Letshuoer DX1 - Almost Famous

4⭐️

+ Neutral warm tuning is great for long listening sessions 

+ Snappy and elastic bass response 

+ Balanced vocals and lower midrange instruments are well represented

+ Fatigue free treble that doesn't roll off too early 

+ Solid build quality and construction 

+ Strong price to performance ratio

+ Small shell should easily fit those with small ears

- Not the most energetic or dynamic tuning; lacks musicality 

- Somewhat narrow soundstage

- Shell size and shallow insertion leads to fit issues for me personally 

- Industrial-style design is an acquired taste

- Stock cable could be better

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 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 coordinating this set for review. 

Non-affiliate link for those interested:

https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-dx1-11mm-single-dynamic-driver-earphones-hifi-in-ear-monitor-gaming-earbuds

Gear used: 

●Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

●HiBy R3 II

●Various DAC/amps

Source:

●Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files. 

Introduction: 

Letshuoer has become one of my favorite manufacturers of late. I've had the pleasure of reviewing many of their products over the last year and, honestly, I have yet to be disappointed. From the more budget friendly S08 and S12 2024 planar IEMs to the all-BA Mystic 8 and flagship Cadenza 12, the hits just keep coming. The DX1 is their latest IEM which features a single dynamic driver and a price tag of $160. Let's break down the DX1 and see how it fairs against some of the competition. 

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The packaging is quite nice, and the picture on the front features a large, stylized rendition of the DX1's hexagonal faceplate. The unboxing is simple and straightforward, and all the essentials are here. I was actually surprised by how small the DX1 shells are in person. The silver shells are made of aluminum alloy, have a nice weight, and feel very sturdy and premium in hand. The somewhat industrial style design is quite unique. The faceplate features a gold hexagon outline with a silver inlay and horizontal lines. The model name, DX1, is also featured on the faceplate of each shell. There's an extension featuring a flat, 2-pin connection that juts from the side of the shell. The insertion depth is somewhat shallow, and the nozzle measures 6.3 mm at the lip that helps to hold tips. The combination of small shells, unique shape, and shallow depth means the DX1 is not a good fit for me. I have large ears and usually prefer larger-shelled IEMs, but the DX1 should fit most people without issue. There are three vents located on the shell: one under the nozzle and two just in front of the 2-pin connection. The stock cable is made of silver-plated monocrystalline copper and is available in either 3.5mm or 4.4mm termination. It is on the thin side but is pliable, with a nice weave and texture. I usually prefer thicker cables, but this one is fine. I'm slightly disappointed that it is not modular, since other Letshuoer models around this price do have modular cables. The earhooks also tend to pull the IEMs away from my ears, unseating the seal and making the stock cable basically unusable for me. I swapped it out for the Trusted Audio 50 and XINHS S89 cables, which served me better. There are nine pairs of silicone tips included in three different styles, including three pairs of the Tri Clarion wide-bore tips. The stock tip options don't really work well for me, and I found the best fit with my trusty Penon Liqueur tips. The stickier texture helps me retain a good seal, but I still wish the nozzle was longer. The DX1 comes with the same Tupperware-esque puck-style case that is included with the Mystic 8. It's a nice enough case with a metal bottom portion and a rubber lid, but it's not super pocketable, nor is it the style of case I personally prefer. The only other accessory to mention is the branded Velcro cable tie. All in all, the accessory package is generally good (plenty of tips and a decent cable and case), but a bit of a letdown compared to other Letshuoers I've reviewed at a similar price.

Sound impressions:

I would describe the DX1's overall tuning as fairly neutral-warm, with a small sub-bass boost, slight upper-midrange emphasis, and a slowly rolled-off treble response. The note weight is perhaps slightly thicker than average, which I prefer to a thinner one. This set is easy to drive from a simple dongle and can reach loud volumes without the need for amplification. The detail retrieval is solid, and it's one of the better performers in this price range. The soundstage is somewhat narrow, but the depth is decent, and there is a certain fullness to it that I enjoy. It's as if the entire stage is being utilized, and nothing is wasted, but I would prefer it to be more expansive, with a little more space around the notes to allow them to breathe. The timbre is mostly good. Instruments, in particular, sound natural and correct, but vocals suffer from a slightly unnatural quality at times. The imaging is quite strong and impressive, both left to right and with distance. The dynamics are not the best, but also not terrible. The tuning holds up well despite the volume level but really comes to life at higher levels. The separation and layering struggle at times in more complicated tracks and can get a little bogged down. Notes tend to run together, and it can be difficult to discern where one starts and the other ends. On the flip side, there is a sense of cohesiveness throughout the frequency response that full-range single dynamic drivers do very well. Overall, the DX1 has decent technical performance for the price, with a few standout features such as the imaging, detail, and cohesion.

The DX1 is not the most source-sensitive set I've come across, but the source synergy still plays a vital role. The iFi GO link Max adds a bit more excitement and energy, but doesn't quite preserve the midrange presentation I prefer. The FiiO RR11 adds a nice amount of warmth and an analog quality to the tuning, but it sacrifices a little too much in the way of details and resolution for my taste. The HiBy R3 II is also a good pairing, as it plays up the DX1's inherent musicality. But my favorite pairing is the Muse HiFi M5 Ultra in transistor mode. It preserves the quality of the technicalities while injecting a small amount of smoothness that sounds just right to my ear. 

●Lows - The bass is elevated just enough to stand out but still fall within that neutral target to my ear. It's more sub-bass focused over mid-bass, and there's decent extension, although not the lowest reaching. The rumble is pleasant but a little more on the polite side and the texture is quite clean. The decay is a bit on the quicker side of average, and I wish it would last a bit longer. The speed is quick enough for double bass kicks, but the lack of mid-bass impact makes it a bit harder to differentiate them as clearly as I'd like. The bass attack is lacking slightly, but there's a certain bounce and elastic quality to it that's very enjoyable, especially in pop tracks. There is no bleed into the midrange, and it is well separated, which makes sense given the somewhat low amount of mid-bass. Overall, it's a nice sub-bass-oriented low end, and the quality is solid, but I would welcome more quantity, particularly in the mid-bass, a bigger impact, and a bit of slower decay for my preferences.

●Mids - Even with a fairly neutral tuning, I think the midrange is the real star of the DX1. Vocals are forward and tasteful without any hint of shout. Female artists, in particular, take center stage and sound fantastic, unencumbered by other frequencies. Males sound great too, if not just a hair recessed in comparison. Actually, I think the entire lower midrange could use a bit more representation. Instruments here don't quite hold enough weight or depth for me, especially in orchestral arrangements. However, guitars sound great, and strumming is clear, concise, and detailed. All in all, I think the midrange could use a bit more emotion or heart to elevate it, but for neutral enthusiasts, it's very well done.

●Highs - The treble is on the more polite side but still has a great sense of detail and space, with just a touch of crispness. It is not particularly energetic or exciting, and it does roll off, but not too soon or steeply. What I enjoy most is that there is no harshness, sibilance, or fatigue, even at high volume levels. That being said, it could still use a touch more air and extension. Some treble notes, like snares and claps, lack crispness and almost sound a bit muted or incomplete. Cymbals and hi-hats, though, are accurate and clear, if lacking just a little energy in their delivery. While I enjoy the tamer treble response, and it is a decent match for my preferences, there definitely will not be enough energy, air, or sparkle for trebleheads.

Comparisons: Credit to Super Reviews and soundcheck39 for the graphs. 

● DUNU Kima 2 ($100) - Here we have a matchup between two recently released single-DD IEMs. When it comes to accessories, the Kima sweeps the board due to its nicer modular cable, excellent zipper case, and better tip selection. Both IEMs have good-quality metal shells, but I prefer the Kima's matte finish to the shinier DX1. While design is, of course, subjective, I personally like the Kima's simpler aesthetic. Even though both are somewhat small in size, the Kima has the better fit for my ear. Neither set has a particularly energetic or exciting tuning. The DX1 is neutral warm, while the Kima has a more colored U-shaped sound signature. The bass on the DX1 is sub-bass oriented with a deeper extension, more even balance, a bit more resolution, and a cleaner bass-to-mids transition. The Kima is the bassier-sounding of the two, with more of a mid-bass focus, a nice amount of fullness, more rumble, a slower decay, harder-hitting impact, and slightly better texture. Also, the elevated mid-bass adds a nice warmth and coloration to the entire frequency response. Even though their upper midranges graph differently, they actually sound quite similar in-ear. I'm assuming the elevated mid-bass of the Kima is doing a lot to counteract that upper-mids boost. Here in the midrange, the DX1 is again the cleaner and better-balanced of the two. It performs particularly well with guitar strumming and lower-midrange instruments, which also exhibit a more natural timbre. However, vocals are positioned a bit closer to the ear. The Kima's colored midrange approach leads to more expressive and emotive vocals, but the lower midrange does suffer from some bass bleed. The treble of these two sounds quite alike to my ear. They graph very similarly above 6 kHz, and the rolled-off nature matches my preferences well. In the treble, both sets have a somewhat rolled off response that I prefer and neither exhibits any sibilance or harshness. The Kima does have just a bit more air to my ear, but it's negligible. As for the technicalities, these two trade blows, but the DX1 comes out on top for the most part. It offers a deeper and fuller soundstage, as well as better detail retrieval, imaging, layering, and separation. The Kima has more note weight, better dynamics, and while the timbre is close, I might give a slight nod to the DX1. Overall, these two have slightly different takes on a somewhat neutral tuning. The Kima is more about warmth and musicality, sacrificing some technicalities in favor of a more emotional and moving sound signature. The DX1 is definitely the better technical performer, but it loses a little heart and soul in the process. I'm slightly drawn toward the Kima 2, but my choice could honestly be a toss-up depending on the genre and my mood on any given day.

My pick: Kima 2

●Sound Rhyme SP01 ($90) - This is another matchup between two single-dynamic drivers. The accessory packages of the two are pretty comparable. The DX1 has a slightly better cable, a few more tip options, and a nicer puck-style case, but the SP01 includes three swappable tuning nozzles. For this comparison, I used the SP01's balanced nozzle as it sounds closest to the DX1 to my ear. Both IEMs have metal shells with decent build quality, but the DX1 is heavier and feels more solid and sturdy. While I do not particularly love either of their designs or aesthetics, I prefer the DX1 because it looks more premium. Neither offers a really great fit for me due to the smaller shells and less-than-ideal insertion depth, but the SP01 is easier to fit and seal. As for the overall tuning, the DX1 has more of a neutral-warm sound signature, and the SP01's balanced nozzle is more U-shaped. To my ear, the bass is where the biggest difference lies. The DX1 has a polite, sub-bass-focused response that is a bit cleaner and better separated from the midrange. The SP01 not only has more bass quantity but it is also better balanced across sub- and mid-bass, with superior rumble, harder-hitting impact, and more overall fullness. In the midrange, the DX1 is more balanced across the entire mids, and lower-registered instruments are better represented. Vocals present very similarly between the two, but they are just a little more forward on the SP01, which is my preference. Both sets have a rolled-off treble response that I enjoy. Neither offers great air or extension, but nor are they harsh or sibilant. Cymbals, hi-hats, snares, and claps are a bit clearer and crisper on the DX1. The SP01 does have a tiny bit of splashiness in the cymbals, and some vocal "s" and "sh" sounds are more incisive, but nothing crosses the line. When it comes to technicalities, the SP01 has better dynamics, note weight, and soundstage width. The DX1 wins in soundstage fullness and depth, layering, separation, and imaging. The timbre and detail retrieval are very close, but I'd give a slight edge to the DX1. Overall, this matchup is very similar to the Kima 2 in that choosing between the DX1 and SP01 may ultimately depend on my genre of choice and mood at the time. While the DX1 is again the technically superior choice, it comes across as leaner and less musical. The SP01's extra bass and slightly more forward vocals are a better fit for my preferences and library, although the DX1 excels in orchestral and instrumental genres. The choice could be a toss-up, but the SP01 comes in at about half the price, and the addition of two other tuning options may just tip the scales.

My pick: SP01

● Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite ($250) - Although these two have very different driver configurations (1DD vs. 8BA), they both have what I consider to be a neutral tuning. The accessories are about even. Both sets include nine pairs of tips, but I would say the DX1 has a slightly better case and cable. Their overall designs and build qualities, however, are starkly different. The metal shell of the DX1 is much smaller, heavier, and more sturdy. The Lite has a much larger resin shell that is better contoured. I prefer the Lite's design of the clear resin combined with a colored faceplate, and the shape, size, and nozzle length all amount to a better fit and seal for me. However, it is worth noting that the lack of ventilation leads to some pressure buildup, which the DX1 does not have. When it comes to tuning, the DX1 is more of a warm neutral while the Lite is somewhat U-shaped but still falls within, or close to, that realm of neutrality in my opinion. The DX1 is more sub-bass focused, with better extension and a cleaner texture. The Lite is mid-bass oriented, with more impact, a nice sense of warmth, and a slightly slower decay. In the midrange, the Lite is simply smoother and more pleasing to my ear. The vocals are a little more forward and exhibit a sense of heart and emotion that the DX1 lacks. While both do justice to lower midrange instruments, the DX1 is a bit better here due to the bass and midrange separation. As for the treble, the Lite is a bit brighter and more energetic, with just a tiny bit more air. To my ear, it has a more complete-sounding top end, although it can also have a very slight harshness with certain vocal notes at higher volumes. The DX1's treble definitely sounds a little darker in comparison, but there should still be plenty of sparkle for non-trebleheads. When it comes to technicalities, the Lite is pretty much better across the board, but the gap is not huge, and the DX1 manages to hold its own very well. For me, this matchup really comes down to musicality versus technical performance. The DX1 has quite good technicalities for the price, but it just lacks a little of that special musical quality that helps me turn off my critical listening ears and simply enjoy the music. The Lite has good technicalities as well, but there's also something special about the combination of warm mid-bass, vocal clarity, and smooth treble that is more than the sum of its parts. Those looking for a decently resolving, sub-bass-oriented neutral set are likely to enjoy the DX1, but I tend to lean towards a more musical presentation, and the Lite definitely delivers.

My pick: Orchestra Lite

In conclusion:

The Letshuoer DX1 is another solid IEM in the company's lineup. It has great build quality, decent accessories, and an impressive price-to-performance ratio. It has a warm-neutral tuning with good sub-bass extension, a clear and unencumbered midrange, and a politely rolled-off but very detailed treble. Unfortunately, my preference for bolder bass and a more forward, soulful midrange presentation steers me toward other IEMs in my collection. The somewhat narrow soundstage and lack of dynamism don't help either. That's not to say the DX1 is bad, by any means. The single dynamic driver is very cohesive, and I find it easy to listen to for hours without fatigue. It doesn't really do anything wrong, but for me, it's missing that "it" factor or something to elevate it further. It may not be the perfect all-rounder for my library, but it performs decently and actually excels with instrumental genres. I can easily recommend it for those seeking a neutral tuning with solid technicalities. Letshuoer has many proven hits in the IEM market, and although it is not my preferred tuning, I think the DX1 will be another success. Letshuoer continues to be one of the companies to watch, and I can't wait to see what they have up their sleeve next.