LETSHUOER S12 Pro Review

We conducted a review of the LETSHUOER S12 last year. Today, we will be discussing its successor, the S12 Pro, which is touted as an upgraded version. While the S12 Pro maintains most of its looks from its predecessor, it introduces a new colorway. How about the sound? Is it an upgrade, or just a sidegrade? We'll find out!

DISCLAIMER:

• I have no affiliation with LETSHUOER and have not received any monetary compensation during or after writing this review. This unit is provided 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

LETSHUOER always provides an exceptional unboxing experience, showcasing a level of professionalism that sets them apart from other Chi-Fi companies. While their competitors' unboxing experiences may seem random, weird, and barebones, LETSHUOER consistently delivers a well-curated presentation.

What's inside the box?

• LETSHUOER S12 PRO IEMs.
• Three pairs of black-colored memory foam ear tips.
• Three pairs of black-colored narrow-bored ear tips.
• Three pairs of transparent, balanced-bored ear tips.
• Faux-leather case
• Modular cable
• A 3.5mm termination plug adapter.
• A 4.4mm termination plug adapter.
• A 2.5mm termination plug adapter.
• Supporting documents such as an instruction manual, quality control certification, warranty card, and contact card.
•  A product catalogue booklet. (This is very awesome, in my opinion)

SOUND

The LETSHUOER S12 Pro takes on a U-shaped sound signature. Overall tonality is natural with a tiny evident bit of "planar sheen" on the upper frequencies. Still, this is a warmer set compared to other planar in-ear-monitors.

BASS

The LETSHUOER S12 Pro delivers bass with a swift attack and impressive dynamism, creating a remarkable impact. It is not very heavy, but the energy it resonates is very outstanding. The midbass carries sufficient weight, creating a thumpy and enjoyable texture to the overall bass response.

MIDS

The midrange of the LETSHUOER S12 Pro doesn't possess an aggressive, in-your-face quality, yet it offers a clean and euphonic representation of male and female vocals.  Instruments exhibit a natural and intimate texture, providing a pleasant listening experience, especially on acoustic guitars. 

TREBLE

Treble heads will rejoice because they'd be delighted to know that the LETSHUOER S12 Pro provides an ample amount of air and energy in the treble range. It is not excessively bright or harsh, striking a balance that allows for detailed and crisp sound reproduction. 

TECHNICALITIES

Soundstage: It boasts a wider soundstage compared to other in-ear-monitors within its price range. It creates a spacious sound field that allows instruments and vocals to breathe and perform with ample room. 

Imaging: It exhibits an impressive ability to accurately locate various instruments and vocals within the soundstage. As expected from a planar in-ear monitor, it delivers a high level of precision and excels in reproducing complex tracks. The S12 Pro excel at presenting intricate details, allowing me to fully appreciate the intricacies and nuances of the music.

COMPARISONS

LETSHUOER S12: Of course, why shouldn't we compare it to the OG S12? When it comes to the design and physical aspect, the S12 PRO is like a Copy + Paste of the original S12 and doesn't deviate much from its roots, it only changed its color from titanium silver to Corsican Blue . The sound is a bit more refined on the S12 Pro removing that excessive treble spike. Both set are still warm overall, and technicalities are almost the same.

KZ PR2: The PR2 features a V-shaped tuning, characterized by an energetic bass and vibrant treble, while the midrange takes a more subdued presence. On the other hand, the LETSHUOER S12 offers a more natural and preferable listening experience. The S12 is more balanced and has better technicalities compared to the PR2. Nevertheless, the other one still has an advantage over the other. Notably, the PR2 being two times cheaper than the S12 Pro is already an advantage.

TEST TRACK    

CONCLUSION

Pros:

• Excellent, thumpy bass
• Natural-sounding vocals
• Crisp, airy treble
• Modular cables.... at this price point? Not the first, but yes!
• It's very easy to drive

Cons:

• I believe it only has one colorway
• Bass could use a bit more texture
• Not a huge leap to the original S12

The LETSHUOER S12 Pro found its place  as a remarkable in-ear monitor within the sub-$100 budget range. With its modular cable, exceptional sound quality, and impressive inclusions, it offers a compelling package that you might want to consider. It is highly efficient and can be effortlessly driven by smartphones or digital audio players, making it a convenient choice for portable audio setups. The S12 Pro strikes a great balance between affordability, performance, and ease of use, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious audiophiles.