Letshuoer is a Chinese language audio model that is identified for its funds IEMs; the Letshuoer S12 are nonetheless an incredible possibility if you’d like value-focused IEMs with planar drivers. The Cadenza 12 sit on the different finish of the dimensions — these are Letshuoer’s present flagship IEMs, and so they home the perfect drivers the model has to supply, together with an beautiful titanium chassis that appears each bit as high-end as the worth tag suggests.
I used the S12 fairly a bit during the last 18 months, pitting them in opposition to the likes of the TinHiFi P1 Max, Fiio FA7S, and a bunch of IEMs which might be out there for beneath $300. However the Cadenza 12 are in a category of their very own; these could be the perfect earbuds I’ve ever used. I acquired began with the IEMs again in February, and used them extensively over the course of the final 9 months with the dozen or so DACs and audio gamers I’ve in the home, and it has been terrific throughout the board.
Letshuoer unveiled the Cadenza 12 again in February 2023, and so they’re out there from main audio retailers like HiFiGo, the place they value $2,299. That is over ten occasions the price of the S12 IEMs, however to be truthful, you are getting significantly better acoustics right here, and a premium design that’s on par with different IEMs on this class. You additionally get 12 drivers in every earbud, and every driver has its personal sound bore, so it is clear that a number of thought went into these earbuds.
Let’s begin with the design, as a result of there’s lots to speak about on this space. The Cadenza 12 are made out of a titanium alloy, and the construct high quality is unbelievable — these IEMs are constructed to final. The design is liable to smudges because of the reflective end, however on the entire, these earbuds look phenomenal. There is a tiny air vent to at least one aspect, and every earbud is inscribed with the phrases True Virtuoso, nevertheless it’s in a location that is not too outstanding.
Whereas the design and construct high quality are among the many better of any IEM I’ve used, what I like essentially the most concerning the Cadenza 12 is the match. Letshuoer says it put in a number of thought into the match of the earbuds, with the model aiming to create an ergonomic match that is comfy even with prolonged use, and that’s simply the case right here. Though the IEMs are on the heavier aspect, the load distribution is right, and you do not discover the heft even with all-day use.
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Truthfully, I believe these are the best-fitting IEMs in my assortment, and Letshuoer deserves a number of credit score for nailing the match. You additionally get an exhaustive choice of ear suggestions included within the bundle, together with bass-focused, vocal, and balanced decisions. In the same vein, the included cable is stellar, with Letshuoer going with a hybrid design on the 204-strand 6N monocrystalline copper and silver cable.
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The cable is sturdy and designed nicely, and the perfect half is you can simply change out the plugs — you get 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced choices together with the usual 3.5mm. Letshuoer additionally features a limited-edition plaque of its mascot within the bundle, and also you get a good leather-based case to deal with the earbuds when not in use.
Coming to the sound, the Cadenza 12 has glorious dynamics with a refined sound that lends itself nicely to all genres. The bass is not exaggerated, however you continue to get a superb quantity of power and vigor. The sub-bass is very participating, and whereas they don’t seem to be geared at bassheads, the element decision makes them simple to take heed to.
The mids is the place the Cadenza 12 come into their very own, with the IEMs providing a terrific presentation. Vocals come throughout with loads of readability and element, and there is good instrument separation, which is definitely noticeable in orchestral ensembles. You get a superb treble extension as nicely, and whereas there’s some harshness at occasions — notably with sub-par recordings — it is not very noticeable.
The Cadenza 12 have a large soundstage with glorious imaging, and these earbuds actually shine with massive orchestral scores — when you like listening to classical films or film scores, you may love what’s on supply.
With a sensitivity of 110dB/mW and impedance of 16Ω, you possibly can simply drive the Cadenza 12 with any supply. That mentioned, the IEMs actually shine with a balanced supply, and when you’re shelling out this sort of money on IEMs, you must spend money on a superb supply. I used the Fiio K9 Professional to drive the IEMs whereas I used to be at my desk, switching to the superb BTR7 and M15S for transportable use. Whatever the supply, the Cadenza 12 managed to ship unimaginable tonality and dynamics, and that is right down to the tuning.
General, there is not a lot lacking with the Cadenza 12. Letshuoer did a unbelievable job with the design and construct high quality, and also you get loads of equipment within the field. However the cause you are shopping for these IEMs is the sound, and Letshuoer did all the correct issues on this space. These IEMs are simple to take heed to, and the colourful bass mixed with pure mids and clear highs make these well worth the asking worth.
Letshuoer is not notably well-known for its high-end IEMs, however with the Cadenza 12, it has confirmed that it will possibly maintain its personal in opposition to the perfect that this trade has to supply.
Letshuoer did a superb job with its flagship IEMs, and the Cadenza 12 mix a sturdy construct high quality with beautiful sound and dynamics.