Letshuoer S15 VS Nice HCK Himalaya

Youtube Video Summary

Letshuoer S15 takes the planar recipe in a more natural, neutral direction, dialing back the upper-mids/treble glare that made earlier S12 variants feel “planar.” The result is a heavier note weight, smoother edges, and a timbre closer to a good dynamic driver—without the etched, floaty thinness common to many planars. Vocals sit forward with less Harman-style shout, bass carries satisfying sub-bass rumble with tight mid-bass separation thanks to planar speed, and overall fatigue is low. The trade-off is a presentation that’s more relaxed than hyped: treble sparkle and micro-detail aren’t spotlighted, and those craving sizzle may find it a touch polite.

Against its siblings, S15 is the cleanest, most neutral option—more open and balanced than the darker, ultra-chill S08, and more refined/grounded than older S12 iterations that pushed treble energy. The newer S12 2024 brings back liveliness and air while staying smoother than previous S12s, but S15 remains the pick for a reference-leaning planar with convincing timbre. It costs a bit more than S12 2024, yet what you’re paying for is timbre quality, note density, and a fatigue-free listen that still carries enough low-end punch. For listeners prioritizing naturalness over fireworks, S15 feels like the most mature expression of Letshuoer’s planar line.

Youtube Video Summary

The NiceHCK Himalaya is a spectacular flagship IEM featuring a titanium alloy cavity that feels premium and has a beautiful sheen. It comes loaded with extras: a gorgeous purple and grey-blue braided cable (with interchangeable 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm terminations), a sturdy soft-hard case, various tips, and crucially, three interchangeable nozzle filters – gold, black, and blue. Remarkably, all three nozzles sound excellent, a rare feat where subtle tuning changes cater to different preferences without any duds; the blue nozzles deliver a particularly intense, club-like bass that feels physical.

Sonically, these are everything great about a dynamic driver: clean, open, wide, and smooth. They offer impressive bass weight and rumble, especially with the blue nozzles or Render tips, creating a sound reminiscent of a dark German dance club. The tuning flexibility is fantastic, allowing a shift from a cleaner presentation to a more intense, bass-forward signature. The ergonomic fit is comfortable, and the soundstage is expansive, drawing comparisons to the soundstage of the iKKO OH5 combined with the bass of the OH10, but with a superior stock cable. They handle different amps and tips well, proving to be happy go-lucky workhorses.

While minor quibbles exist – like the fiddly nozzle storage (they come in a bag, not a secure plate) and the potential to misalign the MMCX connectors – these are overshadowed by the overall excellence. The Himalaya delivers a powerful, immersive listening experience perfect for closing your eyes and getting lost in the music. For $300, they represent outstanding value, earning high praise as a goddamn yes and a strong contender, leaving little to disappoint.