Letshuoer Cadenza 12 VS Letshuoer S12 Ultra
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 and Letshuoer S12 Ultra use 1DD+11BA and 1Planar (14.8 mm) driver setups respectively. Letshuoer Cadenza 12 costs $2,299 while Letshuoer S12 Ultra costs $169. Letshuoer Cadenza 12 is $2,130 more expensive. Letshuoer Cadenza 12 holds a clear 0.8-point edge in reviewer scores (8.4 vs 7.6). Letshuoer Cadenza 12 has better mids with a 0.5-point edge, Letshuoer Cadenza 12 has significantly better soundstage with a 1.7-point edge, Letshuoer S12 Ultra has better details with a 0.7-point edge and Letshuoer Cadenza 12 has slightly better imaging with a 0.4-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Letshuoer Cadenza 12 | Letshuoer S12 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 7 |
| Treble | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Details | 7.3 | 7.9 |
| Soundstage | 9 | 7.3 |
| Imaging | 7.8 | 7.4 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 7.2 |
| Tonality | 8 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 8.4 | 7.2 |
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.4Very Positive
Letshuoer S12 Ultra Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.6Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Jays Audio
9.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Buy Letshuoer Cadenza 12 on Linsoul
Ad
Price: $1,999
Buy Letshuoer Cadenza 12 on Linsoul
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Jays Audio
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
Buy Letshuoer S12 Ultra on Linsoul
Ad
Price: $169
Buy Letshuoer S12 Ultra on Linsoul
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Jaytiss
9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The 2024 Cadenza 12 makes a strong first impression with premium presentation, though the accessories aren’t flawless. The stock cable looks gorgeous and offers swappable terminations (4.4 / 3.5 / 2.5), but it’s stiff and tricky to coil into the compact case. The metal shell is well-contoured and comfortable with a sensible nozzle lip, yet certain tips can pop off too easily. Overall build feels upscale and weighty without being cumbersome—just expect some practical quirks.
Tonally it sits neutral with a gentle bass lift: clean sub-bass presence without thunder, crisp highs with smooth extension, and a relaxed upper-mid energy that keeps fatigue low. Resolution and imaging are technically adept, but the tuning plays things safe—polished and airy rather than punchy or electrifying. On graphs and by ear it evokes classic “reference” curves (think early Monarch-style balance), trading visceral slam for control and clarity; many audiophiles will find it classy and coherent, while thrill-seekers may wish for more bite.
Against peers, it recalls sets that graph beautifully yet feel a touch reserved in the bass and presence regions. Comparisons to options like Europa highlight how a bit more sub-bass and 4–6 kHz zest can add sparkle and engagement; a light EQ lift to bass and upper mids wakes the Cadenza 12 up nicely. As delivered, it’s a refined, wide, and airy listen that prioritizes neutrality and detail over spectacle—recommended for listeners chasing a mature, low-fatigue signature rather than a high-octane ride.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Jaytiss
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
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.6
* score rescaled + normalized
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.7
* score rescaled + normalized
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Web Search
8.9
Reviewer Score
The Letshuoer Cadenza 12 delivers a balanced sound signature with a slight warmth in the low end, providing clean and textured bass that avoids overwhelming the midrange. Its midrange presentation is natural and resolving, though some listeners noted a recession around 1-2kHz that could thin male vocals slightly, while the treble offers good extension but exhibits a noticeable peak around 10kHz that occasionally introduces harshness or an "echo" effect on certain instruments . Technical performance is a strength, with precise pinpoint imaging and an expansive, holographic soundstage that excels in complex orchestral passages, though some critics felt its resolution doesn’t fully justify the price against established flagships .
Comfort is generally strong due to the surprisingly lightweight titanium shells and ergonomic shape, allowing for extended listening sessions despite their size, though some users reported eventual ear fatigue . The mirror-finish shells attract fingerprints and scratches easily, and the included hybrid cable, while versatile with modular terminations, is often criticized for its stiffness and unwieldy handling . While the packaging and accessories—including a functional leather case and customizable ear tips—are premium, the overall value proposition is debated, particularly when comparing its technical performance to competitors near its $2,300 price .
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Web Search
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.
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 (more reviews)
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Z-Reviews
9
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 goes full flagship spectacle: a 12-driver per side build (1 dynamic + 11 BA from Knowles/Sonion), six-way crossover, and heavy metal shells that feel like a prize out of a treasure chest. The unboxing is decadent—fabric-wrapped stock cable with interchangeable plugs, a big faux-leather case, tip sets (foam, Symbio, Xelastec-style), and even a quirky bulldog stand. Fit can be finicky, tip choice matters, and the shells beg for constant polishing; once seated, isolation and comfort are solid.
Sonically, this set is hyper-analytical yet immersive. It “3D-prints” instruments in space, letting a gentle kick drum’s air, pedal thumps on a piano, and micro-dynamics pop with almost studio-monitor precision. Detail retrieval is wild and imaging is pinpoint; mixes get deconstructed so clearly it’s easy to tell what’s acoustic, what’s processed, and where DSP tricks are hiding. The catch: it’s extremely chain-sensitive. Use the stock cable (impedance clearly matters), prefer single-ended over balanced on many amps, and pair with a clean, muscular amplifier—get the combo wrong and mids can go dull or staging collapses; get it right and it’s pure fireworks.
Verdict: an elite, picky flagship that demands careful setup but rewards with one of the most dissecting, vividly placed presentations available in IEMs. Not the most “natural” tuning on earth and far from cheap, yet when everything clicks, the Cadenza 12 delivers a peak listening experience that can ruin lesser gear for good.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Yifang
9
Reviewer Score
Yifang Youtube Channel
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.1
Reviewer Score
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Precogvision
6.2
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Letshuoer S12 Ultra (more reviews)
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Paul Wasabii
7.6
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
Final revision of the series brings a very coherent, slightly warmer presentation with treble pulled into safer territory and mids that feel a bit weightier. Ultra sits between the smoother S08 and the rawer S12 Pro, and it comes across a touch bassier than the graphs suggest. As a single-driver planar, it retains solid resolve and a natural, easy tonality that will suit most listeners, especially at the 169 price point.
Despite graphs looking similar to S12 2024, Ultra sounds smaller and flatter, with less transparency and dynamics. Soundstage is mainly left-right; height and depth are curtailed, so placement is not always in the right place on more spacious tracks. The smoother top end avoids harshness and makes long sessions comfortable, but the trade-off is reduced sparkle and air versus the 2024 tuning.
Versus budget planar standouts like KZ PRX, Ultra is a clear, smoother upgrade; versus S12 2024, it is the safer all-round pick but not as open or exciting. Dense mixes can nudge the bass toward a slight bloom and compress the center image. For most, this is the one S12 to buy; stage and transparency chasers may still prefer the 2024 version.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+11BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: Letshuoer Top Letshuoer IEMs
Price (Msrp): $2,299
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Letshuoer S12 Ultra Details
Driver Configuration: 1Planar (14.8 mm)
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Letshuoer Top Letshuoer IEMs
Price (Msrp): $169
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Letshuoer S12 Ultra User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.8Gaming Grade
B+Letshuoer 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
7.3Gaming Grade
A-Letshuoer Cadenza 12 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Overall balance feels confident and refined, rewarding long listening sessions. A reliable all-rounder for everyday listening.
Average Technical Grade
A+- A very capable technical display delivers articulate layers and poised imaging. It portrays reverbs and echoes with confidence.
Letshuoer S12 Ultra Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.
Average Technical Grade
A-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewBuy Letshuoer Cadenza 12 on Aliexpress
Ad
Price: $2,299
Buy Letshuoer Cadenza 12 on Aliexpress
Letshuoer S12 Ultra User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewFind your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS