Letshuoer Cadenza 12 VS Nightjar Duality
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 and Nightjar Duality use 1DD+11BA and 2DD driver setups respectively. Letshuoer Cadenza 12 costs $2,299 while Nightjar Duality costs $3,000. Nightjar Duality is $701 more expensive. Letshuoer Cadenza 12 holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (8.3 vs 8.1). Nightjar Duality has significantly better bass with a 1.5-point edge, Nightjar Duality has significantly better dynamics with a 2.3-point edge, Letshuoer Cadenza 12 has significantly better soundstage with a 1.5-point edge and Nightjar Duality has better details with a 0.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Letshuoer Cadenza 12 | Nightjar Duality |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.5 | 9 |
| Mids | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| Treble | 7.4 | 7.3 |
| Details | 7.3 | 8 |
| Soundstage | 9 | 7.5 |
| Imaging | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 9.3 |
| Tonality | 7.9 | 8.1 |
| Technicalities | 8.4 | 7.5 |
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.3Very Positive
Nightjar Duality Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Yifang
9
Reviewer Score
Yifang Youtube Channel
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Nightjar Duality reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Jaytiss
8.8
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
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Nightjar Duality presents as a $3,000 dual-dynamic IEM with a focus on premium build and ergonomics: a bespoke shell that seats comfortably, a recessed 2-pin, and user-tunable hardware via onboard switches and an included impedance adapter that can push bass even further. Packaging includes multiple thin, lightweight cables and even a powered dongle option. The craftsmanship feels boutique, and the faceplate aesthetic underscores its luxury positioning.
Tonally, this is a bass-forward set with two personalities: a “normal bass” configuration that retains balance and a “crazy bass” mode that becomes emphatically sub-heavy. Treble carries air and decent detail without chasing a hyper-analytical edge; mids are serviceable but a touch off, responding well to a bit of EQ. Overall dynamics hit hard, staging and clarity remain clean enough for the tuning goal, and the tuning reads as an enjoyable, romantic DD presentation—just not the final word in microdetail at this price.
In context, alternatives frame the value conversation: Grand Maestro is cited for stronger detail/air and driver refinement (though Duality fits better), while options like the Origin, Zen Magrid T Pro (~$500), Effect Audio Quantum, and even the budget Aether planar show that similar or complementary traits exist at lower brackets. Compared with sets such as Scarlet Mini or Maestro Mini, Duality’s bass shelf and presence balance feel more considered. Verdict: a unique, fun bass-head flagship with excellent design and ergonomics; the price is the hurdle, so demoing at events like CanJam is strongly advised before committing.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.1
Reviewer Score
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.3
Reviewer Score
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.6
* score rescaled + normalized
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 (more reviews)
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Jays Audio
9.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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 Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Precogvision
6.2
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
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 .
Nightjar Duality (more reviews)
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.8
Reviewer Score
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+11BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: Letshuoer Top Letshuoer IEMs
Price (Msrp): $2,299
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Nightjar Duality Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD
Tuning Type: Basshead
Price (Msrp): $3,000
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Letshuoer Cadenza 12 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Nightjar Duality User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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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+Nightjar Duality Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.2Gaming Grade
BLetshuoer 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.
Nightjar Duality Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- The tonal balance is polished and expressive, highlighting emotion without sacrificing accuracy. It keeps emotional weight without sacrificing accuracy.
Average Technical Grade
A- It delivers a confident technical showing with defined layers and satisfying clarity. You can follow backing vocals with relative ease.
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Nightjar Duality User Reviews
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