LETSHUOER S12 ULTRA: The Final Call
LETSHUOER is one of my favourite brands out there in the portable audio market as they are one of the most innovative and creative on producing some of the best IEMs in the current audio market and their S12 line-up is among the successful IEM series in its driver class. The S12 series started when LETSHUOER released the original model around the first quarter of 2022, the year when the battle of the planar IEMs started to intensify when the 7Hz TIMELESS was introduced a few months ago.
I've previously reviewed the other two S12 variants before, the S12 PRO and last year's S12 2024 8th A.E. (Anniversary Edition), which was produced in a finite quantity that makes it more of a limited edition, and it shows the tuning capability of LETSHUOER's as each of the models have its own distinctive tonal qualities with just slight tweaking of the planar magnetic transducer along with other components like tuning filters. I really thought that S12 2024 8th A.E. is a last reiteration of the S12 series, but my presumption is absolutely erroneous as LETSHUOER announced this model that will be the main feature of this product review a few months ago.
This is LETSHUOER S12 ULTRA and according to LETSHUOER themselves, this is the final variant of the S12 series as they will move on to the next series in the future with their new product series roadmap. Like all the previous S12 model, it still has a single driver configuration and it is still encased in a metal alloy shell casing but like its previous reiterations, LETSHUOER did some slight modification of its shell structure and its tuning.
This set still features a similar but slightly modified 14.8mm planar magnetic driver that was implemented since the release of the original model from 4 years ago. And as we all know that planar magnetic driver are type of special transducers as it is composed of two high grade neodymium magnets and between them, it has an ultra thin flat diaphragm with embedded series of flat conductive wire patterns that serves a voice coil as it will react through the magnetic field as it produces some motions as its transmits electrical signals that the diaphragm will produced sound waves. And it's quite a feat that these types of driver are miniaturised so that it can be implemented on a smaller speaker profile like IEMs and TWS. The planar magnetic drivers are known for their exceptional performance on producing an accurate, high quality sound and excellent technical performance with low distortion as they deliver a fast bass response, clean and detailed vocals and instruments, and then, a clear and airy treble.
The driver was then encased in a medium-size CNC-milled aluminium alloy with an inverted reuleaux triangle shape profile as it still follows the design language of the S12 series. There are some noticeable changes on the weight of this latest variant as it is now more lighter which is now more of a lightweight that it can be wear for a longer listening session along with some minimal modification like the placements of the vent holes as there is a small slit hole under the connector port and an embedded slanting line on the square part of faceplate where the connector port part is situated. The overall shell itself underwent through anodising and sand-blasting process to achieve its dull lustre look and matte-like finish on its surface, and LETSHUOER offers two colourway options for the S12 ULTRA, Gun Metal Grey and Mocha in which this unit has the latter colour one. This model still utilises a 0.78mm bi-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism for its detachable cable.
The stock cable of this one is still of a high quality but it has some changes that if it is compared to previous stock cable of the other S12 models, this one is differently constructed as it has a 4-core structure and also a lighter one due the quality of the metal alloy of the plug jackets, splitter and chin slide which is noticeable less substantial in terms of weight, and also, there are some changes of the detachable termination plug mechanism which is quite a bit similar to DUNU's Q-lock system that makes the contact between the adapter plug and termination cable port more firmly secured. Its conductor wire strands is still made of high purity silver-plated copper and it was covered with a clear PVC sheath insulator as it is seamlessly transmits lossless audio signal from source to the the transducers without any distortion or microphonic effects and it is still flexible, supple and it has some resistant from entanglement.
When it comes to wearability, it offers a similar comfortable fitting like the previous S12 models on how it rests well into my lugholes without any discomfort like pressure points but due to its more lightweight profile, we can even wear it for longer listening sessions. The medium length nozzle seems quite flexible on handling some eartips tightly and it offers a good passive noise isolation from external noises from the outside.
The product packaging of the S12 ULTRA is a bit more simplified in contrast with previous S12 models, particularly on S12 2024 8th A.E. which is quite luxurious, but still it has a quantifying amount of accessories that LETSHUOER included inside of its packaging box. The packaging box is a rectangular one with a black coloured background with some gold-coloured accents on some of its prints and design as the combination of these colours looks quite elegant.
The following contents inside of the S12 ULTRA packaging box:
- Pair of LETSHUOER S12 ULTRA transducer earpieces.
- Stock cable in 4-core construction with a modular termination feature.
- 3.5mm SE plug adapter.
- 4.4mm balanced plug adapter.
- DT01 PRO 3.5mm to USB type-C plug adapter.
- TPE storage case.
- Disk plate eartips holder.
- Three (3) pairs of opaque-white coloured balance bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
- Three (3) pairs of black coloured balanced bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
- Paperwork like warranty card, instruction manual and Q.C. stub.
One of the included accessories, the DT01 PRO, has a built-in DAC chip, provided by TTGK and it can decode and process up to 24-bit/192kHz on PCM format but it doesn't support native DSD format.
As for driveability and power output scaling, since this a planar magnetic driver, it still require some power output that will be able to drive the S12 ULTRA to its optimal performance that you need a portable headphone amplifier, DAP or desktop DAC/Amp with at least medium gain or high gain mode. With its fully optimised amplification, this set will sound fuller and very dynamic on how it produces a wide frequency range and accurate sound reproduction.
The S12 ULTRA's tonal profile seems to have a balanced-neutral sound signature that still follows the tonal characteristics tuning of the S12 2024 with some slight tweaks that it might sound closer to a neutral warm-ish type of sound signature. With those slight modifications on some parts of its frequency response especially the low frequency part reminds of the S08, another model from LETSHUOER with planar magnetic driver at a more affordable price.
LOWS/BASS:
As we all know that planar magnetic drivers are known for their fast, detailed and deep extension while maintaining a clean and less distortion capability, its mid bass doesn't have that punchiness and impactful sound that a dynamic driver could only deliver but rather than a precise tightness response. But the S12 ULTRA is quite different as it has a fairly balanced bass response as it has a clear sub bass presence and an adequate texture on its mid bass that it delivers a rumbly, punchy and striking bass response.
The sub bass presence can be felt as these sound waves were usually produced from synthesisers, drum machines and low tuned strings like double-basses, bass guitars and octobasses. The sufficient mid bass texture will somehow give a more body and heft on some bass-clef instruments and deep male vocals as the bass guitars have a resonant and sombre sound, while the double-basses sound weighty and rasping, and then, the bass kick drums with a good amount of volume sound full and sonorous on every hit, and also on male vocals, both bass and bass-baritone vocals have a full, deep reverberating voices as they sound dense, wool-y and raspy.
MIDRANGE:
While it appears the midrange of this S12 ULTRA is relatively balanced and can be also considered as a fairly neutral one on how it presents this part of frequency response on its overall sound presentation as it has an adequate warmth and energy that adds a bit of richness and consistency on the quality of vocals and instruments to have a natural and realistic sound while maintaining a tidy and an almost undeviating response with less colouration.
In regards to male vocals on how they sound like, baritones have smooth, plush and rich vocals, while tenors have clear and juicy sound coming out from their voices, and countertenors with falsettos sound velvety, tender and mellow. As for female vocals, contraltos have a strong chesty voices as they sound husky, smokey and rounded, as the mezzo-sopranos vocals sound velvety, rich and golden, and then the sopranos seems to have those creamy, satiny and sweet sound from their voices that makes them an ideal for soubrette sopranos down to the dramatic-type ones.
When it comes to instruments, on the string ones – guitars have a bit buttery yet sustaining sound for every plucking and strumming on its note strings, violins produces a sensuous and lustrous sound on every bowing motion on its bowstrings and cellos sound warm, full and cantabile. As for woodwind instruments; concert flutes sound rich and mellow, piccolos have clear and graceful sound but ideally it should sound a bit more brilliant, clarinets have warm and gentle sound, and saxophones have rich and lustrous sound. Brasses like trumpets, trombones and horns, with their brassy and vibrating tonal characteristics, sound full, rounded and velvety respectively. Meanwhile on the percussion instruments, snares sound hard with rustling tone, tom-toms have a warm and resonant sound on every beat, field drums sound sonorous and majestic and then, the kettledrums sound deep and rounded. The pianos seem to produce a richer, warmer and sweeter sound on every note key on its keyboard.
HIGHS/TREBLE:
Smooth, balanced with a good amount of air while still retaining some of the usual characteristics of a planar magnetic driver as it still has a fast and responsive performance that can still deliver a clarity and detailed sound. Overall, the descriptive quality of the treble response of the S12 ULTRA is on a silky and well-polished tuning as it sounds neither too bright nor too dull and dark.
There are some noticeable slight but gradual accentuation somewhere on the upper mids and presence section just enough to give that clarity and definition on vocal articulation and a sufficient sharpness on the attack on instruments. Another thing on how LETSHUOER did some refinement of this set, that it doesn't produce any sibilance nor harshness even on the sibilant-laden tracks that I usually use for testing, then this one can be enjoyed by some treble-sensitive folk out there who wants to experience a good treble quality without any issues at all.
The brilliance section has a relatively airy presentation but compared to IEMs with the same driver configuration, this one is rather a bit modest in my opinion. It has a sparkly presence that you can certainly think that it has a substantial amount of harmonics on. Cymbal rides and crashes sound lustrous and glistening, while hi-hats have undulating and a bit dull tones on its distinctive chick-y sound, glockenspiels (either keyboard-type or mallet-type) produces a bell-like and gleaming sound, and lastly, celestas sound velvety and mellow.
SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:
As expected for a planar magnetic driver, technical performance is one of its strongest assets on how the S12 ULTRA still retains most of the advantages in regards to these aspects that the S12 series models are known for. It still has a fairly roomy head stage with my aural perception on how it presents a relatively open and quite extensive sound field size as it still has a wide lateral span from left to right, with enough elevation on its height reach and good immersive depth. Although among the S12 series, this one has a less spacious perceived soundstage compared to its preceding models.
On imaging aspect, it projects a stereo holographic-like presentation on its well-layered soundscape with good separation of musical elements as we can definitely pinpoint the exact placement of vocals and instruments within its acoustic landscape that playing a complex multi-instrumental tracks like orchestra recordings and jazzes will be an easy-peasy for the S12 ULTRA.
The driver performance of the S12 ULTRA is excellent in terms of coherency on planar magnetics as on how it delivers a seamlessly fast and accurate transient response for a crisper, clearer and detailed natural sound. On its resolution capabilities, it has a firm and consistent macro-dynamics as on how it highlights the varying degree of volume dynamics on both chorale lines and instrumental passages, from the quietest part up to the loudest level, and then on its micro-dynamics, it still has a sharp definition on extracting a good amount of micro-details, nuances and grains from an audio track like the notation textures, vocal decay ends and instrumental reverb tails.
PEER COMPARISONS:
HIDIZS MP145
- Still considered as HIDIZS’ finest IEM model with planar magnetic driver.
- It has a 14.8mm planar magnetic driver encased in a large shell chassis made of a solid aluminium alloy with a whale baleen-inspired design on its faceplate.
- It is still packed with a good amount of accessories inside although it has a PU leather pouch with magnetic-clasp opening mechanism that does only offer limited protection for IEMs.
- While its stock cable isn't on par with S12 ULTRA's cable as it is less thick and it doesn't feature a modular termination plug, it has detachable tuning filter nozzles on its shell chassis that offers a variety of sound profiles.
- Due to its swappable tuning filter nozzles, it offers three distinctive tonal profiles; warm V-shaped, mild U-shaped and bright U-shaped. On the mild U-shaped sound profile, if it compared to the S12 ULTRA, it has a rumbly and bit tighter bass response, a noticeable recessed, a bit less warmer but a tad more energetic midrange as it gives a brighter and airy tone on female vocals, strings and woodwinds, and a bit brighter and airy treble response that makes this set a bit more coloured sound.
- This one is quite competent in technical performance as it also has a moderately spacious soundstage size, a well-layered soundscape and a pretty detailed resolution capabilities.
HIDIZS MP143
- A successor of HIDIZS MP145 and still retains a similar driver configuration housed in a metal alloy shell.
- It features a 14.3mm planar magnetic driver which is quite a bit smaller compared to MP145 but still offers a similar performance, and it was also still encased in solid aluminium alloy structure like the MP145 but it has some modifications of its design as it has different pattern on its faceplate and somewhat a bit more lighter.
- It is still also packed with accessories similar to the MP145 but since HIDIZS is serious on their conservation effort of less waste and sustainable initiatives, all of its materials are biodegradable and recyclable.
- The stock cable is less appealing compared to the stock cable of S12 ULTRA as it has a bit thicker build with modular functionality but like the MP145, it has detachable tuning filter nozzles that offer a variety of tuning profiles.
- Like the MP145, This set offers three tuning profiles, a warm V-shaped, a balanced U-shaped and a bright U-shaped sound signature. On its balanced U-shaped sound profile and compared the S12 ULTRA's tuning profile, this one is a bit leaner and also, quite coloured sounding as it has a rumbly but less punchy bass response, a recessed with just enough warmth and energy on its midrange presentation and a bit brighter and more airy treble response.
- Like the MP145, this set also has an impressive technical performance just like its predecessor as it has a fairly roomy head stage, a well-layered soundscape and also has good resolution capabilities like firm macro-dynamics and a sharp detail definition on its micro-dynamics.
KIWI EARS AETHER
- KIWI EARS’ latest planar magnetic model and it has a similar pricing with the S12 ULTRA.
- It uses a larger planar magnetic driver with a size of 15.3mm and it was encapsulated in a well-designed acoustic chamber inside of its resin shell structure.
- It also has a good amount of accessories inside of its packaging box like a variety of ear tips and a hard PU-leather carrying case.
- The stock cable of this one,while it has a decent build quality, doesn't have a modular termination feature, but the acoustic chamber design inside is a well-thought one that could simulate an open back headphone-like listening experience.
- Like the S12 ULTRA, it also has a balanced-neutral signature as it also has a balanced bass response that it has a rumbly and punchy yet a bit soft, a neutral but it has well-balanced midrange that makes its more versatile on both vocals and instruments presentation with less colouration while retaining a more natural sound, and then, its treble response is a a tinge bright with more airy presence, albeit this one has planar sound characteristics known for a bit buzzing and energetic timbre.
- As for technical performance, this one is quite a bit better than the S12 ULTRA as it has a more spacious sound/speaker stage presentation and a tad sharper micro-detail retrieval.
LETSHUOER S12 2024 8TH A.E.
- The S12 ULTRA's preceding model and this one is more of a limited edition as LETSHUOER only produces a few numbers on this one just to commemorate its 8th Anniversary in the audio industry.
- It still features a similar 14.8mm planar magnetic driver just like the ULTRA variant but it is encased in a more solid and bit weighty titanium alloy shell chassis with the same design language of the S12 models.
- This one is even more loaded with accessories than the S12 ULTRA as it also includes a memory foam eartips, and some trinkets like small plaque and commemorative keychain.
- The stock cable on this one is quite premium as it feels substantial and it has a thicker profile as it is constructed with 2-core silver-plated copper wire conductors and it also has modular termination feature, and it includes a 2.5mm plug adapter.
- This special variant of the S12 has more of a mild U-shaped type of sound profile as it also has a reverberating with enough punchiness on its bass response, a well-balanced midrange as it has an ample warmth and at the same time it has an energy for clear vocals and instruments and a tad brighter treble presentation with good amount of air.
- It has a similar technical performance with the S12 ULTRA, albeit it has a bit more spacious head stage in my opinion and a tad sharper definition on its micro-dynamics.
It looks like that LETSHUOER will close the final chapter of its celebrated IEM series as this set is definitely that last piece for its final phase on its continued improvement for over past 3 years as the battle of the planar magnetic IEMs in the audio market is still keeps going on up to the present. The development of the S12 series models also shows the capability and tenacity of LETSHUOER as a credible audio company that deserves accolades and respect in the audio community that they can deliver a well-made product with a reasonable price to justify the quality of its material and workmanship.
The LETSHUOER S12 ULTRA is definitely the refinement of all the S12 models as it combines the best capabilities of the previous models and also it takes some cues from the S08, which is the entry-level model from LETSHUOER, and at the same time, it is also known for its dynamic driver-like performance as its sounds very dynamic with good depth and rich sound. The S12 ULTRA has a well-balanced tonal profile that makes the vocals and instruments sound natural and almost life-like that only a few planar magnetic driver sets are able to achieve this capability. And also, if you are looking for an IEM earphone that can deliver a proficient technical performance, the S12 ULTRA is quite competent in this aspect as it is capable on providing it just as I stated on my product assessment of this one as I'm also an audio enthusiast that putting technical performance as one of the main priorities that I'm seeking for a high performance set.
In this product review, this one will serve as a final tribute for the S12 model series that also defines and somehow helps to shape the current state of the audio market landscape as some of its models also became a standard on how a planar magnetic IEM should sound like. And now,I will draw down its final curtain for the final boss of this vaunted model series, The S12 ULTRA.
The LETSHUOER S12 ULTRA is now available in LETSHUOER official store on their website, and if you are really interested to purchase the last model of S12 series line-up, check out the link below that I have provided, non-affiliated link guaranteed:
LINK:
https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-s12-ultra
More LETSHUOER product reviews?
SPECIFICATION:
MODEL: LETSHUOER S12 ULTRA
IMPEDANCE: 16Ω
SENSITIVITY: 101dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m
PIN TYPE: 0.78 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: (MODULAR) 3.5mm, 4.4mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) PLANAR MAGNETIC DRIVER
MICROPHONE SUPPORT: NO
PROS:
● It still utilises the S12 design as it is one of the proven ergonomically-designed shells in terms of fitting optimisation.
● Solid yet lightweight build quality.
● The lightest among the S12 models as it can be worn for long listening sessions, and also, it offers a good passive noise isolation.
● It has two colour options to choose from, either Mocha or Gun metal.
● It is still loaded with accessories inside of its packaging box
● Stock cable with modular termination feature.
● Inclusion of DT01 Pro and it is a 3.5mm to USB type-C adapter with a Hi-Fi DAC chip inside.
● It has a neutral-balanced tonal profile that makes it more of an all-rounder sound that depicts an almost accurate and faithful audio reproduction as the artists really intended.
● Rumbly, punchy and striking bass response that is quite comparable to the low frequency slam of a high quality dynamic driver.
● Punchy and well-bodied mid bass for the rich and full sound on the bass-clef instruments and strong and deep vocal presence for low-octave male vocals.
● Well-balanced midrange presentation as it has a somewhat dense texture as it has a sufficient warmth with a slight lift on its upper midrange section for natural sounding vocals and instruments with some added clarity.
● Smooth, velvety and rich sounding vocals, particularly on baritones, some tenors, countertenors and mezzo-sopranos.
● The instruments on how they sound, it produces a rich, sustaining and sweet sound on some string ones like guitars and violins, a full, rounded and overpowering sound on some brass instruments like trumpets and trombones, and then sonorous and resonant sound from coming percussives like drums.
● Lustre and even treble response with some good amount of brilliance
● Not a hint of sibilance, harshness and piercing sound therefore it can be recommended to some of the treble-sensitive folk out there.
● Relatively roomy and holographic-like stereo imaging presentation with a well-layered soundscape within its acoustic field.
● Excellent resolution capabilities.
CONS:
● Since this is a planar magnetic driver IEM, it still needs a pairing with suitable devices with better gain power output just to amplify this set properly at optimal level.
● The DT01 PRO's Hi-Fi DAC chip doesn't support native DSD format.
● Not ideal on recommending this one for audio enthusiasts looking for a fun, engaging and warmer analogue-ish type of sound.
● Treble heads might find the treble response of this set a bit lacking in brightness and airiness.
● Some woodwind instruments sound less brilliant and a bit too warm sounding especially some flutes and piccolos.
● Among the S12 series models, this one is a bit less airy in terms of brilliance extension and also less expansive in its perceived sound/speaker stage projection.
TRACKS TESTED: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)
Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *
P.S.
I am not affiliated to LETSHUOER nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.
Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to Ms. KATHERINE of LETSHUOER for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.
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