DUNU x KOTO ITO VS Letshuoer S12 Ultra
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
DUNU x KOTO ITO and Letshuoer S12 Ultra use 2DD+2BA and 1Planar (14.8 mm) driver setups respectively. DUNU x KOTO ITO costs $199 while Letshuoer S12 Ultra costs $169. DUNU x KOTO ITO is $30 more expensive. Letshuoer S12 Ultra holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (7.2 vs 7.6). DUNU x KOTO ITO has slightly better bass with a 0.3-point edge, Letshuoer S12 Ultra has better mids with a 0.7-point edge, Letshuoer S12 Ultra has significantly better treble with a 1.5-point edge, DUNU x KOTO ITO has better dynamics with a 0.5-point edge, Letshuoer S12 Ultra has slightly better soundstage with a 0.4-point edge, Letshuoer S12 Ultra has significantly better details with a 1.3-point edge and Letshuoer S12 Ultra has better imaging with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | DUNU x KOTO ITO | Letshuoer S12 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.1 | 7.8 |
| Mids | 6.1 | 6.8 |
| Treble | 6.2 | 7.6 |
| Details | 7.2 | 8.5 |
| Soundstage | 7.3 | 7.6 |
| Imaging | 7.4 | 7.9 |
| Dynamics | 7.8 | 7.4 |
| Tonality | 7.1 | 7.4 |
| Technicalities | 6.2 | 7.2 |
DUNU x KOTO ITO Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.2Generally Favorable
Letshuoer S12 Ultra Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.6Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-09-11
7.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Build & accessories land in a solid spot for the price: comfortable shells with secure nozzles, clear L/R marks, and a supple modular cable that swaps between 4.4mm and 3.5mm (no USB-C in-box). The hard case is nicely made and pocketable, and the whole package feels durable if not premium. Nothing glaring in QC—just a clean, practical presentation.
Sonically, this is a bold V-shape—huge sub-bass punch with elevated upper mids to keep things lively. The bass can turn boomy/pillowy on some tracks, and a scoop around 300–800 Hz can leave female vocals a touch recessed; treble is clean and controlled, a little dark up top with limited sparkle. Technicalities are decent rather than class-leading—separation and air trail sets like Punch Audio Martillo or Crescent, while tuning kinships show up against DUNU Glacier and even Grand Maestro-style balances. Compared to value darlings (e.g., Truth Ear Pure, Jazzer Defiant), ITO feels more audiophile-flavored fun than an all-rounder.
In DUNU’s lineup it reads as a unique basshead option: very engaging slam, thick note weight, and non-fatiguing treble, but only average mids/technicalities. Think hip-hop/EDM-friendly impact over neutral precision. Verdict: around 3–3.5 stars—competitive at $200 for those chasing thump and excitement; listeners wanting neutrality, vocal presence, or extra air may prefer other picks or a “tactful V” with less bass and less upper-mid bite.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-10-05
8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
LETSHUOER S12 Ultra wraps up the S12 line with a 14.8 mm planar driver and a familiar metal shell in gunmetal or mocha. The housing is vented, comfy for long sessions, and solidly built with a flat 2-pin interface that grips tips well. The stock package is practical: a soft case, a fair tip spread, a braided cable with swappable 4.4 mm termination, and even a plug-and-play USB-C DAC that performs capably for on-the-go use.
Sonically, this set aims for a mild V-shape with tasteful tweaks that elevate it over prior S12 iterations. There’s a touch more sub-bass than the S12 Pro and a smoother 10 kHz zone, reducing fatigue while keeping upper-treble reach for air. The presentation favors balance over sparkle: detailed without the brittle edge many planars flirt with, and notably non-fatiguing over longer listens. Technical chops are strong for the class—clean, clear, and “planar-fast”—though instrument separation can lag behind pricier hybrids, and the topmost “crispy” sheen is slightly restrained.
On graphs and in practice, S12 Ultra reads as a refined take on modern planars—more bass weight, tidier 4–6 kHz, and better treble behavior than its siblings. Listeners hypersensitive up top may still prefer something like the S15 for a softer treble contour, while those chasing maximal separation may lean to sets like AFUL Performer 7 (with a spicier treble). With the usual planar caveat about unit variance and fit, this edition comes through as the standout of the S12 series: a clean, engaging, and genuinely high-value recommendation under $500.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7
* score rescaled + normalized
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.7
* score rescaled + normalized
DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by Web Search
2025-09-07
7.6
Reviewer Score
DUNU x KOTO ITO is a $199.99 hybrid IEM built with Japanese reviewer Kaji Kaji (“Koto”). It uses a 2DD+2BA array (10 mm bio-diaphragm DD + 8 mm LCP DD, plus two treble BAs), comes with DUNU’s Q-Lock quick-swap plugs, and lists 105 dB sensitivity at 37 Ω with shells at ~6.5 g each.
Tonally, ITO aims for a U-shaped, bass-tilted balance: sub/mid-bass punch is elevated, mids sit slightly back but avoid haze, and treble is smooth with workable extension rather than bite. Early community impressions frame it as energetic and a touch V-leaning versus DUNU’s more neutral sets, which tracks with the collab’s “full-bodied” intent.
Technicalities are competent for the class: dynamics and imaging keep up with busy mixes, while soundstage and microdetail are closer to average among sub-$200 hybrids; driveability is friendly given 105 dB/37 Ω. As a package—tuning, accessories, and fit—it offers good value for listeners wanting engaging bass without sharp treble, though those chasing expansive stage or strict neutrality may prefer other options.
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Web Search
2025-10-05
7.1
Reviewer Score
The Letshuoer S12 Ultra continues the brand’s planar lineage with a 14.8 mm planar-magnetic driver in a compact metal shell. Notable upgrades include a 392-core silver-plated cable with interchangeable 3.5/4.4 mm plugs and even a bundled DT01 Pro Type-C DAC cable in some packages, positioning it as a self-contained portable solution at an MSRP around $169.
Tonally, the Ultra aims for a lively U-shaped balance common to prior S12 variants—crisp upper-treble energy with solid bass presence—while early impressions from show-floor demos frame it as the most refined take yet. That aligns with the S12 family’s reputation for strong resolution and a brisk top-end; the original S12 was praised for technical performance albeit with a brighter tilt, context that helps set expectations for the Ultra’s direction.
As with many planars, the S12 line can benefit from competent source power to realize dynamics and control; community reviews note the Ultra responds well to suitable amplification. Staging remains more intimate than expansive compared to some hybrids, but imaging and micro-detail are competitive at the price, making the Ultra a pragmatic sub-$200 pick for listeners who value clarity and transient speed over warmth.
DUNU x KOTO ITO (more reviews)
DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by Z-Reviews
2025-09-07
6.8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Dunu’s collab with Japanese creator Kaji Kaji lands as the ITO, tuned nothing like the stereotype of “treble ’til you die.” The presentation leans smooth, warm, and open, with a notably wide soundstage that flatters jazz and intimate acoustic sets—think late-night, bourbon-and-smoky-room mood without the glare. It’s built for relaxed musicality rather than forensic detail extraction.
Low end carries a thick, satisfying sub-bass that stays tasteful—present when the track calls for it, not a constant spotlight. The ITO plays “fun first”: big space, plush tone, and enough detail to keep things engaging, landing beside a “T Pro”-type set but with the clinical edges dialed back to emphasize bass and stage. In short, a “perfect fun IEM” vibe that prefers groove and atmosphere over microscope listening.
Ergonomically the shells are a bit thick, but build and accessories impress: a quality Dunu cable with interchangeable plugs, a case, and a spread of tips (including Dunu SS). The hybrid 2DD+2BA setup (ultra-low DD + low/mid DD, mid BA, ultra-high BA) at around 37 Ω runs well from modest sources and scales nicely; pricing circles the $200 mark, making it an easy recommendation for listeners who want warm, expansive, and genuinely musical tuning without chasing every last micro-detail.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Letshuoer S12 Ultra (more reviews)
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Jays Audio
2025-10-09
6.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Letshuoer S12 Ultra comes through as the smoothest tuning in the S12 family— a sub-bass boosted all-rounder with quick transients and satisfying rumble that makes pop, hip-hop, and EDM notably fun. Technical performance sits around earlier S12 variants, but treble detail is dialed back a touch versus the OG/Pro in exchange for a more natural timbre and less “planar-bright” edge. It’s the bassiest S12 to date, hitting with better texture, impact, and extension, while keeping imaging crisp enough to stay engaging rather than clinical.
Tuning tweaks tame the upper range: a cut past 1.5 kHz and an 8–15 kHz dip ease shout and sibilance, with air returning via a lift around 15 kHz. Vocals sit a bit pulled back and the treble is the least energetic of the series, which helps long-session comfort—though brighter, heavily produced tracks or songs with little low-end can still sound peaky if pushed. Best results come at ~65–70 dB; tip-roll toward clear or bass-supporting tips to smooth the top and reinforce the lows, while avoiding brightening tips that exaggerate energy.
Versus peers, S12 Ultra feels like a bassier, less shouty take on Supermix 4/Nova and a slightly more V-shaped, punchier alternative to Defiant. It’s not a value monster for sheer detail compared with cheaper planars (T10, F1 Pro, etc.), but the payoff is a presentation that’s more musical, smoother, and easier to live with. For listeners wanting added slam without losing the S12’s speed and airy sense of space, this version offers the most enjoyable balance in the lineup.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
DUNU x KOTO ITO Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: DUNU Top DUNU IEMs
Price (Msrp): $199
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Letshuoer S12 Ultra Details
Driver Configuration: 1Planar (14.8 mm)
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Letshuoer Top Letshuoer IEMs
Price (Msrp): $169
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DUNU x KOTO ITO User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Letshuoer S12 Ultra User Review Score
Average User Scores
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DUNU x KOTO ITO Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.4Gaming Grade
BLetshuoer S12 Ultra Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.2Gaming Grade
A-DUNU x KOTO ITO Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- The tonal character feels settled and versatile, with just a few gentle bumps. You can listen for hours without fatigue.
Average Technical Grade
B- An honest, middle-of-the-road performance preserves structure without chasing micro-detail. It's respectable for everyday listening sessions.
Letshuoer S12 Ultra Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- It balances warmth and clarity well, showing only minor quirks along the way. Timbre feels believable with most instruments.
Average Technical Grade
A-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
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