The Letshuoer S08 represents a significant leap forward in planar IEM technology, building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the S12. With improved bass control, rich midrange detail, and crisp treble, the S08 aims to deliver a versatile and engaging listening experience across various genres. Here’s a detailed look at its performance in bass, midrange, and treble, along with the pros and cons of this impressive yet budget 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
First, what caught my attention was the dark background, the success of the extension, and the organic tonality on the keyboard. In smooth jazz, at least with the SE plug, I found the performance somewhat fragile. However, when I switched to symphonic metal, the playback filled my entire hearing space even though the volume wasn’t particularly high. From my experience so far, it’s clear that the S12 was Letshuoer’s first planar attempt. Years later, the S08 seems to have corrected its shortcomings, leaning more into its planar nature due to reduced bass production.
The extensions on the S08 are impressive, not just with cymbals but also with delicate East Asian percussion, zither, and qanun. While the bass guitar sounds a bit lean, it’s well represented. I did notice a slight approach to sibilance, but hearing a good slam with The Aristocrats made me happy. In dubstep, the sub-bass capabilities were fully displayed. In Hans Zimmer’s “Circle of Life,” the musicality was excellent, with a wide soundstage and the vocalist’s voice rising high, despite some volume instability. This shows the S08’s potential for neutrality, as its sound character changes significantly with different genres.
For those who complained about the bloated bass in the S12 but can’t give up on planars, the S08, with some burn-in and a BAL connection, could become their new star planar IEM.
Special R&D Elements in the 13MM Planar Driver
The S08 IEMs really stand out for their crystal-clear sound in the higher frequencies under the $100 bar, thanks to some cool tech in their drivers. They use this ultra-fine process that lays the voice coil right onto the diaphragm, which means you don’t get that muddiness or harsh brightness that can ruin your tunes. Instead, everything in the high end sounds crisp and light, almost like you’re right there with the musicians, hearing the subtlest sounds, like a quiet flute or the gentle tap of a cymbal. It’s a game-changer in bringing out the real texture and layers in your music.
Then there’s this double layering thing they’ve done with the voice coil. It’s not just tech jargon—it actually makes a huge difference. By adding another layer, they’ve beefed up the diaphragm and cut down on any annoying vibrations. This means the sound comes through much cleaner, without those weird distortions that can make music sound off. The headphones respond to changes in the beat super fast, too. Whether it’s a quick guitar riff or an explosive beat drop, the S08 keeps up, making everything feel more alive and engaging.
But where these earphones really shine is in the bass. Most IEMs at this price range might give you a bit of a thump, but the S08 goes deep and keeps it tight, thanks to some clever additions they’ve put around the diaphragm. The result? Bass that feels full and rich, underpinning all the other sounds perfectly, without drowning them out. And the soundstage—the sense of space in the music—is expansive, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the concert. Every instrument and voice has its own spot, clear and distinct, which just sucks you right into whatever you’re listening to. I imagined that I was at an American blues bar when I was listening to Hayes and Porter – “Soul Man!” Or a joyful experience with lots of fast, thumpy bass and lots of PRAT at Combichrist – “What The F@#K is Wrong With You?”
Bass
The bass response of the S08 is a noticeable improvement over its predecessor, the S12. Unlike the S12’s somewhat bloated bass, the S08 offers a more refined and controlled low end. In smooth jazz, the bass feels a bit lean but well-defined, providing a solid foundation without overwhelming the other frequencies. In dubstep, the S08 truly shines, delivering sub-bass that reaches deep without losing clarity, perfectly suiting the genre’s demands. Overall, the reduced bass production in the S08 allows it to lean more into its planar nature, offering a cleaner and more precise bass response.
Midrange
The midrange on the S08 is where it truly excels. The organic tonality on the keyboard immediately caught my attention, delivering a natural and lifelike sound. In symphonic metal, the playback fills the entire hearing space, providing a rich and immersive experience even if the volume isn’t particularly high. Delicate instruments like East Asian percussion and string instruments such as zither and qanun are rendered with impressive clarity and detail. Vocals, especially in tracks like Hans Zimmer’s “Circle of Life,” rise beautifully, although there’s a slight volume instability. The midrange’s ability to adapt to different genres shows the S08’s potential for neutrality. Mark my words, listening to the German folk metal group In Extremo without the bloats or muddiness, yet with a strong and punchy experience, is completely different!
Treble
The treble extension on the S08 is another strong point. Cymbals are crisp and clear, as well as metallic blown instruments, and the higher frequencies are well-represented without sounding harsh. While there’s a slight approach to sibilance, it’s not overly distracting and is balanced by the overall clarity and detail in the treble. Tracks from The Aristocrats demonstrated a good slam, and despite not being overly wet, the treble was engaging and dynamic. The S08’s treble performance adds to its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Furthermore, ENBE Orkestrası – Sevdiğim Adam is such a delight with it’s bass and metallic trebles, and the psychedelic keyboard in the middle of my hearing range. This observation can be generalized for each and every multi instrumented songs.
Comparisons__
Since I am on vacation and couldn’t bring much equipment, this comparison might not be covering. However, I might add comparisons that are somewhat independent of price and driver structure. As with all my previous comparisons, I know the sounds of my guests by heart, so I didn’t feel the need to add photos.
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Vs Celest Pandamon: When compared to the Celest Audio Pandamon, both earphones stand out in different ways. The Pandamon excels particularly in the midrange, presenting sounds naturally and balanced. Its design ensures long-term comfort and ease of use, which I appreciate.
However, the S08’s high-frequency resolution and bass performance are noteworthy. The nanoscopic magnetron sputtering technology provides clarity and detail in the highs, while the PTR elastic film surround technology ensures the bass is both deep and tight. These features offer an expansive soundstage and a more immersive music experience. If, like me, you are keen on details and powerful bass, the S08 meets these needs.
Vs Letshuoer S12: Comparing the Letshuoer S12 to the S08, both have unique features and strengths. The S12 uses planar magnetic drivers to deliver a wide and natural soundstage, capturing details and rich tones effectively. I find it ideal for listening to all genres due to its broad soundstage and balanced sound profile.
On the other hand, the S08 impresses with its resolution and clarity in the high frequencies. Music is conveyed in an airy and open manner, with deeper and tighter bass compared to the S12. The dynamism and impact the S08 offers when listening to energetic tracks make a noticeable difference. Therefore, if I prefer high detail and strong bass performance, the S08 is a more suitable option for me. Especially, listening to a flexible and talented voice like Fatih Erkoç, who sings both jazz and TSM, on the S12 would be a disservice to him.
Pros__
– Improved Bass Control: The S08 offers a refined and controlled bass response, addressing the issues of its predecessor, the S12. This results in a cleaner low end that complements various genres, from dubstep to classical, without overwhelming the other frequencies.
– Rich Midrange: The midrange is one of the standout features of the S08. It delivers a natural and lifelike sound, making instruments and vocals sound authentic and engaging. The midrange adapts well to different musical styles, providing clarity and detail that enhances the overall listening experience.
– Crisp Treble: The S08 excels in the treble range, offering clear and detailed highs with impressive extension. Cymbals and high-frequency instruments are rendered with precision, contributing to an overall balanced sound signature.
– Versatile Sound: The S08’s ability to handle a wide range of genres makes it a versatile choice for many listeners. Whether it’s smooth jazz, symphonic metal, or electronic music, the S08 adjusts its performance to deliver a high-quality listening experience.
– Wide Soundstage: The S08 provides an immersive and spacious soundstage, creating a sense of depth and space that enhances the listening experience. This is particularly noticeable in complex musical arrangements and live recordings.
Cons__
– Slight Sibilance: While the treble is generally well-controlled, there are instances where it approaches sibilance, especially with certain recordings or at higher volumes. This can be a minor distraction for sensitive listeners.
– Volume Instability in Vocals: There are slight inconsistencies in the volume of high-pitched vocals. This can lead to moments where the vocals feel less stable and slightly uneven, affecting the overall coherence of the sound.
– Lean Bass in Certain Genres: In some music styles, such assmooth jazz, the bass may come across as lean. While the bass is controlled and precise, it might lack the fullness that some listeners prefer in these genres.
Letshuoer S08 Review Conclusions
The Letshuoer S08 represents a significant leap forward in planar IEM technology, building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the S12. This advancement is evident in its meticulously refined sound signature that addresses the shortcomings of the S12 while enhancing its strengths. One of the most notable improvements is the S08’s bass control. Unlike the somewhat bloated bass of the S12, the S08 offers a tighter, more controlled low end that complements a variety of genres without overwhelming the other frequencies. This allows for a cleaner and more precise bass response, making the S08 suitable for both bass-heavy genres like dubstep and more delicate compositions found in classical music.
Furthermore, the S08 excels in the midrange and treble regions. The midrange is particularly impressive, delivering a natural and lifelike sound that brings instruments and vocals to life with exceptional clarity and detail. This adaptability makes the S08 a versatile choice, capable of handling a wide range of musical styles from smooth jazz to symphonic metal. The treble is clear and detailed, with an impressive extension that ensures high-frequency sounds are crisp and well-defined. Combined with its wide soundstage, the S08 provides an immersive listening experience that enhances the depth and space of the music. These qualities collectively make the S08 a highly engaging and versatile IEM, ideal for audiophiles looking for a high-quality audio experience across various genres.