Letshuoer S12 VS Tanchjim Fission

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Letshuoer S12 and Tanchjim Fission use 1Planar and 1DD driver setups respectively. Letshuoer S12 costs $150 while Tanchjim Fission costs $130. Letshuoer S12 is $20 more expensive. Tanchjim Fission holds a clear 0.9-point edge in reviewer scores (6.2 vs 7.1). Tanchjim Fission has better mids with a 0.7-point edge, Tanchjim Fission has significantly better treble with a 1.7-point edge, Tanchjim Fission has significantly better dynamics with a 4-point edge and Tanchjim Fission has better soundstage with a 0.8-point edge.

Insights

Metric Letshuoer S12 Tanchjim Fission
Bass 7.5 7.1
Mids 6.3 7
Treble 5.3 7
Details 7 7.1
Soundstage 6.3 7
Imaging 6.5 7.1
Dynamics 1 5
Tonality 6.1 7.5
Technicalities 5.9 7.3

Letshuoer S12 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jaytiss
Drew / Audionotions
Shuwa-T Fresh Reviews Jays Audio Tim Tuned
Z-Reviews
Super* Review

Average Reviewer Score:

6.2

Mixed to Positive


Tanchjim Fission Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Super* Review
Jaytiss Jays Audio Z-Reviews IEMRanking AI

Average Reviewer Score:

7.1

Generally Favorable


Letshuoer S12 User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Tanchjim Fission User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Letshuoer S12 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.2

Gaming Grade

B

Tanchjim Fission Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7.4

Gaming Grade

A-

Letshuoer S12 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B
  • Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.

Average Technical Grade

B-
  • Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
Bass A
Strong, well-defined bass with good texture. Delivers satisfying punch and rumble without overwhelming other frequencies.
Mids B
Good midrange presence with solid clarity. Vocals are clear and instruments have reasonable texture and body.
Treble C+
Decent treble with acceptable extension and detail. Can sound slightly unrefined but avoids being harsh or sibilant.
Dynamics E-
Extremely poor dynamic expression. Lacks any sense of impact or volume gradation, making music feel one-dimensional.
Soundstage B
Good soundstage with proper width and depth. Instruments have clear positioning with reasonable front/back placement.
Details A-
Excellent detail retrieval: highly resolving without being clinical. Effortlessly reveals micro-details and textural subtleties.
Imaging B+
Good imaging with precise instrument placement. Clear localization within the soundstage including front/back positioning.
Gaming B
Decent spatial awareness for fundamental positioning. Creates satisfying atmosphere in story-driven games while handling basic directional cues.

Tanchjim Fission Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A
  • Well-executed tonal character. No major flaws with good technical control. Smooth presentation works with multiple genres.

Average Technical Grade

A-
  • Competent technical presentation. Handles separation and detail well in most tracks, with modest soundstage and acceptable imaging capabilities.
Mids A-
Excellent midrange with natural timbre and great detail retrieval. Vocals are forward and emotive with lifelike instrument reproduction.
Treble A-
Excellent treble: airy, extended and well-controlled. Great micro-detail retrieval without sibilance or harshness.
Dynamics C+
Decent dynamic performance. Good macro-contrast but micro-dynamics could be more nuanced. Satisfactory impact.
Soundstage A-
Excellent spatial presentation - wide, deep and tall. Precise instrument placement with clear separation in all dimensions.
Gaming A-
Good fundamental spatial awareness for most gaming scenarios. Handles basic positioning well but may lack nuance in complex situations.

Letshuoer S12 Reviews

Super* Review 8* * score normalized
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Price: $126

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Z-Reviews 7.2 * score normalized
Shuwa-T 6.8 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
check links for more info:

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

- Shuwa-T
Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: A- Soundstage: B+ Details: A- Imaging: B+
Fresh Reviews 6.5* * The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
Great package and some titles arguably A-

Fresh Reviews original ranking

Fresh Reviews Youtube Channel
- Fresh Reviews
Jays Audio 6 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A- Tech
The most refined S12 to date. Smoothest treble out of all the S12, and very little Planar timbre while keeping up the great tech and detail.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel
- Jays Audio
Tim Tuned 6 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
A+ Tech
Planar with the most "wow" factor. Spacious heead stage Treble can be too much

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
- Tim Tuned
Bass: A+ Mids: A- Treble: A-
Drew / Audionotions 5.5 Reviewer Score
Very energetic. Very detailed. Very bright. Noticeable recession in mids - it is V-shaped after all. Planar timbre is quite noticeable and can sometimes make this sound unnatural. Previously Owned

Drew / Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

- Drew / Audionotions
Jaytiss 3.8 Reviewer Score
D+ Tuning
E+ Tech
I think the s12 is fine, the pro and z12 don't add too much value

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
- Jaytiss
Mids: C+ Treble: E+ Dynamics: E- Soundstage: B
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Price: $149

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Tanchjim Fission Reviews

Jaytiss 7.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A- Tech
Such a Fantastic little set.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
- Jaytiss
Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: C+ Soundstage: A-

The Tanchjim Fission presents fantastic value right out of the box, largely thanks to its inclusion of a high-quality USB-C DAC cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. The all-metal build feels premium, and the included cable is extremely silky and pleasant to use. A standout feature is the set of interchangeable nozzles that allow for sound tuning; the gold nozzle is the clear winner, providing the best balance, while others can make the bass less impactful. However, the fit can be a challenge for some as the shell lacks a pronounced lip, and the nozzles can be tricky to remove and replace.

Sonically, the Fission is extremely close to the more expensive and beloved Tanchjim Origin, offering a smooth, energetic sound with a tonality that is highly enjoyable. It provides a touch of warmth, pristine detail, and good air, making it a set that is easy to recommend and daily drive. When compared to other sets in its price range, it holds its own against competitors like the Dunu Kima (which has better fit and accessories) and the Kiwi Ears Quintet (which offers more bass), though the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference for tonality and the value placed on its tunable nature.

While it doesn't break the so-called "curse of the $150 IEM," the Fission is a strong contender and gets a full recommendation. Its few cons include a fit that may not work for all ears and a bass quantity that some may wish was greater. For those who value its specific sonic qualities, the excellent build, and the incredible package value with the included DAC cable, the Tanchjim Fission is a fantastic and competitive option that is very easy to enjoy.

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Price: $129.99

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Jays Audio 7 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A- Tech
Exact same driver and tuning as the Origin (with middle dial on S-SILVER NOZZLE) but with less premium build/design/cable/case - a welcomed hit for better value. Clean, neutral, balanced, full, and smooth all-rounder.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel
- Jays Audio

The Tanchjim Fission presents a neutral, balanced, and clean sound signature that is also described as smooth and full. It offers a very natural and laid-back listening experience, making it a strong option for those seeking a safe, non-fatiguing tuning. The technical performance is solid for its price, with good detail retrieval and instrument separation, though it isn't the most dynamic or sparkly set available.

Tip selection is crucial, with recommendations for the Tri Clear or Final E tips to open up the sound, while the Spinfit CP155 can add a touch more bass. The included tuning switches are largely seen as a gimmick; only the middle silver setting is recommended, as the others introduce a significant sub-bass roll-off. The Fission excels with genres like rock, indie, acoustics, and classical at moderate volumes, but its lack of sub-bass rumble and extension makes it a weak choice for hip-hop, EDM, or rap.

Its greatest strength is its value proposition, as it is essentially a cheaper version of the Tanchjim Origin, sharing the same driver and sound profile for a lower cost. This makes competitors like the Moondrop Kato seem less relevant. However, when compared to other all-rounders like the Juzear 4U or Simgot EW300, the Fission faces stiff competition. The EW300, in particular, offers more bass, tuning variety, and similar technicalities for half the price, making the Fission a tougher sell unless its specific brand of smooth, neutral tonality is exactly what you're after.

Z-Reviews 7 * score normalized

The Tanchjim Fission is an absolutely spectacular IEM that feels and performs far beyond its $129 price tag. It comes loaded with a ridiculous amount of customization, featuring three interchangeable nozzles (stainless steel, titanium, and brass) and a four-way tuning switch, creating a potential 12 different sound combinations. The entire package feels flagship-tier, boasting an excellent interchangeable cable system with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C terminations, a waterproof bag, and even a keychain tool for adjustments.

After extensive testing, the definitive "cheat code" for the best sound is using the brass nozzles with the tuning switch set to Pop mode, which seemingly bypasses internal circuitry for a pure, direct sound. This configuration delivers exceptional clarity and a surprisingly wide soundstage, though they are not bass monsters. The fit is excellent, passing the "pinky test," and the build quality on everything from the IEMs themselves to the accessories is exceptional.

While not every combination of nozzles and switches is a winner, the sheer number of options ensures you can find a sound you love. For the price, the value is unmatched, feeling like a product that should cost $279. It comes as a full recommendation, offering a premium, highly tunable experience that is arguably one of the best deals in the IEM market, cementing Tanchjim's reputation for making no bad gear.

Super* Review

2025-09-05
Super* Review 6* * score normalized
Fairly unoffensive with a slightly bright/forward tone. Pillowy bass attack and overall presentation aren’t very engaging; the bass dial doesn’t meaningfully change that.

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
- Super* Review
IEMRanking AI 7.8 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A+ Tech

The Tanchjim Fission delivers a notably neutral with vocal-forward presentation in its default configuration, emphasizing clarity and articulation in the midrange without excessive coloration. Bass response is described as clean and firm, offering good texture without bleeding into the mids, while the treble remains smooth and non-fatiguing, contributing to an overall balanced yet engaging listen. Its standout feature is the extensive customization: three swappable nozzle filters (brass for warmth, titanium for brightness, stainless steel for neutrality) and a four-position analog tuning dial collectively enable 12 possible tuning combinations, allowing significant user adjustment to suit genre or preference.

Technically, the Fission leverages Tanchjim’s fifth-generation DMT5 dynamic driver, shared with their higher-end Origin model, which contributes to strong detail retrieval and a surprisingly expansive soundstage for a single-DD IEM at this price. The lightweight CNC-machined aluminum shells ensure comfort during extended use, though isolation can vary and may require tip rolling for an optimal seal. The package includes a practical soft case, a modular silver-plated cable with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C (featuring DSP and app-based parametric EQ) terminations, rounding out a strong value proposition at $129.99.

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- IEMRanking AI
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Price: $169

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