Letshuoer S15
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Introduction
Hello everyone. Today I am writing about the S15 which is the latest from Letshuoer. I have known about the Letshuoer brand since their legendary S12 planar magnetic IEM which happened to be my first planar IEM purchase as well. I still consider them legendary to this date. And I am thankful to Letshuoer for the opportunity to review their product, the latest iteration of their Planar magnetic IEMs, the Letshuoer S15. About the IEM, the S15 utilizes a third-generation 14.8 mm dual-chamber planar driver in conjunction with the proprietary 6 mm R-Sonic passive filtering module and employs a dual acoustic tube structure with a filter crossover scheme. As per Letshuoer, the dual chamber configuration gives S15 a broad soundstage, excellent transient response, and accurate sound reproduction; the Dual acoustic tube structure results in an excellent sonic balance.
The 3D-printed sky blue chassis material is made of Resin and the face plate is made from Anodized Aluminium. The cable is 1.2 meters in length 216 strands of silver-plated monocrystalline copper. The IEM comes with 3 interchangeable L-shaped connectors 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm. 2 sets of tips – vocal and balanced in 3 sizes along with a rounded resin storage box are included. I did not try the balance tips but the vocal tips (Blue) were good. However, the seal wasn’t perfect. Hence I tip rolled and settled with Softears UC tips that provided me with a perfect grip and seal. At the time of this writing, the unit has undergone roughly 200 hours of my listening time. Overall sound profile of the S15 is balanced and neutral with a good hint of warmth. So, let's dive into detail with the actualities of what this IEM is all about. As always, with my best intentions and abilities, here we go:
Specifications
Disclaimer:
• The review is my own based on extensive and critical listening and was not influenced by any written or video review.
• The review is subject to unit variance and my personal listening preferences.
• The review is subject to the gears I used for testing – DAC/ DAP/ Tips/ quality of the track
• Last but not least, I have no affiliation with the supplier of the IEM.
Gears/ Audio used for testing:
Driveability/ Scalability
Letshuoer S15 is an efficient planar like the Hidizs MP145 which needs a decently powered Dongle DAC to shine. I had a great listening time with all 3 – Tempotec V6, Cayin RU7, and Aful Snowy Night in the balanced mode independently. However, these scales well with an AMP say NX7 like any other Planar IEM does. Most of my listening and the impressions that are forming part of this review have been with Tempotec V6 or Cayin RU7 paired with Topping NX7.
Sound Quality
Bass
Sub-bass has an excellent tone, and decent depth, and is nicely textured. Has both satisfying quantity and quality. Rumble is decent when the track calls for it. Mid-bass is weighty, thumpy, impactful, and has a strong presence in the overall sound quality providing the needed warmth with an excellent body. The bassline is well separated here and never gives an impression of bleeding into the lower mids. Overall bass quality reveals a balancing act between sub-bass and mid-bass that sounds clean and very impressive.
Mids
Mids are warm, lush, smooth, and detailed. Note weight is excellent which made me forget at times that I’m listening to a planar IEM. The instrumentation is detailed and spacious with excellent tone and timbre. Tonality is exceedingly natural for a planar IEM. Very good depth to the instrumental tracks. The vocals have a soulful rendition, probably due to how natural this IEM sounds. Everything is spaced well making it a very smooth and detailed listening experience. Both male and female vocals excel here with good energy. The upper mids have no shout and harshness to them, although female vocals sounded overly energetic initially, however, were tamed down naturally over time. Overall, an excellent mid-range that is highly musical.
Treble
The treble is open, detailed, and airy. Not as energetic as the S12, however, tamed down in the right way. I still prefer the S12 for some energetic treble-heavy tracks due to its overall smoothness and excellent energy it has got, but the treble on S15 is done in a way that caters to a wider audience maintaining similar smoothness, and openness while slightly taming down the energetic presentation on the face. Nowhere sibilant on both the IEMs but S15 is easier to listen to, especially for longer sessions without any fatigue. Still energetic and not dark-sounding at all. I’m happy that the excellent qualities of the S12 treble are still intact. Overall an excellent-sounding treble that is detailed, open, energetic, spacious, and is inoffensive. Thoroughly impressed.
Technicalities
S15 is detail-oriented and is very resolving expected of the price point. The soundstage was intimate at first but at around the 60-hour mark I noticed a natural improvement making it a tad wider, bigger, and overall, very spacious. The height and depth are excellent. Imaging is again top-notch being very precise and with positional accuracy. No loss in the audible trail. Layering and separation are excellent again – has the capability of deciphering the complex tracks with ease. The tone and timbre are fantastic and a highlight of this IEM. Transient response is seamless and excellent. Overall, brilliant technicalities.
The comparisons I have here are the Letshuoer S12, Hidizs MP145, TinHifi P1 Max, and the Aful Performer 8. S12, MP145, P1 Max, and Aful Performer 8 are in their stock form except for the tips – changed to Divinus Velvet for all 3 planars and Spinfit W1 for P8. Source used for comparison: V6 + NX7. I always use Tempotec V6 in my comparisons because it never sounded bad or off with any IEM I listened to and maintains a good synergy with neutral transparency. The NX7 allows every IEM to perform at its best irrespective of the driver type and the configuration. It is as source-transparent as it can be providing a clean output power of 1400mw at 32 ohms which can drive any IEM with ease. I brought P8 into the comparison because it is a class-leading IEM at its price point and a worthy competitor to compare against the similar but slightly lower priced S15 – ultimately we all would like to know if S15 is worth its asking price, right?? Let’s find out:
Letshuoer S15 vs Hidizs MP145
In terms of fit, I prefer the S15 which gives me a better seal and is more comfortable on the ear. The cable termination on MP145 is angled slightly upwards resulting in the hooks coming off from the ear easily especially while lying down. Tips with a great seal are a must here to hold the IEM in place. MP145 ear hooks are comparatively easier on the ear whereas the S15 ear hook is a bit aggressive. Also, the MP145 is built like a tank in comparison. S15 comes with 3 terminations – 2 balanced and one single-ended, whereas MP145 comes with 3 tuning filters. Both are relatively easier to drive compared to the other Planars that follow down the lane. I enjoyed both of them listening using Cayin RU7 and Aful Snowy Night in high gain.
Coming to the sound, I see there are three major differences between the two which sets them apart, favoring the S15. However, these differences come with a big difference in price tag too and I can’t complain much about the MP145 for the price it is being offered.
Note weight makes a difference here regarding one’s preference towards the soundstage – MP145 sounds more crispier creating a sense of more space. It creates an imaginary space littered with instruments. While the stage on S15 is as close and resembles the MP145, especially post some burn-in, the lush note weight occupies much of the stage leaving less room compared to MP145 in terms of our brain’s perception of the massive spaciousness the MP145 creates. S15 balances well here between the note weight and spaciousness, while the MP145 has a slightly recessed lower midrange making instruments sound a tad thin. As a result, the stage appears a tad more spacious on MP145 with delicate and crispy instrumentation. The feeling ‘on your face’, the S15 can give you sometimes just like its predecessor the S12, but is overall better.
Imaging is excellent on both sets. Precise and defined. No issues in the sets tracing the audible trail. Transient response is excellent on both sets. Although both have a good depth, stage depth is slightly better on the S15. Height appears the same. Resolution and detail retrieval are better on the S15. Layering and separation are also better on the S15.
“To sum up, although MP145 is an excellent technical performer at its price point, S15 is an overall all-round upgrade to MP145.”
Letshuoer S15 vs TinHifi P1 Max
There are more similarities than differences between the two in terms of overall tonal quality and the sound. Both sound very natural without any hint of planar timbre. I find the fit of both of them similar covering the whole of the inner ear. No issues with both sets in terms of fit. Of all the 5 IEMs here, I find the P1 Max is harder to drive and needs an AMP like NX7 to perform at its best. That too it comes with a 3.5mm termination only, I never tried with any balanced cable to be honest as NX7 always comes in handy blowing my socks off and I love the P1 Max cable. I find them even more comfortable than the S15 ear hook design. So, I can’t say how it scales well with a balanced cable and a source. Never cared to try.
Coming to the dissimilarities, technicalities come first. It’s not like night and day at first but becomes more obvious when you listen to one IEM after the other, track by track. Otherwise, it is difficult to pinpoint a difference straight away. They sound very similar tonally. Subtleties are where S15 shines due to excellent resolution, seamless transient response, layering, and separation. As a result, S15 sounds more sophisticated, refined, and mature compared to P1 Max throwing more details at you. Both have a similar but accurate stage width. P1 Max sounds wider when the track calls for it – similar case with the S15. Note weight is better on S15 as well often sounding very full. P1 Max is not much behind and has the crispier sound of the two – boils down to listener preference here. Detail retrieval is the best on S15, thanks to the burn-in, S15 has come a long way since my initial impressions. Stage depth is lacking on the P1 Max whereas it is opposite and excellent on the S15. Imaging is more accurate and defined on the S15.
Sub-bass and mid-bass sound very similar and it boils down to resolving capabilities where the S15 stands out. Both have adequate warmth to their sound and are tonally very similar except that the S15 sounds more fuller with better note weight. Mids sound lusher and more musical on the S15. The vocals sound great on both the sets. There is no harshness or shouting in the sets. I have no issues with the treble on both the sets as well except the treble is much smoother and is more refined and detailed on S15. P1 Max can get borderline sibilant in certain tracks for some but that is not the case with S15.
“To sum up, S15 is a definitive upgrade for the fans of P1 Max in particular, especially the technicalities which make a bigger difference here.”
Letshuoer S15 vs Letshuoer S12
I will start with the dissimilarities. First the treble. S15 can be regarded as an iteration of S12 soothing down the energetic treble, improving the detail, and positioning more friendly to the treble-sensitive listeners, but to me, S12 is still legendary in terms of overall treble performance. The impeccable energy that is often on your face while maintaining utmost smoothness, crispiness, and openness is simply unmatchable, even with the S15. However, as a result, S12 comes with one downside with the treble i.e., fatigue. Although I have a tolerance for it as it is smooth sounding in general, that may not be the case for everyone. Hence the S15 – the iteration that was done right taming down the energetic nature and retaining the other excellent qualities of the S12 treble – openness, and details that result in a smoother, non-offensive, detailed, open, and airy treble performance. I can say S15 is a natural upgrade to S12 in terms of treble. However, I still prefer the S12 in certain treble-heavy and energetic tracks. Regarding the fit, the S15 is better overall compared to the S12’s loose fit which is very much tip-dependent.
Mids sound very lush and soothing on the S15 with excellent note weight and balance whereas S12 has the energetic and crispier sounding mids. Sounds more V-shaped compared to S15. Somehow, due to the energetic ‘on the face’ nature of the mids, details in the mids are clouded compared to S15. The vocals are excellent on both the sets. I cannot pinpoint which I prefer more. The nature is the same as how the mids perform in general.
Sub-bass depth and texture marks only a very slight improvement over the S12. Mid-bass is more or less identical on both. I didn’t notice a big difference when it comes to bass except for the note weight and technicalities that can make a difference in the way we perceive overall bass performance. Technically, S15 is a refined S12 in general. The big difference is the resolving mids/ details in the mid-range, somewhat clouded on the S12, and the excellent tonality. Layering/ separation, transient response, resolution, and imaging are all an improvement over S12. Although the head stage is bigger on the S12, stage depth is kind of lacking. S15 has a great stage depth. Stage width is better on S15 as well.
Both the cables are great but the ear hook design is kind of aggressive on both. However, I find the S15 slightly better than the S12. Also, S15 comes with 3 terminations.
“To sum up, the S15 is an upgrade as well as the subtler version of the S12. I’m still a fan of OG S12 treble but it may not be apt for everyone, especially for longer listening sessions. The main reasons to choose S15 are its excellent tone, soothing midrange/ treble performance, and overall improvement in the technicalities.”
Letshuoer S15 vs Aful Performer 8
I love the fit of the P8 more than any other IEM in my collection. Even a medium-sized tip provides the perfect seal for me. So, no comparison in this regard as P8 is an outright winner here. P8 is fairly easy to drive compared to S15 and scales very well. P8 comes with a 3.5mm termination only.
The overall bass performance on Letshuoer S15 is slightly better than the P8 for me. There’s more body and a balancing act between the sub-bass and mid-bass on S15 compared to P8. P8 has a very good resolving sub-bass presence and since DD takes care of the Bass on P8, the presence is slightly more felt on the P8 but the quantity on S15 makes up for it. The mid-bass on the S15 thumps; is weighty with good body and is impactful whereas the P8 does the job equally well but with a slightly lesser quantity. Resolution in the mid-bass is great on both. The depth of the sub-bass and its texture are similar in both. Both do not go very deep. Separation in the bass region is great on both making it distinctly audible. Due to the quantity, I tend to prefer the S15 more which is a tad more impactful and warmer overall leading to a more musical experience.
Although both sound fuller to me, S15 has even better note weight probably due to more warmth from the mid-bass. The tonality is excellent and appears very natural on S15 where whereas there is a slight BA timbre which is noticeable only in comparison. Mids sound smooth, lush, and a bit warmer with clean separation from the bass on the S15 whereas the P8 has a crispy note weight with an undeniably good body and is too detail-oriented. S15 is detail-oriented but P8 is just on another level – tracks with good micro details give sublime experience on the P8. I prefer listening to instrumentation on P8 more than S15 – it is just that good thanks to the multiple driver configuration. But still, S15 is no slouch here which then brings us to musicality – S15 sounds more musical/ emotive compared to P8 – that has mainly to do with how natural S15 sounds. Vocal clarity on P8 is excellent – both male and female. Slightly forward than S15 and is clearer and more energetic in comparison. Upper mids are slightly more energetic on P8 compared to S15 – both are inoffensive to me.
Treble sounds great on both sets. However, it is more airy, smooth, spacious, and open on the S15 compared to P8. P8 treble is more energetic than S15 and may trouble treble-sensitive listeners, especially in the treble-heavy tracks. S15 on the other hand is treble-sensitive friendly. Although the details in the treble region appear to be the same, they are slightly better perceived on the S15 due to the overall smooth and spacious sound. Again, the BA timbre on AP8 is noticeable here in comparison.
The resolution is neck to neck between the two. Both are very resolving and detail-oriented. P8 has the best detail retrieval in mids whereas S15 is better in treble. Tonality goes to S15 by a good margin. Layering and separation are slightly better on the S15. Stage width and depth are slightly better on the S15 over P8. Height appears to be the same. Transient response is excellent on both sets and I slightly prefer P8 over the S15. Imaging is better on S15 as it is more precise on the tracing.
“To sum up, S15 is more musical whereas P8 is more analytical. That does not mean the technicalities of P8 are better than S15. It is just that the S15 is musically so good, that I tend to forget at times that the S15 is technically impressive too. Whereas I prefer the P8 for its detail retrieval in the mids – instrumentals/ vocals; and transient response in general, for the rest, I prefer the S15. The differences do not set them apart too widely either. But differences are still differences at the end of the day; And so, S15 is an overall winner here since it excels both musically and analytically and costs less in comparison.”
Review closing thoughts:
To sum up my final thoughts, Letshuoer S15 is a perfect all-rounder IEM. No two views about it. There are no obvious flaws with this IEM that let me down in any way. During my early listening sessions, the stage width was more intimate and the upper mids especially the female vocals sounded overly energetic in certain tracks. I see a natural improvement over the time. The stage has widened bigger and better and the upper mids started sounding more natural over time. Letshuoer S15 does everything well expected of its price point and comparison with a similar priced IEM – Aful Performer 8 does justify the same. I’m profoundly fond of this IEM for its natural tonality, musicality, and note weight that is crispier and fuller at the same time, setting itself apart from the other praiseworthy planar IEMs. The brilliant technicalities are the icing on the cake. The IEM is equipped with a modular cable with 3 terminations that comes in handy with any source. Well, is it worth the asking price? I believe, with a resounding YES.
“S15 in general is an excellent sounding set at the given price point, irrespective of the driver configuration. Technicalities are intertwined with Musicality which is the soul of S15 above everything, offering an unparalleled musical experience.”
Hello everyone. Today I am writing about the S15 which is the latest from Letshuoer. I have known about the Letshuoer brand since their legendary S12 planar magnetic IEM which happened to be my first planar IEM purchase as well. I still consider them legendary to this date. And I am thankful to Letshuoer for the opportunity to review their product, the latest iteration of their Planar magnetic IEMs, the Letshuoer S15. About the IEM, the S15 utilizes a third-generation 14.8 mm dual-chamber planar driver in conjunction with the proprietary 6 mm R-Sonic passive filtering module and employs a dual acoustic tube structure with a filter crossover scheme. As per Letshuoer, the dual chamber configuration gives S15 a broad soundstage, excellent transient response, and accurate sound reproduction; the Dual acoustic tube structure results in an excellent sonic balance.
The 3D-printed sky blue chassis material is made of Resin and the face plate is made from Anodized Aluminium. The cable is 1.2 meters in length 216 strands of silver-plated monocrystalline copper. The IEM comes with 3 interchangeable L-shaped connectors 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm. 2 sets of tips – vocal and balanced in 3 sizes along with a rounded resin storage box are included. I did not try the balance tips but the vocal tips (Blue) were good. However, the seal wasn’t perfect. Hence I tip rolled and settled with Softears UC tips that provided me with a perfect grip and seal. At the time of this writing, the unit has undergone roughly 200 hours of my listening time. Overall sound profile of the S15 is balanced and neutral with a good hint of warmth. So, let's dive into detail with the actualities of what this IEM is all about. As always, with my best intentions and abilities, here we go:
Specifications
- Third Generation14.8mm Planar Driver + 6mm R-Sonic Passive Filtering Module
- New Acoustic Structure, A Sound Quality Powerhouse
- Dual Acoustic Tubes with Filter Crossover
- High-precision 3D-printed Front Cavity
- CNC Precision Carved Aluminium Alloy Panel
- 216-strands Silver-plated Monocrystalline Copper Cable
- Detachable 2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.4mm 90-degree Angle Connectors
- 0.78mm Dual-pin receptacle
- Impedance – 30 ohms
- Sensitivity – 106dB
- Frequency Response – 20Hz – 40kHz
Disclaimer:
• The review is my own based on extensive and critical listening and was not influenced by any written or video review.
• The review is subject to unit variance and my personal listening preferences.
• The review is subject to the gears I used for testing – DAC/ DAP/ Tips/ quality of the track
• Last but not least, I have no affiliation with the supplier of the IEM.
Gears/ Audio used for testing:
- S24 Ultra
- Tempotec V6
- Cayin RU7
- Topping NX7 Amp paired with the above 2.
- Aful Snowy Night
- Spotify Premium
Driveability/ Scalability
Letshuoer S15 is an efficient planar like the Hidizs MP145 which needs a decently powered Dongle DAC to shine. I had a great listening time with all 3 – Tempotec V6, Cayin RU7, and Aful Snowy Night in the balanced mode independently. However, these scales well with an AMP say NX7 like any other Planar IEM does. Most of my listening and the impressions that are forming part of this review have been with Tempotec V6 or Cayin RU7 paired with Topping NX7.
Sound Quality
Bass
Sub-bass has an excellent tone, and decent depth, and is nicely textured. Has both satisfying quantity and quality. Rumble is decent when the track calls for it. Mid-bass is weighty, thumpy, impactful, and has a strong presence in the overall sound quality providing the needed warmth with an excellent body. The bassline is well separated here and never gives an impression of bleeding into the lower mids. Overall bass quality reveals a balancing act between sub-bass and mid-bass that sounds clean and very impressive.
Mids
Mids are warm, lush, smooth, and detailed. Note weight is excellent which made me forget at times that I’m listening to a planar IEM. The instrumentation is detailed and spacious with excellent tone and timbre. Tonality is exceedingly natural for a planar IEM. Very good depth to the instrumental tracks. The vocals have a soulful rendition, probably due to how natural this IEM sounds. Everything is spaced well making it a very smooth and detailed listening experience. Both male and female vocals excel here with good energy. The upper mids have no shout and harshness to them, although female vocals sounded overly energetic initially, however, were tamed down naturally over time. Overall, an excellent mid-range that is highly musical.
Treble
The treble is open, detailed, and airy. Not as energetic as the S12, however, tamed down in the right way. I still prefer the S12 for some energetic treble-heavy tracks due to its overall smoothness and excellent energy it has got, but the treble on S15 is done in a way that caters to a wider audience maintaining similar smoothness, and openness while slightly taming down the energetic presentation on the face. Nowhere sibilant on both the IEMs but S15 is easier to listen to, especially for longer sessions without any fatigue. Still energetic and not dark-sounding at all. I’m happy that the excellent qualities of the S12 treble are still intact. Overall an excellent-sounding treble that is detailed, open, energetic, spacious, and is inoffensive. Thoroughly impressed.
Technicalities
S15 is detail-oriented and is very resolving expected of the price point. The soundstage was intimate at first but at around the 60-hour mark I noticed a natural improvement making it a tad wider, bigger, and overall, very spacious. The height and depth are excellent. Imaging is again top-notch being very precise and with positional accuracy. No loss in the audible trail. Layering and separation are excellent again – has the capability of deciphering the complex tracks with ease. The tone and timbre are fantastic and a highlight of this IEM. Transient response is seamless and excellent. Overall, brilliant technicalities.
Letshuoer S15 Comparisons:
The comparisons I have here are the Letshuoer S12, Hidizs MP145, TinHifi P1 Max, and the Aful Performer 8. S12, MP145, P1 Max, and Aful Performer 8 are in their stock form except for the tips – changed to Divinus Velvet for all 3 planars and Spinfit W1 for P8. Source used for comparison: V6 + NX7. I always use Tempotec V6 in my comparisons because it never sounded bad or off with any IEM I listened to and maintains a good synergy with neutral transparency. The NX7 allows every IEM to perform at its best irrespective of the driver type and the configuration. It is as source-transparent as it can be providing a clean output power of 1400mw at 32 ohms which can drive any IEM with ease. I brought P8 into the comparison because it is a class-leading IEM at its price point and a worthy competitor to compare against the similar but slightly lower priced S15 – ultimately we all would like to know if S15 is worth its asking price, right?? Let’s find out:
Letshuoer S15 vs Hidizs MP145
In terms of fit, I prefer the S15 which gives me a better seal and is more comfortable on the ear. The cable termination on MP145 is angled slightly upwards resulting in the hooks coming off from the ear easily especially while lying down. Tips with a great seal are a must here to hold the IEM in place. MP145 ear hooks are comparatively easier on the ear whereas the S15 ear hook is a bit aggressive. Also, the MP145 is built like a tank in comparison. S15 comes with 3 terminations – 2 balanced and one single-ended, whereas MP145 comes with 3 tuning filters. Both are relatively easier to drive compared to the other Planars that follow down the lane. I enjoyed both of them listening using Cayin RU7 and Aful Snowy Night in high gain.
Coming to the sound, I see there are three major differences between the two which sets them apart, favoring the S15. However, these differences come with a big difference in price tag too and I can’t complain much about the MP145 for the price it is being offered.
- The first is the tone. There is a hint of planar timbre noticeable now and then with MP145 whereas S15 sounds very natural like a DD to my ears. Any track that I listen to, S15 distinguishes itself in terms of tonal quality which appears way too natural to me. MP145 is not far off but I didn’t enjoy the tonal quality of the MP145 as much as S15.
- Second is the upper treble performance. I mentioned in my MP145 review that the upper treble is not very open sounding and is subdued and dampened to an extent – the splashes etc. I still stand by that and S15 sounds to me as a clear winner here. It is not as energetic or vibrant as the S12 which can be a good thing for treble-sensitive listeners but the S15 sounds smooth like the MP145 but more open without any undue taming of upper treble energy. .
- Third is the mids section. Lower mids are slightly recessed on the MP145. The instrumentals and male vocals sound a tad thin at times and the difference is more noticeable when compared with S15. S15 sounds fuller in comparison. I can hear every bit of detail in the instrumentation more on S15 compared to MP145.
Note weight makes a difference here regarding one’s preference towards the soundstage – MP145 sounds more crispier creating a sense of more space. It creates an imaginary space littered with instruments. While the stage on S15 is as close and resembles the MP145, especially post some burn-in, the lush note weight occupies much of the stage leaving less room compared to MP145 in terms of our brain’s perception of the massive spaciousness the MP145 creates. S15 balances well here between the note weight and spaciousness, while the MP145 has a slightly recessed lower midrange making instruments sound a tad thin. As a result, the stage appears a tad more spacious on MP145 with delicate and crispy instrumentation. The feeling ‘on your face’, the S15 can give you sometimes just like its predecessor the S12, but is overall better.
Imaging is excellent on both sets. Precise and defined. No issues in the sets tracing the audible trail. Transient response is excellent on both sets. Although both have a good depth, stage depth is slightly better on the S15. Height appears the same. Resolution and detail retrieval are better on the S15. Layering and separation are also better on the S15.
“To sum up, although MP145 is an excellent technical performer at its price point, S15 is an overall all-round upgrade to MP145.”
Letshuoer S15 vs TinHifi P1 Max
There are more similarities than differences between the two in terms of overall tonal quality and the sound. Both sound very natural without any hint of planar timbre. I find the fit of both of them similar covering the whole of the inner ear. No issues with both sets in terms of fit. Of all the 5 IEMs here, I find the P1 Max is harder to drive and needs an AMP like NX7 to perform at its best. That too it comes with a 3.5mm termination only, I never tried with any balanced cable to be honest as NX7 always comes in handy blowing my socks off and I love the P1 Max cable. I find them even more comfortable than the S15 ear hook design. So, I can’t say how it scales well with a balanced cable and a source. Never cared to try.
Coming to the dissimilarities, technicalities come first. It’s not like night and day at first but becomes more obvious when you listen to one IEM after the other, track by track. Otherwise, it is difficult to pinpoint a difference straight away. They sound very similar tonally. Subtleties are where S15 shines due to excellent resolution, seamless transient response, layering, and separation. As a result, S15 sounds more sophisticated, refined, and mature compared to P1 Max throwing more details at you. Both have a similar but accurate stage width. P1 Max sounds wider when the track calls for it – similar case with the S15. Note weight is better on S15 as well often sounding very full. P1 Max is not much behind and has the crispier sound of the two – boils down to listener preference here. Detail retrieval is the best on S15, thanks to the burn-in, S15 has come a long way since my initial impressions. Stage depth is lacking on the P1 Max whereas it is opposite and excellent on the S15. Imaging is more accurate and defined on the S15.
Sub-bass and mid-bass sound very similar and it boils down to resolving capabilities where the S15 stands out. Both have adequate warmth to their sound and are tonally very similar except that the S15 sounds more fuller with better note weight. Mids sound lusher and more musical on the S15. The vocals sound great on both the sets. There is no harshness or shouting in the sets. I have no issues with the treble on both the sets as well except the treble is much smoother and is more refined and detailed on S15. P1 Max can get borderline sibilant in certain tracks for some but that is not the case with S15.
“To sum up, S15 is a definitive upgrade for the fans of P1 Max in particular, especially the technicalities which make a bigger difference here.”
Letshuoer S15 vs Letshuoer S12
I will start with the dissimilarities. First the treble. S15 can be regarded as an iteration of S12 soothing down the energetic treble, improving the detail, and positioning more friendly to the treble-sensitive listeners, but to me, S12 is still legendary in terms of overall treble performance. The impeccable energy that is often on your face while maintaining utmost smoothness, crispiness, and openness is simply unmatchable, even with the S15. However, as a result, S12 comes with one downside with the treble i.e., fatigue. Although I have a tolerance for it as it is smooth sounding in general, that may not be the case for everyone. Hence the S15 – the iteration that was done right taming down the energetic nature and retaining the other excellent qualities of the S12 treble – openness, and details that result in a smoother, non-offensive, detailed, open, and airy treble performance. I can say S15 is a natural upgrade to S12 in terms of treble. However, I still prefer the S12 in certain treble-heavy and energetic tracks. Regarding the fit, the S15 is better overall compared to the S12’s loose fit which is very much tip-dependent.
Mids sound very lush and soothing on the S15 with excellent note weight and balance whereas S12 has the energetic and crispier sounding mids. Sounds more V-shaped compared to S15. Somehow, due to the energetic ‘on the face’ nature of the mids, details in the mids are clouded compared to S15. The vocals are excellent on both the sets. I cannot pinpoint which I prefer more. The nature is the same as how the mids perform in general.
Sub-bass depth and texture marks only a very slight improvement over the S12. Mid-bass is more or less identical on both. I didn’t notice a big difference when it comes to bass except for the note weight and technicalities that can make a difference in the way we perceive overall bass performance. Technically, S15 is a refined S12 in general. The big difference is the resolving mids/ details in the mid-range, somewhat clouded on the S12, and the excellent tonality. Layering/ separation, transient response, resolution, and imaging are all an improvement over S12. Although the head stage is bigger on the S12, stage depth is kind of lacking. S15 has a great stage depth. Stage width is better on S15 as well.
Both the cables are great but the ear hook design is kind of aggressive on both. However, I find the S15 slightly better than the S12. Also, S15 comes with 3 terminations.
“To sum up, the S15 is an upgrade as well as the subtler version of the S12. I’m still a fan of OG S12 treble but it may not be apt for everyone, especially for longer listening sessions. The main reasons to choose S15 are its excellent tone, soothing midrange/ treble performance, and overall improvement in the technicalities.”
Letshuoer S15 vs Aful Performer 8
I love the fit of the P8 more than any other IEM in my collection. Even a medium-sized tip provides the perfect seal for me. So, no comparison in this regard as P8 is an outright winner here. P8 is fairly easy to drive compared to S15 and scales very well. P8 comes with a 3.5mm termination only.
The overall bass performance on Letshuoer S15 is slightly better than the P8 for me. There’s more body and a balancing act between the sub-bass and mid-bass on S15 compared to P8. P8 has a very good resolving sub-bass presence and since DD takes care of the Bass on P8, the presence is slightly more felt on the P8 but the quantity on S15 makes up for it. The mid-bass on the S15 thumps; is weighty with good body and is impactful whereas the P8 does the job equally well but with a slightly lesser quantity. Resolution in the mid-bass is great on both. The depth of the sub-bass and its texture are similar in both. Both do not go very deep. Separation in the bass region is great on both making it distinctly audible. Due to the quantity, I tend to prefer the S15 more which is a tad more impactful and warmer overall leading to a more musical experience.
Although both sound fuller to me, S15 has even better note weight probably due to more warmth from the mid-bass. The tonality is excellent and appears very natural on S15 where whereas there is a slight BA timbre which is noticeable only in comparison. Mids sound smooth, lush, and a bit warmer with clean separation from the bass on the S15 whereas the P8 has a crispy note weight with an undeniably good body and is too detail-oriented. S15 is detail-oriented but P8 is just on another level – tracks with good micro details give sublime experience on the P8. I prefer listening to instrumentation on P8 more than S15 – it is just that good thanks to the multiple driver configuration. But still, S15 is no slouch here which then brings us to musicality – S15 sounds more musical/ emotive compared to P8 – that has mainly to do with how natural S15 sounds. Vocal clarity on P8 is excellent – both male and female. Slightly forward than S15 and is clearer and more energetic in comparison. Upper mids are slightly more energetic on P8 compared to S15 – both are inoffensive to me.
Treble sounds great on both sets. However, it is more airy, smooth, spacious, and open on the S15 compared to P8. P8 treble is more energetic than S15 and may trouble treble-sensitive listeners, especially in the treble-heavy tracks. S15 on the other hand is treble-sensitive friendly. Although the details in the treble region appear to be the same, they are slightly better perceived on the S15 due to the overall smooth and spacious sound. Again, the BA timbre on AP8 is noticeable here in comparison.
The resolution is neck to neck between the two. Both are very resolving and detail-oriented. P8 has the best detail retrieval in mids whereas S15 is better in treble. Tonality goes to S15 by a good margin. Layering and separation are slightly better on the S15. Stage width and depth are slightly better on the S15 over P8. Height appears to be the same. Transient response is excellent on both sets and I slightly prefer P8 over the S15. Imaging is better on S15 as it is more precise on the tracing.
“To sum up, S15 is more musical whereas P8 is more analytical. That does not mean the technicalities of P8 are better than S15. It is just that the S15 is musically so good, that I tend to forget at times that the S15 is technically impressive too. Whereas I prefer the P8 for its detail retrieval in the mids – instrumentals/ vocals; and transient response in general, for the rest, I prefer the S15. The differences do not set them apart too widely either. But differences are still differences at the end of the day; And so, S15 is an overall winner here since it excels both musically and analytically and costs less in comparison.”
Review closing thoughts:
To sum up my final thoughts, Letshuoer S15 is a perfect all-rounder IEM. No two views about it. There are no obvious flaws with this IEM that let me down in any way. During my early listening sessions, the stage width was more intimate and the upper mids especially the female vocals sounded overly energetic in certain tracks. I see a natural improvement over the time. The stage has widened bigger and better and the upper mids started sounding more natural over time. Letshuoer S15 does everything well expected of its price point and comparison with a similar priced IEM – Aful Performer 8 does justify the same. I’m profoundly fond of this IEM for its natural tonality, musicality, and note weight that is crispier and fuller at the same time, setting itself apart from the other praiseworthy planar IEMs. The brilliant technicalities are the icing on the cake. The IEM is equipped with a modular cable with 3 terminations that comes in handy with any source. Well, is it worth the asking price? I believe, with a resounding YES.
“S15 in general is an excellent sounding set at the given price point, irrespective of the driver configuration. Technicalities are intertwined with Musicality which is the soul of S15 above everything, offering an unparalleled musical experience.”
Attachments
Specs And Driver Configuration
Unboxing and Accessories Package
Let’s start with the unboxing experience, which I have to say is very good. The accessories provided in the box are good. Things provided include - 1. Hockey puck style case 2. Modular Cable 3. Eartips 4. 3.5mm, 4.4mm and 2.5mm termination, and 5. Iems itself. The cable feels very premium and sturdy, which is always expected from Letshuoer. The hockey puck style case is well built, but I find it too small to fit the iems properly. Letshuoer could consider enlarging the charging case slightly to make removing and inserting the IEMs more convenient. The eartips provided are average so I suggest you to tip roll, I will highly suggest divinus velvets and dunu s&s tips with this iem.
Design, Fit, and Comfort
Lately, Letshuoer has changed the design language and color schemes of their iems. They are now opting for a more understated and professional look instead of a flashy and blingy look. We saw this design language in cadenza 4 and we see this continue in S15 as well. The iem has 3d printed resin shells with aluminum face plates. The shells are on the lighter side with a grippy texture. Despite the light shells the iem feels well built. This lightness also provides excellent fit and comfort. It sits flush in the ear, so this can be a great option as a sleeping iem. The isolation provided is good, but not the best.
Frequency Response
If I talk about sound, this is the best planar I have ever heard. It is the most dynamic and punchy planar that has been released to date. The tuning is opposite to its predecessors S12 and S12pro, they have a V-shaped signature with a lot of treble emphases where whereas S15’s sound signature is warm and laid-back yet detailed sounding.
Bass
It is the most dynamic, punchy, and tactile bass that I have ever heard on any planar iem. It still has planar characteristics like speedy bass but the decay is more natural. I don’t what Letshuoer did to achieve this, in my assumption it is the 6mm R-sonic 6mm passive filtering module at work here.
The sub-bass is slightly rolled off, but you can put tape on the top vent to fix this. Without the mod, the sub-bass is good with decent rumble and texture, I wish Letshuoer did something to fix this sub-bass roll-off. The mid-bass thumps and slams come across very authoritatively. After reading this you might ask. Is the bass comparable to a good DD iem Bass, I still have to say no but when compared among planars this is the best bass I have ever heard.
Midrange
Mids are the part that can make or break this iem for you. The lower mids are on the warmer side plus the pinna gain starts at 1k and peaks at around 1.5k and then starts taper off. This tuning leads to female vocals sounding dull. Male vocals sound good tho, they are hefty and meaty sounding. Due to the upper midrange dip, the instruments also sound a bit dull. But due to this tuning choice there is no hint or harshness and fatigue present in this iem. Extended music sessions are a breeze on this iem. Now people who like warm back sound will love this iem but people who like lively vocals and listen to a lot of K-pop will not like this iem.
Treble
The treble is good, it is non-fatiguing yet detailed sounding. The air region is well extended, which helps the iem to sound more open and detailed. This is the region that needed reduction from s12 and I liked the direction that Letshuoer has chosen. People who didn’t like planar iems due to its treble should definitely try this iem.
Technical Performance
Now, let’s talk about technical performance and detail retrieval. The detail retrieval is good for the price. Maco and micro detail pick is good despite the tuning. The technical performance is average thoo. The staging feels very 2 dimensional, side depth is good, but it fails to present front and back depth well. Instrumental separation and layering is also decent but I feel it lacks a bit in instrumental imaging, I was unable to exactly pinpoint instruments. Overall the the technical performance is good enough for the price.
Conclusion
So, what’s my conclusion, letshuor has released a very good competitor, in planar iem space. It takes a radically different tuning approach from its predecessor. This is my favorite planar iem out in the market. But, It is a bit on the pricier side for me to straight up recommend it. I would suggest you wait for a sale and try to give it a listen before pulling the trigger.
I will also release a video review of this iem, so if you want to watch that please subscribe to my YouTube channel - https://youtube.com/@sushiifi?si=OVzMVqeoThyYIS9d
- 3rd generation 14.8mm planar + 6mm R-sonic 6mm passive filtering module
- Impedance: 35Ω@1kHz.
- Sensitivity: 106 db
Unboxing and Accessories Package
Let’s start with the unboxing experience, which I have to say is very good. The accessories provided in the box are good. Things provided include - 1. Hockey puck style case 2. Modular Cable 3. Eartips 4. 3.5mm, 4.4mm and 2.5mm termination, and 5. Iems itself. The cable feels very premium and sturdy, which is always expected from Letshuoer. The hockey puck style case is well built, but I find it too small to fit the iems properly. Letshuoer could consider enlarging the charging case slightly to make removing and inserting the IEMs more convenient. The eartips provided are average so I suggest you to tip roll, I will highly suggest divinus velvets and dunu s&s tips with this iem.
Design, Fit, and Comfort
Lately, Letshuoer has changed the design language and color schemes of their iems. They are now opting for a more understated and professional look instead of a flashy and blingy look. We saw this design language in cadenza 4 and we see this continue in S15 as well. The iem has 3d printed resin shells with aluminum face plates. The shells are on the lighter side with a grippy texture. Despite the light shells the iem feels well built. This lightness also provides excellent fit and comfort. It sits flush in the ear, so this can be a great option as a sleeping iem. The isolation provided is good, but not the best.
Frequency Response
If I talk about sound, this is the best planar I have ever heard. It is the most dynamic and punchy planar that has been released to date. The tuning is opposite to its predecessors S12 and S12pro, they have a V-shaped signature with a lot of treble emphases where whereas S15’s sound signature is warm and laid-back yet detailed sounding.
Bass
It is the most dynamic, punchy, and tactile bass that I have ever heard on any planar iem. It still has planar characteristics like speedy bass but the decay is more natural. I don’t what Letshuoer did to achieve this, in my assumption it is the 6mm R-sonic 6mm passive filtering module at work here.
The sub-bass is slightly rolled off, but you can put tape on the top vent to fix this. Without the mod, the sub-bass is good with decent rumble and texture, I wish Letshuoer did something to fix this sub-bass roll-off. The mid-bass thumps and slams come across very authoritatively. After reading this you might ask. Is the bass comparable to a good DD iem Bass, I still have to say no but when compared among planars this is the best bass I have ever heard.
Midrange
Mids are the part that can make or break this iem for you. The lower mids are on the warmer side plus the pinna gain starts at 1k and peaks at around 1.5k and then starts taper off. This tuning leads to female vocals sounding dull. Male vocals sound good tho, they are hefty and meaty sounding. Due to the upper midrange dip, the instruments also sound a bit dull. But due to this tuning choice there is no hint or harshness and fatigue present in this iem. Extended music sessions are a breeze on this iem. Now people who like warm back sound will love this iem but people who like lively vocals and listen to a lot of K-pop will not like this iem.
Treble
The treble is good, it is non-fatiguing yet detailed sounding. The air region is well extended, which helps the iem to sound more open and detailed. This is the region that needed reduction from s12 and I liked the direction that Letshuoer has chosen. People who didn’t like planar iems due to its treble should definitely try this iem.
Technical Performance
Now, let’s talk about technical performance and detail retrieval. The detail retrieval is good for the price. Maco and micro detail pick is good despite the tuning. The technical performance is average thoo. The staging feels very 2 dimensional, side depth is good, but it fails to present front and back depth well. Instrumental separation and layering is also decent but I feel it lacks a bit in instrumental imaging, I was unable to exactly pinpoint instruments. Overall the the technical performance is good enough for the price.
Conclusion
So, what’s my conclusion, letshuor has released a very good competitor, in planar iem space. It takes a radically different tuning approach from its predecessor. This is my favorite planar iem out in the market. But, It is a bit on the pricier side for me to straight up recommend it. I would suggest you wait for a sale and try to give it a listen before pulling the trigger.
I will also release a video review of this iem, so if you want to watch that please subscribe to my YouTube channel - https://youtube.com/@sushiifi?si=OVzMVqeoThyYIS9d
I finally got my hands on this 300-dollar planar IEM. This is one of the most expensive planar IEMs that was recently released, so my expectations are quite high. Let's see if it lives up to my expectations.
Letshuoer is a China-based company that is mostly known for their planar IEMs like the S12 series. I owned the older S12 Pro planar IEM, so a comparison is a must.
This was sent to me as part of a review tour and will be raffled among friends who participated in the review.
The packaging (see photo) is quite elaborate, and the presentation is excellent, certainly befitting of its price.
The IEM itself is made of high-tech plastic and metal and is medium in size.
The included modular cable (see photo) is excellent in quality, and the eartips seem to be equally good. The included hard case is good as well, but I cannot put it in my jeans' pocket due to its size and shape, unfortunately.
Among the two kinds of eartips that was included, I used the bluish-gray one because I find it to sound clearer and snappier; the white eartips sound a little too muddy and veiled for me. I tried other tips but found the bluish-gray stock tips to be optimal.
Sources and other equipments:
I used my Fiio M15s DAP, Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha dongle DAC, and Kiwi Ears Allegro dongle DAC for this review. I used my Dunu Falcon Ultra Ti and Xenns Mangird Top for reference and listened to many genres of music for this review.
Power handling and sensitivity:
This can take a good amount of power, go satisfyingly loud without obvious distortion, have average sensitivity, and be easily driven by my dongles.
Sound signature:
Neutral but slightly warm, laid back but atmospheric, the bass is slightly boosted, there is a little coloration in the midrange due to the hump in the frequency response, the upper midrange is a little laid back as well as the treble, but the upper treble is very extended and is balanced with the boosted bass, basically a W-shape sound signature, which is rare for me. The presentation has good energy, liveliness, and musicality; there is no dryness or lethargy in the sound. It is a civilized yet non-boring presentation, which I like.
Technicalities:
The soundstage is big, way above average in size, and spherical in shape, meaning it sounds realistic like you are in a real environment. The imaging is not the most defined but still above average in performance; the images are not the most pinpoint accurate, compared to the best I've heard, but I can still easily point where the instruments are coming from.
Bass:
.
Slightly boosted in the midbass with fair amount of sub-bass rumble, it's not as tight in comparison to my other single DD IEMs, but it is one of the, if not the tightest, bass I've heard among planar sets. It also doesn't have the most detailed bass, but it has above-average bass detail among all the IEMs I've heard. Overall, the bass is tight, clean, and has good details.
Midrange:
It is slightly boosted, warm, and well-behaved, meaning there is no shoutiness but also slightly colored. This is not the typical recessed or slightly recessed midrange sound that is commonly found in most IEMs these days, and it is not too midrange prominent either; it sounds pleasant and quite euphonic.
Treble:
The lower treble is slightly laid back; I can hear a good amount of details, but they are presented in a relaxed manner. The upper treble is boosted, has good air, and has good micro details. It is delivered with the good delicacy that is typically found in good planar IEMs, neither too forward nor too laid back.
Compared to Letshuoer S12 Pro (135 USD):
It's an older planar IEM from the same company; there is no contest for me, as I find the S12 Pro fatiguing in long listening sessions. It has a deep V-shape tonality to my ears with boomy bass, obscured midrange, and somewhat harsh and sibilant treble. I also hear more distortion in the S12 Pro. The S15 is an upgrade to the S12 Pro in terms of sound quality for sure.
Compared to Hidizs MP145 (159 USD):
Value for money, the MP145, another planar IEM from Hidizs, wins hands down, but for sound quality, the S15 can handle more power and can go louder with no obvious distortion than the MP145. I can hear too much intermodulation distortion with the MP145 at loud levels, which means that when a loud bass hits, the sound in the midrange and treble are affected and get distorted and modulated, which happens much less with the S15. The S15 has tigher bass, and the MP145 has slightly boomy bass. I like the sound of both in the midrange; the MP145 is warm, while the S15 is euphonic. And in the treble area, the MP145 has more treble energy; both have very good extension and micro details, but the MP145 is more forward in treble presentation.
I find the MP145 to have a bigger soundstage, better imaging, and spatial layering, but the S15 is not far behind. I also find that the MP145 is more versatile when it comes to the types of songs you listen to; the S15 could sound so so on some songs but brilliant on others.
Each has its own pros and cons; they render the sound differently enough that owning both won't be a waste. It might sound like I'm in favor of the MP145, and for the price, yes, but on pure sonic merits, I also like the S15 as much too. The Letshuoer S15 has a beautiful rendering of sound that is difficult to describe in this review and that you have to listen to in real life to know what I'm talking about, as long as you use the bluish-gray eartips and the right songs, of coarse.
On the song Friends by Mike Francis and his other songs, it feels like I'm being transported back in time to the 80's and hearing those songs the way I heard them back then—very analog sounding. I love it.
Pros:
- there is a slight euphony in the sound, which I like.
- good sounding in general
- non analytical, analog style of sound.
Cons:
- bland looking aesthetics
- the price.
The wrap up....
It's not the most technical sounding set nor the most neutral, but in my prolonged listening with the Letshuoer S15, I discovered that its euphony is also its charm. During a long listening session, I totally forgot that I was reviewing it; I got lost deep in the music and forgot about the time, which made me realize that the S15 is perfect for non-analytical listening; it sounds very organic and analog. My only complaint with it is the price. I wish it was less expensive. But if you have the money and are looking for an analog-sounding set like I described above, the Letshuoer S15 is worth its price because this kind of sound is difficult to find in today's tuning convention. I warmly recommend the Letshuoer S15.
Did it live up to my expectations? It didn't. Instead, it led me to a totally different direction of sonic bliss, beyond my expectations.
Happy Listening! Cheers!
Introduction:-
Hey guys, we have the letshuoer S15 today. This is the successor to the their famous S12/S12pro iem. So this is the most expensive planar iem in the recent times I have come across, so lets see how it stacks up with other planars and other similarly priced iems.
I have also shared a video version of the review at YouTube any support there in form of a view, A like or A subscribe is greatly appreciated. But if you so wish to read the written version you can read this.
Also as the title says, ifi go blu, qudelix 5k owners or any who loves to eq I highly suggest reading till end.
This is a review unit from letshuoer, but all the thoughts and opinions you are about to hear are my own.
Buy it here (Unaffiliated link) :-
Amazon USA - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHJ42YHD
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CHJ42YHD
Amazon Japan - https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0CKSXPPD4
Amazon Germany - https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CHJ42YHD
Letshuoer Aliexpress - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006156571806.html?
Letshuoer Website - https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...ve-filtering-module-hifi-wired-in-ear-monitor
I will be as usual following my bullet style format for better readability for those who are dyslexic and in general find it hard to read long paragraphs. I follow this guide in general from the British Dyslexia Association.
Lets get started!
Build, Comfort and Accessories:-
1. The overall packaging of the S15 is fantastic! It punches way above the price in my opinion.
2. Inside the box you get the iem, two sets of tips one balanced tip and other vocal tips, the fantastic cable and 3 modular right angled jacks which is my preference, the case which is is made of this 3d printed palstic which feels very nice.
3. The retail price for the S15 is $330
4. The build quality of the iem is very nice, the shell is made of the same 3d printed plastic as the case. The outer plate of the iem is a metal.
5. It uses a 2 pin connector
6. The s15 has a 14.8mm planar driver. It also uses something called as the R-sonic passive filtering module.
7. These are really really comfortable to wear and I can wear them for hours without any fatigue.
8. Although the nozzle length is a bit short and some people might have some fit issue. For me the stock tips were fine.
Sound Impressions:-
1. The overall sound signature of the S15 seems to be a w shape tuning but with a tinge of mid-bass and the treble a bit relaxed.
2. The overall sonic range is very coherent with each other. I explain more about it as I proceed through the review.
3. They are a very relaxing pair of iems
4. The overall timbre is really good, and there is a slight tinge of planar timbre.
5. They pair very well with neutral source in my opinion
6. I will be using the usual choice of source for my review.
Hiby FC6, Fiio BTR5, IFI Hip Dac 3, IFI Go Blu, Colorfly CDA M1, Colorlfy CDA M2, Muse Hifi M4, Fosi Audio N3, Aune Yuki, Hiby M300, Akliam PD4 Plus, Kinera Usb C dongle dac, Razer Usb c dongle dac, Fiio KA11, Fiio KA17 & My smartphone
7. They do require quite a bit of power to sound their best. Although they can be driven off anything but I do suggest using a decent pair of dongle dac for these.
8. These do sound their best when playing at higher volumes.
9. Sadly these aren't a low volume set.
10. All my testing is done at moderately high volume than usual also I used all the stock accessories.
11. But I found the best tip to be the wide bore penon blue tips which worked really well for this. If possible or you have issues I highly suggest checking out a set of wide bore tips with these as they open up the treble a bit.
Bass-
1. Now the bass here is mid bass focused rather than sub bass focused.
2. If you are someone who likes a nice well rounded meaty mid-bass this is an iem for you.
3. When listening to songs like crack crack crackle by sunny or waltz by sunny the mid bass punch is really tastefully done. And it sounds really nice and meaty.
4. But the lack of the sub-bass punch does leave a lot to desire. Although the overall sonic range is very coherent with each other, the lack of sub-bass with the good mid-bass atleast for me feels a bit off.
5. Like I can almost enjoy the bass region of the song, but the lack of that sub-bass punch does leave me a bit longing.
6. But if you listen to a lot of instrumental, this is a great as they sound really natural over here. Listening to asayake 1985 live fro Casiopea was a real treat. The natural tone and timbre of the instrument was really good! Surprising that a planar does this good.
Mids-
1. The overall mids of this iems are really nicely done
2. The male vocals are very well done. Vocals like Chris Cornell and Bill Withers sounds very warm and lush and very enjoyable.
3. Now this is the surprising part atleast for me, I thought that the way the tuning is done I would expect it to the female vocals to be bad.
4. But the female vocals here were really good and sounded really natural and good. Now I generally like a good almost shirlly harmanny female vocals but that also spoils the male vocals in my opinion. But I think the S15 does a fantastic job at balancing it sounding warm and also providing a good female vocals.
5. Now would I have loved the female vocals to have been a bit more shrilly, yes. But that would have spoiled the over relaxing vibe of the iem it has going on.
Treble-
1. Now the treble is fantastic over here if you are someone who is sensitive to how most chi-fi iems or harman tuned iems are tuned you will love these
2. The treble here is really good and well controlled.
3. When listening to the 1985 live album casiopea, the treble isn't that matured over here but it has enough details for me to enjoy the song.
4. If you are a treblehead, this isnt an iem for you.
5. It strikes a good balance between it giving me a good relaxing listen while also having that treble details.
6. Treble extension could have been a bit better
Technicalities:-
The overall technicalities is quite good, but it doesn’t not the technicalities that you would expect a planar iem to have. For me it strikes a good balance between it sounding good while also not sounding a detail monster
Soundstage & Imaging:-
The overall soundstage is quite meh, it has this ball of soundstage around your head. I personally like a good wide and deep spacious soundstage. But there are many who loves the in-ear feeling of the iem. If you are someone like that you will love this. The soundstage depth of the s15 is really nice but it isn't that wide.
The Imaging is average which is a bit of disappointment at this price point. I would have expected to be doing a bit good. The left and right transition is ok and nothing great.
Gaming Test:-
Here too they do an ok job and nothing great, where does shine here is if there is a lot of things happening during the game it doesn’t sound too fatiguing and due to the nature of its tuning it sound swell controlled. Although the not so big soundstage and imaging specially at this price point is meh. They are ok for casual gaming.
Comparison & Recommendation:-
1. v/s 7hz Timeless AE – In Gizaudios recent video I said that one iem that I would like to own would be this and it still holds true. I love the big v this iem has and also the treble quality while having a big soundstage. S15 is a much relaxing listening and are very coherent overall across the range when compared to the AE.
2. v/s EA1000 – The ea1000 is harman done well. Its fantastic iem, but the ea1000 is quite a bit bright sounding when compared to the s15. If you are a treblehead ea1000 it is, if you are not one then the s15 makes a better purchase.
3. Now you might have seen my entire review, I speak about the shortcomings of the S15. During the starting of the review I also say that the ifi go blue, 5k and eq users to watch till end. Well here it is!
4. When using the S15 with ifi go blu and using the xbass+xpsace mode of it. They make a perfect pair. I personally have been using the S15 like this with a thin kinera cable and the penon wide bore blue tips. It has been great!
5. The xbass adding a tad bit more to the sub-bass and the xspace improving the soundstage a bit of the S15 works wonders! They sound so good now. If you own a go blu I highly suggest giving the s15 a try or atleast demo them.
6. Now I havent used the 5k but I guess you can eq the 5k and use it in a similar manner too.
7. You could also eq and add a bit of sub-bass and extend the treble a bit.
9. I think so with a bit of eq these sound really really good.
10. I think so the s15 makes for a great relaxing listening iem. But it isnt an iem if you want a detail monster. This isnt an iem for trebleheads either. This is an iem for those who like a bit warmer sounding iem.
11. And the biggest complaint for me is the price, I have no idea why it is priced more than double than that of the s12 pro MSRP or more than triple of the s12 which is available for $100 now. I think the s15 is a good iem, but the price is a bit too high.
12. The price could be the only barrier in my opinion from stopping people to buy this iem. If this was priced at $250 I think so it would make a great set at $330 its a bit of stretch. I really do hope these go on sale soon, so that more people could give these a shot.
13. So thats my review of the S15. I hope you liked, Thanks for stopping by!
If you have any questions please feel free to ask me and also if you have any issues regarding this format of review please do comment I will try to mend it. Also sorry to those who are used to reading long paragraphs of review in headfi. I hope my review was upto the mark, I appreciate any feedback.
Again a big thanks to Letshuoer for making this review possible.
Have a great day ahead, Bye
INTRODUCTION
My experience with planars is not extensive. In fact, I only had the opportunity to test the Letsuoer S12, and while I even liked the tuning, I can't say I was thrilled. This time, courtesy of Letsuoer Audio, I have the opportunity to review their latest planar, the S15.
PRESENTATION
What is worth appreciating on first contact with the Letshouer S15 is the way the packaging design stays in harmony with the design. The packaging is nice, handy, and true to the color scheme of the headphones themselves. The composition of the package can be called richly equipped, as the headphones come with a modular cable with silver-plated copper conductors with 3.5, 4.4, and 2.5 mm terminations, and a set of tips (Vocal and balance) enclosed in a twist-off case covered with silicone plastic, also consistent in color. The headphones themselves look a bit plastic, and strangely enough, when inserting the right earphone you can hear a sound as if a component is peeling off, but I guess this is a coincidence only present in my copy.
SOUND
In the very first seconds of listening, two things emerge, an improvement over the previous S12 model: the strength of the bass and the amount of detail, especially in the high registers. As for the tuning itself, I would describe it as warm, a little bassy but also neutral (no basshead material), with no boost in the high registers. The S15 is a melodic set, with a fairly natural timbre, in which none of the frequencies are exaggerated, which makes for an enjoyable listening experience and is worth appreciating.
BASS:
There is plenty of bass. It is strong and springy. The emphasis is more on mid-bass, so the impact is clear. The problem for me, however, was that it's hard to get a clear texture. As a bass player, I was deficient in natural bass guitar presentation. I missed the "grunt" in songs with more jamming, but at the same time I can't say it's a bad bass, no, it's more like that woofer bass, filling the head, but also providing enough dynamics for most songs.
MIDS:
When it comes to midrange presentation, I have rather mixed feelings. On the one hand, the low-mid is clear, as if brought forward, allowing for a very good presentation of male vocals. Male vocals are natural (this is probably the most natural-sounding registers of the S15). As for the registers of the female vocals, hooked up to the upper mids, while they mostly sounded clean and pleasant, for me, turning down about 2-3dB around 1.1kHz and adding up to 5dB around 3kHz, brightened their timbre and providing the “claw” that I find lacking in this set. Unfortunately, the deficiencies in these registers also translate into the perception of overdriven (on overdrive or distortion pedal filter) guitars, which are so important in rock and metal, and with default tuning give the impression of being offset and muffled.
TREBLE:
In my opinion, this is the best-sounding frequency area and also the most attractive, because it is rich in detail, which the S15 pulls out of songs with incredible ease. Because of its warm tuning, I wouldn't dedicate this set to trebleheads, but the treble is very good in this set, and listening to it is a sheer pleasure. Listening to tracks that I thought I knew perfectly enriched my memories with new, previously unheard details. There is no concern about sibilants or irritating harshness, which seems to have been the bane of S12 and S12 PRO owners who are also sensitive to these registers. Here, it is delicate but rich, clean, and transparent. Bells, cymbals, clicks, and the like appear in unexpected places, enriching the listening, and while they last, they don't disappear beneath other sounds. Once again, this is for me the best part of this set.
TECHNICALITIES
As I wrote, the S15 can effectively pick out hidden details from the high registers of the frequency spectrum, which makes for very pleasant listening to songs. Instrument separation is quite ok, but tracking any instrument throughout the song may not work for you. Although the instruments are separated, at times they blend and the overall clarity of the track is not a strong point of this set. Imaging is at an average level, although the instruments appear from different sides, I can't say that the sound surrounds the listener from all sides ( although some sounds, such as the delicate pings of percussion instruments happen to surprise me with their place of appearance)
ANALYSIS BASED ON A FEW SELECTED TRACKS
In this section I would like to describe how the S15s performed when listening to selected tracks from different genres of music - maybe based on them it will be easier for someone to decide on the purchase:
Foo Fighters - Everlong
This track by Dave Grohl's band is practically a classic of rock music already, and for me a track with the help of which I can easily judge how a given set handles dense lines of distorted guitars against dynamic percussion. The reception of the track is pleasant, although I must add that the selectivity in the sound of the guitars is lacking it for me. The dark tuning produces a muffled effect, with the result that individual beats on the guitar strings blend while obscuring other sounds, such as snare drum hits or kick drum, which creates a bit of a wall of sound effect. On the other hand, the vocal line can be heard clearly and transparently. As for the treble, you can effortlessly listen to the sounds of sticks dancing across the drum cymbals and on the hi-hat, which, along with the vocals, is the best part of the listening experience.
Soen - Savia
The stanza of this track mostly consists of a slightly distorted bass guitar playing simultaneously with the drums as a backdrop to the vocal line. It's worth mentioning here right away the sound of percussion elements heard somewhere on the sides, slightly behind, at the beginning of the song. These are the percussion elements that the S15 handles brilliantly, unfortunately, some of the other elements like the snare drum and toms, lack sound clarity. The main lead line - i.e. the bass guitar texture on the overdrive - is also a bit lacking in claw. A small change with the help of the EQ, shifting 3-4dB from 1.1kH to 3kHz brings the bass guitar closer, adding texture, like the string "burr" , while improving the presentation of the drums. Meanwhile, as with the previous track, the vocals sound very good here.
Rhye - Last Dance
This track showcases the best features of this set. From the well-presented vocals to the clear sounds of muffled guitars, trumpets, choruses, and percussion it's a well-played track.
Jaco Pastorius - Come on, Come Over
Like the previous track, this one seems to be suitable for demonstrating the S15's best capabilities. The instruments sound great, selective, and natural. There's plenty of space here, which is probably why the S15 performs so well. Bongos and other percussion elements have a great effect. The presentation is very pleasant: saxophone in the left ear, keyboard in the right ear, bongos somewhere in the background, percussion in the center and although a little quieter, the hi-hat is clear and not lost, and trumpet phrases at the end - it's a good listen.
I don't want to over-describe my impressions of the tracks I listened to, so I'll try to generalize:
... not all genres of music are handled equally by the S15. Basing my judgment on personal sound preferences (because how else), I wouldn't plug in the S15 when I want to get a boost from the sound of energetic wild guitar riffs and dynamic percussion. The texture of the guitars on the overdrive is not what I like, and I also lack energy in the snare hits, but remember these are just my impressions, maybe someone will have a different one and someone will like this sound.
PAIRING
This successor to the S12 Pro, features easier drivability, which thanks to its modern design is possible even with just a phone, although with no power reserve, but listening at the full volume potentiometer of my Realme GT 5G is just too loud. To properly appreciate the capabilities of these headphones, however, it's worth investing something to breathe some power into this nearly 15mm planar speaker. During the testing period, I connected the S15 to various sources, from the category of portable devices, because that's what I'm interested in. I got the best results when paired with an old Fiio e07k (Wolfson WM8740), which, in addition to providing enough power, offered the greatest clarity and naturalness of sound of instruments, and quite good dynamics (with gain at +12db). The Sony Nw-A55L DAP (mr. Walkman mod) also worked quite well, which, although not as powerful, was sufficient and allowed for pleasant listening, not devoid of dynamics. Disappointing was the pairing with the Moondrop Dawn Pro (2xCS43131), through the 4.4 output, which, for reasons unknown to me, weakened the strength of the notes, making listening boring and less engaging. As tips, I recommend choosing something that brightens the sound, such as the Whizzer ET100, which additionally dovetails nicely with the color scheme of the set itself, or, for example, the BVGP W01, which, while not brightening the sound, will slightly weaken the bass and improve the melodicity, while maintaining treble clarity and improving holography.
SUMMARY
I would be lying if I didn't write that I was a bit disappointed with the S15. On the one hand, it is a very precise tool for extracting details from songs, melodic, proving itself in certain genres of music and quite easy to drive, but unfortunately, it also comes with some flaws. The tuning of the S15 is, in my opinion, a bit too linear, with some shortcomings in the upper-mid, which leaves no impact on the so-called "claw", which I simply miss in this set, but also on the clarity of the sound of the instruments. I've never been a fan of planars, and like the S12, the S15 hasn't changed that. I still find it quite unengaging playing that doesn't make my heart beat faster. However, I take into account that my expectations of sound presentation may differ from those of others, so I allow for the possibility that if someone liked the S12 and S12 PRO, but was bothered by the harshness of the treble, they may find something for themselves in the S15.
Attachments
hokagoteatimereviews
Great review!
Shekelz Bergstein
Awesome review mate, it seems S15 is a more relaxed, more laid-back S12 with a focus on vocal. This could work as a solid all-rounder.
LETSHUOER S15
Leisurely plays your library…
Pros:
+ Well-balance and mature tuning.
+ Good bassline performance from a planar stand-point.
+ Good mid-range substance and presence.
+ Plays male vocals rather well.
+ Anti-shout tuning.
+ The treble still runs high without put forward.
+ Low symptoms of planar timbre; have some of the least metallic treble.
+ Good for long listening session. Comfortable & Pleasant.
+ Not source picky.
+ Well-accessorized.
Cons:
- Pricing is a bit steep but still worth it IMHO.
- Sub-bass could use with higher pressure and sustain.
- Lower-treble recession is affecting the transient of higher-pitch female vocals.
- Treble clarity and definition are second-rate vs its rival.
- Micro-detail aren’t the best in planar game.
- Dynamic-range aren’t the widest. Not the most engaging.
- Does not have the blackest of background.
Hence affecting the clarity of instrument placement & separation.
- Staging & Imaging capabilities are just average.
- A smidge harder to drive than some of its counter-part.
- Not for treble-head nor bass-head.
LETSHUOER S15 4 ★★★★
▓▒░ SOUND-SIGNATURE ░▒▓
The S15 fall within the variation of W-shape tuning. The S15 offers quite a well-balance sound with a slight mid-bass biased.
▓▒░ BASS/LOW-END ░▒▓
● It is undeniably bassy a set with a smooth, clean and fast response that is neither too energetic nor anemic. The sub-bass delivery is not its greatest forte. Despite it having an adequate sub-bass presence, it doesn’t really extend down low-end. The sub-bass lacks pressure and sustain. The quick decay and short sustain sacrifice some of the echo/reverberation overtones on vocal and instruments. Hence, the sub-bass kick and rumbling sensation doesn’t really resonate that strongly but it should be more than sufficient.
● The mid-bass is noticeably denser/thicker with greater prominence. The transient is fast but not with a lot of impact. The mid-bass punch and slam gives off adequate sense of thump and tactile boom for as long as you don’t expect a visceral attack coming from it. Regardless, the bass-drop rendering is kept clean and smooth, while the Ghetto bass have decent elasticity and rebound-rate on replay. The good having a speedy bassline is, even with a hint of leftover mid-bass spilling onto the lower mid-range, it doesn’t introduce any dirt of veil high up.
● All and all, the bass performance is good but not exceptional, partly because of the bass layering and detailing are mediocre at best. Dynamically, the low-end lacks a bit of engagement factor than a bass enthusiast would desire. In all fairness, it is pretty well executed from the lens of planar. Unless you’re a hardcore bass-head or a bass connoisseur, the S15 bass performance will render more than enough joy for most people.
▓▒░ MID-RANGE /VOCAL ░▒▓
● Surprisingly it quite the mid-centric in its presentation. In a sense that vocals and instrument that lies in this region appears to be rather intimate/forward within the tri-frequency. On the balance of “euphony” and “clarity”, the bias is tilted slightly towards the former. Vocals and instrument have good substance and presence. The vocals often come across as being lush and well-bodied as it is not missing any of those low-end-to-low-mid wetness or warmth. The energy dispersion from the lowest (deep male voice) to the highest (high female voice) range are well-judged. Both male and female vocalist performs nigh equally as rewarding on stage. There is hardly any shouty-ness, honky-ness, harshness or graininess upon vocal rendition which is an impressive feat.
● As for nitpicks? The vocals texturing (raspy, gritty, hoarse, breath etc) may have the best transparency but it is not severely lacking. Some of the elements of the reverb or resonance on vocal and instrument are not properly captured. Due to the slight coloration coming from the mid-bass and recession on lower-treble, there are times when female vocal that lives on the higher octave suffers from sounding a tad too thick/husky. And the intonation of higher pitch of female vocal can lack in energy when compromised. If cleaner and energetic female vocal is more to your preference, you might want to consider its main competitors instead. The overall transient-attack on strings/guitar plucks, piano hits and violin strums has a more rounded edge to them with a rather precise decay. Most instrument that lies in this region never seems to lack in terms of fundamental presence. The note hits aren’t the most distinct but don’t necessarily sound blunt per se.
● Regardless of its shortcomings, it does not stop its mid-range from being inoffensive and musical, as it maintains a good level of naturalness to the overall tone and timbre.
▓▒░ TREBLE/HIGHS ░▒▓
● Thanks to the warm hues coming from the low-end, it gives the treble a pleasant experience. It is quite cossetting to listen to. It is never tiring on longer session as well. Having said that, this level of treble performance might not give a strong impression for treble-heads out there as It just doesn’t carry the same brilliance and air in comparison to most planar. But it is not overly dampened to a point of being too dark and dingy. As a result, even with its relatively dark nature, synthetic noise such as electronics still gives off a nice sense of zing, shimmering or twinkling effect on the overrun. Not to mention, those metallic sheen or sharpness inherit by a planar-driver is seemingly less. In fact, the S15 has got some of the least symptoms of planar timbre, making it one the more natural sounding planar on the market right now. Throughout the test, there was no unwanted resonance is heard. The sibilance tolerance is very high while peaks and troughs are kept to a minimal degree, giving its treble a rather smooth response. Instruments like hit-hats and cymbals are very inoffensive as they’re not very distinct in the mix but the decay is noticeably smooth, keeping its naturalness in check. With the right synergy, one could actually crank the volume to quite a high degree without distortion issue.
● As for the downside, the treble definition is not the best in the game. Due to the darker nature of its tuning, micro-nuances will not be as transparent as some of its main rivals. The higher notes seem to have a smoother edge to them, those whom prefer a crispier playback might find it lacking a tad of bite. Fortunately, the treble decay is rather precise as it is smooth and doesn’t linger unwantedly.
● In short, the treble quality is good but top-notch. The treble still runs high without put forward. It’s got good qualities of naturalness combined with a mature response. But one thing for sure, treble sensitive people will greatly appreciate the S15. It is borderline inoffensive and more importantly, fatigue free.
✧ ════ •TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE• ════ ✧
- The overall HEAD-STAGE is quite good. The headroom is decent with adequate depth but plays with more width. The mid-range/vocals have good intimacy without sounding overly forward while the bass have slightly more presence over treble region.
As for INSTRUMENT SEPERATION is decent. Being the stage not most grand or open sounding. The gap/spaces between each element of sound are mostly adequate but aren’t the most generous. On top of that, the background is not the blackest as if there is a thin layer of mist masking the vision of sound positioning which also has something to do with the darker nature of its treble response. As a result, separation process is not giving the clearest cut between elements. Hence, it is not the best when trying to reproduce a highly complex tracks as everything will starts to blend together.
- The STERO-IMAGING definitely not its greatest forte. INSTRUMENT PLACEMENT has accurate positioning but it is not the most vivid. Transition of sound between channels are smooth but not the sharpest on its projection.
- The DETAIL HANDLING is good but not outstanding. Therefore, monitoring or analysing music with this set is not your best bet. Macro-detail seems solid but micro-details don’t really pop as you’d expect from a planar driver. However, it does a remarkable job in highlighting detail in subtle manner rather than shoving everything onto your eardrums. Its DYNAMIC RANGE may not the widest. Therefore, is not the most engaging or emotional to listen to. This trait is pretty much aligned with its smooth and relax tuning.
- In trade, it possessed one of the more natural TIMBRE in its class. The metallic traits of the treble are still there but they have successfully tone it down to be more palatable for timbre-head. Vocals and instruments have a good sense of body to them. The attack on transient is fast but not the most impactful. The decay is mostly on the quick side of the tempo with decent sustain level and smooth release. In other words, note hits/instrument don’t sound unnatural but lacks a touch of realism to them. In a sense that you’ll hear it but lacks a just a touch of dynamic feel on replay.
~ HEAD-2-HEAD : IN-DEPTH COMPARISON ~
vs 2022 7Hz Timeless feat. Kinera Leyding.
BASS
- Timeless has better sub-bass extension & attack. Rumbling sensation has higher pressure & sub-bass kick has more punch.
- S15 mid-bass seems thumpier and has more body/thicker. Giving it a heftier and boomier low-end.
- Ghetto bass is bouncier with the S15. Bass distortion element is better captured with the S15.
- Due to slower decay and longer sustain of the Timeless, it makes it the warmer set of the two. The S15 may sound thicker but it’s a faster bass, seemingly colder in tone when comparing the two.
- Being warmer, the Timeless soothes its listener with a better sense of atmospheric ambience. Hence, it is better at capturing reverb and echo on instrument and vocals as well.
MIDS
- Timeless presentation is more intimate with higher pinna-gain.
- Male vocal on the Timeless have a slight sharpness on vocal transient. Due to added presence region and upper treble. S15 seems to do male vocal better as it is lusher, fuller and smoother as well.
- Female vocal on the Timeless is slightly leaner but it carries more energy up until the highest voice range. It doesn't face that insufficient energy that occurs on the S15 sometimes, which makes the Timeless the more emotional set for female vocal enthusiast.
- Vocal texturing and reverb is slightly better on the Timeless.
- Instruments like piano, xylophone, strings (guitar, electric guitar, violin, viola), flute has greater transient with longer decay and better sustain. Not only it sounds more distinct but also more complete from end to end of notes. But the S15 will have thicker note-weight. All of that is by a slight margin.
TREBLE
- Timeless has better treble extension overall. It sounds more airy and more open up top. It does sounds brighter and livelier.
- Timeless treble sounds clearer with more bite to them. Whereas on the S15 there is a hint layer of haze which makes it not as clean.
- Synthetic noise, electronic zing and shimmer sounds crispier with the Timeless.
- S15 seems to have better mid-treble presence. Piano key for e.g that lives on this region has better clarity.
- Timeless has more apparent planar timbre; can sound a tad too sharp especially with brighter DAC/AMP.
- S15 treble has more laid-back nature. It is will be better suited for treble sensitive folks.
- Hit-hats & Cymbals on the Timeless is better define with good decay.
STAGING
- The Timeless sounds a tad wider which extend just behind your ears. But the S15 offers slightly more depth. In terms of height, they're nigh identical.The MP145 is still there King of stage in planar game.
IMAGING
- Transition of sound between two-channel and sound localization is definitely sharper and more vivid with the Timeless. Spatial cues have a clearer image overall.
LAYERING & SEPARATION
- Both of them offers just about the same space & gap between elements. Due to darker background on the Timeless, each element of sound has a clearer cut.
- Both tend to suffer just a tad on busier tracks.Something like the MP145 has better consistency in maintaining each border of sounds.
DYNAMICS
- Clearly, the Timeless has a wider sense dynamic-range from top to bottom.
- It’s more fun. Its more emotional. You're mostly in tune with your music.
- The S15 is a bit more laid-back and chill, sounding less attached to your music.
DETAIL RETRIEVAL
- Other than mid-bass and mid-treble region, the Timeless is better defined. Micro-nuaces seems to have ever so slightly better clarity and transparency.
TIMBRE
- None of them sounds inorganic or unnatural to my ears.
- The S15 will offers more note weight across the range and has lesser planar timbre; sharpness, metallic-ness of treble.
- However, the attack on the Timeless is more incisive with the decay being slightly longer and the notes has higher level of sustain. The reverberation /echo on the overtones makes the sound even more complete as a whole. Hence, most of the time, I find the note definition of the Timeless is more complete from end to end. Some of this attributes are slightly missing with the S15.
"If you prefer more sub-bass, more emotional female vocal with better treble clarity or something that is more fun in general. The 7hz Timeless is the one to pick.
However, if you like something that is more laid-back, less offensive, listen a lot to male vocals, and very allergic to planar timbre. S15 is the better buy."
◤FINAL THOUGHTS◢
The S15 do have its own place in planar market. It has some good qualities that can attract listeners as none of its competitors follows the suit of its tuning. It is not a set that will wow you on short blast, but it is a set that you’ll appreciate on longer sessions. Unless you have a specific acquired taste for a profile, then it can either be a hit or miss. My biggest gripe with the S15 is not really the performance but rather the price-tag itself. For about the same amount of money, you could actually buy the MP145 and 7hz Timeless together which is not a good sign in terms of value. However, some people would actually take the S15 over the other two in a heartbeat. I knew quite a number of audiophiles whom enjoy this set thoroughly. They really shower praise this set quite abit. And I can see why. Beside the 7hz Timeless, S15 is definitely one of my favourite Planar I’ve tested. I ended up liking it more and more, the more I spent time with it.
[IEM-SCORING-BOARD]
RATING
1: Trash (F)
2: Horrible (E)
3: Bad (D)
4: Subpar (C)
5: Decent/Average (B)
6: Good (A-)
7: Great (A)
8: Superb. (A+)
9: Masterclass/Top-Drawer (S)
10: Perfection (P)
====================================
LETSHUOER S15 [PLANAR]
Tuning : Mild W-shaped/Warm- Neutral.
= Quality =
Bass: 6.5/10 Mids: 6/10 Treble: 6.5/10
Male/Female: 6/5.5
= Technicalities =
Detail & Resolve: 6.5/6.5
Instrument Replay/Timbral Accuracy : 7/10
Dynamic-Range/Transient : 6/10
Head-stage [W-H-D]: 6-5-5
Layering & Separation: 5.5/10
Stereo Imaging 5.5/10
Ambience : 5.5/10
Cleanliness: 6.5/10
Build/Comfort: 6/9
Value: 6/10 [AS TESTED]
Personal Enjoyment: 6/10
SETUP (As tested)
Stock Cable 4.4 PLUG
Spinfit CP100 (M)
Tanchjim SPACE (Main)/ xDuoo Link2BAL MK-I
DDHifi TC07S/BAT AUDIO OTG
====================================
7HZ Timeless feat Kinera Leyding [PLANAR]
Tuning : Neutral With Bass-Boost/Warm- Mild-V
= Quality =
Bass: 6.5/10 Mids: 6/10 Treble: 7/10
Male/Female: 5.5/6
= Technicalities =
Detail & Resolve: 7/7
Instrument Replay/Timbral Accuracy : 8/10
Dynamic-Range/Transient : 7/10
Head-stage [W-H-D]: 6.5-5-4
Layering & Separation: 6/10
Stereo Imaging 6.5/10
Ambience : 6/10
Cleanliness: 7/10
Build/Comfort: 6/9
Value: 8/10 [AS TESTED]
Personal Enjoyment: 7/10
SETUP (As tested)
Kinera Leyding 4.4 BAL PLUG
Spinfit CP100 (M)
Tanchjim SPACE (Main)/ xDuoo Link2BAL MK-I
DDHifi TC07S/BAT AUDIO OTG
Pros:
+ Pleasantly warm yet engaging.
+ Great note weight and density.
+ Good technical performer. Except for the staging.
+ Comfortable light-weight shell.
Cons:
- Not the cleanest sounding treble, a whiff of haze.
- Potential fatigue on longer listen.
- Only work best with warmer or clean dac/amp.
- Teased planar timbre.
- Perculiar head-stage (lacking depth)
====================================
Foobar2000 [Laptop] [Ugreen USB C Adapter]
Huawei P20 PRO [Phone][ App- Foobar2000]
Dongle DAC/AMP only :
Tanchjim SPACE
xDuoo Link2BAL
DDHifi TC07S
2003 NARUTO Original Soundtrack I – Wakiagaru Toushi
2008 K.will (케이윌) – 소원 (Great King Sejong OST Part.1)
2009 Maksim – Exodus
2010 Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou (OST) – Kokoro no Oku De Ha
2014 Grabbitz – Here with you now.
2014 BoA – MASAYUME CHASING
2014 Hyolyn – 안녕 Good bye
2015 K MISSING KINGS (OST) - New Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - Return of Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - If you die.
2017 Namie Amuro – Hope
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - In Pursuit Of
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - Lost Small World
2019 Blade & Soul (OST) – Half-Moon Lake
2019 CAROLE & TUESDAY VOCAL COLLECTION Vol.1 – Light a Fire
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – BAE – BaNG!!!
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – cozmez – Where They At
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – GET NAKED (Kiyoshi Sugo Remix)
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – again (MATZ Remix)
2020 premiere fleurs – プリンシパル
2020 Love Live! Nijigasaki – 朝香果林 (Karin Asaka) – VIVID WORLD
2020 Fujii Kaze – へでもねーよ”／Hedemo Ne-YoSeishun Sick
2020 King Gnu – 三文小説 ／Sanmon Shosetsu
2021 OWV – Fifth Season
2021 加藤 ミリヤ (Miliyah) feat. Yoshida Brothers – この夢が醒めるまで
2021 Official髭男dism – Cry Baby
2021 Chanmin BIJIN 美人 – Morning Mood
2021 門脇更紗 (Sarasa Kadowaki) – きれいだ
2021 Mirei Touyama – 美忘録
2021 SELECTION PROJECT Vol.1 – Only one yell -天沢灯ソロver.-
2022 Belle (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Million Miles Away (ENG vers.)
2022 rei (E-girls) – Dark Hero.
2022 rei (E-girls) – IDNY
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – Bleecker Chrome - You will shine
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – YOSHIKI EZAKI x Bleecker Chrome - UP
2022 BEAST TAMER (OST) – じんわり感じている幸せ
2022 Ado – 会いたくて
2022 Ado – 踊
2023 La prière - Sweet Dreams
2023 Bungou Stray Dogs 4th Season ED – Luck Life – しるし
2023 Genjitsu no Yohane – Far far away
2023 Genjitsu no Yohane – Hey, dear my friends
2023 Anna – 花のように (Hana no You ni)
2023 riria. – 貴方の側に (Anata no Soba ni)
Do take my words for what it’s worth. Afterall, I am just one man. ╮(╯▽╰)╭
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING! HAVE A GOOD DAY WHEREVER YOU ARE! TAKE CARE!
Disclaimer:
- This is a loaner unit. Big thanks to the @Edmund for making this possible!
If you like me to review your IEM/DAC/AMPS please hit me up:
https://www.facebook.com/DevaPainAkatsuki/
EXTRA PHOTOS
Leisurely plays your library…
Pros:
+ Well-balance and mature tuning.
+ Good bassline performance from a planar stand-point.
+ Good mid-range substance and presence.
+ Plays male vocals rather well.
+ Anti-shout tuning.
+ The treble still runs high without put forward.
+ Low symptoms of planar timbre; have some of the least metallic treble.
+ Good for long listening session. Comfortable & Pleasant.
+ Not source picky.
+ Well-accessorized.
Cons:
- Pricing is a bit steep but still worth it IMHO.
- Sub-bass could use with higher pressure and sustain.
- Lower-treble recession is affecting the transient of higher-pitch female vocals.
- Treble clarity and definition are second-rate vs its rival.
- Micro-detail aren’t the best in planar game.
- Dynamic-range aren’t the widest. Not the most engaging.
- Does not have the blackest of background.
Hence affecting the clarity of instrument placement & separation.
- Staging & Imaging capabilities are just average.
- A smidge harder to drive than some of its counter-part.
- Not for treble-head nor bass-head.
LETSHUOER S15 4 ★★★★
▓▒░ SOUND-SIGNATURE ░▒▓
The S15 fall within the variation of W-shape tuning. The S15 offers quite a well-balance sound with a slight mid-bass biased.
▓▒░ BASS/LOW-END ░▒▓
● It is undeniably bassy a set with a smooth, clean and fast response that is neither too energetic nor anemic. The sub-bass delivery is not its greatest forte. Despite it having an adequate sub-bass presence, it doesn’t really extend down low-end. The sub-bass lacks pressure and sustain. The quick decay and short sustain sacrifice some of the echo/reverberation overtones on vocal and instruments. Hence, the sub-bass kick and rumbling sensation doesn’t really resonate that strongly but it should be more than sufficient.
● The mid-bass is noticeably denser/thicker with greater prominence. The transient is fast but not with a lot of impact. The mid-bass punch and slam gives off adequate sense of thump and tactile boom for as long as you don’t expect a visceral attack coming from it. Regardless, the bass-drop rendering is kept clean and smooth, while the Ghetto bass have decent elasticity and rebound-rate on replay. The good having a speedy bassline is, even with a hint of leftover mid-bass spilling onto the lower mid-range, it doesn’t introduce any dirt of veil high up.
● All and all, the bass performance is good but not exceptional, partly because of the bass layering and detailing are mediocre at best. Dynamically, the low-end lacks a bit of engagement factor than a bass enthusiast would desire. In all fairness, it is pretty well executed from the lens of planar. Unless you’re a hardcore bass-head or a bass connoisseur, the S15 bass performance will render more than enough joy for most people.
▓▒░ MID-RANGE /VOCAL ░▒▓
● Surprisingly it quite the mid-centric in its presentation. In a sense that vocals and instrument that lies in this region appears to be rather intimate/forward within the tri-frequency. On the balance of “euphony” and “clarity”, the bias is tilted slightly towards the former. Vocals and instrument have good substance and presence. The vocals often come across as being lush and well-bodied as it is not missing any of those low-end-to-low-mid wetness or warmth. The energy dispersion from the lowest (deep male voice) to the highest (high female voice) range are well-judged. Both male and female vocalist performs nigh equally as rewarding on stage. There is hardly any shouty-ness, honky-ness, harshness or graininess upon vocal rendition which is an impressive feat.
● As for nitpicks? The vocals texturing (raspy, gritty, hoarse, breath etc) may have the best transparency but it is not severely lacking. Some of the elements of the reverb or resonance on vocal and instrument are not properly captured. Due to the slight coloration coming from the mid-bass and recession on lower-treble, there are times when female vocal that lives on the higher octave suffers from sounding a tad too thick/husky. And the intonation of higher pitch of female vocal can lack in energy when compromised. If cleaner and energetic female vocal is more to your preference, you might want to consider its main competitors instead. The overall transient-attack on strings/guitar plucks, piano hits and violin strums has a more rounded edge to them with a rather precise decay. Most instrument that lies in this region never seems to lack in terms of fundamental presence. The note hits aren’t the most distinct but don’t necessarily sound blunt per se.
● Regardless of its shortcomings, it does not stop its mid-range from being inoffensive and musical, as it maintains a good level of naturalness to the overall tone and timbre.
▓▒░ TREBLE/HIGHS ░▒▓
● Thanks to the warm hues coming from the low-end, it gives the treble a pleasant experience. It is quite cossetting to listen to. It is never tiring on longer session as well. Having said that, this level of treble performance might not give a strong impression for treble-heads out there as It just doesn’t carry the same brilliance and air in comparison to most planar. But it is not overly dampened to a point of being too dark and dingy. As a result, even with its relatively dark nature, synthetic noise such as electronics still gives off a nice sense of zing, shimmering or twinkling effect on the overrun. Not to mention, those metallic sheen or sharpness inherit by a planar-driver is seemingly less. In fact, the S15 has got some of the least symptoms of planar timbre, making it one the more natural sounding planar on the market right now. Throughout the test, there was no unwanted resonance is heard. The sibilance tolerance is very high while peaks and troughs are kept to a minimal degree, giving its treble a rather smooth response. Instruments like hit-hats and cymbals are very inoffensive as they’re not very distinct in the mix but the decay is noticeably smooth, keeping its naturalness in check. With the right synergy, one could actually crank the volume to quite a high degree without distortion issue.
● As for the downside, the treble definition is not the best in the game. Due to the darker nature of its tuning, micro-nuances will not be as transparent as some of its main rivals. The higher notes seem to have a smoother edge to them, those whom prefer a crispier playback might find it lacking a tad of bite. Fortunately, the treble decay is rather precise as it is smooth and doesn’t linger unwantedly.
● In short, the treble quality is good but top-notch. The treble still runs high without put forward. It’s got good qualities of naturalness combined with a mature response. But one thing for sure, treble sensitive people will greatly appreciate the S15. It is borderline inoffensive and more importantly, fatigue free.
✧ ════ •TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE• ════ ✧
- The overall HEAD-STAGE is quite good. The headroom is decent with adequate depth but plays with more width. The mid-range/vocals have good intimacy without sounding overly forward while the bass have slightly more presence over treble region.
As for INSTRUMENT SEPERATION is decent. Being the stage not most grand or open sounding. The gap/spaces between each element of sound are mostly adequate but aren’t the most generous. On top of that, the background is not the blackest as if there is a thin layer of mist masking the vision of sound positioning which also has something to do with the darker nature of its treble response. As a result, separation process is not giving the clearest cut between elements. Hence, it is not the best when trying to reproduce a highly complex tracks as everything will starts to blend together.
- The STERO-IMAGING definitely not its greatest forte. INSTRUMENT PLACEMENT has accurate positioning but it is not the most vivid. Transition of sound between channels are smooth but not the sharpest on its projection.
- The DETAIL HANDLING is good but not outstanding. Therefore, monitoring or analysing music with this set is not your best bet. Macro-detail seems solid but micro-details don’t really pop as you’d expect from a planar driver. However, it does a remarkable job in highlighting detail in subtle manner rather than shoving everything onto your eardrums. Its DYNAMIC RANGE may not the widest. Therefore, is not the most engaging or emotional to listen to. This trait is pretty much aligned with its smooth and relax tuning.
- In trade, it possessed one of the more natural TIMBRE in its class. The metallic traits of the treble are still there but they have successfully tone it down to be more palatable for timbre-head. Vocals and instruments have a good sense of body to them. The attack on transient is fast but not the most impactful. The decay is mostly on the quick side of the tempo with decent sustain level and smooth release. In other words, note hits/instrument don’t sound unnatural but lacks a touch of realism to them. In a sense that you’ll hear it but lacks a just a touch of dynamic feel on replay.
~ HEAD-2-HEAD : IN-DEPTH COMPARISON ~
BASS
- Timeless has better sub-bass extension & attack. Rumbling sensation has higher pressure & sub-bass kick has more punch.
- S15 mid-bass seems thumpier and has more body/thicker. Giving it a heftier and boomier low-end.
- Ghetto bass is bouncier with the S15. Bass distortion element is better captured with the S15.
- Due to slower decay and longer sustain of the Timeless, it makes it the warmer set of the two. The S15 may sound thicker but it’s a faster bass, seemingly colder in tone when comparing the two.
- Being warmer, the Timeless soothes its listener with a better sense of atmospheric ambience. Hence, it is better at capturing reverb and echo on instrument and vocals as well.
MIDS
- Timeless presentation is more intimate with higher pinna-gain.
- Male vocal on the Timeless have a slight sharpness on vocal transient. Due to added presence region and upper treble. S15 seems to do male vocal better as it is lusher, fuller and smoother as well.
- Female vocal on the Timeless is slightly leaner but it carries more energy up until the highest voice range. It doesn't face that insufficient energy that occurs on the S15 sometimes, which makes the Timeless the more emotional set for female vocal enthusiast.
- Vocal texturing and reverb is slightly better on the Timeless.
- Instruments like piano, xylophone, strings (guitar, electric guitar, violin, viola), flute has greater transient with longer decay and better sustain. Not only it sounds more distinct but also more complete from end to end of notes. But the S15 will have thicker note-weight. All of that is by a slight margin.
TREBLE
- Timeless has better treble extension overall. It sounds more airy and more open up top. It does sounds brighter and livelier.
- Timeless treble sounds clearer with more bite to them. Whereas on the S15 there is a hint layer of haze which makes it not as clean.
- Synthetic noise, electronic zing and shimmer sounds crispier with the Timeless.
- S15 seems to have better mid-treble presence. Piano key for e.g that lives on this region has better clarity.
- Timeless has more apparent planar timbre; can sound a tad too sharp especially with brighter DAC/AMP.
- S15 treble has more laid-back nature. It is will be better suited for treble sensitive folks.
- Hit-hats & Cymbals on the Timeless is better define with good decay.
STAGING
- The Timeless sounds a tad wider which extend just behind your ears. But the S15 offers slightly more depth. In terms of height, they're nigh identical.
IMAGING
- Transition of sound between two-channel and sound localization is definitely sharper and more vivid with the Timeless. Spatial cues have a clearer image overall.
LAYERING & SEPARATION
- Both of them offers just about the same space & gap between elements. Due to darker background on the Timeless, each element of sound has a clearer cut.
- Both tend to suffer just a tad on busier tracks.
DYNAMICS
- Clearly, the Timeless has a wider sense dynamic-range from top to bottom.
- It’s more fun. Its more emotional. You're mostly in tune with your music.
- The S15 is a bit more laid-back and chill, sounding less attached to your music.
DETAIL RETRIEVAL
- Other than mid-bass and mid-treble region, the Timeless is better defined. Micro-nuaces seems to have ever so slightly better clarity and transparency.
TIMBRE
- None of them sounds inorganic or unnatural to my ears.
- The S15 will offers more note weight across the range and has lesser planar timbre; sharpness, metallic-ness of treble.
- However, the attack on the Timeless is more incisive with the decay being slightly longer and the notes has higher level of sustain. The reverberation /echo on the overtones makes the sound even more complete as a whole. Hence, most of the time, I find the note definition of the Timeless is more complete from end to end. Some of this attributes are slightly missing with the S15.
"If you prefer more sub-bass, more emotional female vocal with better treble clarity or something that is more fun in general. The 7hz Timeless is the one to pick.
However, if you like something that is more laid-back, less offensive, listen a lot to male vocals, and very allergic to planar timbre. S15 is the better buy."
◤FINAL THOUGHTS◢
The S15 do have its own place in planar market. It has some good qualities that can attract listeners as none of its competitors follows the suit of its tuning. It is not a set that will wow you on short blast, but it is a set that you’ll appreciate on longer sessions. Unless you have a specific acquired taste for a profile, then it can either be a hit or miss. My biggest gripe with the S15 is not really the performance but rather the price-tag itself. For about the same amount of money, you could actually buy the MP145 and 7hz Timeless together which is not a good sign in terms of value. However, some people would actually take the S15 over the other two in a heartbeat. I knew quite a number of audiophiles whom enjoy this set thoroughly. They really shower praise this set quite abit. And I can see why. Beside the 7hz Timeless, S15 is definitely one of my favourite Planar I’ve tested. I ended up liking it more and more, the more I spent time with it.
[IEM-SCORING-BOARD]
RATING
1: Trash (F)
2: Horrible (E)
3: Bad (D)
4: Subpar (C)
5: Decent/Average (B)
6: Good (A-)
7: Great (A)
8: Superb. (A+)
9: Masterclass/Top-Drawer (S)
10: Perfection (P)
====================================
LETSHUOER S15 [PLANAR]
Tuning : Mild W-shaped/Warm- Neutral.
= Quality =
Bass: 6.5/10 Mids: 6/10 Treble: 6.5/10
Male/Female: 6/5.5
= Technicalities =
Detail & Resolve: 6.5/6.5
Instrument Replay/Timbral Accuracy : 7/10
Dynamic-Range/Transient : 6/10
Head-stage [W-H-D]: 6-5-5
Layering & Separation: 5.5/10
Stereo Imaging 5.5/10
Ambience : 5.5/10
Cleanliness: 6.5/10
Build/Comfort: 6/9
Value: 6/10 [AS TESTED]
Personal Enjoyment: 6/10
SETUP (As tested)
Stock Cable 4.4 PLUG
Spinfit CP100 (M)
Tanchjim SPACE (Main)/ xDuoo Link2BAL MK-I
DDHifi TC07S/BAT AUDIO OTG
====================================
7HZ Timeless feat Kinera Leyding [PLANAR]
Tuning : Neutral With Bass-Boost/Warm- Mild-V
= Quality =
Bass: 6.5/10 Mids: 6/10 Treble: 7/10
Male/Female: 5.5/6
= Technicalities =
Detail & Resolve: 7/7
Instrument Replay/Timbral Accuracy : 8/10
Dynamic-Range/Transient : 7/10
Head-stage [W-H-D]: 6.5-5-4
Layering & Separation: 6/10
Stereo Imaging 6.5/10
Ambience : 6/10
Cleanliness: 7/10
Build/Comfort: 6/9
Value: 8/10 [AS TESTED]
Personal Enjoyment: 7/10
SETUP (As tested)
Kinera Leyding 4.4 BAL PLUG
Spinfit CP100 (M)
Tanchjim SPACE (Main)/ xDuoo Link2BAL MK-I
DDHifi TC07S/BAT AUDIO OTG
Pros:
+ Pleasantly warm yet engaging.
+ Great note weight and density.
+ Good technical performer. Except for the staging.
+ Comfortable light-weight shell.
Cons:
- Not the cleanest sounding treble, a whiff of haze.
- Potential fatigue on longer listen.
- Only work best with warmer or clean dac/amp.
- Teased planar timbre.
- Perculiar head-stage (lacking depth)
====================================
SOURCE & GEARS
Native FLAC Files [44.1Khz 16bits-96Khz 24bits]Foobar2000 [Laptop] [Ugreen USB C Adapter]
Huawei P20 PRO [Phone][ App- Foobar2000]
Dongle DAC/AMP only :
Tanchjim SPACE
xDuoo Link2BAL
DDHifi TC07S
PLAYLIST (AS TESTED)
1982 Chicago – Hard to say I'm sorry.2003 NARUTO Original Soundtrack I – Wakiagaru Toushi
2008 K.will (케이윌) – 소원 (Great King Sejong OST Part.1)
2009 Maksim – Exodus
2010 Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou (OST) – Kokoro no Oku De Ha
2014 Grabbitz – Here with you now.
2014 BoA – MASAYUME CHASING
2014 Hyolyn – 안녕 Good bye
2015 K MISSING KINGS (OST) - New Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - Return of Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - If you die.
2017 Namie Amuro – Hope
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - In Pursuit Of
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - Lost Small World
2019 Blade & Soul (OST) – Half-Moon Lake
2019 CAROLE & TUESDAY VOCAL COLLECTION Vol.1 – Light a Fire
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – BAE – BaNG!!!
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – cozmez – Where They At
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – GET NAKED (Kiyoshi Sugo Remix)
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – again (MATZ Remix)
2020 premiere fleurs – プリンシパル
2020 Love Live! Nijigasaki – 朝香果林 (Karin Asaka) – VIVID WORLD
2020 Fujii Kaze – へでもねーよ”／Hedemo Ne-YoSeishun Sick
2020 King Gnu – 三文小説 ／Sanmon Shosetsu
2021 OWV – Fifth Season
2021 加藤 ミリヤ (Miliyah) feat. Yoshida Brothers – この夢が醒めるまで
2021 Official髭男dism – Cry Baby
2021 Chanmin BIJIN 美人 – Morning Mood
2021 門脇更紗 (Sarasa Kadowaki) – きれいだ
2021 Mirei Touyama – 美忘録
2021 SELECTION PROJECT Vol.1 – Only one yell -天沢灯ソロver.-
2022 Belle (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Million Miles Away (ENG vers.)
2022 rei (E-girls) – Dark Hero.
2022 rei (E-girls) – IDNY
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – Bleecker Chrome - You will shine
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – YOSHIKI EZAKI x Bleecker Chrome - UP
2022 BEAST TAMER (OST) – じんわり感じている幸せ
2022 Ado – 会いたくて
2022 Ado – 踊
2023 La prière - Sweet Dreams
2023 Bungou Stray Dogs 4th Season ED – Luck Life – しるし
2023 Genjitsu no Yohane – Far far away
2023 Genjitsu no Yohane – Hey, dear my friends
2023 Anna – 花のように (Hana no You ni)
2023 riria. – 貴方の側に (Anata no Soba ni)
Do take my words for what it’s worth. Afterall, I am just one man. ╮(╯▽╰)╭
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING! HAVE A GOOD DAY WHEREVER YOU ARE! TAKE CARE!
Disclaimer:
- This is a loaner unit. Big thanks to the @Edmund for making this possible!
If you like me to review your IEM/DAC/AMPS please hit me up:
https://www.facebook.com/DevaPainAkatsuki/
EXTRA PHOTOS
Letshuoer has provided a sample of the S15 planar IEM to Audio Reviews Downunder Australian tour group to assess and review and I would like to thank them for that.
The S15 is the company’s latest iteration of a planar driver after their success with the S12 and the S12 Pro. The S15 is tuned differently from its earlier cousins with a 6mm Passive filter, dual acoustic tubes and a new acoustic structure. While I don’t pretend to understand the technicalities of the design, (I’ll leave that to others) , I believe the object was to move away from the S12’s V shaped sound profile to a new, more natural organic sound to appeal to a wide range of listeners. We will see if they succeeded.
Firstly, to the IEM and the packaging. This would have to be the most premium packaging I have come across with high quality boxing with a slide out draw that holds three modular connector pins (2.5mm balanced, 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced) with a smooth cylinder in the same colour to the IEM containing an excellent modular cable and a range of ear tips. Two sets of silicone tips are supplied, described as "Vocal ear tips" and "Balanced ear tips" The cable has an excellent feel and while the ear hooks have a tight bend they anchor solidly to my ears. The S15 has a 3D resin shell with a aluminum faceplate and I find the design quite understated but elegant. The body is light and fits my ears very comfortably and I can wear it for extended periods without discomfort. It has an angled nozzle which also helps the fit.
I auditioned the Letshuoer S15 with my Hiby R3 saber with the 2.5mm balanced output and high gain selected. I was not happy with the supplied tips which had a soft core and were difficult to fit. After trying several brands, I settled on the TRN T tips which emphasis the clean vocals and gave the best soundstage. The IEM is easy to drive and not demanding but it did seem to sing better with a liberal application of volume. On the Hiby I ranged between a volume setting of 40 to 50 depending on the source tracks and how well they were recorded. Older 20th century music quite often needed higher volumes to bring out the best. Supertramp excluded!
The first impression is how full and punchy the S15 is. This is not a V shaped S12. It’s a totally different animal. It’s lush and warm but with great separation and presence. The sound is very natural with little evidence that you are listening to a planar driver. This would have to be one of the best bass performers in the planar category. For quantity, speed, refinement and impact the S15’s bass is first rate.
The track “God willin & the creek don’t rise” by Ray Montaine had a bass drum that sounds like a thunderclap with the S15. Ray’s vocals are forward and sweet and the rest of the band arranged around him in a medium soundstage. Left to right, the soundstage is moderately wide, not extending outside your head. Depth and height are moderate giving an intimate listening environment.
“California Soil” by London Grammar has got great depth and rumble. The percussion is sharp and clear and Hannah’s voice is centered in the soundscape, clear and natural sounding. Putting on some Daft Punk , we have deep rumble, thudding bass drum, a solid floor of bass guitar with clear funk guitars over a well defined male vocal. Very impressive.
'Sundream' by the Australian synth band Rufus Du Sol proves that the Letshuoer S15 is a versatile IEM rendering the synth drums and bass with correct weight and impact while the bell like synth sounds cut thru with crystal clarity. Other tracks prove the S15 can rock out with the best of them.
Conclusion
If you are considering investing north of $300 usd on an IEM you will expect superior sound quality for your money. With excellent bass delivery, forward and warm midrange, with great vocal delivery and detailed non fatiguing highs. The Letshuoer S15 will impress.
LETSHUOER S15 – 14.8mm planar driver IEM
LETSHUOER S15 – 14.8mm planar driver IEM
INSTAGRAM: LINK
Prelude:
I usually start my reviews with a short introduction, and this time will be no different. LETSHUOER is a company known for many innovative projects, including planar IEM headphones called s12 or their improved version s12pro. These are interesting products because they started the famous war of planar in-ear headphones and for a long time they held the leading position, or at least took a well-deserved place on the podium. Thus, the competition was developing strongly, outdoing each other in newer and newer projects. LETSHUOER looked closely at the competition and listened to what users thought. Finally, he decided to release another edition of his headphones based on a planar transducer, and that’s how the S15 model came to us. Together with new technologies in the form of an original sound pressure reduction system, an advanced acoustic crossover and a new version of the planar transducer, we were greeted by an increase in price to USD 329. So let’s see if such a price increase is justified.
Unboxing and ergonomics:
The new S15 headphones come to us in a neat cardboard packaging, the quality of the prints is very good, and the retractable lower part with accessories adds a sense of aesthetics. The headphones themselves are made of medical resin in a similar shape to the DZ4, so the build quality is impeccable and the metal front panel looks great. Overall, when it comes to build quality, it is undoubtedly premium, and the headphones are very comfortable. We also have documentation at our disposal, a blue case identical to the one in the DZ4 set, but in a color matching the headphones, it is a plastic screw-on can. The next element is a cable similar to the one from the s12pro, but slightly more flexible and with a set of three 4.4″ angle plugs; 3.5, 2.5 mm with a classic 0.78 mm plug. That’s it, it’s a sufficient set without unnecessary gadgets. I ran out of foams from the s12pro set, but apparently the manufacturer decided that the tuning was for a different type of tips. That’s why the set includes two types of tips: vocal and balanced. Overall, I really like the set and I really like the new LETSHUOER product philosophy.
Sound:
Test material:
Tidal Master, and your own files.
I used EarMen colibri and Angel as a reference device.
Okay, I’ve already briefly discussed what you can see with your eyes, it’s time to move on to the most interesting issue, because everyone is curious whether the S15 really sound so good to justify such a large price increase? For those who are impatient, I can say right now that these are the best planar IEMS on the market, and the competition does not even come close to the level of the s15.
Bass: There is no question of boredom, even on such a neutral and reference DAC/AMP as the EarMen colibri, the low tones were delightfully strong and hit the point strongly. The depth of the bass turned out to be amazing, which could be felt in electronic music and pop arrangements. The low tones were not overwhelming, but instead showed an excellent musical foundation. You could feel and hear all the benefits of the planar transducer. Additionally, the sound pressure reduction system effectively eliminated the feeling of fatigue and provided a smooth and consistent sound without loss of low frequencies. It reminded me a bit of the excellent pressure reduction system I encountered in the NXears sonata headphones. I didn’t feel overwhelmed or undersaturated in the bass range, as it sounded incredibly linear throughout its entire range. I really liked this. I have always liked planar drivers for their incredible technical abilities, but this was usually at the expense of the natural sound, just as armature drivers lacked that delicate warmth.
Midrange: Fortunately, in the s15 model, LETSHUOER took care not only of beautiful vocals and midrange, but also of a bit of non-obtrusive warmth, which effectively eliminates all the shortcomings of the planar transducer. The midrange, like the bass, sounds linear and clean, allowing you to literally enjoy the excellent vocal or instrumental layers. At the same time, the sound stage is the size of a listening room, the S15s sound wide and with very good depth, but they are far from artificially inflated sound, which is a good thing. The technical aspect is not overly demanding, instead the focus is mainly on musicality and the pleasure of listening to music. Together with a very even band, this gives excellent results:
Treble: The upper bands turned out to be brightened, but fit perfectly into the overall tuning of the s15. The number of instruments and separation are at the highest level. The high tones are neither harsh nor unpleasant. The higher diameter allows the instruments to build a realistic and pleasant experience. They may not be overly stretched, but thanks to their linearity and even presentation they maintain a coherent image. This can be especially noticeable when listening to instrumental music and music based on strings. The brightness and natural warmth in the presentation allow you to relax during long listening sessions. I mentioned at the beginning that in my opinion S15 are currently the best planar headphones available on the IEM market. So let’s move on to justifying this position
Comparisons:
LETSHUOER S15 (329USD) VS TIN P1 (169USD)
LETSHUOER S15 These are warmer and much more balanced headphones. Tin P1 were something of a pioneer when it comes to planar IEMs. However, they were very difficult to drive and suffered from a lot of treble. At the same time, the P1 provided an almost perfectly flat sound. S15 takes full advantage of the potential of planar technology. They offer much greater resolution, wider depth and much more resolution and maturity in sound. The S15 are less bright, smoother and much easier to control.
LETSHUOER S15 (329USD) VS TIN P1MAX (99USD)
Tin P1MAX is a great example of how well-implemented evolution can contribute to overall evolution. Strong sub-bass, excellent entertaining sound and a large amount of details made me unable to resist these headphones for a long time. However, the S15 sound more mature, much more scenic and, above all, equally charming with a beautiful midrange.
LETSHUOER S15 (329USD) VS LETSHUOER S12PRO (139USD)
S12Pro are great headphones, but their tuning was quite focused on the V plan. S15 are much more even and definitely more resolving. So I completely understand the price increase. With the higher price we get a significant improvement in performance, resolution and diameter. Increasing the balance of the sound resulted in excellent results. Of course, if someone prefers more bass, they may like the s12pro a bit more, but the s15 provide an amazing experience never seen before in the world of planar IEMs.
LETSHUOER S15 (329USD) VS KINERA CELEST PHHOENIXCALL (139USD)
LETSHUOER S15 are balanced and very even headphones, with strong bass, a lot of air and an excellent midrange. KINERA CELEST PHHOENIXCALL These are slightly sharper, more aggressive headphones. At the same time, I love both tunings and it all depends on our individual preferences.
Summary:
It’s hard to say anything bad about the S15’s design, and when it comes to sound, it’s consistent and coherent. The even tuning and incredible resolution provided by the planar driver are literally felt at every step. The stage has considerable depth and correct width, and the accessories are coherent and complete. At first I was surprised by the price of $329, but now I completely understand it. The tuning and quality of the S15 fully justify this, putting the S15 in the position of the undisputed leader. The S15 will work well in any genre of music and is not difficult to drive, but it benefits significantly from stronger sources. In fact, it’s hard for me to find any weak area of this project. Only fans of ultra-natural tuning may be surprised because the S15 focuses on entertainment and musical tuning with a bit of warmth, I personally like it very much, but you should remember it. Well done LETSHUOER for creating an amazing project that once again amazed me with its quality and functionality.
LETSHUOER S15 https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/letshuoer-s15.26854/review/32494/
Disclaimer
The S15 is my second IEM from Letshuoer, I got it for free with expectation of written impressions or review. All impressions are my own subjective thoughts, after having used T4 for some weeks.
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
About me and my gear used for the review
My audio preference is neutral with increased low end, mids can be forward but not too much. I can also handle some treble spikes if it is not excessive. I am a believer in having different tuned IEMs for different genres or moods instead of chasing the single perfect one.
Main music genres I listen to are Metal, Electronica, Jazz, Indy rock/metal, R&B, 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 and Minidisc.
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 wife has also played many instruments from string to wind instruments and also piano.
My current standard in Headphones is ZMF Verite Open and Beyerdynamic T1 G2.
My current favorites in IEMs are AüR Audio Neon Pro, Sound Rhyme DTE900 and 634ears Miroak-II. The NEON PRO has 10 BAs, and has a near perfect tonality for me on the brighter side. DTE900 is a tribrid with 1+4+4 config, tuned W shape being energetic and lush. Miroak-II is my favorite single DD, it has a warm and bassy sound that is also very natural sounding.
Gear used in the main rig is Topping E70 DAC together with the Topping A90 Discrete headphone Amp. I also have a Schiit Lokuis I can swap in if I want to do a little analogue EQ.
Portable gear used during the review is HIBY R6 Pro 2, Colorfly CMA M1P, Penon Tail, FIIO BTR7.
I have a good range of cables from Clan Audio, Penon, NiceHCK, XINHS, DUNU, Effect Audio and Gladiator Cables.
So what is the LETSHUOER S15
Letshuoer is a IEM brand that was founded in 2016 in China, they have had many well received releases.
This is their third planar IEM, their previous models have been S12 and S12 PRO. All of them utilize a 14.8mm planar driver, the S15 also has a 6mm R-Sonic Passive Filtering Module. There was some controversy at first since the early leaked posts called it a passive radiator, but the implementation has more to do with having more control of the ear pressure and air flow.
https://letshuoer.net/blogs/news/letshuoer-r-sonic-dynamic-harmonics
The quality of the shell is excellent and has a very nice texture to it, feels in a way more premium than most IEMs.
I also like the color very much, but I also understand it will not be to everyone's liking. The only thing I dislike is the faceplate, it looks cheap compared to the rest. As for ergonomics they are perfect for me, few brands have such a nice build and nozzle. They melt more or less away and don't stick that far out from the ears, the nozzle also has average size and good length without probing your brain.
As always the packaging is excellent, it feels like a more premium unboxing than most ChiFi IEMs. Accessories are also good, you get two sets of tips one for vocal and the other ones for balanced sound.
The provided modular cable looks and feels nice, and also has a secure connection on the modular part. My only gripe is that the ear hooks are too aggressive, making it less secure for me.
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...ve-filtering-module-hifi-wired-in-ear-monitor
Timbre
First off, what is Timbre?
From the Wikipedia:
The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Acoustical Terminology definition 12.09 of timbre describes it as "that attribute of auditory sensation which enables a listener to judge that two nonidentical sounds, similarly presented and having the same loudness and pitch, are dissimilar", adding, "Timbre depends primarily upon the frequency spectrum, although it also depends upon the sound pressure and the temporal characteristics of the sound"
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.
First session with S15 reminded me more of a dynamic driver than planar. I have tried a few planars but was never sold by the sound. Usually they were metallic and bright, I would also call them lifeless.
S15 has a richer and smoother sound, also a forgiving sound that is not tiresome. But can also be fast sounding and resolving, a very musical tuning to my ears.
Going to use the ranges here in review:
Details and soundstage
I dare say it's at the same level of resolution as some of the more resolving 1 DD IEMs, but due to the more forgiving upper range it also has no fake resolution. The dynamic range while good is not the best, and here dynamic drivers can be better.
Soundstage is average, I don't feel it sounds closed in and not that large. As for layering and imaging, it's okay but also here nothing spectacular.
Bass
Best planar bass I have tried, it has both a good slam and extension. But lacks a little on the texture, a little lifeless coming from great DDs for bass. But the S15 is also better than some dynamic drivers.
Sub bass extends low and can give you some good rumble, it lacks a little in the lowest sub bass pressure. Mid bass is much better and can give some really good slam, I was quite surprised by the low end as it's better than what I thought planar IEMs could do.
Mids
Midrange has nice tonality, it has some warmth but is also reserved and relaxed. With this I mean that it has good weight to vocals like males or cello playing, and on females it sounds clean but also not neutral and sterile. There is never any sibilance or shoutyness, this was my big downside on the earlier planars.
Treble
I find S15 airy and resolving in the highest range, it has great extension without being bright or sounding overly pushed to get fake air. As for the lower part of the treble, it sounds smooth and relaxed. Not dull by any means, just a forgiving and musical treble presentation.
Synergies
A small part about what gear I have been enjoying the most with the S15.
Most of my listening has been done with HIBY R6 Pro 2 and Topping E70/A90 Discrete, my favorite pairing being A90 Discrete. I also just got the Colorfly CDA M1P, it has a nice velvet like AKM sound and adds some organic elements to the S15.
Tips have been weird, I started with Spinfit CP100 and loved them. Then after a while I found them to not get the best staging capability of S15, changed to Divinus Velvet and it sounded much better. Another good pairing has been the Tangzu Sancai, just a balanced sounding tip with nice comfort.
Cables I am very neutral on in beliefs, I have tried both expensive cables from Effect Audio and cheap brands like XINHS and NiceHCK. I don't really find it to improve or change with cables, so my pairing has mostly been with a 16 core comfortable copper cable from NiceHCK.
Music
Just some music I have used while doing the comparison against my other IEMs and also against S12 PRO. I have also listened to a lot more during the evaluation progress, but this should give something for you to check out also.
Also check out the British and Dutch compilations, excellent trance releases.
Comparison to the little brother S12 PRO
The S12 is one of the first planar IEMs I tried, I liked the technical performance and comfortable shell. But this is where it stopped with the praise, I never liked the timbre of the S12. It sounded dry, metallic, sharp and unnatural. The S12 Pro improved it slightly but it was still not to my preference, this is also why S15 impressed at once when I got them.
The sound had a closer resemblance to dynamic drivers in the bass, touch of an organic element. The driver is still detailed and fast with short decay, in the low end. Where it changes is that the bass seems to have better texture and a more satisfying impactful low end.
Midrange has a little extra warmth and realistic midrange, the metallic sound is totally gone on S15. Vocals and clean and detailed, just lack some presence when compared to S12 PRO.
So midrange is about the same in resolution but sounds better on S15, due to the upper midrange being more forward the S12 Pro can have more presence going on without being more resolving.
High range is good on both, it's actually very similar. Has good presence of air in both, sound slightly more forced in S12 PRO. The S15 is maybe slightly more relaxed than the S12 in the high range.
Soundstage is okay on both, but it is not their strong side either. I find S12 Pro smaller than S15, separation and imaging is about the same. They both lack a little in the separation compared to good DD or BA sets.
The spider chart is slightly exaggerated on some points to show differences.
Conclusion
First planar that I want to keep in my collection, it's still planar technology and will lack the dynamic driver presentation. But this is much closer to a dynamic driver and sounds very natural. The S15 has refined the planar sound, and in my opinion deserved the higher price tag above the S12 Pro. Many of us have no problem buying a good expensive single dynamic driver IEM, so why can't we do the same with planar also.
Final ranking from me is a solid 4 of 5, that I find to be very good specially as a planar IEM.
Lets talk about the Lestshuoer S15 successor, replacement or evolution of the very well accepted S12, s12 Pro, Z12 line of IEM. It come in a medium sized box with a large array of very nice accessories. Let's start with the 3D printed case it is similar to the DZ4 made from hard plastic with a soft feel to it, it should provide adequate protection and storage of the S15. Personally, I would have liked a case they use more often but I can't fault it as it fits everything well. The unboxing presentation was very enjoyable and unique. The cable is very well made, looks good and is modular. Honestly, I couldn't ask for better. Comfort wise the fit will depend on the tips that are included you get two sets with three sizes and wide and normal bore. Isolation and comfort for me were excellent. Build is lightweight due to the 3D printed body. In all honesty these do not look the price, but performance is the draw here. That said I think they look cool, and the color is pretty.
Specifications:
Model: S15 Wired In-Ear Monitor
Sensitivity: 106dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz〜40kHz
Impedance: 30Ω
Chassis Material: 3D printed resin
Cable: 1.2m 216-strands silver-plated monocrystalline copper
Driver: 14.8mm Planar Driver + 6mm Passive Filtering Module
Sound Impressions: The S15 is a smooth and rich almost U-shaped planar IEM.
Bass:
The lower end is more Mid-Bass focused but Sub-Bass has excellent texture and a natural roll-off with a notable rumble but only as a footnote to the details as the majority of the bass is mostly neutral. Bass in general has a fine punch with an above average dexterity, and it is also well controlled with minimal leakage. It present warm and with a fine smooth detail.
Midrange:
The lower Mids are as smooth and rich as honey, such a lavish tone so pleasant with whatever I was listening to. The upper Mids present with good clarity and vocals both male and female are lush and smooth without missing important details. This S15 is far and so much different than its siblings the S12 and S12 pro.
Treble:
The highs will not impress the treble-head, but the sensitive will rejoice with glee. The Treble is relaxed and still presents with minimal sparkle and air, but it just avoids darkness and yet still manages to push out a fair amount of details that sound natural and clear.
Soundstage: is wide, I found it to be precise in imaging and with clear positioning where instruments were, congestion was not heard, and I do thin while not as huge as some others it would work well for gaming and movies on the go.
Afterthoughts:
The S15 is a quintessential example of a smooth and pleasant tuned IEM done right its warm lush tone goes well with all genres of music and compliments Jazz, LoFi and rock amazingly. It should be noted details are not missing just kept natural and not in your face. The separation, and placement are near perfect. Compared to other planar like the much brighter S12, the more balanced and rounded AS-one, and the more V-shaped MP145, the S15 has a unique take on the planar experience.
TONALITY: 9.5/10
TECHNICALITIES: 8.5/10
TIMBRE: 9/10
SOUNDSTAGE: 8.5/10
IMAGING: 7.5/10
CONSTRUCTION: 8/10
ACCESSORIES: 8.5/10
SOUND VALUE: 8.2/10
INTRO
Letshuoer don’t need a lenghty presentation, this China based earphones company has been around for near 10 years now.
We can say their best seller and most praised IEM is the S12 planar IEM that still is very popular nowadays even with growing planar IEM offering.
Today it’s the following of S12 legacy that I will review, which is the new S15 planar.
The S15 is priced 330$ and use thid generation 14.8mm planar driver in tandem with a 6mm passive filter module to permit a better contoled transient response and acoustic resonance.
Letshuoer has gain experience with passive radiator when they create the 3DD+1PR DZ4 IEM and push this tech further with R-Sonic patent. Planar IEM often have unwanted euphonic resonance and harmonic distortion, the R-Sonic filter module should improve this.
Let see in this review if the S15 is a planar that will stand apart in over crownded planar IEMs offering.
CONSTRUCTION&ACCESSORIES
The construction of S15 is made of of 3D printed plastic front housing with a CNC precision carved back metal plate. The design will be hit or miss in term of aesthetic but I find them good looking enough.
The front cavity housing has a smooth non slippy finish. Housing is quite light and while it don’t feel cheap, it don’t feel extremely sturdy or luxurious too.
The nozzle is rather short so it’s not thinked for deep insertion. It’s slightly angled and the fit is very comfortable.
2Pin connector are fully embeded in the housing, connection isn neither too loose or too tight.
The packaging is very well done and contain a very practical box that act like an IEM drawer chest. I like this creative idea a lot.
Then we are spoil with an excellent modular cable that I adore. It’s a 216 strands silver plated monocrystal copper cable which is braided and look very sturdy, it’s flexible and smooth and don’t create microphonic. One aspect I love a lot about this modular cable is the changeable L shape plug that come in 3.5mm single ended as well as 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced. A cable like this worth about 50-100$, so this sure participate to the price jump for S15.
Other accessories are the nice round and screwable carrying case and 6 pairs of ear tips in 2 model. I would have like even more ear tips because the short wide bore isn’t the perfect choice, this model has a bumpy nozzle end that don’t permit the sound to fully open unlike more common short wide bore ear tips that I suggest using. Personaly, my fav ear tips is the Penon Fan2 blue wide bore for this very IEM.
All in all, while I’m not particularly impress by the construction and accessories we get for 330$, at least we have an excellent modular cable that add some extra value to the package.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
(souce used: Tempotec V6 (crisper treble and cleaner, thighter bass, hint thinner mids), Hiby R6pro 2 (leaner dynamic, lighter bass), Questyle M15 (underpowered), Penon Tail (warmer, bassier, chunkier), Hifiman EF600 (wider taller spatiality, heavier note weight, lusher more fowards vocal), Questyle QP2R (underpowered), Xduoo XD05plus (more euphonic, can handle bass boost gloriously, bigger soundstage))
The S15 offer a smooth, bassy and lush tonality that I would call warm neutral with mid bass boost, or softed W shape with mellow punchy bass.
Those are bassy, thats for sure, but not basshead and when it come to mids and treble its among most buttery smooth treble with delicate crispness complementing the top, that in some degree, inflict on very wide and tall soundstage.
Highly immersive as well as lively in macro dynamic, the S15 are balanced sounding and let nothing behind while forcing nothing towards the listener too. Their no spike here, just bump in term of slight bass, mids and treble boost.
The special planar driver in tandem with a passive radiator driver and big sound chamber sure benefit the S15 musicality, which is effortless in sound layering, underlining a fast and clean transient speed that again isn’t forced or excited. Everything flow naturaly, organically, evenly.
While safely tuned, the authoritative bass as well as weighty and dynamic mids wake up the listener, without aggressing him with high pinna gain or upper mids brightness it’s able to extract body and tone of vocal or instruments presence in a tactile and captivating way. The presence is wide of those vocal and embrace the listener, it’s not thin and among most natural vocals you can get from a planar IEM.
Yes smooth neutral with lush mid bass boost, plenty of lower mids that sometime make me consider the S15 as mid centric, and a rich and soft treble, delicate with pinch of brilliance, no harsh grainy or fuzyness and a laid back dynamic that will more likely be fatigue free for most listener yet perhaps problematic for older audiophile with limited hearing range.
We aren’t in harman target territory, nor in any similar musicality to any other planar IEM. If I seek in my mind, first IEM that S15 make me think of is Final E5000, less basshead version with rounder, better layered and less loose slam. I think this tell a lot about how refined is the cozzy balance of the S15.
The bass is fast, round, chunky and tight. We have both hard thumping punch and vibrant sustain-release and rumble, free of boomy resonance. The tone is rich and warm, clean in it’s color, free of euphonic distortion and not very boosted in texturre edge, it’s more physical than cerebral.
This isn’t a 10db bass boost or above kind of basshead bass and headroom of the slam is control, it don’t bleed or dominate the spectrum and will only slip into lower mids naturally to feed fundamental harmonic.
It doesn’t feel detached like too U shape tuned IEM where we have boom without substance, this make it versatile for wide amount of music from jazz to classical to electronic and pop, the thump will be there well balanced but well carved in physical presence too. It’s not fatiguing too, sound pressure being rather low. The passive radiator seem to absorb extra resonance pressure and thicken the sustain-release of impact, very beautifully, juicy way like some will say since we are in sweet bass territory, anti dry and thin, anti distorted and sloppy.
Yet, don’t expect edgy definition, since this is polished bass.
The kick drum isn’t bright here, yet should it be electronic or acoustic kick the dynamic layering is very good with bass line as if we have 2DD dealing with low end.
I do think their just a slight sub bass roll off to avoid this resonance sustain.
Instrument like cello sound magnificent, fully bodied, lush and dense in timbre, smooth but vibrant in texture. Unlike some harman tuned IEM, I can’t mislead cello for violin since lower harmonic are feeding properly chord pitch.
As well, while volontarly smooth and warm in presence, the bass layering is very good and don’t mud macro dynamic, it do thicken it with extra layers in background but mids and treble build up upon it as if the S15 was a multi driver hybrid with 2BAs….and 2DD...ok, it begin to make a lot!
And now oh the mids those sweet highly addictive mids certainly mesmerize me and explain my overwhelming enthusiasm about S15. To say I wasn’t expecting that is an understatement, since it’s very first time I’m truly enamored about planar timbre when it come to mids, and that in a near neutral way, so without big compromise in term of bass warmth that will darken the resolution since in fact those are high fidelity mids for me, unforced or boosted in clarity, that will be the job of listener to dig in rich mid range and enjoy what he want in term of micro details, which aren’t fowarded at all and even smoothed.
Let’s begin by the female vocal which are the most enjoyable I’ve ever heard with any planar and notably smoother than Tangzu Zetian Wu and Raptgo Hook X HBB which offer very pleasant vocal.
Those vocal are upfront, wide and enveloping in presence release and lush, full of natural low harmonic breath, full of air color and richness. It’s vibrant more than loud, it’s free of any sibilance, any loud pinna gain or upper mids imbalance, yet dynamism is there, it doesn’t feel static and lifeless at all.
Like the female vocal, mae vocal have their own layering space, never sound thin and don’t suffer from timbre texture imbalance, they are lush too.
The saxophone sound superbly realist, wide open and dense in presence, not lipsy shoutyness nor thin rendering, texture is slightly softed yet velvety, not plain liquid, like the vocal it’s dense with clean air that vibrate within the pithc as it should. It don’t feel that saxophone pass thrue a mic, it feel it’s with you in the same room, not far away so fullness of air embrace you.
The whole mid range is extremely rich in sound info in a impressionistic yet not too hazy way, definition of each instrument is in their tone color band air density before the texture grain, it sound like open sound system mixing naturaly it’s soundwave and thickening it, without treble know turn to max up or down, just well balanced.
I can rave about the mid range sweetness and richness of S15 all day since it’s what make me go back to them so often, everytime Elina Duni or Arianna Savall voice come to my ears it’s pure bliss with great emotional reach, in that regard it’s a similar experience to my fav planar headphones, the Hifiman HE1000 V3.
When we go tone and timbre as well as note weight, the upgrade from S12 is sky high here, yet, with smoother treble.
This treble might be where some audiophile feel underwhelmed, especially treble head or sparkle lover.
Until now, their only one planar IEM I truly consider sparkly and it’s the Tinhifi P1plus, for this, we need clean airy tonality with very extended (and boosted) upper treble pass 10khz, while not fully roll off in upper highs, the S15 is sure slightly dark, yet it’s super transparent to source so if paired with ultra crisp and clean sounding DAP like the Tempotec V6, you can have ‘’digital sparkle’’, so this planar can produce some, it’s just tamed on top.
This isn’t an analytical treble, nor a thin one, even less so a scratchy one, it’s full sounding and a hint creamy, the attack lead have authority without feeling very edgy or abrasive, micro details can be found in the background but aren’t force at you. Think about a well amped Final E5000 with better sound layering for proper holographic positioning and your not far from S15 highs.
The treble isn’t too polish either, it’s not plain liquid so we will feel macro dynamic is all glued togheter, the snare have proper edge and impact but percussions are softed in brilliance and attack sharpness, they are round not traingle in sustain-release.
Splash cymbals release is natural but not boosted in loudness, so it avoid splashy harshness.
Instrument like violin or saxophone sound wonderfully bodied and natural in timbre with a tactile attack lead and wide presence, it’s not compressed nor shouty.
Even acoustic guitar sound good, which confirm the versatility of highs balance, we have a sens of fullness and enough minimal brilliance for proper attack bit, the release don’t have boosted echo. It’s more with instrument like harpsichord that I feel it lack a bit of crispness, but it’s again evident that note weight is effortleslly natural with S15 too as well as rightness of tone that don’t scoop fundamental of chord since this instrument don’t sound recessed, lean or dry like it do with so so much IEMs.
All in all, I find the treble very refined and perfectly balanced within rest of frequency, it’s smooth without being dull or lifeless too, which is a tour de force in it’s own right.
The Soundstage is quite impressive too, though not the end word of open spatiality like Hidizs MP145 or Raptgo Hook X HBB. Well amped the S15 sure sound out of your head and above average in term of wideness and tallness, but not very deep, clean or airy.
This mean imaging isn’t mind blowing too, the sound layering is great and permit an holographic macro dynamic the listener can travel in, but it feel a bit foggy in back ground when bass occur or mid range instrment like vocal take the lead the wide presence will blur definition edge of other instrument in similar range. With instrumental musical like classical, the imaging improve, so this isn’t very previsible yet I would never ever suggest the S15 for monitoring purpose.
Side Note:
At 30ohm of impedance and 105db of sensitivity, the S15 aren’t hardest planar IEM to drive yet will tremendously scale up with higher amping power. This will mostly translate in dynamic rendering which will gain in note weight and sound layering articulation, the bass too will extend deeper and rounder. It can sound moe flat and distant with dongle or DAP that offer less than 200mW@32ohm of amping power.
But the S15 is transpaent to source too and I was positively surprise by an unexpected pairing with the Tempotec V6 that I consider bass light, since bass isn’t lacking with the S15 the V6 clean lower mids warmth and deepen soundstage, it add sens of air and sparkle on top to, so a clean source is suggested to get all technical goodness of S15, clean and powerfull because V6 offer 610mW-4Vrms balanced output. Pairing S15 with Hiby R6pro2 wasn’t as engaging and dynamic feel compressed and lean.
The ear tips choice is very important too, I suggest wide bore ear tips and my fav is the Penon Fan2 blue wide bore ear tips, it fully open spatiality and avoid dynamic to go mixed up or compressed.
In term of cable, the stock one is excellent and don’t justify urgent upgrade so I haven’t play this game further, I mean, I do feel it had just a slight warmth and boost to mid bass but nothing intense. Lately I pair them with new Simgot LC7 excellent cable and bass is a bit more edgy and clean and treble a tiny bit crisper, mids aren’t as lush though, leaner and more transparent I would say. At they end, I prefer stock cable in term of pairing.
COMPARISONS
VS LETSHUOER S12 (1x 14.8mm planar-110$)
Oddly enough even if I find the S15 notably better in balance, they are slightly bassier than S12 which offer a brighter V shape with more proeminent upper mids edgyness.
What hit first is how more open and articulate in macro dynamic is the S15, when I go from S12 to S15, the spatiality stretch a lot in wideness as well as a sens of 3D holographic musicality.
And that in a smoother, more laid back and immersive way, S12 is overall less W shape in the sens mid range is more lean and recessed, yet brighter and can go louder in vocal without being as near the listener, so singer feel screamy and even sibilant, their sudden loudness peak that surprise negatively my ears which never happen with S15 lusher and thicker mid range.
But let’s begin with the bass, this is where it’s evident S15 is superior in both tone naturalness and fullness and attack speed and control. While less bassy, the S12 is more boomy and the kick is brighter, more grainy, less round, bass is thinner especially in sub bass extension which cut up faster, we have less rumble and bass line are all about bright texture. Transient speed is more excited and loose, not as elastic is the planar driver too, S15 bass feel like we have a whole DD that cover this spectrum, roundness is tactile and impact is more felt, less sloppy in its boom even if juicier in timbre, this mean bass is more transparent in layering too, less sticked to a bright whole like the S12 that sound more unidimensional.
I’ve never been a big fan of S12 mids and thats the opposite for S15, I adore them in term of planar rendering, firstly the layering is more spacious and transparent, since timbre is less boosted and dirty in texture grain, S15 timbre is more natural and buttery, female vocal are bit leaner yet more forward on the stage, nearer the listener while less excited in upper mids loudness so when soprano go high pitch it don’t pierce my ears like with S12 more scratchy mids as well as more compressed in presence. S12 mids are more edgy, thinner, sibilant, shoutier and compressed in imaging, ultimately they are less refined in balance as well as half cook in tone for more instruments, so less versatile too. Note weight is heavier for instrument like piano, toms, clavichord with S15 too, underlining a superior macro dynamic articulation and lower harmonic distortion.
Now S12 teble is sure brighter as well as more excited in attack, less well controled and balanced, percussions can dominate the mix more and are more prompt to splashy release. Again, more edgy are the highs yet less brilliant even if S15 offer sparkle in delicate way I feel treble extend furter and add more air while S12 had more crunch than snap to attack and have a more distorted sustain-release. S15 treble is still darker and not as aggressive and spiky, but we can dig for sound info that S12 will blur with micro distortion and noise, so at they end we have a cleaner treble with S15 even if mid range dominate more the scene, which is normal, we aren’t suppose to have a percussionist in front of singer.
S12 clarity is more boosted, snare and drum are more edgy in definition, less smoothen, more adequate for treble head or those that want the micro details upfront, to the cost of ruining mid range focus, fullness and naturalness. From violin to saxophone to acoustic guitar, the S15 might lack a bit of attack lead energy but offer fuller and more natural tone for all instrument. It’s truly a master of tone.
Soundstage wise, S15 is way wider and taller and S12 feel stock in your head, less open and holographic.
Imaging of both isn’t monitor level, but sound layering has vaster space to dig in, its more realist too and positioning is less compressed making it easier to read the stage where your put in the middle with S15 while you in front of wall of sound with S12.
All in all, this is among wordiest comparison have done...but S15 is way more natural in balance, and even if more bassy its more mid centric, lusher and while less boosted in treble to achieve fake high resolution, S15 offer superior performance from less distorted attack, more extended bass and treble, to higher sens of transparency, less noisy timbre or background, but warmer and smoother balance might lack treble vividness for some, not me since I find laid back treble very refined.
VS HIDIZS MP145 (1x14.5mm planar-160$)
MP145 is among my fav planar IEM right now and soundstage wise they are still unbeatable even if S15 is very close center stage where mids belong are more upfront so sens of depth isn’t as pushed as well upper treble being more smoothen MP145 is more airy and sparkly.
Both these IEM are bassy and well balanced within their own signature but MP145 is evidently more U shape and a hint more boosted in sub bass boost.
The bass is quite different, it have wide more resonant slam, it’s less round and thick as S15, but separation is wider with MP145, lower mids more scooped and mid bass is thinner too, not as tactile in roundness nor as weighty in punch, it’s again underlining more overall U shape balance and while sub bass is more resonant and wide, it’s thinner too, less vibrant and less elastic and meaty.
The mids or MP145 are more recessed, thinner, brighter, a bit similar to S12 in fact but more open. Timbre has this planar dry grain that isn’t present with S15, vocal are notably more bodied and natural sounding and presence embrace listener without this upper mids push imbalance, we have more fundamental harmonic to glue togheter whole tone or chord of vocal and instrument. S15 is more mid centric yet smoother in brighness mean resolution isn’t as boosted as well as texture grain in presence.
MP145 mids are crisper, edgier and more prompt to slight harshness or sibilance from upper mids, vocal and natural timbre lover will prefer S15 without a doubt.
And now the treble which impress me with MP145 is notably more boosted and spiky, it’s more snappy and airy too, as well as sparkly. Micro details as well as percussions are more forwards and bright in extraction, while we need to dig and find it in the back of crowded center stage with the S15. Treble head will certainly prefer MP145 since wow effect is there when it come to fast edgy snappy percussions and crisp airy restitution of harp or acoustic guitar which are sharply define.
The Soundstage is slightly wider and taller with MP145 and way deeper too, In that regard, it’s still the king of open airy spatiality.
Imaging is superior with the MP145 too, we have more space between instrument and layers, transparency of bass line permit better layering with kick drum, positioning definition is edgier and better perceive too. I’m a bit surprise.
All in all, the S15 is like a more mid centric and warmer version of MP145 with darker and safer treble, balance is more organic as a whole and technical performance wise, their thing that S15 win like less excited attack control but MP145 sound more technical and analytical and since imaging is better ill give it to them even if tonaly wise I find the S15 more natural and cohesive, and never making me find instrument sound a bit wonky like it can happen with MP145.
VS RAPTGOP HOOK X HBB (1planar+1piezo-260$)
I’ll be more concise with this comparison because the Hook X HBB is sold out, which is quite a shame because it’s only hybrid planar around here and an excellent that pass test of time for me and still beat near all other single planar IEM out there.
Overall tuning feel more U shape bass wise with the Hook and just a notch bright and more W shape and term of sub bass, upper mids and upper treble spike.
I feel it use same planar driver as the S12 and MP145 since timbre texture has this subtle extra noisy grainy sheen they all have, its more evident in scratchyness of breath release as if the diaphragm was made of sand paper. But thats super subtle, yet, its part of the ‘’brightness perception’’ too.
Then sub bass is more boosted and have longer sustain in rumble with the Hook, it’s more boomy overall, similar to MP145 but thicker and bass line can dominate more the mix than S15 rounder juicier bass.
Mids is where S15 prevail, they are less recessed, vocal are again way more natural, fuller in presence and less aggressive in pinna gain and upper mids brightness, the harmonic ‘’hole’’ I perceive in MP145 is there, though not as paper thin. Definition of instrument is brighter, less lush and liquid, less hazy too, more open and sharply carved in soundscape. Male vocal are thinner too. Overall timbre feel harsher. Resolution is higher and imaging as well as layering is more readable with better contouring.
Treble is more airy, snappy and bright with the Hook. It have more attack bite and more air. Its more boosted and extended and detailed. Percussions are fully extract while more delicate and dark with the S15.
Soundstage is slight wider and taller and notably deeper with the Hook.
Imaging is notably better too, less hazy, sharper in positioning and more vivid in sound layers separation.
All in all, tonality is quite different and conclusion is similar to MP145 here, the S15 is more mid centric and smoother in balance, more laid back and fatigue free for long listening yet less noisy and bright in timbre too. I would tend to conclude S15 is superior in everything but treble extension and speed as well as soundstage size and imaging. What a shame the Hook is now discountinued!
CONCLUSION
When I’m too wordy in sound impressions and comparaisons, it often mean I adore the IEM I review. This is the case with Letshuoer S15 and let say it: even if I’ve tested S12, DZ4, EJ07M and EJ09, in term of musicality these are by far my favorite.
The S15 are the most natural sounding planar IEM I’ve ever heard and deliver lushest and most beautifulland smooth female vocal too. They aren’t tuned to sound technical or blow the mind of listener with analytical micro details boost, but to deliver a cohesive effortless balance of whole frequency range without putting in shadow low, mids or treble, nor over boosted any part so it will dominate whole spectrum.
Letshuoer has retune the S15 after listener feedback of first version and they do well, they achieve a musicality that sit between mature and fun which is highly immersive for long hours of pleasure without problematic aggressive treble peak that would create hearing fatigue.
Not only this is a most have for vocal lover seeking the perfect planar IEM for this task, but bass lover too will be in heaven due to meaty low end that can produce vibrant juicy rumble when asked for.
Sure, the price isn’t as competitive as it’s little brother S12, so in term of pure sound benefit you pay the extra money for something else since unlike S12, you will not need to mod the S15 to get appealing mids without upper mids harshness or sibilance.
All in all, the S15 is among my favorite IEMs of 2023 so it’s certainly HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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PS: I want to thanks Letshuoer for sending me this review sample. I don't participate to affiliated program nor get any money with adds or official sponsoring from this company. As always, those are my independant minded subjective audio impressions.
You can order the Letshuoer S15 for 329$ directly from official Letshuoer website here:
https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...ve-filtering-module-hifi-wired-in-ear-monitor
NymPHONOmaniac
@Trance_Gott oh really, very nice to know. 330$ is a more logical price than 460$.....and lets not talk about insane 1300$ price of the Euclid lol. tx god ChiFi exist for us simple humans!
i really love S15 tonality and bass is among roundess one i heard among 12 planars IEM i own...juicy non grainy way, which is quite unexpected. feel like a DD+planar IEM, warmly tuned.
Nice review mate.
i really love S15 tonality and bass is among roundess one i heard among 12 planars IEM i own...juicy non grainy way, which is quite unexpected. feel like a DD+planar IEM, warmly tuned.
Nice review mate.
dharmasteve
I'm sure the S15 is an upgrade on the S12. I really love and supported the S12, but the price increase for the S15 is a disgrace. Others will follow suit, bringing other Planar IEMs to that unaffordable place. Disgraceful. Letshuoer are doing nothing for the true HiFi community and Head-fi community. A real kick in the HiFi you know what's. My faith in Letshuoer has totally gone.
chaotic_angel
hi @NymPHONOmaniac have you tried or owned Dethonray Tender planar iem?
