qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX VS Letshuoer Cadenza 12
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX and Letshuoer Cadenza 12 use 10BA and 1DD+11BA driver setups respectively. qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX costs $1,410 while Letshuoer Cadenza 12 costs $2,299. Letshuoer Cadenza 12 is $889 more expensive. Letshuoer Cadenza 12 holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (8 vs 8.3).
Insights
| Metric | qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX | Letshuoer Cadenza 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 8 | 7.3 |
| Treble | 8 | 7.4 |
| Details | 8 | 7.3 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 9 |
| Imaging | 8 | 7.8 |
| Dynamics | 8 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| Technicalities | 9 | 8.3 |
qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8Very Positive
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.3Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX (more reviews)
qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX reviewed by Crin
8
Reviewer Score
Crin Youtube Channel
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 (more reviews)
Letshuoer Cadenza 12 reviewed by Jays Audio
9.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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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 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
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 Cadenza 12 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.6
* 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 .
qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX Details
Driver Configuration: 10BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: QDC Top QDC IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,410
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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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qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Letshuoer Cadenza 12 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.6Gaming Grade
ALetshuoer 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
6.6Gaming Grade
B+qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- It presents a smooth, well-integrated tonal balance that plays nicely with many styles. It maintains natural timbre across the range.
Average Technical Grade
S- It resolves with authority, pairing lightning-fast transients with holographic staging. Ambient cues wrap around with ease.
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.
qdc 8SL/Gemini/Anole VX User Reviews
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