Softears RS10 VS Letshuoer Cadenza 12

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Softears RS10 targets a Harman-leaning reference balance with a clean, studio-grade presentation: bass is tight and linear with modest mid-bass punch, prioritizing speed, texture, and separation over slam. The midrange sits neutral and coherent, giving vocals accurate body without bloom, while treble extends with air and micro-detail that spotlights room cues and trailing reverbs. Staging focuses on pinpoint imaging and layering more than sheer width, creating a precise, microscope-like view into mixes that rewards high-quality recordings.

On the flip side, the tuning’s discipline means sub-bass rumble and warmth are restrained, and the upper-treble focus can read energetic on hot masters. It excels for critical listening, fast genres, and complex arrangements where transient clarity matters, but bass-heads and those seeking plush note weight may prefer a richer set. Build and isolation are solid, comfort is stable for long sessions, and the overall package feels polished and technical—a premium, detail-first monitor for listeners who value accuracy over indulgence.

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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.

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Softears RS10 targets the top of the detail game at $2,100, but its extras feel dated: a leather hard case, pouch, tips, metal card, and a basic cable—often without interchangeable plugs (current Hangout stock is 4.4 mm). The shell is fully filled resin with a glass-like look that reads premium despite the old-school accessory pack.

Tuning skews a brighter V/U-shape—think JM1 diffuse field (5128) with a bass shelf. Bass is competent, not class-leading at the price; the real draw is the treble: forward, incisive, and surprisingly non-sibilant. RS10 is a detail monster that shoves low-level information to the front and actually has the resolving ability to render it—thrilling for analysis, but intense over long sessions.

Best for listeners who explicitly want maximum resolution and can handle a more energetic top end; less ideal for those seeking a laid-back or warm signature or a luxe unboxing. Price and intensity are the trade-offs; the payoff is one of the most resolving presentations available with a tonality that stays natural-leaning despite its brightness.

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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.