The LETSHUOER S15 review sample was kindly provided free of charge. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the S15 is $329 and you can buy it from the LETSHUOER online shop.
LETSHUOER S15 Review
The LETSHUOER S15 is the next iteration of the well-received S12 PRO earphone. This enhanced version showcases a cutting-edge 14.8mm planar dual chamber driver, belonging to the third generation. To guarantee seamless transitions across different octaves, the LETSHUOER S15 incorporates a dual acoustic tube structure with a filter crossover scheme. Additionally, it incorporates a 6mm passive filtering module outside the planar driver, leveraging the internally developed R-Sonic Dynamic Harmonic Technology. This module effectively filters sound energy through exclusive filters, ensuring an optimal listening experience.
Appearance and fit
The S15’s earshells are crafted using a blend of 3D printed resin compound and CNC curved aluminum alloy faceplates. These earshells are ergonomically designed and lightweight, ensuring a secure and exceedingly comfortable fit. However, it is worth noting that the nozzle is relatively short, which may require some users to acquire double or triple flange ear-tips separately, as they are not included in the package.
While the build quality of the LETSHUOER S15 is commendable, its appearance lacks allure. There is a distinct absence of any captivating elements, rendering the S15 rather mundane and devoid of the premium aesthetic that one would expect given its price point.
Cable
The cable, measuring 1.2m in length, features a detachable design with 2 pins. It is constructed using 216 strands of silver-plated monocrystalline copper. The cable is designed to be modular, allowing for interchangeable, 90⁰ angled plugs. The package includes plugs of 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm sizes. Notably, this cable is both durable and well-made, boasting reinforced sheathing and minimal microphonic noise. However, it should be noted that it is on the thicker and slightly heavier side.
Accessories
The LETSHUOER S15 arrives in an elegant cardboard box featuring a convenient bottom drawer that houses all the accompanying accessories. Inside, you will find a water-resistant, sleek plastic case with a rounded design, as well as two sets of ear-tips available in three different sizes. Additionally, the detachable cable and three plugs are also included, ensuring a comprehensive package for your convenience.
Efficiency and associated gear
The S15 boasts a 30Ω impedance and an impressive sensitivity of 106dB, making it a breeze to drive without requiring any specialized amplification. It performs exceptionally well when paired with additional power, and a capable USB DAC dongle will effortlessly handle the task. Throughout my review, I primarily utilized the iBasso DC04PRO, Cayin RU7, and FiiO M11S. As customary, the LETSHUOER S15 underwent an 80-hour burn-in period before conducting the listening evaluation.
Listening impressions
The LETSHUOER S15 is not designed to impress with advanced technical features or trendy sound curves. Instead, it offers a well-balanced sound profile that is both fantastic and slightly relaxed, gradually captivating your senses and becoming an essential part of your audio experience. Rather than getting caught up in analyzing frequency response graphs, simply close your eyes and let yourself be immersed in your favorite music. You will soon discover that the LETSHUOER S15 delivers an incredibly musical, engaging, and natural sound with a unique timbre realism. The music that resonates in your ears is remarkably lifelike, harmonious, and vibrant.
The bass provided by this earphone is more than sufficient to deliver immense satisfaction across various genres of music, ranging from electronic to classical. The bass is expertly tuned, striking a perfect balance between being subtly emphasized and not overpowering, while also maintaining tonal accuracy. Additionally, it does not bleed into the mid-range or become muddled. This bass offers a delightful and critical listening experience simultaneously. It possesses dynamic and impactful qualities, with excellent definition and layering. The bass is tight, fast, and controlled, providing a full-bodied and weighty sound without any audible resonances. While it may not be the most technically advanced or transparent bass, it possesses a remarkable sense of realism and power that makes it challenging for other planar magnetic earphones to match.
More listening impressions
Moving on to the mid-range, it is present, harmonious, and natural, with a slight emphasis in the upper mids. Rather than analyzing the positioning of specific instruments or voices within the mix, what truly matters is the lifelike reproduction of everything. The notes have a substantial weight and roundness to them, and the S15 earphone excels in resolving and refining the sound, offering good clarity and definition. Instruments and voices are reproduced with remarkable realism, capturing the unique characteristics of woodwinds, brass, violins, and more. In essence, this earphone has the ability to extract the full diversity and essence of the music, resulting in an incredibly addictive and unforgettable listening experience.
The LETSHUOER S12 PRO has a slightly sharp and bright tuning, however, the treble on the S15 is more subdued, resulting in a smoother and less edgy sound. Despite this, the S15 still maintains good extension and energy, without sounding muted. While it may not be the most airy or luminous earphone, it offers excellent clarity, definition, and detail retrieval. Although not the most analytical or brilliant, the S15 stands out from its competitors due to its refined texture and natural timbre. Instruments and voices with higher pitches sound weighty and full-bodied, without any artificial or metallic harshness.
In terms of soundstage, the S15 provides a wide and spacious experience, with satisfying separation and imaging. While it may not excel in depth layering or holography, the presentation is still grand and realistically proportional, creating a great sense of ambience.
Comparison with the LETSHUOER S12 PRO
The LETSHUOER S12 PRO, which is smaller and lighter, offers a classic V-shaped tuning in comparison to the S15. While the S12 PRO excels in sub-bass extension, the S15 delivers a fuller and warmer bass experience. In terms of driver control and grip, the S15 outperforms the S12 PRO, resulting in a more visceral and weighty bass with improved definition and impressive dynamics. On the other hand, the S12 PRO emphasizes the upper mid-range and adds extra energy to the treble, resulting in a brighter, airier, and more sparkling sound signature. The S12 PRO offers more detail and analytical sound, with a slightly cleaner and more transparent presentation. However, the S15 takes the lead in overall resolution, refinement, texture weight, and timbre realism.
Comparison with the Hidizs MP145
The Hidizs MP145, which is significantly cheaper, offers solid technicalities and a well-balanced tuning for an entry-level planar earphone. It also allows for further customization with its swappable pneumatic filters. However, at this price point, you do sacrifice the excellent modular cable found in the S15. Additionally, the MP145 is bulkier, heavier, and less comfortable compared to its counterpart.
In terms of sound, these two earphones have a similar sound curve until the upper mid-range, where the S15 slightly emphasizes and presents more. The MP145 has a touch more treble energy and sparkle, but it remains warm and smooth without becoming overly bright. While the MP145 is cleaner, more detailed, and transparent, it does sound a bit leaner and drier compared to the more organic and visceral S15.
The S15 delivers harder-hitting and more dynamic bass, although it may not be as well-defined and layered as the MP145. On the other hand, the MP145 offers a more spacious and open soundstage, while the S15 is more resolving and refined, providing better timbre realism.
In the end
The LETSHUOER S15 earphones offer an exceptional audio experience with a captivating and melodic sound profile. LETSHUOER has demonstrated their willingness to deviate from the norm with their latest models, such as the flagship Cadenza and the entry-level DZ4. This departure from the mainstream has resulted in three remarkable earphones, including the S15, which seamlessly blend technical prowess with a profound appreciation for musicality. In a market saturated with earphones that prioritize exaggerated technical specifications or adhere to a standardized sound profile, LETSHUOER’s S15 stands out as a mature offering for discerning listeners. It prioritizes the authenticity of timbre and tonal balance above all else, allowing your music to resonate with a genuine and addictive quality.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Natural and balanced tuning + Very musical and addictive + Punchy bass + Timbre realism + Smooth and forgiving + Lush and organic + Resolution and refinement + Lightweight and comfortable + Build quality + High quality modular cable + Accessories - Not that sparkling and energetic - Transparency needs improvement - Short length nozzles - Plain and unexciting appearance - Heavy competition
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