LETSHUOER S08 REVIEW 

Letshuoer’s newest planar magnetic, single-driver in-ear monitor, the $99 S08, commemorates the company’s eighth anniversary. A recently created 13mm “fourth-generation” planar magnetic driver is one of its features.

With the S12 PRO, Letshuoer has achieved remarkable success and established it as a benchmark IEM within its price range. The S08, S12 PRO, and S15 are the three planar magnetic single driver models that Letshuoer currently sells. The 14.8mm driver is a little bigger on the S12 PRO and S15.

MAIN TAKEAWAY

• Amazing bass
• Dark to neutral-sounding
• Highs that are smooth, courteous, and detailed
• Not the most expansive soundstage
• Excellently built quality and easy to drive
• incredibly responsive to tip rolling

BUILD, TECH AND COMFORT 

The Letshuoer S08 creates the crucial tracing pattern on the diaphragm that the audio signal travels through using a specially designed fourth-generation 13mm planar driver that incorporates nanoscopic magnetron sputtering technology. Through thorough penetration of the diaphragm by the copper of the circuit tracing, stability, lifespan, and vibration control are improved. Additionally, an elastic PTR film surrounds the circuit trace of the diaphragm for increased stability and extensibility.

The S08 housing is made of lightweight, compact aluminum that has been CNC-machined. It’s really cozy for me. Silver and black finishes are available. The pattern of the face plate is intended to mimic the number 8.

Made from four cores of 30-strand 0.05 mm copper that has been silver-plated, the cable is beautiful.

LETSHUOER S08 SPECIFICATIONS 

• Fourth-generation driver Planar magnetic driver, 13 mm
• Frequency of Sensitivity: 105dB Reaction: 20 Hz to 40 kHz
• 26Ω is the impedance.
• The chassis CNC-anodized aluminum is the material.
• Cable: 0.05mm silver-plated copper, 4 x 30 strands
• reviewed for $99. We appreciate Letshuoer providing the review sample to us.

EAR TIPS

Both neutral and vocal silicon ear tips are included with the Letshuoer S08. Both have medium bore tips, but the vocal is slightly stiffer and wider. Compared to the neutral tips, the voice tips have slightly sharper highs and less bass.

Additionally, I tested out my two go-to tips. the wide-bore Azla SednaEarFit Crysta tips and the medium-bore Spinfit CP145 tips. The Crystal has a larger bore than the provided voice tips, while the CP145 is comparable to the two provided tips.

The two sound very different from one another. The Crystals provide a richer, meatier sound with greater bass amount and brighter treble, while they can sound a little busier. The CP145 tips are more focused, elegant, and courteous. Although I enjoy both, the CP145 is my favorite. Though I like the fit and sound of the CP145 tips and will continue to use them throughout the review unless otherwise noted, they also sound the closest to the supplied tips.

STANDALONE LISTENING IMPRESSIONS 

Related equipment: RME ADI-2 DAC FS as source for a topping A90 amplifier. Although the RME sounds great on its own, I find that using the Topping is more useful. As previously said, I found that the Letshuoer S08 sounded the best when I utilized the Spinfit CP145 ear tips.

Jambi by Tool 

The bass produced by the S08 is precise and tight, giving it a strong presence without being overpowering. The electric guitars have a lot of texture, and the vocals are well-defined and free of sibilance problems. The treble is controlled and fluid.

The Golden Age by Beck 

The guitar is sharp, but not too much so. The bass on the S08 is fantastic, linear, and well-defined without being overly loud. Beck’s voice is well-done; it’s not sunken, but it’s a little courteous. The soundstage and imaging are excellent, and there is a lot of detail.

Lazarus by David Bowie 

The bass of the S08 is present, crisp, and tight without being overbearing. Though they aren’t very rich, Bowie’s vocals are detailed and have a lot of texture and complexity; they tend to be presented more neutrally. Without being harsh, the treble is distinct and easy to understand.

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones 

The S08 performs with tenderness and beauty. Though in a neutral manner, the mids are in emphasis. The treble is smooth, and the bass is beautifully present and controlled. There is good instrument separation.

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips 

The bass has a lot of texture and is somewhat dry. The vocals are delivered beautifully and with detail. The treble is smooth and clear. Excellent instrument separation is another feature of the S08.

Escape Route by Boris Blank 

The bass on the S08 is excellent and has a pleasant, understated presence. It’s really tidy. Despite the trumpet’s sharpness, the overall presentation is fluid and intricate.

Maple Noise by Greene Serene 

With this incredibly dynamic track, the S08 is both roomy and dynamic. The bass has excellent control and definition. Although there is a lot of detail and a sizable soundstage, the sound is extremely smooth and free of sharp edges. Overall, excellent delivery.

It Could Be Sweet by Portishead 

The S08 has a clear and smooth treble, delicate and present vocals with loads of nuance, and a bass that is very tight but full-bodied. Good soundstage.

Rocket Man by Bob James Trio 

The S08’s large and roomy soundstage is matched by its amazing bass quality. It delivers with precision and snappiness while delivering delicate highs and subtle mids.

Aquela Muhler by Vinicius Cantuaria 

The S08 shines because to its exquisitely balanced, deep, and controlled bass. Although not the warmest, the vocals are present and distinct. A large soundstage and much of detail are present.

Mahler’s Symphony No.2 III by Paavo Järvi 

With the symphonic orchestra, the S08 sounds amazing. It effortlessly creates subtle texture in the strings and is pleasantly nuanced. There is considerable dynamic contrast and a sizable soundstage.

Young Vivaldi Violin Concerto RV 820 III by Ensemble Modo Antiquo 

This composition is rendered by the S08 with superb delicacy and mouthwatering timbre. It’s airy and delicate, smooth and sophisticated.

Summer 3 Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter 

The S08 is impressive once more. Its sense of spaciousness and instrument separation is excellent. The strings have a delicate touch, but there is a lot of texture and nuanced detail.

WRAPPING IT UP 

Sounds Signature

The S08 has a pretty neutral character, in my opinion, when combined with the included vocal tips and my most often used medium bore tips (CP145). The middle is clear and expressive, the highs are sensitive and never harsh, and the bass is present but not overdone.

The bass sounds thicker and is noticeably heavier with the wide bore AZLA SednaEarFit Crystal tips. With these tips, the sound signature is more V-shaped (higher bass and treble) due to the sharper treble. Although they don’t sound as clear as the Crystals, the included neutral tips also produce additional bass.

The following remarks are predicated on the CP145 advice.

Treble 

The treble is excellent. It’s subtle and delicate, elegant and silky. It is extremely exhausting and more adept at microdynamics than microdynamics.

Midrange

There is a distinct and noticeable midrange. It’s not recessed, but it’s smooth and rather courteous. Although the texture and definition are outstanding, the microdynamics are superior to the macrodynamics in this instance.

Bass

The bass is amazing. It has the ideal amount of presence and is really well defined. It doesn’t in any way leak into the mids and seems nicely balanced.

Soundstage and Imaging 

The soundstage of the S08 is good, with good layering and image.

Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre

Throughout the frequency range, the S08’s detail retrieval is excellent. It displays information in an elegant way. The dynamics are decent but not outstanding. The bass area exhibits the greatest dramatic contrast. In general, I think it’s really neutral and natural—not too warm, nor is it dry or clinical.

COMPARISONS

FiiO FD15 vs. LETSHUOER S08

Although it employs a dynamic driver rather than a planar magnetic, the FiiO FD15 is likewise a single-driver IEM. Like the S08, it has a small metal housing, but it weighs a lot more.

Let me start by stating that both of these in-ear monitors are prone to tip rolling, and that different tips will produce different sounds. The Spinfit CP145 tips, which sound excellent on both, were used to compare them.Additionally, I used the FD15’s basic black ring nozzles, which are the least bassy and most neutral. Compared to the FD15, the S08 needs much higher volume settings. I used the Topping A90 amp to compare them.

The Letshuoer S08 and FiiO FD15 have comparatively comparable sound characteristics when compared to the ear tips described above. Both of them have a well-balanced bass and are rather neutral.

Both, starting with the treble, are smooth and unquestionably neither harsh nor sharp. Both have excellent timbre and are incredibly detailed, however I think the FD15 is a little more articulate and has somewhat cleaner highs.

Despite having a lot of detail, the S08 is more neutral and not as dynamic in the midrange as the FD15, which has a broader, warmer, and richer presence. Both have nice timbre, but I’m partial to the FD15’s amazing midrange richness.

Basses vary in quality rather than number. In comparison to the S08, the FD15 is rich and full but somewhat lacking in tightness and definition.

Both IEMs, in my opinion, offer good sound stages and attractive visuals. My preference varies significantly depending on the track, but in general, the FD15 seems more personal while the S08 is a tad bit bigger. The bass of the S08 is more detailed, while the mids and highs of the FD15 may seem a tad more detailed.

Although the S08 is also quite nice and has a greater bass, the FD15 is generally more lively. While the treble is fairly equal, I favor the bass of the S08 and the midrange of the FD15. Both, in my opinion, have good timbre and tone.

SIMGOT EA500LM vs. LETSHUOER S08 

The $89 dynamic single driver IEM from Simgot is a superbly designed fingerprint magnet with excellent sound quality. Compared to the S08, it is easier to drive the amplifier. I used the SpinFit CP145 tips on both pairs and the Topping A90 amp to compare them.

The Letshuoer S08 and the EA500LM provide different listening experiences, despite the fact that they are both comparatively neutral in absolute terms.

Details are easier to pick out because to the EA500LM’s sparkling, expressive sound. Although it might have a somewhat bright midrange and treble, it offers an excellent, rich bass. The S08, on the other hand, has marginally greater definition while matching the EA500LM in bass quantity. Its sound profile is richer and fuller overall since the mids and highs are often more subdued and darker.

SENNHEISER IE200 vs. LETSHUOER S08 

The Sennheiser IE200 is a tiny in-ear monitor that has a single dynamic driver that measures 7 mm. Compared to the S08, its plastic housing is significantly lighter and smaller.

The S08’s sound characteristic includes darker highs, fuller and fatter mids, and a deeper, richer bass with a focus on subbass. On the other hand, the IE200 has brighter highs and sharper mids. They all offer comparatively neutral listening experiences and are not particularly extreme in terms of frequency response.

The IE200 has a more dynamic sound without necessarily adding more detail because to its brighter and sharper treble. The S08 has a deeper tone and a more substantial body, while the IE200 produces a brighter, thinner sound in the midrange. The S08 is unquestionably better at bass.

The IE200 sounds more airy and expansive. The imaging performance is similar to that of the S08. Although the S08 has a lot of detail, it shows it in a more subdued and courteous way than the IE200, which may appear to have more detail.

The IE200 has more dynamic middle and treble, but the S08 is better at bass dynamics. But what really brings the S08 to life is its ability to be played at higher volumes without distortion or weariness.

LETSHUOER S12 PRO vs. S08

The S12 PRO is well-known for both its overall performance and excellent bass. In most places, some distance remains even after the S08 gets close.

Beginning with the bass, the S12 Pro has more detail but the quantity is fairly equal. The S12 PRO’s midrange is little brighter and crisper, but it is still just as detailed. However, the treble of the S12 PRO is noticeably brighter and sharper. The S12 PRO’s “weak spot” for some people is that it can get a little too hot in the higher registries. That issue is undoubtedly not present with the S08. In general, it has a deeper, broader timbre and sounds more relaxed and dark.

The S08 is an excellent IEM, but it falls short of the S12 PRO’s level of detail. Additionally, the S08’s sound stage is noticeably smaller. It would be perfect if the S12 PRO had the S08’s treble.

AMPLIFICATION 

For simplicity, I have used my portable desktop configuration for the listening tests thus far. The S08 will probably be used with portable amplifiers and sources by the majority of users, nevertheless.

I begin by playing Quboz on the headphone output of my POCO F5. It sounds fantastic. This sound would be perfect for a weekend getaway. It maintains a volume range of +/-50%.

The xDuoo Link2 Bal sounds even better than the Jade/FiiO JA11, which is a touch better. Given its hefty cost, the THX Onyx is mediocre at best. The Dragonfly Cobalt sounds excellent, clean, and well-defined; it sounds a lot like my desktop computer. However, the $89 Letshuoer DT03 is my preferred portable DAC/Amp for the Letshuoer S08. In terms of detail, it’s about as good as the Cobalt, but I like the warmer tone.

CONCLUSION

Warm, tight bass, rich, clear middle, and smooth, sophisticated treble are the hallmarks of the S08’s well-balanced, detailed sound.

The S08 is small, light, and well-made. It works flawlessly with desktop and portable configurations, but it excels with Letshuoer’s DT03 portable DAC/Amp. Additionally, tip rolling can drastically change its sound character.

The S08 delivers a new tune with sweeter treble at a more reasonable price, but it doesn’t render Letshuoer’s S12 PRO obsolete.

There is a lot of competition for IEMs under $100, but if you’re searching for an IEM that leans neutral to dark, the S08 is definitely worth putting on your list. It could be just what you’re looking for.