LetShuoer Audio
Sponsor: LETSHUOER
LETSHUOER will introduce three to four new products to celebrate the 8th anniversary of the company, and S08 is the first product soon to be released. S08 incorporates the design language of the number "8" in its panel design, available in black and silver versions to meet different aesthetic preferences.
It features a fourth generation dual-coil custom 13mm planar magnetic driver. We are convinced that quite a few people will surely be reminded of LETSHUOER’s S-series IEM. Will its listening experience be similar S12 and S15? What will be the differences?
How will the bass resolution be? How about the mids performance? Will the treble be very smooth?
Stay tuned for more details and exclusive previews in the coming days. Be the first to experience this amazing new IEM and embrace the ultimate in audio excellence when it hits the market on June 24th!
How will the bass resolution be? How about the mids performance? Will the treble be very smooth?
Stay tuned for more details and exclusive previews in the coming days. Be the first to experience this amazing new IEM and embrace the ultimate in audio excellence when it hits the market on June 24th!
Letshuoer S08
First session with S08 reminded me a lot of the S15, also after comparing they have a lot in common. I would call the S08 a mini version of their flagship planar.
Both have a tonality that reminds me more of a dynamic driver than planar, especially if you compare it with the S12 Pro and some other older planars. Some of this is probably just due to tuning, since the upper mids are not as aggressive and sharp on S08 and S15.
As reference the S08 has a richer and smoother sound than the S12 Pro, a more forgiving tuning that is not tiresome.
Disclaimer
I got the S08 for free in return for writing about it, I am free to say whatever I want. Actually unsure if if this is to early or not to share.
All impressions are my own subjective thoughts after having used them for a good time. These are my thoughts at this moment, and as time moves I might change my opinion.
Details and soundstage
It's about the same level of resolving as other good planars, it also manages this without resorting to bright upper mids to push clarity. The planar transients are very fast, but this is also a downside for some as it can sound a little lifeless. The S15 does sound a little more resolving and clear than the S08, especially when diving into the most fast and heavy metal music.There is also that extra softness on S15 while the S08 is a little crisper, possible due to the shell material.
The soundstage is okay, I don't feel it sounds closed in and not that large. As for layering and imaging, it's okay also.
Bass
S08 has one of the best quality planar bass I have tried, it has both good slam and extension. But lacks a little on the texture, a little lifeless coming from great DDs for bass. Compared to the S15 they are very similar. But there is something extra on S15, maybe just since the shell is softer material or since they have the 6mm R-Sonic Passive Filtering Module.
Sub bass extends low and can give you some good rumble, it lacks a little in the lowest sub bass. Mid bass is better and can give some really good slam, work better with speedy music like rock and metal than playing classical.
Mids
Midrange has nice tonality, it has some lushness and is also relaxed. With this I mean that it has good weight to vocals or instruments, and on brighter instruments or vocals it sounds clean but not shouty and forward projecting. There is never any sibilance or shoutyness to me, this was my big downside on the earlier planars.
Also means it might not be good for the ones who love IEMs with the description: Female poison.
Treble
The treble is clear and not tiresome on S08, it's softer and less airy than the S15. Or both have careful and soft treble, just that the S08 is even more so.
Lack some bite for me to be perfect in the highs, but this depends also how much you can hear up top.
Accessories and packaging
Packaging and accessories are very similar to other Letshuoer models, the cable is brown and I assume a cheaper version than the one that is in S15 and their Cadenza4. Cable is till modular but straight instead of angled jacks, the modular connection is secure. Cable is also soft and subtle, not too heavy or light.
You get the hard puck that is large enough for storage of the IEM and cable, you would need a small dongle if you also want that to fit in here.
The S08 has two types of silicon tips with different tonality, balanced and vocal.
Music
And as usual I need to give some music that find good on S08
https://tidal.com/browse/album/339373889?u
https://tidal.com/browse/album/357926576?u
https://tidal.com/browse/album/367578589?u
https://tidal.com/browse/album/353072963?u
Ergonomics and design
The shell is small and nice, and more ergonomic than some other planars like S12 Pro and MP145. Shell is very similar to the S15 in size, actually it is even smaller as they have shaved off some of the height. ‘
Many disliked the S15 for the blue 3D printed resin and how the faceplate looks, the S08 went a much safer way in the design. This time it's one color either silver or black, and it's made in what feels like brushed aluminium. It is a little colder to the touch due to this, but also probably makes it more robust.
For me the S15 sit better in my ear as it's a little larger, but this will be the other way around for smaller ears.
Conclusion
I find the S08 an easy recommendation for one who wants to get a good planar IEM, the sound is both inoffensive and fun. You also get decent accessories, and the IEM itself is small and ergonomic.
Zeppelin said on Instagram that the price is $129, and know its mentioned here even at an even lower price. At this price S08 is one of the best planars, at least for me and I bet many others also.
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Tamirci
Member of the Trade: mobileaudiophile
The Letshuoer S08 marks an improvement in planar IEM technology, offering a balanced and refined sound signature. Known for its innovative driver technology, the S08 delivers an engaging and versatile listening experience. Here’s a look at its performance in bass, midrange, and treble, along with the pros and cons of this impressive IEM.
Disclaimers: This unit is sent as a loaner for Letshuoer to launch AG’s Turkey tour. I sincerely thank all parties involved.
Sound Quality
The S08 caught my attention with its dark background, strong extension, and organic keyboard tonality. In smooth jazz, the SE plug performance felt somewhat fragile, but in symphonic metal, it filled the hearing space well even at moderate volumes. The S08 corrects many of the S12's shortcomings, leaning more into its planar nature with reduced bass production.
The extensions are impressive with cymbals, East Asian percussion, and string instruments. The bass guitar sounds lean but well-represented. While there's a slight approach to sibilance, tracks like The Aristocrats showcase good slam. Dubstep displays strong sub-bass, and Hans Zimmer's "Circle of Life" highlights the musicality and wide soundstage. The S08 shows potential for neutrality, adapting well to different genres.
Bass
The S08's bass is a significant improvement over the S12. It’s tighter and more controlled, offering a cleaner low end without overwhelming other frequencies. It performs well in genres like smooth jazz and dubstep, providing deep, clear sub-bass.
Midrange
The midrange is a strong point for the S08, delivering natural and lifelike sound. Instruments and vocals are clear and detailed, making it suitable for various musical styles. Tracks like Hans Zimmer's "Circle of Life" benefit from the rich, immersive midrange.
Treble
The treble on the S08 is clear and detailed, with good extension. Cymbals and high frequencies are well-represented without harshness. There is a slight approach to sibilance, but overall, the treble is engaging and dynamic.
Pros__
- Improved Bass Control: Tight and controlled bass that complements various genres.
- Rich Midrange: Natural and lifelike sound that adapts well to different musical styles.
- Crisp Treble: Clear and detailed highs with impressive extension.
- Versatile Sound: Suitable for a wide range of genres.
- Wide Soundstage: Immersive and spacious sound experience.
Cons__
- Slight Sibilance: Treble can approach sibilance, though generally well-controlled.
- Volume Instability in Vocals: Minor inconsistencies, especially with high-pitched vocals.
- Lean Bass in Some Genres: Bass might feel lean in genres like smooth jazz.
Conclusion
The Letshuoer S08 is a significant improvement over the S12, offering a balanced and versatile sound signature. With improved bass control, rich midrange, and crisp treble, it adapts well to various genres and provides an engaging listening experience. Its wide soundstage and detailed sound make it a great choice for audiophiles looking for quality planar IEMs.
Disclaimers: This unit is sent as a loaner for Letshuoer to launch AG’s Turkey tour. I sincerely thank all parties involved.
Sound Quality
The S08 caught my attention with its dark background, strong extension, and organic keyboard tonality. In smooth jazz, the SE plug performance felt somewhat fragile, but in symphonic metal, it filled the hearing space well even at moderate volumes. The S08 corrects many of the S12's shortcomings, leaning more into its planar nature with reduced bass production.
The extensions are impressive with cymbals, East Asian percussion, and string instruments. The bass guitar sounds lean but well-represented. While there's a slight approach to sibilance, tracks like The Aristocrats showcase good slam. Dubstep displays strong sub-bass, and Hans Zimmer's "Circle of Life" highlights the musicality and wide soundstage. The S08 shows potential for neutrality, adapting well to different genres.
Bass
The S08's bass is a significant improvement over the S12. It’s tighter and more controlled, offering a cleaner low end without overwhelming other frequencies. It performs well in genres like smooth jazz and dubstep, providing deep, clear sub-bass.
Midrange
The midrange is a strong point for the S08, delivering natural and lifelike sound. Instruments and vocals are clear and detailed, making it suitable for various musical styles. Tracks like Hans Zimmer's "Circle of Life" benefit from the rich, immersive midrange.
Treble
The treble on the S08 is clear and detailed, with good extension. Cymbals and high frequencies are well-represented without harshness. There is a slight approach to sibilance, but overall, the treble is engaging and dynamic.
Pros__
- Improved Bass Control: Tight and controlled bass that complements various genres.
- Rich Midrange: Natural and lifelike sound that adapts well to different musical styles.
- Crisp Treble: Clear and detailed highs with impressive extension.
- Versatile Sound: Suitable for a wide range of genres.
- Wide Soundstage: Immersive and spacious sound experience.
Cons__
- Slight Sibilance: Treble can approach sibilance, though generally well-controlled.
- Volume Instability in Vocals: Minor inconsistencies, especially with high-pitched vocals.
- Lean Bass in Some Genres: Bass might feel lean in genres like smooth jazz.
Conclusion
The Letshuoer S08 is a significant improvement over the S12, offering a balanced and versatile sound signature. With improved bass control, rich midrange, and crisp treble, it adapts well to various genres and provides an engaging listening experience. Its wide soundstage and detailed sound make it a great choice for audiophiles looking for quality planar IEMs.
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Sub 100$?? Well, you guys are definitely going to up the game now. Loving the S08!!
Tamirci
Member of the Trade: mobileaudiophile
Yeah! İf it is set at that price.
The planar used in the S08 is peak performance for the price of the S08. They did well with what I would consider a neutral-warm all rounder tuning. This was using my preferred Spinfit W1 tips since I couldn’t get a good seal with the stock tips. My ears are picky. I’m very happy with the performance and I’ll have a review ready soon!
SilverEars
Headphoneus Supremus
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any frequency response measurements? I haven't seen a good responsed planar iem yet. All I want is normal sounding planar, not some wonky response.
Under $100 sweet!
Here is my initial impression of the S08, impressive nevertheless:
NymPHONOmaniac
Headphoneus Supremus
Oh....nice to see the S08 on Headfi front page. These are good and i was waiting confirmation they are sub-100$ before publishing my review.
now its done, so there is my S08 review:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/letshuoer-s08.27315/reviews
these are like easier to driver and notch punchier S15, its not as mid centric yet not far to be, its one of those warm musicality that can feel mid centric or bassy V shape depending of music style and dynamic. and dont sound too dark. planar tend to offer an holographic sound experience too, which i enjoy alot.
Letshuoer are no1 company in term of planar IEM timbre and mids smoothness and fullness imo (apart S12, but they learn fast!)
keep up the good work and i cant wait to discover your 3 other new products to come!
Happy 8th year anniversary! Wish you well deserve success.
now its done, so there is my S08 review:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/letshuoer-s08.27315/reviews
these are like easier to driver and notch punchier S15, its not as mid centric yet not far to be, its one of those warm musicality that can feel mid centric or bassy V shape depending of music style and dynamic. and dont sound too dark. planar tend to offer an holographic sound experience too, which i enjoy alot.
Letshuoer are no1 company in term of planar IEM timbre and mids smoothness and fullness imo (apart S12, but they learn fast!)
keep up the good work and i cant wait to discover your 3 other new products to come!
Happy 8th year anniversary! Wish you well deserve success.
Great review! I agree the S08 is a stellar set. I will be waiting to publish my own review once I know the official price but it's already highly recommended from me at $100 so anything under is just icing on the cake.
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Deckard001
100+ Head-Fier
Any preference/comparison between S08 and MP145?
I am on it, will have my comparison out tomorrow.
But from what I can see, MP145 with it's balanced filter is a lot more technically capable, with the bass/red filter it's still a better IEM.
I stand corrected, The S08 is definitely not the inferior IEM to the MP145 and is easily the better IEM in a few areas.
I was surprised.
Here is my comparison review video:
I was surprised.
Here is my comparison review video:
