Disclaimer:
The new generation of planar drivers has arrived! The LETSHUOER S08 fully represents the new generation. As you will see from the photos, its dimensions are extremely compact. Previous planars have always had somewhat challenging dimensions, especially for those who have particularly small ears.
After the LETSHOUER S12 Pro and S15, the thing I notice with enthusiasm is the return of the metal shell. The 3D printing is beautiful, but the CNC-machined metal shell is on a completely different level.
However, the review will still be 100% honest and, in no way, biased.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
Tech Specs:
- Chassis Material: CNC anodized aluminum
- Sensitivity: 105dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz ~ 40kHz
- Impedance: 26Ω
- Cable: 4 x 30 strands x 0.05 mm silver-plated copper
- Driver: Fourth generation 13mm planar magnetic driver
Packaging:
The packaging of the Letshuoer S08 is simpler than the last few we’ve seen from this brand. Honestly, it remains a very respectable and well-looked-up package. Opening it, we immediately see the S08 and its case, which contains the accessories:
- Modular cable from which they removed the 2.5mm balanced one (honestly correct choice)
- 2 sets of different tips
- Manual and QC
The tips included are those that we have already seen in even more expensive Letshuoer products, which are excellent for starting to discover the IEM, but if you have the chance, try as many as you can. The surprise modular cable is perhaps one of the best we’ve seen so far. I’ve never been a fan of angled connectors, and I really like these straight ones. The quality of the cable is excellent.
Design/Build quality:
The Letshuoer S08 has really excellent dimensions; in terms of shapes, it vaguely reminds me of the Moondrop Chu or the Tanchjim 4U, but the design is more or less the same. The shape makes it one of the most compact planar IEMs on the market today.
Currently, I don’t think there are other IEMs that can boast a 13mm planar driver in such a compact shell. We’re finally back to the CNC machined metal shell, which, in my opinion, has a completely different appeal to resin and 3D printing. To the touch, it has a completely different effect, it seems like a much more expensive product than it is.
The design is very simple; the entire shell is the result of CNC machining, and the faceplates are also very simple. On the shell, you can see two holes for ventilation, and the nozzle has completely normal dimensions. I greatly appreciate this choice. Anyone who didn’t buy the Hidizs MP145 due to the size now has no excuses.
As you can see from the macro photo gallery of the accessories, the quality is very good, and despite the cost, the cable is definitely excellent.
Comfort/Fit:
As you may have guessed, in terms of comfort, we are at high levels; if you find them uncomfortable in any way, you just have to look for the eartip suitable for your ear. The weight is low and does not cause fatigue or pressure points. The included cable is flexible enough and not too thick.
Surprisingly, I have to admit that they are not the most comfortable, despite the shape of the shell being good. I honestly can’t understand if it could be a problem with the angle of the nozzle or the earhook of the cable. You have to play the eartips until you reach a good compromise.
Initial sound impression:
I believe that the Letshuoer S08 can finally be defined as an alternative to the Hidizs Mp145. The sound signature is not exactly the same, but it follows a similar philosophy. The bass, compared to the Letshuoer S12 Pro, is finally of a quantity that better suits the quality of a DD. I found the S12 Pro a little excessively bright, often quite extreme levels of brightness were reached. The Letshuoer S08 still has some reminiscences of the S12 but is much more tolerable. Especially considering the high quantity of bass, the quantity of treble allows for maintaining a high definition. Right from the start, the sound was excellent, and for the price at which it is offered, it is truly valid.
Equipment used for testing above.
Device:
- iMac
- Redmi Note 7 Snapdragon
- Poco M4 Pro Mediatek
Software:
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz
DAC:
- Moondrop Dawn Pro
- Fosi SK02 (most used)
- Fiio KA11
- Fiio KA17
- Fosi DS2 (great too)
- Simgot Dew4x
- EPZ TP20 Pro
- Hidizs S9 Pro Plus
- EPZ TP50
- Creative SoundBlaster X5
Final sound impression:
I had them do a few hours of high-volume burn-in before putting them back in my ears. I kept the original cable, but since I have the Nebula here in my hands, I will try to change the cable later in the review. As for the tips included in the package, I haven’t used them much, but you absolutely have to find the most comfortable ones that seal.
The Letshuoer S08 are probably the least technical planars that focus more on the fun side; their bass appears to be elevated by the fact that the trebles are very smoothed, but fortunately, tonality is unaffected, resulting in a neutral result.
The tuning, as I told you, is V-shaped, the sound has good energy, and the mids are not particularly recessed but participate well in the mix. The sound is the furthest thing I’ve ever heard from a planar driver; there are more similarities to a good-quality dynamic driver. Drawing conclusions, perhaps the real opponents of this model in particular are the Kefine Klanar. Overall build quality is very similar, with better cable on Letshuoer and a very similar price. Shape-wise, the Klanar fit better in my ears. In my opinion, despite following the same tuning, the Klanar have decidedly less lazy trebles. Result? The tuning seems brighter, and the level of detail and sharpness is higher. The soundstage is also more developed, but that could also be due to the slightly wider shell. However, I must tell you that the tone is better on the S08.
Tips Rolling?
Stock tips may not be the best option, but you should still try them before purchasing new ones. Everyone’s ear shape is different, so they might fit you. As a first test, I tried the Whizzer SS20, which yielded a decent but not perfect result.
The Divinus Velvet, on the other hand, proves to be very versatile and provides excellent comfort, but in my case, I was still not completely satisfied; I seemed to lose some bass and gain in highs, perceiving slightly annoying peaks on some tracks.
Fortunately, the brand new EPZ tips in liquid silicone had just arrived, and contrary to expectations, they were excellent in size S. Soft and slightly sticky, ensuring stability in all situations. There are no sound leaks, and all low frequencies have been fully recovered.
Bass
In terms of bass, I think it is the planar IEM that, at the moment, is closest to the result that a DD can give you. This makes me extremely happy, as the artificial timbre of the planar is inaudible, but the rumble of the bass is very extensive. The only slightly sore point is regarding the texture, which is not of a very high level. Let’s say that some DDs on the bass still have the upper hand. But I can assure you that for those who don’t necessarily find the defect, they are excellent. If somehow the bass pressure is too much for your ears, you can use the Divinus Velvet, which somehow manages to attenuate the pressure inside the ear canal.
Mids
Undoubtedly medium recesses compared to the rest, but which still stand out more than correctly. To tell the truth, I find them perfect as far as I’m concerned, quite neutral timbre (on some tracks, I notice some artificial hints), and both male and female voices are coherent with a good depth. Musical instruments are also good. We can define them as mids with a decidedly warm tone that preserves their neutrality without distorting the timbre of the sounds. A soft and smooth representation that I personally am appreciating a lot.
Treble
Regarding the treble, we are used to planar drivers doing very well but I think Letshuoer listened to the previous feedback and decided to release an extremely smooth version. The highs are there, and the details are slightly sacrificed for tuning with truly minimal fatigue. Surely the driver could have released more air but they decided to limit its extension. It’s not a bad choice because many of us don’t like these frequencies. In terms of possible buyers, this is certainly a more mass-appealing tuning. The S12 Pro certainly had the presence of a completely different class. Sacrifice involves fewer macro and micro details.
Soundstage and Imaging:
Here, I have to tell you that the performances are subdued compared to planar drivers; the image is good but not at the level of other planar IEMs (slightly lower), while the soundstage is not as enveloping as I would have expected. The Hidizs Mp145 has a very deep sound but these definitely stop short. We are outside the vehicle and quite focused in front of us. Having said that, the overall effect is still good, especially considering the price.
Comparison:
Many still appreciate them and at the current price, who can blame them? Most people haven’t heard too much high-pitched sound like me, but actually, at human volumes, there are no problems. Obviously, I prefer the tuning of the new S15 and above all, the soundstage is significantly better. Their design, although very minimal, I liked more.
The smoothest and most technical planar IEM is in my possession for the moment. In terms of tone, it has things in common with the S08, but the price is definitely much higher. The complexity of the internal cavity is on a completely different level, and it integrates the passive filter and other precautions that the S08 does not use. It’s difficult to make a comparison given the price, but honestly (in my opinion), the S08 for less than 100 USD don’t look out of place at all. They are two IEMs with completely different technical performances, but they are both perfectly enjoyable.
vs Hidizs MP145
Maybe it’s because the Hidizs Mp145 fits me like a glove, and therefore the external insulation becomes almost absolute, but it remains one of my favorites (first version). Now they have changed something in it and unfortunately, there have been some variations. Although I hear many are still happy with it, I cannot tell you to buy them with your eyes closed. The original version has a sound that completely envelops you—warm and even smoother than this S08.
An S08 with more brilliance and detail, but less smoothness. Unquestionably better soundstage. The tone of the S08 is ultimately more accurate, so in my opinion, there is no true winner between the two. In terms of comfort, however, the Klanar wins by a few points.
Conclusion:
Letshuoer got this new model right. The Letshuoer S08, despite its extremely compact size, contains a 13mm planar, which, considering the aluminum shell, is a truly exaggeratedly large size. It is true that comfort is not the best, but with the right tips, you will undoubtedly be able to find the most comfortable position for you. They opted for safe and fatigue-free tuning, even over long listening sessions. I am extremely happy that the CNC machined shells are back. I would be very happy to know the price difference compared to the shells printed by Heygears. For a price under 100 USD, you take home a beautiful IEM complete with quality accessories, and if you are looking for a planar with a neutral-warm but v-shaped tone, this Letshuoer S08 is for you.
8.6/10
Pros:
- Great build quality
- Quite good isolation
- Extra nice packaging
- Modular cable with straight connectors
- Nice quality tips
- Bass & Sub-bass performances
- Neutral, warm V-shaped
- No driver flex
- Quite easy to drive but better on balanced
Cons:
- Comfort & fit are tricky
- Technicalities & Soundstage
- Treble lacks a little bit of extension
