Mobileaudiophile

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 Review (Pavan’s Take)

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 Review (Pavan’s Take)

Introduction

Hello everyone!! I have the Letshuoer Cadenza 4 here, also called the “True Virtuoso”, the brand’s latest multi-driver hybrid configuration IEM. I covered a couple of Letshuoer IEM reviews in the recent past and I have been impressed with each one of them. Letshuoer has been on a winning streak here with each of their releases and we will see if Cadenza 4 continues its track record and lives up to the expectations.

Configuration

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 is configured with a single DD and 3 BA hybrid driver combination. Single DD is a 10mm dual-chambered Beryllium coated DD responsible for the Bass. One Sonion BA for the mid-frequency and 2 Knowles BA for the high frequency through a 4-way electronic crossover. Letshuoer has yet again collaborated with HeyGears for the custom 3D-printed chassis. The faceplate is CNC machined aluminum alloy with a matte finish that provides a textured feel to the touch. 

Cable and the tips

The stock cable provided is of high quality and is the best I have come across from the Letshuoer branded IEMs I have reviewed. It is a 392-strand high-purity silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable. Comes with 3 right-angled interchangeable plugs. The ear hooks are of great improvement personally to me compared to the other Letshuoer IEMs I have reviewed including the Letshuoer S15. The ear tips come in 2 variants of silicon – Vocal and balanced. Vocal ear tips appear a little flimsy and did not give me a proper seal. The balanced ear tips, however, are good and provide me with a tight seal. I only did a little tip-rolling here as I started to like the sound output from the balanced tips.

Carry Case

The carry case provided is similar to the S15 case which is a round resin-coated box – The build is good and decent enough to fit the IEM, cable, and tips. The interchangeable plugs are uniform across the Letshuoer S15 and Letshuoer Cadenza 4 which is again a great comfort and can be interchanged in cases of loss of one plug. And having interchangeable termination plugs is a blessing in disguise.

Finally… 

At the time of this writing, I had this IEM run for more than 200 to 250 hours including some hours of burn-in. The IEM sounds close to neutral with a decent bass boost and the emphasis is on the mid-range with a balanced presentation across the board. Finally, I thank Betty from Letshuoer for arranging this review sample. I greatly appreciate her gesture. So without further ado, here we go to the best of my intentions and abilities:

Specifications

Disclaimer

Gears/ Audio used for testing

Test Tracks

This is a representative sample of my favorites – An inclusive list and not exhaustive. There are a lot more.

Driveability/ Scalability

I used Letshuoer Cadenza 4 with only 2 sources – Cayin RU7 and Tempotec V6 interchangeably and Tempotec V6 + Topping NX7 for comparisons. The IEM is easier to drive and does not require much power to shine. However, it scales well with power and takes the increase in volume like a champ without undue shout or aggressiveness. On my NX7, I have to go up to 50% as I use for S15 for decent volume levels on medium gain. At the same time, IEM shines very well on decent volume levels on my DAP and Dongle. I enjoyed listening to this IEM with all the pairings as aforementioned but the Cayin RU7 comes out on the top and imparted a great musical listen. 

The Sound Impressions

Bass

Sub-bass

Sub-bass has an excellent depth with a decent rumble and the quantity is on the subtle side. More tactile in its execution and decay due to the speed of the driver. As a result, although sub-bass digs pretty deep, in certain use cases, it may leave you wanting more quantity. You don’t get the feeling of a lot of air in the sub-bass region that usually comes with the quantity. But the sub-bass has an airy extension, nevertheless. I don’t see any issue here as the tuning intentions were pretty clear. Overall, it is an impactful sub-bass that is tactile, analytical, and textured but may not please a basshead. For those preferring neutral uncolored tuning, this is a perfect bass tuning with sub-bass over mid-bass ensuring the music does not sound boring in the first place.

Mid-bass

The mid-bass quantity is subtle at best prioritizing quality here. The tone and texture are excellent within that confinement – You can easily decipher the tone/pitch from various instruments which are very clear. A tamed mid-bass that does not project itself with a complete potential and is closer to neutral. Again it may give you the feeling of wanting more at times. The execution and decay again are on the faster side and don’t linger around a while which can also be a cause for a slight lack of certain naturalness in the way the bass decays giving you that auditory pleasure – It is well done with certain complex tracks keeping it more clean sounding but not ideal for not so busy tracks that requires a slower natural decay with palpable hits.

However, the speed of the driver contributes to excellent dynamics in the bass region and attack/slam are hard-hitting in general. You won’t notice a bleed here that was so carefully tuned not to sound boring with a lean body but with a subtle touch of warmth that is so close to neutral. Overall, mid-bass speed, texture, tone, and dynamics are excellent but left me wanting more quantity in some bassy tracks.

To sum up…

Seriously, this IEM is not for the bass heads as the Bass is more of an enabler than a focal point here and the objective is to not sound boring and contribute to an overall clean sound. All that is done here is not for nothing and the brilliance in the tuning reveals itself from what’s coming next. However, this extreme audiophile-centric sound may sound boring to some as the Bass isn’t authoritative here. For me, it is quite good for the most part and the credit goes to its tuning.

Sample test tracks – Phantom Of The Wuxia Codec (Ugress), Teardrop (Massive Attack), Danga Maari Oodhari (Harris Jayaraj)

Mids

Instrumentals

The lower mids sound very clean with no noticeable bleed from the bass region. It does not appear lean either. The balance between the crispiness and roundedness achieved here is excellent and there is a solid depth to the sound of the instrumentals. The sound appears fuller from the viewpoint of the depth that makes it rounded yet crispy too – just terrific. However, it may appear slightly leaner for some who prefer a slightly warmer sound with a fuller mid-bass. But to me the noteweight is excellent. If leaner, it would have been a boring sound. But I hear quite the opposite here – These sound full arc with excellent timbre and dynamics. A slight lack in the mid-bass is adequately compensated by the forward midrange here.

The tonality appears natural to me irrespective of BA drivers being part of the configuration. The timbre from various instruments appears natural, lively, and musical with great depth and clarity. The transients appear very fast and seamless together with excellent stage, layering, and imaging, contributing to an overall pleasurable listen. The result is a very clean and clear mid-range with excellent resolution and details. The upper mid-range is so well controlled and open with upper registers of guitars, Violin, and woodwinds sounding very detailed but not fatiguing and harsh. However, there are occasions of aggressiveness and sharpness but are manageable and quite rare. Overall, I’m in awe at times listening to how detailed and dynamic the instrumental tracks sound on Letshuoer Cadenza 4. The accuracy of the timbre here is the icing on the cake be it the Electronic, Jazz, and Acoustic genres.

Sample test tracks – Phase 09 – Sombrero (Solar Fields), The Winds Of Winter (Ramin Djawadi), Now We Are Free (Hans Zimmer)

Vocals

Like how the mid instrumentals are given so much prominence in the mix, vocals are given good prominence too. They are not very forward on the face nor laid back/ recessed. It sounds very appropriate and is rightly balanced with the instrumentals in the track. The separation of vocals from the rest of the mix was very well done.

Male Vocals

There is a tad hint of warmth to the male vocals and do not sound dry or recessed. The lower mids are well done in the way clarity and micro nuances are extracted here while not being too forward either. Overall, the clarity and texture is great with the male vocals.

Female Vocals

Female vocals are rightly placed with the right energy depending on the track and sound more balanced than overly prominent in the mix. I didn’t notice any hint of shrill or shouting from the vocals even from the upper pitches of certain energetic spicy tracks. All this is achieved not at the expense of openness and detail, which is excellent.

Overall, I dig the vocal performance here. They sound balanced and in line with the rest of the instrumentation in the mix and are not overly prominent. Separation is done well ensuring the needed clarity and fine details.

Sample test tracks – Shokilla (A R Rahman), Human Nature (Micheal Jackson), Cruel Summer (Taylor Swift), and Tattoo (Loreen).

Overall, the mid-range is all in its full glory here – Truly fantastic.

Treble

The treble is detailed and open sounding with a decent extension and the right energy. No sibilance was noticed and not fatiguing either. When I compare them against the energetic extended treble of the S12, I am not missing much, to be honest. Cadenza 4 sounds open, even more detailed with good resolution but with a right non-fatiguing energy and decent sparkle/ shimmer.

However, the airiness is better with the S12 and there is adequate spaciousness between the notes with the S12 when compared with the Letshuoer Cadenza 4. The cymbal strikes and decay sound right with more air around them on S12, however, they sound less airy on the Letshuoer Cadenza 4 but not overly smoothened, blunt, or suppressed. But a little congested to be exact in more busier tracks. The treble is still open and detailed which satisfies the treble-sensitive listeners with a decent extension and good clarity in the treble region. Overall, I wish the airiness could have been a little better especially in the complex tracks when a lot is going on around where the legendary S12 shows its true prowess.

Sample test tracks – Lux AEterna (Metallica), Nice to know you (Incubus)

Technicalities

The soundstage has an adequately wide width with great height and depth that is molded according to the venue instead of being widely spacious all the time. It is spacious on all fronts and contributes to an excellent stereo separation. Imaging is excellent with precise note-weight definition and pinpoint accuracy. Resolution and details especially in the mid-range are excellent considering the price point. There are micro details and nuances audible with the extremely pleasing vocals and instrumentals. 

Layering and separation are above average and there is slight congestion noticed with treble-heavy tracks and it has to do with the treble presentation of the IEM. The speed of the drivers is excellent resulting in a seamless transient response like that of a planar contributing to its overall musical sound. Overall tonality appears very natural and there is no hint of a BA timbre whereas the timbre reproduction of this IEM can be considered a highlight of this IEM. It is that good.

Overall, brilliant technicalities considering the price point.

Sample test tracks – CEO In The House (A R Rahman), Canto At Gabelmeister’s Peak (Alexandre Desplat)

Comparisons

I have two IEMs for comparison – Letshuoer S15 and Gizaudio x Binary Chopin. S15 is a planar magnetic IEM that shares certain similarities with Cadenza 4 in terms of tuning, especially the mid-range emphasis. Although both have different configurations, they are highly musical with excellent natural tone – there are similarities and differences between the two, however. The Chopin has a similar driver configuration and is slightly priced less than the Cadenza 4. The tunings differ here and I had a tough time comparing them both as they were neck-on-neck than I thought they would be. So, without further ado, let’s proceed:

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 (249$) vs Letshuoer S15 (329$) 

Fit and build

S15 is a planar magnetic IEM from Letshuoer that employs a 14.8mm third-generation planar driver with a proprietary R-Sonic filtering module.

Both the IEMs are HeyGear built with resin structures and different shapes. Letshuoer Cadenza 4 has a more regular and generic fit, but the S15 has an odd fit. Trying to find a suitable cable other than the stock cable to pair with S15 can be a challenge. However, the S15 fits perfectly with stock cable with a rather aggressive ear-hook design. When fitted properly, the seal is great with S15. Cadenza 4 naturally fits properly like regular IEMs and the seal is excellent in general. Both the cables appear to be of the same build quality but the Cadenza 4 cable stands out in comparison. Carry cases are the same between the two. The balanced tips of both the IEMs are good.

Driveability   

S15 is slightly difficult to drive being a planar but it rightly falls under the 3rd generation Planar technology being more power efficient than its predecessors. But still, I don’t prefer listening to S15 without NX7 in the picture. In comparison, Cadenza 4 is much easier to drive and scales well when amped.

Sound

Sub-bass   

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 has slightly better depth present in the sub-bass region. Quantity is better on the S15. Rumble kind of evens out on both due to the above aforementioned, but I am slightly inclined towards Cadenza 4 due to more depth. I think the DD plays a role here contributing to a certain naturalness in the decay but the decay is faster on both. Both have an airy extension. Texture-wise, I don’t see a big difference between the two but again, due to the less quantity and added depth, I lean slightly towards the Cadenza 4 here for texture. For sub-bass, although the difference is very subtle, I would go with Cadenza 4. S15 does not lack sub-bass to be clear. But Cadenza 4 is better perceived with a noticeably better depth.

Mid-bass

Mid-bass quantity is better and appears fuller with the S15. Quality is similar between the two. The hard-hitting punch and slam appear at the same level on both the IEMs. The dynamics in the bass region are better on both the IEMs. Both are fast and agile, and dynamics showcase well on both IEMs. Letshuoer Cadenza 4 is more clean and sounds more close to neutral due to the less mid-bass quantity. S15 sounds more fuller, and warmer in comparison. I prefer the S15 here due to the fuller bass profile and more musical and fun-sounding, especially in some bassy tracks.

Instrumentation

The tone is excellent on both the sets. One is a planar and the other includes BA drivers in the configuration – They both sound very natural to my ears. I slightly lean towards the more musical tone of the S15.

When it comes to resolution and details in the midrange, I would go with the Letshuoer Cadenza 4 over S15. I perceive better micro details on Cadenza 4 due to the overall clean sound not at the expense of the leaner note weight resulting in an excellent timbre across the board. S15 sounds more fuller in comparison and as a result, clouds the details a little – The difference is noticeable in comparison than otherwise. Both are great in their own way, nonetheless. Some may prefer the clean sound of Cadenza 4 and others may prefer the more musical sound of S15 with a little less detail. Cadenza 4 is highly musical too because the note weight is very well balanced. I prefer the instrumentation on the Cadenza 4 for that balance and the high-class timbre it comes with.

Both sound with the right energy in the upper mids. Upper registers of woodwinds, violins, and Acoustic guitar sound a little more energetic and sharp on the Cadenza 4 but polite. Both don’t cross the thin line from sounding harsh or shrill here and stay controlled. But Letshuoer Cadenza 4 is comparatively more energetic. S15 is a little smoother in comparison. Overall, I’m in awe of the timbre reproduction and accuracy of the Cadenza 4. So, I slightly prefer the Cadenza 4 over the S15 for more critical listening. However, I consider S15 more musical and smooth sounding here.

Male Vocals

Both the IEMs have greater emphasis on the mid-range and vocals in particular. Male vocals have more warmth from mid-bass and sound a little more meaty on the S15. The clarity with subtle nuances goes to Cadenza 4. In rare instances, there is sharpness in vocals on both. I don’t say sibilant, the way the track was mastered. A little more prominent on Cadenza 4 but nothing to worry about.

So both are neck-on-neck here and are far from boring. The differences I mentioned here are subtle at best. I prefer both for male vocals.

Female Vocals

Female vocals have the right energy on both, a little more on Cadenza 4. S15 sounds a little laid-back in comparison. Cadenza 4 sounds a little forward with more clarity and energy. Energetic tracks sound great on both. Those who prefer slightly less energetic and relaxed female vocals will be more satisfied with the S15.

I slightly prefer Cadenza 4 over S15 because of the added energy and clarity which isn’t overly done and is right considering my tastes. S15 is excellent too and I prefer them for a more relaxed listening that is detailed as well. Both are not sibilant to me but a little sharp on Cadenza 4 at times and sound a little edgy but controlled. Very rare to be honest.

Overall, I enjoy vocal performance on both. One does not undermine the other and I respect both for what they offer here.

Treble

The treble is open-sounding, detailed, and smooth on both. Does not sound subdued or dampened. More airy performance on the S15 and is a tad smoother as well. Clarity is a tad better on the Letshuoer Cadenza 4 thanks to the driver configuration. Both are tuned matured here with a little more airy extension on the S15. Both are well done here. I prefer the Cadenza 4 for the clarity, and the S15 for its smooth airy performance.

Overall, I prefer S15 a little better here considering my tastes with airy treble notes whereas Cadenza 4 can sound a little congested in comparison, especially in busier treble tracks.

Technicalities

Stage width is a little wider on Cadenza 4. Height and depth are great on both. Resolution and details are slightly better with Cadenza 4, thanks to the multi-driver configuration again. Imaging is a little more precise on Cadenza due to the more clean and precise note weight definition including the stereo separation but both do a great job here. Layering/ separation is slightly better on the S15, noticeable in busier tracks. The dynamics are excellent on both sets. Both are agile, and seamless in the transient response.

Overall, technicalities are neck-on-neck here and excellent on both. I slightly lean towards Cadenza 4.

Comparison Conclusion

S15 and Cadenza 4 are highly musical in their way. Cadenza 4 has a better sub-bass extension. S15 sounds fuller in mid-bass and lower-mids. Bass is more authoritative on S15. Cadenza 4 has a very balanced precise presentation in the lower mids. Mid Instrumentation sounds more clean and detailed on the Cadenza 4 with excellent timbre across the board. S15 has prominence in mids with its smooth, lush vocals and instrumentation for more relaxed listening. Cadenza 4 for more critical listening.

Treble is slightly better on S15 due to the airy spacious notes, and smoothness, and Cadenza 4 has more clarity and energy in the treble notes although sounds a little congested in busier tracks. Both are open-sounding, nonetheless. Technicalities are neck-on-neck between the two. Cadenza 4 sounds a little energetic and sharp at times in comparison. S15 is more of a relaxed listen. I highly prefer both of them for what they offer. Sound-wise, no real winner here to be honest. Considering the price points, Cadenza 4 has more return on the money here.

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 (249$) vs Gizaudio x Binary Chopin (199$)

Fit and build

Chopin is a collaboration between the YouTube reviewer/ influencer Mr. Timmy Vangtan a.k.a Gizaudio (A YouTube channel popular among the IEM community) and Binary Acoustics, a Chinese IEM brand operating since 2017.

The fit of Chopin was an issue for me owing to their odd shape until I replaced the stock tips with Zeo’s render tips. I should say that the ear tips have held the IEM in my ear rather than providing just the seal and comfort. The build quality is excellent though. The cable that comes with the Chopin is of inferior quality compared to the modular cable of Cadenza 4. Cadenza 4 stock cable is leaps ahead if one goes by the looks. But still, the modular option is great with Cadenza 4. Both the fit and build quality of Cadenza 4 are excellent. 

Driveability  

In comparison, Chopin is very easy to drive. It gets louder easily compared to Cadenza 4. I find the Cadenza 4 more scalable here and can be experimented with a little higher volume range.  

Sound

Sub-bass

More quantity but slightly less extension with Chopin in comparison. Rumble is more with the Chopin as the quantity compensates for the slight lack of extension here. The texture is slightly better with Cadenza 4. More tactile feel with Cadenza 4. Overall, both are impactful in their own way.

Mid-bass

Mid-Bass sounds more fuller and authoritative on the Chopin while the Cadenza 4 leaves with the feeling of wanting for more in some bassy tracks. Both are hard hitting but the Chopin pushes more air here. Cadenza 4 sounds more neutral in comparison. The tone is slightly better with Cadenza 4.

Overall, Bass lovers will be more pleased with Chopin whereas people who prefer neutral uncolored sound with decent bass to get things moving should go with Cadenza 4.

Instrumentation

Tonality stands out on the Cadenza 4 due to its balanced presentation throughout and not impacting the tonal balance. Chopin sounds brighter in comparison, especially the upper registers and tonal balance is slightly affected because of that. However, both sound natural to me. The resolution is slightly better with the Cadenza 4. I perceive better details with Cadenza 4 as it is more clean sounding and dynamics are better too in comparison.

Note weight appears to be the same but slightly better rounded and full with Cadenza 4 yet crispy. The timbre accuracy is a standout feature of the Cadenza 4 and is spot-on in comparison. Chopin does a great job and comes close but not of the same level as Cadenza 4. Neither of them is sibilant nor harsh sounding but the Chopin is a tad brighter, energetic, and aggressive sounding in comparison. Cadenza 4 gets aggressive and sharp too but on rare occasions. In general, Cadenza 4 is less aggressive compared to Chopin.

Male vocals

Slightly better nuanced, resolving, and depth on the Cadenza 4 compared to Chopin. Chopin shows more energy and is a little forward in comparison. Other than that both are well-placed placed, does not sound dry or recessed. I slightly prefer Cadenza 4 over Chopin.

Female vocals

Female vocals sound with a little better energy, open, and maintain better clarity on Chopin. Less energetic on Cadenza 4 in comparison. But in certain tracks, the energy can get too much and convert to borderline shout on Chopin. Chopin has a more forward presentation here. In some spicy vocal tracks like Titanium (Sia), Cadenza 4 exhibits controlled energy and isn’t shouty or harsh in comparison. So I’m kind of even here but still slightly prefer the openness of Chopin here.

Treble

Treble has an airy presentation on the Chopin that is slightly lacking on the Cadenza 4. Comparatively more energetic on Chopin but not harsh. Both sound open and detailed with decent extension. Chopin has a better airy extension. More smooth sounding on the Cadenza 4 but isn’t subdued. Resolution and clarity are slightly better on the Cadenza. I love treble performance on both but I am more inclined towards the airy and energetic presentation of the Chopin considering my tastes. Both do a great job here.

Technicalities

Overall resolution and details are slightly better with Cadenza 4. I hear more micro details/ nuances, especially in the midrange of Cadenza 4. Dynamic presentation is better on the Cadenza 4 as well. The soundstage is spaciously wide on the Cadenza 4 as the venue demands. Chopin is adequately wide too but Cadenza appears a little wider in comparison. Height and depth are great on both. Layering and separation appear to be the same on both. Imaging including the stereo separation is slightly better on the Cadenza 4. Chopin does a great job too but Cadenza 4 appears more precise and dynamic in both imaging and stereo separation.

Comparison Conclusion

Both are gems at their respective price points. Cadenza 4 is a slightly better IEM than the Chopin especially for its mid-range instrument timbre, resolution, details, and technicalities where the Cadenza 4 stands out. The Chopin still has the upper hand over Cadenza 4 in the mid-bass and overall treble performance. Both cater to different audiences and the credit should be given where it is due. They complement each other for their respective strengths and shortcomings. I prefer both of them at their respective price points. Cadenza 4 is priced slightly above Chopin and is well justified for the stated reasons. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 Review Closing Thoughts

Letshuoer Cadenza 4 ‘The True Virtuoso’ possesses outstanding musical and technical abilities for the asking price as the name indicates. There’s the catch though – this IEM may not please a bass head or a treble head but everyone in between would surely fall in love with this gem of an IEM, especially those who prefer a neutral uncolored sound. The mid-range is glorified and probably the USP of this IEM with its exceedingly accurate and natural timbre reproduction and fantastic vocals. Listening to instrumentals with a source like Cayin RU7 is pure bliss. The bass and treble are well-done anchoring the balance than being the focal points. Brilliant technicalities are the icing on the cake. Overall, a fantastic and pleasurable listen especially for mid-range enthusiasts. 

Exit mobile version