1 memory foam, 1 standard, and 1 transparent eartip.
- Round rigid carrying case
- Anniversary gold keychain + commemorative card
- Manuals, warranty, and quality control
Compared to usual, the packaging is very neat and particular; there are some nice accessories like the keychain but what matters most is the modular cable, which has much better quality than the S12 Pro. Finally, the cable is softer and more flexible. The Eartips are always many and of quality.
Design/Build quality:
NozzleIn reality, in terms of Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition design, there are no major changes. The shell mold is exactly the same but the materials are slightly different. The aluminum gives way to a gold-colored titanium alloy on the outside and a black interior that at first glance looks like resin. Fingerprints reign supreme on this type of color and surface. The main differences are in the filters and ventilation holes. As you can see, the ventilation hole near the connector has changed shape, as have the meshes and filters. The nozzle seems to be slightly larger but what is definitely different is the filter. The filter has a much tighter mesh than the one seen on the S12 Pro. I recommend that you take a look at the S12 Pro review to better understand the differences present in this new model variant. For the rest, it is not possible to notice other differences by eye. Inside we have the usual 14.8mm planar driver that does not seem to have undergone an upgrade but the sound has had notable improvements.
Tip Rolling:
The included tips are many and all of good quality. I’m sure you’ll be able to find the ones that are right for you among those included but as I repeat every time, if you already have some tips at home, doing some tests costs you nothing. I personally tried the EPZ M100 in the S version and they are fine but the Divinus Velvet has more stability and excellent performance.
Letshuoer S12 2024 ED 360° Reel
Comfort/Fit:
In terms of comfort, we are at similar levels but slightly better than the S12 Pro. The cable is slightly more flexible, therefore more comfortable. The shell being of decidedly compact dimensions compared to planar IEMs such as the Hidizs MP143 or MP145 is never annoying and even if you have small ears, you should not find problems. If you’re curious to see how they fit, you can check out my review of the S12 Pro.
Initial sound impression:
Even though I didn’t expect any differences, I have to admit that I clearly remember the S12 Pro as brighter and less bass-rich. A sound that I would define as less in line with the current trend. The Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition has adapted to the market in a more than excellent way. Without a shadow of a doubt, they are the first real alternative to the Hidizs MP145. Although the visible changes are only in terms of materials, mesh, and filters, the result is much better than the S12 Pro. LETSHUOER has finally managed to obtain an excellent balance. The bass finally has body and presence, with a nice accentuation of the sub-bass that gives body, dimensionality, and warmth. As for the treble, they have maintained the typical extension that they have accustomed us to but without exaggerating, they stopped just before exaggerating, obtaining a crazy amount of details rich in well-ordered sparks. The mids have remained almost similar but I seem to be able to hear more clearly.
Equipment used for testing above:
Device:- OSX
- Poco M4 Pro
- Amazon Music UHD 24bit 96kHz
Final sound impression:
I took a good week to get to the final impressions of the LETSHUOER S12 2024 ED. Finally, the tuning is more balanced and all the frequencies are able to give their best. Every song I listen to involves you and, above all, the bass part. Even if they are perhaps slightly slower than the S12 Pro, I find them truly fantastic. They move a notable amount of air, contributing a lot to the sensation of depth. The sound is less analytical than what we are used to with the LETSHUOER but still much more balanced than the S08, which is more limited. The harmony they managed to obtain creates a mix worthy of the first Hidizs MP145 model, perhaps even slightly superior in terms of resolution and transparency. The soundstage remains less expanded than the Hidizs MP145.
Bass
Finally, Letshuoer has decided to show off the potential of its drivers, not even on the S15, had it managed to develop the low frequencies at this level. Now the emphasis on the bass is sometimes even beyond expectations but fortunately there are no bleedings, and the tone/timbre is not unnatural but quite close to what a DD could produce. The sense of depth given by the extension of the subbass adds a very good amount of rumble. Finally, I feel satisfied; I think the level is almost similar to the S15.Mids
The mids do not seem recessed at all. The voices and musical instruments are very balanced compared to the other frequencies; I have no difficulty distinguishing the smallest nuances of the voices or musical instruments that maintain a truly remarkable composure. A representation rich in details in which even the breaths of the voices seem to be tactile.Treble
Finally, the treble peak is contained. In the previous S12 Pro, listening for long periods at high volumes was really tiring. With S15 they had already taken the right path by significantly reducing the problem; on S08 perhaps they exaggerated in the reduction (but there are those who like them like that) but in the S12 2024 ED the quantity is perfect and allows you to turn up the volume with confidence; indeed, you risk turning up the volume more than you want because you let yourself be carried away by the sound. The presence of air and sparks is guaranteed; macro and micro details come out easily without needing to concentrate too much. An easy-to-understand sound not too analytical that guarantees you hours and hours of pure enjoyment with your favorite playlists.Soundstage and Imaging
In terms of soundstage, we are below that of the Hidizs MP145, which, thanks to the rear ventilation, expands the perception of the stage a lot. But as for the rest, we are truly at the top. The image is clear, the layering precise. I think Letshuoer has reached the maximum obtainable from an S12 and their 14.8mm planar driver. I think the only way to get a superior result is an update of the driver and maybe a new shell, maybe always using metal alloys.Comparison:
Vs. Hidizs MP145
For my tastes, they are my reference point for planar IEMs. Every time I wear them, they never disappoint. Hidizs hit the jackpot with the first version; after that, maybe they underwent small changes that changed the final result. Maybe the new version does not compete with the current S12 2024 ED. I think the MP145 is more V-shaped to the ear and the mids are slightly more recessed than the S12 2024 ED. But in terms of overall performance, we are very close. Two sets with an absurd quality/price ratio.
Vs. Letshuoer S15
The only problem with the S15, in my opinion, was the much higher price compared to the competition but also the previous Letshuoer planar models. Currently the price has undergone a slight cut and is more in line with its performance. The tuning is less commercial and perhaps in terms of definition we are slightly superior to the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition but at the moment I personally prefer the sound signature of the latter. Even aesthetically, I do not deny my preference for the metal and gold-colored shell.
Vs. Letshuoer S08
The S08 is a budget entry-level planar and as such, it absolutely does not compete with the planar drivers found above 99 USD. If your budget is limited, at least try to get to the Hidizs MP143 because it is definitely more refined. Performance and dynamics are a bit subdued; comfort and fit are not the best, despite the shell being similar to the Moondrop ones.
Conclusion:
Letshuoer could easily have developed a new shell but they wanted to reuse an already tested model. I can’t tell you how many changes there are under the shell but the result is clearly audible and considerably surprising. Personally, I prefer the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition to the S15 for several reasons. My playlists listened to with these in my ears sound excellent. I listen mostly to modern genres and I must say that I literally come quickly for hours of listening and although theoretically after an hour I usually have the feeling that the bass has attenuated here, I continue to feel it in an energetic and clear way. The mids lack a bit of that typical tone that you have on dynamic drivers but I must say that the planar in these IEMs is very well balanced. Too bad for the limited edition because I’m sure they will be successful among us enthusiasts. Someone will fight to have a pair.
Where to buy and more information?
Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition 14.8mm Planar Magnetic Driver in Ear Monitor Earphone HiFi IEM Wired Earbuds Planar Headphones with Detachable 2pin Silver Plated Cable for Musicians Audiophiles Studio
LetShuoer S12 2024 Edition Review
Introduction
LetShuoer S12 2024 Edition. The name might be a little unwieldy, so for convenience, I’ll be calling it the S12 2024. Welcome to the SuperChonk Show.2024 marks LetShuoer’s 8th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by updating their most popular model to date, the S12. Early planar IEMs often struggled with peaky treble that could be overwhelming for some listeners, but with the S12 2024, this issue has largely been resolved.
Unboxing
For a Chi-Fi brand, LetShuoer pulled out more stops than usual. The S12 2024 comes in a large rose gold box with a prominent motif of the number 8 embossed on it. It’s quite different from other Chi-Fi brands that often do next to nothing in terms of presentation. The box really makes the S12 2024 feel a bit more special.
Naturally, the Hi-Res Audio logo is featured on the side for that extra performance boost, and the back of the box lists some specifications of the IEM. Upon opening, the inner box is quite exquisite, with the LetShuoer logo serving as a pattern.
Lifting the top half of the box reveals a very special 8th Year Anniversary commemorative plaque. I’d say it’s more like a fidget toy because it spins quite nicely. It’s very therapeutic for me and annoying for my coworkers.
Right below that, you have the accessory package, which includes 3 different types of eartips: a set for vocals, balance, and some foamies. An 8th-year anniversary card is also included, which is a nice touch.
Next, you have the earphones themselves, which we’ll discuss in a bit. After that, there’s the plastic hockey puck case that LetShuoer provides for storing the IEMs. Inside the hockey puck case, you’ll find the provided cable as well as 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm interchangeable plugs.
Finally, the last box contains a leather keyholder for you to hook your keys on—probably where you should attach the commemorative plaque. I like that it’s made from leather, and judging by the smell, it seems like real leather.
Build Quality
The S12 2024 is made from titanium, finished in a rose gold and black aesthetic. It retains the same S12 shape that we’re all quite familiar with by now. It’s been a while since someone used rose gold, and the execution here is beautiful. I appreciate that it’s paired with a black finish, as making the whole thing rose gold could be a bit too much.
The handfeel of the S12 2024 is a step up from the older S12 Pro, which felt a bit too light and rounded. The titanium build adds some needed heft, giving it a more premium feel.
Inside, the S12 2024 houses a 14.8mm planar driver that is now more refined, toning down the slightly metallic timbre from before while preserving all that planar goodness. The cable is made from 392 strands of silver-plated monocrystalline copper and terminates with a friction-based interchangeable plug system. You can choose between the standard 3.5mm, the less popular 2.5mm balanced, or the better 4.4mm balanced option. It’s a rather easy-to-handle cable that isn’t prone to tangling.
Sound
Bass
Bass is rendered in a typical planar manner—quite linear, with an emphasis on sub-bass over mid-bass. This helps create a very pristine midrange, as there’s no bleed into those frequencies. The resolution in the bass region is excellent. Not only that, it’s also very clean-sounding, adding to the great sense of realism. Transience is fast but not so fast that the bass loses body. I think they did a great job here.
Midrange
My favorite aspect of the S12 2024 is how it renders vocals. It manages to balance male and female vocals very well, both sounding full, clear, and lively. There’s very good separation from the bass frequencies. Resolution here is also fantastic. Thanks to the good levels of separation, you can hear more of the instruments and the little nuances that exist. Instruments are gorgeously rendered as well, with true-to-life tonality. Tonal weight sits in the middle between natural and warm, making it an enchanting listen.
Treble
Treble has been upgraded on the S12 2024. Previous iterations of the S12 occasionally had spiky treble sections, but I’m happy to say that this has largely been resolved in the S12 2024. Treble extension is good and airy without the dreaded planar glare. I found treble rendering has improved significantly compared to previous versions, and there’s no sibilance.
Soundstage
The S12 2024 offers a good soundstage. I’d describe it as being like a small concert hall, with great width perception paired with good height. The depth is dynamic and has good transience, lending to a strong depth performance. Positioning is also excellent, as the improved treble performance allows for more pinpoint accuracy.
Comparisons
VS LetShuoer S12 ProCompared to its older sibling, the S12 Pro, the S12 2024 is a significant improvement. It eliminates the issues that hindered the S12 Pro, such as the treble glare and slightly metallic treble rendering. The S12 2024 is more refined overall. Its titanium chassis allows for better bass quality—tighter and punchier by comparison. If you’re choosing between the two in 2024, I’d easily go with the S12 2024.
VS Binary Acoustics DynaQuattro
The Dynaquattro is a 3 DD + 1 passive radiator IEM that features a V-shaped signature. I like that it’s tonally consistent, with all sonics handled by dynamic drivers. Similarly, the S12 2024 has the same tonal consistency due to its use of a single planar driver. Between the two, the S12 2024 is easier to get the best out of, as it’s simply easier to drive and maximize its potential. Sonically, I prefer the S12 2024 because it allows you to extract details more easily. Transience is also faster on the S12 2024.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes:- No planar treble glare, making the S12 2024 a very complete package
- Thoughtful packaging, reflecting care and attention from LetShuoer
- Well-balanced tuning with great resolution
- Friction-based interchangeable plugs tend to loosen over time
- Glossy shells are fingerprint magnets
Final Ratings
- Bass: Taut with good resolution – 7.5
- Midrange: Spaciously rendered with even tonality for male and female vocals – 8
- Treble: Well-balanced with no sibilance – 7.5
- Overall Resolution: Great – 7.5
- Soundstage: Stellar for its class – 7.5
- Enjoyment Factor: Strong A+
Letshuoer S12 (2024) Anniversary Edition :
Let's get started. Firstly, I'd like to thank myself for this review. What I mean by that is this unit was purchased with my own money off Amazon. Now, Amazon did provide me with a healthy discount that apparently was personal, because sharing the link, other Head-fiers didn't seem to get the same discount coupon, so I guess thank you Amazon for hooking me up with that?! So this review is 100% unbiased and my own heartfelt observations and thoughts. Secondly, I have extensive experience with planars, going back to the RHA CL2, and I most recently reviewed the HZSound Luna, provided to me by @KeepHifi. I've also owned the Letshuoer S12 (my only S series previously) 7hz Timeless, and NiceHCK F1 pro, and still own the aforementioned Luna, Tangzu Wu Zetian, and the KZ x HBB PR2. So I'll be comparing later. Generally, I'm a fan of planar drivers, so I was excited to read the initial reviews, and await the incoming S12 (2024) at the price I got it at, but let me say, it would have been worth the $199 regular price too. These are also a very limited edition model of the OG S12, with a total commercial availability of 2024 serial numbered models. My SN# is 410/2024. So I was stoked to get inside the first 500 production models. Now here we are...
Initial unboxing was pretty neat. Beautifully adorned rose gold box with Letshuoer 8th Anniversary lettering + S12 2024 Edition, and embossed 8th on the front. The back contains all the IEM specs and standard company info. Inside is a sturdy black box with Letshuoer lettering on the front. All class.
Inside the black box, you are greeted by a beautiful gold fidget spinner. Nice touch! Utility too for you work at homes or office types! Underneath that are the standard paperwork and QC tags in a black box, and the IEMs in their holder along with a metal puck style case that screws on and off. The cable is a gorgeous PVC monocrystalline copper two pin with modular 3.5. 2.5, and 4.4mm jacks. They are a bit long, but pretty much fit secure without screw fasteners. The shells are rose gold and black metal, are very small, but one draw back for some, including myself, is the short nozzle coupled with the wide nozzle end, so that getting a deep fitment and good seal, even with large tips, was a bit tricky. If I turned by head, or smiled, it was enough to break the seal using certain tips. The included tip selection, though I'm sure is fine for most, are as usual, pretty useless for me and my big ear holes, and so I ignore stock for aftermarket. In this case, I settled on OG JVC Spiral dots. Regardless, the cable and IEMs are aesthetically pleasing and first rate for the price of $199.00. Letshuoer celebrates 8 years of business IN STYLE. Now enough with the unboxing pleasanties, let's move on to the sound, shall we?!
THE SPECS :
Letshuoer S12 (2024) Anniversary Edition :
Frequency Response graph courtesy of @baskingshark
PRICE : $199
Available for purchase @ this location.
The Gear :
What did I use for my listening sessions for my review??
For this review, and for these sessions, I went with the Sony NW-A25 (untethered). iBasso DX170 (transport) > iBasso DC Elite DAC > Power bank > iBasso CB19 interconnect. 4.4mm output jack. Also the Sony NW-A306 > Little Bear B4-X tube amp > Lunashop s/c/g interconnect. 2.5mm output jack. Plus the occassional use of the Sony NW-A55 (modded) > FiiO Q1 II > Lunashop Palladium/Graphene interconnect.
Music used for the review?
Ezra Collective - Where I'm Meant to Be
Robert Glasper - Canvas
Alfa Mist - Antiphon
Hugo Kant - Far From Home
Alfredo Rodriguez - Coral Way
Bob Marley & the Wailers - Survival
Rob Van Bavel Trio - Dutch Weather
Junior Kelly, Bounty Killer, and Capleton - The Good, The Bad, and the Blazin'
Dominik Eulberg - Avichrom
Abysmal Dawn - Phylogenesis
Megadeth - Rust in Peace
Drive By Jehu - Self Titled
Cognizance - Phantazein
Adon - Adon
In Aphelion - Reaperdawn
SOUND IMPRESSIONS :
Dynamics : 4 (with Sony), 3 (with DCE)
Resolution : 4
Details : 3.5, 4 (DCE)
Instrument separation : 3.5 (Sony), 4 (DCE)
Imaging : 3.5
Sibilance : 1 (with Sony), 3 (with DCE)
Soundstage : 4 (Sony), 4.5 (DCE)
Overall score : 4
BASS/MIDRANGE/TREBLE :
So we're finally here! The place everyone has been waiting for! How do the S12 (2024) sound? Well, in a nutshell, REALLY GOOD, but with caveats. So for complete transparency, I stuck with the stock cable, as I think it's one of the better stock cables out there, and the aforementioned JVC Spiral Dots (L). I used the 3.5mm plugs with the Sony's, the 2.5mm with the Little Bear, and the 4.4mm with the DCE. Now, usually, I'd start with the big guns, and go with the DCE and B4-X for impressions, due to the fact planars are usually fairly hard to drive, but immediately, I noticed the S12 (2024) has an uncanny ability to be driven to full dynamics and volume at normal levels thru the notoriously low powered Sony DAPS thru 3.5mm. Here's where it gets interesting for me. I prefer this setup and playback vs the DCE and B4-X. The synergy sisters are in full swing between the S12 (2024) and the untethered NW-A25. There's a brilliant charm, fullness and elasticity to the bass response with the Sony, that just wasn't as apparent or dynamic with either the DCE or the B4-X. It was also very good thru the Sony NW-A55. So there's something about the Sony's internals and the planar in the S12 (2024) that compliment each other, to the level that I have come to the conclusion this IEM is extremely source picky. It might also explain why there are some folks who absolutely swear by this IEM, while others are a tad lukewarm to it? I have a very broad range of sources, and I'm rather obsessive with source rolling, almost as much or more than tip or cable rolling. When I use the Sony, I'd glue to the tube. I have a hard time wanting to switch these IEM's out, and go to another pair for a listening session. It becomes an obsession. The sound is that good. That enthralling. That full and musical and fun. So I might have to give two rating? One based on the Sony DAP experience, and one on other sources? With the Sony's, we have a bass that hit deep and with authority. It's got a sub bass focus that's unusual for planars. Likewise, there's a bit of warmth added to the mid bass and lower midrange due to some of that bass warmth bleeding into the mids. It can give the illusion of a veil, and a bit of coloration to the midrange, but it's more apparent on other sources. Instrument separation and imaging are above average, but I wouldn't say pin point, but things can settle left right wide, and in some cases behind the ears, when called for. Bass is fast and resolving, and while listening to my extreme metal playlist, and the metal albums mentioned above, the S12 (2024) were able to keep up easily with the double bass, rapid fire snare, toms strikes that accompany such genres. It's easily one of the best drivers for presenting this kind of music without smear in the bottom end or glare in the top end. Soundstage is above average, especially from the DCE and B4-X, and naturally limited on the Sony, but it's so engaging, and there's just enough on the Sony, that I really don't mind it at all. Instruments are never congested, and have enough space between them to allow for good spatial cues. Upper mids are relatively tuned in a relaxing way, so that it never gets too sibilant or spicy. Now, along with the treble, there is the tad hint of planar timbre that shines through on occasion. This was more apparent with the DCE, and to a lesser extent the B4-X and Sony. That timbre doesn't glare like some other planar sets, including the ORIGINAL S12, but let's not pretend it's not there, because it does pop up, but it's not egregious, and it's not all the time, due to the safe tuning philosophy. Despite this safeness, the S12 (2024) can still spit out details, and bring background details into focus, it's just subtle. So despite this safeness up top, and warm veil below, the detail retrieval is surprisingly really good! This makes for a musical experience that's not on the side of analytical, but also able to maintain that planar speed and clarity while avoiding the sheen most times. Now once you move to the DCE, I feel there's a bit of that timbre that comes into focus, the bass heft is lost, and though the stage is increased, the overall presentation is a bit wonky. It's like the mid bass becomes a bit leaner and less authoritative, and the musicality becomes more off kilter. This remains with the B4-X, as I feel the smoothness, even with tubes, is lost, and we get a more grainy, linear, and less satisfying musicality (it suddenly leans more towards traditional planar performance and tonality). Sibilance shows up more, with more grit and less smooth. It proved to be like listening to two different sets, so my inclination was to settle for sticking with the Sony A25, and that is precisely what I did. With the Sony, treble is crisp, airy and with a true balance of weight and shimmer. It's not the liveliest treble response, and I think it was tuned that way on purpose, to defy the planar naysayers, who feel the highs on planar sets are strident, timbrally inaccurate, too intrusive. This is not the case for the S12 (2024), as they are right on the balancing beam of polite but present. Restrained but represented. Jazz albums were a lesson in first class tonality and presentation, with just the right amount of bass presence to keep things engaging and captivating. Same went for reggae and metal.
OVERALL :
If you already have a Sony dap in your collection, and you don't own the S12 (2024), then I implore you to be among the 2024 who will end up owning these, and get in the game. You will not be disappointed, and I guarantee you the S12 (2024) will jump to the top of your planar rotation as well as your main rotation with ease. If you own the 2024 already, and you're uneasy about it's tonality or bass delivery, then I implore you to do some source rolling if you can? It will make a huge difference with your experience, and also try and use larger longer tips. The more tacky or bulbous the better, because the fit on these is indeed a bit tricky, just as much as the source synergy is. Once you've settled in on a good synergy sister in source, fit, and tip, then these IEMs simply shine. They sing like a finch. They are the rose gold standard for planar performance and sonic perfection! See what I did there? So roll and rock! I personally recommend them highly, and feel they will also become your obsession too.
COMPARISONS :
So I compared this to three other planars. The Tangzu Wu Zetian, HZSound Luna, and KZ x HBB PR2 (modded).
So the IEM that comes closest sonically to the S12 (2023) is the Luna. It's got a similarly tuned top end, and spaced upper mid and midrange. Now the comparisons end when we get to the warmer lower mids and mid bass. The Luna is much drier, and less warm, so thinner in presentation. The bass also has less authority, and doesn't dig as deep, but this was presented in my full review of this set, where it's bass performance fell short of the Wu. The Luna also has less stage, detail retrieval, and imaging capabilities. It's also harder to drive, so you need to turn it up more to get the same kind of "fullness" you get with the S12 (2024). The Luna is $90 cheaper, but I'd just save up and buy the S12 (2024). If you're looking for similar performance, but wanna save the dimes, then by all means, so with the less gaudy Luna.
The Tangzu Wu Zetian (OG) is the planar that comes the closest to sheer performance of the S12 (2024). Bass tactility, speed, presence, mid bass warmth, and sub bass are very close. The S12 (2024) has the slight edge in sub bass impact, but not by much. Soundstage is also ever so nudged in their favor, but again, the edge is negligible. Where the S12 (2024) is the clear winner is in the treble shimmer and extension. The upper mids of the Wu are slightly warmer, and thus just a bit "darker" than the 2024, so there's a better feeling of air, even if true extension wise, they might be equal. Because of this, details and imaging seem to be bigger and bolder on the 2024 vs the Wu. Still, this was a very close horse race, and comparison between two similarly priced IEMs. Better value? The Wu. Better QC and edge in sonics? S12 (2024).
Lastly, the PR2. Now, this one isn't as close as the other two. Technicalities wise, you might say the PR2 is superior, due to the sheer clarity of the midrange and treble extension. It's crystal clear on both fronts. It's also got a huge soundstage as well, but there's almost no warmth, it's very clinical, prone to sibilance even with the 500 mesh mod, and the bass is quite linear, and lacking in sub bass impact, though there's some quick punchy mid bass. Very little musicality though, when taken side by side. So if you want to hear every little detail squeezed out in a clinical form, say listening to instrumental jazz or rock, then the PR2 is going to come up smelling like roses, and if you want sheer musicality, while retaining a strong measure of details + dynamics, then the 2024 is the overwhelming winner here. The PR2 is also the hardest to drive of all these IEMs. They demand juice! But they also aren't as source picky, and when fed through tubes like the B4-X, there's a warmth added, that makes them so incredibly engaging, I ordered the KZ PRX to see if they could bring a superior take on the PR2. I simply adore them for instrumental jazz. For a majority of other genres though? The 2024 is the clear and present winner in this comparo.
CONCLUSION :
Personally, one of my best buys of 2024. The year isn't over yet, and we're headed full steam ahead into 11.11 and 11.29, but as of this moment in time, I'd rank the S12 (2024) by Letshuoer as a top 3 purchase of 2024. The combination of technicalities, musicality, and portability is close to unmatched. Once you've figured out the particular synergies, it rewards you with an addicting listen that draws you in, and doesn't let go. It makes it hard to want to move on to the next IEM in your rotation. It punches way above it's price point, and I consider it Letshuoer's mid-fi triumph. The accessories are top notch, as was the unboxing experience, the cable is so good, it does not need to be rolled or replaced, and once you figure out the finicky fit, and tips, you're blessed with a beautiful, full, and engaging sound, gorgeous shells that catch the eye, and a sonic value that's very hard to beat at the $199 price range. If you had to pick any planar as an introduction or as the BOSS, if you already have a planar, this would be the one to choose. Are there cheaper planars with close technicalities? Yes there are, but none will reward you with the COMBINATION of great looks, accessories, cable, portability, and sonics. It's just not going to happen.
Thank you so much for reading and remember to be water with your audio luv! When you do...AUDITORY ZEN UNLOCKED!
`
Let's get started. Firstly, I'd like to thank myself for this review. What I mean by that is this unit was purchased with my own money off Amazon. Now, Amazon did provide me with a healthy discount that apparently was personal, because sharing the link, other Head-fiers didn't seem to get the same discount coupon, so I guess thank you Amazon for hooking me up with that?! So this review is 100% unbiased and my own heartfelt observations and thoughts. Secondly, I have extensive experience with planars, going back to the RHA CL2, and I most recently reviewed the HZSound Luna, provided to me by @KeepHifi. I've also owned the Letshuoer S12 (my only S series previously) 7hz Timeless, and NiceHCK F1 pro, and still own the aforementioned Luna, Tangzu Wu Zetian, and the KZ x HBB PR2. So I'll be comparing later. Generally, I'm a fan of planar drivers, so I was excited to read the initial reviews, and await the incoming S12 (2024) at the price I got it at, but let me say, it would have been worth the $199 regular price too. These are also a very limited edition model of the OG S12, with a total commercial availability of 2024 serial numbered models. My SN# is 410/2024. So I was stoked to get inside the first 500 production models. Now here we are...
Initial unboxing was pretty neat. Beautifully adorned rose gold box with Letshuoer 8th Anniversary lettering + S12 2024 Edition, and embossed 8th on the front. The back contains all the IEM specs and standard company info. Inside is a sturdy black box with Letshuoer lettering on the front. All class.
Inside the black box, you are greeted by a beautiful gold fidget spinner. Nice touch! Utility too for you work at homes or office types! Underneath that are the standard paperwork and QC tags in a black box, and the IEMs in their holder along with a metal puck style case that screws on and off. The cable is a gorgeous PVC monocrystalline copper two pin with modular 3.5. 2.5, and 4.4mm jacks. They are a bit long, but pretty much fit secure without screw fasteners. The shells are rose gold and black metal, are very small, but one draw back for some, including myself, is the short nozzle coupled with the wide nozzle end, so that getting a deep fitment and good seal, even with large tips, was a bit tricky. If I turned by head, or smiled, it was enough to break the seal using certain tips. The included tip selection, though I'm sure is fine for most, are as usual, pretty useless for me and my big ear holes, and so I ignore stock for aftermarket. In this case, I settled on OG JVC Spiral dots. Regardless, the cable and IEMs are aesthetically pleasing and first rate for the price of $199.00. Letshuoer celebrates 8 years of business IN STYLE. Now enough with the unboxing pleasanties, let's move on to the sound, shall we?!
THE SPECS :
Letshuoer S12 (2024) Anniversary Edition :
Frequency Response graph courtesy of @baskingshark
PRICE : $199
Available for purchase @ this location.
The Gear :
What did I use for my listening sessions for my review??
For this review, and for these sessions, I went with the Sony NW-A25 (untethered). iBasso DX170 (transport) > iBasso DC Elite DAC > Power bank > iBasso CB19 interconnect. 4.4mm output jack. Also the Sony NW-A306 > Little Bear B4-X tube amp > Lunashop s/c/g interconnect. 2.5mm output jack. Plus the occassional use of the Sony NW-A55 (modded) > FiiO Q1 II > Lunashop Palladium/Graphene interconnect.
Music used for the review?
Ezra Collective - Where I'm Meant to Be
Robert Glasper - Canvas
Alfa Mist - Antiphon
Hugo Kant - Far From Home
Alfredo Rodriguez - Coral Way
Bob Marley & the Wailers - Survival
Rob Van Bavel Trio - Dutch Weather
Junior Kelly, Bounty Killer, and Capleton - The Good, The Bad, and the Blazin'
Dominik Eulberg - Avichrom
Abysmal Dawn - Phylogenesis
Megadeth - Rust in Peace
Drive By Jehu - Self Titled
Cognizance - Phantazein
Adon - Adon
In Aphelion - Reaperdawn
SOUND IMPRESSIONS :
Dynamics : 4 (with Sony), 3 (with DCE)
Resolution : 4
Details : 3.5, 4 (DCE)
Instrument separation : 3.5 (Sony), 4 (DCE)
Imaging : 3.5
Sibilance : 1 (with Sony), 3 (with DCE)
Soundstage : 4 (Sony), 4.5 (DCE)
Overall score : 4
BASS/MIDRANGE/TREBLE :
So we're finally here! The place everyone has been waiting for! How do the S12 (2024) sound? Well, in a nutshell, REALLY GOOD, but with caveats. So for complete transparency, I stuck with the stock cable, as I think it's one of the better stock cables out there, and the aforementioned JVC Spiral Dots (L). I used the 3.5mm plugs with the Sony's, the 2.5mm with the Little Bear, and the 4.4mm with the DCE. Now, usually, I'd start with the big guns, and go with the DCE and B4-X for impressions, due to the fact planars are usually fairly hard to drive, but immediately, I noticed the S12 (2024) has an uncanny ability to be driven to full dynamics and volume at normal levels thru the notoriously low powered Sony DAPS thru 3.5mm. Here's where it gets interesting for me. I prefer this setup and playback vs the DCE and B4-X. The synergy sisters are in full swing between the S12 (2024) and the untethered NW-A25. There's a brilliant charm, fullness and elasticity to the bass response with the Sony, that just wasn't as apparent or dynamic with either the DCE or the B4-X. It was also very good thru the Sony NW-A55. So there's something about the Sony's internals and the planar in the S12 (2024) that compliment each other, to the level that I have come to the conclusion this IEM is extremely source picky. It might also explain why there are some folks who absolutely swear by this IEM, while others are a tad lukewarm to it? I have a very broad range of sources, and I'm rather obsessive with source rolling, almost as much or more than tip or cable rolling. When I use the Sony, I'd glue to the tube. I have a hard time wanting to switch these IEM's out, and go to another pair for a listening session. It becomes an obsession. The sound is that good. That enthralling. That full and musical and fun. So I might have to give two rating? One based on the Sony DAP experience, and one on other sources? With the Sony's, we have a bass that hit deep and with authority. It's got a sub bass focus that's unusual for planars. Likewise, there's a bit of warmth added to the mid bass and lower midrange due to some of that bass warmth bleeding into the mids. It can give the illusion of a veil, and a bit of coloration to the midrange, but it's more apparent on other sources. Instrument separation and imaging are above average, but I wouldn't say pin point, but things can settle left right wide, and in some cases behind the ears, when called for. Bass is fast and resolving, and while listening to my extreme metal playlist, and the metal albums mentioned above, the S12 (2024) were able to keep up easily with the double bass, rapid fire snare, toms strikes that accompany such genres. It's easily one of the best drivers for presenting this kind of music without smear in the bottom end or glare in the top end. Soundstage is above average, especially from the DCE and B4-X, and naturally limited on the Sony, but it's so engaging, and there's just enough on the Sony, that I really don't mind it at all. Instruments are never congested, and have enough space between them to allow for good spatial cues. Upper mids are relatively tuned in a relaxing way, so that it never gets too sibilant or spicy. Now, along with the treble, there is the tad hint of planar timbre that shines through on occasion. This was more apparent with the DCE, and to a lesser extent the B4-X and Sony. That timbre doesn't glare like some other planar sets, including the ORIGINAL S12, but let's not pretend it's not there, because it does pop up, but it's not egregious, and it's not all the time, due to the safe tuning philosophy. Despite this safeness, the S12 (2024) can still spit out details, and bring background details into focus, it's just subtle. So despite this safeness up top, and warm veil below, the detail retrieval is surprisingly really good! This makes for a musical experience that's not on the side of analytical, but also able to maintain that planar speed and clarity while avoiding the sheen most times. Now once you move to the DCE, I feel there's a bit of that timbre that comes into focus, the bass heft is lost, and though the stage is increased, the overall presentation is a bit wonky. It's like the mid bass becomes a bit leaner and less authoritative, and the musicality becomes more off kilter. This remains with the B4-X, as I feel the smoothness, even with tubes, is lost, and we get a more grainy, linear, and less satisfying musicality (it suddenly leans more towards traditional planar performance and tonality). Sibilance shows up more, with more grit and less smooth. It proved to be like listening to two different sets, so my inclination was to settle for sticking with the Sony A25, and that is precisely what I did. With the Sony, treble is crisp, airy and with a true balance of weight and shimmer. It's not the liveliest treble response, and I think it was tuned that way on purpose, to defy the planar naysayers, who feel the highs on planar sets are strident, timbrally inaccurate, too intrusive. This is not the case for the S12 (2024), as they are right on the balancing beam of polite but present. Restrained but represented. Jazz albums were a lesson in first class tonality and presentation, with just the right amount of bass presence to keep things engaging and captivating. Same went for reggae and metal.
OVERALL :
If you already have a Sony dap in your collection, and you don't own the S12 (2024), then I implore you to be among the 2024 who will end up owning these, and get in the game. You will not be disappointed, and I guarantee you the S12 (2024) will jump to the top of your planar rotation as well as your main rotation with ease. If you own the 2024 already, and you're uneasy about it's tonality or bass delivery, then I implore you to do some source rolling if you can? It will make a huge difference with your experience, and also try and use larger longer tips. The more tacky or bulbous the better, because the fit on these is indeed a bit tricky, just as much as the source synergy is. Once you've settled in on a good synergy sister in source, fit, and tip, then these IEMs simply shine. They sing like a finch. They are the rose gold standard for planar performance and sonic perfection! See what I did there? So roll and rock! I personally recommend them highly, and feel they will also become your obsession too.
COMPARISONS :
So I compared this to three other planars. The Tangzu Wu Zetian, HZSound Luna, and KZ x HBB PR2 (modded).
So the IEM that comes closest sonically to the S12 (2023) is the Luna. It's got a similarly tuned top end, and spaced upper mid and midrange. Now the comparisons end when we get to the warmer lower mids and mid bass. The Luna is much drier, and less warm, so thinner in presentation. The bass also has less authority, and doesn't dig as deep, but this was presented in my full review of this set, where it's bass performance fell short of the Wu. The Luna also has less stage, detail retrieval, and imaging capabilities. It's also harder to drive, so you need to turn it up more to get the same kind of "fullness" you get with the S12 (2024). The Luna is $90 cheaper, but I'd just save up and buy the S12 (2024). If you're looking for similar performance, but wanna save the dimes, then by all means, so with the less gaudy Luna.
The Tangzu Wu Zetian (OG) is the planar that comes the closest to sheer performance of the S12 (2024). Bass tactility, speed, presence, mid bass warmth, and sub bass are very close. The S12 (2024) has the slight edge in sub bass impact, but not by much. Soundstage is also ever so nudged in their favor, but again, the edge is negligible. Where the S12 (2024) is the clear winner is in the treble shimmer and extension. The upper mids of the Wu are slightly warmer, and thus just a bit "darker" than the 2024, so there's a better feeling of air, even if true extension wise, they might be equal. Because of this, details and imaging seem to be bigger and bolder on the 2024 vs the Wu. Still, this was a very close horse race, and comparison between two similarly priced IEMs. Better value? The Wu. Better QC and edge in sonics? S12 (2024).
Lastly, the PR2. Now, this one isn't as close as the other two. Technicalities wise, you might say the PR2 is superior, due to the sheer clarity of the midrange and treble extension. It's crystal clear on both fronts. It's also got a huge soundstage as well, but there's almost no warmth, it's very clinical, prone to sibilance even with the 500 mesh mod, and the bass is quite linear, and lacking in sub bass impact, though there's some quick punchy mid bass. Very little musicality though, when taken side by side. So if you want to hear every little detail squeezed out in a clinical form, say listening to instrumental jazz or rock, then the PR2 is going to come up smelling like roses, and if you want sheer musicality, while retaining a strong measure of details + dynamics, then the 2024 is the overwhelming winner here. The PR2 is also the hardest to drive of all these IEMs. They demand juice! But they also aren't as source picky, and when fed through tubes like the B4-X, there's a warmth added, that makes them so incredibly engaging, I ordered the KZ PRX to see if they could bring a superior take on the PR2. I simply adore them for instrumental jazz. For a majority of other genres though? The 2024 is the clear and present winner in this comparo.
CONCLUSION :
Personally, one of my best buys of 2024. The year isn't over yet, and we're headed full steam ahead into 11.11 and 11.29, but as of this moment in time, I'd rank the S12 (2024) by Letshuoer as a top 3 purchase of 2024. The combination of technicalities, musicality, and portability is close to unmatched. Once you've figured out the particular synergies, it rewards you with an addicting listen that draws you in, and doesn't let go. It makes it hard to want to move on to the next IEM in your rotation. It punches way above it's price point, and I consider it Letshuoer's mid-fi triumph. The accessories are top notch, as was the unboxing experience, the cable is so good, it does not need to be rolled or replaced, and once you figure out the finicky fit, and tips, you're blessed with a beautiful, full, and engaging sound, gorgeous shells that catch the eye, and a sonic value that's very hard to beat at the $199 price range. If you had to pick any planar as an introduction or as the BOSS, if you already have a planar, this would be the one to choose. Are there cheaper planars with close technicalities? Yes there are, but none will reward you with the COMBINATION of great looks, accessories, cable, portability, and sonics. It's just not going to happen.
Thank you so much for reading and remember to be water with your audio luv! When you do...AUDITORY ZEN UNLOCKED!
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Introduction
LetShuoer continues to celebrate its eighth anniversary and has released a new edition of its most famous IEMS: the S12 2024 Edition. As everyone knows, these are Planar Magnetic with a 14.8mm driver, in a limited edition of 2024 units worldwide. For this special occasion, Letshuoer provides a truly luxurious packaging with unique accessories to commemorate the special eighth anniversary edition. The capsule consists of a gold-plated outer part made of lightweight titanium alloy and a black inner side. The cable is made of silver-plated monocrystalline and has 392 wires. It has detachable 2.5mm (BAL), 3.5mm (SE) and 4.4mm (BAL) plugs. Each capsule is uniquely numbered by laser.
Specifications
Packaging
The LetShuoer S12 2024 comes in a sealed, unbleached cardboard box with light black lines and the brand logo on the lid. The inside is black and repeats the external pattern in white ink. The IEMS packaging is inside, protected by bubble wrap. On the inside of the box you can read the brand's slogan. The IEMS box is gold, read vertically. At the top is the brand name, while the eighth anniversary is repeated in the lower phrase and in that large, background design with the 8 as the protagonist of the entire golden box. At the bottom is the model name. On the back are the specifications in several languages. With the outer gold cardboard removed, the inner box is black and repeats the pattern of the outermost box. After lifting the lid there is a white cardboard repeating the brand name, the eighth anniversary and the special edition. In the centre is a golden commemorative 8th anniversary medal. The inside is mounted on a rotating shaft. It has a ring as a key ring. Removed from this level there is again a black cardboard sheet that follows the same pattern. Underneath is a gold and black foil commemorating the eighth anniversary and all the other accessories. To sum up:
The unboxing experience is very good, with many details that hint at a limited edition model, with accessories for collectors or for those who like these kinds of superfluous accessories.
Construction and Design
For this special occasion, the capsules are made of titanium alloy and machined on a 5-axis CNC machine. The outer face is gold-plated, while the inner face is black. The luxurious brushed marbled polish on the outer face is noticeable. The rim legend is laser engraved. But my model has no serial number, perhaps because it is a ‘demo’ version. There is an inscription of the R or L channel.
The capsules, on their outer side, have an almost triangular shape, with very rounded corners. In reality, there is only one flat side and the rest is one same curve. The outer face is flat, but there is an overlapping rectangular piece that houses the 2Pin 0.78mm connection. This connection is shallow and the connectors are inside a translucent plastic piece, which in turn is inside the capsule. Next to this connection, there is a rectangular hole through the two parts of the capsule.
The edge is also rounded and the line separating the two sides is visible. In the centre of the inner side there is another hole.
The nozzles grow from the centre of the inner face, although they are not very long. They have two tiers and are 4mm high. The first tier has a smaller diameter of 5.3 mm. The second, outermost tier has a diameter of 6.25 mm. The mouthpiece is protected by a perforated metal grid.
All in all, the capsule lines are rounded and smooth, but the mouthpieces are somewhat short.
The cable is made of silver-plated monocrystalline copper, has 392 wires and 4 strands, two by two, with three interchangeable connectors: 2.5/3.5/4.4mm. The colour again matches the capsules and has a slight gold patina. The plug is relatively large and the interchangeable connectors are press-fitted. It has 4 gold-plated pins and a guide for easy connection. The removable part is completely cylindrical. The fixed part has a rough edge. All parts are gold-plated. Includes a Velcro strap for cable management. The splitter piece is a smooth cylinder in the same gold colour as the plug sleeve. It measures 13mm long and almost 8mm in diameter. It has the same shape and appearance repeated for the 0.78mm 2 PIN connector sleeves, which are inscribed with letters to indicate the channel. The plastic base on which the pins sit is transparent for both channels. It is completely flat. At this end, the cable has a semi-rigid guide on the ear. Finally, the pin is a small, cylindrical, translucent plastic piece with an 8-shaped hole inside through which the cables pass.
The cable is still modular with 3 interchangeable pins, very similar in design to the S12 Pro model.
The design is based on the S12 Pro but with light titanium alloy for the outer face, a dark inner face and a cable with all metal parts in gold to bring that commemorative eighth anniversary luxury. To comment that gold is not my colour, I don't have that ‘gold fever’.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
If the external shape is the same, the fit and ergonomics do not change either. The different materials used for the capsule and the cable do not affect this. I still find the fit very good, the minimal rotation inside the bell is maintained. The mouthpieces are somewhat short and unchanged, not much else to comment on. The insertion remains shallow. The level of isolation is maintained, which will depend on the tips used. With my homemade foam-filled tips, they have a good level of seal and occlusion. The fit, although simple, may require some minor tweaking, but the in-ear feel is very good. Both the surface and the rounded shape make contact and rubbing pleasant. In addition, their contained size raises the level of comfort and ergonomics, as they barely protrude from the ears. They are pleasant to wear for hours and again I would like to point out that only the weight (now it seems to be lower in this version) can be a little inconvenient if you make quick or sudden movements, as well as if the guides touch your ear.
Sound
Profile
I mentioned in the S12 review that I don't have a default curve in SquigLink, but if I were to draw one, it would be very similar to the S12's at the time. More than two years later, my SquigLink still doesn't have that reference curve and this is the third version of the S12 I've had. With the S12 Pro's, the meat in the mid-bass area was reduced to emphasise the sub-bass. An adjustment was also made to smooth out the upper mids and the first half of the treble. Now, in the 2024 edition, there is hardly any change from 20 Hz to 1500 Hz, but there is again an adjustment towards smoothness from this figure down to 10 kHz. I have always read that the S12s had a noticeable energy level in this area. So it seems that LetShuoer has taken user feedback into account in this regard. Now, the curve of the 2024 edition slightly resembles a lower case w. The slight exaltation is maintained. The slight exaltation of the sub-bass is maintained, while almost the entire frequency response moves within a 10 dB range, although it is now even more homogeneous. And, although it would seem that this profile should be darker and denser, it doesn't feel that way. Either it's just me changing or it's this current trend towards darker profiles that has made me feel that the S12 2024s are very balanced.
Bass
I always talk about the bass performance of a good dynamic driver, about its realistic and natural behaviour. In the review of the S12 Pro I described the planar bass behaviour as a hybrid combination of a dedicated BA driver and a DD driver. In reality, after all this time, the sonic and behavioural duality is still very similar in this new version. In the pure tone test, the oscillatory behaviour reminiscent of a BA driver is maintained, with that colouring caused by vibration. As the Hertz increase, the sound becomes more natural and the behaviour more realistic. Of course, this behaviour of the lower frequencies does not affect the music. On the other hand, the resemblance to dynamic drivers is in physical capability, power, punch, depth, volume and body. The combination feels smoother and less textured, but the technical ability is superior. It is not as dark bass, nor does it reach as low sensory levels as some dynamic drivers. However, it is a good evolution between the two worlds. In it, the planar bass of the S12 family persists in its abilities such as precision, definition, speed, dryness and fast decay. The result is a fairly smooth and clean bass, not very intrusive, but with plenty of punch and good presence in the room. The good technical characteristics are demonstrated in the reproduction of dirty and unfiltered bass. It is in these bad situations that the S12 2024's abilities shine, achieving a very reliable, precise, meticulous, concrete, rigorous and very orderly reproduction. The layers are well differentiated, as well as the different bases and bass lines, generating a specific and well-determined layering. What you would expect from a good planar driver.
Mids
I think LetShuoer has done well to continue to maintain that bass response, leaning more towards the mids, so that the midrange doesn't get bleed from the low end. The distance between the bases and the vocals feels crisp and clear, well differentiated, and it persists in that planar ability to split frequency ranges very easily. The clarity of the mids is obvious, but it is still not an analytical profile, and the micro detail continues to be unobvious. On the other hand, the sense of transparency is very good, as is the distance between elements. There is a sense of sonic precision, but the notes are neither sharp nor too bare. There is a musical cohesion that threads the pieces together, adding balance and harmony. While that wall-of-sound feeling no longer seems to me as opaque or dense, but offers an impression of openness and superior width. The background is still not completely dark, which accentuates that sense of continuity and wall. Although there seems to be a point of greater gaseous and volatile sensation, less attachment to the base and better expansive effect.
I like to see that the dreaded sense of hollowness in the first part of the middle section does not occur here. The male voices are grounded, full-bodied and physical from start to finish. They feel quite full and relatively close, though not on top of the listener. Though their proximity makes them very enjoyable to listen to. Likewise, the instrumentation of this first half is also very much in the spotlight, amplifying that full and complete image.
The female voices expand even further and are the stars of the show. Their dimension is almost total, occupying the whole harmonic range without fissures, but also without sibilance. Another great thing LetShuoer has achieved is to soften the energy of the upper range, but without losing edge, nor sounding blunt or too soft. On many occasions, reducing this critical part can darken the sound. However, on this occasion, I don't perceive a hint of darkness, no rounding of the edges of notes, and no excessive loss of detail. This is how the S12 2024s present themselves as fabulous all-rounders, with a very full and expansive midrange presentation, great vocals and instrumentation to match, extremely rich, balanced, homogeneous and punchy.
Treble
Letshuoer has done it again. The treble energy is lowered once more, but I still think they are very good. They are subtly less incisive, yes, but the timbre, colour and extension are still stellar. The brand has the manual for reducing pressure in the treble, but without affecting expressiveness, informativeness, precision, finesse or delicacy. The treble remains sharp, very narrow, full, homogeneous and totally harmonious. There is a very pleasant, exciting, subtly sharp and sparkling crunch. There is a lot of life in the top end of the S12 2024. But there is also balance with the rest of the frequencies, assuming a higher point of control and harmony, all without losing that exquisite sparkle so characteristic of the S12 planar transducers. My conclusion is the same as with the S12 Pro: a level of treble that few drivers can achieve.
Soundstage, Separation
It seems that the scene is a little wider, that there is a greater point of transparency and cleanliness, which gives it a more expansive, volatile and gaseous feeling. The sonic cohesion is maintained, but the scene is no longer so dense and opaque. It is still seamless, but there is more space, more separation: a wider stage oval on all three axes. The sound is not enveloping, but the wall feels higher, which gives a more impressive zenithal sensation. In the recreation of layers and their layering, a remarkable level of accuracy persists. In the exposure of details, the differential improvement between them is noticeable, which translates into more looseness and liveliness. In this way, the image and the positioning of the elements are perceived clearly, concisely, sharply and with very good spatial positioning.
Comparisons
LetShuoer S12
The classic S12s are among the most recommended and appreciated IEMS among audiophiles in my country and in the circles in which I move. They are not the latest IEMS, but they are still a great value compared to other new products. That's why the new S12 2024s may arouse a certain amount of expectation.
Focusing on the sound, there is a change in profile between the two models. A quick change attests to this. The older S12s seem to have a more V-shaped profile, with the lower mids a little more distant, but with the upper mids and first treble more excited. The 2024 Editions are more balanced, homogeneous and pleasant, with a more accentuated fullness and a more natural sound.
The lower range is very similar, but the sub-bass is a little more emphasised in the 2024 Edition. The S12s have more colour and presence in the mid-bass, which gives them a bit more consistency, elasticity and rubberiness. Bass is drier in the 2024 Edition, a little deeper and darker, with a slightly greater amount of texture and roughness. In this respect, I'm sticking with the 2024 Edition.
The profile of the 2024 Edition is a little darker and more relaxed, but for the better. The lower mids are warmer, with better presence and vocal fullness, with more body and physicality, giving a slightly more analogue, natural and rich sound. The S12s again have a bit more colour, sparkle and brightness, but also a bit of tonal shift and a lighter presence, making it feel more splashy.
The upper mids of the 2024 edition are much softer, calmer and controlled. Perhaps someone might think that they are more nuanced. The S12s put the emphasis on female vocals, which are closer and more expressive. In the 2024 Edition, those voices feel drier and less bright. The S12s focus more on the details of the upper mids, while the 2024 Editions focus on the base.
With the 2024 Edition, the sibilance tends to flatten out, while with the S12s and their more splashy sound, the sibilance is more accentuated.
The amount of energy present in the treble of the S12s is evident. The treble of the 2024 Edition is drier, more controlled and smoother. The treble of the S12s clearly feels more crisp, thin, energetic and penetrating, but also more controlled. You might think that the highs of the 2024 Edition are a bit filed down and that their brilliance is a bit cut back. In comparison, this is true. But perhaps the S12s are more excessive in the long run.
The superior sparkle of the S12s allows a slightly better glimpse of the micro-detail, when it is brighter. In that case, the 2024 Edition seems to have those frequencies more camouflaged. Being more splashy gives the S12s a point of greater informativeness, with slightly finer and more defined notes in the background, as if they had a point more resolution. The 2024 Edition is a little blunter; the micro-detail seems to be there, but a little more diluted, not as crisp or sharp.
The 2024 Edition's soundstage seems wider, with a higher wall of sound and more depth. The sound is denser, with more volume, punch and presence. That makes it bigger and wider.
LetShuoer S12 Pro
The Pro version already offers a more obvious approach to the 2024 Edition. It was the first step in cleaning up the bass, raising the sub-bass and tilting its roll-off. The energy of the upper mids and treble was also reduced.
The 2024 Edition's bass seems more precise and contained, with a little more technical skill than the Pro's, which seem more diffused. In fact, the 2024 Edition's bass seems to have a little more oomph, punch and power.
To look for the seven differences in the lower mids would be to enter the realm of suggestion, because the frequency responses up to almost 2 kHz are identical. The difference is still in the nuances, in the harmonics. The sound seems a bit drier and duller in the 2024 Edition, while the Pro version has slightly juicier notes.
The upper mids feel a little lighter in the Pro version. The density and the full-bodied, grounded feel of the 2024 Edition persists, as well as that drier, more restrained feel in the female vocals. However, the female vocals come across as fuller and less diluted than in the Pro, giving them a firmer, closer, more engaging and richer appearance.
The high end of the Pro version has a bit more sparkle and energy. However, the highs of the 2024 Edition seem better calibrated, balanced and exposed. They possess a certain homogeneity that makes them more realistic, natural, even less strident.
Again, the Pro version seems to have a sharper, clearer and more profiled background, where some of the micro-detail can become more visible.
I have the same impression as with the S12s, although the distance is not as great. The scene is superior on the 2024 Edition.
Conclusion
LetShuoer continues to celebrate its eighth anniversary and now it's the turn of one of the brand's most iconic models: the S12. To celebrate, they have released a special version: the LetShuoer S12 2024 Edition. This is a limited edition of 2024 pieces, priced at $199. The first thing I would like to say about this is that I feel privileged to have one of these units. Secondly, I regret that this is a limited edition, as it is the best version of the S12, in my humble opinion. Going into more detail, as a special edition, it has a deluxe presentation, with commemorative accessories, as well as a unique numbering on each capsule. The capsules are made of titanium alloy and have a golden colour on all metal parts, as well as on the packaging itself. The quality of the cable is maintained, with three interchangeable plugs. However, it's not just a change on the outside: the sound has also been improved. This is undoubtedly the most balanced, dense, full and homogeneous version of all S12s. LeShuoer has been able to smooth out the upper mids and treble to create a quieter, more controlled tuning for long hours of music enjoyment. And all this without losing the clarity and transparency of the whole. It is true that micro-detail is still not the strongest part of the product, but the soundstage, depth and fullness of sound are now superior. For all those who have always complained about the high energy of the top end of the S12s, this special edition is the refined, more precise, dry and restrained answer. Too bad there won't be a regular version of this model in the future, without the lush packaging that goes with it. Because I think it would be a bestseller.
Sources Used During the Analysis
Purchase Link
You can read the full review in Spanish here
LetShuoer continues to celebrate its eighth anniversary and has released a new edition of its most famous IEMS: the S12 2024 Edition. As everyone knows, these are Planar Magnetic with a 14.8mm driver, in a limited edition of 2024 units worldwide. For this special occasion, Letshuoer provides a truly luxurious packaging with unique accessories to commemorate the special eighth anniversary edition. The capsule consists of a gold-plated outer part made of lightweight titanium alloy and a black inner side. The cable is made of silver-plated monocrystalline and has 392 wires. It has detachable 2.5mm (BAL), 3.5mm (SE) and 4.4mm (BAL) plugs. Each capsule is uniquely numbered by laser.
Specifications
- Driver Type: 14.8mm magnetic planar.
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz.
- Sensitivity: 102dB.
- Impedance: 16Ω.
- Jack Connector: interchangeable 2.5mm (BAL), 3.5mm (SE) and 4.4mm (BAL).
- Cartridge Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
- Capsule Material: Titanium light alloy.
- Cable: 1.2m of 392-wire silver-plated monocrystalline copper.
- Launch price: $199.
Packaging
The LetShuoer S12 2024 comes in a sealed, unbleached cardboard box with light black lines and the brand logo on the lid. The inside is black and repeats the external pattern in white ink. The IEMS packaging is inside, protected by bubble wrap. On the inside of the box you can read the brand's slogan. The IEMS box is gold, read vertically. At the top is the brand name, while the eighth anniversary is repeated in the lower phrase and in that large, background design with the 8 as the protagonist of the entire golden box. At the bottom is the model name. On the back are the specifications in several languages. With the outer gold cardboard removed, the inner box is black and repeats the pattern of the outermost box. After lifting the lid there is a white cardboard repeating the brand name, the eighth anniversary and the special edition. In the centre is a golden commemorative 8th anniversary medal. The inside is mounted on a rotating shaft. It has a ring as a key ring. Removed from this level there is again a black cardboard sheet that follows the same pattern. Underneath is a gold and black foil commemorating the eighth anniversary and all the other accessories. To sum up:
- Eighth anniversary commemorative medal.
- Eighth anniversary commemorative print.
- User's manual.
- Warranty card.
- Three pairs of LxMxS vocal tips (black).
- Three pairs of balanced tips LxMxS (white).
- Three pairs of LxMxS foam tips.
- The two S12 2024 capsules.
- Round black box with the brand's classic screw case.
- Keyring with leather loop and gold-plated rings with brand name inscription.
- 1.2m silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable with 392 wires.
- Three interchangeable 2.5mm (BAL), 3.5mm (SE) and 4.4mm (BAL) plugs.
The unboxing experience is very good, with many details that hint at a limited edition model, with accessories for collectors or for those who like these kinds of superfluous accessories.
Construction and Design
For this special occasion, the capsules are made of titanium alloy and machined on a 5-axis CNC machine. The outer face is gold-plated, while the inner face is black. The luxurious brushed marbled polish on the outer face is noticeable. The rim legend is laser engraved. But my model has no serial number, perhaps because it is a ‘demo’ version. There is an inscription of the R or L channel.
The capsules, on their outer side, have an almost triangular shape, with very rounded corners. In reality, there is only one flat side and the rest is one same curve. The outer face is flat, but there is an overlapping rectangular piece that houses the 2Pin 0.78mm connection. This connection is shallow and the connectors are inside a translucent plastic piece, which in turn is inside the capsule. Next to this connection, there is a rectangular hole through the two parts of the capsule.
The edge is also rounded and the line separating the two sides is visible. In the centre of the inner side there is another hole.
The nozzles grow from the centre of the inner face, although they are not very long. They have two tiers and are 4mm high. The first tier has a smaller diameter of 5.3 mm. The second, outermost tier has a diameter of 6.25 mm. The mouthpiece is protected by a perforated metal grid.
All in all, the capsule lines are rounded and smooth, but the mouthpieces are somewhat short.
The cable is made of silver-plated monocrystalline copper, has 392 wires and 4 strands, two by two, with three interchangeable connectors: 2.5/3.5/4.4mm. The colour again matches the capsules and has a slight gold patina. The plug is relatively large and the interchangeable connectors are press-fitted. It has 4 gold-plated pins and a guide for easy connection. The removable part is completely cylindrical. The fixed part has a rough edge. All parts are gold-plated. Includes a Velcro strap for cable management. The splitter piece is a smooth cylinder in the same gold colour as the plug sleeve. It measures 13mm long and almost 8mm in diameter. It has the same shape and appearance repeated for the 0.78mm 2 PIN connector sleeves, which are inscribed with letters to indicate the channel. The plastic base on which the pins sit is transparent for both channels. It is completely flat. At this end, the cable has a semi-rigid guide on the ear. Finally, the pin is a small, cylindrical, translucent plastic piece with an 8-shaped hole inside through which the cables pass.
The cable is still modular with 3 interchangeable pins, very similar in design to the S12 Pro model.
The design is based on the S12 Pro but with light titanium alloy for the outer face, a dark inner face and a cable with all metal parts in gold to bring that commemorative eighth anniversary luxury. To comment that gold is not my colour, I don't have that ‘gold fever’.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
If the external shape is the same, the fit and ergonomics do not change either. The different materials used for the capsule and the cable do not affect this. I still find the fit very good, the minimal rotation inside the bell is maintained. The mouthpieces are somewhat short and unchanged, not much else to comment on. The insertion remains shallow. The level of isolation is maintained, which will depend on the tips used. With my homemade foam-filled tips, they have a good level of seal and occlusion. The fit, although simple, may require some minor tweaking, but the in-ear feel is very good. Both the surface and the rounded shape make contact and rubbing pleasant. In addition, their contained size raises the level of comfort and ergonomics, as they barely protrude from the ears. They are pleasant to wear for hours and again I would like to point out that only the weight (now it seems to be lower in this version) can be a little inconvenient if you make quick or sudden movements, as well as if the guides touch your ear.
Sound
Profile
I mentioned in the S12 review that I don't have a default curve in SquigLink, but if I were to draw one, it would be very similar to the S12's at the time. More than two years later, my SquigLink still doesn't have that reference curve and this is the third version of the S12 I've had. With the S12 Pro's, the meat in the mid-bass area was reduced to emphasise the sub-bass. An adjustment was also made to smooth out the upper mids and the first half of the treble. Now, in the 2024 edition, there is hardly any change from 20 Hz to 1500 Hz, but there is again an adjustment towards smoothness from this figure down to 10 kHz. I have always read that the S12s had a noticeable energy level in this area. So it seems that LetShuoer has taken user feedback into account in this regard. Now, the curve of the 2024 edition slightly resembles a lower case w. The slight exaltation is maintained. The slight exaltation of the sub-bass is maintained, while almost the entire frequency response moves within a 10 dB range, although it is now even more homogeneous. And, although it would seem that this profile should be darker and denser, it doesn't feel that way. Either it's just me changing or it's this current trend towards darker profiles that has made me feel that the S12 2024s are very balanced.
Bass
I always talk about the bass performance of a good dynamic driver, about its realistic and natural behaviour. In the review of the S12 Pro I described the planar bass behaviour as a hybrid combination of a dedicated BA driver and a DD driver. In reality, after all this time, the sonic and behavioural duality is still very similar in this new version. In the pure tone test, the oscillatory behaviour reminiscent of a BA driver is maintained, with that colouring caused by vibration. As the Hertz increase, the sound becomes more natural and the behaviour more realistic. Of course, this behaviour of the lower frequencies does not affect the music. On the other hand, the resemblance to dynamic drivers is in physical capability, power, punch, depth, volume and body. The combination feels smoother and less textured, but the technical ability is superior. It is not as dark bass, nor does it reach as low sensory levels as some dynamic drivers. However, it is a good evolution between the two worlds. In it, the planar bass of the S12 family persists in its abilities such as precision, definition, speed, dryness and fast decay. The result is a fairly smooth and clean bass, not very intrusive, but with plenty of punch and good presence in the room. The good technical characteristics are demonstrated in the reproduction of dirty and unfiltered bass. It is in these bad situations that the S12 2024's abilities shine, achieving a very reliable, precise, meticulous, concrete, rigorous and very orderly reproduction. The layers are well differentiated, as well as the different bases and bass lines, generating a specific and well-determined layering. What you would expect from a good planar driver.
Mids
I think LetShuoer has done well to continue to maintain that bass response, leaning more towards the mids, so that the midrange doesn't get bleed from the low end. The distance between the bases and the vocals feels crisp and clear, well differentiated, and it persists in that planar ability to split frequency ranges very easily. The clarity of the mids is obvious, but it is still not an analytical profile, and the micro detail continues to be unobvious. On the other hand, the sense of transparency is very good, as is the distance between elements. There is a sense of sonic precision, but the notes are neither sharp nor too bare. There is a musical cohesion that threads the pieces together, adding balance and harmony. While that wall-of-sound feeling no longer seems to me as opaque or dense, but offers an impression of openness and superior width. The background is still not completely dark, which accentuates that sense of continuity and wall. Although there seems to be a point of greater gaseous and volatile sensation, less attachment to the base and better expansive effect.
I like to see that the dreaded sense of hollowness in the first part of the middle section does not occur here. The male voices are grounded, full-bodied and physical from start to finish. They feel quite full and relatively close, though not on top of the listener. Though their proximity makes them very enjoyable to listen to. Likewise, the instrumentation of this first half is also very much in the spotlight, amplifying that full and complete image.
The female voices expand even further and are the stars of the show. Their dimension is almost total, occupying the whole harmonic range without fissures, but also without sibilance. Another great thing LetShuoer has achieved is to soften the energy of the upper range, but without losing edge, nor sounding blunt or too soft. On many occasions, reducing this critical part can darken the sound. However, on this occasion, I don't perceive a hint of darkness, no rounding of the edges of notes, and no excessive loss of detail. This is how the S12 2024s present themselves as fabulous all-rounders, with a very full and expansive midrange presentation, great vocals and instrumentation to match, extremely rich, balanced, homogeneous and punchy.
Treble
Letshuoer has done it again. The treble energy is lowered once more, but I still think they are very good. They are subtly less incisive, yes, but the timbre, colour and extension are still stellar. The brand has the manual for reducing pressure in the treble, but without affecting expressiveness, informativeness, precision, finesse or delicacy. The treble remains sharp, very narrow, full, homogeneous and totally harmonious. There is a very pleasant, exciting, subtly sharp and sparkling crunch. There is a lot of life in the top end of the S12 2024. But there is also balance with the rest of the frequencies, assuming a higher point of control and harmony, all without losing that exquisite sparkle so characteristic of the S12 planar transducers. My conclusion is the same as with the S12 Pro: a level of treble that few drivers can achieve.
Soundstage, Separation
It seems that the scene is a little wider, that there is a greater point of transparency and cleanliness, which gives it a more expansive, volatile and gaseous feeling. The sonic cohesion is maintained, but the scene is no longer so dense and opaque. It is still seamless, but there is more space, more separation: a wider stage oval on all three axes. The sound is not enveloping, but the wall feels higher, which gives a more impressive zenithal sensation. In the recreation of layers and their layering, a remarkable level of accuracy persists. In the exposure of details, the differential improvement between them is noticeable, which translates into more looseness and liveliness. In this way, the image and the positioning of the elements are perceived clearly, concisely, sharply and with very good spatial positioning.
Comparisons
LetShuoer S12
The classic S12s are among the most recommended and appreciated IEMS among audiophiles in my country and in the circles in which I move. They are not the latest IEMS, but they are still a great value compared to other new products. That's why the new S12 2024s may arouse a certain amount of expectation.
Focusing on the sound, there is a change in profile between the two models. A quick change attests to this. The older S12s seem to have a more V-shaped profile, with the lower mids a little more distant, but with the upper mids and first treble more excited. The 2024 Editions are more balanced, homogeneous and pleasant, with a more accentuated fullness and a more natural sound.
The lower range is very similar, but the sub-bass is a little more emphasised in the 2024 Edition. The S12s have more colour and presence in the mid-bass, which gives them a bit more consistency, elasticity and rubberiness. Bass is drier in the 2024 Edition, a little deeper and darker, with a slightly greater amount of texture and roughness. In this respect, I'm sticking with the 2024 Edition.
The profile of the 2024 Edition is a little darker and more relaxed, but for the better. The lower mids are warmer, with better presence and vocal fullness, with more body and physicality, giving a slightly more analogue, natural and rich sound. The S12s again have a bit more colour, sparkle and brightness, but also a bit of tonal shift and a lighter presence, making it feel more splashy.
The upper mids of the 2024 edition are much softer, calmer and controlled. Perhaps someone might think that they are more nuanced. The S12s put the emphasis on female vocals, which are closer and more expressive. In the 2024 Edition, those voices feel drier and less bright. The S12s focus more on the details of the upper mids, while the 2024 Editions focus on the base.
With the 2024 Edition, the sibilance tends to flatten out, while with the S12s and their more splashy sound, the sibilance is more accentuated.
The amount of energy present in the treble of the S12s is evident. The treble of the 2024 Edition is drier, more controlled and smoother. The treble of the S12s clearly feels more crisp, thin, energetic and penetrating, but also more controlled. You might think that the highs of the 2024 Edition are a bit filed down and that their brilliance is a bit cut back. In comparison, this is true. But perhaps the S12s are more excessive in the long run.
The superior sparkle of the S12s allows a slightly better glimpse of the micro-detail, when it is brighter. In that case, the 2024 Edition seems to have those frequencies more camouflaged. Being more splashy gives the S12s a point of greater informativeness, with slightly finer and more defined notes in the background, as if they had a point more resolution. The 2024 Edition is a little blunter; the micro-detail seems to be there, but a little more diluted, not as crisp or sharp.
The 2024 Edition's soundstage seems wider, with a higher wall of sound and more depth. The sound is denser, with more volume, punch and presence. That makes it bigger and wider.
LetShuoer S12 Pro
The Pro version already offers a more obvious approach to the 2024 Edition. It was the first step in cleaning up the bass, raising the sub-bass and tilting its roll-off. The energy of the upper mids and treble was also reduced.
The 2024 Edition's bass seems more precise and contained, with a little more technical skill than the Pro's, which seem more diffused. In fact, the 2024 Edition's bass seems to have a little more oomph, punch and power.
To look for the seven differences in the lower mids would be to enter the realm of suggestion, because the frequency responses up to almost 2 kHz are identical. The difference is still in the nuances, in the harmonics. The sound seems a bit drier and duller in the 2024 Edition, while the Pro version has slightly juicier notes.
The upper mids feel a little lighter in the Pro version. The density and the full-bodied, grounded feel of the 2024 Edition persists, as well as that drier, more restrained feel in the female vocals. However, the female vocals come across as fuller and less diluted than in the Pro, giving them a firmer, closer, more engaging and richer appearance.
The high end of the Pro version has a bit more sparkle and energy. However, the highs of the 2024 Edition seem better calibrated, balanced and exposed. They possess a certain homogeneity that makes them more realistic, natural, even less strident.
Again, the Pro version seems to have a sharper, clearer and more profiled background, where some of the micro-detail can become more visible.
I have the same impression as with the S12s, although the distance is not as great. The scene is superior on the 2024 Edition.
Conclusion
LetShuoer continues to celebrate its eighth anniversary and now it's the turn of one of the brand's most iconic models: the S12. To celebrate, they have released a special version: the LetShuoer S12 2024 Edition. This is a limited edition of 2024 pieces, priced at $199. The first thing I would like to say about this is that I feel privileged to have one of these units. Secondly, I regret that this is a limited edition, as it is the best version of the S12, in my humble opinion. Going into more detail, as a special edition, it has a deluxe presentation, with commemorative accessories, as well as a unique numbering on each capsule. The capsules are made of titanium alloy and have a golden colour on all metal parts, as well as on the packaging itself. The quality of the cable is maintained, with three interchangeable plugs. However, it's not just a change on the outside: the sound has also been improved. This is undoubtedly the most balanced, dense, full and homogeneous version of all S12s. LeShuoer has been able to smooth out the upper mids and treble to create a quieter, more controlled tuning for long hours of music enjoyment. And all this without losing the clarity and transparency of the whole. It is true that micro-detail is still not the strongest part of the product, but the soundstage, depth and fullness of sound are now superior. For all those who have always complained about the high energy of the top end of the S12s, this special edition is the refined, more precise, dry and restrained answer. Too bad there won't be a regular version of this model in the future, without the lush packaging that goes with it. Because I think it would be a bestseller.
Sources Used During the Analysis
- EPZ TP50.
- Tempotec V3.
- Burson Audio Playmate 2.
- Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.
- Aune M1p.
LetShuoer offered me this model, in exchange for writing an honest review. I want to make it clear that all my opinions written in this review have not been conditioned by this fact, nor will I ever write anything that I do not really think or feel here. I will only write about my personal opinion in relation to the revised product.
Purchase Link
You can read the full review in Spanish here
TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition
The Letshuoer S12 2024 edition have been sent to me directly by Letshuoer for me to try them out and share my opinions in this review. Letshuoer have not made any requests or comments and, as always, I will do my best to be as unbiased as humanly possible.
The Letshuoer S12 2024 official page is here: https://letshuoer.net/es/products/l...netic-driver-in-ear-monitor-earphone-hifi-iem
As with all links I post, this is a non-affiliate link.
To avoid being repetitive 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…
Jumping back to April 2022, when the first real planar IEM boom started, I got to try out the Letshuoer S12, a set that immediately turned into my main daily driver. In fact, I remember that the title of the video review in Spanish was “my new EDC”. They continued to be one of my most used sets for a long time and only really lost their spot in my box of 6 quick grab IEMs quite recently. So, it goes without saying that I was (am) a fan of the original S12.
Fast forward to a few months ago and Letshuoer reached out to me to let me know that, as part of their 8 year anniversary, they would be releasing a 2024 Edition of the S12, limited to 2,024 units. I was, of course, very happy to agree to reviewing them and looked forwards to giving them a listen.
Now, these aren’t the first variation of the S12, we also got the S12 Pro and the Z12 which, funnily enough, I never got to listen to but I do know that they received a lot of praise.
So, what is special about the 2024 edition?
We’ll get to details in a moment but apart from the limited number, the Letshuoer focuses mainly on the special accessories that are included, along with the limited edition shell colour. They don’t actually say much about changes in tuning or sound, although there are (something that we will also get to in just a moment).
The 2024 edition comes in at $199 while the original S12 is available for $90 less on Letshuoers site, so what do we get that is special?
Presentation…
I have to say that before I even opened the outer box, I was already intrigued by the presentation. The outer brown shipping box features the Letshuoer branding, something that is not very common on shipping boxes (at least those that I receive) and opening it reveals a black interior with more branding and a gold coloured box inside a large bubble wrap sealed envelope. As I said, we haven’t even got to the main box yet and I already felt that these were something different.
Removing the gold inner box from the bubble wrap, this shows an “8th” design in a raised texture, with “Letshuoer 8th Anniversary” in black at the top and “S12 Limited Edition” at the bottom. On the back we just get some basic specifications etc.
Opening the gold box we find another box, this time a rigid black box with a lift off lid that reveals a gold (coloured) commemorative medallion style item sitting in a white cardboard inlay which refers to the Letshuoer 8th Anniversary. At first I thought this was the keychain that Letshuoer refer to on their web but there is another one in the box, so I am not really sure what it is. This medallion/keychain has a spinning centre and while I wouldn’t actually put it on my keys (I like to keep them small and manageable), it has become a bit of a fidget toy on my desk.
Under the top layer we find the fourth box, inside of which we get the user manual, 9 sets of tips in 3 types (vocal, balanced and memory foam) on a card, the warranty card and a commemorative card in black and gold.
Underneath this we finally come across the gold coloured IEMs sitting inside foam cutouts, the storage/transport case containing the cable, and a final (fifth) box that contains a more manageable keychain, if the first one was actually a keychain. Or maybe they go together?
Either way, there is no reason that I can fault the packaging and contents of the S12 2024 edition. It is true that we don’t need all the boxes and goodies but this is a “special edition” and the unboxing does make it feel like it is.
Build and aesthetics…
The IEMs are, as far as I can tell, identical to the original S12 except that the outer plate is gold coloured and the inner shell is black. To be honest, I thought that the black part of the shell was plastic or resin but Letshuoer mention says that the entire body utilizes a titanium alloy chamber with a high precision CNC milled shell, so I guess they are all metal, as were the originals.
I found the originals to be very comfortable and the 2024 edition is no different. They are small enough to fit comfortably in my ears and light enough to not cause any fatigue. As far as aesthetics, I am not someone who favours gold but I understand that they are a limited edition and they are also on the rose gold / copper side of the spectrum, so they are not as “blingy” as they could be.
The included cable is titanium coloured with gold hardware that matched the IEMs. I can’t say it is my favourite cable ever but it is a nice cable nonetheless. It also features interchangeable connectors, with 2.5, 3.5 and 4.4mm being included.
The storage / travel case is the usual Letshuoer round, screw top, kind. This is not something that I chose for transporting IEMs in my pocket but it is great for storing IEMs when not in use.
In general, I have no complaints with the build or aesthetics. They chose a colour theme for the anniversary edition and have maintained it throughout, making it something that does portray itself as a special edition, especially when the unboxing experience also matched the colour scheme.
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.)
As I said in the intro, Letshuoer so not say anything about changes in sound between the original and the 2024 version, yet there are some.
Before explaining how this version sounds, here is the graph comparing the two, along with my usual preference curve for reference:
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As soon as I started listening to the s12 2024, it was like putting on an old pair of shoes. Yes, you may have newer and more extravagant shoes, but there is something about those old comfortable shoes that just feels correct. During my initial listening sessions, which are while I am focusing on work and not music, I honestly didn’t really pick up on the differences.
However, as time went on and I listened to more familiar tracks, I started to notice that things seemed a little more “powerful” than on the original. By that I don’t mean that they were louder, or that they were bassier (although I will mention a little more on that in a second), just that they seemed to have more “authority” to them, especially in things like kick drums.
This sensation was more apparent when listening to the originals again, especially when moving on to my detailed listening sessions with my test tracks.
“Chameleon” is clean yet powerful in its subbass, with midbass that adds to the sensation rather than detracting from it. Although the original S12 is also clean and controlled with this track, again, I feel that the 2024 seems to do it with more authority.
“No Sanctuary Here” gives the same sensation, not that there is more bass than on the original, but that the bass has more “thump” to it, without an increase in the midbass range. Again, clarity is good. In my review of the original S12, I mentioned that the slight additional presence of midbass (over my personal preferences) worked well for things like “Whole Lotta Love”, giving a little bit more body to the bass guitar on older rock recordings. With the 2024 I don’t get that sensation. There is no lack of midbass but it doesn’t quite give that same sensation of warmth that the original did in this case, it seems more clear. Not saying that is sounds bad, far from it, just a little different from what I came to expect from the original.
Moving through the mids, I find that the response hear deviates very little from the original, staying nicely balanced with good presence to the lower ranges of vocals and instruments that sound clean, such as the bass guitar in “Elephants On Ice Skates” that is once again nicely balanced between the slaps, plucks and lower notes.
Moving into the upper mids and lower treble is where I find the most noticeable difference between the two sets. Vocals still have a nice presence to them and that slight hint of harshness and sibilance in “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” is still present when volume is pushed (above my usual listening levels), but overall I find things to be a little smoother.
As far as the “Code Cool” sibilance test, Patricia Barber still presents some sibilance on this set, as she did on the originals, placing her around a +1 or +2 on my non-scientific scale. This is reduced quite a bit by swapping tips, making her more neutral in this range, but once again, the sibilance level is very reminiscent of the originals.
As far as detail and separation, it may just be my brain and the placebo effect, but I do feel that the newer model is an improvement. Listening to “Strange Fruit” on both sets, I feel that there is a bit more space between the vocal layers and that details are pushed slightly further forwards. This is not necessarily an increase in detail per se, more of them being more in focus.
Soundstage is something that I find very pleasurable on the S12 2024, with a nice sensation of space and location in things like “La Luna”. They may not be the most spacious sounding IEMs but there is still plenty of stage for things to be located all around you.
Conclusion…
I have tried to refer to many of the tracks that I referred to in my review of the original S12 (which you can find here), giving a reference point as to how this stacks up against the original.
There is no doubt that the S12 2024 is a very nicely presented set that does make you feel like you are getting something special when you receive it, which is good seeing that it is a special limited edition.
There is nothing to complain about as far as build and I am probably not the best one to comment on aesthetics, seeing that I am not really a fan of gold.
So that leaves the sound and the performance of the IEMs, which, at the end of the day, is the important thing when buying a set of earphones. It is no secret that I am a fan of the S12 and, in my personal opinion, the S12 2024 is slightly better. It is not a night and day thing, it is small things that stand out to me when listening to music, but I would personally say that I would choose the 2024 edition over the original based on musical enjoyment. They just seem to present things in a more impressive way while still keeping the strong points of the original.
Is this worth the $90 price difference? Based solely on the musical reproduction, I would say no. However, you are not just getting the musical reproduction, you are getting the things that go with a limited edition and that is something you need to consider.
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As with all my reviews, this can also be found 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
All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation
Introduction
Thanks to Letshuoer Audio I have a review sample of the S12 8th anniversary version to audition. Provided to Audio Reviews Down under in Australia and we would like to thank Letshuoer and as usual will provide our honest opinions.
The unboxing of this IEM is a premium experience and one of the most complete and luxurious sets I have had the pleasure to experience. Delivered in a plain cardboard box stamped with the company name. Opening that you are presented with a gilt golden box. Inside that box you have a black embossed box holding the IEMs, a good set of tips including balanced and vocal tips and also a set of foams. Letshuoer's hockey puck shaped hard carry box and a quality cable with modular connectors for 3.5mm and 2.5 and 4.4mm balanced terminations. Oh, and a gold key ring.
Letshuoer has retained the same form factor except the body of the IEM is black resin with a metal faceplate in gold. This makes the whole IEM lighter and adds to the excellent comfort. The supplied cable is excellent quality and looks good with matching gold plug and a very nice feel. The neck slider functions well.
Equipment.
Listening undertaken with FLAC files on my Hiby DAP using the Letshuoer DT03 and Cayin RU6 DACs. I was happy to use the S12 s cable as it is a quality item. I used my preferred Divinus wide bore tips.
I have had a lot of planars to enjoy this year from Hidizs, Letshuoer and NiceHCK. To be frank, while they have been excellent sets, none have toppled the Hidizs MP145 as my favorite. I had few expectations of the 2024 S12. I have read a few lukewarm reviews from people who may have deep love of the OG S12 or the S12 pro.The original S12 predated my involvement with IEMs and the one audition I had with the original S12 did not wow me. It seemed a little uncouth and brash. What to expect from the 2024 model?
Howdoes it sound? Bass First.
The bass rendition is spot on for my tastes. Abundant, yet balanced with more weight and fullness that other planars I have auditioned. The sub bass goes deep when the track calls for it. Mid bass is fast and impact-full. "Man next door" by Massive Attack has the ability to shake your inner ear with a visceral low end . I'd stress that the amount of bass is is still balanced against the rest of the range and never becomes overbearing.
Midrange
Balance is what the S12 2024 is all about and the midrange is clean and mainly neutral with a little warmth and a super natural tonality. Female and male vocals are placed perfectly and sound correct and compelling.
"Six Blade Knife" by Dire Straits for example. A crazy well recorded album. I can just about read the makers badge on the bass amplifier. The snare and cymbals sitting back in the mix and Knofflers guitar clear and detailed with beautiful sustain and release. The 8th has a great ability to portray the width of a performance with discernable depth. This results in a realistic and believable open sound scape which in turn allows the ear to position every instrument in its discrete space and reveals details and nuances that other IEMs just can't.
Treble
The highs are rendered with delicacy and finesse. My test tracks with cymbals and xylophone is "Charlie Patton Songs" by Gomez. Nothing is over emphasized and the highs have a little magic to them, sounding just right to my ears. Some great sounding tom's in this track as well. Planars can sometimes over emphasize treble and make it sound unnatural. The S12 does not fall into this trap.
Technicalities.
"Paranoid Android” by Radiohead off their acclaimed album OK Computer, is my test track and the S12 2024 shows off superb instrument separation across a wide stage with detailed and delicately rendered guitar, keyboards and percussion woven in and around the vocals. The cohesion is maintained throughout the frantic end of the song.
“Laugh it Off” by Post Malone starts with Post's vocal and guitar. His voice sounds like there is added reverberation but what I realized is that the S12 has such an ability to depict depth and space, that what I am hearing is the natural reverb in the studio where it was recorded. At least I'm pretty sure. If not, then the engineer has done a great job. The song builds to a climax with some great percussion, backing vocals and complex arrangement and the S12 keeps it all together beautifully. Listen to the end for some OTT distorted drums. Your ears will not be harmed !
Conclusion.
The 8th anniversary Letshuoer S12 2024 is revamped and re-tuned into a sophisticated and eminently capable planar with a rich and nuanced sound. Frankly it blows me away and tops the Letshuoer S15 by a long way. Treble that's detailed and delicate, natural sounding vocal with air and placed in a large soundstage and underpinned by bass that goes deep, and drums with crisp impact. But there is a hard to define correctness that makes you want to ignore the above and just wallow in the sumptuous music. This is one of those special IEMs that drag you into your music collection to experience the tracks anew. The mix of authority and deftness in the way the music is presented means I think this set will be in my top favourites for a long time. I hope Letshuoer keep this IEM in production longer than the limited run in some future form because it is a triumph of tuning and design.
ILuvAudio
The unboxing experience itself is worth the money spent. Good review.
I loved the original S12 and at the time, it was my preferred planar option since it sounded decently well rounded with a stronger treble that came off as raw sounding which was either a positive or negative depending on the listener's treble preference. Eventually an updated S12 Pro came out with a slightly warmer tuning that attempted to appeal to those who didn’t like the S12 tuning. LETSHUOER ended up transitioning to the S15 which had an all new design both externally and internally with a new planar driver. The S15 covered their top and planar unit series and then their warm tuned S08 covered their entry level leaving the S12 and S12 Ultra as the middle tier Planar set in their S series lineup. The S12 2024 Edition is a limited release of 2024 units and attempts to be the best of the S12 series tuning wise. The S12 is using an 14.8mm Planar driver and comes in at $199.00 at the time of this writing but has an MSRP of 299.00
Quick shoutout to @LetShuoer Audio for sending a unit out 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 S12 2024 Anniversary can be pickup below:
https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-s12-2024-edition-14-8mm-planar-magnetic-driver-in-ear-monitor-earphone-hifi-iem
Onto the review of the LETSHUOER S12 2024! 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, iPad Pro 11in(M4), Moondrop Moonriver 2 Ti, LETSHUOER S12, LETSHUOER S15, Eversolo DAC-Z7/SMSL SP400 desktop stack via Audirvana Studio.Looks and fit
The S12 2024(2024 Edition/Version going forward) has an updated shell that goes for a polished black inner shell that has a high quality feel that also helps with comfort in the ear. The outer shell/faceplate uses a similarly smooth metal with a rose gold color. More gold than pink but I think it looks great with the black inner shell. The shell looks very similar to the OG S12 but just eyeballing the two, I do see that the nozzle is slightly wider and the vent port near the connector has changed from a circle to a rectangle shape. The filter on the nozzle looks different vs the OG S12 as well. The 2024 version feels higher quality but I do notice a fitment difference between the two with the same exact tips in my ears which makes no sense since both look to be the same shape. This might just be a possible weight or shell material difference. Because it fits my ears just a bit better, I have less seal issues and don’t need to use oversized tips to get a good seal.
Isolation and sound leakage
The S12 2024 has decent passive isolation. It blocks out enough outside noise. Like most vented IEMs, it does leak out some sound but this can be countered by simply lowering volume in quiet areas. Other than that, these do as well as other vented IEMs.Packaging and accessories
The S12 2024 being a special edition goes a little above and beyond on the package and accessories. Though it’s all just cosmetic things like a keychain and little plate showing off that this is a special edition. As a reviewer, this set of extras is wasted on me since everything that isn’t the IEMs and case are stuffed away in my closet or storage boxes. However, it might appeal to those who buy the 2024 edition. The updated box is a little longer than the standard S12 series packaging and comes in a nice rose gold sleeve. Inside that is the main box that houses the little plaque thing and under that we get an array of tips which range from narrow and wide bore as well as some foam tips. We get their updated S15 style carrying case which I really like. We also get the IEM and color matched cable that have quick detach plugs to cover all balanced and unbalanced needs. Overall a good presentation and it comes with all the important things one would need from a set of IEMs.
Sound(overall)
These final impressions were done off the Eversolo DAC-Z8 connected to the SMSL SP400. This was all done using Audirvana Studio as the main audio player. These impressions are what the S12 2024 sounded like to my ears. This was also using the Spinfit W1 ear 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 S12 2024 has a similar tuning to the OG S12 but the physical changes to the nozzle filter and top vent port do make a noticeable tuning difference. The 2024 sounds mostly neutral-bright but with a dynamic sounding bass to my ears. The bass sounds fast but produces good tight bass impact/slam. It does sound pretty well controlled and does produce a little extra kick when it’s needed. The mids are neutral for the most part with just a bit of sharpness. This makes for detailed enough instruments that hangout in the midrange. The Vocals come in clear but they do exhibit a slightly metallic sound to the end tones of female vocals which was common for the OG S12 Planar units. This isn’t as noticeable and this sounds good enough but not quite natural for Vocals. The upper mids are sharp with a slight boost and it leans on the edge of what I find comfortable for long term listening fatigue. The treble is brighter but it does sound better controlled in this 2024 edition. Though only slightly, it lacks some of the strong raw sounding treble the OG S12 had. This unit sounds very much like my OG S12 but I do seem to prefer this unit more. It’s just the slight difference between this and the OG S12 that makes it a better modern tuning for my preferences today. I liked it back when the OG S12 came out and I have no complaints with the tuning on the S12 2024 Edition.
Soundstage/Imaging
Soundstage width and depth are balanced and about average for IEMs. I don’t have much to say since nothing sounds unique or strange. Imaging was spot on for the balanced soundstage. It was easy to pick out specific instruments and positions in busy tracks.Sensitivity/Drivability
The S12 2024 version does like a little power to get the volume up to my preferred level. Most modern dongles with 200mW or more will provide more than enough power for the 2024 version. There is a noticeable difference between this and OG S12 in terms of required power for volume. This could come down to possibly different cables but with the same tips, I do find a difference needed to get the same volume.Stock cable
The stock cable looks a lot like the stock cable that came with the S12 and S12 Pro. This time it’s a dark brown cable with small hints of silver wire weaved in. The furniture on the y split and the 2 pin connectors have the same shiny rose gold color as the 2024 faceplates. The cable is stiff but flexible enough that it doesn’t tangle up easily. I like the stock cable and with the swappable plugs, it makes it easy to adapt to any audio source. I would leave the stock cable alone unless you prefer a different color or cable design.
IEM comparisons
LETSHUOER S12
I mostly mentioned the differences in my “Sound Impression” section above but I’ll summarize the differences here quickly. The bass is better controlled and a tiny bit less punchy compared to the OG S12. The 2024 has a better mid and vocal presentation with the OG S12 sounding noticeably more metallic/artificial. The upper mids sound close on both but the new 2024 edition just doesn’t sound quite as sibilant. The treble is noticeably more sharp and metallic sounding on the OG S12 vs the new 2024 version. Raw is usually the keyword I use to describe it, but something in design differences with the new nozzle filter and possibly the top vent design change might be the reason the 2024 sounds tighter and detailed without sounding splashy and rough like the OG S12 upper treble.
LETSHUOER S15
I’m mostly gonna copy my notes from the S15 review but a little has changed since there is small but noticeable refinement to the tuning of the S12 2024 Edition vs the OG S12.“The S12 sounds a little brighter and just a bit more raw in the treble tuning. Now compared to the S15 and even some of the alternated S12 variants, it’s quite obvious their planar designs and tuning choices have heavily evolved. The S15 easily leads the pack in both tuning competency and detail retrieval. The lows sound tighter and hit harder on the S15, the mids are detailed and sound refined. The vocals are cleaner and less metallic over the S12. The upper mids are a little better balanced on the S15 and lack sibilance issues to my ears. Finally the treble is still super sharp and fast but it sounds less “raw” and more detailed vs the S12. The gap is slightly smaller with this 2024 S12 but the S15 still sounds more detailed regardless. Staging is a little better balanced on the S15 as well. Both are good IEMs but I feel the S15 is just a great example of R&D at LETSHUOER continuing to hone their planar lineup in an attempt to make the ultimate all rounder planar.”
Amping Combinations
Moondrop MoonRiver 2 Ti
Since I do most of my listening for reviews at work, I tend to use the MR2 Ti as my main source from my Macbook Pro. The MR2 Ti is a slightly warmer source and it pairs well with the S12 2024. The bass has a warmer sound which also blends into the mids giving this a more relaxed listen. The Vocals do sound a hair more natural and the upper mids do sound more controlled and less sharp which might help with those who might find this teetering on the edge of being sibilant. The treble is still sharp but sounds a hair slower which helps give it that overall warmer sound. Overall a great pairing and I preferred this combo.
Eversolo DAC-Z8/SMSL SP400
As mentioned in my sound impressions, this is the main stack I used for my overall impressions of the S12 2024 Edition. While this stack usually brings out the best audio performance from IEMs, I honestly had no issues getting really good performance out of the Moondrop MR2 Ti which is my dongle benchmark for most reviews. It won’t hurt to feed the S12 2024 Edition a good source but it’s not needed to appreciate the tuning.Overall thoughts
I liked the OG S12 and I like this new S12 2024 Anniversary Edition. Now there is only the slightest tuning difference but it’s just enough that I do prefer this over the OG S12. This is a “greatest hit” of the S12 series and I think this is my preferred version. This is a special edition and since it’s a limited production release, I think it’s worth the recommendation if you want the updated shell material and color scheme, a slight refinement to the tuning(a result of the nozzle filter and top vent change) and all the goodies that let you know that you have the special version of the S12. If you didn’t like the OG S12 when it launched, I don’t believe this version will change anyone's mind all that much. Good job to the team at LETSHUOER as usual and I look forward to their future products including one my favorite IEMs that has been updated by their engineering team. Thanks for reading!!
The number 8 or “Ba” has a strong connotation with Chinese numerology as it signifies a lucky number as it brings luck and prosperity. And also if you put the “8” into X axis position, it looks like an infinity symbol (∞) which might translate as an unlimited cycle of wealth.
LETSHUOER celebrate their 8th year on the audio industry and in their years of existence as an audio company, they already establish themselves as one of the sought after audio companies in the current audio market as they are known for their excellent craftsmanship and refined tuning that puts them in a pedestal to be a reputable and trustworthy one in the audio community. On their every anniversary event, they will release some celebratory product models which are either new or some revisions.
The product that will be featured here is rather a revision one but LETSHUOER assured that it has some distinctive characteristics compared to its predecessors. This is LETSHUOER S12 2024 ANNIVERSARY EDITION, and this is the third variant of the S12 family series, and like the previous S12 sets, it still has planar magnetic driver inside but LETSHUOER do some tweaking to further refine its tuning.
The S12 2024 AED still retains that large 14.8mm planar magnetic driver for an earphone-size scale that were used on previous S12 models which has a neodymium magnet suspended next to thin wafer diaphragm with some embedded wires running through it in which if it is power up, the electromagnetic signals will travel on those embedded wires and move to the diaphragm to create some electromechanical motion and reaction between the diaphragm and magnet to deliver a precise, consistent movement and better responsive on transient speed for clearer and more detailed sound.
The planar magnetic driver then encased in a solid CNC-milled titanium alloy chassis with a rose-gold colourway on its faceplate with anodising black coloured cavity base chamber gives a classy and glamorous aesthetic vibe. Overall, it still follows the design language of the S12 which is actually well-thought in terms of ergonomic fitting, durability and also a hypoallergenic one which makes it more skin-friendly. The S12 2024 EDITION still utilises a 0.78mm bi-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism for its detachable cable.
As for fitting and comfort, it is the same experience with the S12 PRO which really rests and seals well into my lugholes and offers an excellent passive noise isolation that is able to block some unnecessary external noises.
LETSHUOER includes a premium stock cable and the best facet on this one is that it features a modular termination plug system for audio output flexibility that will be useful to audio enthusiasts. The cable is composed of 2-core multi-strand monocrystalline silver-plated copper wiring and it is quite durable, flexible and soft which is also resistant to entanglement. The detachable termination plug of this one is quite hefty and its surface was anodised and coated with rose gold colour to give that lustre and glossy look and it comes with 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm.
On how LETSHUOER presents this product to the audio market and make the unboxing experience even more special to its consumers, it was packed in a bulky rectangular box in a gold colour scheme. The contents inside were meticulously organised and divided into sections.
Here are the following contents inside of its packaging box:
- Pair of LETSHUOER S12 2024 ANNIVERSARY EDITION IEM transducers.
- Stock cable with modular features
- Detachable termination plugs; 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm.
- Circular TPE carrying case
- Ear tips tray
- Three (3) pairs of white-coloured balanced bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes
- Three (3) pairs of black-coloured narrow bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
- Three (3) pairs of memory foam ear tips.
- Commemorative small plaque
- Commemorative leatherette keychain
- Paperwork like postcard, Q.C stub, instruction manual and warranty card.
As for power scaling, as we are already aware that this one has a planar magnetic and planar magnetics demands more power output to have an optimal performance to drive this set. If properly amplified, this device is capable of delivering a clean, detailed and full dynamic sound that encompasses across both ends of the frequency range.
The LETSHUOER S12 2024 ANNIVERSARY EDITION has a mild U-shaped sound profile in which both low frequency and high frequency are just slightly elevated but retains a well-balanced sounding midrange.
(FR graphs were provided by @baskingshark and @koyawmohabal, credits to them on their effort)
LOW/BASS:
The overall bass response of this one is quite well-balanced as it has an ample punchiness, tactile and rumbly as both sub bass and mid bass sections are registered equally although the former has more presence as I hear a bit more deep rumbling than texture or volume.
On the sub bass part, I clearly perceive those rumbling and reverberations generated by some instruments like synthesisers, drum machines, low tuned bass guitars and double basses. Meanwhile on the mid bass section, it has a sufficient texture and volume to add more note weight on bass-clef instruments and some male vocals while maintaining a clean and well-separated bass response. Both bass guitars and double basses sound sombre and resonant on every pluck on their strings while bass kick drums have a thudding and resonant sound on every stroke, and then bass trumpets have enough full and dark timbre on them. On male vocals particularly on bass and bass-baritone types, they have a sufficient weight and deep resonant voice as it sounds dusky and woolly.
MIDRANGE:
The midrange presentation of this one is a bit recessed on its overall frequency range but somehow it retains a well-balanced sound with some fullness on its note weight that makes it more of an all-rounder sound for vocals and instruments. This particular frequency section also carries a clean, spacious and sufficiently energetic sound.
On male vocal section, baritones have a smooth and adequate warm sound which are excellent on light and lyrical baritone types while tenors have a spicy and dazzling sound which is excellent for leggero, lyric and spinto as I can enjoy on listening to some of the best operatic tenors in world. Countertenors sound pretty well-rendered on this one as it sounds emotive and tender to my ears with their captivating voice. As for female vocals, the contraltos appear to have enough volume but still not the most ideal natural sound that I want but it still has some richness and smoky on their voices, while mezzo-sopranos have an expressive voices with velvety and golden sound on them, and lastly, the sopranos have a shimmering and gleaming sound on their vocals in which most planar magnetic drivers will excel upon on this one.
When it comes to instruments, on string instruments, guitars have the crisp and adequate bright sound on every plucking of its strings while violins have a vibrant and clear sound, and then cellos have that lustrous and silky sound. The woodwinds with the likes of concert flutes, clarinets, piccolos and saxophones, the concert flutes have that ethereal and airy sound while piccolos have a graceful and light sound, then clarinets have lustrous sound and saxophones have lively and reedy sound. On brasses, trumpets have that metallic brilliance, trombones have full and solid sound, and horns have a resounding and resonant sound. As for percussives, tom-toms have that warm and resonant sound, snare drums have a clear and penetrating sound, field drums sound full and sonorous and kettledrums have that venerable and resonant sound. The pianos appear to have an even and balanced sound as it has a clean, clear and sweet tone on them.
HIGHS/TREBLE:
While it seems that this part of frequency range appears to be slightly accented but the treble response of this one is quite well-balanced as it has lustre characteristics that it wouldn't sound inoffensive at all. While I notice that there are some accentuation in the upper-mids and also presence part, it gives a clarity and definition on vocal presence and at the same time, it gives some clarity on the attack of instruments. The sibilance was kept under control and not a hint of stridency that will cause some unpleasant piercing and shrill sound.
It has a sufficient airy extension on its brilliance section with an appropriate intensity on its sparkle and more presence on its harmonics. Cymbals have a shimmer and sizzling sound while hi-hats have its short buzzing tone to give its distinctive chick-y sound. Celestas have a glistening and lustrous sound on every pressing of its sound bars and then glockenspiels have a sweet and shimmering sound.
SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:
The S12 2024 AED is capable of delivering a moderately spacious sound field dimension as I can perceive an above-average to wide lateral span, excellent height reach and good depth for a planar set. On stereo imaging, it still retains that concave-like presentation like its predecessor with a well-layered soundscape that I was able to pinpoint the exact placement of vocals and instruments in a clean sonic canvas with some excellent separation.
The driver coherency of this one is up par given that planar drivers are known to deliver a fast transient response and clarity. As for resolution capability, this set excels in both macro-dynamics and micro-detail retrieval as it is relatively resolving as it has solid dynamics while its micro-detail retrieval has reasonable sharp definition on extracting some details and other nuances in an audio track.
PEER COMPARISONS:
LETSHUOER S12 PRO
- Shares the same design language and planar driver technology.
- It is also pretty stacked with inclusions.
- Stock cable with modular features.
- Has a bright u-shaped sound profile.
- Tighter bass response, noticeable more recessed midrange and brighter treble response but susceptible to sibilance and shrillness.
- Apparently it has similar technical performance but it has sharper definition on sharper definition on its micro-detail retrieval capability.
HIDIZS MP143
- It has a larger shell chassis and a marginally smaller planar magnetic driver technology inside.
- Sufficiently packed with accessories.
- Its stock cable doesn't have a modular option and also a tad leaner in texture.
- It has a detachable nozzle system that offers more tonal versatility from warm up to a brighter sound profile.
- On the rose gold nozzle, it has a balanced bass response similar to S12 2024, a tad warmer midrange and smoother and less brighter sound profile, although this one has a more planar-y sound which is a buzzing, energetic and zingy timbre.
- On technicalities, while it has a more 3D stereo presentation, its layering aspect is rather less impressive and I'm struggling a bit on pinpointing the placements of vocals and instruments.
HIDIZS MP145
- Still considered as the reigning planar champ in under $300 and it has larger profile size with its whale-theme aesthetics.
- Pretty well accessorised but its carrying case is a PU-leather purse type.
- Its stock cable doesn't have a modularity option.
- It has a detachable nozzle system that offers three types of sound profiles that makes this set even more versatile.
- On the rose gold nozzle, it has more sub-bass focused bass response with a leaner mid bass texture, a neutral, less warmer but a tad more energetic midrange and a brighter and more airier treble response although this one has more presence of planar sheen timbre.
- It has a wider sound/speaker stage, a stereoscopic imaging presentation and even more resolving micro-dynamics aspects.
SHOZY P20
- It has a larger shell chassis profile and is also equipped with a similarly sized planar magnetic driver.
- This one is cheaper as it was priced under US$200/£150.
- It is sufficiently accessorised with a large hardbound PU-leather case for storage.
- It doesn't have a modular cable.
- This one also has a U-shaped sound profile but more aligned with balanced-warmish tonality.
- The bass response is a tad boomy as it has more mid bass texture, a warm and richer midrange and a smooth and a tad darker treble response but still has an airy presence.
- On technical performance, it has a narrower sound field, similar stereo imaging presentation but it has a rather modest layering and less resolving micro-dynamics capabilities.
The S12 2024 ANNIVERSARY EDITION is indeed the total refinement and probably the last evolution of the S12 series as it is able to sort out some issues that S12 PRO have. This set is one of the few planar magnetic IEMs out there that can be considered a true versatile beast.
This also showcases the prowess of LETSHUOER as an audio company as they are capable of further improving one of their successful line-up series models and this set truly sets itself apart from its predecessors.
The LETSHUOER S12 2024 AED has one of the best product packaging presentations with some good amount of accessories included inside. The quality of the contents are indeed superb and feels premium, from solid carrying case up to sturdy stock cable. Tonal aspect on this one is unbelievably excellent even for its asking price on how well-balanced it is, with some polishing touch on its tonal colour aspect that a very few planar magnetics able to achieve and a quite competent technical capabilities, this set is one of the few sets that will set a new standard for a well-tuned planar magnetic IEM segment.
LETSHUOER S12 2024 ANNIVERSARY EDITION is now available at LETSHUOER Official Online Store. Just check out the non-affiliated link below.
★★LETSHUOER S12 2024 ANNIVERSARY EDITION★★
SPECIFICATION:
MODEL: LETSHUOER S12 2024 ANNIVERSARY EDITION
IMPEDANCE: 16Ω
SENSITIVITY: 102dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m
PIN TYPE: 0.78 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: (MODULAR) 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) PLANAR MAGNETIC DRIVER
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*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *
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 Ms. Betty from LETSHUOER for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.
IEM Specifications
Custom 14.8mm Planar Magnetic Driver
Laser Engraved, TC4 Titanium Alloy Shell
392 Strands Silver Plated Monocrystalline Copper Cable
0.78mm 2Pin Connector & Interchangeable Plugs
Unboxing and First Impressions
The S12 8th Anniversary Special Limited Edition or we will call it S12 2024 arrives in an elegant packaging that can rival the packaging of the TOTL iems. Upon unboxing, the IEMs are securely placed in their holder, accompanied by a high-quality Monocrystalline Copper Cable. The presentation is special, making you feel like you’ve been gifted by someone special. The iem look like good jewellery.
Package contents
1x S12 2024 In Ear Monitor
1x 0.78mm 2Pin Cable
3x Modular Plugs (2.5mm, 3.5mm. 4.4mm)
1x Limited Edition Keychain
1x Limited edition card
9x Ear Tips
1x Carrying Case
1x Warranty Card
1x User Manual
Comfort and Usability
Comfort remains a strong point for the S12 2024. The lightweight design, combined with multiple sizes of silicone and foam tips, ensures a personalized fit for any user. The detachable cable system is another highlight, allowing users to upgrade or replace cables as needed. The cable itself is a high-quality, braided design that minimizes tangling and microphonics.
Price
INR 20K (currently retailing at 14,841 in the sales season on ConceptKart)
Disclaimer
This review reflects my personal and subjective listening experience with the mentioned audio gear product. I would like to thank Letshouer for organizing this review tour in my country and allowing me to share my thoughts on the product, it doesn’t influence my review in any form and nor I am compensated.
Before I start, I would like to mention that most of my impressions of the gear is based on the source and test tracks mentioned, so YMMV.
Sources:
- Earmen Angel
- Ibasso DC07 Pro
I am glad that the S12 2024 continues the minimalist, sleek aesthetic that has become a hallmark of Letshouer IEMs. The earphones feature a compact, ergonomic design that ensures comfort for long listening sessions. The CNC-machined aluminum shells provide durability while remaining lightweight, making them ideal for both casual listeners and professionals alike. The ear tips are designed to ensure a snug fit, enhancing both comfort and passive noise isolation. They continue to adapt already successful design language.
Sound Quality
The S12 2024 utilizes an upgraded planar magnetic driver that offers incredible clarity and detail across the frequency range. S12 OG and S12 pro were known for their fast bass response and low distortion, and the S12 2024 is no exception. The bass response is tight and punchy without overpowering the mids or highs, making it suitable for a wide variety of genres.
Bass:
The bass on the Letshouer S12 2024 is tight, punchy, and well-controlled. Planar magnetic drivers are not typically known for delivering exaggerated or boomy bass, and the S12 2024 follows this trend. The sub-bass extension is deep, providing a satisfying rumble without overwhelming the rest of the frequency range. The mid-bass is more subdued, offering a clean, textured response that doesn't bleed into the mids. While it may not satisfy bassheads looking for a thumping low-end, the bass performance is excellent for those who appreciate a more balanced, accurate presentation.
Mids:
The mids are natural and smooth, offering excellent clarity and detail. Vocals are presented with a sense of intimacy, neither recessed nor overly forward. Instrument separation in the mids is impressive, allowing each element in complex tracks to stand out without becoming congested. This is a strong suit of the planar magnetic driver, which handles the midrange with finesse, making the S12 2024 great for genres where vocal and instrumental detail is important, such as acoustic, classical, and jazz.
Treble:
Treble on the S12 2024 is crisp and detailed without being overly harsh or fatiguing. Letshouer has fine-tuned the treble response compared to previous models, resulting in better balance and refinement. While it remains energetic and extended, it avoids the sharpness or sibilance that some listeners experienced with earlier versions or other planar magnetic IEMs. The upper treble provides plenty of air and sparkle, contributing to the overall clarity and soundstage, though some listeners who are sensitive to treble may still find it slightly sharp at higher volumes.
Technicalities:
- Soundstage: The soundstage is impressively wide for an IEM, creating an open, immersive listening experience. It’s not as expansive as full-size headphones, but for an in-ear monitor, it provides excellent width and depth, allowing sounds to move more naturally across the space.
- Imaging: Imaging is precise, with instruments and vocals being clearly positioned within the soundstage. This makes the S12 2024 excellent for critical listening and genres that benefit from spatial accuracy, such as live recordings and orchestral music.
- Detail Retrieval: One of the standout features of the S12 2024 is its ability to extract micro-details from tracks. The fast response ensures that subtle nuances, such as the texture of instruments and breathiness in vocals, are easily discernible.
- Speed and Resolution: The S12 2024 driver handles fast, complex passages with ease, offering excellent resolution and layering of sound. This makes the S12 2024 particularly good for genres like metal, electronic, and progressive rock, where rapid transients and complex compositions require fast, detailed reproduction.
The Letshouer S12 Pro, released in 2023, was a more performance-oriented version of the original S12. I have owned S12 pro for over a year before Hidisz MP145 replaced it. While S12 2024 shares the same core planar magnetic driver, the S12 Pro had more bass quantity and came with a more premium Chimera cable. However, the S12 2024 takes these features to the next level by refining the tuning for a more balanced sound across the spectrum.
Where the S12 Pro offered fun kind of tuning, the S12 2024 focuses on out-of-the-box sound quality, with better treble refinement and an even wider soundstage. The build quality and comfort are similar, though the S12 2024’s shell design has been slightly improved for better fit and isolation.
Comparison with Hidisz MP145
The Hidisz MP145, another IEM in the same price range, is also known for its planar magnetic drivers but offers a slightly different sound signature. The MP145 emphasizes a more neutral, studio-like sound, with slightly less bass impact but even more accuracy in the mids and highs. The S12 2024, on the other hand, provides a more dynamic listening experience with a stronger bass presence and a more energetic tuning overall. MP145 suffers from huge shell hence awful fit, it also has wider stage and tuning option with changeable nozzle.
In terms of build, both the S12 2024 and the MP145 are well-constructed, but the Letshouer IEMs tend to offer a more premium feel with their aluminum shells and detachable cables, whereas the MP145 may feel a bit bulkier due to its larger housing.
Conclusion
The Letshouer S12 2024 is a significant upgrade over its predecessors, offering a more refined, balanced sound while maintaining the comfort and build quality the series is known for. Its out-of-the-box sound quality is impressive, making it a top contender in its price range. Compared to competitors like the Hidisz MP145, the S12 2024 leans towards a more engaging and dynamic listening experience, while the MP145 caters to those seeking a more neutral, analytical sound.
If you’re looking for a planar magnetic IEM that delivers excellent sound quality without needing too much tweaking, the Letshouer S12 2024 is an outstanding choice and a clear recommendation especially at the sale price in India.
TONALITY: 8.5/10
TECHNICALITIES: 8.8/10
RESOLUTION: 9/10
TIMBRE: 8.5/10
SOUNDSTAGE: 8/10
IMAGING: 8.5/10
MUSICALITY (subjective): 8.8/10
CONSTRUCTION: 9/10
ACCESSORIES: 10/10
SOUND VALUE: 8.8/10
Letshuoer is an IEM company founded in 2016 in China. They are well known from audiophiles unlike other more obscure ‘’chifi’’ companies around.
I’ve reviewed a lot of their IEM, my favorite being their tribrid EJ07M and S15 planar.
Today I will review their latest offering, the S12 2024 Edition which is an upgraded S12 produced in limited edition (2024 pairs).
The main change from the first S12 is the use of an all titanium housing, this means the cavity isn’t made of aluminum and less prompt of unwanted resonance that will inflict sound behavior.
Priced 199$, the S12 2024 includes a bunch of improved accessories too.
But let's see in this review if this isn’t just a gimmick to sell the very same S12 with different look but overly similar sound performance.
CONSTRUCTION & ACCESSORIES
The housing screams quality and is notably more luxurious and elegant than the first S12, while the first S12 has a rough metal edge the new S12 is all smoothness. The back plate is gold and it’s a fingerprint magnet but doesn’t seem extremely easy to scratch, ast least none on mine, it’s not as easy to scratch as a Moondrop Kato or Final A8000 which I own both and get micro scratch after one day.
The front part is black which is an excellent choice, it makes it look more sober and elegant, less bling bling. Don’t be afraid black part is plastic, it’s titanium too, when you hit both IEM together it makes the same sound on each gold or black side.
Comfort is excellent, these are the most comfy planar I own. Finish is very smooth. Nozzle is average long, not thinkedd for deep fit.
Yet, the passive isolation is quite excellent too. Again, among the best in the planar world from 15-20 planar I tested.
2 pin connectors are very well built, there is no gap and it screams quality again. It’s not recessed and most third party cable will fit easily. It’s not too loose nor too tight, as I love.
Then the included cable is a big plus too, it does match the IEM look very well and I'm always very happy to get a modular cable for supreme versatility. It's a 396 strands silver plated monocrystal copper 4 cores cable, it’s thick and sturdy, flexible and soft and comes with 3 gold colored plug (2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm). Only drawback for me it’s the ear hook that is too tight for my big ears and pull out IEM from my ears, it seem i’m one
The packaging presentation is very luxurious and even over the top. The consumer is really spoil here, and those excited with extra gift will enjoy commemorative collectable too. The 9 pairs of eartips are well choosen and the balanced wide bore eartips is the one I use the most. All in all very impressive whole package from Letshuoer.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
Simply put, the S12 2024 is a more refined and polished sounding S12 with improved transient control, smoother balance and more natural timbre. To some extent it sounds a bit more mid centric due to fuller mid range, yet I consider those bright neutral overall, with an energetic and captivating dynamic rendering that boost sense of music immediacy and favor speedy music genres like rock and jazz.
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting such improvement in tonal balance and if you read my older S12 review, I complained about lack of sub bass extension and vibrancy as well as upper mids hotness which is both solved with the new S12.
Let just underline that the whole IEM is made of titanium, this inflict on acoustic resonance which is more damped compared to less dense material like aluminum, this resonance can create loudness spike by reverberating the sustain release of sound air flow which is minimal with the new S12 and permit to achieve cleaner and more natural transient speed.
The BASS is fast, round and textured with a short but vibrant and dense sub bass extension, this permits you to enjoy the bass line easily, which are fleshy and natural and impress texture info that don’t feel forced or just focused on the spikiest part of texturing.
I can enjoy bass lines in both jazz and rock, should it be slow or speedy, minimal or maximalist in instrument number.
Yet, don’t expect basshead or even very bassy musicality here, it’s near neutral in the sense it isn’t flat nor lacking punch but don’t force the balance, we have proper mid bass punch which don’t feel overly boosted, just weighty and dynamic as it should but the acoustic kick drum is sounding very realist with just a slight notch of natural warmth to round it’s presence with substance and impact authority. This isn’t overly mellowed kick drum attack and it’s thicker than S12.
Don’t fear thin or dry bass haters, I'm one of you and the S12 is an approved bass-fi planar way and delivers among the best controlled and more natural low end out there. This means it’s versatile for both head banging pleasure and more purist bass lovers that enjoy cello as much cello as electric and double bass but need some minimal slam and rumble too, yet don’t want a big boomy earthquake.
The mid range is well balanced, intimate and focused with just a drop of lower mids warmth that transitions naturally, stealing some air around the instrument which make definition of instrument less edgy but don’t negatively inflict on resolution capacity due to preserved transparency of layering. This is smoothly brighten mids with lively dynamic but no sharp upper mids, the instrument are rounded in presence and colorful in texture which is well tempered in grain mix, you don’t have loud breathness or saxophone blowing noise, nor boosted lips noise etc We are in refined territory, and it isn’t in a cold way or overly dark way.
Vocals are very clear and well articulated even if not thin sounding, I was surprised to find any type of singer easy to track even in Opera music (which i’m not a fan), male vocals are a notch dryer to my ears but i’m no reference in that aspect. As for female vocals, the presence isn’t the widest and will not dominate the whole soundscape, it’s centered and very well layered, in between lush and bright, with among the most natural planar timbres I've heard.
Another good news is that male vocal too are full and forwards enough, they aren’t to soften with warmth and i’ve try all sort of vocal from Serge Gainsbourg to risky Bertrand Cantat to raspy Kurt Elling and the timbre was right in color mix, not thin nor under or over textured.
Some might prefer more ‘’anamorphic’’ instrument presence, like first S12 it’s a bit compressed in middle and doesn't blossom forwards the listener, this again boosts versatility of these IEM since it doesn't steal the show of other instruments around vocal.
The piano sounds full and weighty if not a bit lean.
Sax and trumpet are brighter and a notch dryer in rendering, I would love more lushness but this permits fast players to be easy to follow too. When I listened to Sons Of Kemet, I was barely dancing while walking, but the saxo felt indeed a bit compressed.
Overall mids are rather mature but not clinical at all, it’s sure less warm than both S15 and S08, yet not as aggressively bright as S12 and way more natural too.
And now for the treble I’ll try to be more grumpy and critical due to the fact I find it lacks sparkle, brilliance and even a bit of air on top which mostly affect the spatiality for the latter.
But this isn’t a dark sounding set nor one with treble roll off or underwhelming among or micro details. The resolution is in fact an excellent, effortless way, it doesn't boost micro details and percussions like crazy so the balance is a well rounded macro way.
Beginning with lower treble, violin sounds marvelous, agile and speedy with embodied presence and velvety timbre which mix texture and tone vibrancy gently. Electric guitar sounds better than acoustic guitar because it doesn't need as much crispness in attack lead and release, it sounds full and natural distortion of tone is euphonic without losing its natural appeal.
For acoustic guitar, it does sound realist but slightly more focus on sustain than attack bite and airy sparkle release.
For percussion, hit-hat is very exciting and musical, the abrasive sustain makes him pop up in a 3D rendering, while for highest pitch cymbals it doesn’t do this, underlining a softening upper treble spike that stole a bit of macro dynamic bravado.
These IEM aren’t aimed for hardcore treble heads, it’s too refined and polished in tonal balance for that.
As for the SOUNDSTAGE, it’s my main qualm even with their worst planar IEM like Dunu Talos, Letshuoer S08 and Kefine Klanar in terms of compressed spatiality.
Let’s say it’s intimate and spatiality acts like a circular cocoon that surrounds you closely without feeling in your head. It’s average wide, above average tall and just above average deep to achieve a concentrated holographic experience. With a bassy song, deepness will be less clean which affects its background reach.
The Imaging is very good even if there is not a lot of space between instruments. The layering is effortless and it’s the kind of IEM I would use for post-monitoring listening to know if an album is well recorded.
COMPARISONS
VS HIDIZS MP145
The MP145 is more U shaped and bassy, it’s brighter too and airier. The bass is thinner but offers wider slam, mid bass isn’t as round and thick, bass lines aren’t as vibrant but transparency of layers is superior.
Mids are thinner and dryer, with more planar plasticky timbre for vocal, not weight is lighter, tone is overall less natural but overall mids sound more open, have wider presence, superior transparency and crisper rendering.
Treble is airier and sparklier, spikier too. We have greater micro details and percussion is more upfront.
Soundstage is far bigger, S12 can’t compete with the gigantic spatiality of these.
Imaging is slightly superior with MP145, this is due to more space in separation and more transparency in layering.
All in all, I love both and think they are among 2 best planar IEM out there, complementing each other very well too due to the more mid centric tonality of S12.
VS LETSHUOER S08
The S08 is warmer and bassier, more W shaped in a darker way.
Bass is a notch punchier and offers bigger slam but more muddy bassline and kick layering, it feels slower too and slides more into lower mids.
The mids are warmer, thicker and more energetic, vocal pop out more and can steal more the show of other instruments than more neutral S12 2024. Resolution is darker too.
Treble is more rolled off, less snappy and airy, in the sense percussions this time pop up more with S12 and instrument definition is less creamy.
Soundstage of both is on par apart for which S12 is better and cleaner.
Imaging is notably superior with S12, S08 is quite opaque in layering making macro rendering more mushy.
All in all, I prefer the lusher vocal presentation of S08 but for all the rest I find the S12 superior.
VS LETSHUOER S12
S12 is brighter and a notch more V shape since there is less sub bass presence and rumble so mid bass is more textured, less thick and warm and round.
Mids are thinner, more prompt to sibilance and grainier and harsher in upper mids, i’ve never been a fan of mids with S12 while i’m a big one with 2024 version.
Treble is crunchier and spikier, it feels a notch crisper but not in an appealing way, it’s in a dry way.
Upgrade in terms of technical performance is more subtle than tonal balance improvement, it’s mostly due to better transient response and less upper mids pina gain release, the bass rumble and improved elasticity is the biggest improvement with lusher fuller sounding and more natural mid range.
Their no single doubt i’ll depart from older S12 and just keep the better 2024 version
CONCLUSION
Is it because I have low expectations that the S12 2024 impresses me that much?
It’s possible since I wasn't the biggest fan of S12 in first place due to harsh vocal and sub bass roll off. It seems Letshouer read in my mind and returned exactly those specific sections.
I was wrongly thinking it would sound 100% the same as the older S12.
Sure, i always want more sparkle and treble extension and unless we add EST to planar IEM i don’t see how this could happen, but the new S12 is above average in term of crispness and high resolution without having to go spiky unbalanced W or U shape that would boost analytical perception and make percussions overly forwards.
Here it’s a statement of natural balance, smoothly bright neutral with proper bass, mids and treble boost to permit a lively, full bodied and well rounded musicality.
The S12 2024 might be the most versatile planar IEM I own and I own 15 of them.
Just for this reason, we should be very excited, but they deliver excellent technical performance too, they have small housing that is very comfortable but affects a bit of soundstage expansion.
The whole package is pure luxury that justify its 200$ price range and should make ashamed TOTL IEM that include rubbish cable and packaging sometime at 10x the price (64audio-Firaudio come to mind)
Letshuoer perfect S12 tuning which begin with the Pro, then go different color with Z12 then they finalize their ideal with the S12 2024 which is the apotheosis of the serie and the most refined of them all, this is a very hard to fault IEM, and in all honesty main con is that it’s a limited edition. This should be the one becoming a classic.
Very highly recommended. Especially for those like me that listen douzens of music styles.
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PS: I want to thanks Lethsuoer for sending me this review sample as well as letting me be fully free as a reviewer with zero intervention whatsoever (very rare nowadays).
You can order the Lershuoer 2024 Anniversary Edition here (i think this it at irsk of going sold out due to limited 2024 units): https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...netic-driver-in-ear-monitor-earphone-hifi-iem
Letshuoer & me - our story
I met up with Letshuoer at the Canjam London 2024 event, and was suitably impressed by many of the models I listened to there. I have been sent, without any conditions imposed, a set of the limited edition S12. I hope to bring more of the range to you in time to come. In anticipation of receiving these shortly, I took a look at the range and relaised I had already bought a pair of Letshuoers previously.
The Tape is an electrostatic IEM, and I did an impulse purchase a few years back, and regretted my decision not a jot! It's a criminally underrated IEM and should still be on sale now. Yes, it's that good. Anyway, the S12 is a Planar. Nothing will be the same...
About Planars
Planars are a less conventional design than the standard dynamic, which is the standard driver you'll find in pretty much all the full size speakers since recorded music began. A planar uses thinner magnets which put sound across a larger portion of the driver's surface- the diaphragm. The result is often a leaner, but more accurate sound than it's counterpart. A dynamic uses a larger magnet which uses a smaller proprtion of the diaphragm to create the sound. The result is a punchier sound, more pronounced in the bass. An electrostat uses static electricity to produce sound across the entire diaphragm, which is thinner than a planar and much thinner than a dynamic. A planar is often thought as a compromise between the lower punch of the dynamic and the higher details of the electrostat. Planars normally take more power to drive than a dynamic and electrostats normally need an amp with a transforner to work them. Because a planar isn't a typical sound, really for a fair fight, another planar needs to stand against the S12. I have a KZ PR1, which should do nicely.
About the S12 2024
The 2024 edition celebrates the 8th anniversary of Letshuoer. The lucky number is 8. If the number 8 is engraved on your headshell, you could be in luck.
There is lots of glittery happy birthday bling included in the reassauringly large box, which contains another box, which contains another box. This could not get damaged if you tried! Take a look at this lot....
First of all - the headshells
They're gold and black, soft in shape, relatively heavy for their size, but these are small enough to fit snugly into my earlobes. The KZ shells stick out. The 3 barrels to the left are 2.5,3.5 and 4.4mm respectively. They are part of a modular system which enables you to use the cable in balanced or unbalanced mode without the need for another cable or any further adapters. The snap connection is a piece of cake and takes a couple of seconds to sort out. The cable itself is a 392 strand silver plated copper affair. It weighs in quite heavily, as you'd expect. The usual strengtheners around the earhooks and a chin strap are included with the 2 pin connectors finishing it all off. The black carry case is finished in a matt apearance and screws to an invisible fit.
There are 3 decent sets of tips included. It is worth the effort to get the right fit and the right signature to suit your tastes.A keychain and card mentions the 8th birthday of our illustruous company. The keychain comes with a large charm that dangles luxuriously with all your other keys, glistening ostentatiously as it catches the late summer sun.
Sound quality test v KZ PR1
I was not expecting this. I was shocked at the differences between the 2 IEMs. Given that these are both planars, they were far part in their sound signatures. Whilst neither did anything particularly bad, nevertheless these are aimed at totally different spectrums of the in ears listening fraternity. The KZ, light, cheap and cheerful looking, had a lean bass response that turned it's skills in the mid and high ranges of the presentation. There was space, detail and a fast, crisp responsiveness that was very agreeable, at least to my ears. The S12 had a rich, smooth, bassy signature that was far easier to drive. The space was more intimate, such as that of a Sunday Night Jazz Club near to closing time, when the whisky is becoming more and more mellow to the palate.... Which one did I prefer? That's not an easy question to answer. For harsher sounding music, the S12 would win. For acoustic and classical, perhaps the KZ would have the edge, at least for an hour's listen. Once a sustained listening session were taking place, maybe the smoothness of the S12 would feel less fatiguing.
Tested with the A380 and Fiio M11. Stock cables used.
S12 Conclusion
The S12 proves that Letshuoer can make a bassy, easy to drive planar, in many ways dispelling some of the commonly held beliefs that I held about planar earphones. I think they will have little problems in shifting these 2024 units. I think many of you out there will relish a planar that you don't perceive as being too dry, or clinical, for your tastes. I'm keen to hear what they can come up with next. I'm pretty sure that a 12 driver unit of theirs may well have been one of my stars of the show at Headfi London. Well done Letshuoer, and, by the way, Happy Birthday!
I met up with Letshuoer at the Canjam London 2024 event, and was suitably impressed by many of the models I listened to there. I have been sent, without any conditions imposed, a set of the limited edition S12. I hope to bring more of the range to you in time to come. In anticipation of receiving these shortly, I took a look at the range and relaised I had already bought a pair of Letshuoers previously.
The Tape is an electrostatic IEM, and I did an impulse purchase a few years back, and regretted my decision not a jot! It's a criminally underrated IEM and should still be on sale now. Yes, it's that good. Anyway, the S12 is a Planar. Nothing will be the same...
About Planars
Planars are a less conventional design than the standard dynamic, which is the standard driver you'll find in pretty much all the full size speakers since recorded music began. A planar uses thinner magnets which put sound across a larger portion of the driver's surface- the diaphragm. The result is often a leaner, but more accurate sound than it's counterpart. A dynamic uses a larger magnet which uses a smaller proprtion of the diaphragm to create the sound. The result is a punchier sound, more pronounced in the bass. An electrostat uses static electricity to produce sound across the entire diaphragm, which is thinner than a planar and much thinner than a dynamic. A planar is often thought as a compromise between the lower punch of the dynamic and the higher details of the electrostat. Planars normally take more power to drive than a dynamic and electrostats normally need an amp with a transforner to work them. Because a planar isn't a typical sound, really for a fair fight, another planar needs to stand against the S12. I have a KZ PR1, which should do nicely.
About the S12 2024
The 2024 edition celebrates the 8th anniversary of Letshuoer. The lucky number is 8. If the number 8 is engraved on your headshell, you could be in luck.
There is lots of glittery happy birthday bling included in the reassauringly large box, which contains another box, which contains another box. This could not get damaged if you tried! Take a look at this lot....
First of all - the headshells
They're gold and black, soft in shape, relatively heavy for their size, but these are small enough to fit snugly into my earlobes. The KZ shells stick out. The 3 barrels to the left are 2.5,3.5 and 4.4mm respectively. They are part of a modular system which enables you to use the cable in balanced or unbalanced mode without the need for another cable or any further adapters. The snap connection is a piece of cake and takes a couple of seconds to sort out. The cable itself is a 392 strand silver plated copper affair. It weighs in quite heavily, as you'd expect. The usual strengtheners around the earhooks and a chin strap are included with the 2 pin connectors finishing it all off. The black carry case is finished in a matt apearance and screws to an invisible fit.
There are 3 decent sets of tips included. It is worth the effort to get the right fit and the right signature to suit your tastes.A keychain and card mentions the 8th birthday of our illustruous company. The keychain comes with a large charm that dangles luxuriously with all your other keys, glistening ostentatiously as it catches the late summer sun.
Sound quality test v KZ PR1
I was not expecting this. I was shocked at the differences between the 2 IEMs. Given that these are both planars, they were far part in their sound signatures. Whilst neither did anything particularly bad, nevertheless these are aimed at totally different spectrums of the in ears listening fraternity. The KZ, light, cheap and cheerful looking, had a lean bass response that turned it's skills in the mid and high ranges of the presentation. There was space, detail and a fast, crisp responsiveness that was very agreeable, at least to my ears. The S12 had a rich, smooth, bassy signature that was far easier to drive. The space was more intimate, such as that of a Sunday Night Jazz Club near to closing time, when the whisky is becoming more and more mellow to the palate.... Which one did I prefer? That's not an easy question to answer. For harsher sounding music, the S12 would win. For acoustic and classical, perhaps the KZ would have the edge, at least for an hour's listen. Once a sustained listening session were taking place, maybe the smoothness of the S12 would feel less fatiguing.
Tested with the A380 and Fiio M11. Stock cables used.
S12 Conclusion
The S12 proves that Letshuoer can make a bassy, easy to drive planar, in many ways dispelling some of the commonly held beliefs that I held about planar earphones. I think they will have little problems in shifting these 2024 units. I think many of you out there will relish a planar that you don't perceive as being too dry, or clinical, for your tastes. I'm keen to hear what they can come up with next. I'm pretty sure that a 12 driver unit of theirs may well have been one of my stars of the show at Headfi London. Well done Letshuoer, and, by the way, Happy Birthday!
LETSHUOER S12 2024 - "Pause"
DISCLAIMER:
This unit has been sent by Letshuoer. I am not in any way influenced by them, but you may think this review is.
All scoring and ranking is my personal subjective approach to objectify my findings. Your usage my vary.
VIDEO
I also have a video review. The things I said in the video are a little different to this written review. I gave more examples there, in terms of specific songs, genre etc. you van watch it here:
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
not reall a fan of writing too much about physical features, accessories etc. I did make a video about my unboxing experience. But yeah, I will talk a little about what inside and how they fit.
The box is well packaged. It comes with a gold spinner that does nothing to your audio experience. Or maybe it does? You get all the accessories needed.
1. A cable with swappable termination
2. 3 sets of eartips( balanced, vocal, foams)
3. Letshuoer round case
BUILD and COMFORT
The build is quite different from previous s12 vsions. This is not all aluminum.
The fit however can be tricky. The curve angle of the cable is too narrow and it affected how they sit in my ears. A lighter/fire is an easy fix. Just put some heat on that curve and widen the angle. You might not need to do this, but if you feel the fit is funky, then a little bit of fire wouldn’t hurt, or does it?
SETUP:
-Shanling M3X using UAPP, Hiby, Apple Music and stock player
SOUND PROFILE
Alright lets move straight on to its sound
The tonality of the s12 2024 is a familiar balanced sound. I say familiar not because in comparison to other IEM tunings, but because the sound these are producing is as close to how instruments would sound in real life.
They sound very well balanced from subbass to upper treble. Well probably a bit midcentric, but nothing really comes out excessive.
HOW DEEP IS YOUR POCKET?
I honestly find it hard to buy totl sets after listening to these. For sure more expensive sets may sound better in some areas, but not worth spending twice, thrice, 4x, 5x etc.
The timbre on cymbals is just too good for its price. They are not forward, but retains every detail to make it sound natural. You usually achieve this kind of quality when there are EST drivers. Well not all, but usually is.
Letshuoer being the leader of planar engineering, I think they have done quite a few iterations that they finally figured out how to perfectly tune this 14.8mm planar.
The lines between midfi and summit-fi is getting closer with this release. Tired of spending bucks with that evasive endgame? Here is a pause game for you
FLOW
Planars are almost regarded as rough sounding because they are usually unstable from upper mids to treble. However, letshuoer has done a good job with their recent release of S08. That planar sounds like a DD and they tamed that treble real hard like a how your wife tames your edginess.
With the s12 2024, you get a very nice sounding upper midrange that is almost linear up to the upper treble. There may be a bit of that planar zinginess or whatever you call it, but it’s there not for annoyance but for flavor. It has this open quality to it that makes space believable.
Any music I play just flows with quality. It's and understatement for its price. I have never heard any IEM in this price range that portrays timbral accuracy this good.
PERFECT
This set is the first iem to have reached a perfect score in my ranking. There are many factors why I have this so much praise. But probably the main determining factor is the price. These are price $199 SRP, but I've seen people getting them for as low as $140. I don’t even know if you can still get hold of these since it is only limited to 2,024 units.
Anyhow, going back to how I scored them. I honestly think the sound is pushing way beyond its price point. I cant think of any IEM that can compete with these in terms of overall balance, bass quality, mids clarity, treble timbre and believable 3D perceived space.
PROS
-balanced sounding from bass to treble
-quick and tight bass
-enough balance of subbass and midbass
-vocal centric and natural tone to male and female vocals
-tamed but nuanced treble
-good fundamentals and harmonics are not too bossted
-instrument timbral accuracy is spot on
CONS
-may not be your preferred tuning if you want bass heavy sets, or more forward treble
-interchangeable connector is loose
-funky fit with stock cables. You need to light them up, literally.
SCORING
-Please be reminded that my scoring is always based on its price range.
TUNING - 3
BASS - 3
MIDS - 3
TREBLE - 3
TECHS - 3
P.P SCORE = 15
First IEM to get a perfect score in my ranking
Check my scoring here :
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15WhgCgiMzWfF3ccgB8SK5-Cg7m87kpIShtxsyg2u-AI/edit?usp=sharing
GRAB SCORE:
This is easy, I just rate the set whether I would grab them for listening. Very subjective.
- I will never touch this again
- I grab if I remember
- Can be part of my rotation
- I break my rotation and grab this one today
- *** rotation, I’ll listen to these for the whole week
- Im selling everything, I will only listen to these haha.
GRAB SCORE: 4
Well, yeah. I'm not yet to the point of selling everything, but this is close!
COMPARISONS
Other s12 versions
I won't go one by one with the previous s12 releases, since the difference on those ones are just physical filters. The s12, z12 and s12 pro has this peak around 6-8k that gives them a real taste of planar. They may sound more resolving, but it compromises timbre on some instruments especially cymbals.
The s12 2024 sounds more natural in every regard. The balance is way better and plays any genre you throw at it without problems related to peaks or harshness.
If you already have the previous s12, try AutoEqing them first and decide. Better yet, audtion if you can. But if you are willing to spend, the s12 2024 is the best in the bunch.
Hinsenior mega5p
This has been my benchmark in this price range for balance. Although a bit warm sounding, and the treble can be dark sounding as well, the mega5p gives off a very natural vibe.
The s12 2024 is more engaging and has more character to its sound. Maybe I can say it's a bit colored, but in a good way. All produced music is colored anyway.
Softears studio 4
This is a special set because it is my reference neutral sound. I'm not comparing both because of the tuning but of timbre accuracy. So tuning aside, the s12 2024 is making that price gap very irrelevant. It just sounds more nuanced than the studio 4s. The studio 4s can be very intimate sounding and is really good at rendering vocals. The s12 20204 takes it to another level, giving vocals that space and clarity. If I go back in time and audition both blindly, I would have thought the s12 2024 is more expensive sounding.
Dunu sa6 mk2
The dunu is one of the sets that started a low gain approach when it comes to tuning. Similar to the s12 2024, both don’t have a significant gain at 2-3k. Even if the Sa6mkii has more drivers and crossover to separate frequencies, the s12 2024 makes the dunu sa6 mkii sound like a single driver. Even If the sa6 mkii has that upper treble “air”, the s12 2024 sounds so open you could close your eyes and imagine the artst is in front of you.
Letshuoer cadenza 12
I know I know, we are entering summit fi. Priced at a staggering $2k+, the cadenza 12 does sound more resolving in terms of nuance and micro details. The tuning is also a bit different because the cadenza 12 has a different bass curve. Dirvers are different as well. But that is not my point. What I am trying to say is that, the price gap is just too ridiculous if I enjoy the s12 20204 more. It makes me question how I would spend 20x the price to get like 10-20% upgrade in sound. Like really. I'm not saying the cadenza 12 sounds bad, in fact I ranked them high for its price. But at $200, the s12 2024 does made me think how far I can dig my pockets to get the quality I want.
My list can go on and on with all the iems I tried. But I focused comparing on the sets that I already ranked high, and I like. I cant compare it to every planar out there, this is just the best one I heard. heck its sounds better than hybrids.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The s12 2024 has a good balance of subbass and midbass. Planars are just good at making those hits tighter without affecting the mids.
Vocals and instruments sound very natural. The clarity and timbral accuracy is spot on. I didn’t hear peaks, shouts, or recession. They are positioned perfectly to my preference.
Gone are the planar peakiness. The treble is well done on these. It may not be as smooth, but since these are planars, you get those micro details without sacrificing on excessiveness.
In terms of techs, you get a really good 3D perceive space. It makes sound flow around your head, making separation and imaging a child’s play.
I know audio is very subjective and it’s a personal journey. Yes I review iems, but I also have my own route, just like you. It is hard to draw the line between reviewing and enjoying music. But reviewing is much more fun if I do the latter.
The words flow better in writing, and shows how I like and dislike a set. Yes the s12 204 is plugged into my ears up to this point, making me write these words. and while I'm almost done writing, Im gonna push the middle button soon, and tell the readers to take a breather buying sets as well.
Consider getting the s12 20204 if you can. I know these are limited to a certain number of units. Audition if you can. Pause
==========================
WHERE TO BUY: non affiliate links
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...netic-driver-in-ear-monitor-earphone-hifi-iem
MY LIBRARY:
I grew up listening to 90’s music. Alternative, punk-rock, screamo, rap, Philippine OPM, Anime songs, JPOP, KPOP, metal, reggae and a lot more.
The artists I regularly listen to are:
Rock-Alternative-Metal
Incubus, 311, BMTH, Matchbox 20, The Goo Goo Dolls, Paramore, Polyphia, The Calling,, Babymetal, Metallica, Slipknot, Bon Jovi, Coheed and Cambria, Deftones, Red Hot, Green day,
OPM(Original Pinoy Music):
E-heads, Slapshock, Parokya, Urbanddub, Up Dharma Down, Bamboo, IV of spade, Kamikazee, Rivermaya
POP:
IU, Yoasobi, Yorushika, Milet, Reona, Maroon 5, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Taylor, Dua Lipa, Oliva Rodrigo, Billie Eilish
OTHERS:
Carpenters, Micheal Learns to Rock, Celine Dion, Bob Marley, Sitti, Daft Punk, Pink Floyed, Earth wind and fire, Amber rubarth, Sia, Yosi Horikawa
I listen to more, but I can’t just list them all here.haha. Just giving you an idea on what I listen.
Thanks for reaching here. Hope you enjoyed reading.
DISCLAIMER:This unit has been sent by Letshuoer. I am not in any way influenced by them, but you may think this review is.
All scoring and ranking is my personal subjective approach to objectify my findings. Your usage my vary.
VIDEOI also have a video review. The things I said in the video are a little different to this written review. I gave more examples there, in terms of specific songs, genre etc. you van watch it here:
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
not reall a fan of writing too much about physical features, accessories etc. I did make a video about my unboxing experience. But yeah, I will talk a little about what inside and how they fit.
The box is well packaged. It comes with a gold spinner that does nothing to your audio experience. Or maybe it does? You get all the accessories needed.
1. A cable with swappable termination
2. 3 sets of eartips( balanced, vocal, foams)
3. Letshuoer round case
BUILD and COMFORT
The build is quite different from previous s12 vsions. This is not all aluminum.
The fit however can be tricky. The curve angle of the cable is too narrow and it affected how they sit in my ears. A lighter/fire is an easy fix. Just put some heat on that curve and widen the angle. You might not need to do this, but if you feel the fit is funky, then a little bit of fire wouldn’t hurt, or does it?
SETUP:-Shanling M3X using UAPP, Hiby, Apple Music and stock player
SOUND PROFILEAlright lets move straight on to its sound
The tonality of the s12 2024 is a familiar balanced sound. I say familiar not because in comparison to other IEM tunings, but because the sound these are producing is as close to how instruments would sound in real life.
They sound very well balanced from subbass to upper treble. Well probably a bit midcentric, but nothing really comes out excessive.
HOW DEEP IS YOUR POCKET?I honestly find it hard to buy totl sets after listening to these. For sure more expensive sets may sound better in some areas, but not worth spending twice, thrice, 4x, 5x etc.
The timbre on cymbals is just too good for its price. They are not forward, but retains every detail to make it sound natural. You usually achieve this kind of quality when there are EST drivers. Well not all, but usually is.
Letshuoer being the leader of planar engineering, I think they have done quite a few iterations that they finally figured out how to perfectly tune this 14.8mm planar.
The lines between midfi and summit-fi is getting closer with this release. Tired of spending bucks with that evasive endgame? Here is a pause game for you
FLOWPlanars are almost regarded as rough sounding because they are usually unstable from upper mids to treble. However, letshuoer has done a good job with their recent release of S08. That planar sounds like a DD and they tamed that treble real hard like a how your wife tames your edginess.
With the s12 2024, you get a very nice sounding upper midrange that is almost linear up to the upper treble. There may be a bit of that planar zinginess or whatever you call it, but it’s there not for annoyance but for flavor. It has this open quality to it that makes space believable.
Any music I play just flows with quality. It's and understatement for its price. I have never heard any IEM in this price range that portrays timbral accuracy this good.
PERFECT
This set is the first iem to have reached a perfect score in my ranking. There are many factors why I have this so much praise. But probably the main determining factor is the price. These are price $199 SRP, but I've seen people getting them for as low as $140. I don’t even know if you can still get hold of these since it is only limited to 2,024 units.
Anyhow, going back to how I scored them. I honestly think the sound is pushing way beyond its price point. I cant think of any IEM that can compete with these in terms of overall balance, bass quality, mids clarity, treble timbre and believable 3D perceived space.
PROS-balanced sounding from bass to treble
-quick and tight bass
-enough balance of subbass and midbass
-vocal centric and natural tone to male and female vocals
-tamed but nuanced treble
-good fundamentals and harmonics are not too bossted
-instrument timbral accuracy is spot on
CONS-may not be your preferred tuning if you want bass heavy sets, or more forward treble
-interchangeable connector is loose
-funky fit with stock cables. You need to light them up, literally.
SCORING
-Please be reminded that my scoring is always based on its price range.
TUNING - 3
BASS - 3
MIDS - 3
TREBLE - 3
TECHS - 3
P.P SCORE = 15
First IEM to get a perfect score in my ranking
Check my scoring here :
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15WhgCgiMzWfF3ccgB8SK5-Cg7m87kpIShtxsyg2u-AI/edit?usp=sharing
GRAB SCORE:This is easy, I just rate the set whether I would grab them for listening. Very subjective.
- I will never touch this again- I grab if I remember- Can be part of my rotation- I break my rotation and grab this one today- *** rotation, I’ll listen to these for the whole week- Im selling everything, I will only listen to these haha. GRAB SCORE: 4Well, yeah. I'm not yet to the point of selling everything, but this is close!
COMPARISONS
Other s12 versionsI won't go one by one with the previous s12 releases, since the difference on those ones are just physical filters. The s12, z12 and s12 pro has this peak around 6-8k that gives them a real taste of planar. They may sound more resolving, but it compromises timbre on some instruments especially cymbals.
The s12 2024 sounds more natural in every regard. The balance is way better and plays any genre you throw at it without problems related to peaks or harshness.
If you already have the previous s12, try AutoEqing them first and decide. Better yet, audtion if you can. But if you are willing to spend, the s12 2024 is the best in the bunch.
Hinsenior mega5pThis has been my benchmark in this price range for balance. Although a bit warm sounding, and the treble can be dark sounding as well, the mega5p gives off a very natural vibe.
The s12 2024 is more engaging and has more character to its sound. Maybe I can say it's a bit colored, but in a good way. All produced music is colored anyway.
Softears studio 4This is a special set because it is my reference neutral sound. I'm not comparing both because of the tuning but of timbre accuracy. So tuning aside, the s12 2024 is making that price gap very irrelevant. It just sounds more nuanced than the studio 4s. The studio 4s can be very intimate sounding and is really good at rendering vocals. The s12 20204 takes it to another level, giving vocals that space and clarity. If I go back in time and audition both blindly, I would have thought the s12 2024 is more expensive sounding.
Dunu sa6 mk2The dunu is one of the sets that started a low gain approach when it comes to tuning. Similar to the s12 2024, both don’t have a significant gain at 2-3k. Even if the Sa6mkii has more drivers and crossover to separate frequencies, the s12 2024 makes the dunu sa6 mkii sound like a single driver. Even If the sa6 mkii has that upper treble “air”, the s12 2024 sounds so open you could close your eyes and imagine the artst is in front of you.
Letshuoer cadenza 12I know I know, we are entering summit fi. Priced at a staggering $2k+, the cadenza 12 does sound more resolving in terms of nuance and micro details. The tuning is also a bit different because the cadenza 12 has a different bass curve. Dirvers are different as well. But that is not my point. What I am trying to say is that, the price gap is just too ridiculous if I enjoy the s12 20204 more. It makes me question how I would spend 20x the price to get like 10-20% upgrade in sound. Like really. I'm not saying the cadenza 12 sounds bad, in fact I ranked them high for its price. But at $200, the s12 2024 does made me think how far I can dig my pockets to get the quality I want.
My list can go on and on with all the iems I tried. But I focused comparing on the sets that I already ranked high, and I like. I cant compare it to every planar out there, this is just the best one I heard. heck its sounds better than hybrids.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The s12 2024 has a good balance of subbass and midbass. Planars are just good at making those hits tighter without affecting the mids.
Vocals and instruments sound very natural. The clarity and timbral accuracy is spot on. I didn’t hear peaks, shouts, or recession. They are positioned perfectly to my preference.
Gone are the planar peakiness. The treble is well done on these. It may not be as smooth, but since these are planars, you get those micro details without sacrificing on excessiveness.
In terms of techs, you get a really good 3D perceive space. It makes sound flow around your head, making separation and imaging a child’s play.
I know audio is very subjective and it’s a personal journey. Yes I review iems, but I also have my own route, just like you. It is hard to draw the line between reviewing and enjoying music. But reviewing is much more fun if I do the latter.
The words flow better in writing, and shows how I like and dislike a set. Yes the s12 204 is plugged into my ears up to this point, making me write these words. and while I'm almost done writing, Im gonna push the middle button soon, and tell the readers to take a breather buying sets as well.
Consider getting the s12 20204 if you can. I know these are limited to a certain number of units. Audition if you can. Pause
==========================
WHERE TO BUY: non affiliate links
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...netic-driver-in-ear-monitor-earphone-hifi-iem
MY LIBRARY:I grew up listening to 90’s music. Alternative, punk-rock, screamo, rap, Philippine OPM, Anime songs, JPOP, KPOP, metal, reggae and a lot more.
The artists I regularly listen to are:
Rock-Alternative-MetalIncubus, 311, BMTH, Matchbox 20, The Goo Goo Dolls, Paramore, Polyphia, The Calling,, Babymetal, Metallica, Slipknot, Bon Jovi, Coheed and Cambria, Deftones, Red Hot, Green day,
OPM(Original Pinoy Music):E-heads, Slapshock, Parokya, Urbanddub, Up Dharma Down, Bamboo, IV of spade, Kamikazee, Rivermaya
POP:IU, Yoasobi, Yorushika, Milet, Reona, Maroon 5, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Taylor, Dua Lipa, Oliva Rodrigo, Billie Eilish
OTHERS:Carpenters, Micheal Learns to Rock, Celine Dion, Bob Marley, Sitti, Daft Punk, Pink Floyed, Earth wind and fire, Amber rubarth, Sia, Yosi Horikawa
I listen to more, but I can’t just list them all here.haha. Just giving you an idea on what I listen.
Thanks for reaching here. Hope you enjoyed reading.
koyawmohabal
Hi. Haven't really tried cable rolling. I didn't think the need because they already sound good..
DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank Letshuoer for providing this review unit.
The S12 2024 IEM can be gotten here: https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...netic-driver-in-ear-monitor-earphone-hifi-iem (no affiliate links).
This is a limited edition set, with only 2024 pairs released worldwide, and is the successor to the venerable S12/S12 Pro series.
SPECIFICATIONS
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of foam eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- Modules for 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminals
- Hard carrying case
- Commemorative keychain
- Metal anniversary commemorative card
For something retailing around 200 bucks, the accessory spread is princely, and everything that an audiophile would require is included.
We have an array of eartips to choose from. There are 2 variants of silicone tips - the wide-bore ones boost treble and open staging, whereas the narrow-bore ones increase bass but with some compression of soundstage. The foam tips tame treble and improve isolation. Do explore to see what suits your needs.
The stock cable is a silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable, with 3 plug-on modules for 2.5 mm (balanced), 3.5 mm (single-ended) and 4.4 mm (balanced) terminals, which should cover most sources out there. The 2.5 mm termination gang - which is admittedly less common nowadays - should be pleased. This cable is quite well-braided though a bit on the stiff side. It has a slight smattering of microphonics but otherwise has a chin cinch for added grip during use.
Letshuoer has included a practical round hard carrying case. This is tough as nails externally, with an inner rubberized cushioning to protect the internals.
Last but not least, we have 2 commemorative knickknacks in a keychain and metal anniversary card.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock wide-bore eartips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The shell is fashioned from CNC-milled metal, with a titanium alloy acoustic chamber. It is literally built like a tank, though the gold mirror-like finish may be a fingerprint or scratch magnet.
This titanium chamber is thankfully light in weight, and coupled with good ergonomics - there are no awkward protrusions on the inner aspects - the S12 2024 can be worn for long listening sessions without discomfort.
As this is a vented IEM, isolation is below average. I did not find any driver flex on my pair, which is a sign of good acoustic airflow.
INTERNALS
The S12 2024's engine is a 14.8 mm planar magnetic driver.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the S12 2024 with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Onix Alpha XI1 dongle
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This set is moderately easy to drive. It does scale optimally with amplification, but weaker sources should still be able to juice it.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the Letshuoer S12 2024 via IEC711 coupler.
Tonally, the S12 2024 features a mild V-shaped profile with a touch of warmth; this is pretty all-rounded in tuning.
The S12 2024 is a sub-bass focused IEM, with decent bass rumble and descent. However, this is not for bassheads in terms of sheer quantity or movement of air akin to DD-type bass, so don't be expecting a jaw-rattling sub-bass. Thankfully, the area of bass quality is aced, where we hear a textured bassline that has nimble speed and an incisive punch without bleed.
In keeping with the mild V-shaped signature, the lower mids are a hair recessed. This region is relatively transparent with no bass bleed to eat into this frequency band. Upper mids hit only 5 dB ear gain, which translates to sedate vocals without shoutiness - the anti-pinna gain gang should be placated here!
The S12 2024 is relatively smooth in the treble, and isn't as strident as some brighter planar sets. Extension is not the craziest, and this won't be the cup of tea for ardent trebleheads. Conversely, cymbal crashes are not an ice-pick in the ears, with sibilance kept to a minimal, so treble-sensitive folk will be quite at home when it comes to the treble performance. It has to be said, we still have a decent capturing of micro-details and resolution, even without a steroid-boosted treble frequency band, so kudos to Letshuoer.
The S12 2024 has good technicalities at its $200ish price band. Soundstage projects beyond the ears with clean amplification, meshed with relatively accurate imaging. As detailed above - no pun intended - micro-details are sprinkled in the mix in spite of a non treble-head inclined tuning, and instrument separation is solid.
For a planar containing IEM, this set still has a slight whiff of planar timbre, but is one of the better ones compared to the competition. There are definitely other planar rivals out there with a way worse pungent timbral aroma, with a thinner and more metallic note weight when acoustic instruments are featured.
COMPARISONS
The S12 2024 will be compared against other planar IEMs. Hybrids, pure BAs and single DDs are left out of the comparisons as the different transducer types have their own pros and cons.
Letshuoer S12 Pro
Graph of the Letshuoer S12 2024 versus S12 Pro via IEC711 coupler.
I'm glad to report that the 2024 iteration fixes multiple faults of its predecessors, in taming the upper mids and sibilance of the S12/S12 Pro, which were some notable bugbears. The S12 2024 also has more sub-bass extension, and we hear a less aggressive V-shaped tone compared to the older S12 siblings.
The S12 2024 has has better imaging, soundstage and instrument separation than the S12 Pro. Bass is also tighter and more textured on the S12 2024.
I appreciate that the S12 2024 is much more natural in timbre compared to the predecessors too.
Hidizs MP145
Graph of the Letshuoer S12 2024 versus Hidizs MP145 via IEC711 coupler.
The MP145 has 3 tuning nozzles to vary the sonics a bit, but most follow a U-shaped soundscape.
The MP145 has less sub-bass extension, and has a thinner note weight, with a more metallic timbre.
The MP145 has a better soundstage - courtesy of its sumo-sized shells - and better imaging, though the S12 2024 has improved micro-detailing.
The MP145's Achilles' heel is it massive shell size - this may be a deal-breaker for some - coupled with rumours of a stealth retuning in later editions.
CONCLUSIONS
The S12 2024 has set right some of the flaws of the S12/S12 Pro predecessors, in bestowing a less sibilant and shouty soundscape, with better note weight, soundstage and timbre. Furnishing a warm mild V-shaped signature, the S12 2024 is quite an all-rounder for most music genres and listeners, with maybe only diehard bassheads and trebleheads having to look elsewhere.
This IEM espouses a tight, fast and textured bass, with a fatigue free upper mids region and treble, yet preserves a good smattering of resolution despite not packing the most treble boost. Thus, we keep the pros of its planar driver, such as a fast and clean bass, solid micro-detailing and a wide soundstage, but with better timbre and tonality than some of its planar peers. Musicality meets technicalities so to speak.
The non-sonic aspects are likewise nothing to sniff at, with a splendid accessory line-up, combined with a comfortable fit and relatively easy driving requirements. However, the gold mirror-like finish, while elegant and beautiful, may not be practical due to its propensity to get scratched or smudged.
In closing, I see this IEM as one of the new $200USD bracket benchmark planar pairs. The 3 Ts of timbre, tonality and technicalities are proficiently handled - and the S12 2024 scores well in most departments - in fact, it goes toe to toe with the legendary Hidizs MP145 as one of the gatekeepers of the midFI planar realm.
I would like to thank Letshuoer for providing this review unit.
The S12 2024 IEM can be gotten here: https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...netic-driver-in-ear-monitor-earphone-hifi-iem (no affiliate links).
This is a limited edition set, with only 2024 pairs released worldwide, and is the successor to the venerable S12/S12 Pro series.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver configuration: 14.8 mm planar magnetic driver
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40000 Hz
- Impedance: 16 Ω
- Sensitivity: 102 dB
- Cable: 2-pin 0.78 mm; silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable; modules for 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminals
- Tested at: $199 USD
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of foam eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- Modules for 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminals
- Hard carrying case
- Commemorative keychain
- Metal anniversary commemorative card
For something retailing around 200 bucks, the accessory spread is princely, and everything that an audiophile would require is included.
We have an array of eartips to choose from. There are 2 variants of silicone tips - the wide-bore ones boost treble and open staging, whereas the narrow-bore ones increase bass but with some compression of soundstage. The foam tips tame treble and improve isolation. Do explore to see what suits your needs.
The stock cable is a silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable, with 3 plug-on modules for 2.5 mm (balanced), 3.5 mm (single-ended) and 4.4 mm (balanced) terminals, which should cover most sources out there. The 2.5 mm termination gang - which is admittedly less common nowadays - should be pleased. This cable is quite well-braided though a bit on the stiff side. It has a slight smattering of microphonics but otherwise has a chin cinch for added grip during use.
Letshuoer has included a practical round hard carrying case. This is tough as nails externally, with an inner rubberized cushioning to protect the internals.
Last but not least, we have 2 commemorative knickknacks in a keychain and metal anniversary card.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock wide-bore eartips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The shell is fashioned from CNC-milled metal, with a titanium alloy acoustic chamber. It is literally built like a tank, though the gold mirror-like finish may be a fingerprint or scratch magnet.
This titanium chamber is thankfully light in weight, and coupled with good ergonomics - there are no awkward protrusions on the inner aspects - the S12 2024 can be worn for long listening sessions without discomfort.
As this is a vented IEM, isolation is below average. I did not find any driver flex on my pair, which is a sign of good acoustic airflow.
INTERNALS
The S12 2024's engine is a 14.8 mm planar magnetic driver.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the S12 2024 with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Onix Alpha XI1 dongle
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This set is moderately easy to drive. It does scale optimally with amplification, but weaker sources should still be able to juice it.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the Letshuoer S12 2024 via IEC711 coupler.
Tonally, the S12 2024 features a mild V-shaped profile with a touch of warmth; this is pretty all-rounded in tuning.
The S12 2024 is a sub-bass focused IEM, with decent bass rumble and descent. However, this is not for bassheads in terms of sheer quantity or movement of air akin to DD-type bass, so don't be expecting a jaw-rattling sub-bass. Thankfully, the area of bass quality is aced, where we hear a textured bassline that has nimble speed and an incisive punch without bleed.
In keeping with the mild V-shaped signature, the lower mids are a hair recessed. This region is relatively transparent with no bass bleed to eat into this frequency band. Upper mids hit only 5 dB ear gain, which translates to sedate vocals without shoutiness - the anti-pinna gain gang should be placated here!
The S12 2024 is relatively smooth in the treble, and isn't as strident as some brighter planar sets. Extension is not the craziest, and this won't be the cup of tea for ardent trebleheads. Conversely, cymbal crashes are not an ice-pick in the ears, with sibilance kept to a minimal, so treble-sensitive folk will be quite at home when it comes to the treble performance. It has to be said, we still have a decent capturing of micro-details and resolution, even without a steroid-boosted treble frequency band, so kudos to Letshuoer.
The S12 2024 has good technicalities at its $200ish price band. Soundstage projects beyond the ears with clean amplification, meshed with relatively accurate imaging. As detailed above - no pun intended - micro-details are sprinkled in the mix in spite of a non treble-head inclined tuning, and instrument separation is solid.
For a planar containing IEM, this set still has a slight whiff of planar timbre, but is one of the better ones compared to the competition. There are definitely other planar rivals out there with a way worse pungent timbral aroma, with a thinner and more metallic note weight when acoustic instruments are featured.
COMPARISONS
The S12 2024 will be compared against other planar IEMs. Hybrids, pure BAs and single DDs are left out of the comparisons as the different transducer types have their own pros and cons.
Letshuoer S12 Pro
Graph of the Letshuoer S12 2024 versus S12 Pro via IEC711 coupler.
I'm glad to report that the 2024 iteration fixes multiple faults of its predecessors, in taming the upper mids and sibilance of the S12/S12 Pro, which were some notable bugbears. The S12 2024 also has more sub-bass extension, and we hear a less aggressive V-shaped tone compared to the older S12 siblings.
The S12 2024 has has better imaging, soundstage and instrument separation than the S12 Pro. Bass is also tighter and more textured on the S12 2024.
I appreciate that the S12 2024 is much more natural in timbre compared to the predecessors too.
Hidizs MP145
Graph of the Letshuoer S12 2024 versus Hidizs MP145 via IEC711 coupler.
The MP145 has 3 tuning nozzles to vary the sonics a bit, but most follow a U-shaped soundscape.
The MP145 has less sub-bass extension, and has a thinner note weight, with a more metallic timbre.
The MP145 has a better soundstage - courtesy of its sumo-sized shells - and better imaging, though the S12 2024 has improved micro-detailing.
The MP145's Achilles' heel is it massive shell size - this may be a deal-breaker for some - coupled with rumours of a stealth retuning in later editions.
CONCLUSIONS
The S12 2024 has set right some of the flaws of the S12/S12 Pro predecessors, in bestowing a less sibilant and shouty soundscape, with better note weight, soundstage and timbre. Furnishing a warm mild V-shaped signature, the S12 2024 is quite an all-rounder for most music genres and listeners, with maybe only diehard bassheads and trebleheads having to look elsewhere.
This IEM espouses a tight, fast and textured bass, with a fatigue free upper mids region and treble, yet preserves a good smattering of resolution despite not packing the most treble boost. Thus, we keep the pros of its planar driver, such as a fast and clean bass, solid micro-detailing and a wide soundstage, but with better timbre and tonality than some of its planar peers. Musicality meets technicalities so to speak.
The non-sonic aspects are likewise nothing to sniff at, with a splendid accessory line-up, combined with a comfortable fit and relatively easy driving requirements. However, the gold mirror-like finish, while elegant and beautiful, may not be practical due to its propensity to get scratched or smudged.
In closing, I see this IEM as one of the new $200USD bracket benchmark planar pairs. The 3 Ts of timbre, tonality and technicalities are proficiently handled - and the S12 2024 scores well in most departments - in fact, it goes toe to toe with the legendary Hidizs MP145 as one of the gatekeepers of the midFI planar realm.
Jimmyblues1959
Excellent review!
RONJA MESCO
I wish they'd change the look of the shell...it looks like something TRN would make which is underwhelming and didnt take much thought in the design.
Preface:
I would like to thank Letshouer for sending this unit as part of the review tour.
You can purchase S12 2024 Edition at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...netic-driver-in-ear-monitor-earphone-hifi-iem
Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer, so whatever I say are purely my observations and your results may vary.
I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.
Disclaimer: All impressions and opinions in this review are my own. I have not been paid or compensated by Letshouer or any other entity for this review. My assessment is based solely on my personal experience with the product.
Sources used:
Letshouer has quickly carved a niche for itself in the fiercely competitive world of IEMs, earning a reputation for pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional value. They've dared to venture where few have tread, notably with their planar magnetic driver IEMs. My first foray into their planar offerings was with the S12 Pro, and it left a lasting impression. Paired with my Cayin RU6, the S12 Pro became my daily driver, offering a captivating listening experience that seamlessly blended detail, warmth, and musicality. So, when the S12 2024 Edition was announced, I was naturally intrigued. Could Letshouer further refine their formula and deliver an even more compelling planar IEM?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The S12 2024 Edition comes in a rather elegant box. Inside, you'll find the IEMs themselves, nestled in a protective foam cutout. You also get a selection of ear tips, a cleaning tool, and a beautifully braided cable with 3x Modular Plugs (2.5mm, 3.5mm. 4.4mm), Limited Edition Keychain and a carry case. Letshouer didn't skimp on the accessories, and it shows.
Design and Build:
The IEMs themselves are a sight to behold. The titanium alloy build feels incredibly solid, and the gold finish adds a touch of luxury. However, I've noticed the faceplate is a bit of a fingerprint magnet, and I'm already seeing a few minor scratches. I'm not entirely convinced this flashy gold will age gracefully.
Sound Analysis
Tonality
Overall, the S12 2024 Edition has a balanced, slightly warm signature. It's not overly analytical or clinical, but it's not overly lush either. It strikes a nice middle ground that works well with a variety of genres. It doesn’t particularly excel at any specific frequency but has a smooth, cohesive presentation across the board. This makes it versatile and suitable for long listening sessions without fatigue.
Sub-Bass
The sub-bass is where the planar driver flexes its muscles. Listening to "Limitless" by James Blake, the rumble is deep and textured. You feel it more than you hear it, and it adds a satisfying weight to the music. It’s not the most impactful sub-bass I’ve heard, but it's well-controlled and doesn't muddy the rest of the frequencies. However, when I switched to something more demanding like "Chameleon" by Trentemøller, I felt the sub-bass lacked a bit of dynamism and impact, especially during the intense drops.
In "Why So Serious?" by Hans Zimmer, the low-frequency effects in the opening moments are rendered with impressive depth and texture.
Mid-Bass
The mid-bass is tight and punchy. On "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish, the kick drum hits with authority, but it doesn't bleed into the mids. It’s fast and responsive, making it suitable for both electronic and acoustic music. The bass guitar in "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes is well-defined and has a satisfying thump to it.
Lower Midrange
The lower midrange is slightly forward, which adds warmth and body to vocals and instruments. Male vocals, in particular, sound rich and full. This warmth might not be to everyone's taste, but I find it adds a touch of intimacy to the music. The cello in "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen sounds particularly lush and emotive.
Upper Midrange
The upper midrange is smooth and well-controlled. There's no harshness or shoutiness, even on tracks with prominent female vocals. This is where the S12 2024 Edition really shines, as vocals sound natural and lifelike. Adele's voice in "Hello" is rendered with incredible detail and emotion.
Lower Treble
The lower treble is present and detailed, but it's not overly sharp or sibilant. It adds sparkle and air to the music without becoming fatiguing. Cymbals and hi-hats have a nice shimmer to them. The acoustic guitar in "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton has a delicate sparkle that adds to the emotional impact of the song.
Upper Treble
The upper treble extends well, contributing to a sense of air and openness. It's not the airiest IEM out there, but it's more than adequate for most. It avoids any harshness or sibilance, which is a common pitfall for planar IEMs. The triangle in "Clair de Lune" by Debussy is rendered with a delicate shimmer that adds to the ethereal atmosphere of the piece.
Staging
The soundstage is wide and well-defined. On "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, the instruments are spread out across a wide canvas, and there's a good sense of depth and layering. It’s not the widest soundstage I’ve experienced, but it’s certainly impressive for an IEM.
Layering and Separation
The S12 2024 excels at layering and separation. Even on complex tracks with multiple instruments, each element is clearly defined and easy to pick out. This makes it easy to follow individual instruments even in busy mixes.
Timbre
The timbre is generally natural and realistic. Instruments sound like they should, and vocals sound lifelike. There’s a slight warmth to the overall presentation, but it doesn’t color the timbre in an unnatural way. However, while listening to "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits, I noticed a subtle hint of that characteristic planar timbre, particularly in the electric guitar. It's not unpleasant, but it's noticeable if you're sensitive to it
Detail Retrieval
Detail retrieval is excellent. The S12 2024 Edition reveals subtle nuances in the music that you might not have noticed before. This is where the planar driver really shines, as it's capable of resolving minute details with impressive clarity
Comparisons
The Letshouer S12 2024 Edition is an excellent IEM that offers a lot of value for its price. It has a balanced, slightly warm sound signature, excellent technical performance, and a comfortable fit. It's not perfect - the sub-bass could be a bit more dynamic, and there are faint traces of planar timbre - but it's a fantastic option for anyone looking for a high-quality planar magnetic IEM.
I would like to thank Letshouer for sending this unit as part of the review tour.
You can purchase S12 2024 Edition at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...netic-driver-in-ear-monitor-earphone-hifi-iem
Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer, so whatever I say are purely my observations and your results may vary.
I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.
Disclaimer: All impressions and opinions in this review are my own. I have not been paid or compensated by Letshouer or any other entity for this review. My assessment is based solely on my personal experience with the product.
Sources used:
- Dita Navigator
- D16 Taipan
- L&P W2 Ultra
- RME ADI-2 Pro FS R
- XI Audio Broadway S
- Hiby R8 II
Letshouer has quickly carved a niche for itself in the fiercely competitive world of IEMs, earning a reputation for pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional value. They've dared to venture where few have tread, notably with their planar magnetic driver IEMs. My first foray into their planar offerings was with the S12 Pro, and it left a lasting impression. Paired with my Cayin RU6, the S12 Pro became my daily driver, offering a captivating listening experience that seamlessly blended detail, warmth, and musicality. So, when the S12 2024 Edition was announced, I was naturally intrigued. Could Letshouer further refine their formula and deliver an even more compelling planar IEM?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The S12 2024 Edition comes in a rather elegant box. Inside, you'll find the IEMs themselves, nestled in a protective foam cutout. You also get a selection of ear tips, a cleaning tool, and a beautifully braided cable with 3x Modular Plugs (2.5mm, 3.5mm. 4.4mm), Limited Edition Keychain and a carry case. Letshouer didn't skimp on the accessories, and it shows.
Design and Build:
The IEMs themselves are a sight to behold. The titanium alloy build feels incredibly solid, and the gold finish adds a touch of luxury. However, I've noticed the faceplate is a bit of a fingerprint magnet, and I'm already seeing a few minor scratches. I'm not entirely convinced this flashy gold will age gracefully.
Sound Analysis
Tonality
Overall, the S12 2024 Edition has a balanced, slightly warm signature. It's not overly analytical or clinical, but it's not overly lush either. It strikes a nice middle ground that works well with a variety of genres. It doesn’t particularly excel at any specific frequency but has a smooth, cohesive presentation across the board. This makes it versatile and suitable for long listening sessions without fatigue.
Sub-Bass
The sub-bass is where the planar driver flexes its muscles. Listening to "Limitless" by James Blake, the rumble is deep and textured. You feel it more than you hear it, and it adds a satisfying weight to the music. It’s not the most impactful sub-bass I’ve heard, but it's well-controlled and doesn't muddy the rest of the frequencies. However, when I switched to something more demanding like "Chameleon" by Trentemøller, I felt the sub-bass lacked a bit of dynamism and impact, especially during the intense drops.
In "Why So Serious?" by Hans Zimmer, the low-frequency effects in the opening moments are rendered with impressive depth and texture.
Mid-Bass
The mid-bass is tight and punchy. On "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish, the kick drum hits with authority, but it doesn't bleed into the mids. It’s fast and responsive, making it suitable for both electronic and acoustic music. The bass guitar in "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes is well-defined and has a satisfying thump to it.
Lower Midrange
The lower midrange is slightly forward, which adds warmth and body to vocals and instruments. Male vocals, in particular, sound rich and full. This warmth might not be to everyone's taste, but I find it adds a touch of intimacy to the music. The cello in "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen sounds particularly lush and emotive.
Upper Midrange
The upper midrange is smooth and well-controlled. There's no harshness or shoutiness, even on tracks with prominent female vocals. This is where the S12 2024 Edition really shines, as vocals sound natural and lifelike. Adele's voice in "Hello" is rendered with incredible detail and emotion.
Lower Treble
The lower treble is present and detailed, but it's not overly sharp or sibilant. It adds sparkle and air to the music without becoming fatiguing. Cymbals and hi-hats have a nice shimmer to them. The acoustic guitar in "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton has a delicate sparkle that adds to the emotional impact of the song.
Upper Treble
The upper treble extends well, contributing to a sense of air and openness. It's not the airiest IEM out there, but it's more than adequate for most. It avoids any harshness or sibilance, which is a common pitfall for planar IEMs. The triangle in "Clair de Lune" by Debussy is rendered with a delicate shimmer that adds to the ethereal atmosphere of the piece.
Staging
The soundstage is wide and well-defined. On "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, the instruments are spread out across a wide canvas, and there's a good sense of depth and layering. It’s not the widest soundstage I’ve experienced, but it’s certainly impressive for an IEM.
Layering and Separation
The S12 2024 excels at layering and separation. Even on complex tracks with multiple instruments, each element is clearly defined and easy to pick out. This makes it easy to follow individual instruments even in busy mixes.
Timbre
The timbre is generally natural and realistic. Instruments sound like they should, and vocals sound lifelike. There’s a slight warmth to the overall presentation, but it doesn’t color the timbre in an unnatural way. However, while listening to "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits, I noticed a subtle hint of that characteristic planar timbre, particularly in the electric guitar. It's not unpleasant, but it's noticeable if you're sensitive to it
Detail Retrieval
Detail retrieval is excellent. The S12 2024 Edition reveals subtle nuances in the music that you might not have noticed before. This is where the planar driver really shines, as it's capable of resolving minute details with impressive clarity
Comparisons
- S12 2024 Edition vs. S12 Pro: The S12 2024 Edition is a refinement rather than a complete overhaul. The treble is smoother, and the overall presentation is a bit more balanced. The S12 Pro was already great, and the 2024 edition builds on that foundation.
- S12 2024 Edition vs. S15: The S15 is the flagship, and it shows. It has a wider soundstage, better imaging, and a more refined treble. However, the S12 2024 Edition offers a lot of the same qualities at a lower price. It’s a great option for those who want a taste of the Letshouer planar magic without breaking the bank
- S12 2024 Edition vs. Tangzu Ze Tian Wu: The Ze Tian Wu is a more V-shaped IEM with emphasized bass and treble. It’s a fun and engaging listen, but it lacks the refinement and balance of the S12 2024 Edition. If you prefer a more neutral and balanced sound, the S12 is the better choice
The Letshouer S12 2024 Edition is an excellent IEM that offers a lot of value for its price. It has a balanced, slightly warm sound signature, excellent technical performance, and a comfortable fit. It's not perfect - the sub-bass could be a bit more dynamic, and there are faint traces of planar timbre - but it's a fantastic option for anyone looking for a high-quality planar magnetic IEM.
Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition - The gold of planars
Disclaimer
I got the S12 Edition for free in return for a review, I am free to say whatever I want.
All impressions are my own subjective thoughts after having used them for a good time. These are my thoughts at this moment, and as time moves I might change my opinion.
This is also a very subjective hobby where everything from experience, anatomy or age will affect what we hear. Also keep in mind that it is easy to use bold words when talking about differences, while it may be perceived as a small change for you.
While I can perceive something as natural sounding, I do believe we can never get a perfect performance similar to what is achieved live.
Ranking System:
1 Very bad or unlistenable
2 Listenable but not good
3 Average
4 Very good
5 Exceptional or having a special sauce
My rating system highly values what is musical for me, so my rating will always be a subjective opinion.
My audio preference is neutral with some warmth, I can also like forward midrange and treble if not excessive. I am a believer in having different tuned gears for different genres or moods instead of chasing the single perfect one.
Main music genres I listen to are metal, electronica, jazz and pop. I am a music lover, and can also listen to almost all the genres out there.
I have been into music gear since the mid 90s, gifted some big speakers at an early age. Then moved more and more into headphones with the Koss Porta Pro and a Sony Discman.
I have also tried playing many instruments over the years from piano to sax and have a feel for what's a natural tone, but not the biggest patience in learning to play.
My current favorites in Headphones are ZMF Verite Open and Beyerdynamic T1 G2.
My current favorites in IEMs are 634ears LOAK 2-TX02 and UM MEST MKIII CF.
My current favorites in Earbuds are FranQL Caelum and Venture Electronics Zen 3.0.
Gear used in the main rig is Denafrips Ares 12th-1 DAC together with the Topping A90 Discrete headphone amp. I also have a Schiit Lokius I can swap in if I want to do a little analogue EQ.
Portable gear being HIBY R8 II and iBasso DX180, with some dongles like HIBY FC6 and Colorfly CDA-M1P.
Main music genres I listen to are metal, electronica, jazz and pop. I am a music lover, and can also listen to almost all the genres out there.
I have been into music gear since the mid 90s, gifted some big speakers at an early age. Then moved more and more into headphones with the Koss Porta Pro and a Sony Discman.
I have also tried playing many instruments over the years from piano to sax and have a feel for what's a natural tone, but not the biggest patience in learning to play.
My current favorites in Headphones are ZMF Verite Open and Beyerdynamic T1 G2.
My current favorites in IEMs are 634ears LOAK 2-TX02 and UM MEST MKIII CF.
My current favorites in Earbuds are FranQL Caelum and Venture Electronics Zen 3.0.
Gear used in the main rig is Denafrips Ares 12th-1 DAC together with the Topping A90 Discrete headphone amp. I also have a Schiit Lokius I can swap in if I want to do a little analogue EQ.
Portable gear being HIBY R8 II and iBasso DX180, with some dongles like HIBY FC6 and Colorfly CDA-M1P.
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...netic-driver-in-ear-monitor-earphone-hifi-iem
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...ve-filtering-module-hifi-wired-in-ear-monitor
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...tor-earphone-for-audiophiles-musicians-studio
https://ibasso.com/product/dx180/
https://plussoundaudio.com/customca...r-Custom-Cable-for-In-Ear-Monitors-p680985243
https://shop.musicteck.com/products/hiby-r8-ii
https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-fc6
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...ve-filtering-module-hifi-wired-in-ear-monitor
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...tor-earphone-for-audiophiles-musicians-studio
https://ibasso.com/product/dx180/
https://plussoundaudio.com/customca...r-Custom-Cable-for-In-Ear-Monitors-p680985243
https://shop.musicteck.com/products/hiby-r8-ii
https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-fc6
So what is the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition
The S12 2024 Edition is a limited release of the S12, it will only be made 2024 units with each one having a serial number. The S12 is most likely the most known planar IEM, it had 3 variants before with S12, S12 Pro and Z12.
What makes the S12 2024 Edition special is the refined tuning, also because of the total package with better accessories.
The IEM is equipped with a custom 14.8mm planar magnetic driver, the shell is built in a titanium alloy shell that is CNC milled.
The shell and faceplate is the S12 design, is both small and built very solid. The 2024 Edition has a golden design, and it does look more premium due to this.
The shells are small, but still have some weight due to the titanium material.
The nozzle has average width and is average in length (maybe a little on the small side), worked well for me with most tips.
The 2 pin socket is tight and not loose as some brands have, they are also not getting pushed out over time.
The included accessories are quite premium here, or they look very premium and match the new design perfect. Stock tips are good to get you going, with the balanced and vocal silicon. You also get one set of foams.
The cable is modular, it is 3.5mm single ended, and also 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced. I am missing the 2.5mm in the photo, and forgot to include it in the photo.
There is also some extra stuff included, key chain, gold card and fidget spinner.
Sound Impression
First minutes of trying a new set of gear, what I always listen to is how natural and musical it sounds. Much of this goes down to how I perceive the Timbre.
From the first minute I heard how natural and full sounding S12 2024 is, no glare or typical sharp planar sound.
Going to use the ranges here in review:
Details and soundstage
Detail in IEMs is down mostly to quality driver and how it amplitudes the frequencies, also when the driver is faster it also increases the resolution you hear.
Planar drivers in nature are very resolving due to having fast speed and also having clean transients that are OFF/ON directly. The differences between planars are because of tuning more than the drivers, as most brands use the same driver quality.
The S12 2024 sits then among the best planars at resolution, since the tuning is clean and not over-damped (this has been flavored past year). S12 2024 also competed with more expensive IEMs than its price for technicalities.
Soundstage has some extra width and depth compared to most other planars, quite holographic with great imaging.
Bass
S12 2024 ED has great bass quality, it has some serious depth and sub bass rumble. Even if the planar in nature is fast in decay, it still sounds very promising and I don't really miss a DD for sub bass. Mid bass is similar and has excellent dynamic presentation, can show both lightning fast drum kicks and really be impactful in the slam. It's better for fast bass lines like drums than slow synth bass lines or strings, but even on that it's among the better planars.
Mids
Midrange is full and balanced, the faster transients make everything very clean and open sounding. Planars do lack that little extra that dynamic drivers have in expression for instruments and vocals, but even so S12 2024 and S15 have the best midrange presentation for planar.
If anything planars are best for string instruments with metal wires like guitar or piano, even brass instruments. Most likely as the nature of the planar is more similar to the time of instruments like this, for me I love to listen to acoustic guitar on planar and can often beat some of the best single DDs out there.
Treble
The highs are clean and transparent, not overly sharp in any way. The S12 2024 Ed has excellent extension and airyness, and the quality is great and for me better than BA for highs as it sounds more controlled and pleasing.
The quantity of treble is balanced tastefully, enough to sound clear and resolving without making music sharp and tiresome.
Synergies
The S12 2024 likes power, but it's not too demanding and 45% low gain on the iBasso DX180 is enough to sound full. But it does scale when I feed it desktop power and slam extra hard then, but still I find nothing wrong using it directly from a good dongle or DAP.
Stock cable is excellent sonically, there is no need to change it out. Tried swap cables and the change is so small on S12 2024 I did not find the need for this. Also the stock cable looks awesome together with the S12.
Stock tips are good, I prefer the Vocal tips as they have the widest stage and also the most clean sound. My go to have been Divinus tips, this as it is similar to the Vocal tips with added low end.
Comparison
When evaluating the sets I use each of them over longer periods and also some shorter sessions swapping back and forth, it takes a long time and is not done in one sitting. The most critical comparison is done on my desktop setup that is highly resolving, with volume matching to take away loudness variance.
The spider chart is slightly exaggerated on some points to show differences, and is my subjective take.
Letshuoer S15
This is the flagship planar from Letshuoer, it is a 14.8mm planar together with a 6mm R-Sonic Passive Filtering Module and the S15 costs $299. The shell is their new 3D printed style found in this and their Cadenza4, while not looking as premium it's the most comfortable of the planars here.
The sound is more dynamic driver like, it is also less bright and has softer transients. The softer transients I believe is because of the extra 6mm driver that is passive, but also due to a softer shell.
Bass is very similar on both with just better slam on S12 2024, the S15 instead has richer texture on both sub and mid bass.
The tonality is warmer on S15, this due to less vocal presence and in general less upper frequencies being elevated.
In theory they are equally resolving, but the softer transients and less bite does take away some of the resolution.
Soundstage is a little more holographic but smaller on S15, S12 2024 instead sounds more open and wide.
Letshuoer S08
This is the entry planar model from Letshuoer, it has a custom 13mm planar driver and costs $99. The shell is metall also, but is not as premium. The ergonomis is not very good on this model, I have to often reeling the shell for good seal and comfort.
Tonality lacks the same weight to the music, not talking about bass but how nuanced and full everything is. In share bass amount they are close to the same, where they differ is that the slam is better and more dynamic on S12 2024. The S08 is softer and is more focused on sub bass texture than midbass for me, S12 2024 is better balanced between the two.
The midrange also lacks some weight into the music, sound less nuanced and this is compared to both S15 and S12 2024. It also sounds darker up top compared to S15 and S12 2024, with overall less clarity and air.
Overall it is less resolving than its brethren, the soundstage is also nothing special and has average depth and capability.
Music
https://tidal.com/playlist/8c7e89b7-c0e9-4a8f-a126-49f5675775a5
When comparing S12 2024 Edition to other sets I have used the tracks listed here, and the tracks below are some that I found sounding nice on it.
Conclusion
It is easy to recommend the newest planar from Letshuoer, the S12 2024 Edition is for me the best planar available at this price range. It balances musicality and technical sound, and has the planar qualities without being typical metallic or sharp.
For people who are not used to planars you can expect a full bodied sound that is fast and resolving, the bass slam can be visceral and fast. While midrange is transparent and open, the same can be said for airy and detailed treble being open and well controlled.
This is Letshuoer who has put everything they know about planars into their best planar release, this is nothing like how I remember the old S12 and I think it's even as good as their flagship S15. The total package with how premium the shell is to have well accessories are excellent, S12 2024 well deserves it price.
The S12 2024 Edition is part of their Anniversary and it's only 2024 units being made, I wouldn't sleep on this one and order. This is very high praise from me who is not really a planar person, I will probably use this for a long time forward.
On pure subjective evaluation of the sound as an IEM this is 4 star, but due to to the total package being something special it will get 4.5 star.
Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition Review
Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition Review
Intro
Hello, this review and feature covers the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition (S12 2024) which is the latest planar magnetic earphones from the audio brand Letshuoer. I am more than thrilled to be speaking on this set and sharing my thoughts. I also want to thank the good people at Letshuoer who sent this set to me. The S12 2024 ($199) is actually a commemorative iem made specially for Letshuoer Audio’s 8th anniversary as a brand. Due to this special time Letshuoer decided to make this set a limited edition iem with only 2,024 units available.No accident!
I think it’s no accident that Letshuoer is in such a position to release a special edition iem. Letshuoer has made such an impression over the years that the entire hobbyist community collectively stops what they’re doing just so they can get a peak. It’s no accident folks. No coincidence either. No sir. This is an audio brand that first brought us the legendary Letshuoer S12. That set went straight to the moon fellas and ladies, almost in an instant. Of course, like any iem, it wasn’t for everyone and not everyone jived with it but hey… what is? The point is that they’ve been at it a long time perfecting the planar driver sound. Shortly after the S12 they brought us the Letshuoer Z12 which was a collaboration effort with Z-Reviews of YouTube fame. Next was the moment Letshuoer dropped the big one. It was the first best planar under $200 by Letshuoer. It beat the Timeless, all the Tin Hifi sets, the TangZu sets, it beat em’ all (my opinion of course). That set was the magical Letshuoer S12 Pro (S12 Pro Review). One of the best tuned planar sets and one of the most gorgeous too. But wait, they aren’t done… Lol. Letshuoer decides “Let’s up the ante” and they came out with what some consider the best planar period in the Letshuoer S15 (S15 Review). The tuning had all of the sudden changed and at that point the game changed as well. Letshuoer found a new way, a different tuning, and a new path for their planar iems. From the looks of it, the audio community is okay with that.The new crop of planars
The S15 is an absolute beast of a set. I was in love at first listen. Fast, rich, milky, dense, with that warm vibrance, that lush dynamism, it was and is…delicious. It was also one of the 1st times I heard a planar that didn’t sound… like a planar. Gone are the days of almost screaming highs, the shouty mids that some argued the S12, Z12, S12 Pro had a slight bit too much of. Granted, people still love those older planar sets and after some brain-burn they sound pretty darn good. Still, gone is the slight metallic planar timbre. That electric fuzz which sits crested at the outline of notes. That’s over. Again, the game has changed and Letshuoer is the brand that made that happen first with planars. Fast forward to their 8th anniversary. Letshuoer decided they were going to commemorate the occasion with a brand new “budget oriented” planar magnetic earphone. I thought, “Okay Letshuoer, this oughtta be interesting”. I mean, that’s a big deal, “8th anniversary”! In China the number 8 represents wealth, luck, and good fortune. Anyways, I get the package, and I open the box and lo & behold the set looks nothing like a budget set, shaped like the number “8”, all alloy, and dope looking. The earphone I’m referring to is called the Letshuoer S08 (S08 Review). Folks, I’m still reeling over that set. Damn if it doesn’t sound better then sets twice its price and better than some planars almost three times its price. It is an absolute GEM! Tuning is to die for. Similar to the S15 in almost all ways sonically. Obviously, it isn’t to the level of the S15 but for the price it is an easy rec from me.Will it be enough?
This brings us to the set I’m reviewing today. Another commemorative 8th anniversary reboot and once again Letshuoer seeks out to knock it out of the park. The question is “Can the S12 2024 Edition hold its own against the competition”? Letshuoer is competing against all of those other great planar set. Like the Raptgo Hook-X (Hook-X Review), Raptgo X-HBB Hook X, Hidizs MP145 (MP145 Review), Tin Hifi P1 Max II, and many more. In my opinion, most folks who seek out a planar set are usually only looking for a planar set. It’s a sub-category within the Audioverse which seems to be compartmentalized in most hobbyists' minds. I don’t really know why that is, but it seems true. Lucky for any prospective buyers that the “planar wars” are still going as strong as ever and they have a plethora of planars to choose from. Now, outside of the “planar world” at $199 the S12 2024 actually finds itself in a heated battle against a huge number of great single DD sets along with a boatload of hybrids which are quite fantastic. Can the S12 2024 keep its head above water and keep the Letshuoer dominance of the planar game going strong? With only 2,024 units being available we will see. There is actually a lot to unpack here folks and I’m ready to get it going. Let’s take a look at the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition shall we…Non-Affiliated Purchasing Links:
–Letshuoer.net–Amazon US
Disclaimer:
I received the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition from Letshuoer as a review sample and in exchange I will conduct a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a review sample iem. Letshuoer has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own, though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be, but this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to Letshuoer and thanks for reading.
Gear used for testing
–Ifi Go Blu
–EPZ TP50
–Simgot Dew4x
–Aful SnowyNight
–Fiio Q15
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
–Shanling M6 Ultra
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
Friends, there are some brands who just get it. They just do. These brands understand that the vast majority of hobbyists love to get that little hit of dopamine during a nice unboxing. I don’t care who you are, I don’t think it’s something which gets old. The unboxing is the first taste that we get from the set we just purchased. It’s in the unboxing that we get to see how much the set means to the brand as well. Did they put the work in? It’s in the unboxing where we see the care, craftiness, and effort that brands put forth to create an atmosphere around the product. A good unboxing creates a standard almost as if the unboxing defines the class of the iem, and it sets the stage for our experience. Good brands know this. Or at least they should. Create an image, set the tone, make a lasting 1st impression, instill in the buyer just how much you want them to enjoy your product. Provide that initial stir within the buyer as they first open the box. Show us what we mean to you and what your product means to you with the care you put into every angle and every moment of the buyer experience. I’m telling you, it matters, and it makes a difference. There are so many examples of this and guess what, in each of those examples… everyone won. It’s like anything in life, do you go half-assed? Do you rush the end product? Show us just how special your product is by creating the initial setting which will lift the standard of the buyer’s experience. Start high, don’t start low. Like anyone on planet earth… we want to be charmed, and we want to be won over.Unboxing cont…
With all of that said, I can say for sure that Letshuoer is one of those brands who does understand this. The S12 2024 is a perfect example. However, I’m getting ahead of myself. So, the S12 2024 arrived at my home in a rather large rectangular golden colored box. Roughly 8″x4” and so it is fairly large for a set of earphones. On the front cover is some embossed decorative numbering which forms “8th” along with the name “S12 2024 Edition”, the name “Letshuoer”, and “8th Anniversary”. On the back are some specs for the S12 2024. The box opens from the top which uncovers another black box with a cool design on the cover. Take off the top and there is another long box which houses the eartips, and a bunch of reading material. Take out that layer and under it is a gold-colored commemorative pendant which acts as a keychain of sorts. Really gorgeous, all metal, all gold in color with a decorative “8th” inside a spinning centerpiece. Just a very cool added token (accessory) which does add to the charm of this unboxing. Take out that layer and you’ll finally see the S12 2024 in all its glory sitting in foam cut-outs. Next to the earphones is the round carrying case and inside of the case is the beautiful cable and modular adapters. Next to that is a smaller box which has the leather Keychain band that connects to the Keychain pendant. You’ll also see a golden colored special card in honor of the 8th Anniversary. Just a great unboxing experience and this did set the tone for me. Anyone who puts this much effort into the packaging must feel good about their product.
Eartips
The S12 2024 comes with a total of nine pairs of eartips from three different style of tips. The first style are three pairs (S, M, L) of foam slow-rise tips with a semi-wide bore. The next style is three pairs (S, M, L) of dark gray narrow bore tips which Letshuoer refers to as their “Vocal” tips. Semi-firm flange, fairly long as well. The last style is what Letshuoer calls their “Balanced” tips. Also, three pairs (S, M, L) of white semi-wide bore silicone, with a more rigid flange, stiffer stem, easier to seal for me. Personally, I like all three styles of tips. However, I don’t feel the narrow-bore tips do this set justice and and I don’t enjoy the memory foam tips either. I used the white silicone for a while but as usual I did set out to find the perfect tips for me. Those perfect tips happened to be the Divinus Velvet “wide-bore”. I really feel that the wide-bore does bring the S12 2024 to its best fidelity and for me these tips sounded the best. I also really like Tenmak Whirlwind eartips which are also wide-bore and fantastic eartips in general. Still, for me the Divinus truly helped the S12 2024 to come alive. All very good tips that are great for a collection.
Carrying case
Once again Letshuoer provides the same carrying case that we saw with the Letshuoer S15, Letshuoer Cadenza 4, Letshuoer DZ4, Letshuoer S08 etc. It’s the round, hockey-puck style case that screws off. Made entirely of plastic with that cool feeling soft outer coating. Very reminiscent of those “HeyGears” builds that Letshuoer uses from time to time. These cases are great folks. Now, they don’t have huge amounts of space for storing accessories or anything like that, but you can house your earphones, cable, maybe a set of tips or two. I would imagine that anyone who uses cases would like this one. It’s a dope looking case. I like the inscribed “Letshuoer” on the top and the feel of it is very satisfying for some reason. I have always been a fan of that soft smooth feeling plastic such as the type that they used on the DZ4, S15, Cadenza 4 etc. This is the same stuff used on all their threaded hockey puck style cases too. At any rate, it’s usable and a nice accessory.
Cable
One thing that I enjoy is the included cable. It is very cool looking against the gold of the S12 2024. The cable is actually composed of 392 strands of monocrystalline copper with silver plating. Just dope looking with golden fittings, like the modular adapter, the y-split, and the 2-pin connectors. The cable itself is dark gray and twisted with fatter chords making them look really beefy and premium. This is not a soft cable as it’s quite hard yet with no microphonics that I heard. Just a beautiful cable. Looks perfect attached to the S12 2024. Folks, I appreciate this so much! Finally, a brand that tries to actually color match. It matters so much to the buyer and I’m glad they understand that. One other aspect that I love about this cable (other than the design) is that it is actually a modular cable. In the package the cable comes with a 3.5 single ended, 2.5 balanced, and 4.4 balanced modular adapters. These adapters simply push in and securely fit to the cable end. All three adapters are colored gold with gold plated jacks. Really a fine-looking cable and sounds great paired with the S12 2024 Edition as well.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
The S12 2024 takes on the exact shape and mold of earlier S12 series iems. Literally, the exact shape. However, this set is actually made entirely out of CNC machined/milled titanium alloy. This I thought was a cool prospect to make the entire set out of titanium. Ya know, every material has certain sonic characteristics as in the way resonances bounce off of the acoustic chamber. I have been told that titanium alloy (different from pure titanium) actually can absorb sonic resonance quite well. In fact, titanium foam is used to absorb sound quite often from what I am told. Anyways, titanium alloy is very difficult to machine and during the process it can become contaminated easily, so it does take some measure of care in shaping these housings. The benefit is titanium alloy is very corrosion resistant. Similar to stainless Steel in that regard. Really a nice metal to use for an earphone. I see one small vent over what I assume is the driver. The nozzles are exactly 6mm wide and the nozzle length is about average. Not too short or too long but pretty standard actually. Folks, Letshuoer once again outdid themselves and made a build worthy of an 8th Anniversary commemorative set of earphones. Truly a job well done.
Design
The look & aesthetic of the S12 2024 is every bit as premium as any set under 1k. It just is. Without question the actual appearance of this set is stunning. The gold just POPS against the dark gray of the cable. The gold colorway shines and reflects back the room I’m in while the light catches every hump and every rounded corner of the housing. Letshuoer had to figure out something that would look better than one of the best looking iems of the past five years in the S12 Pro. That blueish-purple colorway against the silver trim is truly a special design. So, instead of adding trim like the previous generation, Letshuoer decided to use the gold colorway covering the faceplates with a deep black color covering the backside of the Shells. This contrast is what makes it really stand out in my opinion. Sure enough, even the cable follows this color pattern. For me the S12 2024 is one of the best-looking sets under $500 right now. We always see limited edition golden sets like the MP145 gold limited edition, the MP143 gold limited edition and so on. However, the gold of the S12 2024 almost feels set-apart in a way. Just a very fresh look.Internals
Letshuoer decided to once again stick with what made this series stand out against the competition and kept the large planar magnetic driver. In this case it has a 14.8 mm planar driver which has been used in the past. To be honest, the internal design is pretty simple as there really isn’t much more to this set. Other than the fact that those resonances are bouncing off a now titanium internal cavity which does have its own acoustic properties and probably helps in more ways than we know to sound as good as it does. Anyways, there isn’t much information out there on this exact driver other than what is in Letshuoer’s promotional so, you know as much as I do. One thing I can say for sure is that it is a darn good driver.Fit/Comfort
As far as the fit goes, the S12 2024 is quite literally identical in size and shape to its predecessors. So, if the S12, S12 Pro, or Z12 fit your ears well, then the S12 2024 will fit your ears well. I’ve had all of their sets except the Z12, and I have loved the fit on all of them. Just a good universal design which isn’t too heavy and the nozzles rest in a comfortable place to not hurt my ears over time. Now, I don’t have any idea how well this set will fit you but I’m assuming most ears will not have a problem at all.
Drivability / Pairings
The Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition has an impedance rating of roughly around 16 ohms and is clocked with a sensitivity of right around 102 dbs. I hope to get this across that the S12 2024 is able to run off of even lesser powerful sources. However, this set most certainly scales with more power. I’m telling you that these planars yearn for power to open them up. The more the better. That said, I don’t feel that you absolutely need anything more than a good dongle dac to bring the S12 2024 out of its shell. I feel if you have a good 150 mw @16 ohms you should be good to go. Most every dongle dac in this day and age is rated for much more than that. Now, the Simgot Dew4x has a max of about 150mw @32 and it replays the S12 2024 very well. Having said that, without question the S12 2024 will keep scaling with power. Give it more and it’ll reward you further. Incrementally that is. It isn’t some grand difference but like most any planar set it may take a hair more juice to really open it up. Tonal pairing
As far as tonal pairings for the S12 2024 Edition I personally enjoyed the way the S12 2024 replayed with a few different source tonalities. I suppose that most hobbyists would like something a bit cooler or closer to neutral. The S12 2024 is on the warm/neutral side, or neutral with a touch of warmth, and so I’m positive that most folks would enjoy something to offset that slight warmth. Still, I kinda like this set with both warmer and cooler source devices. I think it’s far more important that your device has some power and is more energetic as well. I like a dynamic source with this set. Using less rambunctious source devices didn’t seem to pull out the vibrance in the S12 2024 as well. Again, most people will likely want to pair with something less warm, but I don’t always follow that logic. I like to check a set out with many different sources and enjoy it for what it is. Especially a set that is closer to warm/neutral like the S12 2024. I seem to keep getting sets which land in this pocket of tonal coloration that seems to sound fine with just about any pairing.Mobile Listening
When out and about I used my Ifi Go Blu more than anything as it just makes for an easy pairing. Thankfully when using the 4.4 balanced port and giving those set some juice the Go Blu really did well and paired wonderfully. Again, I like dynamic sources, some punch, some good energy and dynamism and so I love the EPZ TP50 with it as a mobile option. Another one that I enjoyed was the Aful SnowyNight and Simgot Dew4x as well. However, moving on to more juice really opened up my joy of this set as I quite literally enjoyed this set with every larger source I have at my disposal. Using the iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2 attached on high gain, the Shanling M6 Ultra on high gain, and the Fiio Q15 on high gain all gave the S12 2024 their own flavor. That said, each of those “flavors” are very dynamic and have very high resolution which is exactly what I enjoy out of the S12 2024. They just all married very well.
What do you need?
Like is said, I really feel that you should try to get a good dongle. Dac with some decent power output. I’d still say that about 150mw @16ohms at the least would suffice but if you have a more powerful source… use it. I don’t feel that tonal coloration matters as much so long as your source has that decent resolution, the dynamism, and doesn’t sound flat. That’s probably most important.
Sound Impressions
I have enjoyed planar magnetic earphones since they first arrived on the scene. I’ve also been fortunate to have had quite a few of them in my possession. Furthermore, I’ve been able to spend time with enough of them over the years to have a pretty good handle on the progression of the driver tech. At least as it applies to iems. They’ve truly come a very long way too. There are some drawbacks though. For one, planars seem to always come with at least a little bit of planar timbre. Two, most planars don’t really offer the depth of stage as well as other driver types. Another thing that some folks don’t enjoy is that planars generally are a hair harder to drive and you also usually don’t get the most out of them without a lot of power. Of course, these issues aren’t across the board and some sets will surprise you, but by-and-large those issues are true with most. Of course, I do believe that the pluses involved with planar earphones far outweighs the cons. They can have ultra-speedy transients, loads of snap, crispness, details for days, great separation and really just great technical prowess. They also can have more low-end weight then something like a balanced armature for instance. Dig deeper, better extension, more palpable haptic muscle. It’s a very cool tech and I feel we are just now seeing brands scratching the surface to maximizing their potential. Letshuoer planars
Looking at the S12 2024 it seems to buck the “planar timbre” trend. Come to think of it, Letshuoer actually bucked that trend with a couple previous sets already with the S15 and S08 models. To be totally honest, I feel both of those previous planar sets sound like a cross between a dynamic driver and a balanced armature in some ways. Which brings us to this latest Letshuoer planar in the S12 2024. You know what, I’m going to go out on a limb really quick and politely declare that the S12 2024 may just be one of the best and most prized $200 planar sets in the market. In fact, Letshuoer planars in general are some of the most enticing earphones on the market. In my opinion, the S12 2024 seems to be the culmination of Letshuoer’s collective experience, and to be perfectly honest… I’m all for it! Let’s take a look at the sound…What’s it sound like?
Listening to the S12 2024 has been a real treat folks and I won’t leave any suspense or hanging thoughts. Basically, I’m not going to keep you guessing because the S12 2024 is clearly one of the best planar magnetic earphones on the market. There’re some caveats to that though. Of course, you’ll have to prefer the sound signature as it’ll have to jive with you in that way. You still have another “legend” set which is also very well composed in the Hidizs MP145 and a couple others. Having said that, the S12 2024 comes across warm/neutral or neutral with a sub-bass boost and probably closer to “Bassy U-shaped” in sound signature. I hear an obviously very cohesive sound across the mix and what I’d consider as a fun sound. Another sure thing is that the S12 2024 is certainly a bit smoother tonally and altogether more refined than its predecessors (S12, S12 Pro, Z12). The S12 2024 isn’t quite as sharp/shrill as some of Letshuoer’s planars have been in the past. Similar to the S08 and S15 in that respect. Keep it smooth, easy on the ears, less intense, a little more bass presence too. However, just because it is smoother doesn’t mean the S12 2024 has lost the definition to its notes. Notes still have some bite to them, but the overall frequency is smoother with no real peaks, no razor blades in the upper-mids, or saw blades in the treble region. Just a very good sound which provides a very musical listening session with that foundational head-bobbing bass, while still maintaining some essence of maturity & refinement in the form of detail retrieval, separation, soundstage and all the intangibles which makes for a good session. I like where Letshuoer went with this one folks.Condensed Sound Between the 20’s
The low-end is certainly elevated with a fairly heavy presence down low. I’d call it sub-bass focused, but still a clean and stout mid-bass. It bumps, it gets fairly deep, good texture, good definition too. The midrange comes through with very nice lean-lush note weight, yet also with dense note weight. It’s realistic enough (especially for a planar), with good timbre which doesn’t sound too colored or skewed in my opinion. I hear good energy in this region and certainly enough for a dynamic presentation. Not too recessed, good presence for vocalists (both males & females), and tight enough transients to sound technically adept yet not so fast that I’m losing out on certain harmonics. The sound is still semi-atmospheric in the mids which is nice. The treble has a bit of brilliance yet nowhere near the S12’s of old. Smoother overall, yet enough crunch and bite to give the treble some decent texture. The treble has nice extension too along with a well detailed performance. Details as a whole are very good but I wouldn’t consider this set a detail monster. Separation of instrumentation is easy to discern. There is some depth for layering of sounds too. Beyond that, I hear a nice stage. Not the largest on planet earth, but very good. Nothing is overly congested on this stage and it’s arranged and controlled enough to do a solid job with imaging. Folks, this is simply a very well rounded iem which will do well for most any genre. You could say it’s an all-rounder type set for sure and great for a planar.
Bass Region
The low-end most certainly has a sub-bass focus and reaches fairly deep in pitch. This is a pretty fast bass with a nice ductile agility to it. Lately we’ve seen some planars which get very close to a dynamic driver bass region and the S12 2024 is one of those sets. In fact, there’s almost nothing which separates them. This is a bass which can slam with some ground pounding levels, while staying tight, clean, and also rigid. This isn’t some weak bass here folks. In the same breath it also isn’t for bassheads either. I would much more consider this a bass for those who enjoy a good, emphasized bass region. It’s got the boom, and it has the rumbles. Bass guitar has all the fullness it needs while also having the growling edgy note outline making bass guitar tracks really fun, generally speaking. Kick drums have that cavernous resonance and tacky edge which draws us to a good kick drum with so many tracks. Honestly, there isn’t much the S12 2024 bass region is missing folks. Notes have good definition, it isn’t one noted, it isn’t muddy, and the bass doesn’t veil the mix and encroach into other regions in a bad way. Really a nice bass overall. Sub-bass
The lowest of lows can run deep friends. The S12 2024 is capable of providing some guttural and meaty sub-bass rumbles and it does so rather easily. Almost effortless. This is a very well-defined sub-bass with plenty of texture and quite a lot of haptic vibration as the S12 2024 can give off an almost kinetic low drone with a very palpable feel to it. Tracks such as “California” by CMAT show off the S12 2024’s ability to reach lower levels while keeping the note outline intact and never sounding pillowy, or soft. Like I said, there’s density or solidity to every note along with a concrete style note edge which sounds more like texture than anything else. “Heavy is the Ocean” by Bush is also a track which I listen to and use for review purposes that truly grumbles and growls very deep. I love how the S12 2024 is able to hold that note edge, get deep and gnarly with loads of haptic buzz and never come across sloppy while also separating the rest of the mix beautifully. Really a nice and deep low-end that is fun, but it’s also pretty mature for the size too.Mid-bass
Now, the mid-bass doesn’t have quite the emphasis that the sub-bass has, but that doesn’t mean it can’t slam very well. It certainly can but that slam feels very well controlled and held in check without mudding up the mix. Possibly in some tracks things get a bit too bassy for some. However, for the most part the mid-bass has a tight transient attack through decay and doesn’t linger past its welcome. Despite that, the mid-bass does have some atmosphere to it. Resonances come through but they don’t lag until they sound muddy, but they also don’t zip right along sounding unnaturally quick. Folks, this is a bass that is very well done. I found the mid-bass has no trouble taking on even faster tracks either, like “Higher Ground” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. You have the quick bass guitar that comes through with good weight and fullness while the drums blare in a fast and repetitive way with great snap on this set. However, I don’t hear the bass masking over any other frequencies. All other instruments share the sound field nicely. There’s some crispness there and tons of texture and tactility as well. Beyond that, I don’t hear that ultra peppy type of planar bass that keeps it from sounding natural. Actually the bass here is very organic with a semi-atmospheric sound with both quick and dense fundamental notes. Just a very well done mid-bass that is not overcooked. Again, this mid-bass doesn’t really encroach into the midrange in a negative way. Truth be told, I do enjoy the slight bit of bleed the S12 2024 does have, giving warmth to the mid region while keeping it pristine and mostly clean.Downsides to the Bass Region
The biggest drawbacks of this bass region will be for those who cannot stand a bigger bass replay. That’s about the only drawback I can truthfully say would be a huge issue. Not everyone wants an emphasized bass. Shoot, I know plenty of my friends in the hobby who will disregard this set based solely on the fact that it has any convexity to the bass shelf. Letshuoer did a fantastic job with the 10-11 dB shelf they did add. I could also say that bassheads probably won’t be too thrilled with this set either. I do feel that the S12 2024 will appease most hobbyists, and they will fall in love as I have.Downsides cont…
Friends, Letshuoer took all of their understanding and experience and pulled out all the stops for this commemorative 8th Anniversary iem by giving it a bass region that in my opinion eclipses any other planar bass region that I’ve heard to date. That may seem like I’m going a bit too hard on this one, but I thought for a long time about writing those words (“eclipses any other planar to date”) and I feel good about them. Yes, there are issues for the person who wants those ultra slow DD like harmonics and resonances. Or there may even be issues for the person who only enjoys the ultra-quick planar style or balanced armature style bass we’ve grown accustomed to. However, I like what Letshuoer did. It’s big, it runs deep, it’s dense, rock solid, not pillowy, not weak, and it moves very fast while keeping the bass depth and defined note edges. Just a good bass.
Midrange
What’s a good midrange? For me it comes with some sort of a sound field balance. Timbre should be closer to natural. There should be enough energy to not come across flat, but not so much energy that it’s giving way to glare or shoutiness. Some semblance of details, some semblance of emotion too. These are also some of the qualities found here in the S12 2024. Oddly enough I hear a very well controlled midrange with good detail retrieval and instrument separation which finds a way to still keep on the smoother side of the aisle. Smooth but tight, rounded notes, clean background. Really a very clean midrange which keeps mostly neutral in tonal coloration with only subtle hints of warmth from the low end. Truly a pristine sound which doesn’t lose out on musicality at all. In fact, I’d say the S12 2024 does a great balancing act of technical and musical. Also, I don’t hear any real recession but instead the midrange is in a great place within the sound field. Vocalists are forward enough without sounding too energetic and loud. Yet those vocalists still have enough body and density to sound authentic and somewhat real to life. Instruments all sound very close to timbre-accurate showing off every last detail effortlessly. Having said that, there are sets tuned to be even more technically inclined, but those sets don’t have the musical nature of the S12 2024 either. I think the S12 2024 has the best of both worlds for the price as it’s quite a nice listen. Lower-midrange
Listening with the S12 2024 in my ears I am actually quite pleased with how nicely done the lower mids are for male vocalists. I feel the mid-bass ever-so-slightly spills over into the midrange but it’s so slight that it steals absolutely none of the transparency and resolution. Males come across with actual note body too. These aren’t some thin and anemic sounding men with this set. Tracks like “Rome” by Dermot Kennedy have such a nicely forward feel and presence while also keeping a nice crispness to his already crisp voice. It isn’t overdone but instead sounds very melodic. The instruments around his voice are well delineated, separate, and each subtle nuance is illuminated quite well in the midst of good lean-lush note weight. Another fantastic voice is Max McNown in the track “A Lot More Free”. His voice has this throaty rasp that is so unique and easy to listen to. I like that the S12 2024 almost emboldens that voice with extra forward presence and some extra density putting his vocals on a pedestal. Once again, the surrounding Melody sounds very well separated and layered within the sound field for a planar iem. Males sound great folks.Upper-Midrange
Looking at the upper-mids they sound a slight bit more shimmery but not necessarily more forward. They walk that fine line of shimmer and sparkle without sounding shouty or peaky. The S12 2024 has just enough pinna rise to accommodate a more natural sound while still having the energy to keep very interesting and vibrant. Females like Adele in “Hello” have that haunting emotion on tap with the S12 2024, giving her vocals that weighted moistness to her voice. There’s absolutely nothing dry to my ears. Another vocalist is Lady Gaga in the track “Always Remember Us This Way”. Man, her voice sounds nice with the S12 2024 in my ears. I love how the S12 2024 highlights the inflections and intonations in her voice without the usual planar timbre and metallic edge which plagues so many planar sets. This set has the control to maneuver a melody like this while also showing off the subtleties like the piano gently playing along in the background, or her breath in the mic, or all the little up and down modulations of her voice. Furthermore, she sounds as natural as I would think “natural” is supposed to sound. I like these upper-mids folks. Very mellifluous, shimmery but not shouty, detailed yet emotional and smooth. Just a well-balanced upper mid replay.Downsides to the Midrange
I suppose the downsides to this midrange would be for the person who really loves an analytical style. For those who desire a drier and sprightlier midrange, I’d think that the S12 2024 may not be the set for them. These are the same people who like sets that are detail kings. I said a few times that separation of instruments is very good for the tuning and I don’t back down from that, it is good (for the tuning). Still, there isn’t so much space between instruments that detail nuts will be perfectly happy. Remember this set is musical, emotionally expressive, and does carry an atmospheric vibe. The S12 2024 is great in relation to this type of tuning. For those who want a bright midrange with the highest degree of resolution, almost to the point that it’s forced, those folks may not be too excited about the S12 2024 either. Also, there are plenty of those who only enjoy a warmer, smoother, richer, and even darker display in the mids. Some people only want syrupy and thickly weighted. I suppose that there are times I desire warmer low-mids too. In fact, I usually do like just a pinch more richness for my perfect midrange. However, I’d hate to change anything on this set and disrupt what Letshuoer was able to do. It’s great the way it is. Will it be for everyone? Absolutely not! I don’t know a set that is for everyone. I do believe the S12 2024 gives us one of the better balancing acts of technically adept and musically gifted which is a really great thing to be for a $199 planar magnetic earphone.
Treble Region
This is one of those treble experiences that hedges on too energetic and too laid back at the same time. Actually, I love the emphasis here as there’s a slight bump on the lower treble and a nice bump in the presence region. It really walks that fine line in a very graceful and once again effortless way. I hear just enough sparkle and airiness to really accentuate treble notes. The S12 2024 has just enough emphasis to counter the low-end and ultimately balance the entirety of the frequency very well without forcing any resolution or coming across shrill. If any of you remember the highs in the S12, or S12 Pro then you know how razor sharp those sets can sound on the right tracks. Not the S12 2024. No sir. This set has all the earmarks of a refined and very clean treble that has just enough vibrance and brilliance to illuminate the details while also never spilling over into ear gouging pain. Let’s put it this way, the treble is lifted enough to bring airiness and openness to the mids along with enough to bring some snap to drums, instrument separation, some edge to strings, some slight vigor and spirit to vocals and some resounding notes to violin and piano etc. On top of that, the treble really does fit the tuning well. Extension
Another thing that is quite nice on the S12 2024 is the obvious extension into the upper highs. For instance, secondary harmonics of a cymbal strike never sound splashy to me while they also have that small glow to them. Harmonica in the track “Hook” by Blues Traveler doesn’t ever become too edgy or coarse. Violin in the track “Eye of the Untold Her” by Lindsey Stirling gets very vivacious and silvery while also never sounding artificial or too coarse. The extension also seems to expand the sound field as well giving dimension to the sound as well as some much-needed energy which lifts the spectrum bringing some excitement. Of course, there are sets in the price point which are tuned specifically to add effulgence and brilliance to this area of the mix, but the S12 2024 does so in a way that the treble actually adds to the rest of the spectrum and helps with the overall timbre a lot.Nicely Done
Beyond all of that, details in this region are very nice as the treble does have some crisp crunch and bite helping every note to have its own clean edge. Of course, this does depend on the track you are listening to a bit. However, treble notes generally are very well defined and never so smooth that they sound sanded down or too velvet leaving notes too confined and close together. I hear some air to the sound. There’s an edge, some treble punch, and fantastic clarity. However, there will be those who feel that what Letshuoer added won’t be enough. Treble heads will likely call it laid back. Still, I feel it sounds great and perfectly harmonizes with the bass and the mids. To add to that, I hear zero sibilance on this set, no planar timbre, no electric fuzz sitting at the crest of each note. Really very nicely done.Downsides to the Treble Region
The biggest downside will be in the eyes and ears of actual treble heads. I can tell you right now they won’t think there is enough energetic brilliance, and they probably will want a brighter replay here. Of course, I feel there is ample bite and crispness but the S12 2024 certainly doesn’t have that EST style treble definition. Also, this set is only $199. Another group of people who may not enjoy the S12 2024 are those who are seriously affected by any brightness. I mean those types who are desperately sensitive to any treble lift. The S12 2024 is less emphasized and bright than past iterations of this S12 series, but it can still hit some bright notes from time to time. Beyond that, no doubt there are sets with better treble regions. Like I’ve said in this whole review, there are sets which will specialize in certain areas (like the treble) and they will impress more in those specific regions. However, once again, those sets will also not have the musicality and charm of the S12 2024. There’s a few that do well in this regard but very few and very far in between.
Technicalities
Soundstage
Looking at the soundstage I have to say that for a planar earphone I am impressed. I mean, there are plenty of planars with nicely wide soundstages. However, there aren’t many that have actual depth like the S12 2024. So, what I hear is an above average width, some fullness in height and some actual depth which leads to good front to back sound placement and the layering of those sounds. Of course, the S12 2024 does not have the best sound stage within its price point. Nonetheless, the S12 2024 does have the best stage I’ve heard from a planar. Including the MP145. I like that I hear some actual dimensionality and rounded notes. I can hear the separation of those layers too. Most certainly this is an above average stage folks. You have good extension both ways as the sub-bass runs deep while the upper treble is also able to air it out nicely too. Usually, a set with these attributes will almost sound like the stage is expanded and I don’t think that the S12 2024 is any exception.Separation / Imaging
Like I’ve said this entire review, the S12 2024 has good instrument separation for the type of musicality it offers. The way that the S12 2024 is able to have just enough mellifluousness to not come across as analytical is great. Or vice-versa. At any rate, separation is very good on top of the layering I spoke of. Definitely not perfect and there are most certainly iems which handle this better. I could say that in ultra bass heavy tracks the separation isn’t nearly as obvious. Also, in super congested tracks I also don’t hear perfect separation either. Still, these drivers are fast guys and gals. They hit each note in stride and maneuver around any passage of music fairly quickly. For the most part, separation of instruments is very good. Imaging is the same and walks the exact same line. It’s good until it isn’t. Good until the bass masks over the rest of the mix, good until the mass confusion of a congested track muddies up the sound. Of course, there aren’t many sets that do navigate ultra congested tracks very well. For what it is and how it was tuned, the S12 2024 has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.Detail Retrieval
One thing that stands out as particularly awesome is detail retrieval. I found it easy to hear all the minutiae within my music. Still, the same caveats which plague separation and imaging are also the same that keeps the S12 2024 from being considered a “detail monster”. Is it very good in detail retrieval? Without question it is. Again, the S12 2024 has zero to be ashamed of and really does a nice job of illuminating even the tiniest of details. So long as the track isn’t full of sub-bass rumble and drone.
Comparisons
Note: I am going to be very quick in these comparisons and speak in very general terms so as to keep my word count down as much as possible. We could go pretty deep into these comparisons, but I don’t know how useful that is to any of you. Letshuoer S12 Pro ($169)
The Letshuoer S12 Pro (S12 Pro Review) has always been one of my favorite planar iems. It came along right after the storm of the 7Hz Timeless, and its older sibling, the Letshuoer S12 OG. There were a few others, but they weren’t really true competition. The S12 Pro was the first planar that didn’t have that much treble glare and upper mid shout. The S12 Pro had more of a balance sonically then some of the other planars on the market at the time. Beyond the sound, it was absolutely gorgeous and built like a tank. Anyone who purchased the S12 Pro knows how nice of a set it is, truly a special one at its price. Which by the way, you can find for even cheaper nowadays than the $169 MSRP. The S12 Pro also utilizes a 14.8 mm Planar Magnetic driver.
Differences
As far as build, these two sets are basically identical. They are identical shape, size, ergonomics, and both accessorized to the nines. However, without question the S12 2024 has the S12 Pro beat with a much better cable, better tips, and case as well. Just a better package altogether. Of course, the S12 2024 is also about $30 more expensive than the S12 Pro too, so do keep that in mind. Anyways, physically there isn’t much which separates these two sets. One is a gorgeous blueish/purple colorway with silver trim and the other is shiny gold colorway with black a black contrasting color. Both are equally beautiful in my mind.Sound Differences
To begin, these two have quite a lot of the same DNA within them. I will keep this as simple and as short as possible for you, well, and for me. Anyways, the S12 2024 is really just a completely refined and cleaned up version of the S12 Pro. I hear less shout in the upper mids, less brightness in the treble, more control in each 3rd of the mix as well. Notes have better weight, density, contour, and each note is better defined. I hear a slightly blacker background with a less busy treble region. The bass now is tighter by a slight margin and runs deeper with a more robust forcefulness in each note and better texture. That was pretty obvious to me. The mids are less recessed but also less shouty and slightly better balanced. Listening to the treble, I found the S12 2024 has better definition, maybe a hint less detailed but also easier in the ears, smoother too. Technically, these two are both well detailed across the board but like I said, the S12 2024 simply sounds cleaner. I hate to make it that simple but that’s what it is for me. To a slight extent anyways. I find the S12 2024 has a wider and deeper stage as the S12 Pro is a little flatter (wall of sound), less layered, and just less realistic. Separation of instruments and vocals sounds good on both sets in my opinion. At the end of the day the S12 2024 has the more realistic timbre, less planar timbre, less metallic edge to each note, more organic and simply better in my eyes.Further thoughts on this comparison
Honestly, the S12 2024 is a true upgrade for me. Now, there are a ton of ways to mod the S12 Pro and you can find those with some Google searches. However, the S12 2024 really is a refined version of the S12 Pro and ultimately the S12 series as a whole. It is blatantly obvious that Letshuoer has learned a thing or two during their run with planar sets. The S12 2024 is much more aligned with the S15 or the S08 even rather than the older S12 series in my eyes. Looking at the graphs you’d think the S12 2024, and the S12 Pro were almost one in the same but to the ear there really is some distinct differences. Both are fantastic iems but the latest S12 2024 is an upgrade. Of course, it’s also $30 more.
Raltgo Hook-X ($239)
Oh, the Hook-X! This set was and still is one of the best planar sets that money can buy. The Raptgo Hook-X (Hook-X Review) is actually a dual driver hybrid utilizing a 14.2 mm planar driver and an 18-layer Piezoelectric driver (PZT) as well which handles the upper treble. The additional PZT driver does add in another element that straight planar sets don’t usually have and really helped the Hook-X to stand out. This set was one of the first kings of planar iems (yes it has a PZT, but it is still a “planar” to me) and was one of the 1st planar sets that truly reigned supreme for an extended period of time, in my opinion anyways.
Differences
To begin, I’ve already spoken of the driver configuration differences. The PZT really does add extra air texture and bite to the treble that it wouldn’t have if it was simply a single planar iem. Also, the Hook-X is a bit larger in size and the fit is a bit more cumbersome. It’s just big, rounded on the bottom and so it probably won’t fit everyone. Whereas the S12 2024 has a good shot of fitting almost everyone. I love the design of both sets but to me the S12 2024 is simply better. Not only is it built better, but it is much better looking. Granted, the Hook-X is pretty slick looking with its open back design and green colorway, but it can’t out duel the S12 2024 in this regard. Both sets are accessorized nicely but once again the S12 2024 has the better unboxing in my eyes. The Hook-X and the S12 2024 both have very nice modular cables but the S12 2024’s cable is much better than the green/black fabric cable of the Hook-X. The Hook-X is quite a bit more in price at $40 more and it’s been out for a couple years now. However, this is a close battle between the two planar sets.Sound Differences
The bass runs deeper in the S12 2024 while the Hook-X does seem to be just as fast down low. The Hook-X is more like a typical planar bass, less physical, tight, but not atmospheric like the S12 2024, nor as weighted. I like the S12 2024 in this area personally. The midrange of the S12 2024 is more forward with better presence for vocals, even better note weight. I found the midrange notes on the S12 2024 to be cleaner and more dense, more rigid, more textured. So as good as I thought the Hook-X was, it seems like planar tech has evolved a bit. Now I would probably say that the Hook-X is a hair more detailed but also it comes through brighter in the upper mids, less realistic and organic than the S12 2024. In the treble the Hook-X has a more brilliant, snappier, crisper and more detailed treble experience. I think the PZT driver is obviously to credit for that. Not that the S12 2024 has anything to be ashamed of as I enjoy the S12 2024 more than the more detailed and crisper Hook-X’s treble. The S12 2024 simply sounds more natural and for me that matters more than technicalities. Also, it isn’t some huge chasm between the two as far as separation, details, etc. goes. Soundstage is very large in both, but the Hook-X does feel and sound airier and more open. The open back style does seem to help in this regard. However, the S12 2024 has more depth of field, better layering, and again… more organic sounding.Final thoughts on this comparison
To me the S12 2024 sounds more balanced and is simply a step up in many ways. For me that is. I could easily see some folks preferring the older Hook-X and its highly detailed and transparent sound. Granted, both sets perform admirably in the technical aspects of sound. However, the S12 2024 simply has a more musical flare to it, a bit more emotional, weighted, more accurate timbre, and just as clean sounding. So let me be clear, I don’t necessarily feel the S12 2024 is the better iem as both sets will serve wonderfully for different listeners. Trust me, there are times when the Hook-X is all I want to listen to. I guess what I’m saying is that just because this comparison looked like an easy win for the S12 2024, it really is just an internal preference battle for myself. For analytical lovers they may prefer the Hook-X. Who knows. Both are great sets for sure, but for me and my money I’d buy the S12 2024.Note: Below is the graph for only the Hook-X as I could not find a comparison graph between the S12 2024 and the Hook-X.
Is it worth the asking price?
This is the big money question, er… the $199 question. That being whether the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition is worth the asking price? Is $199 a good deal and does the replay and all the intangibles of the S12 2024 seem worth that price tag. If any of you have read any of my reviews, then you know that I only review stuff that I enjoy or that I feel others could enjoy on a large scale. So yes, I absolutely enjoy this set as I am reviewing it. However, just because I enjoy a set doesn’t mean it’s worth the asking price. There have been plenty of times I’ve personally enjoyed something but there are better sets for cheaper etc. Having said all of that I will be straight up with you all… 101% the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition is worth every penny. I would buy this set over and over again. I freaking love it (pardon my use of the word “freaking”)! Easily one of my new favorite sets anywhere around $200. In fact, I’d probably choose the S12 2024 over more expensive sets. Scratch that, I “do” choose the S12 2024 over more expensive sets on some days.The Why…
Because the unboxing is absolutely bonkers good. Look at all the goodies you get. The Keychain, the cool gold colored medallion or whatever that thing is. I do know it’s super cool. Beyond the unboxing, look at this ridiculously robust and durable “TITANIUM” housing. Titanium alloy is a tough material to work with folks. It’s hard to mold, to bend, to form and to weld. It’s just a bear. I’m sure Letshuoer found a way to streamline the process, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that it is indeed… titanium. Also, the look is so cool. I’ve fallen for the gold. That shiny gold colorway paired with the gorgeous cable is just a great pairing. Also, the cable, it’s so very nice with modular connections making it easy to swap. Of course, we’ve seen modular cables for quite some time but not all are created equal. That’s for sure. Ya know, the real worth of any set is in many different areas. They have to fit, they can’t look stupid, they need to be built well, durable, it’s nice if they have great accessories, a great cable too so you don’t have to go and buy another cable. Still, every set usually lives or dies with the sound at any price. As it should.That sound
This is where the S12 2024 makes its asking price make sense. Letshuoer has the S12 OG which is much less and the S12 Pro at roughly $30 less. However, the $99 Letshuoer S08 is the least expensive planar iem from Letshuoer and it is an amazing iem at that. Not to the quality of the S12 2024 but it is very good and one I’ve grown to adore. So, the S12 2024 must be pretty special to be worth the asking price of $199. To be blunt… Yes, it is!The sound alone makes it worth it…
This set sounds very good. Such a nice balance of technically proficient but also musical through and through. Obviously, you have to enjoy this type of sound signature to fully appreciate what I am about to say. So, the bass is some of the best bass that this price point has. I know, I didn’t go that hard in the actual bass section. Well, I was trying to be a bit more professional there whereas here I can let my hair down a bit. If I had enough hair to let down of course. Anyways, it’s also very well balanced tonally with just a slight bit more low-end emphasis which makes the S12 2024 very intriguing to me. The bass is fast, deep, rounded, dense and it can take complicated tracks with ease. The midrange is very clean and resolving while also coming across very well textured with very nice note weight throughout. No sibilance, no shout, no glare, nothing grainy. It’s just nice and fantastic for vocals too. Next, the treble region has just enough emphasis, crispness, bite, and just enough treble punch. Definitely not boring or flat. The treble also has good extension with some of the best planar timbre on the market. Details come through very easily, good separation of instruments, there is good layering happening, nice depth and really just a nice stage altogether.Limited Edition
I find it hard to find a ton of faults here folks. Of course, I also love the sound signature and how Letshuoer tuned this set. Really a nice sounding set and most definitely (for me) the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition is worth every last penny. Great in almost all aspects physically and sonically. But there’s one more “Why” that I haven’t touched on. That is… the S12 2024 is also a limited-edition earphone! There’s only 2,024 units available which makes this set even more enticing. I’m fairly positive those sets will be bought out rather quickly too.
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 S12 2024 Edition ratings below, that would be $150-$250 planar magnetic earphones. 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 “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $150-$250 US planar iems is really a smaller scope of iems, and so seeing a 9.0 shouldn’t be out of the question. There’s simply less to compete against. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.Aesthetic
–Build Quality: 9.8 Built very well, all titanium.–Look: 9.9 Beautiful golden colorway, gorgeous.
–Accessories: 9.9 Best planar unboxing under $250!
–Overall: 9.9
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 9.9 Top of class timbre (my opinion).–Bass: 9.8 Hello quality… meet quantity
. –Midrange: 9.5 Clean, musical, technically proficient.
–Treble: 9.1 Non-Offensive, detailed, transparent.
–Technicalities: 9.3 Technically very nice for the tuning.
–Musicality: 9.7 Musicality over technicalities.
–Overall: 9.6
Ratings Summary:
These ratings above may confuse some people who don’t read everything. In the note* above I state that this rating session is against any planar sets within the $150 to $250 range. That’s not a huge scope of iems but I’m thinking about the buyer here. Most of the time someone looking for a planar set is only looking for a planar set. I figured if someone could afford the $199 S12 2024, then they may also be able to stretch their budget to $250 as well. So, how well does the S12 2024 compete in this $150-$250 range? I’d say pretty favorably. Of course, this also has to mean that I’ve actually spent enough time with each of the sets in that range to know them well and understand them. Thankfully I have many of them in my possession. I wish I had the Raptgo X-HBB Hook, but I don’t and so that is the one set I wish I could’ve compared here, though I obviously have the OG Hook-X. So, keep that in mind. At any rate, the ratings above were conducted over a few hours of great enjoyment. From song to song, set to set, and many notes. I feel the S12 2024 was the obvious best of the group for me in almost all ways except “Treble” and “Technicalities”. There were a couple sets who do have what I consider “better” treble regions and “better” technical abilities. However, I feel a “9.6” overall sound score against all planar sets between $150 and $200 is warranted, but that’s only my opinion folks. Take these ratings with a grain of salt. Please.Explain Yourself!!
To be honest, there really isn’t anything I feel needs real “explaining”, though there are some ratings which I could see some folks calling me nuts over. Like the bass (always the bass), I feel this set is quality and quantity gold (no pun). Truly, the quality is wonderful with a clean, tight, but also deep bass as well as a well-defined and very ductile and agile bass. However, bassheads would likely give this set closer to an “8.0” because it isn’t so profuse in bass emphasis that it would be at their standards. Then again, how many bass head planars are there? Maybe they’d score it higher. However, those who only enjoy the at snappy and less emphasized bass region. Those who want that ultra-agile and pristine bass with no extra fat at all. Those folks would definitely not give this set an enormously high “9.8” like I just did. It’s okay too and I get it. We like what we like. Truth be told, there is not as many $150 to $250 planars out there. At least less then you’d think and so the scores are naturally higher. In fact, I’ve never rated a set with a “9.6” overall before. BTW, if a planar was close to this range in price I included it too. It’s a soft $150 to $250. Really, it’s more like $119 to $290. Lol. Honestly, I feel these ratings are good. I wouldn’t change a thing; they’re locked in folks. This is a great set for the price.
Conclusion
To conclude my full written review of the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition I have to first thank the awesome people of Letshuoer and especially Letshuoer Betty whom we know and love. They sent over the S12 2024 to me in exchange for a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. Thank you for always being easy to get ahold of, very present and happy to help too. Also, thank you Letshuoer for never ever trying to be too overbearing. Never once has Letshuoer asked to pre read any review, and they’ve never once asked me to speak favorably, or asked me to skew my words one way or another. Truly a class company who does believe in their product. At least enough to send their product on its way into the subjective hands of a reviewer. So, thank you. Of course, my thanks extend to the reader as well. Thank you very much for taking the time to actually click the link and stick around long enough to read these words. You are the few who are brave enough. I thank you. It means everything to the website (mobileaudiophile.com). We survive in clicks and time spent here, so thank you very much. Other perspectives
Now that you’ve read this review, I hope you will click some more links and check out other reviews of the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition. This is such a subjective and personal hobby folks. No two people are exactly alike. We all have different tastes, different likes and dislikes, different gear, different music libraries, and we all haven’t been down the same journey through audio. So, I do hope you take the time to read other thoughts. There are so many amazing reviewers who also want to help and may make it easier for you to find where you want to spend your hard-earned money. With that, I’m done! I hope each of you are doing well and good. Take care, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!
thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This product was provided to me by Letshuoer in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I receive no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thank you to Letshuoer Betty for coordinating this unit for review.
Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●Letshuoer DT03
●Dunu DTC480
●BLON V1
Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.
Introduction:
Letshuoer is celebrating its eighth anniversary this year. The company has a good track record of releasing a wide range of quality products, including iems, cables, and DAC/amps. They are arguably most widely known for their planar iems. The release of their S08 iem also coincided with the company’s anniversary celebration. Letshuoer is continuing the festivities with the S12 2024, an update to one of their most popular products. This is the latest iteration of the S12 line, following the original S12 and the S12 Pro. It features a 14.8mm planar driver, updated aesthetics and tuning, and is priced at $199. Let’s break down this newest model and see how Letshuoer fares the third time around.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
The unboxing of the S12 2024 is quite an experience! From the box art to the accessories, Letshuoer has pulled out all the stops. The design of the box is far above what I'm used to seeing at this price range and is more akin to that of a flagship. The outer box’s rose gold color, raised design, and prominent “8” all combine to make a quite fetching package. Upon opening the box (and the box within that one), the iems are hidden by the gold keychain and accessories box. Removing those finally reveals the very fancy-looking shells of the newest member of the S12 family. The size and shape are the same as in previous models, but with a new rose gold colorway and an updated titanium alloy chamber. The finish is very nice and has a classy look to it, though it may be a bit of a fingerprint and scratch magnet. Some might also find them to be a bit too flashy or ostentatious, but I'm a big fan of the new look. The 2024 Edition is also limited to 2,024 units globally, with each pair engraved with a unique number. The size of the shell is relatively small and shouldn't be an issue for most people. The nozzle width is 6.2 mm at the widest point of the lip, and the length is average. The insertion depth is perhaps slightly shallow, but I didn't have any issues with fit and seal, and they are comfortable to wear for extended periods. The two-pin connection is flush with the shell and ensures cable rolling is a breeze, although whether a different cable is needed is up for debate as the stock cable is quite good. It's a silver-plated monocrystalline copper modular cable featuring 2.5, 3.5, and 4.4mm terminations for seamless connection to any source. It is lightweight, tangle-free, feels good in the hand, and its aesthetic complements the gold finish of the shells. I generally prefer a chunkier, thicker cable, but the stock one is very good, and I did not see the need to swap it out for another. I do wish it had some locking mechanism for the swappable terminations. The tip selection is good, with nine pairs mounted onto a card for easy storage and organization. There are three different types: two silicone with varying bore diameters and one foam. After a fair amount of tip-rolling, I finally settled on the stock vocal tips. They have a slightly narrower bore, which helps keep the upper-end energy from being too much for me. The case is the same puck-style that's included with the S08. It's a serviceable enough case, and the rubber coating inside and out helps keep scratches to a minimum, but I personally prefer a zipper case that are a little more flexible. There is also a Letshuoer-branded leather keyring (likely for use with the golden keychain) and a commemorative eighth-anniversary card.
Sound impressions:
Planars are often associated with great detail retrieval, excellent technicalities, and a spicy, sometimes even hot treble. The original S12 and S12 Pro both recieved their fair share of acclaim but they also had their own issues. The new S12 2024 manages to take the best qualities of planar drivers and incorporates the lessons Letshuoer has learned along the way. I would characterize the tuning as slightly V-shaped or U-shaped. But it's also still well balanced, with no frequency band taking away from the others. This new S12 is very fun, with plenty of excitement and great extension on both ends. The detail retrieval is fantastic and is a testament to its planar heritage. It can effortlessly showcase all the little nuances in your favorite music, but amazingly, they manage to sound very musical and not overly analytical. The timbre of the 2024 Edition is effortless. Gone are the days of the "planar zing" or issues of old. It sounds very natural, clear, and organic without being strained in any way. The soundstage is quite impressive as well, with a fantastic three-dimensional space and plenty of width and depth. Imaging is very good too, with the positioning of instruments being precise and accurate. They also work very well for gaming too. The note weight is almost in the perfect, but it could be just a touch thicker for my preferences. The separation is good as nothing sounds too overlapped or congested, but I would like to hear just a little more space between notes. The dynamics could also use a touch more range. By this, I mean sometimes everything is mostly loud or mostly quiet with not a lot of subtlety, but honestly, this is a minor nitpick. As with most planars, this set needs a bit more power to shine. They can reach moderate volume levels with just a simple dongle, but give them some juice, and they will showcase their full potential.I found the best synergy for me when paired with the Hiby FC4, as it added just a touch of warmth and overall smoothness.
●Lows - This one reaches low! It has excellent sub-bass extension and a subwoofer-like deep rumble. It's likely the best bass I've heard at this price point. The texture is really nice as well—not too dry but also not wet or muddy. The impact and slam are adequate and sound great. However, since it focuses more on sub-bass, it's understandable that the mid-bass has a reduced presence. The attack speed is quick, and the S12 2024 navigates complex tracks with ease. This set also avoids one of the pitfalls I've heard in other planar sets. Some have an unnaturally fast decay, which results in the bass sounding artificial. The reverberation here is excellent, and the bass sounds very natural. There is no bleed into the lower mids, and the resolution and separation ensure that each bass note is clear, concise, and has great definition. Overall, I am very satisfied with the bass and have no real complaints to speak of.
●Mids - The midrange is well-balanced with the rest of the frequencies and is neither recessed nor pushed forward. Vocals are still in the forefront, thanks to the elevated pinna gain, but they are not shouty or in your face. The lower mids are free from any bass bleed, and both male and female artists are equally well represented. The fantastically organic and natural timbre is really showcased here in the midrange. Every instrument, including strings, horns, piano, and guitar, is incredibly realistic. It's quite enjoyable listening to my favorite tracks and hearing such great timbre. From classical and orchestral to rock and pop, every genre benefits from the S12 2024's tuning. These really are great all-rounders as long as you enjoy a more energetic tuning. They manage to keep the mids smooth and controlled while still sounding exciting and natural—a feat made even more impressive when done in balance with great bass and treble responses.
●Highs - Airy, sparkly, energetic—these three words basically encapsulate my impressions of the S12 2024's treble. Best of all, it is sibilance-free! It does a remarkable job of toeing the line between "fun and bright" and "harsh and irritating." I dare not ask for more than what is present here due to my affinity for warmth and aversion to overly brightly tuned sets. Finding the right tips is paramount to enjoying the highs, at least for me. Even my Penon Liqueurs failed me in this regard, as they pushed the treble just over that fine line and quickly became fatiguing. But with the narrow-bore "vocal" stock tips, I can enjoy this set at loud volumes without fear. The cymbals, claps, and high hats in my favorite tracks are super energetic and crisp. I do occasionally get just a slight harshness with some "s" and "ch" sounds, depending on the track and artist, but overall, it is quite enjoyable. For those who thought the S08 was tuned a bit too safely in the treble, this new S12 2024 will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
In conclusion:
With the release of yet another planar IEM, Letshuoer has cemented themselves as the planar kings. The new S12 2024 Edition is absolutely impressive and, in my opinion, has become THE planar to beat. If the S08 was made more for those looking for a warmer, less energetic planar sound, then the S12 2024 is the other side of that coin without going too far in the opposite direction. It's not overly bright, but its air and sparkle will definitely please treble enthusiasts. It's tuned in such a way that takes it right to the edge without going into sibilance territory. Not to be outdone, the bass is also fantastic. It extends really low and has a true subwoofer-like rumble. The quantity is a perfect balance to the accentuated treble and the quality is possibly the best I've heard in this price range. The midrange does well not to be overshadowed and exhibits some of the most natural and effortless timbre I've ever heard. I found they paired best with a slightly warm source and they sound great with any and all genres I tested. The S12 2024 will be limited to 2,024 units worldwide, and there is no doubt in my mind that these will be a hit and sell quickly. From the packaging, accessories, and build quality to the fantastic detail retrieval, expansive soundstage, natural timbre, and fun, energetic tuning, this set is truly special. For $200, the price-to-performance ratio is perhaps the best you'll find in this tier. I honestly think these could sell for double the asking price with few to no complaints. They sound better to my ears than some iems priced significantly higher. Congratulations to Letshuoer on the release of yet another amazing planar set to commemorate its eighth anniversary. I can't wait to see what's in store next, and I hope they can top this one, though that will be a very tough task indeed.
