Disclaimer:
I never expected to see a new version of the S12, but the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition is now official. Against all expectations, we are now on the third version of the S12, this time a special limited edition anniversary version. Thank you, Letshuoer, for sending me a sample unit to test and review.
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:
The technical specifications of the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition are almost identical to those of the S12 Pro. I’m not sure if there are any differences in terms of components or if the 14.8mm driver has undergone a revision or update.
- Sensitivity: 102 db
- Impedance 16Ω
- Connector 0.78 dual pin
- Jack 2.5mm / 3.5mm / 4.4mm swappable
- Chassis material: titanium alloy
- Driver Planar Magnetic 14.8mm
- Frequency response: 20-40kHz
- Cable 392-strand mono crystalline copper
Packaging:
The Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition packaging looks very premium and neat. The gold-colored box matches the color of the IEMs inside. The box has almost every necessary accessory.
- Improved modular cable with 3 adapters 2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm adapter
- 3 sets of 6 tips each: 1 memory foam, 1 standard, and 1 transparent eartip.
- Round rigid carrying case
- Anniversary gold keychain + commemorative card
- Manuals, warranty, and quality control
Compared to usual, the packaging is very neat and particular; there are some nice accessories like the keychain but what matters most is the modular cable, which has much better quality than the S12 Pro. Finally, the cable is softer and more flexible. The Eartips are always many and of quality.
Design/Build quality:
In reality, in terms of Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition design, there are no major changes. The shell mold is exactly the same but the materials are slightly different. The aluminum gives way to a gold-colored titanium alloy on the outside and a black interior that at first glance looks like resin. Fingerprints reign supreme on this type of color and surface. The main differences are in the filters and ventilation holes. As you can see, the ventilation hole near the connector has changed shape, as have the meshes and filters. The nozzle seems to be slightly larger but what is definitely different is the filter. The filter has a much tighter mesh than the one seen on the S12 Pro. I recommend that you take a look at the S12 Pro review to better understand the differences present in this new model variant. For the rest, it is not possible to notice other differences by eye. Inside we have the usual 14.8mm planar driver that does not seem to have undergone an upgrade but the sound has had notable improvements.
Tip Rolling:
The included tips are many and all of good quality. I’m sure you’ll be able to find the ones that are right for you among those included but as I repeat every time, if you already have some tips at home, doing some tests costs you nothing. I personally tried the EPZ M100 in the S version and they are fine but the Divinus Velvet has more stability and excellent performance.
Comfort/Fit:
In terms of comfort, we are at similar levels but slightly better than the S12 Pro. The cable is slightly more flexible, therefore more comfortable. The shell being of decidedly compact dimensions compared to planar IEMs such as the Hidizs MP143 or MP145 is never annoying and even if you have small ears, you should not find problems. If you’re curious to see how they fit, you can check out my review of the S12 Pro.
Initial sound impression:
Even though I didn’t expect any differences, I have to admit that I clearly remember the S12 Pro as brighter and less bass-rich. A sound that I would define as less in line with the current trend. The Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition has adapted to the market in a more than excellent way. Without a shadow of a doubt, they are the first real alternative to the Hidizs MP145. Although the visible changes are only in terms of materials, mesh, and filters, the result is much better than the S12 Pro. LETSHUOER has finally managed to obtain an excellent balance. The bass finally has body and presence, with a nice accentuation of the sub-bass that gives body, dimensionality, and warmth. As for the treble, they have maintained the typical extension that they have accustomed us to but without exaggerating, they stopped just before exaggerating, obtaining a crazy amount of details rich in well-ordered sparks. The mids have remained almost similar but I seem to be able to hear more clearly.
Equipment used for testing above:
Device:
- OSX
- Poco M4 Pro
Software:
- Amazon Music UHD 24bit 96kHz
DAC:
Final sound impression:
I took a good week to get to the final impressions of the LETSHUOER S12 2024 ED. Finally, the tuning is more balanced and all the frequencies are able to give their best. Every song I listen to involves you and, above all, the bass part. Even if they are perhaps slightly slower than the S12 Pro, I find them truly fantastic. They move a notable amount of air, contributing a lot to the sensation of depth. The sound is less analytical than what we are used to with the LETSHUOER but still much more balanced than the S08, which is more limited. The harmony they managed to obtain creates a mix worthy of the first Hidizs MP145 model, perhaps even slightly superior in terms of resolution and transparency. The soundstage remains less expanded than the Hidizs MP145.
Bass
Finally, Letshuoer has decided to show off the potential of its drivers, not even on the S15, had it managed to develop the low frequencies at this level. Now the emphasis on the bass is sometimes even beyond expectations but fortunately there are no bleedings, and the tone/timbre is not unnatural but quite close to what a DD could produce. The sense of depth given by the extension of the subbass adds a very good amount of rumble. Finally, I feel satisfied; I think the level is almost similar to the S15.
Mids
The mids do not seem recessed at all. The voices and musical instruments are very balanced compared to the other frequencies; I have no difficulty distinguishing the smallest nuances of the voices or musical instruments that maintain a truly remarkable composure. A representation rich in details in which even the breaths of the voices seem to be tactile.
Treble
Finally, the treble peak is contained. In the previous S12 Pro, listening for long periods at high volumes was really tiring. With S15 they had already taken the right path by significantly reducing the problem; on S08 perhaps they exaggerated in the reduction (but there are those who like them like that) but in the S12 2024 ED the quantity is perfect and allows you to turn up the volume with confidence; indeed, you risk turning up the volume more than you want because you let yourself be carried away by the sound. The presence of air and sparks is guaranteed; macro and micro details come out easily without needing to concentrate too much. An easy-to-understand sound not too analytical that guarantees you hours and hours of pure enjoyment with your favorite playlists.
Soundstage and Imaging
In terms of soundstage, we are below that of the Hidizs MP145, which, thanks to the rear ventilation, expands the perception of the stage a lot. But as for the rest, we are truly at the top. The image is clear, the layering precise. I think Letshuoer has reached the maximum obtainable from an S12 and their 14.8mm planar driver. I think the only way to get a superior result is an update of the driver and maybe a new shell, maybe always using metal alloys.
Comparison:
Vs. Hidizs MP145
For my tastes, they are my reference point for planar IEMs. Every time I wear them, they never disappoint. Hidizs hit the jackpot with the first version; after that, maybe they underwent small changes that changed the final result. Maybe the new version does not compete with the current S12 2024 ED. I think the MP145 is more V-shaped to the ear and the mids are slightly more recessed than the S12 2024 ED. But in terms of overall performance, we are very close. Two sets with an absurd quality/price ratio.
Vs. Letshuoer S15
The only problem with the S15, in my opinion, was the much higher price compared to the competition but also the previous Letshuoer planar models. Currently the price has undergone a slight cut and is more in line with its performance. The tuning is less commercial and perhaps in terms of definition we are slightly superior to the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition but at the moment I personally prefer the sound signature of the latter. Even aesthetically, I do not deny my preference for the metal and gold-colored shell.
Vs. Letshuoer S08
The S08 is a budget entry-level planar and as such, it absolutely does not compete with the planar drivers found above 99 USD. If your budget is limited, at least try to get to the Hidizs MP143 because it is definitely more refined. Performance and dynamics are a bit subdued; comfort and fit are not the best, despite the shell being similar to the Moondrop ones.
Conclusion:
Letshuoer could easily have developed a new shell but they wanted to reuse an already tested model. I can’t tell you how many changes there are under the shell but the result is clearly audible and considerably surprising. Personally, I prefer the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition to the S15 for several reasons. My playlists listened to with these in my ears sound excellent. I listen mostly to modern genres and I must say that I literally come quickly for hours of listening and although theoretically after an hour I usually have the feeling that the bass has attenuated here, I continue to feel it in an energetic and clear way. The mids lack a bit of that typical tone that you have on dynamic drivers but I must say that the planar in these IEMs is very well balanced. Too bad for the limited edition because I’m sure they will be successful among us enthusiasts. Someone will fight to have a pair.
9.0/10
Pros:
- Great build quality
- Extra nice packaging
- Modular color matching cable + less stiff
- Many and nice quality tips
- Macro & micro details
- Layering & soundstage
- Bass are spot on.
- No driver flex
Cons:
- Nothing new from the shell/design side
- Fingerprints & scratch magnets
- Limited to 2.024 units