LETSHUOER EMBER: Cosy Warmth Tuning

The LETSHUOER brand has a strong following in the audio community around the globe as they are known for their exquisite tuning and premium build quality that makes their brand reputation even more compelling and influential. They offer a substantial number product line-ups like earphones and portable headphone amplifier, and these IEMs have different driver technologies that LETSHUOER implemented, from single dynamic driver up to the multi-driver configuration with premium balanced armature drivers and electret drivers. There is a certain driver technology that LETSHUOER quickly adapted and enhanced it even further as they released some IEM earphones with sports this type of transducer that make them somewhat one of the pioneers in this field along with TINHIFI and 7HZ, the fascinating yet complex planar magnetic driver.

We in the portable audio community know their successful and highly received S12  Series models, along with previous flagship planar, the LETSHUOER S15. And now they introduced their latest flagship orthodynamic driver IEM, the LETSHUOER Ember, and this model is somewhat a “spiritual” successor of the highly-regarded S15 that was released two years ago. This model was produced in finite numbers that makes them more of limited edition as they only produced around hundreds of these sets, and another thing that this a collaboration project with a Singaporean-based audio company that specialises premium quality cables, Effect Audio.

The Ember features a redesigned 14.8mm planar magnetic as it has stronger magnetic arrays made of a high grade neodymium magnets and in between them is an ultra-thin, flat diaphragm embedded with conductive traces as it promise for better performance with high sensitivity, better stability and greatly enhances power efficiency for a faster transient response and wider frequency response. This driver also shares a dynamic driver-like performance just like S12 Ultra and the entry-level S08 as it has rich and fuller dynamics with less energetic and tizzy timbre that are usual characteristic of planar magnetic drivers while retaining that precision, excellent clarity and detailed spacious sound.

The driver was then encased in a medium-size ovoid-shape frame made of composite metal alloy made of titanium alloy and aluminium alloy. The faceplate panel is made of aluminium alloy with an engraved tribal tattoo-like fire design pattern that signifies the brand model’s theme and it seems that it receives an artistic enamel treatment process along with sandblasting and electrostatic powdering that gives that burnish look, and also, it offers some scratch and electro-chemical resistance and better color stability. Meanwhile, the whole cavity base underwent some treatment processing like PVD coating to achieve its glossy and lacquered-like finish surface. As I observed, this one shares design profile with the S15 albeit this is more classy and sophisticated in terms of aesthetics as the previous one has an unusual colourway similar to some baby products in my opinion due to its colour choice.

The stock cable of this one provided by Effect Audio known for their bespoke cables in which this one doesn't fit all. This one has a four-core structure with 26AWG made of an ultra pure single-crystal copper that underwent Ohno continuous casting process that was braided for superior conductivity, better signal integrity, more stable electric resistance and better flexibility for decreased conduction loss due to fatigue.

While the build of the cable is pretty balanced but it has this coarse texture on them that makes them a bit cheap and it is more susceptible to entanglement and also while this is a midrange set, it doesn't have a modular termination which is a crucial feature for most current models in the same price range.

When it comes to wearability, the Ember offers a comfortable fitting as it rests well into my lugholes without any discomforts at all that I can wear for a long listening session. It also delivers a firm sealing into my outer ear canal that it provides an excellent passive noise isolation that is able to block unwanted external noises from the outside surroundings.

Like all LETSHUOER products that I have unboxed before, the product packaging is quite exquisite and well-presented that it signifies its midrange status. The contents inside are well-organised that they were placed on their own compartment inside of its packaging box.

Here are the following content inside of its packaging box:

• Pair of LETSHUOER Ember IEM transducer earpieces
• Stock cable provided by Effect Audio
• Carrying case
• Three (3) pairs of narrow bore silicone eartips in different standard sizes (S,M,L)
• Three (3) pairs of balanced bore silicone eartips in different standard sizes (S,M,L)
• Three (3) pairs of wide bore silicone eartips in different standard sizes (S,M,L)
• Paperwork like user manual and warranty card

As for its driveability and power requirement, just like all planar magnetics, this one also demands better power output as it is necessary to be driven with higher voltage and current output from amplifiers with at least medium gain mode of amplification to have a sufficient volume level due to its low sensitivity and low impedance rating to power those flat conductive traces in the diaphragm. That’s why you need a dedicated portable amplifier for this set as it will deliver a full range and dynamic sound.

Regarding its tonal profile, it seems that it still follows a warmish-neutral sound signature similar to S15 and S12 ULTRA's sound profile but with some deviation as it has some added emphasis in the low frequencies that makes more of an L-shaped tuning. Overall, it has smooth tonal balance on its tonality with some musicality and natural sound on it.

LOWS/BASS:

This is probably the main facet of its overall tuning as to how it renders the bass quality of this set. It presents a relatively balanced bass presentation as it has a considerable amount of its sub bass presence and a sufficient amount of its mid bass texture. In general, the Ember delivers a tactual, rumbly and punchy yet controlled and precise bass response.

The sub bass depth on this one is clearly audible as we will definitely feel the reverberation and rumbling presence coming from sub bass-focused instruments like low-tuned strings like bass guitars, double-basses, and also on electronic ones like synthesisers and drum machines. With an adequate texture on its mid bass, it is able to give that rich, warmth and impact on bass-clef instruments and low octave male vocals.  As it follows, the bass guitars sound sombre and resonant, while the double-basses have weight and duller sound, and then the kick bass drums sound fuller and sonorous on every stroke. On those deep male vocals, both on the bass and bass-baritones that have a heft, dark timbre and deep resonance on their voices as they sound woolly and dense.

MIDRANGE:

Probably, this is one of the main strengths of this set as to how it presents this particular part of frequency response. The midrange is presented in a quite balanced manner as it has an ample warmth and energy that will give a more smoother, richer and almost realistic timbre sound on both vocals and instruments. With these tuning characteristics, this will be more versatile on highlighting the vocal texture on both male and female, a more defined pitch and tones on most percussives and a more brassy and buzzing sound from brass instruments to give a warmer yet penetrating tone.

The male vocals have a strength, rich and deep sound on them as the baritones have smooth, warm and lush as it gives a full and forceful sound from noble baritones up to the milder, mellower and lighter sound on both light and lyric baritones, a brassy and juicy sound from tenor vocals as it portrays the powerful and dark tones on both dramatic and heldentenors up to light and graceful sound on the leggeros and lyric tenor types, and then, a tender, velvety and pure sound coming from a countertenors as they enunciate their lyrical passage from their falsettos. On the female vocals, the contraltos were depicted here correctly as they are known for their deep, husky and rich chesty voice quality, while on the mezzo-sopranos, they have those sweet, velvety and musky vocals as they sound dulcet and captivating to my ears, and then sopranos, while I noticed that it won't give a bright and expansive sound on the coloraturas, it somehow gives a milder, fuller, richer and emotive on other soprano types like soubrette, spinto, lyric and dramatic.

When it comes to instruments, on the strings ones, guitars sound a bit buttery and warm, while the violins have a round, full and sensuous sound and cellos have a weighty, mellow and stately sound. As for the woodwinds, a rich and soft yet less airy sound from concert flutes, a more gentle and mellow sound from piccolos that they are lacking of those intense brilliance that these instruments are known for, a warm and rich sound on clarinets and then, the melancholic, sonorous and dark sound from saxophones. The brass instruments like the trumpets, trombones and horns; a full and substantial sound from trumpets, solid and powerful sound from trombones, and a muffled and ponderous sound coming from horns. In regards to percussions, on every stroke that it hits on their respective drumheads, a warm and resonant sound on tom-toms, hard and rattling sound in snares, a full and sonorous sound on field/tenor drums, and mellow, velvety and rumbling sound from kettledrums. As for the pianos, they sound pretty balanced as they have those rich, full and warmer tones on them.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

As this set is tuned to be on the warmish-neutral profile, the treble response of this one is on a balanced side as it doesn't sound too dull nor too bright as it conveys a smoother, pleasant and even presentation with a moderate airy extension for a planar magnetic driver. There is some slight accentuation somewhere between the upper mids and presence section enough to highlight the clarity and definition on the attack on instruments and the articulation on vocals that it eliminated any chances of jarring, piercing, tinny and sibilant sound that this one will be viable for treble-sensitive folk who want to experience a smooth and inoffensive treble response.

The brilliance treble seems to have a moderate airy extension with enough sparkle that shows some harmonics and overtones on it. Cymbals sound a bit undulating and lustrous, while hi-hats have a shortened dull, warm and resonant tone from their distinctive chick-y sound, glockenspiels sound lustrous and gentle and lastly, the celestas have a soft and mellow sound.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

When it comes to its overall technical performance, given that it is a planar magnetic driver IEM, we will expect a competent and excellent performance in this aspect as I find all planar magnetics drivers have these characteristics whether in a miniaturised form or full form factor. Within my aural perception, it somehow projects a moderately roomy soundstage as it has an above-average lateral span from left to right channel, a good height ceiling reach and then, a deep and immersive depth from front and rear on my centre point.

On its imaging, it presents a holographic-like stereo presentation with a well-layered soundscape and an excellent clarity of instrumental and vocal separation that I can distinctively pinpoint their exact placement within its acoustic field that playing some complex multi-instrumental tracks like jazz and orchestra recording will be an easy task for the Ember to portray them clearly and precisely. No doubt that this one has an excellent driver coherency given the nature of its transducer's composition as it delivers fast transient response on its bass attacks and then, a clarity and detail for the rest of its frequency response. When it comes to its resolution capabilities, it has a firm and animated macro-dynamics as it shows the volume and intensity degree from the quietest section up to the loudest level on both chorale lines and instrumental passages, whereas on its micro-dynamics, it has a rather balanced sharpness on its definition as it extracts fine details, grains and other subtleties from an audio track like vocal delays, notational attacks and instrumental reverb tails.

PEER COMPARISONS:

SIVGA NIGHTINGALE PRO

• SIVGA's latest flagship planar magnetic IEM and a second model of the NIGHTINGALE, and it is the cheapest among the latest flagship orthodynamic IEMs.
• It sports a self-developed planar magnetic technology driver encased on its egg-shaped composite shell chassis consisting of imported hardwood panel on its faceplate and a metal alloy cavity base.
• This one is also sufficiently packed with quality accessories inside of its packaging box, and while it only includes two types of ear tips, its stock cable is much better in terms of build quality, although like the Ember's stock cable, it doesn't have a modular termination.
• This one has a balanced-neutral type of sound profile with strong midcentric tuning as it also has punchy bass response albeit less rumbly, a balanced midrange presentation as it has an ample warmth and energy that makes it a bit sound more vibrant and sheen than the Ember particularly on female vocals and also on instruments like woodwinds and strings, and then a lustrous and a bit more lively treble presentation but it has less airy extension.
• On its overall technical capabilities, it shares similar performance with the Ember as it also has a roomy, holographic-like soundstage presentation and well-layered soundscape and good separation of its musical elements although it has a bit sharper definition on extracting micro-details that makes this set quite more resolving.

LETSHUOER S15

• An old flagship planar IEM model from LETSHUOER and it is Ember's somewhat predecessor model as it takes some cues of its design profile but with better materials.
• While it also features a planar magnetic driver inside similar to Ember's albeit it is of older generation, and also this one also incorporates a passive radiator driver, and then they are housed in a composite shell structure consisting of 3D-printed resin cavity base and a metal alloy faceplate.
• Expected from a LETSHUOER product, it is fully packed with accessories inside of its packaging box and among them is a high quality stock cable with modular termination feature.
• This one has a mild U-shaped sound profile as it has more balanced presentation on its bass quality as it has a rumbly and punchy response, the midrange is a mildly recessed and less warm sounding than the Ember but it has more energetic that gives some crisp and shimmer on some vocals and instruments, and a bit brighter but more airy treble response.
• As for overall technical capabilities, this one has a bit larger sound/speaker stage presentation as it feels more cavernous sounding and also, it has a bit sharper micro-detail definition.

TINHIFI P2 ULTRA

• TINHIFI’s latest flagship model and the direct descendant of one of the first planar magnetic IEMs that were produced from a Chinese audio company, the P1.
• It uses a smaller 12mm planar magnetic driver that TINHIFI carefully modified for better acoustic performance and then it was housed in a compact-size gold-plated aluminium alloy shell in an irregular rounded triangular shape, and also, it uses a modified QDC-type bi-pin connector.
• The product packaging of this one is exquisitely prepared as some of its contents were carefully organised, and it is loaded with high quality accessories like leather carrying pouch, different types of eartips and premium stock cable provided by Mogami with modular termination.
• This one has a neutral-ish bright type of sound profile as it has precise, incisive yet rumbly bass response, while a neutral, clean and transparent midrange presentation that will excel on tracking female vocals and some instruments, most of them are strings and woodwinds, and then shimmering, sparkling and pretty airy treble response.
• This model has an excellent technical performance, even for a planar magnetic driver set as it has perceived roomy soundstage, well-defined layering and separation and very resolving and detailed resolution capabilities.

In conclusion of this product assessment, being an expressive and sometimes emotionally-charge writer, the model name truly represents as on how this set will deliver its quality as it identifies with its characteristic as the ember inherently symbolises metamorphosis, resilience and potentiality in which can be interpreted on LETSHUOER’s embodiment as its raise its profile as one of the highly-respected audio companies in the business. The ember itself, defined with its transformative phase that even a hint of smouldering and glowing on it can ignite a spark that produces a new flame that gives warmth and vitality, in which perfectly fits with this model’s name as it also evokes with its tonal nature that delivers that warmth and serene sound.

While the build quality of this one shows LETSHUOER’s dedication on craftsmanship with a luxurious production, one of my main gripe on this model would be its stock cable as I’m aware on Effect Audio’s high quality cables and yet, while this one is supposedly a collaboration with the Singaporean audio company, the stock cable is quite a contrast as on how its overall build quality is somewhat middling and it doesn't have any modular termination at all. Overall, I think that LETSHUOER Ember is still a remarkable set as it conveys a smooth, warm and natural sound that only few planar magnetic IEMs could only deliver.

LETSHUOER EMBER is now available on LETSHUOER’s official online store and I’ll leave a non-affiliated link below for those who are interested in purchasing this set.

LINK:

https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-ember-14-8mm-large-flagship-planar-magnetic-hi-fi-in-ear-monitors

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: LETSHUOER EMBER

IMPEDANCE: 30Ω

SENSITIVITY: 103dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m

PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE:  4.4mm

DRIVER UNIT(S):  (1) PLANAR MAGNETIC  DRIVER

PROS:

● The shells are quite solidly-built and durable.

● Well-designed embossed pattern on its faceplate.

● Its new generation planar magnetic driver is probably one of the most sensitive that makes it more power eff

● Product packaging is well-packed with quality accessories from carrying case up to many choices of eartips to choose from.

● Its stock cable was sourced from a bespoke audio cable company, EFFECT AUDIO.

● A well-balanced sound signature as it has a warm yet natural tonality.

● It has that dynamic driver-like tonality which is capable of delivering a more analogue-ish tonality while retaining that responsive transient speed and clarity of a planar magnetic driver.

● Punchy and impactful bass response.

● Full, deep and well-bodied sound on bass-clef instruments and low-octave male vocals.

● Warm, smooth and rich midrange presentation.

● Quite an all-rounder to almost all types of vocals on both male and female.

● Natural and realistic timbre on instruments.

● Smooth and inoffensive treble response.

● Not a hint of sibilance or harshness.

● Good technical capabilities for its price but with some caveats in which I will mention later on.

CONS:

● Might be too smooth and dark-sounding for treble-loving audio enthusiasts. 

● Somewhat lack of air on its brilliance section.

● The stock cable which was supposedly provided by EFFECT AUDIO, but overall quality itself seems doesn't conform with its standards

● Its technical capabilities particularly the perceived sound/speaker stage isn't that broadest especially for its asking price. 

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 the LETSHUOER Rep for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.