LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 : The Virtuoso's Symphony

We recently had the pleasure of thoroughly reviewing the LETSHUOER Cadenza 12, their latest flagship in-ear monitor, and we are excited to share our thoughts on this exceptional product. As an upgrade from the Galileo we reviewed before, the Cadenza 12 boasts an impressive 12 multi-hybrid driver configuration, incorporating premium drivers from Sonion and Knowles Balanced Armature. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to HiFiGo for granting us the opportunity to review this flagship model, and to Neil Nino Clark for facilitating this review tour. Without further ado, let's delve into our comprehensive review of the LETSHUOER Cadenza 12.

DISCLAIMER:

• I have no affiliation with LETSHUOER and have not received any monetary compensation for this review. The unit was provided by HiFiGo in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
• I am not a professional reviewer and will use simple terms for easy understanding by beginners and experts alike in the hobby.
• Please take the words in this review with a grain of salt, as trying out the unit yourself is still the best way to gauge the experience.

PACKAGING:

The packaging of the LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 is nothing short of exquisite. It comes in a meticulously designed three-layered box, starting with a cardboard box featuring LETSHUOER's branding, followed by a silver carton, and finally, a sleek black jewelry box containing the in-ear monitors and their accessories. The packaging is a true testament to LETSHUOER's commitment to luxury and attention to detail, leaving a lasting impression from the moment it's unboxed.

The cardboard box is well-crafted and prominently displays LETSHUOER's branding, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal. The silver carton adds an additional layer of sophistication, further elevating the unboxing experience. The jewel of the packaging, however, is the sleek black jewelry box that houses the in-ear monitors and accessories. It's not only visually stunning but also functional, providing secure and organized storage for the monitors and ensuring they arrive in pristine condition.

The premium packaging of the Cadenza 12 adds to the overall sense of value and sets the tone for the quality and craftsmanship of the in-ear monitors. It's a thoughtful touch that reflects LETSHUOER's commitment to delivering a premium listening experience from the moment the package is opened.

What's Inside?

• Cadenza 12 in-ear monitor
• Cadenza 12 Plate
• 3 pairs of Symbio-like hybrid eartips
• 3 pairs of "bass" eartips
• 3 pairs of "balanced" eartips
• Half-sleeved modular cable
• Earphone case
• Warranty cards
• User guide

BUILD QUALITY:

The LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 features a robust build with a slightly bulky and relatively heavy shell. Despite its weight, it remains comfortable to wear for extended periods of time without causing discomfort. However, it's worth noting that the shell is not scratch-proof, and some light scratches may occur over time, although this is a minor concern compared to its sound performance.

The modular cables included with the Cadenza 12 are of good quality, allowing for termination swapping. However, it's worth mentioning that the process may not be as user-friendly and may require assistance from peers. On the bright side, the included case is a notable improvement from the Galileo, featuring a magnetic closure that securely snaps into place, ensuring safe storage and transport of the monitors.

The package also comes with plentiful eartips, including hybrid eartips, which is a nice touch. However, it's worth noting that the "bass" eartips may not significantly affect the bass texture and weight as their name suggests. Nonetheless, the inclusion of a variety of eartips allows for customization and finding the best fit for individual preferences, further enhancing the overall comfort and performance of the Cadenza 12.

SOUND:

Profile: The in-ear monitors boast a vibrant and engaging sound signature with a touch of warmth, while maintaining an overall neutral profile. This combination results in a lively and dynamic audio experience that brings music to life. The warm tonality adds richness and depth to the sound, without compromising the accuracy and clarity of the audio reproduction. The balanced profile ensures that different frequency ranges are well-represented, making these monitors suitable for a wide range of music genres, from rock to classical and everything in between. Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile, these monitors are designed to captivate your ears and elevate your music listening experience.

Bass:  The bass is well-rounded, with a subtle lift that adds warmth to the overall sound without overpowering the midrange. Unlike some bass-heavy in-ear monitors, the Cadenza 12 maintains clarity and definition in the midrange, preventing any muddiness or distortion. The midbass is a standout feature of the Cadenza 12, offering a punchy and tight performance that is sure to impress. While it may not produce the deepest sub-bass rumble, it makes up for it with its well-defined and dynamic midbass performance. 

The Cadenza 12 bass delivers a well-balanced and refined audio experience. Its warm representation without excessive emphasis on low frequencies, along with its punchy and well-defined midbass, makes it an excellent choice for audio enthusiasts who appreciate quality and precision in their audio playback.

Midrange: The midrange of the audio output is characterized by its clarity and precision, allowing for an accurate reproduction of vocals and instruments. Although there is a slight boost in the lower frequencies, the midrange maintains a natural tone without excessive lushness or euphonic coloration. Instruments are rendered with lifelike detail, showcasing fast decay and realistic timbre. The upper midrange is well-defined and energetic, without any harshness or recessed characteristics, adding to the overall dynamic and vibrant sound signature.

Treble: The treble is well-extended and detailed, though it can be overly bright and cause fatigue with certain eartips due to its high frequency emphasis. Choosing the appropriate eartips can help address this issue, and with a proper fit, the treble is clear and shimmering without any harshness. Instruments such as cymbals and hi-hats are accurately reproduced with good resonance and crispness.

Soundstage and Imaging: The Cadenza 12 exceeds expectations in its technical performance, boasting an expansive soundstage with excellent height and spaciousness. Imaging is precise, with instruments accurately placed and microdetails rendered with clarity and precision. The separation between instruments is outstanding, even in busy tracks where budget earphones often struggle with muddiness. Tracks like "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen and "The National Anthem" by Radiohead are handled effortlessly. Tonally, the Cadenza 12 offers a natural and realistic presentation without sounding overly clinical or unresolving.

COMPARISONS:

Noble Audio Viking Ragnar ($4000): Priced at twice the cost of the Cadenza 12, the Noble Audio Viking Ragnar offers a different listening experience. The Ragnar is more analytical, with a focused and tamed treble, and boasts superior resolution and detail retrieval. On the other hand, the Cadenza 12 provides a more affordable flagship experience with a more fun-sounding tonality, making it a compelling choice for those who prefer a warmer and more natural sound.

Kinera Urd ($650): The flagship of Kinera, the Urd, is priced lower than the Cadenza 12 and leans towards a safer tuning with less emphasis on bass and laid-back treble. However, the mids are more euphonic and engaging, with a bias towards female vocals and plucked string instruments, making it a good option for those who prioritize these qualities in their listening experience.

Simphonio VR1 ($2299): Priced similarly to the Cadenza 12, the VR1 offers a warm-balanced signature with a darker overall tonality compared to the Cadenza 12. The major difference is that the Cadenza 12 utilizes twelve drivers, while the VR1 relies on a single dynamic driver. The Cadenza 12 has the advantage in handling different frequencies and maintaining consistency, resulting in a more natural sound compared to the darker tonality of the VR1.

Pros:

• Excellent warm-neutral sound signature
• Punchy and well-defined bass without bleeding into other frequencies
• Wide soundstage, precise imaging, and superior separation
• Microdetails are clearly defined
• Keen treble
• Outstanding packaging
• Sturdy titanium alloy shells that are bulky yet lightweight

Cons:

• Shells are not smudge and scratch-proof despite their pros
• Less clinical/technical compared to some other TOTL options
• High price point, recommended to try before buying

FINAL RATING

In addition to its impressive performance, the Cadenza 12 also boasts a sleek and stylish design, with a durable build that can withstand, if not most, the rigors of daily use. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship is evident, from the metal housings to the high-quality cables and connectors. The fit and comfort of the Cadenza 12 are also noteworthy, with multiple ear tip options and an ergonomic design that ensures a secure and comfortable fit for long listening sessions.

One of the standout features of the Cadenza 12 is its exceptional soundstage, providing a wide and immersive listening experience. The instrument separation is superb, allowing for each element of the music to be distinct and well-defined. The bass response is powerful and controlled, while the midrange is detailed and transparent, and the treble is crisp and extended without being overly harsh. The overall tonality of the Cadenza 12 is balanced and natural, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres.

It's important to note that the Cadenza 12 is not for everyone, as its premium price tag may be prohibitive for some potential buyers. However, for those who are serious about their music and demand the best in terms of performance and build quality, the Cadenza 12 is a top contender. It's advisable to audition them before making a purchase decision, as personal preferences may vary. Despite its price, the Cadenza 12 delivers a listening experience that is truly exceptional and worth considering for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.