Letshuoer Cadenza 12 - Balance Refined

4.5⭐️

+ Well-balanced and mostly neutral tuning with just the right amount of fun

+ Bass can rumble and dig deep when called upon

+ Clean midrange puts vocals on full display 

+ Crisp and well-extended treble without harshness or sibilance 

+ Has a certain maturity and refinement that I expect for the price

+ Great accessory package 

- Tuning might be considered too boring for some

- Mirror finish is prone to scratches and fingerprints 

- Soundstage could be improved

- Stock cable is stiff

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was provided to me for tour by Letshuoer in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Sherry for arranging this tour!

Non-affiliate link for those interested:

https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-cadenza-flagship-12-hybrid-drivers-in-ear-headphones?srsltid=AfmBOor9GX39MlcJ-yxUMaxWB3Fp9GirQ3oYO3N7SfFLWbazKlm55GdD

Gear used: 

●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra

●Samsung dongle

●Hiby FC4

●Kiwi Ears Allegro 

●Letshuoer DT03 

●Dunu DTC480

●BLON V1

●iFi xDSD Gryphon 

Source:

●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction: 

Letshuoer is a fairly well-known company in the audiophile world. They produce many well-received IEMs in various price brackets. Last year, I reviewed their DT03 dongle DAC and the S08 and S12 2024 planar IEMs, all three of which received high scores from me. The Cadenza 12 is Letshuoer's flagship IEM that debuted in 2023. It recently received a driver update, and although the driver count and configuration did not change, the overall tuning of newer units may be slightly altered from the original version. To be clear, the Cadenza 12 discussed in this review is the updated 2024 edition. It sports a hybrid configuration featuring one dynamic and eleven balanced armature drivers and is currently available through Letshuoer's site for $1999. Let's break down this flagship IEM and see if it is worthy of carrying the company's banner.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The unboxing of the Cadenza 12 is truly great. The presentation looks and feels premium and luxurious. The box itself is very well-made and can even double as storage, with the inclusion of optional dividers. Upon opening the box, the very shiny shells are on full display. Removing another small, flat accessory box reveals the case and a 3D art piece. There are nine sets of tips located under the IEMs. The build quality of the shells is immaculate. They are made from a titanium alloy with a mirror finish, which may turn off some buyers, but they are undeniably beautiful when clean and blemish-free. They feel very solid and sturdy in hand and have a decent weight. They have a semi-custom shape and are well contoured, allowing for a very comfortable fit. The insertion depth is about average, but perhaps just a bit shy of what I prefer. The nozzle measures 6.1mm at its widest point, where there is a very small lip. A vent is located just in front of the flat, 2-pin connection to help alleviate pressure buildup. The stock cable is a 6N monocrystalline copper and silver hybrid, with a fabric sheath on the bottom and a plastic sheath above the Y-split. While it has excellent build quality, it is thick, very stiff, and can be unwieldy. I much prefer a more supple cable, but its quality is hard to fault. The cable is also modular, with 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, and 4.4 mm terminations. It is not the most intuitive modular system I have seen, but it works well. Nine pairs of tips are included in three styles: silicone Balanced, silicone Vocal, and foam/silicone hybrid Bass. Of the stock tips, the balanced ones worked well for me, but I preferred my JVC Spiral Dot tips for the best fit and seal. The included case is excellent. It feels nice in hand and has a smooth, leather-like feel with a magnetic closure. It may not be the most pocketable because of its size, but it is a great case. The accessories package is rounded out with a cleaning cloth and a 3D metal bulldog art piece resembling Han Solo in carbonite. It is a fun little inclusion but it is also very heavy.

Sound impressions:

I'd characterize the Cadenza 12 as having a very well-balanced tuning with an almost neutral approach, but it doesn't come across as boring or lifeless. It presents a mostly faithful, uncolored reproduction of music, with just a bit of extra energy and excitement, which takes it out of truly neutral territory. It really feels like each frequency complements and plays off the others, and no single section of the tuning stands out as more prominent. Personally, I am usually drawn to a more laid-back and warmer tone, but the Cadenza 12 is impressive in how it presents everything in a mature and refined way. The overall note weight is very well-balanced, not too thick or thin. This set can reach high volume levels off a simple dongle, but to my ears, it does benefit from amplification. There is great detail retrieval, but it also has a hint of musicality, preventing it from sounding too clinical or cold. The soundstage, unfortunately, is not one of the Cadenza's strong suits; it lacks depth and comes across as somewhat flat, lacking some fullness and body. The timbre sounds mostly natural and organic, with maybe just a hint of an overproduced quality at times, though it is probably negligible. The imaging is strong, with great spatial cues and three-dimensional awareness. The dynamics are pretty good, but the bass loses some rumble and reverberation at lower volumes. The separation is impressive, but it still has a cohesive overall sound with fantastic and seamless transients. Overall, I find the Cadenza 12 to have a fantastic tuning balanced with great technicalities.

This one paired best for me with the iFi xDSD Gryphon, using the GTO filter. This combination preserved the overall balance of the tuning and helped draw out a slightly deeper bass extension and better impact.

●Lows - The Cadenza 12 is not a basshead IEM, though it does have a very good bass response. I would definitely welcome a bit more quantity, as it can come across a little understated at times. But most importantly, it is still very satisfying and not light or anemic. Those looking for a large bass shelf will be disappointed, but the quality here is very good. It is resolving and has a certain nuance, depth, and maturity that I find missing in some other sets at this price point and above. The sub-bass and mid-bass are pretty balanced and both are well-represented. The extension can reach quite low when called upon, but it is track-dependent. On bass-heavy tracks, the Cadenza 12 has a very satisfying rumble and thump, but it will not bring out more bass than each track warrants. It has a very clean texture and never sounds muddy or dry. The impact and slam are fun and bouncy, but perhaps lean a bit toward the polite side. The rumble and reverberation are adequate, but a bit lean compared to my usual preference. The midbass avoids any bleed and has a very clean transition into the midrange. The speed is quick and agile, with excellent clarity and separation on double bass kicks. The decay is about average, neither too fast nor too slow. The bass of the Cadenza 12 is truly impressive, and though it might not have enough quantity for the most devout bassheads, I find it has one of the best overall balances of any set I have heard.

●Mids - As someone who loves a forward and pronounced vocal presentation, the midrange doesn't quite hit the mark. However, the finely tuned balance is undeniably impressive. Vocals are not shouty, but neither are they laid back; they are definitely accentuated, but not too forward. There is just enough emphasis for them to stand out without being the standout feature of the midrange. Both male and female artists are well represented, and neither is prominently featured over the other. The lower mids are done well, too, if not just a touch recessed for my taste. I would like a bit more weight to instruments like cello and lower brass in classical music, but that's a minor nitpick. The timbre of vocals and instruments is mostly realistic, but there is sometimes a tiny gleam of something unnatural. It's difficult to explain, and I don't want to overemphasize it because it's a very small factor, but I believe the midrange could be slightly improved, perhaps with a touch of warmth to smooth it over. Though, again, it's not quite to my usual preference, I am very happy with the midrange as a whole and the way it is presented in conjuction with the other frequencies.

●Highs - The Cadenza 12 has a great treble response. I do typically have a mild aversion to treble, but this set has an impressive amount of air, extension, and energy that takes it just to the edge of my tolerance without crossing the line into sibilance or fatigue territory. Cymbals and hi-hats are crisp, clean, and lively. They sound true and correct, not metallic or splashy, and they are exactly as I'd expect them to be if I were standing in the same room. I'd say the energy level is just north of neutral to my ears. There's a good level of excitement and playfulness without taking it too far. It can still be a bit incisive at times, and there are some notes that approach the edge but stop just short. Some "s" and "sh" notes stick out, but again, they don't cross the threshold into being harsh. On other sets that have more treble emphasis, those same notes would probably cross that line, but the Cadenza 12 has a way of pushing my tolerance for treble in a good way. I wouldn't really call the treble safe, but neither is it aggressive in its presentation. It might be a bit livelier than I usually prefer, but it's really all about the balance with the other frequencies. Without the extra energy, the tuning would just not be the same. 

Comparisons: Credit to Elise Audio for the graphs. Disclaimer: These measurements were made using the original Cadenza 12 model, which may differ slightly from the updated version, so please take them with a grain of salt.

●Elysian Annihilator 2023 ($3,000) - Here we have the Annihilator's 7-driver tribrid configuration (1 DD, 4 BA, 2 EST) versus the hybrid of the Cadenza 12. I like the Annihilator's overall design and resin build a bit better, but the Cadenza's all-metal shell feels much sturdier, even if it is prone to scratches and fingerprints. The Cadenza's shell is also smaller, better contoured, and has a slightly deeper insertion. Overall, it offers a better fit and is more comfortable for me. I also prefer the Cadenza's 2-pin connection. I cannot make a judgment on total accessories since one of these is a tour unit. The tuning of the Annihilator is quite V-shaped compared to the Cadenza's more balanced and somewhat neutral approach. The Annihilator's bass is much bolder, with deeper sub-bass extension and more rumble and reverberation. The bass on the Cadenza sounds cleaner, with superior texture and resolution, but the quantity might be underwhelming for bass enthusiasts. The midrange is where the Cadenza wins a lot of points for me. Vocals are more forward, and both male and female artists are better represented, which is much more in line with my preferences. The Annihilator's midrange can be overshadowed by the bass and treble. The Cadenza also wins in the treble department. It is very well balanced with plenty of air and sparkle without venturing into fatiguing territory. The Annihilator undoubtedly has a brighter overall treble response and can be too energetic during long sessions. From a technically standpoint, these two trade blows pretty well. The Annihilator has a slight edge in soundstage, detail retrieval, and dynamics, whereas the Cadenza wins in timbre, imaging, and note weight. Overall, these two have quite different tuning philosophies. The Annihilator is more energetic and fun, with bigger bass and brighter treble, but it sacrifices some midrange magic. The Cadenza is much more balanced and closer to neutral, with a clean and inoffensive tuning that just sounds right, but it might considered be a bit boring for some. This is an easy choice for me, as the Cadenza offers a more refined and mature tuning that I expect when moving to the multi-kilobuck tier. Plus, it doesn't hurt that it is over $1,000 cheaper.

My pick: Cadenza 12

●Elysian Diva 2023 (~$1,100) - This comparison pits the Cadenza's hybrid configuration against the Diva's 6 BA design. I cannot accurately compare the stock inclusions since I did not have all of the Diva's accessories. The Diva sports a resin shell with a metal nozzle, while the Cadenza has a titanium alloy shell. The Cadenza offers a better fit and seal for me due to its smaller nozzle and deeper insertion. I personally prefer the unique blue design of the Diva's faceplate to the Cadenza's mirror-finished shell, but both are very attractive. As for the tuning, the Diva's blue setting offers a bassier and more laid-back, U-shaped profile, while the Cadenza has a well-balanced and more neutral approach. The Diva's sub-bass reaches deeper, is more prominently featured, and has a bigger punch. The Cadenza's bass has better balance with the other frequencies, and although less in quantity, the quality is much better. It sounds cleaner and more refined, with better texture, resolution, and a more natural decay. One of the Diva's biggest draws for me is its midrange, but when compared to the Cadenza 12, it falls a little flat. Don't get me wrong, the Diva sounds great and has a smooth and slightly warm vocal response, but the Cadenza pushes the midrange forward a bit more and strikes a better balance across all frequencies to really help vocals grab the spotlight. The Diva does win some points in the lower midrange, though, due to more representation and note weight. The Cadenza has better treble extension and air, but it is also a bit brighter and more energetic. I would usually prefer the Diva's laid-back treble response, but the lack of air is really apparent when comparing these two side by side. The technicalities go almost entirely in the Cadenza's favor, save for the note weight. When it comes to detail retrieval, dynamics, separation, and timbre, the Cadenza wins handedly. Overall, these two are quite different and have their own strengths and weaknesses. Although the Diva's tuning should be my favorite on paper (boosted bass, smooth mids, rolled-off treble), it somehow fails to stack up against the Cadenza 12's incredible sense of balance, refinement, and correctness. While I might occasionally choose the Diva for specific genres, the Cadenza 12 is truly fantastic and much better suited as an all-arounder.

My pick: Cadenza 12

●Penon Impact ($2,499) - While these two both have hybrid configurations, their makeup is quite different (10BA, 4EST vs 1DD, 11 BA). Again, I can't really weigh in on the unboxing and accessories since the Impact was a tour unit. The shells of these two are about the same size, and I do like the design and full resin build of the Impact better, but the Cadenza feels much sturdier and has a better contoured fit for me. Its nozzle is also thinner and more accommodating for smaller ears. The overall tuning of the Cadenza is much more balanced and neutral compared to the energetic U-shaped tuning of the Impact. The bass response on the Impact is noticeably bigger and more mid-bass focused. The Cadenza has deeper low-end extension, better balance between mid and sub-bass, and is more resolving. The Impact's midrange is a bit more forward for things like female vocals, and it has slightly more overall energy and excitement. Unfortunately, the lower midrange is a bit encumbered by the mid-bass boost. The Cadenza's upper midrange is also forward, but it has a much better balance for me, and the lower mids are cleaner and better represented. The Impact's EST treble is energetic and exciting, with an airier and more ethereal sound. It does have a few harsh spots and can be a bit fatiguing over longer listening sessions. The Cadenza, in contrast, has a much smoother and somewhat tamer treble response, yet still with plenty of air and sparkle, and no harshness or sibilance. Both sets are very technically capable. The Cadenza presents a more natural timbre and a slightly wider soundstage. The Impact offers slightly better imaging and dynamics, a thicker note weight, and a deeper, fuller soundstage. I'd say that detail retrieval and separation are about even and not noticeably different between the two. While my ear is initially drawn to the Impact's overall musicality and note weight, the Cadenza's superior sub-bass extension, tamer treble, and overall more balanced tuning win out in the end. While it may be less exciting and engaging than the more vibrant Impact, I find it perfectly matches my expectations for a well-balanced all-rounder.

My pick: Cadenza 12

In conclusion:

You may have noticed the recurring theme of "balance" throughout this review (in fact, I used that word 27 times). Well, there's a good reason for it; for me, the Cadenza 12 is the poster child for a refined, well-balanced, and mostly neutral tuning done right. While I am not usually a big enthusiast of neutrality, this newly reinvigorated flagship is a fun and seriously impressive take on this style. It also makes a fantastic all-rounder for my library, and I find it really hard to find much fault with what Letshuoer has done here. The bass quantity remains true to each individual track, the midrange instruments and vocals are incredibly well-tuned, and the treble has fantastic air and energy without pushing too far. The Cadenza's technical performance is commendable as well, but there are a few caveats to consider. While the detail retrieval, separation, imaging, and timbre impress, I find the soundstage lacks depth and fullness, and the dynamics are not the strongest. Even with its few technical shortcomings and a treble response that can be a touch bright at times, the Cadenza still succeeds in setting a very high bar for IEMs at the $2,000 mark and above. One thing that should not be taken for granted is Letshuoer's honesty and forthcomingness about the potential change to the Cadenza 12's tuning legacy due to the need to procure new drivers. Many companies would not bother with a public release and simply perform a silent retuning, but Letshuoer's transparency is the mark of a company that understands and cares about its audience. The Cadenza 12 is a really impressive and strong offering at $2000, and it even competes at higher tiers. Sure, it's not the most exciting tuning, and it might not grab your attention immediately, but everything sounds right, and it really is one of the best-balanced tunings I've heard to date. While I haven't had the chance to try the original 2023 version, I can say with certainty that this new 2024 model is fantastic and absolutely worthy of carrying Letshuoer's flagship banner into the future.