Tanchjim Fission and Letshuoer S12 Ultra use 1DD and 1Planar (14.8 mm) driver setups respectively. Tanchjim Fission costs $130 while Letshuoer S12 Ultra costs $169. Letshuoer S12 Ultra is $39 more expensive. Letshuoer S12 Ultra holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (7 vs 7.5). Letshuoer S12 Ultra has significantly better bass with a 1.2-point edge, Letshuoer S12 Ultra has better treble with a 0.6-point edge, Letshuoer S12 Ultra has significantly better dynamics with a 1.3-point edge, Letshuoer S12 Ultra has better soundstage with a 0.8-point edge, Letshuoer S12 Ultra has significantly better details with a 1.8-point edge and Letshuoer S12 Ultra has better imaging with a 0.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Tanchjim Fission | Letshuoer S12 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.3 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 6.8 | 7 |
| Treble | 6.8 | 7.4 |
| Details | 6.2 | 7.9 |
| Soundstage | 6.5 | 7.3 |
| Imaging | 6.7 | 7.4 |
| Dynamics | 5.9 | 7.2 |
| Tonality | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 6.9 | 7.2 |
Tanchjim Fission Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7Cautiously Favorable
Letshuoer S12 Ultra Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.5Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Tanchjim Fission reviewed by Jaytiss
Youtube Video Summary
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.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Jaytiss
Youtube Video Summary
LETSHUOER S12 Ultra wraps up the S12 line with a 14.8 mm planar driver and a familiar metal shell in gunmetal or mocha. The housing is vented, comfy for long sessions, and solidly built with a flat 2-pin interface that grips tips well. The stock package is practical: a soft case, a fair tip spread, a braided cable with swappable 4.4 mm termination, and even a plug-and-play USB-C DAC that performs capably for on-the-go use.
Sonically, this set aims for a mild V-shape with tasteful tweaks that elevate it over prior S12 iterations. There’s a touch more sub-bass than the S12 Pro and a smoother 10 kHz zone, reducing fatigue while keeping upper-treble reach for air. The presentation favors balance over sparkle: detailed without the brittle edge many planars flirt with, and notably non-fatiguing over longer listens. Technical chops are strong for the class—clean, clear, and “planar-fast”—though instrument separation can lag behind pricier hybrids, and the topmost “crispy” sheen is slightly restrained.
On graphs and in practice, S12 Ultra reads as a refined take on modern planars—more bass weight, tidier 4–6 kHz, and better treble behavior than its siblings. Listeners hypersensitive up top may still prefer something like the S15 for a softer treble contour, while those chasing maximal separation may lean to sets like AFUL Performer 7 (with a spicier treble). With the usual planar caveat about unit variance and fit, this edition comes through as the standout of the S12 series: a clean, engaging, and genuinely high-value recommendation under $500.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Tanchjim Fission reviewed by Paul Wasabii
Youtube Video Summary
Tanchjim Fission follows the brand's long-arc approach with a full bass arc and upper mids set just under Harman, yielding natural lower mids and balanced male/female vocal weight. A four-way switch plus three swappable, clearly labeled nozzles alter geometry subtly and nudge treble/texture, so cycling nozzles matters; in total there are up to twelve tuning combinations that stay coherent rather than gimmicky.
Compared with Origin, bass sits lower/back on the stage, freeing space for vocals and instruments; presentation is bigger and airier with better imaging and layering. Mids are more neutral in weight and closer to the open “Oxygen” style than the thicker, in-head feel of Origin, which helps EDM and mixed-genre playlists sound cleaner while avoiding mid-bass bloat.
Technical resolve is modest for the class: detail retrieval trails the stage/imaging strengths, and treble extension is good but not top-tier for a dynamic driver. Value is price-appropriate; pick the most resolving nozzle and consider lowering bass via the switch. The modular USB-C DSP connector and app add five sensible warm U-shaped presets—this brings real versatility—whereas a CS43198 “Luna”-type dongle tends to flatten depth, making the DSP path the preferable pairing.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Paul Wasabii
Youtube Video Summary
Final revision of the series brings a very coherent, slightly warmer presentation with treble pulled into safer territory and mids that feel a bit weightier. Ultra sits between the smoother S08 and the rawer S12 Pro, and it comes across a touch bassier than the graphs suggest. As a single-driver planar, it retains solid resolve and a natural, easy tonality that will suit most listeners, especially at the 169 price point.
Despite graphs looking similar to S12 2024, Ultra sounds smaller and flatter, with less transparency and dynamics. Soundstage is mainly left-right; height and depth are curtailed, so placement is not always in the right place on more spacious tracks. The smoother top end avoids harshness and makes long sessions comfortable, but the trade-off is reduced sparkle and air versus the 2024 tuning.
Versus budget planar standouts like KZ PRX, Ultra is a clear, smoother upgrade; versus S12 2024, it is the safer all-round pick but not as open or exciting. Dense mixes can nudge the bass toward a slight bloom and compress the center image. For most, this is the one S12 to buy; stage and transparency chasers may still prefer the 2024 version.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
Tanchjim Fission reviewed by Jays Audio
Youtube Video Summary
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.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Jays Audio
Youtube Video Summary
The Letshuoer S12 Ultra comes through as the smoothest tuning in the S12 family— a sub-bass boosted all-rounder with quick transients and satisfying rumble that makes pop, hip-hop, and EDM notably fun. Technical performance sits around earlier S12 variants, but treble detail is dialed back a touch versus the OG/Pro in exchange for a more natural timbre and less “planar-bright” edge. It’s the bassiest S12 to date, hitting with better texture, impact, and extension, while keeping imaging crisp enough to stay engaging rather than clinical.
Tuning tweaks tame the upper range: a cut past 1.5 kHz and an 8–15 kHz dip ease shout and sibilance, with air returning via a lift around 15 kHz. Vocals sit a bit pulled back and the treble is the least energetic of the series, which helps long-session comfort—though brighter, heavily produced tracks or songs with little low-end can still sound peaky if pushed. Best results come at ~65–70 dB; tip-roll toward clear or bass-supporting tips to smooth the top and reinforce the lows, while avoiding brightening tips that exaggerate energy.
Versus peers, S12 Ultra feels like a bassier, less shouty take on Supermix 4/Nova and a slightly more V-shaped, punchier alternative to Defiant. It’s not a value monster for sheer detail compared with cheaper planars (T10, F1 Pro, etc.), but the payoff is a presentation that’s more musical, smoother, and easier to live with. For listeners wanting added slam without losing the S12’s speed and airy sense of space, this version offers the most enjoyable balance in the lineup.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Tanchjim Fission reviewed by Head-Fi.org
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Head-Fi.org
Tanchjim Fission reviewed by Web Search
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.
Letshuoer S12 Ultra reviewed by Web Search
The Letshuoer S12 Ultra continues the brand’s planar lineage with a 14.8 mm planar-magnetic driver in a compact metal shell. Notable upgrades include a 392-core silver-plated cable with interchangeable 3.5/4.4 mm plugs and even a bundled DT01 Pro Type-C DAC cable in some packages, positioning it as a self-contained portable solution at an MSRP around $169.
Tonally, the Ultra aims for a lively U-shaped balance common to prior S12 variants—crisp upper-treble energy with solid bass presence—while early impressions from show-floor demos frame it as the most refined take yet. That aligns with the S12 family’s reputation for strong resolution and a brisk top-end; the original S12 was praised for technical performance albeit with a brighter tilt, context that helps set expectations for the Ultra’s direction.
As with many planars, the S12 line can benefit from competent source power to realize dynamics and control; community reviews note the Ultra responds well to suitable amplification. Staging remains more intimate than expansive compared to some hybrids, but imaging and micro-detail are competitive at the price, making the Ultra a pragmatic sub-$200 pick for listeners who value clarity and transient speed over warmth.
Tanchjim Fission (more reviews)
Tanchjim Fission reviewed by Z-Reviews
Youtube Video Summary
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.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Tanchjim Fission reviewed by Audio-In Reviews
Youtube Video Summary
The TANCHJIM FISSION comes as a single dynamic driver IEM in roughly the 100 to 130 dollar bracket, with a metal shell that feels robust yet lightweight and a very soft modular cable. The package includes multiple tips, three tuning nozzles, a dial for four sound modes and a USB C plug that unlocks the Tanchjim app, so there are a lot of tuning options even if the inclusion of only a pouch instead of a case and the familiar shell design feel a bit safe.
With the preferred combination of default dial position and silver nozzle the overall signature is basically neutral with a slightly vocal forward tilt. Bass quantity sits in a truly neutral zone with good punch and very solid bass dynamics, though the transition into the lower mids can sound a bit congested and separation could be cleaner. The midrange carries some warmth and note weight for male vocals while a steady rise into the upper mids around 3 kHz gives vocals and instruments clear presence without becoming shouty. Treble is tuned safely and naturally, with enough energy for cymbals and strings to cut through without harshness, plus just enough upper treble for a bit of air and shimmer and some welcome micro detail for a single dynamic driver.
Technical performance is generally good but more in the average range for this price. Detail retrieval and soundstage sit around class typical, with staging that leans a little intimate in depth but respectable left right stereo focus and imaging that makes it easy to place instruments. Compared with other recent sets in this bracket like the Yaksha, TRN Jaws or Juzear Defiant, this is a pretty decent neutral option but not the clear standout, especially with its more relaxed bass and others offering similar or better technical ability with more low end presence. Overall the FISSION feels like a versatile, neutral leaning daily driver that will appeal to listeners who value natural tonality, safe treble and EQ flexibility over big bass and showy technical fireworks.
Audio-In Reviews original ranking
Audio-In Reviews Youtube ChannelTanchjim Fission reviewed by Super* Review
Youtube Video Summary
Tanchjim Fission comes in at $130 with a quirky onboard tuning dial that offers four bass positions—but every setting trends toward modest bass anyway, making the adjuster more novelty than necessity. The default “bass-max” profile presents that familiar single-DD contrastiness with a bit of dynamic punch, a slightly bright/forward tilt, and overall inoffensive treble. It never tips into harshness or sibilance, but the bass attack reads a touch pillowy and the whole presentation stops short of truly incisive.
In direct comparison, it’s more comfortable tonally than the spikier sets yet less engaging and less tight than the standouts, settling into a solid C-tier alongside other “fine but unremarkable” options. Resolution and imaging are serviceable, treble stays safe, and the included cable is surprisingly nice, but there’s not enough slam or bite to push it up the chart. Net result: a competent, easy-listen single-DD for those who value smoothness over excitement, with limited payoff from that bass dial.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelTanchjim Fission Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Neutral, Vocal-focused
Brand: TANCHJIM Top TANCHJIM IEMs
Price (Msrp): $129.99
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Letshuoer S12 Ultra Details
Driver Configuration: 1Planar (14.8 mm)
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Letshuoer Top Letshuoer IEMs
Price (Msrp): $169
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Tanchjim Fission User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Letshuoer S12 Ultra User Review Score
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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
7.2Gaming Grade
A-Letshuoer S12 Ultra Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.3Gaming Grade
A-Tanchjim Fission Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- The tonal character feels settled and versatile, with just a few gentle bumps. You can listen for hours without fatigue.
Average Technical Grade
B+- Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
Letshuoer S12 Ultra Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.
Average Technical Grade
A-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
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