Redefining Value in Audio: The Letshuoer S12 Pro Experience
As you might have already noticed, this year I managed to visit the Munchen High End Audio Show. I had the pleasure of listening many great products, but also missed A LOT. It was the first time and I kind of got lost in all the awesomeness. I have recently contacted by Letshuoer mentioning that…
As you might have already noticed, this year I managed to visit the Munchen High End Audio Show. I had the pleasure of listening many great products, but also missed A LOT. It was the first time and I kind of got lost in all the awesomeness.
I have recently contacted by Letshuoer mentioning that they have seen me around their booth and that I did not get the chance of listening to any of their products. They were kind enough to lend me their most popular IEMs, the S12 Pro.
As you can see, these headphones have a very very decent price. When I have opened the package, the first thing I noticed was the amazing build quality. Everything, from the iems casing to the modular cable is usually something that you can’t get within this price range.
You can read all about the product on their website.
LETSHUOER S12 PRO utilizes a custom 14.8mm large-diaphragm driver with great details retrieval, punchy bass and clear trebles. 102db high sensitivity means that it can be easily driven to volume, be it a cell phone or dongle DACs, LETSHUOER S12 PRO will sound optimal pairing with most source/amps. LETSHUOER S12 PRO comes with a stock cable that is constructed with silver-plated monocrystalline copper, and four 98-strand cores are then weaved together. It is terminated in standard 0.78mm dual pin connectors, and the other end is a swappable jack with 2.5mm / 3.5mm /4.4mm jacks. This system will work with a great amount of source gears and IEMs. Magnetic planar earphones Hi-Fi planar in ear monitors for audiophiles and music lovers.
The stock cable of LETSHUOER S12 PRO is constructed with silver-plated monocrystalline copper, and 4 x 98-strands cores are then weaved together. It is terminated in standard 0.78mm dual pin connectors, and the other end is a swappable jack with 2.5mm / 3.5mm /4.4mm jacks. This system will work with a great amount of source gears and IEMs.
Custom 14.8mm planar magnetic driver
LETSHUOER S12 PRO utilizes a custom 14.8mm large diaphragm driver with great details retrieval, punchy bass and clear trebles. 102db high sensitivity means that it can be easily driven to volume, be it a cell phone or dongle DACs, LETSHUOER S1 PRO will sound optimal pairing with most source / amps.
Five-axis machining process
LETSHUOER S12 PRO’s aluminum chassis is shaped to have a snug fit in the concha. The finishing is smooth to the touch thanks to the five-axis CNC machining process. It’s strong, touch and without sharp edges. The chassis comes in a minimalistic profile, with not a lot of wiggle room within the acoustic chamber to minimize reverberation. Dual-pin receptacle is a separate piece protruded from the faceplate so that the irregular shape would not cause distortion.
Balanced chassis design
LETSHUOER S12 PRO’s chassis design is a continuation of the predecessor. Multiple vent holes on both sides are effective in alleviating negative pressure build up within the ear canal, and thus protecting the hearing. The independent rear acoustic chamber design makes channel matching to be more consistent. In terms of sound performance, the structural design of the front and rear acoustic chamber effectively discharges the pressure inside the chassis, thereby attaining a more natural sound.
Ergonomic design details
The earphone connector protrudes slightly from the side of the IEM so the earhook on the cable can sit comfortably on the ear without twisting inwards. The receptor is slightly indented into the chassis to ensure product longevity as well.
The specs, the packaging and what you get for the money is very impressive. Let’s get into the details on how they sound and see if they keep up in that department as well. (Spoiler Alert….they certainly do!).
Measurements
I also managed to measure the S12 Pro on my mini dsp ears and I was quite impressed by the results:
Listening Impressions and Test
I ran them through this setup: PC (AQ Diamond USB) -> Denafrips Gaia (AQ Diamond HDMI) -> (i2s) > Rockna Wavelight (balanced XLR 5.8v output with AQ Sky XLR Cables) > Holo Bliss KTE. I consider this my go-to system because it really brings out the best in headphones. Besides that, I also paired them with the Shanling M8 and compared them to the JH 13V2 Pro IEMS.
From the get-go, they sounded amazing. Honestly, I wasn’t ready for how great they were. Blew me away. Now, let’s dive into some tunes.
Right from the get-go, those cello strings are alive and kicking, loaded with raw emotion that you can almost feel. The bass? Deep, hard-hitting, and really packs a punch. It’s a tangible and lively sound – an exhilarating ride from start to finish.
The S12Pro really shines on this track. The depth and detail in those drums are something else – they feel so real, so palpable. Every instrument adds to the scene, each with rich details and zest, all combining to create this vibrant, soothing atmosphere. It’s pure musical bliss.
Those initial guitar strums? Absolute magic. They’re rich, they’re lively, and they resonate beautifully. And when the vocals kick in, it’s like a gentle embrace – strong, textured, and just captivating. It’s one of those moments where you just sit back, relax, and let the music take over.
Time to see how they hold up with some classical tunes. And I gotta say, I’m impressed. For IEMs, the soundstage feels vast, lifelike, and immersive. Instrument placement is on point. But what really got me? The instruments – they sound so genuine and detailed, especially those violins. They’re just a treat to listen to: natural, textured, and finely detailed.
Summary
Bass
The S12Pro’s planar drivers are immediately noticeable, particularly in the bass. It’s akin to rocking a mini Audeze LCD-2 right in your ears. This bass doesn’t just play; it thumps, delves deep, and moves with impressive speed. It’s like the heartbeat of a song, pulsing with energy.
Midrange
Midrange is where the S12Pro really shines. It’s not just about hearing the music; it’s about feeling the textures and nuances. This midrange boasts natural tonality, wrapping each song in a euphonic embrace. Instruments come alive, bursting with vibrancy, and the vocals? Clear, forward, and dripping with detail.
Treble
The S12Pro leans more toward the darker side of sound. While its treble is authentic, it might leave some yearning for a touch more sparkle and touch. That said, it seamlessly melds into the overall sound signature, reminiscent of the characteristic Audeze LCD-2 style.
Vocals
Listening to vocals on the S12Pro feels intimate. They stand out—clear, textured, and dominant. It’s almost as if the artist is serenading you personally.
Dynamics/Transients
Musical engagement is the name of the game with the S12Pro. Its transients come at you fast and sharp, then gently fade without compromising the energy of the track. The macro dynamics are particularly striking. Instruments don’t just play; they dance, caressing your ears with a tactile sensation. From the lively strings to the deep, gutsy bass, the sound is full-bodied and charged with energy.
Soundstage
For an IEM, the S12Pro packs a punch in the soundstage department. The sound feels expansive, almost 3D, defying the confines of its small size, enabling you to distinctly pinpoint each instrument in the mix.
I’ve got to say, I was genuinely taken aback to realize I leaned more towards the S12 Pro than the significantly pricier JH13 v2pro. When it comes to bass, the JH13 does deliver a quicker, more forceful punch, but it feels a tad aggressive in its decay, missing a touch of that organic warmth I value.
Dimension-wise, the S12Pro takes the lead. It not only sounds larger but also delivers with superior detailing, making tunes feel more lifelike. Every instrument strum or pluck gives that bit more tactile sensation, and the notes linger just the right amount, coming off more genuine to my ears.
Delving into soundstage specifics, the JH13 dives deeper, yet the S12Pro seems to stretch upwards and outwards more, offering a grander auditory expanse. Both IEMs do justice to vocals, but the S12 Pro has an edge, producing slightly crisper renditions.
Going a step further, I’d vouch for the S12 Pro’s cleaner, more lucid sound profile over the JH13Pro. Quite a revelation!
Conclusion
Letshuoer truly knocked it out of the park with the S12 Pro. The level of craftsmanship and audio quality they’ve delivered at this price point is nothing short of remarkable. It feels as if you’re nestling a mini Audeze LCD-2 right in your ears, but without burning a hole in your pocket. Without a shadow of a doubt, the S12 Pro gets my hearty recommendation. Well done, Letshuoer!
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