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Sen-Fi's 2023 IEM Tier List

Before the year ends I created this tier list for fun and wanted to categorize the IEMs I reviewed, auditioned, and owned. DISCLAIMER: Anything on this tier list is subjective. You can refer below to how I logically categorize some of the IEMs on this list This list is not the "one true tier list" or the "gospel". Geez, I'm not that much of an expert and what's good for you may not be good for others, vice versa. I'm basically doing this for fun, I currently have an issue on my right ear so I won't be doing some reviews for a while. Everything on the list is tried and tested, I won't include anything I haven't tested. I won't put description on every IEMs on the list unless I have to justify it. Just have fun reading my tier list, no need to be too serious. Sen-Fi 2023 Tier List GOD Tier  (not in my official Tier List. These are basically revered being in God Tier because of their paramount price, only a selected few can own it, and it ha
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LETSHUOER D13 - Simplicity and Smoothness

The LETSHUOER D13 is an in-ear monitor featuring a single 13mm dynamic driver, housed in a compact and comfortable shell. This is  my fourth LETSHUOER product review. The D13 came out somewhere in  2022, a little bit late to the party but will it still be a good option for 2023? With the rapid and constantly evolving Chi-Fi market, let's find out if this is still a good option for 2023.

DISCLAIMER:

  • I have no affiliation with LETSHUOER and have not received any monetary compensation during or after writing this review.  Ivy Gao provided this unit to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
  • As a non-professional reviewer, I aim to use simple terms that can be understood by both beginners and experts in the hobby.
  • Please keep in mind that the opinions expressed in this review are subjective and based on my personal experience with the unit. I encourage you to try the product yourself to form your own opinion.

PACKAGING

The unboxing experience of LETSHUOER always have that sleek, and sophisticated feel. The D13 is no exception. It also has a lot of good and quality accessories included in the package.

earphone case
warranty cards
letshuoer earphones
earphone nozzle
earphone box and package

Here's what's inside the box:

  • LETSHUOER D13 in-ear monitors.
  • 4-core 3.5mm cable.
  • 3 pairs of black-colored silicone ear tips.
  • 3 pairs of  translucent silicone ear tips.
  • A black-colored faux-leather IEM case.
  • An extra pair of tuning nozzles with gold-colored filters.
  • A product catalogue booklet.
  • Some cool looking paperworks.

BUILD QUALITY

As for the build quality, the LETSHUOER D13 drivers are housed in a matte aluminum-alloy shell giving that lightweight, sturdy, smooth finish on the ends. The nozzles are very easy to change as you only need to unscrew the nozzles, as simple as that. Additionally, the LETSHUOER D13 features a flawless 2-pin port design that offers a secure and snug fit without any protrusion, distinguishing it from QDC-type ports.

The cables are soft and sturdy but these does not have modular options which are still okay for this price point. The stock ear tips are good as is, they are soft, comfortable, and not irritating to the ears. Lastly, the faux-leather case is very compact but the in-ear monitor fits well. It has a good curved finish so it fits comfortable inside your pockets.

SOUND

D13 with dongle and smartphone



The LETSHUOER D13 has a slight V-shaped signature. It has two tuning nozzles that doesn't have a stellar difference but I find the gold one more preferable for its focus on the treble side. The silver nozzle is kind of underwhelming in terms of brilliance.

LOWS
The LETSHUOER D13 showcases extended lows with a noticeable dominance on midbass, along with a modest depth in the sub-bass region. While it may not be overwhelmingly bass-heavy, the presence of the bass is definitely perceptible. If you prefer a greater emphasis on the bass, I'd stick with the silver nozzles. However, personally, I don't find any stellar differences between the two filters on the lower frequencies. Maybe because the perception of the silver filter's laid-back presentation contributes to the    I find the gold filters more appealing as the silver nozzle feels somewhat too laid-back in comparison.

MIDS
The midrange of the LETSHUOER D13 exhibits a recessed quality that contributes to a smooth and euphonic sound. The vocals, particularly when using the silver nozzles, are laid-back, darker, and possess a richer tonality. However, the instruments take a recessed position in the silver filters. On the other hand, the gold filters maintain a recessed body in the midrange but offer more pronounced upper mids, resulting in improved instrument emphasis and improved clarity.

TREBLE
The LETSHUOER D13's filters have a significant impact on the higher frequencies, with more noticeable changes compared to the lows and lower midrange. Although both filters lack a considerable amount of openness, they still exhibit slight but distinct differences. With the gold filter, the sound from the upper mids to the treble range becomes crisper, more detailed, and cleaner. On the other hand, the silver filter offers a smoother and less offensive sound, albeit with lower resolution in the treble region. While I don't find the gold nozzle offensive, the silver nozzle doesn't align with my personal preferences. As someone who isn't particularly focused on treble, I find the silver nozzle's level of detail and air to be somewhat lackluster. Both filters don't exhibit harsh sibilance, and peaky resonance which is very outstanding.

TECHNICALITIES
The technicalities on the D13 is mostly on the average side. Then again, these are not a pair of critical in-ear monitors nor did they intend to sell as one. These are rather casual earphones meant to cater casual listeners. In any case, let's break down the technicalities further.

Soundstage: The soundstage is not very wide but it's not too compressed to the point vocals and instruments were struggling in a cramped narrow soundstage. However, the perception of space is quite limited. 

Imaging: In terms of soundstage, if there is a lack of adequate space, imaging can be affected as well. The LETSHUOER D13 exhibits average imaging capabilities, managing to accurately locate vocals and instruments. However, it may struggle with accuracy, particularly on busier and complex tracks, occasionally resulting in a loss of details and resolution.

TEST TRACK

CONCLUSION

Pros:
  • Has interchangeable nozzles
  • Fun sounding earphones
  • Very smooth and natural tonality
  • Amazing inclusions
  • Gold nozzles are better sounding overall

Cons:
  • Price-to-performance ratio 
  • Treble lack a bit of air and sparkle
  • Subpar technicalities
  • Could've added more options for the nozzles, the other one might be too bad you'll have to stick with the other one if you don't prefer the other
  • Silver nozzles are too lacking in details

Even in 2023, the LETSHUOER D13 remains a viable option worth considering. However, I believe that in terms of both performance and affordability, there might be other options available that can rival the LETSHUOER D13. The price to performance ratio can likely be matched by alternative products on the highly dense and ever expanding Chi-fi market. The LETSHUOER D13 is something I wouldn't blindly buy, especially if I intend to spend more than a hundred dollars with this. Sure, it offers a sound profile that can satisfy the majority of consumers and delivers impressive audio quality. However, it is important to acknowledge that being a single dynamic driver IEM, it does have its limitations. 


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