Hyla Sarda VS Letshuoer Mystic 8

Letshuoer Mystic 8 leans hard into “flagship” theatrics: a cat-themed shell, a fancy case with a suction-seal lid, and even bonus jewelry in the box—plus a tray of 18 silicone tips. The metal shells are surprisingly light, the nozzle is long and secure, and fit feels pressure-free rather than stuffed into a tube. The cable looks premium but is very thin, fixed to a 4.4 mm plug with no swappable heads, and carries a leather “sound alive” strap that can’t be removed. Branding/marketing gets a little mystical (phantom cat, starlight, mist), but the build and accessories are undeniably luxe.

Sonically, this is the rare all-BA set that doesn’t sound like one. With an 8-BA array, 4-way tubes, a 3-way crossover, and a low-pass module, the presentation is effortless, tight, and strikingly natural from whisper to “send it.” Transients feel fast—notes appear, clean up, and reset before the next one hits—so the stage reads organized and pinpoint; imaging is “banjo at 1.4° right” levels of precise. Bass doesn’t mimic a big DD’s shove, but it’s taut and sufficient; treble is delicate and refined without splash; mids land neutrally and never shout. It’s also easy to drive and doesn’t need break-in—just plug in and go, then keep turning up without the tuning falling apart.

Source synergy leans toward clean, unflavored players (e.g., warmer DAPs like the Shanling M5 Ultra paired beautifully, while some studio DACs felt flatter). Against kilobuck staples like Monarch, Mystic 8 reads more “plain” in the best way—accurate, open-feeling, and non-insistent. Quibbles: that non-removable strap, the fixed 4.4 mm, and the thinness of the cable at this price. But the verdict is clear: once the music starts, this set shifts from fashion piece to genuinely special transducer—$1,000-worthy for listeners chasing speed, control, and a “disappears-in-the-ears” experience.

Z-Reviews original ranking

Letshuoer Mystic 8 lands as a surprising all-BA flagship (~$1,000) from a brand better known for budget planars—complete with a metal storage puck, multiple tip sets, a microfiber cloth… and even a necklace and “cat” ring. Build is standout: compact titanium shells with a subtle feline motif (gem-like eye), small flush fit, and a semi-custom contour that sits very stable once sealed. The nozzle runs a bit long (~6.1 mm), so shorter tips help; that rear wing may bug some ears, but overall comfort and stability are excellent—even sleepable. The weak link is the thin, tangle-prone cable with an unremovable leather tag, though the simple plastic 2-pin connectors are refreshingly practical.

Tonally it’s a bright-leaning neutral: lean lower mids/upper bass, a sub-bass-focused lift (from ~80 Hz down), and a touch of upper-treble energy. Not a basshead set, yet notes carry surprising weight, giving metallic instruments satisfying body without turning dry. Staging and separation are clean, but imaging performance is only mid-pack at the price; the presentation favors macro contrast over micro-texture. A small mid-bass bump (≈ +3 dB around 80 Hz) sweetens the balance. Versus Moondrop S8, the S8 digs more micro detail and images better, but lacks the Mystic 8’s heft. Versus Seventh Acoustics Supernova, Supernova images best and sounds warmer with more mid-bass, though a bit drier. Net: a distinctive, well-built, comfortable set with a unique look and engaging contrast—4/5 stars, if a touch pricey.

Super* Review original ranking