Disclaimer
The Letshuoer S08 was sent to me for review, but there were no expectations for a positive or a negative review. All thoughts and impressions shared here are based on my unbiased experience with the product.
Introduction
The Letshuoer S08 is an entry-level planar magnetic IEM priced at $100. Planar drivers are known for their speed and detail, and this model has received considerable praise in the audiophile community. The specs indicate 26ohm impedance and 105 dB sensitivity, which means it may require a powerful source to perform well. I will test that.
The packaging is simple. Inside the box, you’ll find the IEMs, a solid carrying case, two sets of silicone ear tips (balanced and vocal-focused), and a modular cable with both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended connectors. While the cable’s modularity is a plus for this price range, the markings for aligning the connectors are subtle, potentially confusing less experienced users. I suggest you to be careful with it.
Sound Performance
General Sound Profile
The S08 leans toward a natural sound with slight V-shaped tuning. It offers a subtle emphasis on mid-bass and treble while keeping the overall tonality closer to neutral. This makes it versatile for various genres while retaining a hint of excitement in its presentation.
Bass
The bass performance is tight and controlled. Mid-bass is slightly elevated, adding warmth without bleeding into the mids or overshadowing other frequencies. Sub-bass extends well enough, delivering a satisfying rumble when required.
Midrange
The mids are slightly recessed, consistent with the V-shaped tuning. Vocals, especially female vocals, are detailed but sit slightly behind the mix. Acoustic instruments sound natural, with realistic timbre, though the ear gain region (around 4k-5k Hz) feels slightly subdued, causing vocals to lack forwardness in some tracks.
Treble
The treble is crisp and detailed. There’s a noticeable airiness, which adds to the sense of space. In dense passages, high-frequencies can sound a little muddy, reducing overall clarity. We generally have that problem with the single dynamic driver IEMs but S08 is not as bad as them in that regard. It just feels like I am listening to a slightly low-quality MP3 when the song gets dense.
Technical Details
The S08 excels in detail retrieval and separation. Instrument separation is particularly impressive, allowing each element of the mix to be heard clearly. The soundstage offers good width and depth. With more complex genres like rock, the drivers struggle slightly to maintain clarity, particularly in the treble as I mentioned in the treble section.
When paired with a high-quality desktop DAC/AMP, the S08’s technical performance improves significantly. The soundstage becomes more expansive, and instruments gain additional space and definition. Tonal accuracy and detail retrieval also improve, making it clear that this IEM scales well with better equipment.
Notable Features
The modular cable and overall build quality are standout features at this price point. With its natural tonality and controlled sound, the S08 is ideal for listeners who enjoy detailed reproduction. However, it’s less suited for those seeking a bass-heavy or overly warm sound signature.
Personal Impressions and Comparisons
Personally, I enjoyed the S08 for its speed and detail in acoustic and classical tracks. Compared to similarly priced planar IEMs, the S08 offers a great deal with its’ balanced tuning, controlled and detailed presentation. It also falls slightly behind when it comes to the complex genres if you compare it to multi-driver IEMs. At this price range, unless you have a specific sound signature preference that the S08 doesn’t provide, I highly suggest you give a try this one. Don’t forget to check other Letshuoer S08 reviews at mobileaudiophile.com to get others’ opinions as well.
Ear Tips Comparison
The included silicone tips (balanced and vocal-focused) offer distinct sound signatures. The balanced tips slightly enhance bass and treble. Switching to the vocal tips significantly improved the midrange presentation, bringing vocals closer to the forefront and balancing the overall sound signature.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent detail retrieval and instrument separation.
- Natural and slightly V-shaped tonality.
- Solid build quality with lightweight metal housing.
- Modular cable with balanced and single-ended options.
Cons:
- Requires a high-quality source for optimal performance which makes its price/value ratio less appealing.
- Slightly recessed mids, especially in female vocals.
- Treble can sound slightly muddy in very complex passages.
