Letshuoer is a rising star in the audio world, known for their impressive planar IEMs. Recently, they ventured into the portable DAC/AMP space with the Letshuoer DT03. After spending some time with this device, I have to say, it’s quite an impressive piece of equipment. The DT03 offers a significant upgrade in sound quality, making it a valuable addition to any audio setup. Below, I’ll share my detailed first impressions and review of the DT03, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.
Disclaimer: This is a touring unit from Letshuoer. I thank both Letshuoer and AG
The DT03 immediately stood out to me with its dual ESS SABRE ES9219C DAC chips, which support PCM up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD256. The CNC-milled aluminum alloy body gives it a premium feel, and the RGB LED sampling rate indicator adds a nice touch. It comes with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, providing ample power for a wide range of headphones. With high and low gain settings, it can easily adapt to different listening scenarios.
Unboxing DT03
Now let’s dive into real life performs in various aspects.
S12
Instrument tracking has significantly improved, and the separation has increased. I can distinguish each instrument individually. The vocals have gained a 3D image. Dynamics have noticeably risen, and most importantly, as I mentioned in my previous S08 review, the bass bloat in the S12 has substantially decreased. The treble has become more encompassing depending on the song. In other words, it reminded it once again that itself, the S12 is a planar! It highlighted and brought to life all solo vocals, whether the main genre is smooth jazz or EMO. Like with the EA1000, it added fresh energy and excitement.
Samsung A54 and S12
First of all, I must state that I wanted to check out its real enhancement power by using a relatively weaker source. So, I connected the DT03 to a business-oriented smartphone. Immediately, the 3D imaging was striking; it felt like Olivia Newton was dancing and singing right in front of me. The jazz tracks sounded full, clear, and transparent, with excellent extension and energy. It’s worth noting that I don’t usually listen to smooth jazz, but the DT03 managed to elevate its performance significantly. In dubstep, the bass was fast and thumpy, and the sub-bass effects were pronounced, which is impressive given the modest source. The tonality received a noticeable boost in rock music as well. The DT03’s enhancement really shone through, making every genre more enjoyable and lively.
S15
Now for the first BAL experience. Without using the DT03, when listening from the R4, as the song becomes more complex, the difference between the background and the vocals often disadvantages the instruments. The instruments are more pronounced than on the S12. The vocals are better. Everything, including the bass, is balanced. It gives a romantic touch to the strings but lacks vitality. However, it performs admirably in genres like drum’n bass. But when I connect it to the 4.4 input of the DT03, those strings come to life. The vocals are already spotlighted like on the S12. The instruments gain volume with softer edges than on the S12. But the rises and falls needed for dynamics become fantastic. Whether listening to RATM or Asian Dub Foundation, this IEM delivers the greatest satisfaction when this chain is set up. Especially the organic Far Eastern percussions make me grateful to listen to the S15 planar cannon! At that tempo, such small diameter percussions couldn’t sound this natural.
AFUL MagicOne
Here we have the performance of a single BA packed with many micro R&D applications, playing magically like its name suggests. Let’s see what touch the DT03 brings. In live blues rock, due to its structure, the stage projection is small in every dimension. But the fun is high. In acoustic music, especially with organic high-pitched percussions, it is lively. It gives the musician’s voice, which I have heard live many times, smoother than usual. But its ability to present electronic music wider and thumpier than the R4 honors the nature of this genre.
Pilgrim
In the third BAL experience, I’m using the Pilgrim, which I recently reviewed. Compared to what I’ve listened to so far with the DT03, I’m getting an extraordinarily wide and voluminous stage. In blues rock, everything is natural, as if they are performing around me. The Doors have a similar vibe. Stage-wise, I hear different things below to my left and above to my right. All organic instruments can be distinctly noticed. In electronic music, the fun atmosphere gives way to a bit of seriousness.
Yanyin Canon
For the fourth BAL experience, I have the Yanyin Canon, which I’ve always loved and preferred over the 2nd model. All switches are at 000. With the DT03, I hear the seriousness given by the Pilgrim in more lively blues rock music. Instruments weakened compared to the MagicOne. But in acoustics, the vocals actually came back. The guitar strings could already be distinguished individually, and the DT03 added a vital touch to this. It also took the electronic bass to an OMG level. This is what thumpy means. If I listened for a long time, I’d feel like I’d been beaten up.
Hisenior MEGA5 EST
Another BAL experience with an earphone that beautifully implements EST technology. Most hits/flows/words end crisply like on the Simgot SuperMix 4 I wrote first impressions here and the Letshuoer DT03 allows its other drivers to reach their potential. But I can’t hear the wind instruments as voluminously. Clearly, it didn’t work for this. However, its near-masterpiece performance in drum’n bass makes up for it. The DT03 wings these speed-loving IEMs and lets them soar. Additionally, it brings out details in playback better. This highlights effects, percussions, and auxiliary instruments, providing a fuller experience.
AKG K240 600Ω
I set up this rig not to listen, but just to give the Letshuoer DT03 a good power test. With the R4 in bit-perfect mode and both devices set to H gain, -12.7 dB hardware volume control gives enough power to make this endgame monster sing. Honestly, it creates a broad sound field unlike any IEM I’ve tried so far, even though it struggles. Further adjustments only increase the volume and push it into the sound wall, losing dynamics. From all this, we can understand that if you want to listen to these headphones decently with a $250 DAP and a $100 dongle, you’ll manage with a sound level corresponding to around 65% of the general volume setting. It can go higher, but at the cost of sound quality.
Looking at all this, the Letshuoer DT03 significantly enhances the overall listening experience by improving instrumental separation, dynamics, and reducing bass bloat. It brings out the best in both planar and balanced armature IEMs, making each note clearer and adding a 3D image to the vocals. With high gain settings, it excels in delivering precise, impactful sound in both electronic and acoustic music, adding life and energy to the performance.
Round Up
Pros
– Dual ESS SABRE ES9219C DAC Chips: Provides excellent sound quality with support for high-resolution audio.
– High Power Output: 3.5mm single-ended output (78mW at 32Ω) and 4.4mm balanced output (195mW at 32Ω) ensure sufficient power for a variety of headphones.
– Build Quality: CNC-milled aluminum alloy body is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
– RGB LED Sampling Rate Indicator: Provides visual feedback on the audio sample rate, enhancing the user experience.
– Versatile Connectivity: Comes with both short and long Type-C to Type-C cables, and a Type-C to USB-A adapter, making it compatible with most devices.
– Improved Instrument Separation and Dynamics: Enhances the overall listening experience, making each instrument more distinct and adding a 3D image to vocals.
– Adaptable Gain Settings: High and low gain options allow for better adaptation to different headphones and listening environments.
Cons
– No App or Filter Options: Lacks app support and filter options, which could limit customization for some users.
– Volume Controls: The volume controls are not independent and have wide spacing, which might be less precise.
– Power Limitation: Although powerful, it might struggle with very high-impedance headphones at maximum volume, compromising sound quality.
Letshuoer DT03 Review Conclusions
In summary, the Letshuoer DT03 offers an impressive upgrade in sound quality and versatility for any audio setup. It excels in improving instrumental separation, dynamics, and reducing bass bloat, making it a valuable tool for both planar and balanced armature IEMs. While it has a few limitations, such as the lack of app support and some minor heat generation, the overall performance and build quality make it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles. The DT03 enhances the listening experience across various music genres, adding life and energy to every track.