LETSHUOUER S12 2024 Anniversary Review: S12 Best Hits 2024
LETSHUOUER S12 2024 Anniversary Review: S12 Best Hits 2024 introduction
The original S12 was my favorite planar option at the time since it sounded very well-rounded and had a louder treble that came off as raw, which could be either a good or bad thing depending on the listener’s treble preferences. In an attempt to win over people who disliked the S12 tuning, an upgraded S12 Pro with a little warmer tuning was eventually released. In the end, LETSHUOER switched to the S15, which had a completely new internal and external design along with a new planar driver.
The S12 and S12 Ultra are the middle-tier Planar sets in their S series portfolio, with the S15 covering their top and planar unit series and the warm-tuned S08 covering their entry-level. A limited edition of 2024 pieces, the S12 2024 Edition aims to be the best tuned model in the S12 series. As of this writing, the S12, which uses a 14.8mm Planar driver, costs $199.00, while its MSRP is $299.00.
A quick thank you to LETSHUOER for sending a unit for review and check-out. The opportunity to test and evaluate products that are supplied to me by manufacturers or dealers is always appreciated, but it never has an impact on how highly I rank my reviews.
Looks and fit
The revised shell of the S12 2024 (from the 2024 Edition/Version onward) features a polished black inner shell that feels high-quality and contributes to ear comfort. A rose gold metal that is similarly smooth is used for the exterior shell/faceplate. I believe it looks fantastic with the black inner shell, but it’s more gold than pink. The shell and the original S12 seem a lot alike, however when I compare the two, I can see that the vent opening next to the connector is now rectangular rather than round, and the nozzle is a little wider. Additionally, the nozzle’s filter appears different than it did on the original S12.
Although the 2024 model seems to be of superior quality, I do perceive a difference in fit between the two, although both appear to be the same shape, and I have the same exact tips in my ears. This could just be a variation in shell material or weight. I have fewer seal problems and don’t need to use bigger tips to have a good seal because it fits my ears a little better.
Isolation and sound leakage
The passive isolation of the S12 2024 is respectable. It effectively muffles outside noise. It does emit some sound, like the majority of vented IEMs, but this may be mitigated by merely turning down the volume in quiet places. Apart from that, these perform similarly to other vented IEMs.
Packaging and accessories
As a limited edition, the S12 2024 goes a bit further in terms of the accessories and packaging. Even yet, the only decorative items are a keychain and a small plate that highlight the fact that this is a limited edition. Everything that isn’t the IEMs and case is tucked away in my closet or storage boxes, so as a reviewer, I’m wasting this set of extras. Those who purchase the 2024 edition, however, could find it appealing.
The new box comes in a lovely rose gold cover and is slightly longer than the typical S12 series packaging. The primary box that contains the little plaque is located within, and behind it are a variety of tips, including foam tips and narrow and wide bore tips. I absolutely enjoy the upgraded S15 type carrying case they gave us. In order to meet both balanced and unbalanced needs, we also receive the IEM and color-matched cable with quick-detach connectors. All things considered, it’s a good presentation that includes everything one could possibly need from an IEM set.
Sound(overall)
The Eversolo DAC-Z8 attached to the SMSL SP400 was used for these last impressions. Audirvana Studio served as the primary audio player for all of this. To my ears, the S12 2024 sounded like these impressions. The Spinfit W1 ear tips were also being used for this. Depending on my particular equipment, things like DAC/amp selection and ear tip selection will yield varied impressions and results.
Although the S12 2024’s tuning is comparable to that of the original S12, the physical modifications to the top vent port and nozzle filter do result in a discernible tuning difference. I find the 2024 to have a dynamic bottom tone, yet it sounds primarily neutral-bright. Although it sounds quick, the bass has a nice, tight impact and bang. When necessary, it adds a little extra kick and sounds fairly well-controlled. With only a hint of sharpness, the mids are largely neutral. This results in instruments that hang out in the midrange and are sufficiently detailed.
As was typical with the original S12 Planar units, the vocals are clear, but they do have a faintly metallic tone to the last tones of the female vocals. This is less obvious, and while it sounds decent, it isn’t entirely vocals’ style. It leans on the edge of what I find comfortable for long-term listening fatigue, and the high mids are sharp with a little boost. In this 2024 edition, the treble is stronger, but it does sound more controlled. It is somewhat devoid of the powerful, unadulterated treble that the original S12 possessed.
Although this unit sounds a lot like my original S12, I think I like it more. This is a more modern tune for my tastes now because of the small difference between it and the original S12. When the original S12 was released, I enjoyed it, and I had no issues with the tuning of the S12 2024 Edition.
Soundstage/Imaging
The depth and breadth of the soundstage are balanced and about average for IEMs. Nothing sounds unusual or distinctive, therefore I don’t have anything to say. For the well-balanced soundstage, the imaging was perfect. In crowded tracks, it was simple to identify particular instruments and locations.
Sensitivity/Drivability
To get the volume up to my desired level, the S12 2024 version does require a little power. The 2024 version will have more than enough power from the majority of contemporary dongles with 200mW or more. Regarding the power needed for volume, there is a discernible difference between this and the original S12. This might have to do with different cables, however I do found that a variation is necessary to achieve the same volume with the same tips.
Stock cable
In appearance, the stock cable is quite similar to the factory cable included with the S12 and S12 Pro. This time, the cable is dark brown with little bits of silver wire interwoven. The two-pin connections and the Y split’s furniture are both shining rose gold, much like the 2024 faceplates. The cable is sufficiently flexible despite its stiffness to prevent tangles. The default cord is nice, and it’s simple to switch to any audio source thanks to the interchangeable plugs. Unless you have a preference for a different color or cable design, I would leave the stock cord alone.
IEM comparisons
LETSHUOER S12
Although I covered the majority of the variances in my “Sound Impression” section above, I’ll quickly recap them here. Compared to the original S12, the bass is slightly less powerful and more controlled. The OG S12 sounds notably more metallic and unnatural, whereas the 2024 has a better mid and vocal presentation. The updated 2024 edition doesn’t sound quite as sibilant, but the upper mids sound close on both.
Compared to the new 2024 model, the treble on the original S12 sounds much sharper and more metallic. I normally use the word “raw” to describe it, but the 2024 seems tighter and more detailed without being as gaudy and harsh as the original S12 upper treble because of certain design variations with the new nozzle filter and perhaps the top vent design adjustment.
LETSHUOER S15
I’m going to mostly duplicate my comments from the S15 review, although I’ve made some adjustments because the S12 2024 Edition’s tuning is slightly better than the original S12.
In the treble setting, the S12 has a somewhat brighter and slightly more raw sound. It’s clear that their planar designs and tuning choices have significantly changed as compared to the S15 and even some of the alternated S12 variations. The S15 is by far the best in terms of detail retrieval and tuning proficiency. On the S15, the mids are rich and sound polished, while the lows are tighter and hit harder. Compared to the S12, the vocals are clearer and less metallic. In my opinion, the S15’s higher mids are a bit more balanced and have no sibilance problems.
Last but not least, the treble is still incredibly quick and sharp, but it sounds more detailed and less “raw” than the S12. Even though the 2024 S12 has a little narrower gap, the S15 still sounds more detailed. The S15’s staging is also a bit more evenly distributed. Both are excellent IEMs, but in my opinion, the S15 is a superb illustration of how LETSHUOER’s R&D is still refining their planar lineup in an effort to create the best all-arounder.
Amping Combinations
Moondrop MoonRiver 2 Ti
I often use the MR2 Ti as my primary source from my Macbook Pro because I conduct the most of my listening for reviews at work. The S12 2024 works nicely with the MR2 Ti, which is a little warmer. This is a more laid-back listen since the bass’s warmer tone melds with the mids. For some who would find this on the verge of sounding sibilant, the vocals do seem a little more natural, and the upper mids do sound more controlled and less harsh. Although it sounds a little slower, the treble is still strong, contributing to the overall warmer sound. Overall, this combination was excellent, and I liked it.
Eversolo DAC-Z8/SMSL SP400
This is the primary stack I utilized to compile my overall thoughts about the S12 2024 Edition, as I said in my sound impressions. I honestly had no trouble getting pretty strong performance out of the Moondrop MR2 Ti, which is my dongle standard for most evaluations, even though this stack often brings out the finest audio performance from IEMs. Giving the S12 2024 Edition a solid source won’t harm it, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the tune.
Overall thoughts
Both the original S12 and the new S12 2024 Anniversary Edition are appealing to me. I do prefer this over the original S12, even if there isn’t much of a tuning difference. The S12 series’ “greatest hit” is this one, and I believe it’s my favorite. If you want the updated shell material and color scheme, a slight tuning refinement (due to the nozzle filter and top vent change), and all the goodies that identify you as owning the special edition of the S12, I believe it’s worth the recommendation. This is a limited production release.
I don’t think this version will make anyone rethink their mind if they didn’t enjoy the original S12 when it was out. As always, the crew at LETSHUOER did a great job, and I’m excited for their upcoming goods, which include one of my favorite IEMs that their engineering team has upgraded. I appreciate you reading!
